On Thursday, January 29, Karen Davila said she was privileged to host the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Handover.

She also emphasized the importance of the role for the Philippines’ regional economic standing. “ASEAN is a major global economic powerhouse, with a combined GDP exceeding $3.6 trillion (projected to reach $4.5 trillion by 2030). With nearly 700 million people, it serves as a critical manufacturing hub, a major recipient of foreign direct investment. It’s time the Philippines take full advantage of the opportunities at ASEAN,” she said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conducted the ceremonial transfer of the council’s chairmanship from Malaysia to the Philippines on Thursday at Malacañang Palace.

At the moment, Karen hosts TV Patrol on ABS-CBN. Additionally, she serves as the ANC program Headstart’s anchor.

For three decades, the broadcast journalist has been working on television.

Karen discussed how her parents’ life lessons influenced her work ethic and perspective throughout the years in a conversation with Karmina Constantino on the KC After Hours podcast last year.

Davila, known for her credibility and decades-long career in journalism, expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the role, calling it a privilege to be part of a platform that highlights ASEAN’s shared economic vision.

The ASEAN-BAC plays a crucial role in bridging the public and private sectors, providing policy recommendations and facilitating dialogue to support economic integration among the bloc’s ten member states. The handover ceremony emphasized key priorities such as digital transformation, sustainability, micro-, small-, and medium-enterprise (MSME) development, and cross-border collaboration.

Officials noted that the transition reflects ASEAN’s commitment to collective progress, even amid global economic challenges.

Davila’s selection as host was widely praised, with organizers citing her professionalism, poise, and ability to steer high-level discussions with clarity and insight. As one of the Philippines’ most respected media personalities, her presence added gravitas to the event and reinforced the importance of effective communication in regional cooperation.

The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of ASEAN-BAC’s mission to empower businesses and foster inclusive, resilient growth throughout Southeast Asia.