ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is experiencing a remarkable transformation driven by the rapid public-private sector convergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects.
This convergence is giving opportunities to economic growth, technological advancement, and regional cooperation.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology in Region 9 (DICT 9) hosted the two-day ICT-CEO cluster meeting in Zamboanga City on August 14-15, 2023. The meeting discussed plans and programs that involve digital infrastructure, electronic commerce, digital literacy and education and innovation and technopreneurship.
BIMP-EAGA has long been recognized for its strategic location and abundant natural resources. However, the recent emphasis on ICT convergence is reshaping the economic landscape and propelling the region into a new era of development.
The convergence of ICT refers to the integration of various technologies, such as telecommunications, internet services, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, to create synergistic and transformative effects across industries.
Delegates from Malaysia shared their innovations and projects for ICT during the 10th BIMP-EAGA ICT cluster meeting on August 14-15, 2023.
Delegates representing different countries and private institutions in 10th BIMP-EAGA ICT cluster meeting sign letter of intent in convergence of startup hubs in their respective regions.
Moreover, this convergence paved the way towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to the emergence of startups and technology hubs in the region. These startups are not only attracting investments but also creating high-skilled job opportunities for the local workforce.
One of the highlights discussed in the convergence meeting is the collaboration of countries in establishing Startup Hubs to develop the startup ecosystem and to provide entrepreneurs a platform to innovate their business ideas.
The Philippine delegation highlighted one of its priority programs of adding techno hubs for entrepreneurs to accelerate startups especially in Palawan and Mindanao areas. With the help of ICT, digital careers and opportunities also accelerate Filipino talents and skills in East ASEAN.
The integration of digital technologies is enhancing productivity across traditional industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. For instance, smart farming techniques powered by Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and data analytics are optimizing crop yields and resource utilization.
Michael Tiu-Lim, Chairperson of the ICT Chief Executive Officers, emphasized that the goal is to help communities; specifically, the rural and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas will be connected without relying on the private telecommunication companies, saying that “the goal of the BIMP-EAGA is to facilitate inter-countries trade because ICT is borderless.”
Further, part of the initiative of the countries is the expansion of 4G coverage to the rural and remote areas using satellites and adding new towers. DICT’s strategic priority is adding around 664 more new sites to be activated with free wi-fi access and towers with the assistance of telecommunication providers in the Philippines.
Chairperson of the ICT Chief Executive Officers Michael Tiu-Lim moderates the 10th BIMP-EAGA ICT cluster meeting.
While the prospects of ICT convergence in BIMP-EAGA are promising, challenges remain. Issues related to digital infrastructure disparities, data security, and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed to ensure equitable growth and protection of sensitive information. (KSA/RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
