MANILA -- In 1989, Philippine conglomerate Ayala teamed up with two Japanese corporate giants to develop an industrial park south of Manila, cashing in on Japan Inc.'s bubble-era enthusiasm for overseas expansion.

Philippine conglomerate Ayala hopes its ventures with China will help it gain access to cutting-edge technology for its complex empire, which spans property and utilities to health care. (Photo by Yuki Kohara)
Ayala connects with rising tech superpower for digital offensive
MANILA -- In 1989, Philippine conglomerate Ayala teamed up with two Japanese corporate giants to develop an industrial park south of Manila, cashing in on Japan Inc.'s bubble-era enthusiasm for overseas expansion.