Economists to gather in Manila for key EAEA summit

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

More than 500 economists, policy leaders, and academics from East and Southeast Asia will convene in Manila for the 20th East Asia Economic Association International Conference on Nov. 8–9, 2025.

The landmark event will take place at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel amid growing geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change, and increasing climate challenges.

Organized by Ateneo de Manila University with support from the Philippine Economic Society and regional development partners, the conference will spotlight Asia’s economic leadership in a shifting global order.

The event opens with remarks from Fr. Roberto C. Yap, President of Ateneo de Manila University, and Prof. Shujiro Urata, President of the East Asia Economic Association.

Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, Secretary of the Philippine Department of Economy, Planning and Development, will formally welcome delegates.

Professor Danny Quah of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the Eastward shift in global economic power.

In his address, Quah is expected to examine how Asia is reshaping multilateral frameworks and driving new models of economic integration.

Day one’s first panel, “Promoting Macroeconomic Growth in a New World Order,” will feature Prof. Jong Wha Lee of Korea University, Prof. Jomo Kwame Sundaram of Malaysia, World Bank Chief Economist Dr. Aaditya Mattoo, and Dr. Balisacan.

Dr. Marites Tiongco, President of the Philippine Economic Society, will moderate the panel.

Over 70 parallel sessions will follow, covering research on macroeconomic governance, trade, labor, industrial transformation, climate, and digitalization.

Day two will begin with five semi-plenary sessions hosted by the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, ERIA, and Ateneo de Manila University.

These sessions will offer deep dives into regional monetary, fiscal, and development strategies amid economic volatility.

A second high-level plenary titled “Stabilization Policies and Economic Reforms Amid Global Uncertainties” will feature Dr. Benjamin Diokno of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Dr. Albert Park of the ADB, Prof. Hal Hill of the Australian National University, and Dr. Denis Suarsana of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

The panel will be moderated by Prof. Fukunari Kimura, President of IDE-JETRO and Vice President of the East Asia Economic Association.

The conference will close with remarks from Dr. Tiongco, Dr. Fernando Aldaba of Ateneo, and Prof. Urata, followed by a farewell dinner hosted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

“This convening underscores our deepening commitment to regional cooperation, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive recovery,” said Dr. Aldaba.

For inquiries, contact the host organizing committee at eaea20@ateneo.edu.