The Philippines plays home to a multitude of micro, small, and medium enterprises from different sectors of society from the humble brick-and-mortar store to the neighborhood cafe. Sadly, many of these businesses fail to capitalize on all the possible avenues of growth through technology and maximize their potential. So PLDT Smart SME Nation has set up the annual TechIsland conference to help MSMEs discover and utilize the ways they can expand their business through the use of technology and the digital landscape. This year, TechIsland 3.0, aimed to “educate, enable, and empower MSMEs to solve real life business challenges through technology.”
For TechIsland 3.0, PLDT SME Nation invited an all-star line-up of speakers which included PLDT EVP, Head of EICB and ePLDT CEO Eric R. Alberto, DENTSU Jayme Syfu chairwoman and chief executive, Merlee Jayme, Uber Manila general manager, Laurence Cua, and Facebook Canada Group Director of Global Marketing Solutions and Facebook Philippines Interim Country Director, Alfredo Tan. Each speaker brought their own insights and shared their experiences on how technology has helped them in their corporate and business endeavors as well as how companies can successfully adapt to the modern digital landscape.
According to VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Mitch Locsin, TechIsland 3.0 is about “conquering new territories and markets in today’s dynamic business by harnessing digital tools and platforms. We’ve already established that digital is here and it’s here to stay. Now that everyone is on it, it’s time to challenge the standard business mindset and give our MSMEs a new perspective in managing their businesses, capturing and expanding their markets and handling competition. Online is where the action is, and we’re giving MSMEs the tools to thrive and survive in the digital arena.”
TechIsland 3.0, the third of its kind, was held at the Harbour Tent of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila and saw over a thousand industry leaders, multinational organizations, start-ups, and MSMEs attend and participate. This year’s conference also expanded its horizons by also inviting professionals in the marketing, sales, engineering, finance, and procurement industries. TechIsland 3.0 was also the first time the annual conference opened its doors to the general public on a first-come-first-served basis.