Foshan, China | July 20–24, 2026

The ASEAN Youth Business Council (AYBC) successfully concluded a five-day Business Mission to Foshan, China, from July 20 to 24, 2026, marking an important milestone in its continuing commitment to creating international business opportunities, strengthening cross-border partnerships, and connecting entrepreneurs across ASEAN and beyond.

The mission was led by AYBC Co-Founder Aries Balanay and AYBC Board Member Rhea David, together with a dynamic delegation of business leaders and professionals from diverse industries, including Jean R. Altobano of Custom Brokerage and Logistics, Neft Perez of Security Services, Miko David of Construction, Felicidad Delarosa of Mortuary and Funeral Services, and Susan Balanay of Events Management and Services in China.

The five-day mission provided the delegation with an opportunity to experience firsthand the remarkable industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem of Foshan, one of China’s important centers for manufacturing, innovation, and commerce.

Exploring Innovation Across Diverse Industries

Throughout the mission, the AYBC delegation visited 15 manufacturing and business facilities, gaining valuable insights into China’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape and exploring potential areas for cooperation and investment.

The business visits covered a wide range of strategic industries, including:

• Renewable Energy
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Electronics
• Food Manufacturing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Aluminum Manufacturing
• Beer and Beverage Production

These visits allowed the delegates to learn directly from business owners, manufacturers, and industry leaders about new technologies, production systems, supply chains, and opportunities for international collaboration.

More importantly, the mission demonstrated the value of face-to-face engagement in building trust and understanding between businesses. By bringing together entrepreneurs from different sectors and countries, AYBC seeks to create connections that can develop into long-term partnerships, investments, trade relationships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Strengthening Philippines–China Business Relations

A significant highlight of the mission was the warm welcome extended to the AYBC delegation by the Foshan Chamber of Commerce, headed by Pol Po.

The delegation also received the support of the Philippine Foshan Chamber of Commerce, headed by Whenhai, further strengthening the connection between Filipino entrepreneurs and the business community in Foshan.

The warm reception and support from both chambers underscored the importance of collaboration between business organizations in promoting international trade, entrepreneurship, and economic cooperation.

For AYBC, these partnerships represent more than institutional connections. They are bridges that help entrepreneurs discover new markets, understand new business environments, and find opportunities to work together across borders.

A Mission Driven by Opportunity and Collaboration

The AYBC Business Mission was founded on a simple but powerful principle: business opportunities grow when people come together.

For the participating entrepreneurs, the mission was not only about visiting factories or learning about manufacturing. It was also about opening minds to new possibilities and understanding how businesses can adapt, innovate, and compete in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

The diversity of the delegation itself reflected the spirit of AYBC. With participants representing logistics, security, construction, funeral services, events management, and other business sectors, the mission demonstrated that international business cooperation can create opportunities across many industries.

The delegation returned with new knowledge, new relationships, and a renewed vision for future collaboration.

The Beginning of Many More Missions

The Foshan Business Mission marks the first of many international business missions that AYBC plans to undertake.

As a youth-led business organization committed to empowering entrepreneurs and creating regional connections, AYBC envisions more business missions to key economic centers across Asia and beyond. These missions will aim to expose entrepreneurs to global markets, connect them with potential partners, and provide platforms for learning, collaboration, and investment.

The experience in Foshan has reinforced AYBC’s belief that the future of business lies in collaboration, innovation, and global connectivity.

Through initiatives such as this Business Mission, AYBC continues to pursue its vision of developing a strong network of entrepreneurs who are not only prepared to compete in the global marketplace but are also willing to collaborate and create opportunities for others.

Looking Ahead

The success of the AYBC Business Mission to Foshan is a testament to the power of partnerships and the determination of entrepreneurs to explore new horizons.

AYBC extends its sincere appreciation to the Foshan Chamber of Commerce, led by Pol Po, and the Philippine Foshan Chamber of Commerce, led by Whenhai, for their warm welcome, support, and commitment to strengthening business relations.

AYBC also recognizes the dedication of the delegation members who took part in this historic mission and contributed their time, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit.

As the delegation looks toward the future, one thing is clear: Foshan is only the beginning.

The AYBC Business Mission is the first step in a broader journey—one that seeks to connect entrepreneurs, build partnerships, open doors, and create meaningful opportunities across borders.

From ASEAN to the world, AYBC continues to build bridges for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

This is just the beginning.