Australian technology company Netlinkz is partnering with major Philippines telecommunications provider PT&T to offer advanced cyber security solutions for Filipino businesses.
The joint venture, SecureLink Networks, is delivering stable, secure digital infrastructure across the Philippines, supporting businesses such as renewable energy company ACEN and major retailers like Wilcon Depot.
'VSN+ is not just a product - it's our bold response to the growing threats in an interconnected world,' says James Velasquez, PT&T Chairman and SecureLink Networks CEO. 'With Australia's cutting-edge tech and PT&T's local expertise, we're providing secure, scalable and future-ready solutions for businesses and the government.'
Boosting cyber security for businesses
Netlinkz, an Australian technology company founded in 2004, specialises in virtual secure networks. These networks are an advanced cyber security solution that creates secure connections. They prevent unauthorised third-party access through encryption and reduce internal threats via strict access controls.
This kind of protection is essential for managing data risks, but many businesses don't have the in-house cyber security capacity to maintain a virtual secure network alone. Netlinkz's flagship virtual secure network, VSN+, provides the advantages of a secure network in a centrally managed system. Centralisation makes VSN+ scalable and user-friendly, so it's accessible for organisations without a large in-house cyber security team.
Seizing an A$56 billion opportunity
Like many Australian tech firms, Netlinkz saw potential in Southeast Asia's rapidly growing economy and geographic proximity. One market that stood out was the Philippines.
The digital economy in the Philippines is valued at A$56 billion, and accounts for 8.4% of the country's GDP. Half of the population is under 25 years old, and 87 million users have access to the internet. The country is undergoing rapid digital adoption.
The Philippines is a significant player in business process outsourcing (BPO) globally, with remote work models increasingly common. With a clear, growing demand among Filipino businesses for connections that are fast, secure, flexible and easy to manage, it was a compelling opportunity for Netlinkz.
'This is the ideal moment for Australian tech companies to leverage the country's digital infrastructure and proactive policies that promise significant opportunities for innovation and inclusive progress,' says Bernice Vanguardia, Austrade's Trade and Investment Commissioner in Manila.
SecureLink Networks - a joint venture between Australia's Netlinkz and Philippines telecommunications provider PT&T - is delivering secure digital infrastructure across the Philippines.
Securing a connection with PT&T
Market entry required more than technology and opportunity; it needed local expertise and established trust.
The relationship between Netlinkz and PT&T started in 2023, with a distribution agreement for Starlink. To meet the need for more robust cyber security solutions in the Philippines, the partnership led to the formation of SecureLink Networks, a joint venture combining Netlinkz's VSN+ with PT&T's connectivity to deliver stable, secure digital infrastructure to businesses across the Philippines.
The SecureLink Networks joint venture shows that Australian technology - renowned for its reliability and quality - can be successfully deployed in the Philippines through local partnerships. The collaboration demonstrates that Australian firms bring not only innovation, but a partnership-focused approach that fosters mutual benefits and growth.
'Australian innovation can meet and serve the evolving needs of the Philippine market,' says Vanguardia. 'SecureLink Networks is a testament to successful Australia-Philippines collaboration.
'It should encourage Australian tech companies to explore the Philippines and invite Filipino businesses to seek out Australian partners for the technology needed to thrive in the digital economy.'
Success in the Philippines
SecureLink Networks is working with major retailers, government agencies and energy companies in the Philippines. The joint venture offers more than just virtual secure networks, with support ranging from business continuity to cyber security and workplace modernisation.
SecureLink supported ACEN, a renewable energy company of the Philippine conglomerate Ayala Group, to improve cyber security and threat intelligence. By enabling real-time monitoring and advanced anomaly detection, SecureLink increased response time to provide a comprehensive cybersecurity system.
The joint venture also worked with leading home improvement retailer Wilcon Depot to provide uninterrupted access to its enterprise resourcing system. Improved access to the system prevents downtime and disruptions, supporting scalable growth for the retailer.
Another major retailer needed a wholescale employee laptop upgrade with minimal capital investment. SecureLink provided Lenovo laptops on a subscription-based model that allowed the retailer to spread the costs of the necessary upgrade over time.
How Austrade helped
Austrade played an important role in SecureLink Networks' journey, from its grand launch in the Philippines to ongoing strategic support. Austrade referred the company to relevant government agencies and industry bodies and advised on securing an Australian Business Number to access grants and programs.
Senior Australian Embassy officials at the launch signalled to the Philippine market that the joint venture is backed by trusted international partners. This built credibility, establishing a critical foundation of trust that opened doors to key stakeholders in a highly competitive sector.
Looking ahead
SecureLink Networks will use the Philippines as a strategic springboard to expand its cyber security and connectivity solutions into neighbouring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. The company's flagship product, VSN+, will be further developed by local talent, leveraging the strong technical expertise in the Philippines.
SecureLink Networks is a model for reliability and innovation - qualities that future customers can rely on as they look for secure, scalable solutions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
