The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Asia Pacific College (APC) collaborated to stage the eagerly anticipated “CHEDx 2023: Experience, Exchange, Explore” IT summit last 23-24 November 2023 at the SM Megatrade Halls 2 & 3, SM Megamall B, Mandaluyong City. The event brought together key players from the Information Technology (IT) and IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sectors, along with representatives from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the Philippines.
The summit addressed the seismic shifts in the contemporary workplace driven by the integration of analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technological advancements have disrupted traditional work models, prompting a critical reevaluation of education, workforce readiness, and societal progress.
The primary objective of CHEDx 2023 was to foster collaboration between the IT sector and academia, enhancing efforts to prepare graduates for the evolving digital landscape. The summit sought to cultivate a spirit of collaboration, open dialogue, and forward-thinking, providing attendees with the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to navigate the rapidly changing workplace with confidence and purpose.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) nationwide were encouraged to send their graduating IT students, faculty, and administrators to participate in the summit. The responsibility of HEIs was underscored in developing innovations and nurturing individuals capable of thriving in a connected world driven by the technology used for the greater good.
Distinguished experts and thought leaders from the IT field, including Aileen Judan-Jiao, President and Country General Manager of IBM Philippines, and Monchito Ibrahim, shared their insights and experiences. The summit featured a diverse array of talks covering IT skills development, cybersecurity, technology trends, and the role of higher education in fostering trustworthy AI.
Day 1 of the summit delved into topics such as IT Certification Roadmap, Education and Innovation, Cloud Technology, and AI. Day 2 featured discussions on sustainability, young leaders in IT, and presentations from industry associations, including the Contact Center Association of the Philippines, and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines, among others.
The summit also boasted an impressive exhibit area featuring leading companies such as Globe Telecom, IBM, Accenture, Alibaba, and others, along with educational institutions recognized as Centers of Excellence in IT.
In addition to informative talks and exhibits, CHEDx 2023 facilitated speed mentoring sessions by the Contact Center Association of the Philippines, providing students with one-on-one guidance from mentors in the IT industry.
The overarching goals of CHEDx 2023 were to align curricula with the demands of the evolving workplace, nurture industry-ready graduates, and foster partnerships between industry and HEIs to bridge the skills gap. With the support of CHED, the summit aimed to present recommendations for possible policy directions, as highlighted in the “Way Forward” closing address by Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CESO III, Office of Programs and Standards Development.
CHEDx 2023 marked a crucial first step in bringing academia, industry, and government together to shape more responsive curricula, develop skilled graduates, and collaboratively create a vibrant and adaptive workforce. As technology continues to reshape the world, the hope is that CHEDx will be the first of many summits to come, ensuring the Philippines remains at the forefront of the global IT landscape.