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Technology, health and government leaders exchanged ideas and knowledge on the first tech mission from the Philippines to Australia.
The 5-day program introduced senior representatives from Philippine government agencies and leading conglomerates to Australian firms and innovators in Sydney and Melbourne. The mission focused on fintech and health tech – areas of mutual interest in which Australia possesses significant capabilities.
Led by Austrade in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the mission built on 80 years of diplomatic relations between the 2 countries. It also set out to advance objectives under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the Philippines and Australia on Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding between Austrade and Fintech Alliance PH.
Accelerating digital innovation in the Philippines
Technology is a rapidly growing sector in both markets, creating strong opportunities for partnership. The Philippines’ digital economy makes a significant contribution to national output, while Australia’s technology sector continues to expand across industries such as finance and healthcare.
The mission program highlighted the role of technology in these 2 key sectors. Participants met major Australian organisations such Aspen Medical, FinTech Australia, ANZ Bank and PEXA, to see first-hand how they are applying digital solutions to drive efficiency, trust and scalability.
A highlight was a visit to Canva’s headquarters. The visit was particularly significant, as the Philippines was Canva’s first market outside Australia.
Delegates also participated in the Digital Health Festival in Melbourne, where they connected with global health tech leaders and explored emerging trends in digital health, data-driven care and patient-centric innovation.
Site visits to leading organisations such as CSL, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre also provided valuable exposure to Australia’s health innovation ecosystem.
The Philippine delegation was eager for insights into how Australian financial and health organisations are using technology to drive efficiency, trust and scalability.
Fintech partnership highlights growing momentum
The technology ties between Australia and the Philippines were further strengthened by a fintech collaboration announced during the mission.
Philippine bank RCBC signed a memorandum of understanding with Australia-based payment platform EzyRemit to expand digital remittance and cross-border payment services between the Philippines and Australia.
Formalised on 18 May, the partnership aims to support Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), students and businesses with faster and more convenient financial transactions.
Unlocking opportunities for Australian technology
As both countries strengthen their digital economies, there is a growing opportunity to co-create scalable, regionally relevant solutions. The Philippines offers a digitally engaged population, increasing technology adoption, and close bilateral ties with Australia.
Australian expertise in digital payments, financial inclusion, medical technologies, and data analytics can complement the Philippines’ rising demand for scalable solutions.
A key insight from the mission was the importance of interoperability – ensuring systems across sectors can seamlessly exchange data – as a critical enabler of innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth.
With continued collaboration across government, industry, and technology providers, both countries are well positioned to unlock new opportunities and drive inclusive, technology-led growth.
The mission was made possible with the support of Investment NSW, Stone & Chalk, Global Victoria, Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC), and the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre – DTI Sydney. The collaboration with the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines and the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines was also instrumental in ensuring a productive week.
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