In a groundbreaking move, KPMG in the Philippines Vice Chairman and COO, as well as Head of Advisory, Noel Bonoan, officially unveiled the KPMG R. G. Manabat & Co.’s Digital Government Center during the recently concluded KPMG Innovation Summit 2023. The summit featured panel discussions on topics like Smart Cities, ESG Tech, the Next Wave of Automation, and Game-Changing Disruption.
The KPMG Digital Government Center aims to be a one-stop shop to assist local and national government units in comprehending the requirements for e-government transformation and executing their plans seamlessly. It offers essential services, including strategy development, solution design, and project management for various aspects such as smart cities, data & analytics, cybersecurity, and hyper-automation.
“It became apparent that government units that were already equipped with digital infrastructure and services faired better in continuing to deliver their services while agencies that lack digital capabilities, and agencies that were heavily reliant on manual and in-person work faced significant challenges in delivering essential services and maintaining government processes,” said Bonoan.
Regarding strategy development, the center focuses on aligning digital strategies with the goals and objectives of government units. This involves identifying key areas where technology can enhance government operations and services and creating a roadmap for implementation.
For solution design, the center concentrates on building specific solutions that cater to government requirements. This includes developing user-friendly interfaces and ensuring the security and scalability of the solutions.
Project management plays a crucial role in overseeing the successful rollout of large-scale transformation projects. This encompasses managing budgets, timelines, and stakeholder communication, ensuring a smooth implementation process from start to finish.
The launch of the Digital Government Center showcases a significant disruption in the government sector, which has traditionally relied on manual processes and mindsets. The shift towards digitalization and task automation is expected to result in substantial cost savings, optimized resource allocation, and an increased focus on higher-value activities.
The KPMG Innovation Summit 2023 also featured speakers from various industries who shared their experiences with disruptive technologies. Mon Ibrahim of the Alliance of Tech Innovators for the Nation Lead Convenor and former Undersecretary of the DICT, highlighted the importance of new business models for technological advancement in the Philippines.
Tony Isidro, President, and CEO of Fuse Lending, discussed the disruption brought about by the democratization of financial services. Fuse Lending, affiliated with GCash, addresses the issue of financial exclusion by providing access to formal financial services for millions of Filipinos.
George Royeca, Co-Founder, and CEO of Angkas, emphasized that technology disruption doesn’t diminish the importance of mutual trust between clients and companies. He described how Angkas expanded the traditional trust agreement between passengers and riders by leveraging technology to create a uniform and trustworthy experience.
Amor Maclang, Digital Pilipinas Convenor and Co-founder of GeiserMaclang, stressed the need to champion the digitization of industries like agriculture and energy. While her company continues to focus on sectors like banking, gaming, and insurance, there is a significant opportunity to support lagging sectors, such as agri-fisheries, and help them embrace digital transformation.
The KPMG Innovation Summit 2023 served as a platform for highlighting the power of disruptive technologies and their potential to transform various industries in the Philippines. As the nation continues to adopt digitalization, these innovative initiatives are expected to shape the future of governance and business in the country.