SiGMA Asia 2025 Brings 13,000 Delegates Together for Innovation and Impact

SiGMA Asia 2025: The 2025 edition of SiGMA Asia took place in the Philippines from June 1 to 4 at the SMX Convention Centre in Manila, drawing over 13,000 attendees. The event has become a key platform for the gaming and tech industries in Asia, especially in 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.

The 2025 edition of SiGMA Asia was held in the Philippines from June 1 to 4 at the SMX Convention Centre in Manila, attracting over 13,000 attendees. The event has become an important platform for the gaming and tech industries in Asia, with the Philippines playing a key role.

More than just a conference, SiGMA Asia 2025 highlighted regional economic growth, innovation, and responsible business practices. The summit offered a full lineup of expert talks, startup showcases, cultural activities, charity events, and exclusive networking opportunities. Key moments included the launch of a community center and special retreats for affiliates, reflecting SiGMA Group’s dedication to building a sustainable and inclusive industry.

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.

Industry discourse across both conference days

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening remarks, SiGMA Asia 2025 kicked off a busy two-day agenda filled with panels, keynote talks, fireside chats, and workshops on the SiGMA and AIBC stages.

On Day 1, the SiGMA Stage focused on key industry themes like regulation, compliance, and sustainable growth. Sessions covered affiliate marketing strategies, future trends in casinos with AR/VR, and user experience. The day wrapped up with the SiGMA Startup Pitch, where new companies presented their ideas to a live panel. William Anderson from sureWin closed the day with insights on tech and strategy in the gaming space.

On Day 2, the SiGMA Stage shifted focus to user experience and business strategy. Topics included gamification, player engagement, and the ethical use of AI and automation. A fun and interactive Affiliate-Operator Quiz brought key industry players together. Later sessions covered digital marketing, brand visibility, and workforce development in Asia’s growing iGaming sector.

At the same time, the AIBC Stage offered tech-focused content over both days. Day 1 featured talks on AI in business, crypto payments, blockchain regulation, and influencer marketing. Highlights included a Q\&A, a product showcase, and a workshop by Dr. Jane Thomason. The day ended with discussions on sports, eSports, and betting innovations.

Day 2 opened with a workshop by Nicholas Levenstein, followed by panels on gaming, tokenisation, and decentralised tech. The focus then turned to startups and investors, ending with the AIBC Startup Pitch, where new projects in AI, blockchain, and gamified tech were presented.

Pitch competition winners

The SiGMA Asia 2025 Startup Pitch was an important platform for new and innovative companies in iGaming, AI, blockchain, and marketing technology. After a series of live presentations judged by investors and top industry leaders, SavageTech won on the SiGMA Stage with its strong and scalable tech solution. On the AIBC Stage, Analytiks Inc. came out on top for its smart use of data to understand user behavior and improve operations.

 

 

 

 

SiGMA Foundation: Championing community upliftment

A key moment of this year’s summit was the SiGMA Foundation officially opening the Batiawan Community Centre in Bataan. This project was created with local groups and the indigenous Aeta community. The centre offers vocational training, sustainable farming programs, and digital education to help rural communities.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony included performances by the Jose Depiro Centre for the Arts, adding a cultural touch. SiGMA attendees saw the event not just as a ceremony, but as a celebration of inclusive economic growth.

Earlier in the week, delegates took part in a meaningful activity: a guided walk through Smokey Mountain, one of Manila’s poorest areas. Organized by the SiGMA Foundation, the tour showed the tough living conditions local families face and encouraged participants to feel empathy and take action to help.

After the main summit, a special retreat was held from June 5 to 7 at the Crimson Resort and Spa in Boracay for select affiliate partners. This relaxed beachfront event allowed participants to work together more closely through planned activities, strategy sessions, and wellness breaks. It was a new way to connect and plan for the future of the industry.

Celebrating excellence at the SiGMA Asia Awards 2025

The SiGMA Asia Awards 2025 celebrated the best in the gaming industry, focusing on innovation and leadership. The awards night took place at the Conrad Hotel in Manila and included a charity auction and live performances, creating a lively atmosphere for networking and recognition. SPRIBE won the Outstanding Leadership award for its innovation and vision in iGaming. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) received the Outstanding Contribution to Gaming award for its important role in growing the Philippine gaming industry. The event was hosted by Olga Yaroshevsky and Max Tiu and supported by BetConstruct, highlighting the industry’s growth and the leaders shaping its future.

After the SiGMA Asia Awards 2025, there was a lively charity auction organized by the SiGMA Foundation. Five special items were up for bid: four unique artworks and a boxing glove signed by Manny Pacquiao. Match Liquidity was the top bidder, buying four out of the five items. Here’s what sold and for how much:

• “Shine in the Dark” by Lena Maria Ludes for €1,000 (Match Liquidity)
• “Clash of Fortune” by Arvin Rabot for €1,200 (Jade Entertainment)
• “Wrangler” by Jono Duran Pisano for €6,000 (Match Liquidity)
• “Fortune in Bloom” by Selina Scerri for €2,000 (Match Liquidity)
• The signed boxing glove for €5,000 (Match Liquidity)

The auction raised a total of €15,200. The money will help the SiGMA Foundation with projects like expanding a hospital in Peru and building a youth MMA training center in São Paulo. The event was led by auctioneer Rick Goddard and Chief Philanthropy Officer Keith Marshall, showing how the gaming industry supports important causes worldwide.

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