Public-Private Collaboration Key to Accelerating Digital Transformation

Artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, hyperconnectivity—these emerging technologies will only lead to real, tangible benefits through strong collaboration between the country’s technology sector and the government.

Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy emphasized robust infrastructure and meaningful connectivity. I Photo: Converge ICT Solutions Inc. Facebook

This was the key message from Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy during a Partners’ Night held last week, in support of the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E), which he is chairing this year.

The event was organized with the backing of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

“In recent years, I’ve explored technologies around the world that could be adapted and brought to the Philippines. And I’ve come to a hard truth: the Philippines is falling behind. While other countries are racing ahead with AI and automation, we’re struggling to keep pace. Technology isn’t slowing down—and we need to catch up, fast,” Uy stressed.

Lending support to the event were newly appointed Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun, representing Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.

“We recognize that government alone cannot do this. This year will mark a stronger public-private partnership as we advance our priority pillars under DICT—Digital Economy, Infrastructure, Championing Data Privacy and Security, and Transparency in Government,” Secretary Aguda said.“When the public and private sectors unite with a common purpose, we can build a world where technology doesn’t divide us but unites us. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, walang iwanan—especially when it comes to digital bayanihan,” he added.

Aguda echoed Uy’s emphasis on robust infrastructure and meaningful connectivity.

“There can be no digital transformation without strong infrastructure. And you can’t adopt AI and other digital solutions without reliable connectivity,” Aguda said. “Our bold aspiration is to ensure that, as we work together—through fiber, mobile, low Earth orbit satellites, or high-altitude platforms—no nook or cranny in the country will be left unconnected.”

The event showcased technologies and innovations that today’s SMEs can leverage, such as cloud services, IT infrastructure management, and automated business processes.

It brought together key government officials and global technology and business leaders, including representatives from Google, Cisco, AWS, Fortinet, Nokia, Huawei, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Salesforce, KT Satellite, BPI, and others.

“I urge our partners in the technology industry to come together and help accelerate the country’s digital transformation,” Uy said. “As chairman of PCCI’s 51st Philippine Business Conference & Expo, we will use this event as a catalyst for digital adoption and national progress.”

Uy also stressed the importance of partnerships with government agencies—particularly the DICT, DTI, and DOST—in crafting an AI policy framework that will allow the Philippines to leapfrog and remain globally competitive.

“AI and emerging technologies will be the currency of the future,” he said. “To stay competitive globally, we must ensure the right infrastructure is in place, strong governance and regulatory frameworks are implemented, and every Filipino is upskilled to excel in this digital era.”

Uy added that his vision aligns with the government’s goals around connectivity and digital information security, including the establishment of a sovereign cloud infrastructure to ensure that Filipino data remains within the country.

PCCI President Consul Enunina V. Mangio said the upcoming PBC&E will serve as a key platform to accelerate technological advancement and promote inclusive economic growth.

“This demands collective action among all stakeholders—government, business organizations, private enterprises, academic institutions, donor agencies, media, and civil society,” Mangio said.

“The challenges we face require a unified approach. By working together, we can overcome them more efficiently and effectively.”

The 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo, organized by the PCCI, will be held on October 20–21, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. It is expected to gather over 3,000 participants from across the country to explore the latest technological solutions for businesses of all sizes.