Security Bank Corp. has signed a partnership agreement with Japan’s MUFG Group, Thailand’s Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), Krungsri Finnovate, MUFG Innovation Partners, and the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to support startup collaboration and innovation across the region.
The agreement aims to help startups and companies expand across borders by improving access to markets, partners, and investment opportunities in the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, and the wider ASEAN region.
Under the partnership, startups will be supported through exchange programs, accelerator initiatives, trade missions, and business-matching activities. Philippine startups and companies will also be invited to join Krungsri’s annual Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair in Bangkok, which connects startups with large corporates from more than 10 countries.
Each partner brings specific strengths to the collaboration. Security Bank contributes its strong links with Philippine corporates, MUFG provides a wide regional and global corporate network, Krungsri offers experience in ASEAN expansion and business matching, while MUFG Innovation Partners and Krungsri Finnovate connect startups to regional and global ecosystems. DTI will align the initiative with national programs such as Startup Pilipinas, the Innovative Startup Act, and the Tatak Pinoy Strategy.
The partnership will also help map Philippine startup activity, identify collaboration opportunities with large companies, and support innovation in high-growth sectors, including digital and AI-driven industries.
Overall, the initiative is designed to turn startup collaboration into real business outcomes—helping startups scale internationally, supporting MSMEs, and strengthening the Philippines’ role in the regional innovation ecosystem.
