WITH 43 million gamers and 1.5 million freelancers, the Philippines’ creative economy and responsible gaming industry are significant.
Digital Pilipinas (DP) and SiGMA Asia collaborate to support and protect these sectors.
Last June 3 to 5, SiGMA Asia Summit 2024 provided Filipino gig workers and gamers a platform to form partnerships and connect with industry leaders. The event drew over 20,000 delegates and 300 exhibitors, highlighting the dynamic gaming landscape in the region.
Digital Pilipinas partners with leaders and businesses as a key player in technology and innovation, advocating for the Filipino digital workforce. Recognizing the gig and gaming sectors’ economic impact, DP served as a media partner for the event.
iGaming was a central focus at the SiGMA Asia Summit 2024. SiGMA World and AIBC World founder Eman Pulis emphasized the importance of regulated online gambling and supporting government regulation in Asia.
Digital Pilipinas Convenor Amor Maclang stated that supporting iGaming mainstreaming is crucial for the Philippines’ digital economy, advocating for regulation and global engagement.
Cybersecurity was a key focus at the technology-centric SiGMA Summit Asia. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), represented by Alwell Mulsid, highlighted cyber security risks at the summit. Mulsid stressed that everyone, not just IT professionals, needs to learn how to protect themselves online, noting that endpoints like laptops and desktops are frequent cyber attack targets.
Rep. Christopher de Venecia, principal author of Republic Act 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, discussed emerging technology and its impact on creative economies, emphasizing the need for private-sector solutions to safeguard intellectual property, regulate AI, and support gig workers.
Amor Maclang praised the technological innovations showcased at the SiGMA Affiliate Startup Pitch Asia, including gaming animation, automated brand discovery, sports betting software, and compliance platforms, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize industries.
Digital Pilipinas participated in panel discussions throughout the event. “Bridging the Gap: Empowerment through Digital Identities” featured Stephanie Tower, Country Lead at nChain; Penny Chai, VP of Business Development APAC at SumSub; Amor Maclang, Convenor of Digital Pilipinas; and Lawrence Ferrer, President and CEO of CIS Bayad Cener, Inc., moderated by Torben Friis, Managing Director of Match Liquidity. “Beyond Banking: Exploring AI’s Diverse Applications in Fintech, Agriculture, and Healthtech” was a panel that gave insights from Jennifer Joy Subang, COO of AgriDOM Solutions; Abdul Mikael, COO of AND Solutions; Christo Georgiev, COO of FinScore; and Rafael Sindiong, Senior Presale Manager of Wiz AI technology. Moderated by Brady Hicox, Chief Information Security Officer at Orange and Bronze Software Labs, the panel discussion tackled the expansive role of AI beyond the banking sector and will highlight its impact on fintech, agriculture, and health tech. Finally, “Exploring the Rise in Esports in the Philippines: Gamers and Gigsters” featured Roberto Tayag, CEO for Asia Pacific at CyberQ Group; Brian Dacanay, AVP of Tier One Entertainment; Atty. Isaiah San Miguel, Scholastic Partnerships Manager at AcadArena.
SiGMA Foundation supports various initiatives, particularly the work with the Autism Society of the Philippines. In line with this advocacy, the SiGMA Asia Summit 2024 offered an unparalleled experience, aiming to set new benchmarks for responsible gaming expos worldwide. A particular event highlight was a performance by Peggy Geiser, an internationally award-winning, neuroatypical mainstream artist on the autism spectrum and an A5 Awardee for the Performing Arts, honored by the Autism Society of the Philippines.
SiGMA and Digital Pilipinas signed a collaborative partnership, represented by Amor Maclang, Convenor of Digital Pilipinas, and Neil Shih, Managing Director of SiGMA Asia, along with Emily Macallef, Events Director of SiGMA World. Digital Pilipinas will serve as an official media and community partner for SiGMA through this partnership. This strategic alliance focuses on mutual support in marketing initiatives and pursuing new business opportunities, ensuring both organizations benefit from increased visibility and client engagement in their respective markets.
For more information, please visit the Digital Pilipinas website at https://digitalpilipinas.ph/, SiGMA Asia at https://sigma.world/asia/ and AIBC Asia at https://aibc.world/asia/ .