The Asia-Pacific Music Creators Alliance (APMA) held its Executive Committee Meeting and the APMA–Filipino Music Creators Joint Meeting on April 24, 2025, at Space One Ayala in Manila, Philippines. The events brought together APMA Executive Committee members, staff from member societies and around 30 music creators to discuss current challenges and initiatives for music creators in the Asia-Pacific region.
APMA Executive Committee Meeting
The APMA ExCo meeting focused on a change to ExCo membership, the organization’s financial audit plan, and updates on ongoing projects. The ExCo endorsed a change in its composition by welcoming Mr. João Gomes, Chair of the MACA Board, as a new member of APMA Executive Committee.
Updates were shared on APMA’s accounting and audit plans, including the implementation of an external audit covering 2022 onward to ensure greater transparency. The Committee also received an update on the software support project for CMOs in developing countries. APMA, together with KOMCA and MACA, is promoting a program to supply digital royalty collection and distribution software to societies with limited digital infrastructure, and MACA presented the latest progress on this initiative.
The meeting concluded with a request for written opinions from APMA ExCo members regarding the Supreme Court case in Korea involving CJ CGV and Bohemian Rhapsody, which all participants agreed to support.
APMA– Filipino Music Creators Joint Meeting
Following the ExCo meeting, the APMA– Filipino Music Creators Joint Meeting was held at the same venue. APMA members and around 30 Filipino music creators participated, with IPOPHL Director Emerson G. Cuyo and FILSCAP Chairperson Nonoy Tan delivering opening remarks.
APMA introduced its mission and key activities, including advocacy for improved copyright systems, research on issues such as AI and buyout contracts, educational support for developing countries, streaming market analysis, and financial assistance for creator organizations.
A panel discussion then addressed major challenges facing Filipino creators. KOMCA Board member Do-Yeon Lee emphasized the need for greater awareness of copyright and fair contracts, calling for continuous creator education. Composer Trina Belamide highlighted concerns about automatic contract renewal clauses and insufficient copyright protection on some digital platforms.
To close the event, APMA and CIAM presented a plaque of appreciation to IPOPHL in recognition of its contributions to copyright development in the Philippines. The ceremony symbolized APMA’s commitment to working closely with national institutions and music creators to build a fairer and more sustainable environment for creators.