BAGANBAZAR GRAPHSource-attributed newsBUSINESS deskBusiness
SM for MSMEs Champions Filipino Creativity and Youth Entrepreneurship to ASEAN Opportunity
Empowering local creators and young entrepreneurs to reach wider markets Filipino talent needs opportunities to translate into sustainable livelihoods. Through two engagements on September 18, SM Supermalls joined government, business and community partners in supporting a shared goal: helping creators, MSMEs and young entrepreneurs build stronger businesses through market exposure, mentorship and collaboration. At the ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy 2026, held from September 17 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center Aura, Filipino creators and entrepreneurs took center stage as the country celebrated the talent, innovation and cultural heritage driving its creative economy. Led by the Department of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat, the expo highlighted how Filipino talent and cultural heritage can generate businesses, jobs and economic value. DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina “Cris” Roque emphasized the importance of stronger government and private-sector collaboration in helping the creative industries contribute to employment, trade and tourism. CREATIVITY ACROSS DISCIPLINES. Art, gastronomy and cultural publications highlight therange of creative work featured at the ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy2026. For creators and small businesses, this means building on the exposure gained at exhibitions through stronger business connections and opportunities to reach customers. Through SM for MSMEs, SM Supermalls continues its collaboration with DTI by connecting homegrown businesses to high-traffic marketplaces, greater visibility, new customers and potential partners. These opportunities help entrepreneurs introduce their products, learn from consumers and strengthen their
Original sourceBusinessWorld↗