Converge CEO : Leveraging Korea’s digital transformation for PH public service, main priority as PBBM’s special envoy

Digital transformation is a major thread in the ties that bind Philippines and Korea together, and the Special Envoy to the Republic of Korea (ROK) for Digital Transformation — Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy — intends to strengthen that thread by modeling the Philippines’ e-governance system to that of the ROK.

At the launch of the Korean translation of the professional services firm SGV & Co.’s Doing Business in the Philippines publication held this January, Uy hailed the advancement of ROK’s digital systems especially those for public service.

“The United Nations itself has ranked South Korea consistently among its top economies that effectively pursue digital government strategies. That’s why, for my part, I’d like us to benchmark that country’s e-court system which has vastly improved their efficiency in the processing and disposal of cases,” said Uy, citing one example.

Last November, Uy and his party traveled to Seoul to meet with South Korea’s Supreme Court and Presidential Adviser on Judicial Affairs and other related government agencies to get their support in the modernization program of the Philippine Supreme Court. Uy then submitted a slew of recommendations to Malacañang to jumpstart digital projects between the two governments.

Uy also mentioned the infusion of more advanced technologies when it comes to the National ID system and in cybersecurity.

The launch saw the coming together of key stakeholders and personalities tasked with the duty to empower Philippine-Korea relations on all fronts, may they be diplomatic or economic. Uy was joined by the likes of Ambassador of the Philippines to the Republic of Korea. H.E. Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega who championed the signing (and eventual enforcement) of the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement, and Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry Philippines President Joseph Um who welcomed the Philippine government’s openness in inviting more foreign direct investments from the ROK.

“While our 75 years of diplomatic relations are anchored to our shared history and shared sacrifices, our relations are forward or future-looking. The recently signed PH-Korea Free Trade Agreement is one very important milestone because it encompasses new emerging areas of economic cooperation and engagement which makes full use and optimizes the strengths of both our countries,” shared Ambassador De Vega.

SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson Tan explained the relevance of the latest publication and its anticipated impact on the country’s growth.

“SGV has been publishing Doing Business in the Philippines since 1968. For almost 56 years, the brochure has provided prospective investors with information such as current economic data, growth areas, tax laws, and government priority plans. It aims to provide a comprehensive investment guide and encourage foreign stakeholders to explore business opportunities in the Philippines.

“We have distributed this publication to investors, trade offices, business organizations, national embassies, and during official state visits of the Philippine President. We have also translated the brochure into various languages, including Korean, Chinese, German and Japanese, aiming to make it easier and more comfortable for our potential international investors to navigate the business landscape in the Philippines while also fostering an inclusive business climate. Through the Doing Business in the Philippines publication, SGV hopes to do its part in promoting our country’s national development and economic growth.”