The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) stages its first-ever Industry Awareness Fair called “It Starts Here” at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City, a move seen as further manifestation of its commitment to pushing the IT-BPM industry forward.
IAF 2018 showcases various exciting career opportunities that are not only available in contact centers but also in other key sectors of the industry such as gaming, animation, IT and software development, global in-house centers, creative and in healthcare management.
The event was free and open to the public, with about 2,000 participants able to attend and learn more about the IT-BPM industry.
Aside from exploring potential careers in the industry, one of the highlights of the event is “Innovation for the Future” which explores the startup community and the up and coming technologies from SMEs (small medium enterprises). Immersive technologies such as 3D and 2D animation, game development and innovations in the healthcare industry also take center stage during the event.
IAF 2018 also serves as the launchpad of IBPAP’s industry Career Portal – ItStartsHere.PH, which was designed to help senior high school and graduating students as well as industry professionals in identifying potential job opportunities within the IT-BPM industry and in the key sub-sectors.
ItStartsHere.PH includes features such as career test, career and skills mapping, and access to training institutions. It is also seen as a tool that will pave the way for more opportunities for people from all walks of life – from young people, professionals, career shifters and even to parents and teachers. A total of 2,425 colleges and universities offering IT-BPM disciplines and courses are also set for integration in the portal.
Chair, Industry Awareness Fair and International Innovation Summit 2018
“We believe in the power of every Filipino talent and spirit, and this is just one of our many ways of empowering them as they improve their skills, move a notch higher in the industry, fulfill their goals and aspirations and grow our industry even further,” says Catherine Salcedo-Ileto, IBPAP vice chairperson of the Board of Trustees and IIS 2018 chairperson.
IAF 2018 is also a product of a strategic partnership between IBPAP and the Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT).
“The IT-BPM industry works closely with both the academe and the government to ensure that we have enough and the right talent pool. IBPAP works with DICT to prepare the workforce for the skills necessary to fill the demand for higher value jobs. These partnerships are essential to address the employability gap. We have also partnered with DICT on several talent development and upskilling initiatives,” Ileto adds.
Following the IAF 2018 is the highly anticipated International Innovation Summit (IIS) 2018 held last November 12-13, 2018 at Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City. IIS is co-presented by PLDT Enterprise and Globe Business with the participation of IBM Philippines, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., and Sutherland.