On 21 March 2024, the Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines held the Nordic Innovation Exchange Event at Marquis Events Place, BGC with a theme "Redefining Tomorrow's Innovation Landscape", the event brings together business leaders, innovators, and industry professionals to explore, discuss, and promote disruptive innovation trends, strategies, and opportunities that are shaping the future of innovation in the Philippines. 

The event kicked off with a warm welcome message from Marie Mariano, Corporate Secretary of NordCham Philippines and First Vice President and Desk Head of BDO Unibank alongside her introduction for the event’s keynote speaker, Usec. Paul Joseph Mercado of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), who greeted attendees enthusiastically on behalf of DICT Sec. Ivan John Uy. 

During his keynote speech Usec. Paul Joseph Mercado of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) expressed excitement for discussions between Nordic and Filipino businesses. He emphasized the importance of access to funding, talent, and partnerships, along with a supportive innovation ecosystem. Usec. Mercado highlighted the Philippines as a promising market for Nordic companies, poised for expansion. With favorable conditions, he asserted that Nordic enterprises are well-positioned for growth in the Philippines.

Usec. Mercado emphasized the dedication of DICT and the government in utilizing technology for advancement and economic growth. With a focus on strategic investments in technology and communication, they are optimistic to propel the country to a leadership position to compete in the global markets. He believes that a collaborative effort, which entails leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector to support government initiatives, is essential for driving progress.

Session 1: Intelligent Tech Revolutionizing Security

Following the welcoming remarks, the event transitioned into a series of insightful panel discussions led by industry experts. Attendees from various industries were engaged in dynamic discussions in Session 1 that talks about Intelligent Tech Revolutionizing Security with key speakers; Carlos Reyes, Country Head, Nokia Solutions and Networks Philippines, Inc.; Michael Victor Ong, Country Director & General Manager, Assa Abloy Philippines Inc.; moderated by Sheila Vasquez, Board Director and VP for Finance Philippine Institute of Cybersecurity Professional (PICSPro).

A major highlight of the discussions was the exploration of how intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics are reshaping the security landscape. The panelists shared invaluable insights drawn from their extensive industry experience, delving into topics such as cybersecurity, threat detection, and risk management. They emphasized the pivotal role of AI in identifying and mitigating security threats, underscoring its significance in safeguarding organizations against evolving risks in an increasingly digital world.

Carlos Reyes, Country Head of Nokia Solutions and Networks Philippines, Inc., highlighted the opportunity for positive change through new technologies, stressing the need for preparation at individual, organizational, and community levels to maximize their benefits. He emphasized that with proper preparation, technology can contribute to a better quality of life for all.

Echoing similar sentiments, Michael Victor Ong, Country Director & General Manager of Assa Abloy Philippines Inc., emphasized the importance of human control over artificial intelligence (AI). He underscored that while AI offers numerous advantages, its effective use ultimately depends on human guidance and oversight. Ong emphasized that AI should serve the people's interests, working for the benefit of society.

Further emphasizing the need for responsible technology governance, Sheila Vasquez, Board Director and VP for Finance at the Philippine Institute of Cybersecurity Professional (PICSPro), highlighted the essential role of government in crafting and enforcing regulations to ensure the responsible deployment of new technologies. 

To conclude the first discussion, Vasquez, along with Reyes and Ong, emphasized the crucial role of government support and guidance in maximizing the benefits of artificial intelligence, mitigating potential risks, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. 

Session 2: Hyperautomation

The second session focuses on the rising popularity of Hyperautomation in the Philippines particularly in the business sector with speakers; Adam Timle, APAC Sales Director, InfiniteDATA Philippines, Marcus Kjærås Larsen, Director, Consulting Delivery – Philippines Global Delivery Center, CGI (Philippines), Inc., CJ Garcia, VP Chapters and Linkages, of Philippine Institute for Supply Management (PISM) as the moderator.

The speakers highlighted the transformative potential of hyperautomation in driving operational efficiency, enhancing productivity, and fostering innovation across various industries. They provided valuable insights into the practical applications of hyperautomation, illustrating its ability to automate repetitive tasks, accelerate decision-making processes, and facilitate data-driven insights for informed decision-making.

Adam Timle, APAC Sales Director at InfiniteDATA Philippines, emphasized the collaborative nature of automation, noting the essential role of human oversight in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of automated processes. Timle highlighted how automation reduces errors and enhances efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and productive workflow.

Similarly, Marcus Kjærås Larsen, Director of Consulting Delivery at CGI (Philippines), Inc., emphasized the broader impact of automation in driving business efficiency and generating positive outcomes. Larsen articulated how automation, by optimizing processes, contributes to the creation of a more efficient and sustainable world, aligning with global aspirations for progress and innovation.

Furthermore, CJ Garcia, VP Chapters and Linkages at the Philippine Institute for Supply Management (PISM), advocated for a cultural shift within organizations to facilitate the adoption of automation. Garcia emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of continuous learning and upskilling among employees to embrace automation projects effectively, thereby driving cultural transformation within organizations.

Session 3: Software-Driven Innovation

The last session of the discussion delves into the world of software-driven innovation and how it's reshaping industries. Speakers include: Melvin Jeffrey Chan, VP & Head - Enterprise Innovations, Business Development, Consulting & Presales, PLDT Enterprise; Hezron Sedaria, Business Development Manager for Software and Cloud Advisory, Crayon Software Experts Philippines, Inc.; Eugene Yeo, Deputy CEO of Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., moderated by Roehl Ramon  A. Gurango Executive director of the Capiz ICT Council, Trustee and Board Secretary at National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP). 

Business Development Manager for Software and Cloud Advisory, Crayon Software Experts Philippines, Inc.; Eugene Yeo, Deputy CEO of Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., moderated by Roehl Ramon  A. Gurango, Executive director of the Capiz ICT Council, Trustee and Board Secretary at National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP). 

Throughout the discussion, the panelists delved into the future landscape of software-driven innovation, focusing on key concepts such as software-as-a-service (SaaS), cloud computing, and DevOps practices. They examined how these innovations are reshaping industries by facilitating rapid development, streamlined deployment processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. With a keen eye on the technological advancements unfolding in the Philippines, the speakers emphasized the pivotal role of innovation in driving growth, competitiveness, and resilience across various sectors.

Addressing the importance of government support in fostering innovation, Eugene Yao stressed the need for enhanced productivity initiatives to equip businesses with essential tools for growth. He highlighted the potential impact of government subsidies in incentivizing businesses and propelling the growth of startups in the country.

Building on this sentiment, Hezron Sedaria underscored the role of government intervention in nurturing a conducive environment for startups. He emphasized the significance of government support in cultivating a robust ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, ultimately driving economic growth and development.

On the other hand, Melvin Jeffrey Chan emphasized the importance of human capital development in harnessing the full potential of technological advancements. He advocated for a proactive approach to resource retraining and upskilling, emphasizing the need to empower individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital-centric landscape.

The third and final session concluded with speakers offering valuable insights into the dynamic Philippine business environment, shedding light on the opportunities and obstacles posed by software-driven innovation. With both the private and public sector's ongoing commitment to digital transformation, such discussions play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, sharing ideas, and inspiring collective efforts toward a more innovative and technology-led future for the Philippines.

Concluding the event, Edsel Tupaz, Senior Partner at Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, delivered closing remarks emphasizing the profound impact of intelligent technology on reshaping security paradigms, the transformative potential of hyperautomation in streamlining business processes, and the enduring dominance of software-driven innovation in the Philippine business landscape. This left attendees with a renewed appreciation for the role of technology in driving progress and innovation. The event was followed by a networking session. Check out some event photos below.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSOR AND PARTNERS

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Grundfos, our event sponsor, and our esteemed partner organizations—the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines, Philippine Institute of Cyber Security Professionals (PICSPro), and Philippine Institute for Supply Management (PISM). Your invaluable support played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our event!