Fledgling technology experts clearly provided a massive inspiration for the recently concluded KPMG in the Philippines Innovation Summit tagged “Tech Horizons: Unleashing the Future of Innovation.” As KPMG in the Philippines achieved its goal in forging technology as a catalyst for progress, the summit also reminded tech pioneers and business frontrunners of the importance of sustainability and responsible usage of technology as future generations of humanity will reap the consequences of today’s tech practices.
KPMG in the Philippines Academic Innovation Challenge 2024
In the process of delving into the future of innovation, it proved inevitable to highlight the next generation of tech leaders as KPMG in the Philippines hosted its first Academic Innovation Challenge (AIC) among student tech experts from 15 colleges and universities providing a platform for students to showcase their proficiency in data and analytics. The AIC’s theme is “Processed data is information. Processed information is knowledge. Processed knowledge is wisdom.” The contest was participated in by over 57 students who demonstrated creativity and data visualization skills, bringing new perspectives powered by data analytics.
with Ms. Sharon G. Dayoan, KPMG PH CEO and Chairman
For their exceptional skills in harnessing the power of analytics to visualize data, the Trial and Aaron team from the University of the Philippines-Diliman claimed the top prize with team members Kline Jeff Lepardo, Aaron Lowel Santomin, and Julienne Vinarao.
Sharon G. Dayoan, KPMG PH CEO and Chairman
The insightful approach and technical prowess of QWERTY from Far Eastern University Manila earned the second prize for team members Maria Heart La Fuente, Hershey Jone Edralin, and Jerica De Guzman. Third place went to APC JAM from Asia-Pacific College with team members Adan Cabildo, Matthew Aaron Pinlac and Jasper Daniel Abogado for their precision and innovation that really impressed the judges.
Daniel Abogado with Ms. Sharon G. Dayoan, KPMG PH CEO and Chairman
Criteria for this year’s AIC are: originality and creativity of presentation and dashboard (50%), design and code efficiency (30%) and presentation impact and clarity (20%).
Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
This year’s summit continued to challenge emerging tech and business leaders in shaping a responsible future as they harness the transformative power of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. AI holds an immense potential to revolutionize industries, streamline processes, ultimately improving the way businesses operate and compete in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. But the summit also reminded participants that the development, deployment and governance of AI should be ethical. By prioritizing transparency and accountability in the AI process, businesses can harness its potential as they mitigate the risks.
The Innovation Summit also highlighted technology as it is increasingly integrated with everyday life and so trust and confidence in systems and platforms are important. By prioritizing cybersecurity and data privacy, users are able to pursue a digital ecosystem where businesses feel safe, secure, and empowered to embrace the opportunities of the digital age.
KPMG in the Philippines likewise recognized the urgent need to balance technological advancement with environmental stewardship. The speeches even explored how environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and AI intersect in today’s fast evolving corporate governance landscape. By learning expert insights in integrating sustainability into technological adoption, participants were encouraged to pursue responsible corporate practices amidst technological advancements.
The Race to Digital Transformation
During the summit, the Digital Transformation Race was likened to a marathon — some participants are just lacing up their shoes, others are confidently striding ahead, and a select few have already broken free from the pack, leading by example. Its success which entails agility, optimization, and innovation has become the guiding light for enterprises worldwide. KPMG in the Philippines’ aim is clear – to provide insight and guidance tailored to meet organizations in whatever stage they are in the race to digital transformation.
Continually Growing KPMG in the Philippines Innovation Summit
The driving force for the KPMG in the Philippines Innovation Summit, which has been held annually since 2021, has been to provide an avenue for industry experts, business leaders, and the public to exchange insights, perspectives and strategies on digital transformation and innovation. The hybrid summit in 2022 won the prestigious Anvil award for Special Event and Exhibit from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. It has also increasingly drawn live and online attendees from leading industry players in both the public and private sectors with over a thousand summit participants this year.
KPMG in the Philippines Innovation Summit 2024 was supported by the following organizations: The Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, the British Chamber of Commerce, Digital Pilipinas, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Filipina CEO Circle, the Institute of Management Accountants, the Management Association of the Philippines and the Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.