HON. Bran Reluao, Special Envoy of the President of the Philippines to Thailand for Digital Communications and Innovation and RepublicAsia’s founder and chief executive officer, visited the Philippine Embassy in Thailand to discuss his plans for digital cooperation between the two Southeast Asian countries.
During his inaugural visit, Reluao discussed in a meeting with Philippine Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes the Philippines’s efforts in advancing its digital transformation agenda through international partnerships.
They also talked about collaboration opportunities between the Philippines and Thailand in the digital economy and innovation sectors.
Reluao presented his six-month programme of work to Paredes and had a comprehensive briefing from the embassy about the current landscape of Thailand and the strong bilateral ties between the Philippines and Thailand.
On Instagram, Reluao shared photos of his visit to the Philippine Embassy in Thailand and said that he was honored to be welcomed by Paredes, who gave him “guidance and unwavering support” as he fulfilled his diplomatic mission.
“I remain committed to advancing the Philippines’ interests and deepening our bilateral cooperation in the fields of innovation, digital transformation, and diplomacy,” the artificial intelligence (AI) and digital inclusivity advocate wrote.
Paredes also hosted a dinner with Reluao and the Philippine delegation, consisting of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Christina Faye M. Condez-De Sagon, Mayor Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez of Victorias City, and several representatives from the private sector.
“I feel truly blessed and embraced by my new family here in Thailand, whose kindness and generosity reflect the same love and hospitality we cherish as Filipinos,” Reluao said in another Instagram post.
Other official engagements
As a representative of Filipino youth in digital cooperation and innovation, Reluao also met with other key Thai government officials, academic institutions, and private sector entities in Thailand.
The young special envoy visited the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) to promote collaboration in the creative sectors of the Philippines and Thailand.
He also participated in a meeting with senior officials of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) of Thailand to strategize in advancing the digital economy, innovation ecosystems, and digital transformation.
Reluao then attended the Japan-ASEAN Business Matching and the Japan-ASEAN Business Networking, which aimed at boosting economic cooperation, business connectivity, and innovation partnerships between Japan and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The special envoy had a meeting with academic innovators at the Chulalongkorn University School of Integrated Innovation (CSII), where he fostered collaboration in digital communications, technology, and integrated innovation.
Reluao’s fruitful visit to Thailand concluded with a collaborative discussion with the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) about advancing digital inclusion among older persons in the ASEAN region through innovative programs and policy support that promote digital literacy, accessibility, and empowerment.
