The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) expressed support for the Philippine government’s initiative to improve its digital infrastructure against the challenge of digital and cybersecurity threats that may also widen partnership opportunities, noting the UK’s expertise in the industry.
In its upcoming event, the British Chamber will launch the third installment of its monthly series Trade & Connect, which aims to highlight the key industries in the Philippines to highlight investment opportunities. The event titled, “Securing the Digital Frontier: Breaking Through Digital Boundaries” in partnership with CyberQ Group, Colliers, and Makati Commerce Tower happening on the 20th March 2024 at 11:00 am in Makati Commerce Tower.
The event will feature industry experts from the government and the private sector including Dir. Engr. Jose Carlos P. Reyes, Director of the Cybersecurity Bureau from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Chris Woods, Founder and CEO & Vishvas Nayi, Chief Solutions Architect of the CyberQ Group, and Pat Pio Fondevilla, Cybersecurity Operations Head of the Philippine National Bank.
In a recent joint interview with UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils and BCCP Executive Director/Trustee Chris Nelson, both noted the UK and the Philippine government’s efforts to further enhance its cybersecurity efforts and capabilities.
Nelson emphasized on the efforts of its key members within the cybersecurity industry and the British Chamber’s support to the recommendation of President Marcos in prioritizing the Cybersecurity Act, Anti-Mule Act, and the Online Site Blocking Act which are all pending in the Senate. He added:
“We are doing this in partnership with one of our key members like CyberQ, they are a UK company with a Philippines affiliate. I would just emphasize cybersecurity is also a key expertise from the UK. We had a cybersecurity reception here. This is about making continued awareness. We know that these are priority measures of President Marcos’ administration, and we would like to see those passed.”
Meanwhile, Beaufils noted, “We are investing in science and innovation to look at cyber threats such as AI, and that’s also a key part of our foreign policy. Secretary Uy of the DICT went to the UK in November to partake in the prime minister’s conference on AI. In recognition that again, we need to work with partners on some of the world’s biggest challenges,”
Multiple efforts and collaborations remain evident within the government and the private sector in promoting digitalization and enhancing cybersecurity through policies and programs to establish a safe and efficient cyber environment that will further improve the ease of doing business in the country and strengthen the UK-PH relations.
