International leaders in industry, technology, education, and culture will explore actionable solutions to pressing worldwide challenges during the Brother Andrew Gonzalez FSC Academia-Industry Conference (BagCon) 2025, a two-day convention at the Space, One Ayala, on November 12 and 13, 2025.
Themed ‘New Imaginings: Designing Future Societies,’ the event aims to promote active participation in shaping inclusive and values-driven communities. It serves as a platform where policymakers, creatives, educators, and students engage in dialogue as they unravel solutions which empower them to drive meaningful change.
This year’s BagCon is presented by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) through its School of New Media Arts (SNMA), School of Arts, Culture, and Performance, and School of Environment and Design, in partnership with the School of Management and Information Technology Game Design and Development Program.
The milestone event was founded to honor the legacy of Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC, an outstanding noteworthy visionary, institution builder, and prolific linguist.
The lineup of distinguished speakers will present future-oriented scenarios which inspire courage, creativity, and social responsibility.
It will highlight interdisciplinary strategies that are practical, actionable, and relevant to society’s evolving needs.
Day 1 comprises lectures by Professor Mona Nasser, director of Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR) Faculty of Health, and filmmaker and architect Liam Young, founder of Tomorrow’s Thoughts Today think tank.
Likewise included are video game technology expert Julien Merceron, worldwide chief technology officer of Bandai Namco Studios Inc., as well as writer, artist, and cultural theorist Ashok Mathur of the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University.
Completing the roster are Dr. Ching-Ju Cheng, supervisor of Taiwan Association of Cultural Policy Studies, and award-winning journalist Horacio ‘Howie’ Severino, co-founder of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and former vice president of GMA Network.
Day 2 will feature a talk by cultural policy expert, civil society advocate, and arts educator Audrey Wong. Also lined up is a plenary block with Jos Ortega, chairman and CEO of Havas Ortega Group and managing partner of HAVAS Red Philippines; arts and cultural manager and museum professional Rica Estrada Uson; Lilian G. Salonga, director of the Bureau of Competitive Development of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); and Maria Rita ‘Rhea’ Matute, executive director of the DTI-Design Center of the Philippines.
‘BagCon offers a vital space for the academe to raise its collective voice, to challenge the status quo, and to imagine new possibilities for our communities,’ said Benilde SNMA Dean Sharon Mapa Arriola. ‘At the close of the gathering, we will not only have shared insights, but also craft a resolution-a living commitment from each participant to be part of the solution.’
BagCon 2025 is open to the public. Registration is P7,500 for professionals and P3,500 for students. Group packages are offered with a 10+1 deal.