ASEAN Summit: Angelina Jolie talks humanitarian work, Lea Salonga tackles creative sector challenges

MANILA — Hollywood actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie and Filipina Broadway star Lea Salonga were among the prominent personalities who headlined the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit on Wednesday, which brought together government officials, business leaders and civil society representatives across Southeast Asia.

Organized by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the summit centered on the idea that economic progress should create opportunities for all.

“People from different backgrounds coming together to bring all of their assets, all of their talents, and skills in service of the region to lift everybody up,” said Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

One of the summit’s most anticipated sessions featured Jolie, who reflected on her decades-long humanitarian work in Cambodia.

The actress said she first visited the country more than 20 years ago while filming a movie and said she was deeply moved by the resilience of its people, who have endured years of hardship and violence since the Khmer Rouge regime.

Her volunteer work with children in Cambodia eventually led her to adopt her eldest son, Maddox, who was born there.

“These are not poor cultures. These are not poor countries. These are rich countries, strong people, brilliant people, rich resources, nature, capacity. If they had been given the support and they could trade fairly and they could produce fairly, they wouldn’t need that much at all,” she said.

Jolie stressed the importance of shifting humanitarian efforts from short-term relief toward long-term investments that empower people to support themselves.

This includes expanding access to education, livelihood opportunities, and programs that nurture their skills and talents. 

“I think we all probably agree, we want to find a way where it goes from aid relief to really just investment so people are taking care of themselves and don’t need you. We’re investing in their independence,” she said.

Another high-profile speaker, Salonga, discussed the opportunities and challenges facing creative professionals as technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape industries.

The Broadway star stressed that while AI may change the way people work, it cannot replace human talent and creativity, particularly the artistic capabilities of Filipinos.

She also gave summit participants a glimpse of that talent through a musical performance.

Also among the topics discussed was the role of digital financial services in expanding economic opportunities, particularly for small businesses.

Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon highlighted how partnerships between government and the private sector can improve the delivery of financial assistance during emergencies, citing the use of fintech platforms such as GCash during the COVID-19 pandemic and the oil crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran.

“Without having to sacrifice their earnings for the day or their pasada for the jeepney drivers, they’ll have the money in their app, in their wallet, in their bank account with just a few taps,” she said.

Philippine Central Bank Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, for her part, emphasized the need to address risks associated with the growing use of digital services.

She said the BSP continues to work with stakeholders to develop stronger policies and safeguards against cybercrime, as well as promote greater public awareness of online scams.

The summit also put the spotlight on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which play a significant role in Southeast Asia’s economy.

According to the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, more than 70 million MSMEs operate across ASEAN.

SM Investments Vice Chairperson Tessie Sy-Coson said small businesses remain an integral part of the conglomerate’s operations, with MSMEs making up a huge chunk of its mall tenants.

“We grow with them, they grow with us,” Sy-Coson said. 

Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, meanwhile, stressed the importance of “staying relevant” by adapting to changing consumer needs and business conditions to sustain growth.

His son, Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, who now heads AC Mobility, said this is a mindset his father has instilled across the Ayala Group.

“We’re not afraid of the future. We want to attack it; we believe that the customers and the constituents that we serve deserve the best innovations that are out there in the market,” he said.