SINGAPORE — The Philippines has earned a more optimistic economic outlook from Maybank Investment Banking Group (Maybank IBG) as global investors continue to increase their focus on Southeast Asia, with the regional investment bank highlighting the country’s resilience and long-term growth potential despite ongoing global uncertainties.
The positive assessment comes as nearly 200 institutional investors and prime brokerage clients, representing approximately US$23 trillion (RM93 trillion) in global assets under management, gather in Singapore for the 13th edition of Invest ASEAN, Maybank’s flagship investment conference.
The two-day event serves as a platform connecting international investors with 54 publicly listed companies and a sovereign wealth fund from the six largest ASEAN economies—Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam—as well as India. Together, these companies account for a combined market capitalization of US$553 billion, representing sectors ranging from financial services and technology to healthcare, consumer goods, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
“Invest ASEAN continues to strengthen Maybank’s role as a bridge between global investors and the region’s most promising companies,” said Michael Oh-Lau, Chief Executive Officer of Maybank Investment Banking Group.
He noted that this year’s conference attracted stronger-than-expected participation, reflecting investors’ confidence in ASEAN’s ability to weather global economic volatility while capitalizing on long-term structural growth opportunities.
Maybank identified energy transition, supply chain diversification, and AI-driven digital transformation as the key investment themes expected to shape the region’s growth trajectory in the coming years.
Philippine growth forecast raised
Against this backdrop, Maybank has upgraded its economic outlook for the Philippines, raising its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 3.5% from 3.3%, while increasing its 2027 projection to 4.2% from 3.9%.
The investment bank acknowledged that elevated inflation and tighter financial conditions could continue to moderate consumer spending and private investments. However, it believes stronger public infrastructure spending, robust remittance inflows, and the continued expansion of the country’s services exports will provide meaningful support to economic growth.
“We are pleased to showcase the Philippines’ investment opportunities at Invest ASEAN by connecting leading Philippine companies with global investors,” said Alexander Dauz, President of Maybank Securities Philippines.
He added that the country’s solid domestic consumption, resilient economy, and vibrant corporate sector continue to position it as one of the region’s most attractive long-term investment destinations.
“As ASEAN’s leading investment banking franchise, we are well positioned to support the Philippines’ growth ambitions through capital markets expertise, strategic advisory services, and access to international investors,” Dauz said.
Bullish on Philippine stocks
Maybank also maintained its positive stance on Philippine equities, citing compelling valuations alongside improving long-term economic fundamentals.
The bank expects infrastructure investments, expanding artificial intelligence-related opportunities, and reforms at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE)—including a healthy pipeline of initial public offerings and initiatives to enhance market liquidity—to drive stronger corporate earnings and improve investor sentiment.
It continues to favor companies in the banking, telecommunications, infrastructure, consumer staples, and property sectors, which are expected to benefit from sustained domestic demand and the country’s ongoing economic transformation.
Beyond the Philippines, Maybank also raised its ASEAN-6 economic growth forecast to 4.7% for 2026, up from 4.5% previously, citing easing oil prices, recovering global shipping activity, and improving regional economic conditions as factors supporting renewed investor confidence across Southeast Asia.
