KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — October 25, 2025. Mindanao is making waves on the international stage as the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) successfully concluded a series of high-level engagements in Malaysia—drawing strong investor interest and highlighting the island’s transformation into a hub for inclusive growth, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
The Philippine delegation, led by MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, presented Mindanao’s investment opportunities in agribusiness, infrastructure, renewable energy, and public-private partnerships (PPP) during the Philippines–Malaysia Business Networking Session held at Hilton Kuala Lumpur and the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur.
These engagements form part of MinDA’s mission under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) framework and align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to make Mindanao the country’s southern gateway for sustainable and inclusive development.
Malaysian Investors Express Confidence
Malaysian business leaders expressed renewed optimism in Mindanao’s economic prospects, citing its expanding infrastructure, pro-investment policies, and improving peace and security situation.
Among them was Mahendrarajah Selvaraja, CEO of DND Control Sdn Bhd, who said the mission gave investors “a more detailed understanding” of Mindanao’s potential beyond what’s seen in the media. “They were very dedicated in what they were delivering,” he said, adding that the forum helped dispel misconceptions about Mindanao’s security.
Michelle Ong of Ditrolic, a power and utilities firm operating in Surigao and Ozamiz, said the presentation inspired her company to explore deeper renewable energy partnerships in the region. “It gave us a better understanding of Mindanao’s geography, policy, and economy,” she noted.
Minister Farserina Mohammad of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) – Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (MTIT) emphasized that BARMM is now ready for investors. “If you invest in BARMM, you invest in peace,” she said.
Mindanao’s Economic and Peace Gains Take Center Stage
At the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit 2025, hosted by Mastercard in partnership with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, Secretary Magno joined Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and SM Investments Corporation President and CEO Frederic DyBuncio in the closing panel titled “A Moment to Lead: ASEAN 2026 and the Philippines.”
Magno highlighted Mindanao’s transformation into a dynamic and peaceful growth center, citing improved security and emerging economic zones. “This is the best level of peace we’ve enjoyed in five decades,” he said. “Now is the time to focus on development. Mindanao is open for business.”
The summit also featured human-rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Temasek CEO Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, and Mastercard Vice Chairman Jon Huntsman Jr., underscoring regional commitment to equitable and sustainable development.
PPP Desk Launched to Attract Private Investments
In line with Mindanao’s drive for inclusive growth, Secretary Magno unveiled the newly established Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Desk—the first of its kind in the region—designed to streamline project development and attract private capital into agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure.
“We launched the first PPP facilitation center in Mindanao in partnership with the PPP Center to make it easier for development partners and investors to come in,” Magno said. “We are very serious in Mindanao about opening our doors to business.”
The PPP Desk will serve as a coordination hub for local government units (LGUs), private investors, and international development partners, aligning with the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” program and national goal to reduce poverty to single digits.
Secretary Pangandaman reaffirmed full government support for MinDA’s PPP initiative, noting that development partners such as ADB, World Bank, and JICA are expanding their assistance for Mindanao. “We have prepared the framework for development assistance and are ensuring PPPs play a central role in bridging growth across all regions,” she said.
Private Sector Commitment and National Support
SM Investments Corporation’s Frederic DyBuncio expressed strong confidence in Mindanao’s rise. “We’re bringing modern trade, banking, and education to provincial areas,” he said. “Mindanao has huge potential—not just in retail and property but also in renewable energy, logistics, and skills training for the digital economy.”
MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro also presented key investment areas such as:
- Agriculture: coconut, cacao, coffee, cattle, and durian production and processing;
- Energy: off-grid and microgrid renewable systems;
- Infrastructure: transport, logistics, and cold-chain facilities;
- Digital innovation: IT parks and BPO expansion;
- Minerals: Mindanao produces 95% of the Philippines’ nickel ore.
A Strategic Role in ASEAN’s Inclusive Growth
President Marcos Jr. has emphasized Mindanao’s role in advancing ASEAN’s shared prosperity vision, calling for stronger BIMP-EAGA integration and digital connectivity to position the bloc as a hub for green and smart industries.
Food security, renewable energy, and climate resilience remain at the heart of the Philippines’ priorities as it prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026. Mindanao’s development models—such as the water-energy-food nexus and rural enterprise programs—are being positioned as scalable examples for regional growth.
A Gateway for Shared Prosperity
For Secretary Magno, the Malaysia mission and ASEAN summit reflect a turning point for Mindanao. “We are building a better Mindanao—one that stands ready to welcome investors and partners who see promise in our vibrant agribusiness, expanding infrastructure, and clean energy transition,” he said.
As the Philippines’ gateway to BIMP-EAGA, Mindanao continues to strengthen its standing as a competitive, sustainable, and peaceful investment destination, driving forward the Marcos administration’s vision of “Bagong Pilipinas”—a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous nation built through partnerships and shared growth.