NIGHT OWL

Jan. 22 felt like the culmination of a year-long journey. I stepped into a bustling reception in Manila to celebrate the launch of LSE Generate’s 23rd international chapter — a monumental moment that introduced LSE Generate’s very first international cluster, connecting the Philippines with Vietnam and Indonesia under one collaborative umbrella. As someone who benefited immensely from the LSE Generate Programme while developing NightOwlGPT, I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as I witnessed our country stepping onto a global stage in such a dynamic way.

Getting to this point took a tremendous amount of dedication, and I have to credit LJ Silverman, head of LSE Generate, for bringing this ambitious vision to life. Over the past year, she worked to ensure that the Philippines, alongside Vietnam and Indonesia, would become a key focus for LSE Generate’s international expansion. I’ve seen first-hand how painstaking such coordination can be, and it’s inspiring to know how much faith LJ, Sian Kincaide, and the rest of the LSE Generate team have in the potential of Southeast Asia.

Even though LSE Generate already has a footprint in the region, this new cluster represents a unique, more integrated approach to empowering local entrepreneurs. It means sharing resources, knowledge not just across cities, but entire countries, all within a robust global network that also spans locations like Paris, Lisbon, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Delhi, Nepal, Brazil, Colombia, Nigeria, New York, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Mexico, Singapore, and Thailand, among others. Walking into the launch event, I could sense the excitement among government leaders, social innovators, and established business figures alike. Conversations buzzed around the Philippines’ capacity for turning our community-focused values into impactful enterprises that could benefit the wider ASEAN region.

It was heartening to hear Senator Mark Villar express his belief in the power of homegrown innovation to uplift communities, stimulate inclusive growth, and position the Philippines as a key driver of sustainable progress. His words reinforced my conviction that there’s a meaningful role for every stakeholder in this ecosystem — whether they’re established corporations offering mentorship and funding, or young aspiring founders seeking guidance for their first social venture.
Looking ahead, LSE Generate has a series of initiatives in the pipeline, from peer-mentorship weekends that will nurture deeper bonds among entrepreneurs, to educational outreach sessions in partnership with OakNorth that will spark curiosity in students who might one day launch their own startups. These plans underscore what I love most about the LSE Generate ethos: it isn’t just about launching businesses for profit — it’s about cultivating an environment where good ideas can be accelerated, shared, and refined for the betterment of society.

Standing at this crossroads — where a year of hard work has finally materialized into a vibrant, international cluster — I feel a renewed sense of optimism. The Philippines has always had a wellspring of talent, creativity, and resilience. Now, with LSE Generate’s support, we have a powerful springboard to showcase these qualities on a global stage. I’m honored to serve as an ambassador for this Southeast Asia Cluster, and I’m excited to see the innovative collaborations, transformative ventures, and real-world impact that will unfold in the months and years to come.