Words by Group Founder, Eman Pulis?

This week marks a special moment for the SiGMA Group as the company has reopened its physical offices in Manila. Back in 2019, I had managed to persuade my family to relocate to Manila indefinitely in order to grow the SiGMA brand beyond its comfort shores in Malta. “Just like Malta is Europe’s gaming hub, Manila is Asia’s equivalent.”

It made sense to set up an office in Manila, with ambitions to launch the very first conference outside Malta, in the iGaming capital of Asia. SiGMA’s workforce in Asia has grown rapidly and necessitates state-of-the-art facilities.

The first SiGMA Asia was to be held in the form of a joint venture together with Clarion & ICE in June 2020. Covid-19, however, had other plans in mind. As a result, the show was not only cancelled, but we were left with no choice but to shut down offices shortly afterwards. The uncertainty around Covid, the total lockdown, the health system in Philippines being different from that in Europe, required me to relocate back to Malta after just one year.

Fast forward three years and the SiGMA Group has grown from strength to strength, beating all pre-Covid forecasts. The Manila show is back, three times stronger than our 2020 forecasts. As a result, SiGMA’s workforce in Asia has grown rapidly and necessitates state-of-the-art facilities. A new lease agreement was signed earlier this week, this time in Bonifacio Global City, a financial business district in Taguig, Metro Manila. The district experienced commercial growth and enjoys a thriving business and tech community.

Managing Director for SiGMA Asia, Neil Shih adds, “We are thrilled to share the official settlement of our Manila team in our new office located in BGC. This significant milestone represents a remarkable leap forward in the aftermath of the pandemic, reflecting our unwavering dedication to growth, progress, and delivering unforgettable experiences. Our new office not only symbolizes our commitment but also empowers us to elevate our services, forge stronger partnerships, and bring even greater magic to every event we create. Save the date and join us at SiGMA Asia in July.”

The premises will also serve as an office base for SiGMA employees around the world, who wish to spend time in Manila. Staff members of the SiGMA Group as well as startups supported by Ikigai Ventures, the VC arm of SiGMA Group, can use these facilities at their discretion.

The first SiGMA Asia will be held between the the 19th and 22nd July and is expected to attract 10,000 delegates, 300 exhibitors and 200 speakers, mostly from Eurasia. For further information visit?https://www.shipengpaper.com/asia/.