OCEAN 16 to pave collaboration towards Industry 4.0

Companies join tech experts and changemakers in leading digital revolution

Breakthroughs in technology are fundamentally transforming whole systems of production, management, and governance to aid societies overcome challenges from business and energy, to transportation and climate change.

Called the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” or “Industry 4.0,” this trend presents an opportunity for the Philippines not only to keep up with more advanced nations, but also solve urgent problems plaguing the country.

“This year in Davos, we talked about the Fourth Industrial Revolution – how high technology will promote rapid industrialization and how digital can impact lives for the better,” said Winston Damarillo, a Filipino Young Global Leader recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) which held its 2016 meeting at Davos-Klosters, Switzerland in January.

Several organizations are already working towards supporting Industry 4.0 in the Philippines by helping companies and government adapt to Big Data, Cloud Computing, and other digital innovations.

Energy goes digital

With new demands and advancements disrupting power industry norms, energy giant Meralco is spearheading discussions on emerging solutions with its annual Technology and Innovation Summit (MTECH).

Already in its second year, MTECH brings in fresh insights and experiences from global technology companies to help inform the local energy industry and pave the way for smarter utilities. This year, the summit revolved around creating intelligent customer-centered solutions that enhance human lives.

Alongside the discussions, Meralco implemented its Automated Distribution Management System (ADMS) this year to digitize the electrical grid and automate power distribution in the event of an outage.

ADMS is part of the company’s efforts to transform the business, enabling it to support alternative forms of energy like wind and solar, as well as digital trends such as Big Data and Cloud.

Empowering MSMEs

Digital technology is no longer the privilege of large corporations. Through PLDT SME Nation, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as well as startups can leverage business-enabling solutions through hardware, broadband connectivity, and mobile devices to gain competitive advantage.

One such solution is the Smart Tracker which enables business owners to monitor their vehicles or field force personnel in real time to ensure operational productivity and security. Smart Tracker is part of a suite of industry-specific enterprise tools called Smart Logistics Solutions that include fleet management, e-ticketing systems, and digital proof of delivery.

This year, PLDT SME led a series of road shows to promote disruptive technologies for business. These forums served as avenues where aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from businesses that found success in their respective industries through available digital solutions.

Next steps for PH

Disruptive and transformative technologies show promise in fostering productivity, cost-efficiency, and sustainability across many sectors, but adoption has been slow.

To promote Industry 4.0, top executives from Meralco, PLDT SME, Landbank, BDO, Hortonworks, and NEC Philippines will present along with other young Filipino luminaries and change makers at the Open Collaboration with East Asia New Champions Summit 2016 (OCEAN 16) in Bohol.

OCEAN is a biennial gathering where global leaders discuss how to better shape the future. Organized by the New Champions of the World Economic Forum, the upcoming event will impart insights from Davos 2016 as well as introduce a roadmap for “Digital Bohol” that will serve as a guide for local government units in harnessing smart technology.

Senator Bam Aquino, a co-chair of OCEAN 16, believes that “government support is important to unlocking the potential for technological innovation. That is why we are pushing for the Innovative Startup Act, so that we can boost our digital startup community.”

“Bohol will be a whole new experience. It’s a microcosm of what we want to achieve for the theme of this year’s OCEAN,” said Damarillo, who is also a co-chair of OCEAN 16. “Technology will help Filipinos everywhere tap into their creativity, come together to share resources, and include more and more people into the economy and the conversation that is now taking place online. Technology can help us be who we are, but better."

To learn more about OCEAN 16, please visit http://ocean16.asia/.