(London, UK)βThe London School of Economics (LSE) has successfully launched LSE Generate, its first international cluster in Southeast Asia.
LSE, a globally renowned entrepreneurship center, spotlights the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia in its Southeast Asia cluster.
The Philippines is the LSEβs 23rd international chapter, emphasizing in its ASEAN goals the Philippinesβ growing role as a hub for social innovation.
MANILA KICK-OFF
The clusterβs debut took place at a high-profile reception, panel discussion, and dinner at the Brittany Hotel in Taguig
It brought together innovators, corporate leaders, government officials, and startup founders from across the region.
Hosted by VistaLand, the event showcased the countryβs evolving startup landscape, where entrepreneurs address pressing issues such as climate change, financial inclusion, sustainable development, and community health.
Alistair White, Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom (UK), delivered the opening remarks and underscored the international importance of this new chapter.
A panelββInnovating for the Betterment of Societyβserved as one of the eventβs highlights. It featured Maria Gaitanidou (co-founder and CEO of Hati Health), Yohan Iddawela (Data scientist at the Asian Development Bank), LJ Silverman (Head of LSE Generate, as moderator), and Anna Mae Lamentillo (Founder of NightOwlGPT).
FOSTERING ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET
Following the reception, LSE Generate is rolling out a series of initiatives to expand the clusterβs impact.
Educational outreach visits to local international schoolsβled by LJ Silverman, Head of LSE Generate, and alumni mentorsβwill be held in partnership with fintech unicorn OakNorth.
These sessions build on LSE Generateβs Schools Program, which has already reached nearly 10,000 students in over 60 schools worldwide.
The move is designed to encourage young learners in Southeast Asia to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.
A networking and peer-mentorship weekend on Boracay Island will also bring founders, innovators, and their families together to foster collaboration, share expertise, and further strengthen the regionβs entrepreneurial ecosystem.
CHAMPIONING INNOVATION, MEANINGFUL IMPACT
βThis marks a new chapter for LSE Generate and for Southeast Asiaβs entrepreneurial ecosystems. The vibrancy, talent, and ingenuity we see in the region are a perfect match for LSE Generateβs mission to champion innovation and meaningful impact,β said LJ Silverman, Head of LSE Generate.
Silverman added: βWeβre not just engaging a local network; but in true LSE style weβre empowering a movement that connects ideas, people, and resources to drive lasting change. We are grateful for the support of VistaLand in making this vision a reality,β.
Anna Mae Lamentillo, one of the LSE-SEA clusterβs new ambassadors, said she was honored to join the LSE Generateβs new Southeast Asia cluster at such a pivotal moment.
βAs we unite changemakers across ASEAN and beyond by harnessing our regionβs collective strengths in innovation, resourcefulness, and collaboration, we can accelerate transformative solutions that uplift entire communities,β stressed Lamentillo.
The founder of the award-winning app NightOwl added: βMy hope is that our shared efforts will inspire an entrepreneurial future, not only for Southeast Asia, but for the world.β
For his part, Sen. Mark Villar, Project sponsor, underscored the broader impact of the LSE Generateβs new Southeast Asia cluster on the regionβstressing that βthe collaboration with the London School of Economics underscores our collective commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities, cultivating global partnerships, and elevating the lives of our people through meaningful impact.β
βI am proud to support LSE Generateβs new Southeast Asia cluster and its bold vision of empowering local entrepreneurs to drive sustainable growth across our region. By focusing on the ASEAN region, we can harness the extraordinary talent, creativity, and resilience that define Southeast Asia and help forge a more inclusive, innovation-led future,β Villar said.
LONG-TERM VISION FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA
As the 23rd international chapter, the Philippines now takes a leading role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region, strengthening ties between the London School of Economics and Southeast Asia.
βWith continued support from regional partners and influencers, the cluster will catalyze growth, encourage cross-border collaborations, and ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic future for all,β Lamentillo elaborated.
Currently, LSE Generate has 23 chapters worldwide, including Lisbon, Miami, Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, Thailand, Nigeria, Delhi, Mumbai, San Francisco, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, among others.
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