PhilChamSG Highlights Market Opportunities and Practical Entry Strategies into the Philippines at SBF’s La Kopi Session

Singapore, 19 January 2026 —

The Philippines is fast emerging as a priority market for Singapore enterprises planning their next phase of ASEAN expansion, as highlighted during a La Kopi business dialogue hosted by the Singapore Business Federation  at the Ascentium office at the Ocean Financial Centre.

The session convened business leaders, government representatives, and market practitioners to provide practical, on-the-ground insights into market entry strategies, regulatory considerations, and commercial execution in the Philippines ahead of 2026.

Panel Discussion: Practical Insights from Market Leaders

The discussion featured a distinguished panel of speakers with deep regional and sectoral expertise:

• Mr Tan Teck Lee, Country Head (Thailand, Malaysia & Philippines), Singapore Business Federation (Moderator)

• Ms Carla Regina P. Grepo, Commercial Counsellor, Philippine Trade & Investment Centre (PTIC)

• Ms Margarita Locsin-Chan, President, Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Singapore

• Mr Aristotle P. Tan, First Vice President & Head of Institutional Banking, BDO Singapore

• Mr Sherwin Urbano, Commercial Director, InCorp Corporate Services Philippines

  
  

Together, the panel addressed what works, what to watch, and how companies can move forward with confidence when expanding into the Philippine market.

Key Growth Areas and Investment Themes

Speaking on behalf of PTIC, Atty. Carla Regina P. Grepo highlighted that the Philippines continues to attract foreign investors in value-creating sectors, particularly energy, digital infrastructure, and strategic growth industries aligned with regional supply chains.

She emphasized the importance of engaging official institutions early, noting that collaboration with trade offices, embassies, and chambers helps companies navigate regulations, identify credible partners, and dispel common misconceptions about market entry.

Banking and Structuring Considerations for Market Entry

Providing a banking and institutional perspective, Mr. Aristotle P. Tan of BDO Singapore -shared a key practical insight for foreign companies investing in the Philippines: the importance of declaring equity infusion properly at the onset.

He noted that clear and accurate documentation of equity at the time of investment is critical to ensuring smooth repatriation of dividends in the future, helping companies avoid unnecessary delays or regulatory complications when profits are eventually remitted back to shareholders.

ASEAN Integration and the Importance of Local Partnerships

PhilCham Singapore President Ms Margarita Locsin-Chan underscored that ASEAN integration presents expanding opportunities for Singapore companies willing to take a long-term and informed approach.

She encouraged businesses to:

• Work closely with local Philippine partners

• Conduct thorough due diligence

• Spend time experiencing the market firsthand

• Leverage the Filipino community in Singapore to test products and services before scaling

“While entering the Philippine market may feel challenging at first, many foreign companies that commit to understanding the landscape not only succeed—but stay,” she shared. “The Philippines is often described as Asia’s best-kept secret. It may feel like passing through the eye of a needle, but once you’re through, the opportunities are significant.”

Building Confidence Through Connections

Panelists also stressed the importance of meeting the right people, engaging the Philippine Embassy and PTIC, and tapping into trusted business networks to accelerate learning curves and reduce execution risk.

Participants left the session with sharper insights, meaningful connections, and a clearer view of their next steps in exploring the Philippine market.

About PhilCham Singapore

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (PhilCham SG) is a non-profit business chamber dedicated to strengthening trade, investment, and professional ties between the Philippines and Singapore. Through dialogues, briefings, and business-matching initiatives, PhilCham SG supports companies seeking to expand and operate successfully across both markets.

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