Philippines Kicks Off First ASEAN Creative Industries Expo

Events

Sep 24

The Philippines takes center stage in Southeast Asia’s creative economy.

Words Art+ Magazine Team
Photos courtesy of Department of Trade and Industry
September 24, 2026

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially opened the very first ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy (ASEAN MPEx) at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City. This milestone event shines a well-deserved spotlight on the booming ₱2.12-trillion Philippine creative sector, proving just how competitive and vibrant local artistry is on the global stage.

Under the active push of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, the government is stepping up to give Filipino artists, designers, and creators the exact launchpads they need to turn local talent into international heavyweights. The momentum is undeniable: the creative economy now drives 7.6 percent of the country’s total GDP, fueled by exports including ₱320 billion in creative goods and ₱427 billion in creative services.

(L-R) Charmaine Mignon S. Yalong, Commercial Counsellor; DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista; Ambassador Lee Chul, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to ASEAN; Ms. Lee Gahue, Second Secretary, ROK Mission to ASEAN; Han Jiyeong, Second Secretary, ROK Mission to ASEAN

What is even more exciting is the digital surge. Game development, animation, and digital interactive arts alone make up nearly a fifth of the total creative output, with projections pointing toward a massive USD 2.6 billion valuation by 2027.

To make sure creators can easily cash in on this global demand, the upcoming Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)—slated for signing at the ASEAN Summit in November—is set to introduce the world's first region-wide digital trade agreement. This will make cross-border payments, data sharing, and intellectual property protection easier across all ASEAN member states.

*(L-R) Ramon Orlina, The Father of Philippine Glass Sculpture; DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque; and Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, Malaysian Ambassador*

Secretary Roque put it best during the launch: “At the heart of any great nation lies its culture and heritage, and under the Malikhaing Pinoy initiative, our creative industries generate a cultural ‘currency’ that draws the world to our shores.”

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the DTI is also championing the proposed ASEAN Center of Excellence for Creative Industries (ACE-CI) to serve as a permanent regional hub for research and collaboration right here in the Philippines.

The ASEAN Creative Industries Expo by Malikhaing Pinoy brought together Filipino creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders under one roof, with exhibitors showcasing the breadth of the country’s creative industries. From design and visual arts to digital media, traditional cultural expressions, and more, the venue highlighted the talent, innovation, and cultural richness of Filipino creators and enterprises.

Running through September 19, 2026, ASEAN MPEx brought together all nine creative domains—Design, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Publishing and Printed Media, Traditional Cultural Expressions, Audiovisual Media, Creative Services, Cultural Sites, and Digital Interactive Media.

Visitors explored interactive spaces like the ASEAN Malikhaing Pinoy Pavilion, checked out sustainable coconut design applications, caught a sneak peek of the World Expo 2025 Osaka exhibit, and even dove into a Filipino gastronomy feature hosted with the Department of Tourism. With daily Malikhaing Pinoy talks, live cultural acts, and pitching sessions connecting creators with global investors, the expo took a great leap forward in making the Philippines Asia’s premier creative hub by 2030.