As the world experiences rapid urbanization and technological progress, the concept of smart cities emerges as a powerful solution to tackle the complex challenges of modern societies. These intelligent ecosystems harness cutting-edge technologies to create sustainable, efficient, and livable environments. Recognizing the immense potential of smart cities, the upcoming Innovation Summit 2023 is set to take place as a hybrid event at Fairmont, Makati, and will also be accessible for FREE via Zoom on July 20. The summit aims to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in this domain.
In a groundbreaking move, KPMG in the Philippines will provide a tech start-up with the opportunity to represent the country at the prestigious KPMG Global Technology Innovator finals, scheduled to be held in Lisbon, Portugal in November. Apart from the chance to compete on the global stage, the summit serves as a platform for start-up companies to showcase their products and services, as well as forge meaningful connections with investors, industry experts, and fellow disruptors.
Under the theme “MAKING IT HAPPEN: From Innovative Ideas to Execution,” KPMG in the Philippines, one of the country’s leading professional services firms, is eager to stimulate the business sector’s spirit of enterprise through game-changing discussions that focus on innovation and technology.
The KPMG Innovation Summit 2023 features four hyper-specialized plenary sessions: Smart Cities, ESG Technology, The Next Wave of Automation, and Industry Disruptors. These sessions promise to offer valuable insights and foster collaboration in the pursuit of advancements in various technological and business domains.
SMART CITIES PANEL
The panel discussions led by prominent figures such as Department of Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary David Almirol, Department of Budget and Management Undersecretary Maria Francesca Del Rosario, City Savings Bank Head of Legal and Data Protection Officer for Private Sector Infrastructure, Ernesto Herrera, League of Cities Executive Biencor Ma. Veronica Hitosis, Microsoft Philippines National Technology and Security Officer Dale Jose, and Aboitiz Chief Operating Officer for Smart Cities Alvin Ng, will prove to be of great benefit to technology enterprises and tech start-ups.
Under the theme of “DIGITAL GOVERNMENT AND SMART CITIES: BUILDING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES,” the summit provides a unique opportunity to listen to and interact with these influential leaders in the realm of Smart Cities. With a focus on placing people at the core of sustainable development and ecological design, the discussions aim to improve the quality of life and create a robust value network. As numerous industries are presently transitioning into such cities, they open themselves up to both challenges and opportunities.
The concept of Smart Cities is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing subjects that have captivated the business industry. Panelists are expected to delve into how cities of the future utilize information and communication technology to enhance infrastructure, public services, and mobility, paving the way for a more connected and innovative urban landscape.
Noel Bonoan, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of KPMG in the Philippines, Head of Advisory, and moderator of the Smart Cities panel discussion, highlights the attainability and ongoing evolution of smart cities. He emphasizes that smart cities are not merely a distant vision but a tangible and accessible reality that can address urban challenges. These challenges include traffic congestion, digital payment solutions, and fostering collaboration among Local Government Units, National Government Agencies, and GOCCs (Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations). Bonoan emphasizes that partnerships with the private sector, multilateral organizations, and other funding institutions are crucial for the successful realization of smart city projects in the Philippines. The ultimate goal is to improve the lives of citizens, attract investments, and enhance economic competitiveness, making smart cities a catalyst for progress.
INDUSTRY DISRUPTORS PANEL
Apart from the esteemed prime movers of Smart Cities, another group of influential technology game-changers worth paying attention to is the panel on Industry Disruptors: Game Changers in Tech.
Michael Guarin, Head of Deal Advisory at KPMG in the Philippines and the moderator of the Industry Disruptors panel, emphasizes the crucial role that disruptors play in driving innovation and growth across various sectors, including finance, industry, retail, and healthcare. Embracing disruption unlocks new pathways to success, transforming business models and enabling companies to stay ahead of rapidly changing market dynamics.
Disruptors are known for challenging long-established and institutionalized norms, often facing resistance as they pave the way for progress and increased efficiency in businesses. Whether adopting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) models to enhance efficiency or introducing disruptive technologies that challenge conventional practices, disruptors offer valuable lessons in problem-solving, addressing both common and complex issues.
The panel on Industry Disruptors includes esteemed experts such as Foodpanda VP and Director of Finance Leopoldo De Castro, Alliance of Tech Innovators for the Nation Lead Convenor and Former Undersecretary of DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) Mon Ibrahim, Fuse Lending President and CEO Tony Isidro, Digital Pilipinas Convenor and Co-founder of GeiserMaclang Amor Maclang, Angkas Co-founder and CEO George Royeca, and Mayani CEO JT Solis. Together, they will delve into how traditional industries are significantly impacted by the proactive and groundbreaking efforts of disruptors, who are revolutionizing the game with innovative technologies and approaches.
ESG TECHNOLOGY AND THE NEXT WAVE OF AUTOMATION PANELS
Leading the panel discussion on the crucial role of the industry in enabling ESG adoption, KPMG in the Philippines Advisory Partner and ESG Lead, Kristine Aguirre, aims to make it easier for businesses to integrate ESG models into their operations. ESG Tech panelists, including KPMG India Director for Digital Strategy and ESG Technology, Unaise Urfi, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary, Carlos Primo David, Asian Institute Management Graduate School Business Head Communications, and Center for Sustainable Finance Executive Director, Felipe Calderon, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, Yoly Crisanto, International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) Head of Sustainability and Development, Roy Luntayao, and MSCI Inc. Vice President for ESG Data Management, Adrian Pacia, will delve into how technologies offer solutions to address current ESG issues.
Facilitating the dialogue on automation’s emerging wave, KPMG in the Philippines Head of Technology Consulting, Jallain Marcel Manrique, will lead the discussion with KPMG India Partner and Lead for Digital Advisory, Sushant Rabra, Analytics Association of the Philippines President, Michelle Alarcon, Asian Development Bank Director of Digital Innovation and Architecture, Ozzeir Khan, Globe Telecom CIO, Raul Macatangay, Concepcion Business Services President and COO, Eric Sarmiento, and Robotic Process Automation Philippines Founder and President, Allan Tan. They will shed light on the opportunities and risks that accompany these transformative automation technologies.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the convergence of industry experts and technology leaders as they explore groundbreaking innovations that are revolutionizing various business sectors. Your insights and contribution to the conversation are invaluable as advanced technology undeniably shapes the future.
Join the virtual KPMG Innovation Summit 2023 for FREE by registering at this link: https://bit.ly/KPMGInnovationSummit2023_Registration. Be part of this influential event and be at the forefront of shaping the future of technology and business.
R.G. MANABAT & CO.
R.G. Manabat & Co., operating as KPMG in the Philippines, is a Philippine partnership and a proud member of the KPMG global organization, which consists of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG firms are established in an extensive network of 143 countries and territories worldwide.
In the Philippines, KPMG remains a trusted and leading professional services firm, renowned for its exceptional audit, tax, advisory, and technology consulting services catering to large corporations and industry partners. The firm’s esteemed team boasts diverse backgrounds, spanning both public and private sectors, complemented by extensive training, empowering them to offer practical and real-world solutions to the increasingly complex business and regulatory challenges faced by clients. With a commitment to excellence, KPMG in the Philippines continues to be at the forefront of delivering top-notch services, helping businesses thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving global landscape.
