Asia Relocation featured in IAM The Portal Magazine 2019

| Human-Centered Expansion Strategy in Southeast Asia

Asia Relocation: A Human-Centered Expansion Strategy in Southeast Asia

Based in Makati City, Philippines, Asia Relocation was founded by French entrepreneur Philibert Challan Belval. After gaining initial industry experience during an internship in Thailand with AGS Four Winds, he ventured out on his own. Belval began modestly, working solo for a year before building up a strong client base. This led to hiring his first staff and leasing a warehouse—followed in 2017 by the purchase of his first moving truck and the move to a 600 sqm facility.

Today, the company operates with a core team of six full-time employees, scaling up to 10–15 staff during peak periods. According to Belval, “Our warehouse is close to a village where our employees’ relatives and friends are also packers,” ensuring a reliable, skilled workforce. He proudly emphasizes that his company grew without external investment: “I reinvested all the profits back into the business.”

A Full-Service Offering for Expats and Corporates

Asia Relocation stands out for its comprehensive service portfolio, covering residential and office moves, international shipping, pet relocation, settling-in support, immigration and visa services, language training, and more.
This diversity is key to generating strong repeat business and long-term client relationships: “One reason for this is likely the broad range of moving and relocation services we offer,” says Philibert Belval.

Local Insight and Resilience in a Challenging Environment

Operating in the Philippines presents logistical and environmental challenges: high humidity (60–80%), frequent typhoons, and complex bureaucratic procedures. “In the middle of typhoons, we can’t work,” Belval admits. But his long-term presence and adaptive management style make a difference. “The people I work with are warm and friendly… It’s because of the way I manage them. I treat them like family.”

This people-first approach is not only effective for team cohesion—it reinforces service quality and trustworthiness, essential values in the relocation industry.

A Vision for Southeast Asia, Starting with Vietnam

With solid roots in the Philippines, Belval has set his sights on expanding further in Southeast Asia. In 2019, Asia Relocation opened a branch in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a country where his brother has been living for 15 years. This move aligns with the growing demand for mobility services in Vietnam and the region.

Additionally, Belval is an active member of the International Association of Movers (IAM), which he credits as a major growth accelerator: “Through IAM I get more business, more connections, more learning and new friends.”

Key Takeaways for the Relocation Industry in Southeast Asia

Lean but Scalable Growth: Asia Relocation’s growth has been self-financed and carefully structured—an inspiring model for mobility entrepreneurs.
Local Expertise = Competitive Advantage: Understanding climate, administration, and cultural norms is critical for operational efficiency and credibility.
Service Diversification as a Retention Lever: Offering relocation, housing, visa, language, and schooling support under one roof builds client loyalty.
Professional Network Leverage: Participation in IAM and similar networks boosts visibility and partnerships.
Human-Centric Management: Treating staff like family fosters retention, quality, and trust—crucial in service-based industries.

Asia Relocation’s journey exemplifies how local trust, international standards, and a clear long-term vision can fuel success in the dynamic relocation markets of Southeast Asia.

As Asia Relocation continues to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, its journey is a compelling example of how regional expertise, human-centered leadership, and diversified relocation services can shape long-term success. The company’s evolution from a solo project in Manila to a trusted relocation provider across borders illustrates the power of vision grounded in local knowledge.

If you’d like to learn more about trends, innovations, and leaders in the global moving industry, explore The Portal Magazine at iamovers.org. It’s the voice of the global mobility industry—where movers connect, collaborate, and grow.

🔗 Read the full article in IAM Portal Magazine (May/June 2019 p10)

🔗 Read the last interview from 2025 IAM Portal Magazine (July/August 2025, p.16)

This profile was originally featured in The Portal, the official magazine of the International Association of Movers (IAM)—a global network of over 2,000 moving and mobility companies in more than 170 countries. Through IAM, members like Asia Relocation gain access to an international community of relocation professionals, valuable industry insights, and increased business opportunities.