The KPMG Innovation Summit 2023, held at Fairmont Makati last July 20, 2023, was a showcase of the promising state of technological innovation in the Philippines.
With the theme “Making things happen: From Innovation to Execution”, the summit was attended by over a thousand participants, both live and online.
Digitized Government Services of Smart Cities
In the forum, several panelists commended the Quezon City local government for automating government services and its immediate implementation of Presidential Executive Order 32 which streamlines the permit processing of telecommunication and Internet infrastructure in its city.
QC City Administrator Michael Alimurung explained that the QC government spearheaded the execution of one of the EO 32’s features. This is the one-stop shop of permit applications, including construction permit applications which has encouraged the development of telecommunication and Internet infrastructure in the country, crucial in the development of smart cities.
In support of emerging smart cities, KPMG Philippines launched its very own Digital Government Center at the summit. A one-stop shop that aims to help government agencies in their digital transformation journey.
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| KPMG Digital Government Center Launch |
ESG Technology is a Way of Life
The summit also hosted a panel discussion on ESG Technology. The panelists included experts from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, who shared their insights and best practices on how to leverage technology to address and monitor environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, as well as to enhance citizen engagement, efficiency and inclusivity.
The discussion explained that ESG not only gives substantial returns on efficiency, it attracts and pays human capital especially the next generation. It practices inclusivity and diversity that goes beyond gender including age, socio-economic status and capability. ESG gives value to investors as well as the supply chain and brings in new markets.
AI and Robotics are Transforming Business Processes
The KPMG Innovation Summit also focused on the Next Wave of Automation featuring experts from the fields of AI and robotics. They discussed how these technologies are changing the way businesses operate and deliver value to their customers and stakeholders.
Concepcion Business Services President and COO, Mr. Eric Sarmiento had shared that robotics has helped them streamline their processes and avoid rework, resulting in more efficiency and cost savings. He also said that robotics has enabled them to focus more on value-added activities and customer service.
In the same panel, Robotic Process Automation Philippines Founder and President, Mr. Allan Tan, shared that robotics has been a game-changer for many businesses. Emphasizing how robotics can automate tasks such as data cleansing, downloading files, constructing data, and aggregating reports, which can improve productivity, accuracy and scalability.
The forum also tackled that AI and robotics are not meant to replace humans, but rather to augment their capabilities and enhance their performance.
How Disruptors are Shaping the Future of Business and Society
The final panel of the Summit 2023 featured some of the most game-changing innovators in the Philippines, who have disrupted their respective industries.
The panel explored the strategies and mindsets behind these successful disruptors, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face in the digital age.
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| Industry Disruptors Panel |
A highlight of the panel discussion was Angkas Co-founder and CEO, Mr. George Royeca, discussing how his company has been providing a convenient and safe alternative mode of transportation for commuters in Metro Manila. He said that Angkas uses an app-based platform that connects motorcycle riders with passengers, as well as provides training, insurance and safety equipment to its riders.
The panelists also shared their insights on how to foster a culture of innovation and disruption in their organizations, as well as how to cope with the challenges of regulation, competition and customer expectations.
The KPMG Innovation Summit 2023 was a testament to the firm’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in the Philippines. It was also an opportunity to showcase the potential of Filipino tech entrepreneurs and innovators, as well as to highlight the role of digital government and ESG technology in creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.