The ACTAI Asia Pacific Summit, held at Ayala-owned Pangulasian Island, gathered leading figures from venture capital, technology, conservation, and entrepreneurship to tackle global challenges through purpose-driven innovation.

Directed by Maria Serafica, the event brought together innovators, thought leaders, conservationists, and business leaders focused on using cutting-edge technologies — including artificial intelligence — to drive social, environmental, and economic change. It was Serafica’s second ACTAI event in the Philippines since discovering Pangulasian Island in 2019.

ACTAI Global’s mission is to unite experts across industries to develop scalable solutions that improve lives, protect the planet, and create a more equitable future. The group also champions ocean conservation, with the summit hosting a panel on coral restoration in El Nido and the creation of marine protected areas in the Philippines.

Spotlight on startups

In partnership with Ayala Land Inc., ACTAI Global staged an artificial intelligence (AI) competition to identify and support high-potential startups tackling issues from sustainability to healthcare to education. Finalists gained exposure to resources, mentorship, and industry networks.

Judges included Google Maps inventor Lars Rasmussen; ACTAI co-founder Bill Tai; Patrick Chang of Dispersion Capital; and Ayala family members Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala and Mariana Zobel de Ayala.

The top prize went to Perle AI (formerly Kiva AI), which develops AI-driven tools to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and accelerate business growth.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by ACTAI Global,” said Ahmed Rashad, Perle AI founder and CEO. “This event is more than just a competition; it’s a convergence of brilliant minds coming together to create meaningful change.”

Tai said the summit underscored the need for technology to serve a greater purpose. “Innovation is at its best when it serves a purpose beyond business success,” he said. “Perle AI exemplifies the kind of companies we are excited to support.”

A culture of adventure

True to ACTAI tradition, the summit blended high-level discussions with outdoor activities such as kite surfing, a sport embraced by many tech leaders for its parallels to innovation — risk-taking, adaptability, and harnessing natural forces.

The event closed with a high-energy performance by Matt Sorum of Guns N’ Roses and apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

Sponsored by Bank of the Philippine Islands and GCash, the summit drew participants from more than a dozen countries, combining business exchange, environmental initiatives, and adventure to accelerate transformative solutions with lasting impact.