Unlocking Tomorrow Today: Pioneering Innovations, Global Leaders, and Local Titans Come Together in Digital Pilipinas Festival x Festival of Festivals

Tweet

The Digital Pilipinas Festival x Festival of Festivals are set to be monumental events for the ASEAN digital landscape. Scheduled to run from November 20-24, 2023, at the SMX Aura Convention Center in Taguig City, these twin festivals are not just gatherings but the epicenters of the digital revolution reshaping ASEAN and beyond. They promise an unparalleled experience, featuring an extraordinary line-up of speakers, including ambassadors, CEOs, tech gurus, and financial experts - a virtual "who's who" in technology and finance from all corners of the globe, including countries like Japan, India, Singapore, Canada, and more. The presence of global leaders and visionaries from more than 20 countries at these festivals is a testament to their significance and the high caliber of discussions expected.

Amidst a phenomenal surge in the ASEAN region's digital economy, with the Philippines' digital payments and e-commerce sectors alone projected to hit an impressive $15 billion by 2025, Digital Pilipinas stands at the forefront as the largest private sector-led movement dedicated to fostering an innovative and technological ecosystem. The return of their flagship event now marks a pivotal moment in this journey. These festivals - organized with support from co-convenors and partners including top conglomerates Ayala Corp, Aboitiz Group, and Metro Pacific Investments - symbolize more than just events; they are crucial platforms that showcase the vibrancy and potential of the region's evolving digital economy.

Imagine being part of a gathering where tomorrow's trends are discussed today, where digital leaders and pioneers converge, and where groundbreaking ideas take shape. Missing out on this event means missing out on the future of the digital economy in ASEAN. The clock is ticking, and the opportunity to be part of this monumental event is now.

Why the Festival Matters for ASEAN

The Digital Pilipinas Festival x Festival of Festivals event stands at the forefront of carving out new industries within the digital economy across ASEAN. These festivals are not just for discussions and presentations; they are about witnessing the inception of groundbreaking proofs of concept in real-time. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to be part of these proofs of concept, interacting with technologies that offer state-of-the-art digital solutions for age-old problems across multiple critical industries.

For industry leaders, government representatives, technologists, and digital economy enthusiasts: the stage is set. This year’s festivals are more than simply a networking opportunity; they are clear platforms to collaborate, innovate, and lead the charge in the digital transformation of our world. From fintech to edutech, from smart cities to sustainable finance, the scope is vast and the potential is limitless.

The festival’s agenda is rich with plenaries and panel discussions that cover vital topics in today’s digital economy. Each individual session will feature a robust international presence, with delegates and experts from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, Russia, and more. This global participation underscores the festival's commitment to fostering an international dialogue on digital innovation.

Critical Industries in Focus

1. Cybersecurity and TrustTech: In an era where digital security is paramount, the festival will spotlight the latest advancements in Cybersecurity and TrustTech. This segment will delve into cutting-edge solutions for protecting digital infrastructures and data privacy. Discussions will focus on emerging technologies and their various applications, and the importance of building trust in digital transactions. The aim is to address the growing concerns around cyber threats and how businesses, governments, and individuals can safeguard their digital assets and foster a secure digital environment.

2. HealthTech and InsureTech: These panels will dive into the dynamic intersection of technology and the healthcare and insurance industries. HealthTech discussions will highlight innovations in telehealth, wearable tech, and personalized medicine, showcasing how technology is making healthcare more accessible and efficient. Meanwhile, InsurTech sessions will delve into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in insurance underwriting, risk assessment, and the development of user-centric insurance models.

3. PropTech and Smart Cities: A visionary exploration of how technology is reshaping urban landscapes and property management. Sessions will discuss the integration of IoT (internet of things) in building management, sustainable urban development through smart technologies, and the role of digital innovation in creating efficient, eco-friendly, and livable urban spaces. The festival will showcase examples of smart city initiatives from around the globe and discuss the potential for their local implementation.

4. EduTech: This segment will shed light on the transformation of education through digital technologies, covering topics like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in classrooms, AI-powered personalized learning experiences, and the role of digital platforms in democratizing education. Discussions will also touch on the challenges and opportunities of remote learning and how EduTech is bridging educational gaps, especially in under-resourced areas.

5. Fintech and Blockchain: The festival will also feature a deep dive into the financial sector's digital revolution. Fintech sessions will explore mobile banking, digital wallets, and the role of digital assets in financial inclusion. Blockchain discussions will focus on its applications beyond cryptocurrencies, such as in supply chain transparency and smart contracts, highlighting its potential to transform various industry sectors.

All of these critical industries and more will be addressed not just in theory but through real-world examples, showcasing actual changes and initiatives being implemented across the ASEAN region.

Separately, the festivals will also shine a light on the increasingly influential world of digital entertainment and content creation. Recognizing the growing impact of content creators, influencers, and e-sports athletes, dedicated sessions will delve into how these new-age professions are shaping consumer behavior and driving digital trends. These discussions will offer unique perspectives on leveraging digital platforms for content creation, monetizing online presence, and understanding the dynamics of fan engagement in the digital age.

Leading up to this grand event, the Digital Pilipinas movement has been a whirlwind of activity and progress. In the past months, significant strides have been made in various sectors, including cybersecurity, e-commerce, digital banking, blockchain technology, and digital assets. These advancements have not only positioned the Philippines as a leader in digital innovation within ASEAN but have also fostered economic growth, cross-border collaboration, and increased financial inclusivity in the region.

An Opportunity for Involvement and Impact

The Digital Pilipinas x Festival of Festivals will offer a chance for participants and guests to engage actively in critical discussions - to be part of the conversation that drives real change and innovation in the sectors where digital transformation is currently underway. It also offers a unique setting where government and business intersect with innovation. National line agencies will demonstrate their commitment to adopting digital solutions, while industry leaders and technologists will showcase their latest advancements. This collaborative environment is designed to promote the development of new ideas, directions, and partnerships that will drive the digital economy forward.

For the upcoming Digital Pilipinas Festival x Festival of Festivals, several convenors and partners have played a pivotal role in bringing this landmark event to fruition. Their involvement underscores the collaborative spirit of the Digital Pilipinas network and highlights their commitment to fostering digital innovation and transformation within the Philippines.

An Invitation to Witness and Engage

Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly transformative. We extend an open invitation to you to be part of these landmark events, which are surely going to define the next steps of our digital future. Witness the unfolding of the digital age in ASEAN and contribute to the dialogue and development of technology-driven solutions.

Register now, engage with the best in the industry, and take your place in shaping the digital economy. The future is digital, and it starts here. Take part in this groundbreaking event and register here now: https://digitalpilipinas.ph/registration2023/.

Participating in the Digital Pilipinas Festival x Festival of Festivals are Dragonpay; UnionBank; KPMG; Angkas; UNO Digital Bank; Etiqa; CIS Bayad Center, Inc.; Inypay; Agridom; nChain; LabX; BPI; Gorriceta Law; Chubb; VYBE; TDG; CyberQ; Collabera; Sybrin; VFS; Tangere; Ninja Van; MFT; SPARK by CIO Academy Asia; Slack; BVI; Global Fintech Institute; PropTech Consortium of the Philippines; Fintech Philippines Association; Philippine InsurTech and HealthTech Association; Ayala Corporation; Mercato Centrale; TPS Worldwide; Bureau ID; Digital dge; Wiz AI; MWell; Proxtera; Simbas; Eco Global; Amdocs; Appboxo; SID Global; Apryse; Westcon; F5; Forescout; Palo Alto; Gigamon; Esquire Financing; and the Office of the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines through H.E. Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony.

Media partners include GMA Pinoy TV, Inquirer Group of Companies, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer.Net, Megamobile, The PhilStar Media Group, PhilStar Tech, United Neon, CoinGeek, Fintech News PH, and The Business Manual.

---------------------------------------------

ABOUT DIGITAL PILIPINAS

Digital Pilipinas is now the largest private sector-led movement for creating an innovation and technology ecosystem in the country that is actively engaged in a global digital economy through its domestic and international trajectories.

Caritas Manila Inc., Makati Garden Club together World Flower Council Join Hands to Present "Nature & Fashion with Compassion" Charity Event

Tweet

In observance of National Children's Month, a group of women has joined forces to address the rising threat of online violence against Filipino children. A recent inter-agency study reveals that over 13% of children, more than 1 in 10, are at risk of online sexual exploitation, yet awareness remains shockingly low.

"Nature & Fashion with Compassion" is more than just a charity event but a powerful initiative to raise awareness and support the vulnerable children. This event is scheduled this November 12, 2023 at Mayuree Ballroom of Dusit Thani Manila. This is in a collaboration between World Flower Council and Makati Garden Club, Caritas Manila Inc. as the benefactor.

Key Highlights:

1. Floral Demonstration (Hope and Healing in Bloom) : Educational advocacy-International guest artists will showcase their unique floral creativity from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.

2. Protecting Children from Online Violence Community Forum: Invited Guest Speakers will share their expertise to spread awareness about these issues. 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

3. Evening Fashion Show(Nature & Fashion with Compassion): A collaboration of compassionate artists to showcase their talents that will blend nature’s beauty and fashion for a cause.

This charity event supports Caritas Manila's Restorative Justice Program, focusing on Women and Children’s protection against online violence and human trafficking.

We encourage you to contribute to this worthy project for a cause. Feel free to call Ms. Rye Zotomayor of Caritas Manila all your donations and further information at partnerships_events@caritasmanila.org.ph for

Caritas Manila Inc.: A non-profit organization committed to helping vulnerable communities in the Philippines.

Makati Garden Club: A non-profit, prestigious organization promoting horticulture and community welfare.

World Flower Council: An international organization celebrating the beauty of flowers and nurturing global communities.

APAC 5G Industry Forum unveiled key values of 5G ecosystem for Industry 4.0

Tweet

[Bangkok, Thailand, May, 2021] APAC 5G Industry Forum (5GIF) held virtually online on Thursday with the theme “5G Inspiring new value accelerate Industry 4.0”, urged for ecosystem cooperation and joint innovation to support industry digitalization.

The Forum, co-hosted by Huawei Technologies, registered over 800 participants from over 30 countries representing governments, telecom operators, academia, ICT and other vertical industry players from the Asia Pacific region.

The Forum invited technology partners and industry business owners to share and explore on how a sustainable 5G partner ecosystem could be developed to create higher contribution and businesses in the Asia Pacific region. Speakers of the Forum came from different industries and countries from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

5G will revolutionize the global economy and to shape business growth, and commercial and digital service acceleration. “But there still have many challenges to overcome, 5G requires not only innovators, but also brave practitioners to drive the development. In Thailand, Siriraj Hospital is a good example, they are facing many difficulties to transform traditional processes, but the hospital has finally started to use 5G services for remote patient monitoring, connected ambulances, and unmanned medicine vehicles to provide higher quality of medication service to their patients,” said Dennis Xiao, President of Huawei Technologies Asia Pacific Region in the opening remarks.

Mr. Dustin Kehoe，APAC & ME Service Director of Global Data, mentioned in the Forum that more than 15,000 ASEAN enterprises are spending over $246 billion for current ICT transformation, industries are starting to use 5G in manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare, and other campus-based networks. ASEAN countries are very committed to enlarge industrial manpower through variety skill-sets and technologies talent training.

"5GtoB will bring great benefit to the global economy and Huawei proposes a 1+N 5G target network to fulfill the requirements of video backhaul, machine vision, remote control and real-time positioning,” said Daisy Zhu, Vice President of Wireless Marketing at Huawei. She then shared several examples of automation in manufacturing, airports and shipping ports highlighting 5G’s role in providing greater bandwidth, lower latency and positioning.

The Forum covered two discussion panels, panelists from university, consultants, government, and telecom operators had come up common views for the industry standards, public policies and regulation with economic benefits to capitalize on creating growth, improving quality and maximizing efficiencies in product lines.

The 2nd panel session discussed on the challenges and opportunities of 5G eco-systems cooperation. Huawei and operators have already established lots of IoT based partnership cooperation framework in the past a few years, which can help to build a faster local ecosystem. The next going forward is to explore more possible business use cases to create new commercial value, together with innovators, start-ups, and solutions providers to offer 5G enabled vertical industry solutions to accelerate industry digitalization.

The rapid deployment of 5G across Asia Pacific has paved the way for new innovations in vertical industries. Continued ICT investment and cooperation will better serve the businesses of the region, accelerate industry digital transformation, and develop the local partner ecosystems necessary for inspiring new value and accelerating industry 4.0.

1 For more information, please refer to the GSMA APAC Digital Societies Report 2020 https://www.gsma.com/asia-pacific/resources/apac-digital-societies-2020/

“Can the Philippines Dance with COVID-19?” To provide balance in protecting lives, livelihood, Gov't, private sector, civil societies present fresh strategies vs COVID-19

Tweet

With the uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic, and Filipinos hungry to open up their lives, new strategies must be formulated for government, business and civil society to bring the country to a sustainable balance.

Industries have to be agile if they are to find the balance between public health and safety and the revitalization of the economy. 

How to prioritize both lives and livelihood, especially in the light of the new MECQ, was tackled by leaders from the health, business, and academic sectors in the virtual business forum, “Can the Philippines Dance with COVID-19?”, held this morning August 5.

The speakers were Secretary Vince Dizon, National Action Plan Against COVID-19  Deputy Chief Implementer and Testing Czar; Department of Health (DOH)  Undersecretary Rosette Vergeire; former DOH secretary Dr. Manuel “Manolet” Dayrit; Josephine Gotianun-Yap, CEO of the Filinvest Development Corporation; and  University of the Philippines College of Public Health (UPCPH) Dean Dr. Vicente  Belizario. Joining them in the panel discussion were Lars Wittig, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Vice President and Country Manager of Regus and Spaces, and George Royeca, Chief Transport Advocate of Angkas. Amor Maclang, Chairwoman of the ECCP’s Innovation Committee and communications technical advisor to the DOH, was panel moderator. 

Secretary Dizon, the country’s designated testing czar, has dedicated himself tirelessly to TASK FORCE T3 (Test, Trace, Treat) over the past few months, the task force convened by the Inter-Agency Task Force – National Task Force (IATF-NTF) and the Department of Health (DOH). For his part, he described how the government fast-

tracked in its response as the number of cases kept rising. While only a limited number of people were tested at the start of the outbreak, the capacity for testing has improved, as the labs increased from one to 96 in four months. “From 500 tests a day in March, we are now doing 35,000 tests today,” he said, “We are pushing to do more tests. We are [now] one of the countries who test the most in Asia and far outpacing the other countries in [the region].”

Secretary Dizon also pointed out that collaboration is critical to achieve more results.  “We have to push more in places with high spreads like Calabarzon. It's all about execution and coming together. "Lahat tayo ay Pilipino at ngayon natin kailangang magsama-sama. Isaisantabi na natin ang iba't ibang kulay at di pagkakaunawaan. Kailangan ng pagtutulungan tulad ng nangyari kamakailan na nagbunga ng pagtaas ng ating testing capacity sa halip ng dalawang buwan. At kung tuluy-tuloy ang ating pagtutulungan, magiging epektibo ang laban natin sa Covid-19.”

Usec. Vergeire shared how the DOH is collaborating with the medical communities on increasing contact and recovery efforts in the barangay level during this MECQ. She said, “We will not wait for patients to go to us; we will go to them. [We will] check for symptoms, and if there are exposed people, do necessary interventions. 

Eventually once we sustain this, the LGUs will be more empowered.” The USEC also emphasized that “DOH is leading this response.”

Dr. Belizario pointed out that accurate communication with the public is needed “to  lower the risk of COVID-19 to low, low levels so it doesn't pose a risk to a significant number of the population and to public areas. We need to train young people to become effective communicators for behavior change. It is not enough to put up posters and ads---we have to make sure that these materials result in behavior modification.”

Complementing communication is the use of data to track COVID-19’s status. He said, 

“Enhanced surveillance and response in the regions and provinces and capacity is built even in the periphery so we can act quickly in the collection and processing of data---and [provide them to] local and national authorities.”

Dr. Dayrit gave his insights on how to realistically reduce the number of cases:

“Don't fixate on the total number of cases. A large proportion of them have already died or recovered. So what are the new cases occurring everyday? This is where we can intervene.”

Dr. Dayrit, a member of Task Force T3, also cited the importance of building capacity in various aspects throughout the entire medical supply chain, including testing, laboratories, isolation, contact tracing, and hospital beds. He emphasized, “We need to invest in and modernize our health system because we will face similar medical challenges in the future. Many of these facilities have been neglected over time. Now we're trying to get them to perform at a level to fight this virus. This is a chance to rise to the occasion.”

Playing a key role for her work in the T3 task force, Ms. Gotianun-Yap emphasizes the importance of data management in preventing the spread of COVID-19, seeing how it can protect industry employees, customers, business partners, and communities. Her company used the StaySafe app for “daily health reporting and app-based contact tracing. It's important for us to have a data system to track COVID-19.” 

She envisioned the building of a “data end-to-end system that can track Covid-19 and link hospitals and clinics. The public will be notified if they come into contact with a positive-tested person.”

Setting best practices for the private sector’s role in preventing transmission of COVID-19, Filinvest was also the first to install safety measures at the initial stages of the outbreak. To prevent infection through commuting, it provided shuttle services for employees. BPO tenants were also allowed to sleep in their office premises. Testing for the workforce, especially the frontliners, were regularly conducted. Mall operations were reinvented to encourage social distancing, and all of its premises, offices, outlets, stores, and other stores were frequently sanitized.

Mr. Wittig agreed that success in containing COVID-19 boils down to “a matter of execution and with the significant contribution of the private enterprise. We have [also] surpassed other countries in testing.” He also said that data-driven efforts like what Filinvest is doing “is helping everyone to see the face of the beast so we can act accordingly.”

Ms. Maclang mentioned how the return of MECQ illuminated the constant challenge posed by the disease: “We have to learn to live with COVID-19 possibly for a long while. If we need a little rest from the fight, then let's take this time to learn how to dance. We have to recalibrate our actions and improve what we are already doing to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.”

Mr. Royeca pointed out the importance of individual responsibility to foster collaboration:

“There are gaps in implementation, but it has to start with ourselves. When we go out, we wear masks, do social distancing, etc. The public needs to know they have a big responsibility. The private sector needs to know our role. Let's use this virus not to be divisive but to unify us. COVID-19 doesn’t care about differences so let's work together and try to solve it.”

Dancing with coronavirus may take a series of complicated steps, but it might be the only feasible approach to protect the lives of millions of Filipinos, while restoring their livelihoods. 

USec. Vergeire summed up the urgency of the situation, saying, “We have two weeks to recalibrate our responses and stop the spread of infection. The sacrifices of people during the MECQ should not be in vain. There is no more national or local, we are all in this together. If we can all collaborate, we can beat COVID-19.”

Check this out;

FB Live Link https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=291078535675869&ref=watch_permalink

DOE, PNOC-EC President pledges support for indigenous energy

Tweet

Energy security is national security

The Philippine Energy Independence Council (PEIC) in cooperation with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) recently held the "Innovation in Energy" webinar, a forum that aims to find ways in establishing an energy secure and an energy independent Philippines.

The imperative for the Philippines to achieve energy security and independence is one of the national issues that COVID-19 has pushed to the forefront. The energy industry is faced with the challenge of supplying steady power to communities across the Philippines as the pandemic continues to impact industries everywhere.

Critical to fulfilling this objective is the collaboration between the private and public sector.

Their joint plans were unveiled in the online forum, Innovations in Energy: An Energy Secure, Energy Independent Philippines, organized by the Philippine Energy Independence Council (PEIC) last July 10. 

Leading the discussion were Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi; The Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) President, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Rozzano Briguez; AC Energy President and CEO Eric Francia; PEIC Director Don Paulino and PEIC founding member and Director Amor Maclang.

One conclusion that the forum reached was that tapping indigenous sources can support the development of renewable energy and decrease the Philippines’ need to depend on other oil-producing nations. During the talk, Briguez expressed his commitment to utilizing indigenous energy sources. “Indigenous resource development and coal exploration can contribute to energy security,” he said. 

“For decades, the Philippines has relied on global markets to meet the energy demands of the country,” emphasized Maclang. “But if there’s one industry that could really benefit from innovation, it’s our energy industry.” By tapping indigenous sources, the country can support the development of renewable energy and decrease the need to depend on other oil-producing nations. Not only will the Philippines be able to achieve sustainable and more accessible power, it can also better withstand trials that are thrown its way—whether it’s a pandemic or geopolitical movements affecting the global supply chain.

The PNOC-EC’s rigorous experience in oil exploration has positioned it strongly to lead the nation into energy sufficiency. They have conducted explorations on-shore, such as in Cagayan, Central Luzon, and Cotabato, as well as off-shore in Northwest and Southwest Palawan. From 1976 to 2015, PNOC-EC has also drilled 28 onshore wells all over the country. “We want to be a leading exploration company by 2030, have a global reach, and contribute to the country’s growth,” shared Briguez. “The presidential mandate is to focus on exploration, mainly upstream.”

As further pointed out by Cusi, “The Philippines has the highest renewable energy mix in Southeast Asia.” At present, 30 percent of the country’s power needs are already supplied by natural gas from the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project, which has been drawing natural gas from beneath the seafloor of the West Philippine Sea since 2001. 

Its benefits have since extended beyond drawing natural gas — from helping to supply a stable supply of power in the country, to assisting several communities in environmental programs. As one of the most successful Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to date, the Malampaya project presents a viable model for the industry to innovate as the search for more indigenous sources continues. 

Close collaboration between the public and private sector is an essential component in this quest for effective exploration and energy security. Over the years, the government has made various strides towards this goal, such as the DOE’s commitment to the Renewable Energy Act and increasing renewable energy service contracts and capacity. 

Francia explained how the market framework in the Philippines works to the industry’s advantage. “We have an open, competitive market,” he elaborated. “There’s no need to rely on the government. Other markets like Vietnam and Indonesia need to depend on government-controlled corporations before the private sector can invest.”

Recently, the DOE has also been aggressively pushing strategies to attract investors, including the major possibility of allowing 100% full foreign ownership for renewable energy. “For years, investors have been shying away from the Philippines due to issues such as our electricity capacity, but our renewable resources are reliable and flexible sources have yet to be maximized,” revealed Cusi. “Gamitin po natin ang sariling atin.”

On that note, PNOC-EC is positioning itself to be a partner of choice for investors. Envisioning the Philippines’ energy future, Briguez detailed other significant steps that the PNOC-EC looks is preparing for, such as: increased production in at least two underground mines, the resolution of maritime disputes between China and the Philippines, and new oil and gas discoveries to augment the Malampaya reserves. 

“There are more opportunities than challenges,” clarified Briguez. “[Soon], we can get more data from sedimentary basins to make them more marketable for prospective investors to enter the market. But for now, we focus on upstream exploration of petroleum and coal. This is our way of serving our country well.”

Although most of the future seems uncertain because of the pandemic, what remains true is that we need to ensure an energy-secure Philippines. “We should not relax, we should continue to build supply,” stated Cusi. COVID-19 has brought to light the vulnerabilities of our current energy systems, but it is also an opportunity for the industry to spark hope among communities, with indigenous resources like solar, natural gas, and geothermal at the core. But as iterated by Paulino, "We can only do this if we do it together and try to advocate and follow what a carbon economy could look like for the Philippines in the future.”

Facebook Link of the webinar, 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=1234297326904790&ref=watch_permalink

Tech Innovator app-based motorcycle taxi Angkas to discuss Good Governance for Start Ups

Tweet

Angkas, technology innovator and pioneer in app-based motorcycle taxi services, will join the 2020 Corporate Governance Conference (CGGON) to discuss their advocacy of using technology not just as a solution to ease the burden of heavy traffic and congestion but as a tool for good governance and compliance with safety standards and regulations. 

The CGCON, which will be held in March 2020 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City was organized by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) and will have the theme “How T.R.A.F.F.I.C. Creates Sustainable Businesses.” The conference introduces T.R.A.F.F.I.C., short for Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness, Foresight, Innovation, Culture, as a business mindset for companies in achieving sustainability. 

“We have always championed the use of technology to make commuting easier for Filipinos, especially with the challenging traffic situation here in the country,” Angkas CEO Angeline Tham said during a press briefing.  

“Through our discussion at CGCON, we hope to give a better picture of how technology has worked for us both in serving the Filipino commuters and in ensuring good governance and compliance to safety rules and regulations among our biker-partners," Tham added. 

"I personally would like to emphasize that startups--particularly those oriented towards high technology--should always bear in mind that their concern should not be so much about their bottom line but about their impact to society," Tham noted.

"In Angkas, for instance, we have also always advocated safe and affordable transportation while complying with the strictest safety standards and regulations. This is the crux of our work and what we believe is our role in society," Tham maintained. "The safety of our bikers and commuters are of the utmost importance, and we will share how we have worked hard to comply with the highest safety standards and regulations.” 

The conference will feature notable thought leaders who will participate in a dialogue that aims to break the unconscious bias between emerging technology companies and disruptors, and the practice of good corporate governance. It aims to imbibe T.R.A.F.F.I.C. as a mindset for businesses to succeed in long-term value creation for the benefit of all stakeholders. 

CGCON 2020 will have an audience consisting of board chairs and directors, CEOs, CFOs, compliance officers, senior executives and managers, policy makers and regulators, institutional investors, and academics.

It plans to discuss the answer to the question on how principles of Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness, Foresight, Innovation, and Culture (T.R.A.F.F.I.C) create sustainable businesses in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe). It also has the goal of promoting stakeholder approach towards long-term value creation among companies that thrive in the various aspects of FIRe. 

CGCON 2020 will also feature global thought leader and acclaimed American roboticist Dr. David Hanson, founder and CEO of Hanson Robotics. He will be bringing his AI creation, Sophia, the world’s first robot citizen and the first robot Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.

Dr. Hanson will be delivering a keynote entitled "Revolutionizing Boardroom Dynamics," which will touch on how artificial intelligence and robotics are changing the way information impacts the boardroom.

As part of the program, Tham will also be speaking with Sophia on the topic, “The Future is Here.” Guests will also have the chance of interacting with Sophia as they can have selfies taken with her after the talk. 

Other topics that will be discussed in the conference are: how IoT is enhancing the workplace environment, transparency, and efficiency; the ethical implications of technological advancement to the business ecosystem; and why T.R.A.F.F.I.C. is important and how it creates value for investors and stakeholders respectively. 

At the Corporate Governance Conference (CGGON) held recently, where the conference introduced T.R.A.F.F.I.C., short for Transparency, Responsibility, Accountability, Fairness, Foresight, Innovation, Culture, as a business mindset for companies in achieving sustainability. Angkas was on of the major speakers to discuss their advocacy of using technology not just as a solution to ease the burden of heavy traffic and congestion but as a tool for good governance and compliance with safety standards and regulations. In the photos are : (L-R) Backrow : Tom Syquia, Subchair for Content, ICD; Tony Cailao Member – CGCON, ICD; Fred Pascual, President ICD; Frank Newmann, Trustee ICD; George Royeca, Chief Transport Advocate, Angkas; Henry Aguda, Chairman UBX /Unionbank; Taimy Cruz, Chair for Logistics, ICD; Bert Manabat, Trustee. Front Row: Amor Maclang, Chair for Public Engagement, ICD; Ida Tiongson, Trustee ICD; Angeline Tham, CEO and Founder, Angkas; Cora Guidote, Chair – CGCON ICD; Tammy Lipana, Trustee ICD.