SINGAPORE – The Milken Institute today announced that Cesar Purisima, former Philippines secretary of finance, has joined the Milken Institute as an Asia Fellow focused on expanding the Institute’s work in the Philippines.
Purisima, who also served as chair of the Economic Development Cluster of President Benigno Aquino’s Cabinet, was named “finance minister of the year” six times in five consecutive years by various international institutions such as Emerging Markets, FinanceAsia, Euromoney and the Banker. Purisima is recognized for his successful stewardship of the Philippine economy and leadership in steering economic policy that led to greater investor confidence and the country’s fastest growth streak in 40 years.
Purisima also previously was secretary of trade and industry and served an earlier term as secretary of finance from 2004 to 2005. Prior to his stints in government, he served as chairman and managing partner of the country's largest professional services firm, Sycip Gorres Velayo (SGV) & Co., and as managing partner for Asia-Pacific for assurance and business services of Andersen Worldwide. Purisima was also a member of the global executive board of Ernst & Young Global.
Purisima is no stranger to the Milken Institute, having been a speaker at its flagship Global Conference in Los Angeles in 2015 and 2016, as well as the 2015 Asia Summit. “I have always respected the work of the Milken Institute and the platform it provides for leaders across sectors and industries to collaborate on innovative solutions to the world’s problems,” he said. “With the growing influence of Asia on the global stage, it has never been a more exciting time to join the Milken Institute.”
Purisima joins an accomplished group of Milken Institute Asia Fellows — Reuben Abraham, Senior Fellow and CEO of Indian-based IDFC Institute; Curtis S. Chin, former United States ambassador to the Asian Development Bank; Dino Patti Djalal, former Indonesian ambassador to the United States; and Kotaro Tamura, former Japanese senator and adjunct professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at National University of Singapore.
“I am thrilled to welcome Cesar to our team,” said Laura Deal Lacey, executive director, Asia, of the Milken Institute. “His addition is key to our strategic expansion in Asia. With his successful experience in bold and innovative reform as one of the most respected finance ministers in Asia, we look forward to advancing our mission into the region.”
The Milken Institute established its presence in Asia in 2013 and has since developed programs and conducted research focused on solving crucial challenges in the region such as capital market reform in emerging economies, a growing population of older adults and massive financing gaps in areas such as infrastructure and conservation.