ICEF Philippines 2025

16:30 - 16:55Seminar Room

Market update: The Philippines

Thought Leadership

Presentation

Presenter

Renato Bueno David

A seasoned legal professional, Renato Bueno is the President & CEO of Counselors for Immigration & International Studies (CIS), Inc., bringing 19 years of experience in immigration law to the forefront. His distinguished career began in various Philippine government institutions, including local government, Congress, and the Office of the President. This extensive background provides a unique perspective and deep understanding of the intricacies of immigration processes. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, a Juris Doctor, and a Master of Laws from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, further solidifying his expertise in the field. Bueno and CIS are dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective immigration solutions.

CEO, Counselors for Immigration & International Studies, Inc.

With a population of around 118 million, 19% of which is between 15 - 24, and high levels of English proficiency, the Philippines has become a key destination for international student recruitment professionals. Historically, outbound Filipino students have shown a preference for Australia and Canada as study destinations, in part because they are looking for long-term migratory opportunities for both themselves and their families. However, with the number of outbound students having doubled in the last decade, there is considerable room for competition.

In this session, Renato Bueno will provide an update on the latest trends affecting this high-growth market segment. Topics will include changing student destination preferences, insights into the most popular courses for Filipino students, and an overview of the economic aspects that need to be considered when recruiting from the country.

17:00 - 17:40Seminar Room

Meeting the challenges of quality student recruitment

Professional Development

Discussion

Presenter

Seher Neöz

Seher joined ICEF in 2007 as a university student and is now the Central and Eastern Europe Director at ICEF. She has over 15 years of experience in advising educational institutions across Europe on growing and diversifying international student recruitment. She works closely with educators and industry service providers to help them strategise best practices with agent engagement, as well as, on how to market their brand to the right audiences through marketing support, consulting, sponsorship, exposure on digital & offline media and ICEF Events. Seher gained a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Translation Studies at the London Metropolitan University and also graduated in Translation Studies and Political Sciences from the University of Bonn. She is fluent in German, English, Turkish and Kurdish and speaks French on intermediate level.

Central and Eastern Europe Director, ICEF

How can institutions and agencies collaborate effectively in the ever-changing landscape of international student recruitment? This interactive session invites participants to explore common obstacles from onboarding new partnerships to adapting to evolving requirements. Attendees will share experiences, uncover insights, and contribute to a collective pool of best practices. Join us to connect with peers and leave with actionable strategies to enhance your recruitment partnerships.

18:15 - 18:55Seminar Room

Harnessing recruitment opportunities from the Philippines

Market Intelligence

Panel discussion

Moderator

Martijn van de Veen

Martijn has a strong background in the international student segment with 8 years as global director of the International Student Identity Card Association - a founding member association of the World Youth Student & Education Travel Confederation (WYSETC) - and consequently 4 years as founder and managing director of ‘International Student Services’ (ISIC Japan) in Tokyo. In his role as Chief Business Development Officer at ICEF, Martijn is responsible for growth through global and strategic partnerships with providers of services and products relevant to the international student recruitment industry such as Edtech, Student Banking, Insurance, Accommodation, Student & Youth Travel, Consulting etc. Martijn's international profile is characterised not only by his studies but also by the places where he has lived and worked: he has studied Japanese and French at the University of Applied Sciences in Maastricht, International Business Communications at the Radboud University Nijmegen and has lived and worked in Frankfurt, Paris and Tokyo. Now based in Amsterdam, he speaks 7 languages.

Chief Business Development Officer, ICEF

Panelist

Elma Perello-Lagamson

Ms. Elma Perello-Lagamson is the President and Founder of Convergence Documentation Services. She acquired a degree in Masters of Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business. She has more than two decades of professional experience in the field of international negotiations focusing on global education. Ms. Lagamson is also one of the incorporators and seated as one of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Quezon City Philippines. Likewise, she is also one of the incorporators of International Education Consultants Alliance of the Philippines (IECAP) To date CONVERGENCE, was able to send hundreds of Filipino students and a recipient of different awards and citations.

President / Founder, Convergence Documentation Services

Panelist

Sébastien Corniglion

I’m a Data Engineer, still practicing over the DSTI infrastructure, passionate about STEM education and also, education and career guidance towards the young generations. I’m also an entrepreneur, having co-founded DSTI, my motto being “economic performance can only be the consequence of quality”

CEO, DSTI School of Engineering

Panelist

Isabella Yuzon

I hold a BA in International Studies from De La Salle University-Manila and have built a career in the international education sector, working across the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada for a decade, and now in Asia. My experience spans sales, business development, recruitment, and customer success in both B2B and B2C markets. I’ve developed effective strategies and created content tailored for study abroad programs. Known for strong communication and a collaborative approach, I’m equally confident working independently. With a global perspective and a practical mindset, I bring adaptability and focus to every project I lead or contribute to.

Customer Success Lead, Study In Asia

A unique country within Southeast Asia, the Philippines combines Asian tradition with Euro-American influences. While such cultural diversity is just one of the many reasons why recruiters are keen to work with Filipino students, it is important to be aware of the culture and heritage that is so important to students and their families, developing a marketing strategy that aligns with their needs and interests.

In this panel discussion, led by ICEF’s Martijn van de Veen and featuring contributions from three other panellists, we look at the benefits of this growing market segment, discuss strategies to effectively recruit from the country, and consider how best to support Filipino students throughout their studies.

16:30 - 16:55Seminar Room

Market update: The Philippines

Seminar Room

Thought Leadership

Renato Bueno DavidPresenterCEO, Counselors for Immigration & International Studies, Inc.

17:00 - 17:40Seminar Room

Meeting the challenges of quality student recruitment

Seminar Room

Professional Development

Seher NeözPresenterCentral and Eastern Europe Director, ICEF

18:15 - 18:55Seminar Room

Harnessing recruitment opportunities from the Philippines

Seminar Room

Market Intelligence

Martijn van de VeenModeratorChief Business Development Officer, ICEF

Elma Perello-LagamsonPanelistPresident / Founder, Convergence Documentation Services

Sébastien CorniglionPanelistCEO, DSTI School of Engineering

Isabella YuzonPanelistCustomer Success Lead, Study In Asia

Seminar Programme ICEF Philippines