Department of Science and Technology secretary Renato Solidum Jr. set to deliver keynote at AIBC Asia summit in Manila

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary H.E. Renato Solidum Jr. will deliver a keynote address at AIBC Asia in Manila this June, organisers announced.

AIBC Asia brings together government officials, industry executives and technology firms in Manila for a four-day networking summit. From 31st May to 4th June, thousands of operators, regulators, policymakers, investors and innovators will gather at the SMX Convention Centre for three days of debate, deal-making and insight. With a programme built around regulation, stablecoins, sports and tech and prediction markets, the agenda is designed to spark conversations that resonate far beyond the event halls.

Solidum has previously spoken on the importance of Philippines’ approach to artificial intelligence policy and development, as part of a broader programme focused on blockchain, AI and digital transformation.

A geologist and government official, H.E. Renato Solidum Jr. has served as the ninth secretary of science and technology since 2022. Before his appointment, he served as an undersecretary for Disaster Risk Reduction–Climate Change Adaptation at DOST and as officer-in-charge of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

AIBC Asia

The Manila summit is scheduled to run over four days in June. It is part of a series of international events leading to a larger gathering in Rome in November.

The programme includes speakers from government and industry and focuses on policy, technology adoption and cross-border cooperation. Around 100 speakers are expected to participate.

The fourth edition of AIBC Asia 2026 arrives at a decisive moment for Asia’s rapidly evolving technology industry. Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to surpass $300 billion in gross merchandise value, driven by rapid adoption of e-commerce, fintech and AI-powered services.

At the same time, regional policymakers are working to harmonise digital trade frameworks and strengthen regulatory cooperation across borders.

Business-to-government engagement

AIBC connects government officials, policymakers and technology companies through its summit network.

The platform hosts conferences and closed-door meetings aimed at direct engagement between regulators and the AI, blockchain, crypto and emerging tech industry. It focuses on regulatory frameworks, market access and technology adoption.

Organisers said the initiative is designed to facilitate coordination between public policy and private sector activity across jurisdictions.

Tickets for AIBC Asia, which opens on May 31 in Manila, are still available.