Philippines – The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) hosted its 23rd Strategic Marketing (StratMark) Student Conference on October 8, 2024, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion, with simultaneous satellite events held at key universities across the country. Themed “TRANSFORM: Marketing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability,” the conference gathered over 4,000 marketing leaders and students to discuss how AI and sustainability are reshaping the future of marketing in the Philippines.

This year’s StratMark Student Conference marked a historic first for the PMA, with multi-location events at institutions such as De La Salle University Dasmariñas, Central Luzon State University, Our Lady of Fatima University Pampanga, Liceo de Cagayan University, Silliman University and Mindanao State University Marawi.

Leah Marie Ayeng, PMA Director for Youth & Academe, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “As we celebrate our 70th year in the Philippine Marketing Association, with the banner theme of SustAInability Marketing, we are making history with the first multi-location StratMark Student Conference. In its 23rd year of delivering powerful strategic marketing content, we remain committed to being the catalyst and advocate of world-class marketing practices in business, industry, and academe, both in the Philippines and globally.”

The conference featured high-level speakers from across the ASEAN region, including representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. These speakers, including technology giants, policy regulators, educators, and business sustainability experts, highlighted the challenges and opportunities surrounding AI and its role in advancing responsible business practices. Ayeng underscored the focus of the discussions, stating, “We want to center our discussion on how we can collectively address the most pressing environmental issues and how technology can work for us, but at the same time, must be used responsibly to make our lives easier.”

Key speakers from prominent companies such as PLDT, Smart Communications, SM Investments, G Network , Havas Ortega, Amazon Web Services, The Philippine Star, and DITO CME shared insights during the main conference at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on how AI and sustainability are becoming essential in customer engagement and brand strategy.

The program featured two keynotes: the opening keynote on sustainability was delivered by Satrio Anindito, Director of Business Sustainability Initiative at the Indonesia Marketing Association, who emphasized the importance of sustainability in reshaping marketing strategies across ASEAN. This session was moderated by Ping Manongdo of Eco-Business Philippines, highlighting the growing demand for brands that prioritize environmental and social causes.

The closing keynote focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and was delivered by Eric Ku, CEO of i Train Asia from ACSB Malaysia, who discussed AI’s transformative role in empowering businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The AI panel, moderated by Jeremy Chan of Eco-Business Hong Kong, explored the responsible integration of AI into business models to drive sustainable innovation.

The event also featured interactive Q&A sessions, live performances, and a recognition segment honoring the outgoing officers of the Philippine Junior Marketing Association while welcoming the incoming 38th National Executive Board.

StratMark Student Conference 2024 was co-presented by Philippine Junior Marketing Association and Eco-Business, with venue partner University of Santo Tomas. Strategic partners include  UST Junior Marketing Association, United Nations Global Compact Network Phils., Anak, Ikaw ay Henyo, GoNegosyo, Prestige Quality Paper Products Corp., Events Hub and Helixpay. Major sponsors include Belle de Jour, Orange Leaf, Primer Group of Companies, Jansport, Hydroflask, Juan Cast, Gardenia, Happymie and Sofy Phils.; with creative and production partners San Beda Junior Marketing Association and Exlink Events. Shoppertainment LIVE, Uniquecorn Strategies PR, Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment and Zoe Broadcasting Network, Inc.  served as the PR and Communications partners.