Clark continues to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s premier Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destinations, hosting over 1,200 ASEAN engineers for the 43rd Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (CAFEo). The event, held from October 28 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Clark, showcased the city’s world-class facilities and its growing influence as a hub for regional collaboration and professional excellence.
The conference opened with a cultural welcome dinner that celebrated both innovation and unity among ASEAN engineers. In her address, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Agnes Devanadera emphasized the indispensable role engineers play in shaping national development and economic recovery.
“There can be no development in any country without infrastructure, and that’s how vital your profession is,” Devanadera underscored.
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From Air Base to Economic Powerhouse
Devanadera reflected on Clark’s remarkable transformation from a former US air base devastated by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption into a thriving center for commerce and industry. She credited engineers for being central to that success story.
“We have risen from the ashes and are now leading economic growth in this part of our country. The poverty rate in Pampanga is now just 1 percent. Our recovery would not have been possible without the engineers,” she highlighted.
The conference theme, “ASEAN Engineers: Beacons of Prosperity, Inclusivity, Equity, Resilience, and Sustainability,” resonated strongly with Clark’s evolution and its growing role within the North Luzon Economic Corridor.
“Clark is now recognized as the gateway to the North Luzon Economic Corridor, and none of this transformation would be possible without the brilliance of our engineers,” Devanadera noted.
A Leading Destination for Global Events
Recently named Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination for 2025 by the World Travel Awards, Clark continues to gain global recognition for its infrastructure and organizational excellence. The CDC chief praised the ASEAN engineering community for advancing professional standards and promoting lifelong learning.
“You don’t just analyze problems, you propose solutions. That’s what the world needs now,” she said, saluting engineers for their contribution to building resilient communities and economies.
“We start with engineers, we end with engineers, and we are able to sustain our growth because of you, the engineers who have done very good professional work. My salute to your profession,” Devanadera added.
The three-day conference included technical sessions, country presentations, and the conferment of ASEAN Engineer titles, recognizing 13 engineering disciplines from civil and mechanical to ICT and environmental engineering. Delegates from 11 ASEAN member states, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration and innovation across the region.
