In its effort to encourage the active participation of young people in the future of the Philippines, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) – Manila Branch held lectures on Project Finance at Ateneo de Manila University on November 28, and Asia Pacific College in partnership with National University on November 29.

The topic was chosen for its relevance to President Rodrigo R. Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure campaign. Mr. Rajeev Kannan, SMBC Head of Investment Banking Department Asia which is headquartered in Singapore, came to Manila to provide the lectures with the theme, “Infrastructure Finance: The Road to Economic Growth.”

Over 200 students and faculty of the three schools – primarily from mathematical finance, economics, accounting and business management programs – learned about the basics, benefits and challenges of Project Finance. He also advised the schools on how to incorporate in their respective curricula the skills required to be part of the project finance industry, examples of which were cashflow modelling and risk management.

The lecture was not limited to the business and finance aspects of Project Finance. Mr Kannan also delved into how Project Finance can provide crucial support in the development of a nation, particularly emerging markets, which usually experience an accelerated need for reliable infrastructure.

This is SMBC Manila Branch’s first Corporate Social Responsibility activity in Manila since it opened its doors on September 1, 2015. In his opening speeches for the lectures, Mr Hiroki Nakatsuka, General Manager of SMBC Manila, emphasized SMBC’s commitment to the Philippines’ economic growth as well as providing a holistic contribution to the development of the country.