Marvin Chan: Energising business ties between Australia and the Philippines

Marvin Chan is a Filipino Australian businessman and a key player in strengthening trade relations in the ASEAN energy sector.

From humble beginnings, he has built a successful career in the diverse corporate environments of international energy firms.

As the Chief Financial Officer at Triangle Energy, Marvin uses his legal and financial expertise, and his Filipino cultural understanding, to facilitate business growth between Australia and the Philippines.

The journey from rural town to the big city

Marvin’s family migrated to Australia in 2016, but his roots run deep in the Philippines. He grew up in the rural town of San Nicolas, 10 hours drive north of Manila, where farming is the principal livelihood.

Nothing could prepare him for the culture shock when he moved to Manila to study accounting and law at the University of the East.

Marvin rented a tiny ‘bedspace’ in a shared room, negotiated Manila’s traffic, studied hard, met his wife and dreamed of his future corporate life.

After graduation, Marvin began working for Deloitte, commencing a 15-year career working with major energy companies KEPCO, AES and Nido Petroleum.

Marvin learned the value of hard work and community from his mother, who single-handedly raised him and his siblings after his father passed away early in his life. He applied this work ethic to his corporate career and thrived.

When his Skilled Migrant Visa to Australia was granted, Marvin saw an opportunity to help his family.

‘My philosophy is always family first and we came to Australia to build a better future for the kids,’ Marvin says. ‘Even though we were far from home, we had community support, and that sense of belonging helped us adapt.’

The power of identity and first language

The transition from rural life to the global stage wasn’t easy. But Marvin’s upbringing in the Philippines and his experience working across different cultures has shaped his approach.

‘My dual identity is a powerful asset,’ Marvin says. ‘I’ve learned to empathise with both cultures and use that understanding to build meaningful business relationships.’

Being fluent in Tagalog has also helped Marvin break down barriers that might otherwise impede effective communication.

‘Being able to speak the local language is a game changer,’ Marvin explains. ‘It’s not just about words – it’s about making people feel comfortable, understood and respected. It opens doors.’

Marvin Chan moved to Australia to build a better future for his children. In the process, he has also strengthened business ties between Australia and the Philippines.

Cultural understanding as a business asset

Marvin’s deep familiarity with Filipino culture, language, and business customs has allowed him to facilitate deals and navigate the complexities of both private and public sectors.

‘Cultural understanding is a vital element to any business deal. Beyond traditions and customs, it’s also the insights about the way people think, work and communicate,’ Marvin says.

‘Without understanding cultural context, even the most well-structured contract can fall apart.’

He recalls a time when Triangle Energy was applying for permits in the Philippines, a process that was slower than expected.

Understanding the local bureaucracy helped him manage expectations and keep the project on track, avoiding frustration and ensuring that both sides stayed committed to the partnership.

‘If I didn’t know how the process worked, I would have given up a long time ago and the company would have backed out. I kept explaining to my bosses the local practices and how it is done,’ Marvin explains. ‘Cultural knowledge helps you navigate the system and build long-term success.’

‘Every country is unique,’ he adds. ‘The more effort you make to be open to differences and understand the culture you are doing business in, the more trust you will build. When you build trust, relationships are built. In the local context, relationships, even in business deals, are very important.

‘It’s a way of showing respect and the effort is noticed and appreciated.’

Patience the key to building trust

In Southeast Asia, business deals often take time to mature. Building long relationships is a gradual process but once established, it will go a long way.

Rushing the process or pushing for immediate results can harm relationships and result in missed opportunities or one-time transactions.

‘Patience is something that cannot be overlooked in Southeast Asia,’ Marvin says.

‘You can’t rush through relationships. Trust is built over time, and that’s how business gets done. Sometimes, taking a step back and allowing the process to unfold is the best strategy.’

Shaping the future of Australia-Philippines trade

As Southeast Asia continues to rise as an economic powerhouse, Marvin is optimistic about the future of Australia’s trade relationships with the region.

‘Southeast Asia is on the rise, and Australia has a huge advantage,’ Marvin says.

‘With our shared cultural ties, geographical proximity, and growing trade relationships, there are real opportunities for sustainable growth. Australia is in the right spot, and it is well regarded by its neighbours especially in the Philippines.’

‘The Philippine Government’s energy reform agenda, focusing on energy security, optimal energy pricing and development of a sustainable energy program, presents significant opportunities for Australian industry,’ says Luisa Rust, Trade Commissioner, Austrade Philippines.

‘Australia can contribute to these reforms by partnering with Philippine industry. This can be done by investing in energy projects and sharing expertise and technology across the energy supply chain from exploration to grid management and energy storage.

‘A key to success in the Philippines is investment in relationships which, for new entrants, can take time,’ she adds. ‘Marvin’s success in the Philippines, in a highly contested sector, demonstrates the value of cultural knowledge and established networks. His dual identity is a superpower that provides a significant competitive advantage.’

Across his career Marvin has built cultural fluency working for Filipino, American, South Korean, Thai and Australian companies.

He is keen to share his knowledge and networks and play his role in helping strengthen trade ties and build bridges.

‘Australia is fortunate to have Southeast Asia on its doorstep and vice versa. They share a symbiotic relationship characterised by mutual benefit and interdependence,’ he says.

‘But to take advantage of that opportunity, it’s crucial for Australian businesses to navigate the differences and form, strong, lasting partnerships.’

Sign up to receive the latest news and insights about Southeast Asia.