PBC Abu Dhabi kicks off business dialogue series with focus on AI and SME growth

The Philippine Business Council Abu Dhabi (PBC Abu Dhabi) successfully launched PBCTalk: Grit in Motion, an in-house business dialogue series designed to equip entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners with practical insights and relevant perspectives to navigate today’s evolving business landscape.

Bringing together business leaders, industry practitioners, government representatives, and members of the Filipino business community, the inaugural session explored timely topics including navigating business challenges in uncertain environments, practical applications of artificial intelligence for SMEs, and government initiatives supporting enterprise development in the UAE.

Moving beyond the traditional seminar format, PBCTalk:Grit in Motion is designed as a conversational platform that encouraged meaningful dialogue, practical knowledge exchange, and active engagement between speakers and participants. The programme reflects PBC Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing people-centered initiatives that provide relevant learning opportunities, encourage collaboration, and support real-world business application.

The inaugural session featured distinguished resource speakers representing entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and enterprise development, including Engr. Jolivette Rapadas Dela Cruz of Brew&Bite, Power Thread, District8, and Homecourt Café Restaurant; Ms. Rosela Ela Dickson of Fa-Brika Handicrafts and Danaya’s Flowers; and Mr. Vener Sarmiento of CreativeNerve and Filipino AI School. The programme also welcomed Ms. Reem Alshamsi, Head of Business Council Associations from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who shared valuable insights on available business support initiatives, opportunities, and resources for companies operating within the UAE.

Throughout the afternoon, participants actively engaged in discussions, exchanged ideas, and raised practical questions relevant to their entrepreneurial and professional journeys. The strong participation and positive response reflected the growing need for accessible, solution-oriented conversations that address the realities faced by entrepreneurs, SMEs, professionals, and aspiring business owners.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, PBC Abu Dhabi emphasized that PBCTalk:Grit in Motion aims to create opportunities for business owners and professionals to learn from shared experiences, practical expertise, and collaborative discussions—strengthening the community’s ability to adapt, innovate, and grow together.

The successful launch marks the beginning of an ongoing series of specially curated business engagements that will continue to explore emerging opportunities, innovation, leadership, enterprise development, and other relevant topics responding to the evolving needs of the business community in the UAE.

PBC Abu Dhabi extends its sincere appreciation to its distinguished resource speakers for generously sharing their expertise and experiences, and to the representative from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry for engaging directly with participants and providing valuable guidance on the UAE business environment.

The Council likewise recognizes the contribution of all participants whose active involvement, thoughtful questions, and collaborative spirit contributed to the success of the programme. Their engagement reaffirmed the importance of creating spaces where businesses can connect, exchange knowledge, and grow together.

The Council acknowledges the valuable support of LenFrancheska Events & Lifestyle Beyond Borders for its event management support and TEEM Studio for the official photo and video documentation, helping capture and preserve the conversations, connections, and milestones of the inaugural PBCTalk:Grit in Motion session.

The Philippine Business Council Abu Dhabi further recognizes partner SocioCultural Lifestyle (SCLC ACS) for its contribution to the programme development and strategic shaping of the PBCTalk:Grit in Motion dialogue framework, supporting the creation of a structured, engaging, and purpose-driven platform designed to encourage meaningful business conversations and knowledge exchange within the community.

As PBC Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its role as a platform for business collaboration and professional development, PBCTalk:Grit in Motion will serve as an ongoing avenue for practical business conversations that empower the Filipino business community while contributing to the UAE’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

PBCTalk:Grit in Motion was delivered through the strong collaborative efforts of the Philippine Business Council Abu Dhabi Board and Members, with Chairman Gau Raganit at the helm, together with its programme development and event partners. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to creating relevant, impactful, and future-focused engagements that respond to the evolving needs of the business community.