The curtains rise today on SiGMA Asia 2025, as the SMX Convention Centre in Manila transforms into the epicentre of the iGaming and emerging tech ecosystem across Asia. From June 1st to 4th, this year’s summit is expected to attract over 20,000 delegates, more than 350 speakers, and 450+ sponsors and exhibitors, firmly establishing the Philippines as a powerhouse for innovation, regulation, and deal-making in the global gaming industry.
A landmark event for Asian markets
SiGMA Asia 2025 brings together a diverse and powerful cross-section of stakeholders, including regulators, operators, affiliates, startups, investors, and tech innovators. With the Philippines playing a central role in Southeast Asia’s gaming infrastructure and regulatory evolution, this summit represents a timely and strategic gathering. It offers not just high-level networking but a rare chance to gauge the regional temperature on blockchain integration, AI tools, player protection frameworks, and the rapid growth of online gaming and sports betting verticals.
A high-impact opening day
Day one opens with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony led by H.E. Mr. John Busuttil, alongside Emily Micallef, CEO of SiGMA Group and Neil Shih, Director of SiGMA Asia. Their presence underscores the strong synergy between public institutions and private stakeholders in the Philippine gaming sector.
H.E. Mr. John Busuttil, alongside Emily Micallef, CEO of SiGMA Group and Neil Shih, Director of SiGMA Asia
The morning’s keynote, “From Banks to Bets: Inside the Mind of a Hacker,” delivered by Phuong Nguyen, Founder of ECQ Group, sets the tone with a bold look at cybersecurity threats in digital betting ecosystems. Attendees will gain first-hand insights into how security blind spots are exploited and what operators must do to stay ahead.
Later in the day, the highly anticipated panel “Asia: The sleeping giant of gaming” takes centre stage. Speakers, including Ivan Kurochkin and Christopher Rodil, dissect the complex regulatory patchworks, localisation challenges, and the untapped potential of Asia’s digital-native audiences. If you’re operating or planning market entry across the region, this is a session not to miss.
Blockchain and fintech in focus
A significant highlight of the afternoon is the session titled “Mapping the Philippines’ blockchain ecosystem”, a panel exploring how policy, tech infrastructure, and Web3 ambitions are converging in the local landscape. Industry voices such as Chezka Gonzales and Donald Patrick Lim will address the current barriers to adoption and what’s needed to position the Philippines as a competitive blockchain hub in Asia.
Ensure you attend this session if blockchain integration is part of your long-term strategy.
Startups, awards, and networking
Entrepreneurship takes the spotlight with the SiGMA Startup Pitch, where early-stage ventures battle for exposure, funding, and partnerships. Judged by leading investors and executives, including Carla Maree Vella, the pitch is a launchpad for the next generation of gaming and fintech disruptors.
This evening, the exclusive SiGMA Asia Awards will be hosted at the Conrad Manila’s Forbes Ballroom. This red-carpet gala will honour outstanding achievements across gaming, tech, and digital marketing verticals, bringing together C-suite guests in a celebration of excellence.
Ready for the week ahead?
With a whole week of conferences, exhibitions, and curated networking ahead, now is the time to plan your strategy, book your meetings, and make the most of what Manila has to offer. From compliance to creativity, from marketing to machine learning, SiGMA Asia promises to ignite partnerships and shape the next wave of growth across the region.
View the full agenda to optimise your schedule and secure your seat at key sessions: Explore the full SiGMA Asia 2025 agenda.
