HONG KONG — As enterprises accelerate their digital transformation journeys amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), PLDT Inc. underscored the importance of customer-centricity, strategic investment, and ecosystem partnerships in driving sustainable growth and long-term business resilience during the inaugural ACC CXO Forum in Hong Kong.

Led and organized by PLDT Global, the ACC CXO Forum in Hong Kong gathered international industry leaders, technology decision-makers, and enterprise executives to explore how organizations are rethinking investment priorities, modernizing infrastructure, and building resilient partnerships to create value in an increasingly digital economy.

For the PLDT Group, the discussion reflects the company's continuing evolution from a traditional telecommunications provider into an integrated digital services partner. 

“Customer is king. The way we engage customers has evolved significantly over the years,” said Leo I. Posadas, PLDT SVP and Treasurer and PLDT Global CFO. “Previously, customers managed separate relationships for connectivity, wireless, cloud, cybersecurity, and digital services. Today, we bring these together through a cohesive approach, creating one customer view, and one integrated conversation.”

This integrated engagement model supports the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to helping organizations navigate increasingly complex technology environments while simplifying their transformation journeys.

“Going beyond the signal means delivering a full suite of capabilities that help customers achieve their business objectives,” Posadas added. “Whether locally or globally, our focus remains on customer experience, customer choice, and customer success.”

Procurement’s evolving role as a growth enabler

A key theme from the forum was the changing role of procurement, which has evolved from a cost-management function into a strategic business enabler.

PLDT Chief Procurement Officer Louella F. Calixtro emphasized that organizations today must evaluate suppliers based not only on price but also on their ability to contribute innovation, resilience, and long-term value.

“Procurement is no longer just about achieving savings. It is about shaping investment decisions, influencing where capital is deployed, and identifying partners that can help the organization create sustainable value,” she said.

In an environment where supply chain disruptions and technology shifts have become increasingly common, building strong ecosystems has emerged as a strategic priority.

“The conversation has shifted from choosing the supplier with the lowest cost to identifying the partner that can support you throughout your business journey,” Calixtro added. “The real measure of a partnership is not the contract itself, but how that partner behaves when challenges emerge.”

She noted that resilient ecosystems help organizations maintain business continuity, accelerate innovation, and maximize returns on strategic investments.

Building the future through collaboration

The discussions at the ACC CXO Forum reinforced the importance of collaboration among enterprises, technology providers, and industry partners in shaping the future digital economy. And for the PLDT Group, this means continuing to evolve and serving as a trusted partner that enables growth, innovation, and resilience.