Angkas seeks support for entrepreneurs

MANILA, Philippines — Angkas founder and chief executive officer Angeline Tham has called on governments to strengthen support for local businesses and startups to ensure that digital transformation benefits developing economies and communities.

Speaking at the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Ministerial Roundtable on Oct. 21 in Geneva, Tham said governments must take a proactive role in helping homegrown entrepreneurs thrive in the digital age.

“Governments and international institutions must support local entrepreneurs during their incubation phase by making business registration easier, ensuring fair taxation and prioritizing local players in digital infrastructure and procurement policies,” Tham said. “Without such guardrails, promising startups may never reach maturity.”

Drawing from Angkas’ experience in the Philippines, Tham said supporting local innovators not only fuels economic growth but also uplifts communities.

Tham also urged stronger backing for women entrepreneurs, noting that women-led enterprises often reinvest more in their families and adopt sustainable business practices.