13 Sep PCCI-DOST Joint Conference Catalyzes Innovative Island Enterprise Growth through S&T Initiatives
The PCCI Roundtable Discussion/Planning Workshop for S&T Innovation, held alongside DOST on September 13, 2024, culminated in an insightful and collaborative Joint Conference titled “Islands of Venture: Science, Technology, and Innovation as Catalysts for Enterprise Development.” This event unfolded at the Makati Diamond Residences, uniting a diverse assembly of leaders and industry pioneers. The day commenced with a warm welcome from DOST Assistant Secretary Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr. The stage was then set for the keynote speeches, with Mr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., the Honorary Chair, Treasurer, and Senior Adviser of PCCI, sharing his visionary insights. The conference reached new heights with the virtual presence of DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, whose keynote address resonated with the attendees, emphasizing the critical role of science and technology in propelling the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The conference showcased a series of captivating sessions, with the most anticipated being the “Views from Business and Industry: Challenges and Opportunities in Government- Industry Collaborations for STI in Industrial Development.” This segment enlightened attendees through a PowerPoint presentations and compelling narratives, offering a panoramic view of the diverse industry landscapes, including Food Manufacturing, Semiconductor and Electronics, Pharmaceuticals, Health and Wellness, Plastics Industry, Creative Industries, Transportation and Logistics, Energy and Power, and Education.
The Education sector’s presentation, delivered by Mr. Augusto Fabella, President of PCCI Mandaluyong, was enlightening. It featured the current state of the Philippine educational system, revealing that there is significant ground to be covered for students to ascend from their 2nd to the last position in PISA rankings to the height of academic excellence. Meanwhile, Mr. Benjamin Chua, President of PPIA, unveiled the activities of the Philippine Plastics Industry, showcasing how they are innovating to overcome the pressing environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. His presentation demonstrated the sector’s commitment to sustainability and its potential to revolutionize the industry through groundbreaking solutions.
Another riveting feature was the Transportation and Logistics segment, where Mr. Dennis Ng, the founder of Mober, shared his company’s strategies. His firm is disrupting the norm by deploying an all-electric vehicle fleet, setting an example for eco-friendly logistics. The highlight was the unveiling of Mober’s pioneering approach to establishing a robust charging infrastructure, a testament to their foresight and dedication to customer service.
The Workshop’s culmination showcased the DOST-PCCI Technology Business Alliance Strategic Blueprint for 2024-2028. Industry leaders and SMEs actively engaged in this discourse, bringing forth their concerns and insights to enrich the strategic narrative. SPIK, represented by Engr. Jeffrey G. Mijares, Executive Director, underscored the imperative of forging synergies with policymakers. Their aim is to co-create a regulatory milieu that is conducive to the flourishing of research and development, as well as the birth of new technologies that are poised to revolutionize the market.