Event Details

Victor Andres "Dindo" C. Manhit

Founder, Stratbase Group

“Geo-Strategic Optimism and the Need to Think Beyond Politics:

Geo-Political Opportunities for the Philippines (and ASEAN) in 2024”

April 25, 2024

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (MT)

BUS-3404

CU Denver Business School, 3rd Floor

1475 Lawrence St. Denver, CO 80202

Program Overview

Amidst geopolitical and geo-economic movements, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a focal point for driving global economic growth. Critical to this is the ASEAN region, especially as different economic powers look to de-risk and decouple their economic activities to move to a more stable and secure region. The Philippines, situated strategically within this dynamic landscape, assumes a crucial role. Recognizing this significance, the Stratbase Group identifies eight geostrategic risks, each presenting different opportunities for the Philippines.

These encompass addressing socio-economic challenges, bridging the digital divide, revitalizing economic sectors to sustain economic growth, navigating the future of trade and maximizing supply chain opportunities, mitigating climate crises, transitioning to clean energy to achieve energy security, managing asymmetric security challenges, and promoting right governance. This presentation delves into these areas, highlighting the need for the Philippines (and the ASEAN region) to think beyond politics to turn these global risks to opportunities this 2024.

Victor Andres “Dindo” C. Manhit

Victor Andres "Dindo" C. Manhit is the founder of the Stratbase Group, a strategic analysis firm in the Philippines. With extensive experience in investment, business, and regulatory challenges, Manhit helps clients navigate the intersection of government and business, considering the impact of legislation, regulations, and geopolitics on their strategies. He approaches public policy analysis and political risk assessments by combining data-driven analytics with strategic policy options.

Concurrently, he serves as the Managing Director of BowerGroupAsia (BGA) Philippines, a leading strategic advisory firm focusing on the Asia-Pacific region. He has held various government positions and legislative roles. He was the Undersecretary for External Affairs and Special Concerns of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports and Deputy Secretary for Administration and Financial Services of the Philippine Senate. Meanwhile, his legislative experience includes being the Chief of Staff of the late Senate President Edgardo J. Angara and senior policy research adviser in key Senate Committees. Manhit is also actively involved in civil society initiatives related to governance, environmental stewardship, and industry advocacy.

He was a former Chair and retired Associate Professor of the Political Science Department of De La Salle University, Manila, and has authored numerous commentaries and papers on geopolitical issues, governance, and political reforms. He also regularly contributes articles and columns to leading newspapers in the Philippines, such as Philippine Daily Inquirer and BusinessWorld.

Manhit holds a master's degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Philippine Studies with a major in Political Science and History from the University of the Philippines.

International Executive Roundtables and CU Denver’s IIB

International Executive Roundtables are hosted by CU Denver’s Institute for International Business (IIB) with support from the Carole Ann Jemal-Gibson and Greg Gibson Fund.  CU Denver’s IIB is one of 16 Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) in the United States, a prestigious designation awarded by the US Department of Education.

RSVP

International Executive Roundtables are free to attend. Lunch will be provided. To secure your space, please register early. You will receive an email confirming your registration.

Parking and Light Rail Information

Parking is available at Writer’s Square Garage for $20. The entrance to this garage is at 1587 Lawrence Street. It is on the left-hand side of Lawrence Street in between 15^th and 16^th street. Look for green signage with white lettering that reads “Parking”. Click here for the address. Street parking is also available at any of the meters. The CU Denver Business School is also easily accessible via light rail – get off at the Colorado Convention Center or Union Station stops and walk the few blocks to the school.

Questions

Email Kaela Kalabany at kaela.2.kalabany@ucdenver.edu with any questions.

Co-sponsored by:

• University of Colorado Denver, Institute for International Business (IIB)
• Carol Anne Jemal-Gibson and Greg Gibson Fund