The launch, held during the UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week 2026 on February 9–10, highlighted the Philippines’ rising role in the region’s digital transformation and marked a new strategic partnership between the British Embassy in Manila and the AI and Analytics Association of the Philippines.

The Lookbook is designed as a tool for policymakers, companies, and institutions seeking solutions to support ASEAN’s push toward an integrated, digital-first economy — a shift widely seen as one of the region’s most significant economic opportunities as cross-border trade increasingly relies on data, analytics, and secure digital infrastructure.

Alongside the launch, the new partnership with the AI and Analytics Association of the Philippines aims to promote the responsible, inclusive, and trustworthy adoption of artificial intelligence and analytics. The collaboration will provide a platform for sharing best practices and strengthening innovation ecosystems between the two countries.

Rhiannon Harries, Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia), underscored the strategic importance of digital cooperation in the region.

“Southeast Asia has a bold vision for a digital and data-driven economy, and the UK is well-placed to support this. The 10 UK companies participating in this year’s Tech Week represent our $1.2 trillion technology sector – they provide the compute, insight, and security needed to support the region’s digital ambitions. We are excited to work more closely with the Philippines as ASEAN Chair in the UK’s 5th year of being Dialogue Partner.”

British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton OBE emphasized that practical collaboration is at the heart of the initiative.

“UK-Southeast Asia Tech week puts practical collaboration at the center, linking the region’s priorities in digital innovation and financial services with proven UK expertise.”

“Here in the Philippines, the growing footprint of UK tech firms, from digital identity to cybersecurity capability, shows how partnerships deliver outcomes that strengthen both our country’s digital economies. We look forward to working closer together especially as we celebrate 80 years of UK-Philippines diplomatic relations and the UK’s 5th year as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner,” she added.

The two-day Tech Week gathering brought a delegation of 10 UK companies specializing in artificial intelligence, data centers, and cybersecurity to Manila, where they met with Philippine tech firms, policymakers, and investors to explore collaboration.

The event featured a technology showcase led by companies such as Arup, iProov, and UnionDigital Bank, demonstrating innovations ranging from cybersecurity solutions to digital twins. Panel discussions on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity explored emerging threats, trends, and the growing need for cross-border cooperation in protecting digital systems.

Minette Navarrete, Managing Partner and President of Kickstart Ventures, highlighted the importance of collaboration in navigating today’s rapidly evolving global environment.

“The antidote to an increasingly VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) and BANI (brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible) world is partnerships that are BRAVE–Borderless, Relational, Adaptable, Values-aligned, and deeply rooted in strong Ecosystems,” she said.

The UK and the Philippines already maintain a growing network of technology collaborations. UK firm iProov is working with UnionDigital Bank to strengthen digital trust and security in financial services, while CyberQ Group has partnered with a Philippine technology solutions provider to expand cybersecurity capabilities.

In the fintech space, UK unicorns Wise and Revolut are expanding their presence in the country, with Revolut opening a Global Tech Hub in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Philippine Space Agency is working with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd on the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, designed to support agriculture monitoring, disaster response, and maritime tracking.

Collectively, the UK companies participating in Tech Week employ more than 30,000 people worldwide and represent a combined valuation exceeding £100 billion, reflecting the scale of the UK’s technology sector engagement with the region.

UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week is the UK Government’s flagship science and innovation event, with this year’s program spanning Singapore, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur. For the Philippines, the launch of the TradeTech Lookbook and the new AI partnership signal a deeper alignment with global digital trends, at a time when regional economies are racing to build more secure, data-driven, and interconnected trade systems.

In her speech at the opening of the UK-Southeast Asia (SEA) Tech Week in Manila earlier this week said fintech, cybersecurity, and digital services are positioned to play a crucial role in enhancing the country’s growing digital economy, which is seen as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising.

“The UK is one of only three countries with a trillion-dollar tech economy. The UK tech sector is by far and away Europe’s leading ecosystem,” she said.

With its rapidly expanding tech ecosystem, the Philippines is becoming an ideal partner for UK firms looking to invest and collaborate in digital transformation. The country’s burgeoning digital economy provides a strong foundation for companies to innovate and scale.

She pointed to companies like Wise and NCC Group, both of which have established a presence in the Philippines to contribute to the country’s financial inclusion efforts.

“Wise, known for making cross-border transactions faster and more affordable, and NCC Group, a global leader in cyber risk management, have already opened offices in the Philippines, ready to support the Philippine’s Financial Inclusion story,” Ambassador Beaufils said.

Given its significant growth in its digital infrastructure with a strong push toward innovation, the Philippines is also seeing a surge in the adoption of digital technologies across sectors, from government services to business operations. These, the ambassador said, create ample space for international partnerships.

Furthermore, the Philippines’ commitment to financial inclusion and digital security creates a welcoming environment for UK businesses with expertise in areas like cybersecurity and digital banking.

“We are committed to strengthening our tech partnerships, and we invite all of you to be part of this journey,” she said, encouraging Philippine-based attendees to connect with the 12 UK companies participating in the event, which include experts in data analytics, IoT, cybersecurity, consulting, and AI for enterprise.

Regtech, a sector that combines regulatory compliance with cutting-edge technology, has become particularly important as businesses and financial institutions seek ways to streamline processes and ensure they meet regulatory standards. Digital identity verification is also growing in prominence as a tool for enhancing security, streamlining transactions, and ensuring trust in an increasingly digital world. Veronica Uy

1. Set a realistic holiday budget

Outline a clear budget for all your holiday expenses—gifts, decorations, food, and travel. By knowing exactly how much you’re willing to spend, you can avoid unwelcome surprises, especially during the flash sales and spontaneous gatherings that often come with the season.

Remember to track every expense and include a small buffer for last-minute costs, like extra reunions or unplanned gifts. For freelancers with fluctuating incomes, it’s smart to set aside funds for any unexpected expenses.

2. Save on international money transfers

When sending money home or receiving payments, hidden fees and unfavorable exchange rates can quietly reduce your earnings. A Wise survey recently found that although 60% of Filipinos make international transactions monthly, only 21% are fully aware of hidden fees, like exchange rate mark-ups.

It’s easy to overlook the true costs of foreign currency transactions, which often come in two forms: transaction fees and exchange rate mark-ups. Some providers advertise low or zero upfront fees, but they may hide fees in a marked-up exchange rate.

Wise is different, offering a single, upfront fee with the real mid-market exchange rate (the rate seen on Google), meaning no hidden fees. This transparency ensures that more of your money reaches your loved ones. Freelancers in the Philippines can also receive payments in multiple currencies with zero fees and withdraw funds easily to local accounts or e-wallets like GCash or PayMaya.

3. Opt for group gifts and shop smart online

Many Filipinos shop online, especially during big sales like 11.11 and 12.12, often looking for international products. But shopping abroad can come with foreign transaction fees and poor exchange rates that add to your total cost. Pool resources with friends or family to give meaningful group gifts, or try a “monito monita” exchange to keep gift-giving fun and budget-friendly. Set a spending limit for each gift and focus on thoughtful, practical items.

4. Be aware of card fees

During holiday shopping, check your card provider’s fees. Traditional credit cards often charge 1% to 3% on foreign transactions, plus a markup on exchange rates. Watch out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which allows you to pay in PHP abroad but often at a poor exchange rate. To save more, use a multi-currency account like Wise, which lets you pay in local currencies at the mid-market rate, keeping your spending predictable and fee-free.

5. Save on holiday travel by booking early

If you’re traveling for the holidays, book your flights and accommodations as early as possible for the best rates. When going abroad, the Wise card is a helpful travel companion, allowing you to spend in over 160 countries using the mid-market exchange rate without hidden fees.

The holiday season is for celebrating with loved ones—not for financial stress. By planning a budget, using Wise for transparent international transactions, and making smart purchasing choices, you can enjoy the festivities without overspending. Wise, a global technology company regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, is here to help make your holiday season financially stress-free. For more information, visit www.wise.com.