As more and more people move to cities and technology keeps improving, the idea of “smart cities” has become a powerful way to solve the complicated problems that modern societies face.
These smart ecosystems make environments that are sustainable, efficient, and good for living in by using cutting-edge technologies.
The upcoming Innovation Summit 2023, a hybrid event at Fairmont, Makati, and live and free via Zoom on 20 July, is aware of the huge potential of smart cities and wants to look at the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in this field.
For the first time, KPMG in the Philippines will let a tech start-up represent the country at the KPMG Global Technology Innovator finals, which will take place in November in Lisbon, Portugal.
The summit allows start-up companies to win global competition and connect with investors, industry experts, and other “disruptors.”
One of the most important professional services companies in the Philippines, KPMG, is holding an event called “MAKING IT HAPPEN: From Innovative Ideas to Execution.”
There are four plenary sessions at the KPMG Innovation Summit 2023.
These are Smart Cities, ESG Technology, The Next Wave of Automation, and Industry Disruptors.
SMART CITIES PANEL
Technology companies and startups will benefit from panel discussions led by 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 Execute Biencor Ma. Veronica Hitosis, Dale Jose, and Alvin Ng will discuss DIGITAL GOVERNMENT AND SMART CITIES: BUILDING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES.
The summit allows people to listen and interact with Smart City leaders to improve their quality of life and create a value network. Many industries are adapting to such cities and their challenges and opportunities.
Panelists will discuss how future cities use information and communication technology to improve infrastructure, public services, and mobility, one of the most intriguing topics in business.
KPMG in the Philippines Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Head of Advisory and Smart Cities panel discussion moderator Noel Bonoan says, “Though it may seem unattainable, the evolution to smart cities, many believe, has already begun. Smart cities are not just a distant vision. They are real and accessible, ready to solve urban challenges; from traffic decongestion to digital payment solutions, and collaborating with the Local Government Units, National Government Agencies and GOCCs. Partnership with the private sector, multilaterals, and other funding institutions are also key to realizing Smart City projects in the Philippines aimed at improving lives, attracting investments and enhancing economic competitiveness.”
INDUSTRY DISRUPTORS PANEL
Aside from prime movers of Smart Cities, another league of the game-changers in technology worth listening to is the panel on Industry Disruptors: Game Changers in Tech.
KPMG in the Philippines Head of Deal Advisory and Industry Disruptors Panel Moderator Michael Guarin says: “Disruptors play a crucial role in driving innovation and growth across a variety of sectors such as financial, industrial, retail and healthcare. By embracing disruption, we can unlock new avenues for success, transform business models and stay ahead of rapidly changing market dynamics.”
Disrupting the status quo to improve business efficiency is always met with resistance. Disruptors are worth learning from to solve common and complex problems, whether adopting ESG technology to make businesses more efficient or integrating disruptive technology into tradition.
Foodpanda VP and Director of Finance Leopoldo De Castro, Alliance of Tech Innovators for the Nation Lead Convenor and DICT Former Undersecretary Mon Ibrahim, Fuse Lending President and CEO Tony Isidro, Digital Pilipinas Convenor and GeiserMaclang Co-founder Amor Maclang, Angkas Co-founder and CEO George Royeca, and Mayani CEO JT Solis will discuss how traditional industries are most affected by pro-active gumption.
ESG TECHNOLOGY AND THE NEXT WAVE OF AUTOMATION PANELS
KPMG in the Philippines Advisory Partner and ESG Lead Kristine Aguirre leads the panel discussion on the industry’s role in enabling ESG adoption to help businesses integrate ESG models. 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
KPMG Philippines Head of Technology Consulting Jallain Marcel Manrique will facilitate the dialogue of KPMG India Partner and Lead for Digital Advisory. Sushant Rabra, Philippines Analytics Association President Michelle Alarcon, Asian Development Bank Digital Innovation and Architecture Director Ozzeir Khan, Globe Telecom CIO Raul Macatangay, Concepcion Business Services President and COO Eric Sarmiento, Robotic Process Automation Philippines Founder and President Allan Tan discussed the opportunities and risks of automation.
