Manila, Philippines – PLDT Smart SME Nation’s annual business convention for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is back, this time to help Filipino MSMEs discover uncharted terrains in the ever changing digital landscape.

Now on its third year, TechIsland aims to educate, enable and empower MSMEs to solve real life business challenges through technology. In the past years, the forum focused on introducing MSMEs to ICT solutions for business. According to VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Mitch Locsin, TechIsland 3.0 will now focus on “conquering new territories and markets in today’s dynamic business by harnessing digital tools and platforms.”

Challenge, change, conquer

This year’s theme for TechIsland is a story of overcoming challenges, embracing change and conquering opportunities.

PLDT EVP, Head of EICB and ePLDT CEO Eric R. Alberto will lead the highly esteemed group of speakers as he shares insights based on his experience in guiding the PLDT Group’s Enterprise and International activities, both fixed and wireless businesses, to an annual revenue turnover accountability of over 65 billion pesos. Formally opening the event, Alberto will welcome game changers in the field of IT as well as innovators in the fields of marketing, finance and operations, among others.

DENTSU Jayme Syfu’s ‘Chairmom’ and chief executive, and one of Philippine advertising industry’s most renowned practitioners, Merlee Jayme will be present to discuss digital marketing trends and how successful companies have adapted to the modern digital landscape. Meanwhile, PLDT Chief Strategy Officer Winston Damarillo will also share strategies on how businesses can go digital through specifically-designed business solutions for MSMEs.

For his part, Laurence Cua, general manager of Uber Manila, will enlighten the audience on real-life application of digital technology.

Completing the roster is special guest speaker Alfredo Tan, who is Facebook Canada Group Director of Global Marketing Solutions and Facebook Philippines Interim Country. He will tackle digital exploration and how Facebook has evolved to serve the business community. He will also talk about digital trends that can help businesses jumpstart their digital journey.

The breakout sessions in the afternoon will be divided into four categories designed to target specific segments of an organization—the CEOs and owners (The Captain); sales and marketing (The Navigator); finance and procurement (The Trader); and operation and IT (The Engineer).

The Captain focuses on global expansion through digital while The Navigator will highlight digital trends and market activations. Delegates attending The Trader will learn about streamlining systems, while those in The Engineer will be in for an afternoon of learning about software security.

All sessions are powered by innovative digital business solutions from PLDT Smart SME Nation which delegates will learn more about as they go along.

Pioneering digital for MSMEs

Happening on April 22 at the Harbour Tent of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the highly anticipated business-to-business ICT forum is expected to draw in over a thousand participants including industry leaders, multinational organizations, start-ups and MSMEs from various industries. Unlike in previous years where participation was limited to IT practitioners, this year’s TechIsland 3.0 is now open to more people including professionals in the fields of marketing, sales, engineering, finance and procurement.

This year is also historic in TechIsland history because, for the first time, slots will be open to the general public on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Locsin added, “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.”