Seoul, Republic of Korea – The Philippines, led by Undersecretary Ramon Reyes of the Department of Transportation (DOTR), participated in the APEC Smart Mobility Forum 2025, held on 4-5 August in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The forum, organized by South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT), gathered over 250 participants, including government representatives, industry leaders, and experts from across the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss strategies for advancing smart mobility and fostering sustainable transportation solutions. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Edwin Gil Mendoza along with the Political and Economic Section of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul also formed part of the Philippine delegation to the forum.

Undersecretary Reyes delivered congratulatory remarks at the opening session, emphasizing the Philippines’ commitment to the development of inclusive, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with APEC partners to promote greener and safer mobility solutions across the region. The Undersecretary also emphasized that the shift toward smart mobility and future-ready transport systems that benefit all sectors of society are not only technological advancements but also opportunities to drive equitable economic progress and improve the quality of life for Filipino citizens.

The theme of the forum, “Connecting Today, Innovating Tomorrow, Prospering Together,” focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into transportation systems. Key topics included autonomous driving, carbon neutrality, and digital transformation in transportation.

The forum featured high-level discussions on the future of autonomous driving, a technology that is rapidly accelerating globally. Vice Minister Kang Hee-eob of MOLIT and Mr. Ryu Geung-sun, CEO of Kakao Mobility presented keynote addresses on the role of autonomous vehicles in shaping sustainable growth and the importance of international cooperation in developing shared safety standards and regulations. Discussions also centered on the integration of advanced technologies into transportation systems, strategies for strengthening international cooperation, and achieving carbon neutrality goals.

The event also included a technology exhibition showcasing cutting-edge advancements in autonomous driving, urban air mobility, and intelligent transportation systems. These innovations provide valuable insights for the Philippines as it moves forward with its modernization efforts in transportation.

The Philippine delegation also engaged in one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders to explore opportunities for practical cooperation and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving the country’s transportation sector. END