Asia’s digital gaming future hinges on trust, panellists say at SiGMA Asia 2026
On the first day of SiGMA Asia 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, speakers discussed how Asia’s digital gaming economies can grow through better governance, clearer rules, and stronger cooperation between government and business.
The panel, called Powering Success: Governance & Growth in Asia’s Digital Gaming Economies, included moderator Jenny Ortiz Bolivar from SiGMA Group, Dr Mark Anthony King of MAK LLC Governance Advisory, Armando Bartolome of GMB Franchise Developers, Catherine Jalandoni of Global AI Council Philippines, and Marie Antonette B. Quiogue of Arden Consult.
Governance for investment
Ortiz Bolivar began by saying digital gaming is now much more than entertainment, with a growing impact on investment, innovation, jobs, and tourism. She asked how governments and industry leaders can support innovation while keeping oversight responsible.
Dr King said that investment relies more on consistency than on low taxes or relaxed rules. “Investment generally tends to follow certainty,” he said, explaining that investors accept strict standards if they are clear, transparent, and applied the same way for everyone.
He also described trust as a kind of currency, especially in places where public confidence is shaken by corruption or weak enforcement. King said governments should not just control access, but should build systems that allow innovation, protect consumers, grow the economy, and build public trust.
Public and private cooperation
Bartolome, speaking as an entrepreneur, said that business confidence relies on strong cooperation between government and private companies. Based on his experience in franchising, he explained that the private sector needs government support, and investors may hold back if there is no alignment.
“If they cannot agree, then there is no point. Investors will shy away,” Bartolome said. He also said that cooperation should benefit communities, not just help businesses grow.
The panel then discussed public-private partnerships and how they support sustainable growth. Bartolome warned that how these partnerships are carried out is just as important as their goals, especially in online gaming, where public education, responsible access, and protecting minors are key issues.
Technology, education, and trust
Jalandoni talked about how technology is playing a bigger role in shaping regulations. She noted that regulators are now more willing to work with private sector experts and technology professionals. This teamwork, she said, helps public institutions better understand new issues like fake news, fraud, accountability, and policy development.
She also mentioned the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which is expected to be signed during the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in November. She said this agreement could help strengthen cooperation among ASEAN digital economies.
Education was a major topic later in the panel. Bartolome said the education sector should be a key partner in developing the industry and called for a public-private education partnership. “Systems build trust,” he said, adding that developing talent is essential for responsible growth in digital gaming in the Philippines.
Jalandoni ended by urging operators and platform developers to include governance in every part of game design, launch, and user experience. “Technology is useless unless it is intuitive. It is not inclusive if it is not intuitive,” she said.
SiGMA Asia 2026 will continue in Manila with more sessions on regulation, innovation, new technologies, and market growth. Readers and delegates can check the full summit agenda to keep up with the latest discussions on Asia’s digital gaming economy.
