(L-R) CDC Investment Promotion Division II Assistant Manager Erwin Pattaui, CDC Supervising Business Specialist Joseph Robert Franco, Tarlac Local Economic Development & Investment Promotions Head Frances Canlas, BDB Law Partner Atty. Jomel Manaig, BCDA Executive Vice President Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Datu Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony (center), BCDA Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Erwin Kenneth Peralta, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation Trade Commissioner Azlina Che Dir, MTD Philippines Property Manager Capt. Omar Anicete (Ret), MDEC Country Consultant Nino Jesus Duque.
An overview of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), including its strategic objectives, priority infrastructure projects, and investment opportunities within BCDA’s economic zones, particularly New Clark City, were highlighted during the Investment Briefing for the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) held on July 29, 2026. MDEC currently leads Malaysia Digital, Malaysia’s national program initiative to mobilize the growth of the country’s digital economy.
The engagement brought together representatives from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Malaysian technology companies, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to strengthen digital economy cooperation and explore opportunities for technology-driven investments in the Philippines. It also highlighted opportunities to deepen business linkages between both countries while advancing shared strategies for digital growth, innovation, and investment across the wider ASEAN region.
During the briefing, BCDA Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Erwin Kenneth Peralta presented the strategic role of BCDA’s for its economic zones. He highlighted the Luzon Economic Corridor as a platform for strengthening connectivity and infrastructure while creating globally competitive ecosystems for advanced manufacturing, digital industries, and technology-driven investments across Subic and Clark.
“To realize this vision, the BCDA is helping advance the Luzon Economic Corridor—an initiative that aims to strengthen connectivity, modernize infrastructure, and cultivate globally competitive ecosystems for advanced manufacturing, digital industries, and technology-driven investments across Subic and Clark,” BCDA Executive Vice President Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo said.
Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Datu Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony likewise underscored the opportunity for the two countries to deepen their economic partnership.
“What makes this partnership especially promising is that our two countries bring complementary strengths to the table. Malaysia offers proven digital capabilities, technological expertise and regional business experience, while the Philippines offers a dynamic market, a talented workforce and an ambitious reform agenda. Together, we have the opportunity not only to grow our respective economies, but also to contribute to ASEAN's vision of becoming a globally competitive and digitally connected region,” he said.
With their mutual strengths, Malaysia and the Philippines are well positioned to expand cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital services, smart manufacturing, and other emerging technologies.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is a government agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital established in 1996 to lead the country’s digital economy agenda.