by Jan Michael Carpo, Reporter
With 43 million gamers and 1.5 million freelancers, the Philippines is rapidly solidifying its status as a leader in the creative economy and responsible gaming industry.
Recognizing this potential, Digital Pilipinas and SiGMA Asia have recently joined forces to support and protect the nation’s dynamic digital workforce.
A hub for Filipino gig workers and gamers
From June 3 to 5, Manila hosted the SiGMA Asia Summit 2024, turning the city into a bustling hub for Filipino gig workers and gamers.
With the support of Digital Pilipinas, thought leaders shared their insights, connecting technology, security, and innovation at SiGMA Asia, one of the world’s largest iGaming and creative digital economies events. The topics ranged from secure digital environments and AI-driven customer insights to grassroots talent recognition and e-gaming adaptations, exploring the future of gaming, fintech, smart agriculture, and more.
The event drew over 20,000 delegates and 300 exhibitors, offering a vibrant platform for forming partnerships and connecting with industry leaders while showcasing the region’s thriving gaming landscape.
Digital Pilipinas, a key player in technology and innovation, partnered with industry leaders and businesses to champion the Filipino digital workforce. Serving as a media partner for the event, Digital Pilipinas highlighted the significant economic contributions of the gig and gaming sectors, reinforcing their critical role in the country’s digital economy.
iGaming takes center stage
During the event, Eman Pulis, founder of SiGMA World and AIBC World, underscored the importance of regulated iGaming and online betting and the necessity of supportive government regulations in Asia. He also shared the role of emerging technologies in helping the industry reach its full global potential.
“Thanks to our conferences, I’ve been blessed with a worldwide network of hyper-successful investors, entrepreneurs, and legal minds, most of whom are interested in joining this initiative in some capacity. If you put all of [the emerging technologies] together behind gaming, that’s the rocket fuel I believe the industry needs to become truly global,” he said in one of his speeches.
Amor Maclang, Convenor of Digital Pilipinas, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that mainstreaming iGaming and advocating for regulatory frameworks and global engagement is essential for the Philippines’ digital economic growth.
Putting cybersecurity, technological innovations in the spotlight
Aside from iGaming, cybersecurity was another crucial focus at the technology-centric summit.
Alwell Mulsid of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) highlighted the pervasive cyber risks, stressing the need for everyone, not just IT professionals, to learn how to protect themselves online, especially with laptops and desktops being frequent targets of cyber attacks.
For his part, Congressman Christopher de Venecia, the principal author of Republic Act 11904 or the “Philippine Creative Industries Development Act,” discussed the impact of emerging technologies on creative economies. He called for private-sector solutions to protect intellectual property, regulate AI, and support gig workers.
Amor Maclang commended the technological innovations showcased at the SiGMA Affiliate Startup Pitch Asia, which included gaming animation and automated brand discovery as well as sports betting software and compliance platforms.
According to Maclang, these innovations have the potential to revolutionize various industries.
Engaging panel discussions
Digital Pilipinas also participated in several insightful panel discussions.
“Bridging the Gap: Empowerment through Digital Identities” featured experts like Stephanie Tower from nChain and Penny Chai from SumSub, discussing digital identity empowerment. In her speech, she shared, “By decentralizing control, blockchain technology empowers individuals, giving them greater control and ownership over their digital identities. This shift enhances user autonomy and privacy, aligning with the growing demand for data sovereignty.”
Another panel, “Beyond Banking: Exploring AI’s Diverse Applications in Fintech, Agriculture, and Healthtech,” delved into AI’s expansive role beyond banking, with insights from leaders such as Jennifer Joy Subang of AgriDOM Solutions and Christo Georgiev of FinScore.
The panel “Exploring the Rise of Esports in the Philippines: Gamers and Gigsters” brought together notable figures like Roberto Tayag from CyberQ Group and Brian Dacanay from Tier One Entertainment, highlighting the burgeoning esports scene in the Philippines.
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.
One of the most notable moments of the summit 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, which emphasized inclusivity in the industry.
Strategic partnership formed
A significant milestone of the summit was the signing of a collaborative partnership between Digital Pilipinas and SiGMA Asia.
Represented by Amor Maclang, Neil Shih, and Emily Macallef, this strategic alliance focuses on mutual support in marketing initiatives and exploring new business opportunities, ensuring increased visibility and engagement for both organizations.
For more information, visit the Digital Pilipinas website at https://digitalpilipinas.ph/, SiGMA Asia at https://sigma.world/asia/, and AIBC Asia at https://aibc.world/asia/.