CRDF Global Advances Digital Resilience Initiatives in Southeast Asia
In just over one year since the grand opening of its Manila office, CRDF Global has quickly expanded its standing as a trusted and effective implementer in the Southeast Asia region, building upon its history of delivering solutions for U.S. interests in the region, particularly those focused on digital resilience and forward-looking solutions in cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Last month, CRDF Global’s Chief Growth Officer Eldar Imanverdi and Vice President of Security Assistance Glen Schuhmacher attended the 6th annual Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF), cohosted by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. Opened by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the forum attracted over 700 participants including senior government officials and business leaders from the U.S., the Philippines, and the region to discuss topical issues. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken provided video remarks during the event, speaking to the United States’ participation in the region’s priority projects and interest in peer-to-peer competition.
“The IPBF is the pre-eminent forum for conversations on the U.S. government’s expanding interests in the region, and CRDF Global was well-represented with a delegation from our U.S. and Philippine offices,” said Eldar Imanverdi. “The momentum of our collaboration is clear, from President Marcos’s recent visit to the U.S., and a visit from President Biden to the Philippines anticipated in the near future, and CRDF Global is perfectly positioned in the region to support future needs.”
“Since our grand opening in March 2023, the team supporting the Manila office has demonstrated remarkable capability and agility, quickly jumping into a robust operational tempo and adding invaluable local insight to our programming,” said Mike Byfield, who serves as Regional Director of CRDF Global’s Southeast Asia operations.
“One of our early successes in Manila was in leading the program execution of a Department of State East Asia Pacific Bureau award under the Smart and Secure Ports Program in the Indo-Pacific region. From that exciting start, we’ve been honored to support other significant initiatives that have been entrusted to us by the U.S. State Department, as well as Global Affairs Canada and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, and we stand ready to expand our support to future missions.”
