Embracing artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and hyperconnectivity can only bring real, measurable benefits to the Philippines through strong collaboration between the tech industry and the government, according to Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy. This developed on Partners’ Night held 7 April this year in support of the upcoming 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E). Uy chaired the event.
Uy emphasized the urgency for the Philippines to catch up in the global tech race, pointing out the country’s lag in AI and automation adoption. He called on industry players to join forces with the government to drive the country’s digital transformation forward. “Technology is not slowing down—and we need to catch up, fast,” he warned.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secretary Henry Aguda echoed Uy’s call, stressing the need for robust infrastructure and reliable connectivity as foundations for digital transformation. “When the public and private sectors unite with a common purpose, we can build a world where technology doesn’t divide us, but instead unites us,” Aguda said.
The event gathered top tech firms like Google, AWS, Cisco, and Salesforce, and highlighted innovations that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can leverage—ranging from cloud services to automation.
Uy also underscored the need for a national AI policy, a sovereign cloud infrastructure, and upskilling initiatives, aligning closely with the government’s goals for inclusive digital development.
Backed by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the PBC&E on October 20–21 at the SMX Convention Center Manila is expected to draw over 3,000 participants and will serve as a launchpad for inclusive innovation and nationwide digital progress.
