Procurement Leadership in Southeast Asia (Part 2): Matthew Quimba

Listen to this blog

The AI-Ethical Strategist: Matthew Quimba of Meralco

If Rai A. De Jesus gave us the playbook for strategic agility in procurement, then Matthew Quimba delivers the operating system for ethical, AI-powered leadership.

I first had the pleasure of meeting Matthew at PASIAWorld 2023—before CPO Thailand, before the CPONext Southeast Asia Edition. Even then, I remember walking away from our conversation thinking: “Here’s someone who doesn’t just get procurement—he gets what’s coming next.”

He was razor-sharp on the role of AI. Grounded in ethics. And above all, deeply human in how he thought about leadership.

When I met him again this year, his message had only become more powerful.

The New Model CPO: Matthew Quimba, Meralco

As the AVP, Head of Category Management for ICT and Head of Contracts Management for SCM at Meralco, Matthew operates in one of the most complex, high-stakes environments in Southeast Asia. He’s not just managing sourcing—he’s guiding enterprise-wide transformation at scale.

But what makes Matthew stand out isn’t just his title. It’s how he leads—with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

1. Tech-Forward, but Human-Led

Matthew isn’t chasing AI hype—he’s putting it to work where it matters:

Automating contracts and compliance
Generating RFPs and supplier screens
Running predictive spend analysis
Forecasting demand and market shifts

But he’s never lost sight of the core truth:

“AI can make procurement faster and smarter. But the CPO still needs to lead with judgment, with clarity—and with people in mind.”

It’s this balance—between enablement and responsibility—that defines his leadership.\

2. Leading with Command and Compassion

I remember his take on leadership clearly from PASIAWorld:

“Procurement is no longer a cost center—it’s a trust center.”

He leads with both strategic command and emotional intelligence—setting direction, yes, but also mentoring his team, building trust, and creating space for growth. It’s rare to see a leader blend performance and people so seamlessly.

3. AI Ethics: Procurement’s Next Big Responsibility

When most people talk about AI in procurement, they jump straight to automation. Matthew goes deeper.

He’s one of the few voices in the region talking honestly about:

Bias in generative models
Lack of transparency in AI-driven decisions
The need for human oversight
Training teams on responsible AI use

“If your AI can’t explain its decisions—or worse, if it hallucinates—your procurement credibility is at risk.”

That insight has stayed with me.

4. Mastering the Southeast Asia Mosaic

Matthew understands that Southeast Asia isn’t one unified market—it’s a mosaic of policies, supply dynamics, and cultural expectations. He thrives in that complexity.

Whether it’s:

Strengthening local supplier partnerships
Navigating regulatory nuances
Promoting sustainability in sourcing
Or building culturally attuned teams

He brings a regionally grounded mindset to everything he does.

“You can’t template procurement across SEA. You need to localize the strategy, then scale it with precision.”

Lessons for Aspiring CPOs

What can the next generation of leaders take from Matthew Quimba’s playbook?

Adopt AI, but Anchor in Ethics
Build transparency, governance, and human checks into your systems.
Balance Strength with Empathy
Great leadership is not about control—it’s about connection.
Customize for the Region
SEA demands local fluency. Context matters.
Keep Learning, Keep Teaching
Stay humble. Share knowledge. Lift your team as you rise.

Looking Ahead

From Rai A. De Jesus’s strategic mindset to Matthew Quimba’s ethical AI stewardship, we’re witnessing a new kind of procurement leadership take root in Southeast Asia—one that’s bold, digitally fluent, and deeply values-driven.

In Part 3, we’ll spotlight a digital-native procurement leader scaling intelligent automation and Agentic AI in real time.

But until then, remember this:

Becoming a great CPO isn’t about doing it all.
It’s about doing what matters—with clarity, courage, and character.

Want to see how Zycus supports modern CPOs with Agentic AI, guided intake, and ethical automation?
Request a Demo

Related Reads:

White Papers

The Hidden Cost of ERP Bundles: Why Procurement Needs More

Kunjal Suri

Kunjal Suri is a talented writer with a passion for all things technology. She graduated with an MBA in Marketing from XIME Bangalore in 2020, where she honed her skills in crafting compelling content. Kunjal’s love for technology and her ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner make her articles a valuable resource for readers. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the industry, Kunjal provides insightful perspectives on the latest technological advancements. Her expertise and dedication to sharing her knowledge make her a valuable voice in the tech writing community.