San Francisco, California — In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley (PTIC-SV), in partnership with GlobalSF, successfully co-hosted the event “Celebrating AAPI Women in the Global Space” on May 27, 2025, at Sentro Rizal, Philippine Center in San Francisco to spotlight the leadership of AAPI women in global business and cross-border engagement.
PTIC-SV Trade Commissioner (TC) Anne Marie Kristine Umali opened the event and took part in a dynamic panel discussion where she shared her perspectives as a Filipina trade diplomat. She underscored the Philippines’ strategic position as a competitive investment destination, citing high-growth sectors such as semiconductors and electronics, IT-BPM, renewable energy, creative industries, food and agribusiness, and advanced manufacturing. TC Umali emphasized the country’s young, highly skilled, and English-proficient talent pool, complemented by forward-looking government reforms that continue to strengthen the Philippines’ reputation as a resilient, inclusive, and investor-friendly economy. She also spotlighted the country’s global leadership in gender inclusion, citing a 2024 Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) study, which found that 40% of executive roles in publicly listed companies are held by women.
Joining TC Umali on the panel were distinguished AAPI women leaders with strong ties to the Philippines – Alexis Wong, Chairperson of AGI Avant, highlighted cross-border investments in real estate and energy that position the country as a key regional hub, . Beverly Yip, a socially driven startup founder, shared how her company empowers Filipino caregivers and virtual assistants through overseas part-time work, . Atsuko Yube, a global real estate investor, emphasized the Philippines’ potential in housing, hospitality, and healthcare staffing. Reflecting on her diplomatic postings in London, Moscow, and San Francisco, California, TC Umali stressed the value of inclusive leadership, commercial and cultural diplomacy, and international collaboration in driving economic growth.
The opening remarks were delivered by GlobalSF Executive Director Darlene Chiu Bryant, Daly City Council member and former Mayor Juslyn Manalo, and APA Heritage Foundation President Claudine Cheng.
A networking reception featuring Filipino food and refreshments capped the evening, fostering meaningful dialogue and new connections.
Convening a dynamic mix of business leaders, investors, public officials, and diaspora stakeholders, the forum served as a strategic platform to promote the Philippines as a premier and reliable trade and investment partner in the Asia-Pacific region. DTI reaffirms its commitment to inclusive innovation, women’s leadership, and strengthening U.S.-Philippine business relations by leveraging strategic platforms to champion the Philippines as a dynamic and trusted global partner.
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Date of Release: 20 June 2025