Shaping the Future of the Workforce for a SMART City Revolution

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 on 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 (AI) will impact labor and ultimately, the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Themed, “The Future Workforce and Graduates for the SMART City Revolution: Towards Global Competitiveness and Human Capital Development,” the third National Convention focused on equipping the current and future Filipino workforce with the proper knowledge and skill sets needed as the global landscape continues to shift due to tech integration. GAIN 2020 identified the challenges being faced by the country, mapped out growth opportunities, and aimed to change mindsets to take the necessary steps to fulfill collective goals.

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 urbanisation using technology as an enabler to improve the quality of life. The ASEAN Smart Cities Framework envisions a Smart City in the region striving to balance a high quality of life, a competitive economy, and a sustainable environment. These outcomes are underpinned by two key urban systems — Integrated Master Planning and Development, and Dynamic and Adaptive Urban Governance.

The Framework also indicated focus areas that are essential to developing a Smart City which are Civic and Social, Health and Well-being, Public Safety and Security, Quality Environment, Built Infrastructure, and Industry and Innovation. It also suggests that planning and management of smart and sustainable urbanization can be supported by key enablers such as Digital Infrastructure and Applications, and Partnerships and Funding.

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. From presentations to panel discussions, the Convention took on topics that drove conversations on transforming schools, graduates, and the workforce to be able to provide the skills and services of a Smart City.

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. Through this session, GAIN was able to gather insights and potential programs while delegates were able to share ideas that were rooted on problem-solving, innovation, and creativity.

Various companies and organizations participated at GAIN 2020 namely, Senti AI, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Philippine Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), CodersGuild.NET, Edukasyon.ph, IdeaSpace Foundation, Inc., and 51Talk. Officials from the public sector were also present including the House of Representatives, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Paranaque City Government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Mindanao.

Members of the academe also took part in the discussions as they are one of the main drivers shaping the workforce of the future. 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 they key to realizing a Smart City future for the country. Ultimately through GAIN 2020, the government, academe, and industry have another thrust for the Philippines to continue its growth, relevance, and competitiveness in the global marketplace.