55-673: The Podium (also known as SM Podium or SM The Podium ) is a mixed-use development located along ADB Avenue in the Ortigas Center , a major business and commercial district in Mandaluyong , Philippines. It was developed in December 2001 and officially opened in August 2002 as a joint project of Singaporean company, Keppel Land , and BDO Unibank . The mixed-use development has a floor area of 140,000 m (1,500,000 sq ft) and consists of
110-508: A social development organization that is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth , and regional integration . This is carried out through investments – in the form of loans, grants and information sharing – in infrastructure, health care services, financial and public administration systems, helping countries prepare for
165-532: A $ 4 billion emergency loan to South Korea. In 1999, ADB adopted poverty reduction as its overarching goal. The early 2000s saw a dramatic expansion of private sector finance. While the institution had such operations since the 1980s (under pressure from the Reagan Administration) the early attempts were highly unsuccessful with low lending volumes, considerable losses and financial scandals associated with an entity named AFIC. However, beginning in 2002,
220-587: A Japanese civil servant, is the president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Asakawa, who took office on 17 January 2020, is the 10th president of ADB. He was formerly special adviser to Shinzo Abe , prime minister of Japan , and to Taro Aso , the deputy prime minister of Japan and minister of finance. He was also formerly the vice minister for international affairs in the Ministry of Finance in Japan. Born in
275-426: A large amount of funds from commercial sources to finance these projects by holding no more than 25% of any given transaction. ADB partners with other development organizations on some projects to increase the amount of funding available. In 2014, $ 9.2 billion—or nearly half—of ADB's $ 22.9 billion in operations were financed by other organizations. According to Jason Rush, Principal Communication Specialist,
330-682: A living green wall facade. It also features three Director's Club Cinemas that were opened on December 15, 2018. The Podium was awarded the LEED Gold Mark (Core & Shell) pre-certification by the US Green Building Council and is also the first building in the Philippines to receive the provisional Green Mark Gold Award by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore. ADB Avenue The Asian Development Bank ( ADB )
385-510: A ministerial conference in Manila in November/December 1965. In the first round on 30 November, Tokyo failed to win a majority, so a second ballot was held the next day at noon. Although Japan was in the lead, it was still inconclusive, so a final vote was held after lunch. In the third poll, Tokyo gained eight votes to Manila's nine, with one abstention. Therefore, Manila was declared the host of
440-721: A new financial institution for the region. A year later, Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi announced that Japan intended to sponsor the establishment of a regional development fund with resources largely from Japan and other industrial countries. But the US did not warm to the plan and the concept was shelved. See full account in "Banking the Future of Asia and the Pacific: 50 Years of the Asian Development Bank", July 2017. The idea came up again late in 1962 when Kaoru Ohashi, an economist from
495-563: A podium within the towers, and was opened on 2019. The main building (Phase 1) entered renovation works following the opening, and was completed in December 2018. Completed in July 2001, the first phase of The Podium mall was designed by Pimentel, Rodriguez, Simbulan and Partners (PRSP) and was constructed by the Monolith Construction and Development Corporation with a conditioned floor area of 26,922 m (289,790 sq ft). The mall
550-608: A research institute in Tokyo, visited Takeshi Watanabe , then a private financial consultant in Tokyo, and proposed a study group to form a development bank for the Asian region. The group met regularly in 1963, examining various scenarios for setting up a new institution and drew on Watanabe's experiences with the World Bank . However, the idea received a cool reception from the World Bank itself and
605-560: A severe food crisis , while also addressing climate change with significant financial commitments, including $ 6.7 billion for climate initiatives and a $ 14 billion package for food security. The ADB committed a total of $ 20.5 billion in various forms of assistance, including private sector financing, and fostered regional cooperation, with a focus on gender equality , education, healthcare , and unlocking additional resources through innovative financial mechanisms. The report also notes organizational reforms for increased efficacy,
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#1732858420608660-514: A shopping mall of the same name, which has a floor area of 50,000 m (540,000 sq ft) and two office buildings built on top of it, having a total floor area of 90,000 m (970,000 sq ft). The buildings are the BDO Corporate Center and The Podium West Tower which were built in 2015 and 2019. A six-level expansion (Phase 2), located beside the main mall, was opened on October 27, 2017. The expansion will also include
715-445: Is Thailand 's Mae Moh coal-fired power station . Environmental and human rights activists say ADB's environmental safeguards policy as well as policies for indigenous peoples and involuntary resettlement , while usually up to international standards on paper, are often ignored in practice, are too vague or weak to be effective, or are simply not enforced by bank officials. The bank has been criticized over its role and relevance in
770-537: Is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966, which is headquartered in 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong , Metro Manila 1550, Philippines . The bank also maintains 31 field offices around the world to promote social and economic development in Asia. The bank admits the members of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP, formerly the Economic Commission for Asia and
825-646: The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami . In addition, $ 1 billion in loans and grants was provided to the victims of the October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. In December 2005, China donated $ 20 million to the ADB for a regional poverty alleviation fund; China's first such fund set up at an international institution. In 2009, ADB's Board of Governors agreed to triple ADB's capital base from $ 55 billion to $ 165 billion, giving it much-needed resources to respond to
880-591: The Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan, Asakawa attended Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo , graduating with a BA in 1981. He joined the Ministry of Finance in Japan the same year. Asakawa later studied at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University in the United States, graduating with an MPA in 1985. A brief summary of Masatsugu Asakawa's career in
935-487: The United Nations Environmental Program , stating in a report that "much of the growth has bypassed more than 70 percent of its rural population, many of whom are directly dependent on natural resources for livelihoods and incomes." There had been criticism that ADB's large scale projects cause social and environmental damage due to lack of oversight. One of the most controversial ADB-related projects
990-581: The food crisis . The ADB has been accused by civil society of ignoring warnings leading up the crisis and also contributing to it by pushing loan conditions that many say unfairly pressure governments to deregulate and privatize agriculture, leading to problems such as the rice supply shortage in Southeast Asia. Indeed, whereas the Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) closed out that year with financings of $ 2.4 billion,
1045-501: The global economic crisis . The 200% increase is the largest in ADB's history, and was the first since 1994. Asia moved beyond the economic crisis and by 2010 had emerged as a new engine of global economic growth though it remained home to two-thirds of the world's poor. In addition, the increasing prosperity of many people in the region created a widening income gap that left many people behind. ADB responded to this with loans and grants that encouraged economic growth. In early 2012,
1100-554: The ADB began to re-engage with Myanmar in response to reforms initiated by the government. In April 2014, ADB opened an office in Myanmar and resumed making loans and grants to the country. In 2017, ADB combined the lending operations of its Asian Development Fund (ADF) with its ordinary capital resources (OCR). The result was to expand the OCR balance sheet to permit increasing annual lending and grants to $ 20 billion by 2020 – 50% more than
1155-623: The ADB has significantly dropped below that level in the years since and is clearly not on the path to achieving its stated goal of 50% of financings to the private sector by 2020. Critics also point out that the PSOD is the only department that actually makes money for the ADB. Hence, with the vast majority of loans going to concessionary (sub-market) loans to the public sector, the ADB is facing considerable financial difficulty and continuous operating losses. Masatsugu Asakawa Masatsugu Asakawa ( 浅川 雅嗣 , Asakawa Masatsugu , born 25 January 1958) ,
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#17328584206081210-616: The ADB into a high-impact development agency. On 18 November 1972, the Bank inaugurated its headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City , Philippines. On 31 May 1991, ADB moved its offices to Ortigas Center in Pasig City , with the Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines) taking over its old Pasay premises. In the 1990s, ADB began promoting regional cooperation by helping the countries on
1265-658: The ADB undertook a dramatic expansion of private sector lending under a new team. Over the course of the next six years, the Private Sector Operations Department (PSOD) grew by a factor of 41 times the 2001 levels of new financings and earnings for the ADB. This culminated with the Board's formal recognition of these achievements in March 2008, when the board of directors formally adopted the Long Term strategic Framework (LTSF). That document formally stated that assistance to private sector development
1320-498: The ADB's early days, critics have charged that the two major donors, Japan and the United States, have had extensive influence over lending, policy and staffing decisions. Oxfam Australia has criticized the Asian Development Bank for insensitivity to local communities. "Operating at a global and international level, these banks can undermine people's human rights through projects that have detrimental outcomes for poor and marginalized communities." The bank also received criticism from
1375-565: The Agricultural Special Fund in April 1968. Watanabe served as the first ADB president to 1972. In the 1970s, ADB's assistance to developing countries in Asia expanded into education and health, and then to infrastructure and industry. The gradual emergence of Asian economies in the latter part of the decade spurred demand for better infrastructure to support economic growth. ADB focused on improving roads and providing electricity. When
1430-531: The Bank communicates with many other multilateral organizations. More than 50 financing partnership facilities, trust funds, and other funds – totaling several billion each year – are administered by ADB and put toward projects that promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific. ADB has raised Rupees 5 billion or around Rupees 5 billion from its issuance of 5-year offshore Indian rupee (INR) linked bonds. On 26 February 2020, ADB raises $ 118 million from rupee-linked bonds and supporting
1485-461: The Far East or ECAFE), and non-regional developed countries . Starting with 31 members at its establishment, ADB now has 68 members. The ADB was modeled closely on the World Bank and has a similar weighted voting system, where votes are distributed in proportion with members' capital subscriptions. ADB releases an annual report that summarizes its operations, budget, and other materials for review by
1540-522: The Mekong River to trade and work together. The decade also saw an expansion of ADB's membership with the addition of several Central Asian countries following the end of the Cold War. In mid-1997, ADB responded to the financial crisis that hit the region with projects designed to strengthen financial sectors and create social safety nets for the poor. During the crisis, ADB approved its largest single loan –
1595-565: The Ministry of Finance in Japan is as follows: On 2 December 2019, it was announced that Asakawa had been unanimously elected by Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the 10th president of the Bank. The Government of Japan nominated Asakawa as a candidate for position of president ADB in September 2019. The former ADB president, Takehiko Nakao , announced that he would retire as ADB president on 16 January 2020 so Asakawa took up his position as ADB president on 17 January 2020. In
1650-532: The Pacific. In the wake of the second oil crisis, ADB expanded its assistance to energy projects. In 1982, ADB opened its first field office, in Bangladesh , and later in the decade, it expanded its work with non-government organizations (NGOs). Japanese presidents Inoue Shiro (1972–76) and Yoshida Taroichi (1976–81) took the spotlight in the 1970s. Fujioka Masao, the fourth president (1981–90), adopted an assertive leadership style, launching an ambitious plan to expand
1705-744: The Technical Assistance Management Unit in the Fiscal Affairs Department of the International Monetary Fund . He has also held several positions at the Committee on Fiscal Affairs, OECD while concurrently serving in his duties at the Ministry of Finance including: Asakawa also served as executive assistant to the prime minister during the period of the Aso Cabinet (2008–2009). He served as visiting professor at
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1760-532: The acquisition of shares of its partners in the SM Keppel Land Inc. (SMKL) joint venture. it later formally acquired in December of the same year. The following month in January 2024, SM Keppel Land Inc. merged with its parent BDO Unibank Inc., with BDO Unibank Inc. as surviving entity of the said merger. Designed with a modern mix of glass, curves and green. The Podium features intricate architectural accents and
1815-597: The adoption of a hybrid work model following the full reopening of its headquarters. ADB has an information disclosure policy that presumes all information that is produced by the institution should be disclosed to the public unless there is a specific reason to keep it confidential. The policy calls for accountability and transparency in operations and the timely response to requests for information and documents. ADB does not disclose information that jeopardizes personal privacy, safety and security, certain financial and commercial information, as well as other exceptions. Since
1870-528: The bank is at 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong , Metro Manila , Philippines , and it has 42 field offices in Asia and the Pacific and representative offices in Washington , Frankfurt, Tokyo and Sydney . The bank employs about 3,000 people, representing 60 of its 68 members. As early as 1956, Japan Finance Minister Hisato Ichimada had suggested to United States Secretary of State John Foster Dulles that development projects in Southeast Asia could be supported by
1925-605: The bank's ordinary capital resources (OCR), which functions as its general operational fund. The ADB's Private Sector Department (PSOD) can and does offer a broader range of financings beyond commercial loans. They also have the capability to provide guarantees, equity and mezzanine finance (a combination of debt and equity). In 2017, ADB lent $ 19.1 billion of which $ 3.2 billion went to private enterprises, as part of its "non-sovereign" operations. ADB's operations in 2017, including grants and co-financing, totaled $ 28.9 billion. ADB obtains its funding by issuing bonds on
1980-550: The development of India International Exchange in India, as it also contributes to an established yield curve which stretches from 2021 through 2030 with $ 1 billion of outstanding bonds. The 2022 Annual Report details ADB's efforts in aiding its developing member countries to overcome the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic , tackle new challenges like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and
2035-399: The end of 1972, Japan had contributed $ 173.7 million (22.6% of the total) to the ordinary capital resources and $ 122.6 million (59.6% of the total) to the special funds. In contrast, the United States contributed only $ 1.25 million to the special fund. After its creation in the 1960s, ADB focused much of its assistance on food production and rural development. At the time, Asia
2090-541: The first instance, Asakawa was expected to serve out the remainder of the five-term presidential term which Nakao began in November 2016. After he took over, ADB made significant contributions to the regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a $ 20 million package and a $ 9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Facility. The regular five-year election for the position of ADB president was held as scheduled in mid-2021. Asakawa
2145-459: The impact of climate change or better manage their natural resources , as well as other areas. Eighty percent of ADB's lending is concentrated public sector lending in five operational areas. The ADB offers "hard" loans on commercial terms primarily to middle income countries in Asia and " soft" loans with lower interest rates to poorer countries in the region. Based on a new policy, both types of loans will be sourced starting January 2017 from
2200-437: The largest proportion of shares at 15.571%. China holds 6.429%, India holds 6.317%, and Australia holds 5.773%. The highest policy-making body of the bank is the Board of Governors, composed of one representative from each member state. The Board of Governors, in turn, elect among themselves the twelve members of the board of directors and their deputies. Eight of the twelve members come from regional (Asia-Pacific) members while
2255-531: The new development bank; the Japanese were mystified and deeply disappointed. Watanabe later wrote in his personal history of ADB: "I felt as if the child I had so carefully reared had been taken away to a distant country." (Asian Development Bank publication, "Towards a New Asia", 1977, p. 16) On 3 December 1965, Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal lays the foundation stone of the Asian Development Bank. As intensive work took place during 1966 to prepare for
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2310-400: The opening of the new bank in Manila, high on the agenda was choice of president. Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Satō asked Watanabe to be a candidate. Although he initially declined, pressure came from other countries and Watanabe agreed. In the absence of any other candidates, Watanabe was elected first President of the Asian Development Bank at its Inaugural Meeting on 24 November 1966. By
2365-604: The others come from non-regional members. The Board of Governors also elect the bank's president, who is the chairperson of the board of directors and manages ADB. The president has a term of office lasting five years, and may be re-elected. Traditionally, and because Japan is one of the largest shareholders of the bank, the president has always been Japanese. The current president is Masatsugu Asakawa . He succeeded Takehiko Nakao on 17 January 2020, who succeeded Haruhiko Kuroda in 2013. In 2024, Asakawa announced his resignation effective on 23 February 2025. The headquarters of
2420-650: The previous level. In 2020, ADB gave a $ 2 million grant from the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, to support the Armenian government in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 pandemic . In the same year, the ADB committed a $ 20 million loan to Electric Networks of Armenia, that will ensure electricity for the citizens during the pandemic, as well as approved $ 500,000 in regional technical assistance to procure personal protective equipment and other medical supplies. The ADB defines itself as
2475-476: The public. The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) enrolls about 300 students annually in academic institutions located in 10 countries within the Region. After completing their study programs, scholars are expected to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries. ADB holds the status of an official United Nations Observer. As of 31 December 2020, Japan and the United States each holds
2530-431: The study group became discouraged. In parallel, the concept was formally proposed at a trade conference organized by the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) in 1963 by a young Thai economist, Paul Sithi-Amnuai. (ESCAP, United Nations Publication March 2007, "The first parliament of Asia" pp. 65). Despite an initial mixed reaction, support for the establishment of a new bank soon grew. An expert group
2585-504: The underside of an escalator at the mall collapsed after heavy rains damaged part of the mall's ceiling. On September 6, 2019, Singapore president Halimah Yacob graced the grand reopening of The Podium, completing the mall's second phase. She was in Manila for a state visit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines. On March 27, 2023, BDO Unibank announced that it would take full ownership of The Podium complex after its board approved
2640-420: The wake of the escalating U.S. military support for the government of South Vietnam . As a key player in the concept, Japan hoped that the ADB offices would be in Tokyo. However, eight other cities had also expressed an interest: Bangkok , Colombo , Kabul , Kuala Lumpur, Manila , Phnom Penh , Singapore, and Tehran . To decide, the 18 prospective regional members of the new bank held three rounds of votes at
2695-496: The world suffered its first oil price shock, ADB shifted more of its assistance to support energy projects, especially those promoting the development of domestic energy sources in member countries. Following considerable pressure from the Reagan Administration in the 1980s, ADB reluctantly began working with the private sector in an attempt to increase the impact of its development assistance to poor countries in Asia and
2750-418: The world's capital markets. It also relies on the contributions of member countries, retained earnings from lending operations, and the repayment of loans. ADB provides direct financial assistance, in the form of debt, equity and mezzanine finance to private sector companies, for projects that have clear social benefits beyond the financial rate of return. ADB's participation is usually limited but it leverages
2805-434: Was convened to study the idea, with Japan invited to contribute to the group. When Watanabe was recommended, the two streams proposing a new bank—from ECAFE and Japan—came together. Initially, the US was on the fence, not opposing the idea but not ready to commit financial support. But a new bank for Asia was soon seen to fit in with a broader program of assistance to Asia planned by United States President Lyndon B. Johnson in
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#17328584206082860-560: Was one of the poorest regions in the world. Early loans went largely to Indonesia , Thailand , Malaysia , South Korea and the Philippines ; these countries accounted for 78.48% of the total ADB loans between 1967 and 1972. Moreover, Japan received tangible benefits, 41.67% of the total procurements between 1967 and 1976. Japan tied its special funds contributions to its preferred sectors and regions and procurements of its goods and services, as reflected in its $ 100 million donation for
2915-539: Was opened in 2002. The mall was a few meters away from SM Megamall and the St. Francis Square Mall . It was also located beside the Benguet Center building, which was the headquarters of BDO Unibank until 2011. This gave way to the mall's full closure in 2017 for expansion works. On October 27, 2017, the mall held a soft opening of its second phase, with the first phase remaining closed for renovation. In May 2019, part of
2970-536: Was the lead priority of the ADB and that it should constitute 50% of the bank's lending by 2020. In 2003, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic hit the region and ADB responded with programs to help the countries in the region work together to address infectious diseases, including avian influenza and HIV/AIDS. ADB also responded to a multitude of natural disasters in the region, committing more than $ 850 million for recovery in areas of India, Indonesia, Maldives , and Sri Lanka which were impacted by
3025-567: Was the only candidate and received unanimous support for a five-year term beginning on 24 November 2021. In 2024, Asakawa announced his resignation effective on 23 February 2025. Between 1989 and 1992 Asakawa was seconded by the Japanese Ministry of Finance to serve as an Executive Assistance to the fifth president of the Asian Development Bank, Kimimasa Tarumizu, in Manila. Asakawa has also worked in various positions in other international agencies. Between 1999 and 2000 he served as head of
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