Ipswich Portal to connect with Manila as Asia’s first Portal launches
It's hoped it will strengthen Ipswich’s global connections.
Ipswich is set to connect with Asia’s first-ever Portal as the newest installation launches in Manila tomorrow, marking an exciting milestone in the global network of interactive sculptures.
The Ipswich Portal, located on the Cornhill in the town centre, will link with the Manila Portal in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Philippines, from 10am UK time (6pm Philippine Standard Time) on Wednesday, 21st January 2026.
The international Portals network features public sculptures offering life-sized, real-time livestream connections, enabling communities across continents to interact directly.
Since its unveiling in October 2025, the Ipswich Portal has connected residents and visitors to four global locations: Vilnius, Lublin, Dublin, and Philadelphia. Manila joins as the sixth Portal in the network, with future installations planned in Brazil and beyond.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, expressed his excitement for the new connection.
“We are thrilled that Ipswich will help welcome the first Asian Portal into this extraordinary global family,” MacDonald said.
“The ability for our residents to connect directly with people in the Philippines - seeing another culture live, in real time, from our town centre - is exactly what makes the Ipswich Portal so special.
“This new link strengthens our role as a truly international town, celebrating unity, curiosity and human connection through a ‘global window on the world.’
“We hope people will join us at the Ipswich Portal on the Cornhill tomorrow morning to welcome viewers from Manila as the Philippines Portal goes live.
“Bring a smile, a wave, or even a flag, and be part of this historic moment of connection between Ipswich and the Philippines.”
The Portals initiative is operated by portals.org, a group dedicated to fostering human connection beyond borders and prejudice. Each Portal provides a unique platform for strangers worldwide to engage via 24/7 livestream connections.
Ipswich’s involvement is part of the Digital Ipswich project under the Towns Deal, using modern technology to boost the town centre with interactive and creative experiences.
Earlier this month, Ipswich became the first town in the UK to launch augmented and virtual reality binoculars at historic sites via the Digital Ipswich programme, funded by the UK Government’s Towns Fund.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Manila, known for its urban design and commitment to culture, was selected as the site for Asia’s first Portal. Residents of the district can now link with Ipswich through shared experiences and interactions.