The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has brought its flagship Malikhaing Pinoy program to Thailand, a strategic move bringing the Philippine creative industries to the global stage.

Bringing the Malikhaing Pinoy Program to Thailand coincides with the Philippines’ assumption of the ASEAN Chairship 2026, signaling a bold commitment to leading the region’s creative economy.

According to the DTI, the “Malikhaing Pinoy: Lahi Fashion Showcase” served as the DTI’s primary vehicle for demonstrating Filipino design excellence to the world.

By featuring a collaborative collection led by renowned designer Rajo Laurel, the DTI aims to transform local creative talent into a powerhouse export sector. With over three decades of experience, Laurel is a celebrated pillar of Philippine fashion known for his work and craftsmanship.

Held on 30 January at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, the showcase was a curated expression of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan, focusing on scaling Filipino artisans from local MSMEs into international brands.

The DTI, through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Bangkok and in partnership with Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency, selected Bangkok as the launchpad for this international push.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized that as the Philippines takes the helm of ASEAN this year, the creative sector has become a vital pillar of the national and regional economic agenda.

“At the heart of any great nation lies its culture and heritage. As we lead ASEAN in 2026, we are showing our Southeast Asian neighbors our cultural heritage. Our Chairship provides a platform for our creative sector and talents to take centerstage ensuring that the Philippine creative sector drives trade and tourism,” Secretary Roque emphasized.

While the Bangkok showcase highlighted the fashion domain, the DTI’s broader strategy includes highlighting the full strength of the Philippine creative sector across its nine official domains under the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (RA 11904).

Beyond fashion and textiles, the Philippines is a rising leader in Audiovisual Media, with a thriving film and animation industry, and Digital Interactive Media, where Filipino game developers and software creators are gaining global presence.