
Meet Bran Reluao, the 'digital diplomat' and PH's youngest special envoy to Thailand
Traditionally, members of the diplomatic corps rise through the ranks as career diplomats, but the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is welcoming a new wave of younger individuals into the fold.
Meet Bran Reluao. At just 28, the communications graduate from Far Eastern University — who also has an MBA in Business Administration from Philippine Christian University — holds the distinction of being the Philippines' youngest Special Envoy to the Kingdom of Thailand. He was appointed in May and assumed office a month later.
Unlike career diplomats, his Special Envoy designation is not the result of climbing the traditional ranks, but a Presidential appointment, a role given to individuals tasked with specific roles abroad.
Speaking to GMA News Online, Reluao admitted to initially feeling hesitant about the appointment. Engaging with seasoned individuals in the diplomatic world is its own kind of intimidating, after all.
But he eventually warmed up to the idea, stepped up for the role, and was even dubbed the "digital diplomat guy."
Talking about being the youngest in the nation's diplomatic world, Reluao said he was surprised at how welcoming his colleagues were at the Department of Foreign Affairs to his appointment, washing away his hesitation.
"It was a fun conversation that they told me, 'We are so thrilled that there's now a digital diplomat,'" he recalled.
"I'm very passionate about digital innovation, so they're very excited and welcoming about it," he added.
Tasks as a special envoy
While special envoys are typically sent to handle trade and investment partnerships in other countries, Reluao's assignment is unlike most others.
His mission in Thailand revolves around technology innovation to promote digital transformation in the Philippines.
"My very diplomatic mission is to build a Philippine-Thailand tech corridor. Because there's already a Thailand-Malaysian tech corridor or a Malaysian-Indonesian tech corridor, but there's no existing tech corridor between the Philippines and Thailand," he said.
Tech corridors mean the exchange of ideas between two countries through learning and cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, technology, digital innovation, among others.
Reluao's diplomatic mission is part of the country's preparation to host the ASEAN Summit in 2026, where digital diplomacy will be a key theme.
Through his Special Envoy role, Reluao aims to draw lessons from Thailand's impressive technological progress, particularly from Thailand's Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), which he described as "an agency dedicated only to the digital economy."
One of his goals is to spark a similar movement like DEPA in the country by advocating for a more dedicated agency focused on digital innovation, beyond what current institutions like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) can offer.
Reluao also seeks to support the President's aim to lower the internet costs in the Philippines by learning from Thailand's impressive internet infrastructure.
"Here in the Philippines, our internet per month, for example, P999 is already equivalent to a whole year in Thailand. So the President wants to slash the internet cost," he said.
Aside from digital connectivity, Reluao is also looking into Thailand's financial literacy in terms of the widespread usage of digital banking, as well as its rising startup culture.
The Special Envoy has already made early strides in his newly minted role. On his latest trip to Thailand, Reluao visited Chulalongkorn University and was impressed by the Integrated Innovation program designed to create startup-ready graduates.
"Their goal is that by the end of their four-year term, they would have a business, a licensed business," he said, adding that the idea is something he can push for in terms of education in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, in June, he attended the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2025, where the representatives of participating countries engaged in meaningful dialogue about trade, investment, innovation, and industrial cooperation.
In July, Reluao hosted an appreciation dinner for Thai Embassy officials to culminate their latest cultural visit to Intramuros, the walled City of Manila.
With just less than two months in, his visit to Thailand and attendance at the business matching fair in Japan are among the significant things he has done and participated in as a Special Envoy.
The pulse of the youth
Beyond his diplomatic duties, Reluao is also the chief executive officer of RepublicAsia, a data-driven advertising and media company he founded in 2022, that taps into the youth's sentiments, behavior, and values.
"At RepublicAsia, we have data scientists who understand the behavior of the young generation, and then they start creating publication materials based on that," he said.
Sharing his insights on today's youth and based on RepublicAsia's latest data, Reluao said Gen Zs place importance on three major things as of the moment: mental health and advocacy, respecting one's gender identity and pronouns, and embracing flexible setups in the workplace.
Regarding mental health, Reluao said that in RepublicAsia specifically, he lets his staff take their time with work so as to avoid unnecessary pressure.
"Most of the big corporations don't understand that being creative, being a good writer, needs a certain amount of time to [hone your work]," he said. "But some people are pressured to do things because they have certain numbers to [catch]."
Reluao champions a culture where young writers and creatives are free to express themselves without pressure by allowing them "to write freely."
"We still have an editor-in-chief so it should still be aligned with journalistic ethics and code. But I give them freedom to write in their own way," he said.
Meanwhile, Reluao is all for respecting gender identity and knowing one's pronouns.
"I have noticed that people in the younger generation are very particular with their pronouns, with their identifications," he said, adding "I think we need to be mindful and be respectful of that, on how they identify themselves."
Another trend among the youth, according to Reluao, is the shift toward flexible and remote work environments.
"[My staff] keeps telling me that in the office, they are pressured compared to when they are working, say, in coffee shops or wherever they want," he said.
Reluao said he has no problem with flexible setups, as long as "they can perform and submit their outputs."
The young CEO sees this evolving culture not as resistance, but as a new standard, especially with Gen Zs slowly dominating the workforce.
"Big corporations need to understand that we are now becoming more diversified and more outspoken," he said. "Gen Zs are not afraid to talk."
Reluao makes his own appointment as a Special Envoy as an example of Gen Zs undeniable presence in the workforce, reflecting Marcos' belief that young voices should be included in shaping the future.
"I think the President believes that we need new, young blood in the government," he said.
"We need more [of the] younger generation to think, to be outspoken, and not to be afraid," he said. "That's how the country should move forward."
Personal advocacy on digital inclusion
Staying true to his commitment to digital inclusion and innovation, Reluao launched the Pay IT Forward initiative in April, which aims to provide digital tools and training to underserved students and educators nationwide.
This initiative is in partnership with the Department of Education, the Department of Budget and Management, the DICT, and iACADEMY.
The Pay It Forward initiative has also partnered with Sparkle GMA Artist Center to give Sparkle artists and Status by Sparkle content creators workshops and scholarships.
Earlier in July, Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School in Marawi City, a learning institution that previously benefited from classrooms built by the GMA Kapuso Foundation, received a donation of 150 tablets and three 50-inch smart TVs through the Pay IT Forward initiative.
According to Reluao, it was his first time visiting Marawi with Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network senior vice president, for the turnover of the educational tablets and smart TVs.
"There's nothing more powerful than the smile of a child filled with hope," he wrote on Instagram.
"Seeing the kids light up as they received their tablets was a reminder of the endless possibilities that come with access to education and opportunity," he added.
If there is one thing about Reluao, it's that when it comes to making a difference, it's not about the age; it's about your purpose.
He may be the youngest Special Envoy in the Philippines, but his vision is far-reaching: a digitally empowered generation and a country that embraces innovation without leaving anyone behind.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


GMA Network
3 hours ago
- GMA Network
Marcos: PH ready to help ease Thailand-Cambodia tensions
A Cambodian military vehicle carries rocket launcher in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, Saturday, July 26, 2025, as border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia entered its third day, heightening fears of an extended conflict. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia following deadly clashes along the disputed border that also resulted in the displacement of thousands of people. 'The Philippines views with concern the ongoing conflict between our two fellow ASEAN Member States and urges them to resolve the dispute in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,' Marcos said in a statement. He said that ''the Philippines stands ready to assist in any way to restore peace.'' More than 30 people have been killed and more than 130,000 people displaced in the worst fighting between Thailand and Cambodia in 13 years. Thailand and Cambodia have expressed openness to a ceasefire agreement, which Malaysia, the current chairperson of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has been advocating. The two countries have bickered for decades over jurisdiction of various undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border, with ownership of the ancient Hindu temples Ta Moan Thom and the 11th century Preah Vihear central to the disputes. Preah Vihear was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962, but tension escalated in 2008 after Cambodia attempted to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage site. That led to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths. Cambodia in June said it had asked the court to resolve its disputes with Thailand, which says it has never recognized the court's jurisdiction and prefers a bilateral approach. —with a report from Reuters/VBL, GMA Integrated News


GMA Network
6 hours ago
- GMA Network
Thai-Cambodian fighting extends into third day, Malaysia urges ceasefire
People gather to receive water supplies donated at Batthkao Primary School camp, amid ongoing clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border that extended to the third day, with new flashpoints emerging as both sides seek diplomatic support and urge for negotiations, in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, July 26, 2025. REUTERS/Soveit Yarn SISAKET, Thailand - Fighting on the Thai-Cambodian border extended into a third day and new flashpoints emerged on Saturday as both sides said they had acted in self-defense in the border dispute and called on the other to cease fighting and start negotiations. More than 30 people have been killed and more than 130,000 people displaced in the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbors in 13 years. There were clashes early on Saturday, both sides said, in the neighboring Thai coastal province of Trat and Cambodia's Pursat Province early, a new front more than 100 km (60 miles) from other conflict points along the long-contested border. The two countries have faced off since the killing of a Cambodian soldier late in May during a brief skirmish. Troops on both sides of the border were reinforced amid a full-blown diplomatic crisis that brought Thailand's fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse. As of Saturday, Thailand said seven soldiers and 13 civilians had been killed in the clashes, while in Cambodia five soldiers and eight civilians had been killed, said Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata. In the Thai border province of Sisaket, a university compound has been converted into temporary accommodation, where a volunteer said more than 5,000 people were staying. Samrong Khamduang said she left her farm, about 10 km from the border, when fighting broke out on Thursday. The 51-year-old's husband stayed behind to look after livestock. "We got so scared with the sound of artillery," she said. "But my husband stayed back and now we lost the connection. I couldn't call him. I don't know what is happening back there." In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the chair of the ASEAN regional bloc, said he would continue to push a ceasefire proposal. Cambodia has backed Anwar's plan, while Thailand has said it agreed with it in principle. "There is still some exchange of fire," Anwar said, according to state news agency Bernama. He said he had asked his foreign minister "to liaise with the respective foreign ministries and, if possible, I will continue engaging with them myself – at least to halt the fighting". Security Council meeting Thailand's ambassador to the United Nations told a Security Council meeting on Friday that soldiers had been injured by newly planted land mines in Thai territory on two occasions since mid-July - claims Cambodia has strongly denied - and said Cambodia had then launched attacks on Thursday morning. "Thailand urges Cambodia to immediately cease all hostilities and acts of aggression, and resume dialogue in good faith," Cherdchai Chaivaivid told the council in remarks released to media. Cambodia's defense ministry said Thailand had launched "a deliberate, unprovoked, and unlawful military attack" and was mobilizing troops and military equipment on the border. "These deliberate military preparations reveal Thailand's intent to expand its aggression and further violate Cambodia's sovereignty," the ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Cambodia called for the international community to "condemn Thailand's aggression in the strongest terms" and to prevent an expansion of its military activities, while Bangkok reiterated it wanted to resolve the dispute bilaterally. Thailand and Cambodia have bickered for decades over jurisdiction of various undemarcated points along their 817-km (508-mile) land border, with ownership of the ancient Hindu temples Ta Moan Thom and the 11th century Preah Vihear central to the disputes. Preah Vihear was awarded to Cambodia by the International Court of Justice in 1962, but tension escalated in 2008 after Cambodia attempted to list it as a UNESCO World Heritage site. That led to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths. Cambodia in June said it had asked the court to resolve its disputes with Thailand, which says it has never recognized the court's jurisdiction and prefers a bilateral approach. — Reuters


GMA Network
6 hours ago
- GMA Network
GMA Integrated News gears up for extensive multi-platform coverage of State of the Nation Address 2025
On July 28, GMA Integrated News will deliver its comprehensive multi-platform coverage of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s (PBBM) fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), reaffirming its commitment to 'Mas malaking misyon, mas malawak na paglilingkod sa bayan!' Titled "State of the Nation Address 2025: The GMA Integrated News Special Coverage," it will be anchored by award-winning broadcast journalists Pia Arcangel and Atom Araullo. It will air live on GMA, GTV and will also be available on radio, online, and social media platforms. As the 'News Authority ng Filipino,' expect GMA Integrated News to provide the public with unparalleled, comprehensive updates and in-depth reports in the days leading to PBBM's SONA on Monday. Spearheading the coverage is GMA's flagship newscast, 24 Oras, offering a comprehensive report of the speech's highlights and a compelling series of special reports. Unang Hirit's Unang Balita will kick off the morning with an essential overview and anticipation of PBBM's report to the Filipino people. Late-night newscast Saksi, and GTV's Dobol B TV, Balitanghali and State of the Nation will provide continuous updates, rounding up the day's biggest stories and analyses. Online, the live stream of 'State of the Nation Address 2025: The GMA Integrated News Special Coverage' will be available on and GMA Integrated News' official accounts on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok for bite-sized updates. Viewers can also visit GMA News Online for a comprehensive coverage of SONA 2025 – from pre-SONA special reports on the economy, health, security, agriculture, infrastructure, and education to PBBM's speech, reactions, and rally coverages. Netizens may download the GMA News Online app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for a blow-by-blow live blog and end-of-day summary. Across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, GMA Regional TV (RTV) is geared to ensure viewers remain updated thru its flagship local newscasts: One North Central Luzon, Balitang Bisdak, One Western Visayas, and One Mindanao. The SONA 2025 coverage is also accessible via its official website and on GMA RTV's Facebook page and Youtube channel. The Network's flagship AM radio station, Super Radyo DZBB 594khz, and its Super Radyo stations nationwide are primed to deliver the biggest news and latest information via 'Super Radyo DZBB Special Coverage: State of the Nation Address 2025.' Coverage will commence early at 3 a.m. via Markado and will continue until 6:30 p.m. Listeners of Super Radyo Cebu, Super Radyo Davao, Super Radyo Iloilo, Super Radyo Palawan, Super Radyo Gen. Santos, and Super Radyo Kalibo can also access dedicated local coverage from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Further, 'Super Radyo DZBB Special Coverage: State of the Nation Address 2025' will simulcast via Dobol B TV from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on GTV. Global Pinoys can stay informed during SONA 2025 with live, real-time coverage from GMA Integrated News—airing across GMA Network's international channels: GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV.