New tech experts inspired the recent KPMG in the Philippines Innovation Summit, called “Tech Horizons: Unleashing the Future of Innovation.” The summit highlighted how technology can help progress and emphasized the need for sustainability and responsible use, reminding leaders that future generations will be affected by today’s choices.
KPMG Philippines Academic Innovation Challenge 2024
During the KPMG in the Philippines Innovation Summit, the first Academic Innovation Challenge (AIC) was held for student tech experts from 15 colleges and universities. This event gave students a chance to show their skills in data and analytics, with the theme: "Processed data is information. Processed information is knowledge. Processed knowledge is wisdom."
Over 57 students participated, showcasing their creativity and data visualization abilities. The top prize went to the Trial and Aaron team from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, made up of Kline Jeff Lepardo, Aaron Lowel Santomin, and Julienne Vinarao, for their outstanding use of analytics.
The second prize was awarded to the QWERTY team from Far Eastern University Manila, including Maria Heart La Fuente, Hershey Jone Edralin, and Jerica De Guzman, for their impressive approach and technical skills. The third place went to APC JAM from Asia-Pacific College, consisting of Adan Cabildo, Matthew Aaron Pinlac, and Jasper Daniel Abogado, for their innovative presentation.
This year's judging criteria were originality and creativity (50%), design and coding efficiency (30%), and presentation impact and clarity (20%).
Ethical Use of AI
This year’s summit encouraged new tech and business leaders to shape a responsible future by using technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to change industries and improve how businesses operate in a fast-changing digital world. However, the summit emphasized that AI development and use should be ethical, focusing on transparency and accountability to manage risks.
The summit also highlighted the growing role of technology in everyday life, stressing the importance of trust in systems and platforms. By prioritizing cybersecurity and data privacy, businesses can create a safe digital environment where everyone feels secure to explore new opportunities.
KPMG in the Philippines also stressed the need to balance technology with environmental care. Speakers discussed how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles relate to AI in today’s corporate world. Participants were encouraged to adopt responsible practices as they embrace technological advancements.
The Race to Digital Transformation
At the summit, the Digital Transformation Race was compared to a marathon—some participants are just starting, others are moving confidently, and a few are leading the way. Success in this race requires agility, optimization, and innovation, which serve as a guide for businesses around the world. KPMG in the Philippines aims to offer insights and support to organizations at any stage of their digital transformation journey.
Continually Growing KPMG in the Philippines Innovation Summit
The KPMG in the Philippines Innovation Summit, held annually since 2021, aims to bring together industry experts, business leaders, and the public to share insights and strategies on digital transformation and innovation. The hybrid summit in 2022 won the Anvil Award for Special Event and Exhibit from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. This year, the summit attracted over a thousand participants from both public and private sectors, both in-person and online.
The 2024 summit was supported by several organizations, including the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, the British Chamber of Commerce, Digital Pilipinas, the European Chamber of Commerce, the Filipina CEO Circle, the Institute of Management Accountants, the Management Association of the Philippines, and the Nordic Chamber of Commerce.