Manila, Philippines — With technology becoming an integral part of today’s society, key leaders and decision-makers gathered at the Government-Academe-Industry Network, Inc. (GAIN) 2020 National Convention last February 7, 2020, at the Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City, to address how this will impact the Philippines’ global competitiveness and human capital development.
Since GAIN, Inc. held its first National Convention in 2018, it has been successful in sparking conversations both in the public and private sectors when it comes to human capital development in the areas of English proficiency digital literacy to boost the country’s global competitiveness. But as the integration of technology becomes more prevalent in today’s business environment, it has raised concerns on how artificial intelligence will impact labor and ultimately, the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global marketplace.
The Convention highlighted the Framework developed by the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, a platform for cities across the region to collectively work together towards the goal of smart and sustainable urbanization using technology as an enabler to improve the quality of life.
The Framework also indicated focus areas that are essential to developing a Smart City which is Civic and Social, Health and Well-being, Public Safety and Security, Quality Environment, Built Infrastructure, and Industry and Innovation.
Using the Framework, GAIN, Inc. curated this year’s Convention to highlight the collaboration that needs to be fostered between all of its stakeholders to reinforce linkages and partnerships, support capacity-building efforts, and create new opportunities for technological and digital solutions.
The third GAIN Convention also hosted a collaborative Townhall Workshop where delegates were asked to provide their own recommendation in enhancing efforts for human capital development.
Officials from the public sector were also present including the House of Representatives, Department of Labor and Employment, Paranaque City Government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Information and Communications Technology Mindanao.
It was represented by Southville International School and Colleges, Asian Institute of Management, Asia Pacific College, and Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila.
GAIN concluded its third Convention successfully as it addressed the need to transform Philippine cities to provide faster and more efficient services in accordance with the ASEAN Smart Cities Framework, boosting the overall quality of life, developing a competitive economy, and nurturing a sustainable environment. The Convention also reiterated the value shaping the talents of today as the key to realizing a Smart City future for the country. Ultimately though GAIN 2020, the government, academe, and industry have another thrust for the Philippines to continue its growth, relevance, and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
