Entrepreneurs—the dynamic drivers of innovation and job creation. Thus, the future belongs to them. This was the message that Doris Magsaysay-Ho, chairman of the 2015 APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), underscored at the APEC SME Summit 2015. Presented by ABAC in partnership with Asia Society Philippines and the Philippine Centre for the Entrepreneurship, The event was part of the week-long series of APEC events held last November that saw the visit of 21 heads of state from around the world. 

The summit offered a glimpse into the future as international and local inventors showcased futuristic inventions such as the PARO Therapeutic Robot, a robotic baby seal that responds to people and its environment, and Toshiba’s Chihira Aico, a realistic female humanoid robot designed to foster communication. On the main stage, a 360-degree screen not only symbolised a modern and bright future ahead, but also provided the platform for inspiring innovators (seven of whom are featured here) to tell their respective stories in just seven minutes each. That was enough, however, for them to empower and inspire micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises into doing more than just planning, but actually getting out of the passive state and rolling up their sleeves to put things into action.

But how do we take everything we have learnt from the summit and use it to make a difference? “There are many efforts taking place, but nobody’s connecting the dots,” Magsaysay-Ho said, explaining that these dots are meant to form a bigger plan of action. “You don’t really need to start something big. Start small, but do it really well.” 

Diosdado Banatao

Known by many as the Bill Gates of the Philippines, tech visionary Diosdado Banatao used to walk barefoot along dirt roads in his hometown of Cagayan Valley to go to school. His tenacity and determination to overcome the odds allowed him to meet great success; he was able to make great contributions to technology with his discoveries and inventions, as well as initiate philanthropic efforts that help improve computer-related education here in the Philippines. 

Banatao is a great advocate of innovation. He believes that innovation is the key to entering the global market, which, in turn, jumpstarts growth. “Economic growth is the only solution to poverty,” he explained. “The lowand mid-income earners must also make substantial contributions. When full participation happens, the gap between the rich and the poor becomes insignificant.” 

Alok Shetty

Architect and founder of Bangalore-based architecture firm Bhumiputra Architecture Alok Shetty thinks that the best answer to any problem is not as complicated as it seems. The marvellous idea of the portable Blackbox auditorium started when Shetty, along with two of his classmates, were given the task of designing an infrastructure that would hold 250 people in the middle of nowhere. The simple idea of a shipping container van was expanded to the idea of making a structure that is deployable, lowcost, flexible, and inclusive of necessities. “The simplest answers are most often the right solutions,” said Shetty. With his golden heart, the brilliant architect offered this idea to do a slum house design to the Indian government, but to no avail. This did not stop Shetty, however, as he has built 100 homes especially for the Indians in the slum area, funded by his architecture firm’s large-scale projects.

Sheila Marcelo

Care is a need that isn’t difficult to explain. It is an economic imperative felt by all families; you need care to work, and you need to work to pay for care. In the United States alone, double income families spend more on care than on anything else—that includes rent, mortgage, and even public college tuition. This is why Sheila Marcelo is optimistic about the future of Care.com, a public corporation that helps families find care for children, seniors, and people with special needs; tutoring; housekeeping, and so forth.

When Marcelo was just starting out, she found that raising money as a female entrepreneur was quite a challenge. When most potential investors are male, being understood—let alone taken seriously—can prove difficult for women. Says Marcelo, “Because of the challenges I faced as a woman and a public company CEO, it’s important to make sure that I’m somehow developing the pipeline,” she explains. This is why Marcelo started WomenUp.org, a non-profit organisation that seeks to help women by providing training, mentorship, and support. “I often advise women to find their inner Katniss or superhero moment,” she says. “What I love about superheroes is that they have this hidden talent and strength. To show your abilities more than just questioning or challenging the discrimination is my approach.”

Angelo Umali

The founder and CEO of Hong Kong healthcare tech company Simple Wearables ventured into creating a life-saving device for the elderly out of affection for his grandmother. The device, designed to promote safety and peace of mind, is programmed to contact appropriate emergency services in case of a fall. A leading hospital has already signed up to use the first 100 devices, paving the way for more remote healthcare services.

“The dream is to use science to improve the Philippines,” shared Angelo Umali. “Innovators can come from anywhere. We have so much local talent here in the Philippines. We need to make the processes easier so that foreigners can come in and tap that talent.” For entrepreneurs like Umali, the biggest challenge would be to come up with a solution to the problems that modern society continues to face.

Nix Nolledo

As a student, Xurpas CEO Nix Nolledo knew that he was never the best; in fact, he calls himself below average compared to his bright classmates. “I needed to change my own trajectory, my personal path,” says Nolledo. “So I became an entrepreneur.” Having his own taste of failure with seven failed businesses and the difficulty of being employed, Nolledo finally found a stroke of luck when he created the online forum PinoyExchange.com. Seeing the tremendous potential of cyber users, Nolledo started a technology company that creates digital products for mobile consumers, Xurpas. Nix Nolledo believes that nothing truly is impossible; he started with the simple thought of how he should become an employer instead of an employee. 

David Plouffe

As the current senior adviser of one of the largest ride-sharing applications in the world, David Plouffe is confident that Uber can make more than just a difference in the world. Once the brains behind the political campaign of the Obama-Biden ticket, Plouffe decided to take this knowledge to the fast-growing online economy. Though he admits that he still uses the yellow taxi out of convenience, Plouffe takes huge pride in his company. “Our value of proposition is where transportation is too hard,” says Plouffe. “We want to make the Uber experience—here in Manila and elsewhere—as quick and easy as picking up your keys, walking outside and starting up your car.” Sharing more of his insights, he explained that ride-sharing applications are not something to be managed, but opportunities meant to be seized for a more promising future. 

Tony Fernandes

Outspoken and clever, Tune Group founder and AirAsia director Tony Fernandes has amassed an impressive following in Southeast Asia alone. He has proven to be at his best when backed into a corner; Fernandes received praise for expertly handling the aftermath of the tragic flight 8501 crash. Fernandes shared that AirAsia’s secrets to success lies in its branding and how it treats its people. “Great ideas are often lost because you don’t put enough thought into marketing,” he said. “You have to be unconventional when you advertise—this also applies when you go out and look for your people.” His no-nonsense yet cheeky approach to doing business has certainly set the standard for things to come. 

Words by: MJ Jose, Cristina Morales, and Eirah Ople | Photography: Jinggo Montenejo and Dookie Ducay | Illustration: APEC Business Advisory Council | Special Thanks to Bambina Olivares-Wise