People Matters launches TechHR Pulse Philippines 2026, bringing together the voices shaping the future of work

For decades, the Philippines has built its reputation as one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic talent economies. Its globally recognised IT-BPM industry, young workforce and strong services sector have made it an essential partner in the region's growth story. Today, however, the conversation is shifting.

Artificial intelligence is changing how organisations create value. Skills are becoming a source of competitive advantage rather than simply a workforce metric. Leadership is evolving from an organisational capability into an economic one. As businesses rethink operating models and governments accelerate digital ambitions, the question is no longer whether work will change, but how organisations can lead through it.

The timing is particularly significant for the Philippines. As the country prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026, conversations around digital competitiveness, talent and inclusive growth are taking on renewed urgency. For businesses, the challenge extends beyond adopting new technologies. It is about building organisations that can innovate, adapt and grow in a rapidly changing region.

It is against this backdrop that People Matters is launching TechHR Pulse Philippines 2026, its flagship conference in the Philippines. 

Taking place on 8 September 2026 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport World Resorts, the event will bring together HR, business and technology leaders under the theme, "Championing Change: Powering the Next Chapter of Philippine Growth Through People, AI and Leadership."

Conversations that matter beyond the boardroom

Much has been said about AI over the past two years. Far less attention has been paid to the organisational decisions required to make it work.

For many businesses, the real challenge lies in redesigning work, preparing people for new roles and developing leaders who can navigate constant disruption. These are no longer separate conversations. They increasingly shape productivity, resilience and long-term competitiveness.

The agenda at TechHR Pulse Philippines 2026 reflects this shift, exploring four interconnected themes that are already defining boardroom priorities across Southeast Asia:

• Economic transformation, and how the Philippines can unlock greater value from its human capital.
• Enterprise transformation, examining the move from AI experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption.
• Workforce and human transformation, with a focus on skills, career pathways, AI literacy and building workplaces rooted in trust.
• Leadership transformation, exploring how leaders can guide organisations through uncertainty while creating cultures of innovation and continuous learning.

Together, these conversations ask a broader question: What will it take for the Philippines to become one of ASEAN's most competitive talent economies in the AI era?

Learning from leaders driving transformation

Ideas are valuable. Experience is indispensable.

The latest edition of TechHR Pulse Philippines brings together executives who are leading transformation inside some of the region's most influential organisations.

Leading the programme is Jason Averbook, Co-founder of Now to Next, who will deliver an exclusive keynote and workshop for attendees. He will be joined by senior leaders including Kirk Patrick Alimaza of AirAsia Philippines, Karen Angeli Gabriel-Diaz of Schneider Electric, Mike Malicsi of UnionDigital Bank, Jackie Barrios of Genpact, Tina Alvarez of JG Summit Holdings, and Enrique Antonio Reyes of Converge ICT Solutions Inc.

Their perspectives span industries that are experiencing transformation in real time, from aviation and banking to manufacturing, technology and shared services. The emphasis is not on predicting the future, but on sharing practical lessons from organisations already navigating change.

Designed as a platform, not just a conference

Beyond keynote sessions and panel discussions, TechHR Pulse Philippines 2026 is designed to encourage deeper engagement and practical learning.

The event will feature immersive workshops, masterclasses and curated networking experiences, alongside one of the country's largest HR and work technology showcases. More than 200 attendees, 20 speakers and 15 HR and work technology partners are expected to participate, creating opportunities for business leaders, HR professionals and technology innovators to exchange ideas and build new partnerships.

The conference also builds on the wider People Matters TechHR legacy across Asia. Over the years, the platform has brought together more than 29,000 delegates, 1,400 speakers, 1,000 HR and work technology partners, and 320 HR technology startups, creating a community focused on the intersection of people, work and technology.

A conversation with long-term relevance

The future of work is often framed as a technology story. In reality, it is equally a story about economic ambition, organisational reinvention and human potential.

As the Philippines enters an important chapter in its regional journey, businesses have an opportunity to shape not only how work changes, but how the country competes in a rapidly evolving economy.

TechHR Pulse Philippines 2026 is designed to create space for those conversations. The questions may begin in Manila, but their relevance extends across Southeast Asia, where organisations are navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges.


Registrations for People Matters TechHR Pulse Philippines 2026 are now open. HR, business and technology leaders interested in joining the conversation can register to be part of this edition happening on 8 September 2026 in Manila.