HKIAC launches Panel of Arbitrators for Digital Assets and Fintech Disputes4 November 2026

In view of HKIAC’s growing caseload involving digital assets, HKIAC is launching a dedicated Panel of Arbitrators for Digital Assets and Fintech Disputes (the “Digital Assets and Fintech Arbitrators Panel”). 

The Digital Assets and Fintech Arbitrators Panel will be composed of arbitrators who have substantial experience and expertise in handling disputes involving digital assets, blockchain and/or fintech, including but not limited to cryptocurrency cases. While parties, co-arbitrators and HKIAC may designate or appoint arbitrators from outside the panel, it is expected that the Digital Assets and Fintech Arbitrators Panel will represent a useful pool of arbitrator candidates for such disputes. 

An arbitrator who wishes to be considered for inclusion in the Digital Assets and Fintech Arbitrators Panel must also satisfy the criteria for admission to HKIAC’s List of Arbitrators, as summarised below, with further details available here.

The applicant should:

1. demonstrate substantial experience in arbitration (whether as arbitrator, counsel, expert witness, instructing solicitor or otherwise), with at least five years of full-time arbitration experience (or equivalent);

2. have drafted* two arbitral awards, with sanitised versions to be submitted to HKIAC upon application or, if unavailable, to be substituted by two other arbitration-related documents drafted by the applicant; and

3. provide two written references.

* Awards “drafted” by the applicant will also include those to which they have contributed as part of a three-member arbitral tribunal.

In addition, the applicant should provide:

4. a list of the disputes that the applicant has handled involving digital assets, blockchain and/or fintech. The description of the disputes should be appropriately anonymised, but should indicate the nature and size of the dispute, including the type of digital assets involved where relevant, the role of the applicant (as presiding/sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator, counsel, expert witness, instructing solicitor or otherwise), and if applicable, whether it involved the drafting of awards; and

5. as an optional item, any other materials which the applicant wishes to submit to demonstrate his or her experience and expertise in digital assets, blockchain and/or fintech, including, for example, any specialist accreditation or certification received, membership in specialised technology committees or working groups within international arbitration.

For those arbitrators who are already on HKIAC’s Panel or List of Arbitrators and are interested in joining the Digital Assets and Fintech Arbitrators Panel, they are not required to resubmit items 1 to 3 above.

Applications to join any of HKIAC’s Panel or List of Arbitrators, including the Digital Assets and Fintech Arbitrators Panel, are considered by HKIAC’s Appointments Committee on a quarterly basis. To be considered as part of the initial list of arbitrators on the Digital Assets and Fintech Arbitrators Panel, applications should be submitted by email to hkiac_arbitrators@hkiac.org, marking clearly that the application is for inclusion on the Digital Assets and Fintech Arbitrators Panel, on or before 31 December 2026.  

In Business, Timing is Everything.

One day, you may need additional funds to cover unexpected expenses, keep operations running, or navigate a challenging period. The next day, a growth opportunity could come knocking, whether it's expanding your inventory, opening a new branch, or investing in new equipment.   The question is: Will your business be ready? With Sun Life Secure Income, you can build a financial cushion that helps you prepare for both emergencies and opportunities with 6% guaranteed annual cash payouts and lifetime protection.     A Potential Source of Funds When You Need It Most Sun Life Secure Income provides yearly guaranteed cash payouts that can help you: Manage unexpected expenses Fund business expansion opportunities Diversify your sources of income Whether your business is facing a challenge or pursuing growth, having access to additional funds can help you make decisions with greater confidence.   Protect Your Business. Protect Your Future. While you focus on growing your business, Sun Life Secure Income also provides life insurance protection to help safeguard your family's financial future and the legacy you've worked hard to build.   Stay Ready for What's Next. The most successful entrepreneurs know that resilience is not just about overcoming challenges. It's about being prepared for opportunities when they come. With Sun Life Secure Income, you can take a step toward building a business that's ready for both.   Future-proof your business and life goals. TALK TO SUN LIFE ADVISOR Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. is regulated by the Philippines’ Insurance Commission (IC). For client assistance, contact us at sunlife.co/Sun-Life-CAMS. For consumer concerns, contact IC (Manila, Cebu & Davao): 02-8523-8461 local 103 and 127 | 0917-116-0007 and 0999-993-0637 | publicassistance@insurance.gov.ph.

Metropolitan Museum of Manila Presents a Major Exhibition of Works by Alfonso Ossorio

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila presents Alfonso Ossorio: In My End Is My Beginning as part of M 50 Now, its year-long celebration marking the Museum’s 50th Anniversary.

The exhibition presents the evolution of the work of Philippine-born American artist Alfonso Ossorio, tracing his artistic practice from the 1930s to the 1990s. A distinctive figure in modernism, Ossorio worked on the tension between abstraction and expression, bringing together dreamscape elements and the gritty substance of found objects. 

Featuring an extensive selection of works, from early drawings to the celebrated Congregations series, the exhibition offers a closer look at the artist’s changing approaches to medium, form, and artistic expression. It also highlights Ossorio’s connections to key figures of the Abstract Expressionist movement in New York, including Jackson Pollock, and his place within the broader history of modern art.

Drawn from the Lito and Kim Camacho Collection, the exhibition brings together one of the most significant and wide-ranging collections of Ossorio’s work, offering Philippine audiences an opportunity to encounter the many facets of his practice.

The exhibition takes its title from one of Ossorio’s works, reflecting his belief in the continuous transformation of life and form. As the artist once observed, “Either the bone disintegrates, or it’s fused into the picture. It’s a step in the continuity. It’s not dead, it’s continuing.”

Alfonso Ossorio: In My End Is My Beginning will be on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila from 08 November 2026 to 30 May 2027. Tickets are available online at metmuseum.ph and on-site.

The exhibition is made possible through the generous support of BPI Private Wealth and San Miguel Corporation as Gold Sponsors; DENZA as Official Premium Mobility Partner; TBWA\SMP as Creative Partner; EPSON as Technology Partner; AWC Philippines as Wine Sponsor; and Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc. and ARC Gin as Cocktail Sponsors.

Additional support is provided by Focus Global, McDonald’s Philippines, Tatler Philippines, Pioneer Insurance, and Uniqlo.

ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF MANILA

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (M Museum) is an art museum in the heart of the city showcasing modern and contemporary art by Filipino and international artists. Founded in 1976, the museum seeks to shape a deeper understanding and heightened awareness of Philippine artistic and cultural heritage, as well as the links that connect people from all walks of life. Its commitment to contemporary art in all its forms and community engagement is reflected in its robust and varied exhibition and education programming.

To celebrate its fiftieth year in 2026, the M Museum today actively pursues a broad mission of ART FOR ALL, a unifying theme amidst a rapidly changing world.

METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF MANILA MK TAN CENTRE

30TH STREET, BGC, TAGUIG

Hours: Tues-Fri, 11AM-6PM

Sat-Sun, 10AM-6PM

Tours and Visits: visits@metmuseummanila.org

GSMA Digital Nation Summit Manila 2026: Building the Philippines' Digital Future

 NTheme: Anchoring Trust to Accelerate Value

Manila takes center stage in the global digital conversation today, *November 4, 2026*, as the GSMA — the global mobile industry association — holds its *Digital Nation Summit Manila 2026* at the Sonata Ballroom, Level 2, The Westin Manila.

This is the second year GSMA brought the summit to the Philippines after its inaugural Manila run in November 2024, signaling the country's rising position as Asia Pacific's 6th ranked Digital Nation out of 18 countries.

*Why Manila, Why Now?*

According to GSMA's Asia Pacific Head Julian Gorman, the Philippines is entering a new phase of digital development. With smartphone adoption projected to reach 92% by 2030 and 5G expected to account for over 51% of mobile connections (from just 3% in 2023), the focus has shifted from just connectivity to *trust, resilience, and value creation.

*Key Agenda Today:*

The summit brings together policymakers, telcos, tech giants, and regulators to tackle:

1.  *Building a Trusted and Resilient Digital Economy* — strengthening digital trust, scam prevention, and network resilience. With scams surging in the Philippines, the panel includes:

    - Atty. Johann Carlos S. Barcena, Commissioner, National Privacy Commission

    - Usec. Renato Paraiso, Executive Director, CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center)

    - Norman Ng, Google APAC

    - Arthur Tanseco, Mastercard

2.  *Digital Leaders' Fireside Chat: Future-ready Philippines* — Drawing insights from the GSMA Digital Nations ASEAN report and Digital Nation Index, discussing the role of connectivity, cloud, networks, and AI in inclusive growth.

3.  *Keynote: The Trust Engine – Accelerating Value for a Digital Philippines*

Opening address by Julian Gorman, GSMA Asia Pacific, with Globe Telecom CEO Carl Cruz as event partner.

*The Bigger Picture:*

The summit comes just weeks before Mega Manila's historic *Analog TV Switch-Off on November 22, 2026* — another major digital milestone. From broadcasting to mobile, the Philippines is in full digital transition.

DSWD to host 2 high-level ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community meetings on Nov 4-6

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the 2026 chair of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar, will host the 41st Senior Officials Meeting for ASCC (SOCA) and the 36th ASCC Council Meeting from November 4 to 6, at the Conrad Manila in Pasay City.

“The two high-level council meetings will provide a platform for ASCC Ministers and Senior Officials to address critical humanitarian and development issues in the ASEAN region. The sessions are expected to yield key outcome documents dedicated to improving the lives of ASEAN citizens in line with the ASCC’s four priorities reflected in the word ‘RISE’ which stands for: Resilient and empowered families; Inclusive development; Smart youth and innovation; and, Environmentally sustainable and food secure future,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said on November 3 (Tuesday).

The meetings will serve as platforms for ASEAN Member States to review the progress of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 implementation, discuss the ongoing development of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan, advance the realization of the ASEAN Community’s socio-cultural goals, formulate relevant policy agenda, declarations, and statements, strengthen collaboration among Member States, and address key issues and concerns under the ASCC’s purview.

On November 4, the 41st SOCA meeting will review the final monitoring report and the End-Term Review of the ASCC Blueprint 2025, along with updates on the ASCC Strategic Plan.

Additionally, SOCA leaders will discuss outcome documents slated for adoption and notation by ASEAN Leaders during the 49th ASEAN Summit on November 15 to 17.

Aside from the substantive discussions that will be facilitated in the meetings, the 36th ASCC Council meeting on November 6 will launch the ASCC Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning System.

“The new system enhances the ASCC Database for Monitoring and Evaluation (ADME) System which serves as a core digital platform that tracks the progress, baseline studies, data, and other important information used in policymaking under the ASCC,” the Asst. Secretary Dumlao explained.

In accordance with ASEAN’s established alphabetical rotation of chairship, the Philippine government, through the DSWD, will transfer the ASCC chairship to the government of Singapore, signifying the transition of leadership and the continuation of the ASCC’s regional cooperation agenda.

The DSWD’s leadership in the ASCC is part of the Philippines' ASEAN chairship for 2026 with the overall theme “Navigating our Future, Together.” (AKDL)

Palace declares Nov. 16–18 as special non-working days in NCR for ASEAN Summit

Malacañang has declared November 16 to 18, 2026 as special non-working days in the National Capital Region in connection with the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Under Proclamation No. 1447, the three-day work suspension aims to ease traffic congestion and allow the Philippines, as host country, to ensure the safety and security of summit participants.

By authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto signed the proclamation on September 17.

The proclamation states that the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will be held in Metro Manila.

“It is necessary to declare 16–18 November 2026 as special (non-working) days in the National Capital Region,” the proclamation said.

The declaration covers Monday, November 16, through Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

The ASEAN’s 2026 national calendar also lists several ASEAN-related meetings in Metro Manila during November, including the 16th ASEAN Maritime Forum on November 17 and the 14th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum on November 18. | PND

ASEAN Green Jobs Forum 2026 Advances Regional Cooperation and Action on Green Jobs and Workforce Readiness

MANILA, THE PHILIPPINES, 20 October 2026 – The ASEAN Green Jobs Forum (AGJF) 2026 was successfully held from 19 to 20 October in Manila, the Philippines, under the theme “Building Green Skills, Creating Green Jobs: Advancing a Just and Inclusive Workforce.” Hosted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines, with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative (Aus4ASEAN Futures) and the German Government-funded project funded Regional Cooperation on Labour Market Policy and TVET for a Twin Transition in ASEAN (RECOTwin) project, the Forum brought together around 300 participants onsite and online from across ASEAN.

Representatives of ASEAN Member States (AMS), development partners, employers’ and workers’ organisations, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and policy research institutions shared experiences and practical approaches to advance green job creation, strengthen workforce readiness and support a just and inclusive green transition.

H.E. Francis N. Tolentino, Secretary of Labor and Employment of the Philippines, underscored the importance of moving from commitment to implementation: “Last October, our Labour Ministers adopted the Joint Statement on Actionable Plan for Green Jobs, endorsing the ASEAN Framework and Action Plan for a Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs 2025–2030. The plan is on paper. This Forum is where we begin to make it real.”

Building on the momentum of the 2024 and 2025 Forums hosted by the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia, AGJF 2026 focused on advancing implementation of the Framework and Action Plan. The Forum ‘s discussions centred on three interconnected priorities: creating and transforming jobs; preparing ASEAN’s workforce; and strengthening regional cooperation.

Participants highlighted the importance of transforming existing jobs and enabling new green economic activities through strategic investment, enterprise innovation, digitalisation and support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and transitioning sectors. Workforce readiness will require demand-driven skills development, stronger industry-TVET collaboration, accessible reskilling and upskilling, and lifelong learning. Regional cooperation can complement these efforts through labour-market intelligence, green TVET and skills recognition, decent work and social protection, meaningful social dialogue, and peer learning across ASEAN.

“Millions of jobs across agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and services can be transformed through targeted skills development, technology integration, and supportive public policy,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Wannapong Kotcharag, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Thailand, and Chairperson, ASEAN Senior Labour Officials’ Meeting (SLOM).

The Forum also underscored the importance of connecting skills development with economic and employment opportunities. H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, emphasised: “Skills, without investment and enterprise demand, may not lead to employment. And investment, without a capable and adaptable workforce, may not achieve its full economic and social value.”

Partnership will remain important as ASEAN advances implementation of the Framework and Action Plan. H.E. Tiffany McDonald, Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, said: “Australia and ASEAN are committed to strengthening cooperation to accelerate the region’s transition to renewable and green energy, in a just and inclusive manner. By investing in skills and strengthening cooperation, we can support our shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.”

Building on AGJF 2026, ASEAN will continue to advance implementation of the Framework and Action Plan through regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and peer learning, while supporting Member States in preparing workers and enterprises for a just and inclusive green transition.