Dr. Victor Joseph Yamat

Head of Scientific Engagement, South Asia and Indochina

Philip Morris International

Dr. Victor Joseph “VJ” Yamat is a medical doctor with a distinguished career spanning more than 20 years at the crossroads of science, communications, and brand equity and influence across Asia. Driven by a passion for writing, strategic thinking, and the arts, he decided early on to pursue a path in communications, applying scientific thoroughness to storytelling, reputation management, and stakeholder relations. 

Today, Dr. Yamat leads scientific engagement for Philip Morris International in South Asia and Indochina. In this role, he collaborates closely with external affairs, regulatory, communications, fiscal, and illicit trade teams to translate intricate scientific concepts into accessible and evidence-based narratives for healthcare professionals, policymakers, the media, and society at large. His efforts are centered on building trust, influencing public conversations, and fostering meaningful engagement, particularly around harm reduction and innovation. 

Before joining PMI, Dr. Yamat served as Asia Pacific director of scientific communications and engagement at JUUL Labs. In this capacity, he worked alongside corporate communications and government affairs teams, focusing on earned media, policy discussions, and participation in various scientific forums across the region. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions at various global public relations and advertising agencies, including IPG PR, Havas Health, Publicis Health, McCann Health, Ogilvy Health, and Ogilvy PR. During this time, he established and expanded healthcare and science communications practices throughout the Philippines, Singapore, Greater China, and the ASEAN region, collaborating with notable brands such as Novartis, GSK, Sanofi, Danone, and Abbott. 

Before his regional corporate role, Dr. Yamat lectured at the Ateneo John Gokongwei School of Management, where he taught marketing to pre-med students. He continues to champion strategic, ethical, and effective communication as essential for building enduring trust and impact.