The Ayala Group signed strategic MOUs in Tokyo to advance intelligent city solutions, digital finance, and data-led services that support more connected communities and broader access to the digital economy for Filipinos. IN PHOTO [L-R] (Standing) KDDI President and CEO Hiromichi Matsuda; Mitsubishi Corporation President and CEO Katsuya Nakanishi; Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque; Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.; Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia Albano; Ayala Corporation Vice Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala; and Chief Social Infrastructure Officer Paolo F. Borromeo. (Seated) KDDI anaging Executive Officer Hiroaki Hosoi; Mitsubishi Corporation Mineral Resources Group Executive Vice resident Satoshi Kovama; Avala Corporation President and CEO Cezar P. Consing, Globe Telecom President and CEO Carl R. Cruz; and Ayala Corporation Executive Director Jaime Urquijo.

As part of the Philippine government’s efforts to strengthen economic collaboration with Japan, the Ayala Group has signed a series of strategic memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with leading Japanese partners Mitsubishi Corp., Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), and KDDI Corp.

In a statement on Thursday, May 28, Ayala said these MOUs will help expand access to more intelligent urban services, more inclusive financial solutions, and data-driven digital platforms for Filipinos. The signing was witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The Philippines is seeking to strengthen economic ties with Japan, particularly in areas that support investment, innovation, infrastructure, and digital transformation. These partnerships underscore the growing role of private-sector cooperation in advancing shared priorities between the two countries.

The partnerships bring together Ayala and its subsidiaries Globe Telecom Inc. and Mynt, the parent company of GCash, with Mitsubishi, MUFG, and KDDI to pursue high-impact collaboration across intelligent cities, digital finance, and data-driven ecosystems, enabling better access to digital and financial products and services in the country.

“These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to nation-building, leveraging innovation, infrastructure, and technology to support the Philippines’ long-term growth,” said Ayala President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cezar P. Consing.

He added that, “Together with our Japanese partners, Ayala, Globe, Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), and Mynt are working to build intelligent urban environments and expand GCash’s role as a powerful platform for financial inclusion.”

Consing said they are creating more connected cities, more inclusive financial systems, and more opportunities for Filipinos to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.

Among the agreements is the development of “Intelligent City” initiatives, pioneering with Makati City. The partners will explore data-driven urban platforms through artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced connectivity.

These initiatives will be supported by Globe’s reliable network to improve quality of life, enhance business productivity, and support sustainable growth across sectors such as mobility, retail, energy, and infrastructure.

This is complemented by a joint push to accelerate the growth of financial inclusion. Leveraging the combined strengths of Ayala, MUFG, and Mitsubishi, the collaboration will focus on expanding the quality and reach of financial services, deepening ecosystem integration, enabling cross-border opportunities, and advancing digital innovation to drive financial inclusion.

Supporting these efforts is a broader initiative to build a digitally driven lifestyle for Filipinos through data-led and innovative solutions, with Mynt enabling enhanced data capabilities and a more customized approach and engagement for customers. - James A. Loyola