SiGMA Asia Summit 2025 welcomes 13,000 delegates to Manila: A fusion of tech, gaming, and philanthropy
The 2025 edition of SiGMA Asia returned to the Philippines with unprecedented momentum, drawing over 13,000 delegates across the four-day summit held from 1–4 June at the SMX Convention Centre in Manila. With the region’s strategic positioning at the crossroads of gaming and emerging technologies, SiGMA Asia has cemented itself as a gateway to key Asian markets, particularly the Philippines.
More than just a conference, SiGMA Asia 2025 championed regional economic potential, future-facing innovation, and responsible growth. Attendees benefited from an extensive programme blending high-level talks, startup showcases, cultural immersion, charity work, and exclusive networking experiences. From a philanthropic community centre launch to strategic affiliate retreats, this year’s summit exemplified SiGMA Group’s holistic approach to building sustainable industry ecosystems.
Ribbon cutting and diplomatic welcome
The opening ceremony was marked by a ribbon-cutting led by H.E. Mr. John Busuttil, alongside Emily Micallef, CEO of SiGMA Group and Neil Shih, Director of SiGMA Asia. Their remarks set a tone of collaboration, highlighting Malta’s role as a regulatory innovator and its growing partnerships across Asia.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring (from left to right) Kat Khramova, Conference Manager at SiGMA Group, Neil Shih, Director of SiGMA Asia, H.E. Mr. John Busuttil Emily Micallef, CEO of SiGMA Group and Katy Micallef, Head of Content at SiGMA Group.
Industry discourse across both conference days
After the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening diplomatic remarks, the summit quickly transitioned into its two-day agenda of content-driven engagement. Delegates had access to a packed programme of panels, fireside chats, keynote addresses, and workshops strategically split across the SiGMA and AIBC Stages.
On Day 1, the SiGMA Stage opened with a concentrated focus on regulatory alignment and operational resilience. Topics included Compliance, Markets, and Regulatory Strategy, followed by critical conversations on Ethical Growth, balancing rapid expansion with sustainability. The focus then turned to Affiliate Alchemy, where performance marketers discussed data-led acquisition and retention. Sessions concluded with projections for the Casino of the Future, delving into gamification, AR/VR applications, and next-gen user journeys. Just before the day’s end, the spotlight turned to emerging talent at the SiGMA Startup Pitch, where disruptors pitched their concepts to a live panel. The closing keynote by William Anderson, representing sureWin, offered strategic reflections and technology-forward insights from the operator’s unique vantage point.
On Day 2, the SiGMA Stage content pivoted towards UX-centric innovation and operational strategy. Sessions addressed Gamification, UX & Player Engagement, and the ethical implementation of AI and Automation. A highlight was the Affiliate-Operator Quiz Asia, a light-hearted yet informative format that engaged key stakeholders. This was followed by panels on Mastering Digital Marketing, where brand visibility and omnichannel engagement were dissected, concluding with iGaming Workforce strategies, tackling recruitment, skill-building, and leadership development in emerging Asian markets.
The AIBC Stage ran in parallel across both days, offering a technology-first narrative. Day 1 featured discussions on Artificial Intelligence: Innovation and Business, Digital Assets & Crypto Payments, and Blockchain Regulation within the Digital Economy. Midday sessions focused on Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and their monetisation ecosystems, followed by a concise Q&A and product visibility slot. The stage wrapped with a workshop by Dr Jane Thomason and a final series on Sports, eSports and Sportsbooks, looking at convergence and innovation in wagering verticals.
Day 2 on the AIBC Stage opened with a hands-on workshop by Nicholas Levenstein, followed by deep dives into Gaming & Tokenisation, the evolving role of decentralised tech in entertainment. The spotlight then moved to Investors and Startups, with panels featuring venture capitalists, ecosystem enablers, and founders in early growth stages. The day’s narrative crescendoed with the AIBC Startup Pitch, which showcased high-potential projects across AI, blockchain infrastructure, and gamified applications.
