The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the first-ever Critical and Emerging Technologies-Southeast Asia (CET-SEA) University Roadshow at the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) on February 20, with over 100 engineering students in attendance.
According to a DTI news release, this initiative aims to promote greater awareness and participation in the development of international standards for critical and emerging technologies (CET).
DTI and its partners, including Standards Australia and TUP, are among the many organizations now collaborating to develop international standards for CET, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
The development of AI standards emphasizes reliability, sustainability, and human rights. The goal is to ensure AI is developed, deployed, and used responsibly across the globe.
The CET-SEA Roadshow serves as a platform to introduce students to the significance of standards in emerging technologies, preparing them to contribute to global discussions and advancements.
“We believe that engaging with the next generation of engineers is essential in promoting awareness of the importance of international standards in the technological landscape. This roadshow is a key step toward ensuring that future industry leaders are well-informed and prepared to participate in shaping the global standards of tomorrow,” said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque.
During the roadshow, experts from Standards Australia, including Mr. Lachlan Parsons, Second Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, led discussions with students about the role of standards in the technological landscape.
They explored the mandate of DTI-BPS (Bureau of Philippine Standards) as the national standards body and emphasized how students can actively contribute to the standardization process in their future careers.
“The Philippine government, through DTI-BPS, plays a key role in setting national standards, and students are crucial in shaping the future of these standards. This initiative connects them to the global conversations around critical and emerging technologies,” said Parsons during the event.
The roadshow also aligns with the DTI-BPS’s Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) Action Plan, which aims to strengthen stakeholder engagement and ensure that the Philippines takes an active role in shaping global standards for technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
Through this initiative, DTI and Standards Australia continue to foster regional cooperation, positioning Southeast Asia as a significant player in the global technological arena. The university roadshow is one of several steps being taken to involve various stakeholders in this vital global conversation.
As the Philippines takes steps toward leadership in international technology standardization, events like the CET-SEA University Roadshow offer students valuable insights into the growing intersection of technology, policy, and international cooperation, preparing them for future roles as engineers and innovators.
The event is part of a broader initiative to engage key stakeholders in Southeast Asia in the international standardization process, which has become vital as technological advancements continue to reshape industries worldwide.
For more information about the CET-SEA initiative and the Bureau of Philippine Standards, visit the BPS website at bps.dti.gov.ph or follow them on their official social media pages. VU
