Tech exec calls for enhanced IT education in PH
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A tech executive calls for enhanced educational programs, an open business ecosystem, and digital infrastructure in the Philippines to boost the country’s competitive regional hub for information technology (IT) talent.
In an interview, Sansan Executive Officer Fujikura Shigemoto said initiatives that partner educational institutions with leading technology firms could provide enhanced educational opportunities and training to Filipinos interested in joining the tech industry.
Shigemoto also highlighted the need for the country’s business investments to open to technology and talent development.
“[This includes] policies that encourage innovation, reward entrepreneurship, and reduce barriers to entry for tech startups,” the exec stated, adding that the government must prioritize those that will “foster the development of technology talents such as high-speed broadband, telecom networks, and digital infrastructure.”
Shigemoto also emphasized that the Philippines needs to leverage its strategic location and promote itself as a regional hub for tech talent.
“[Launch] more initiatives to attract leading technology firms and talent from other countries and to showcase the Philippines’ technology capabilities,” he concluded.
Local industry body IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) expects the Philippine IT-BPM industry to grow to about 1.7 million full-time employees by year-end, with revenues reaching $35.9 billion.
