The Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCham) held its highly anticipated Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 on March 25, bringing together distinguished guests, members, and partners for an evening of reflection, recognition, and strategic direction for the Chamber.
Australian Ambassador H.E. HK Yu PSM FCPA (Aust) opened the evening by emphasizing the deep ties between Australia and the Philippines, stating, “economic power equals strategic power.” She highlighted ANZCham as a vital ally in this mission, noting that while her tenure may end, its members will continue driving economic progress for the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.
Benjamin Romualdez presented the President’s Report, taking members through the Chamber’s four key value drivers that have shaped its direction over the past year. With 80 new members, record-breaking event attendance, and 13 forums tackling key issues like sustainability, cybersecurity, and AI, ANZCham’s impact was undeniable. Strengthened ties with government agencies paved the way for new collaborations, while outbound missions promoted the Philippines as a top business destination. Looking ahead, the Chamber remains committed to expanding opportunities and delivering greater value to its members.
Following the President’s Report, Boyet Santiago presented the Treasurer’s Report, detailing ANZCham’s strong financial standing. The past year saw record-high revenue driven by increased membership and sponsorship, allowing the Chamber to sustain and expand its initiatives. The financial position remained strong, with investments made in outsourcing key functions for greater efficiency.
In the “On the Couch” segment, ANZCham board members, members in the Philippines, and those joining remotely from Australia emphasized the value of strong partnerships with credible institutions, the need to bridge AI skill gaps, and the power of community in driving success.
H.E. Dr. Catherine McIntosh, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, closed the evening by reaffirming the strong New Zealand-Philippines ties, aiming for a 50% trade increase by 2030. She urged ANZCham members to engage, provide feedback, and leverage the Chamber’s network, including its collaboration with ARTA.
AGM 2025 was made possible through the generosity of our sponsors. A special thank you to our Summit Sponsor, Eastern Communications, for their outstanding support. We also extend our gratitude to our Legacy Sponsor, BDO; Luminary Sponsor, Convido Corporate Housing; and Advocate Sponsor, Philippine Retirement Authority and Nezda. Appreciation also goes to Aristocrat Gaming, our corporate giveaways sponsor, and Qantas, our major raffle sponsor—congratulations to Ujjwa Kumar Jha, winner of a roundtrip ticket to Australia!
As the AGM concluded, there was a strong sense of momentum and optimism for the future. With a committed leadership team, an engaged membership, and exciting initiatives ahead, ANZCham is well-positioned to continue its mission and is ready to take on new opportunities and challenges in 2025.
