Asia Society Philippines names Jorge new center head (2025)

Asia Society Philippine Foundation Inc. has named Natalie Christine “Ching” Virata Jorge, a notable civil society leader and education advocate, as managing director and center head.

“The Asia Society Philippines trustees wholeheartedly welcome Ching Jorge as managing director and Philippine Center head,” says chair Doris Magsaysay Ho. “The work of the Asia Society is vital at this crucial time when stronger regional ties, and greater understanding and partnerships across the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific, are so badly needed.”

Asia Society Philippines is a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution established in 1999 by the late Washington SyCip, the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Business.” It is part of the global network of Asia Society, founded in New York by American businessman and philanthropist John Rockefeller in 1956 “to contribute to broader and deeper understanding between the peoples of the United States and Asia.”

Track record

Jorge brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across the development and private sectors, with a focus on education reform, youth empowerment, corporate social responsibility and civil society engagement.

She is an Asia 21 Fellow with a strong network across the Asia-Pacific region, and an alumna of various global leadership programs. She thus brings with her a wealth of cross-sector relationships and expertise in strategic engagement, which will include strengthening the programs of Asia Society Philippines.

Under Jorge’s leadership, the local center aims to foster dialogue on global and regional issues, especially those affecting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), and enhance cross-sector and cross-border collaboration. It also seeks to advance the Asia Society mission to promote understanding of and partnerships between the Philippines, Asean, regional partners, the US and the rest of the world.

The Philippine Center is dedicated to providing a platform for dialogue, encouraging a diversity of views and collaborating on future pathways that enhance greater trust and understanding through programs on business, policy, education, arts and culture, sustainability and technology.

Aside from Magsaysay Ho, trustees at Asia Society Philippines include prominent business leaders such as Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Teresita Sy-Coson, Jorge Araneta, Joselito Campos Jr., Frederick Dy, Oscar Lopez, Myla Villanueva, Luis Juan Virata, Agustin Montilla IV and Jaime Enrique Gonzales.

Relaunching ‘Kulinarya’

This year, the center will relaunch the third edition of “Kulinarya,” a landmark book that celebrates Filipino cuisine as a powerful expression of national identity and heritage, while also promoting it globally through storytelling, events and cultural exchange.

In partnership with the Unesco Philippine National Commission, the center will lead cultural and heritage tours to deepen local appreciation and advocacy.

Asia Society Philippines is expanding its policy programming with a focus on education, technology, health, climate resilience and economic growth. It plans to convene key discussions on Asian integration to strengthen regional cooperation and shared prosperity.

Membership is open to individuals, families and organizations interested in dynamic exchanges.

Asia 21 annual summit

Furthermore, the Philippines is set to host the Asia 21 Next Generation Annual Summit this year, bringing together exceptional young leaders across the Asia-Pacific for a dynamic three-day gathering focused on forging regional unity and innovative leadership. The summit is the centerpiece of the Asia 21 Fellowship—a yearlong program that develops the competencies needed to navigate Asia’s complex challenges, from climate and economic disruptions to cultural and geopolitical divides.

With over 1,000 alumni from over 40 countries, the Asia 21 Network seeks to empower emerging leaders across sectors through collaboration, policy engagement and social impact projects.