ICSB’s MSME Day Conference Successfully Concludes at AIM Fuller Hall
The AI Panel with the MSME Day conference organizers
The International Council for Small Business Philippines (ICSB PH) proudly announced the successful conclusion of the “Entrepreneurs Implementing Sustainability & Governance in the Age of AI” conference, held on June 27, 2024, at the prestigious Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Fuller Hall. This event, marking UN International MSME Day 2024, brought together leading experts, business leaders, and policymakers to discuss the integration of sustainability, governance, and artificial intelligence (AI) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The conference content and framework were meticulously developed by ICSB PH President Eric Caeg and Conference Panel Chair Amrei Dizon, Chief Creative Officer of Vitalstrats Creative Solutions. Their collaboration ensured a comprehensive program that addressed critical issues facing MSMEs today. Richie Cuña, Founder of Milkin Group, the company which houses franchise brands such as Fiorgelato and Kurimi Milk Tea Bar, served as the Conference Chair, overseeing the event’s execution.
Key Panels and Discussions
The event featured four dynamic panel discussions, each focusing on a critical aspect of business management for SMEs:
Sustainability Pioneers
Moderated by Yayu Javier, ICSB PH Trustee and Founder of Avanza, Inc., this panel included Germaine Reyes, CEO/President of Synergy Market Research + Strategic Consultancy; Cecilia Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation; Griselda Gay Santos, SEA Director at Water.Org; and Mariglo Laririt, Director for Sustainability at Ten Knots Philippines, Inc. They discussed how large corporate brands implement sustainability and shared insights on how MSMEs can adopt similar practices, with AI as a supportive tool.
Governance Virtuosos
Moderated by Prof. Ma. Elena B. Herrera, PhD, AIM Adjunct Faculty and ICSB PH Trustee, this panel featured Prof. Olivier Roche, Associate Professor and C.V. Starr Chair in Corporate Governance; Josiah Go, Chairman of Mansmith & Fielders and ICSB PH Honorary Member; and Prof. Enrique Soriano, Managing Director of W+B Advisory Asia and ICSB PH Honorary Member. They provided guidance on forming effective governance structures and highlighted best practices from corporate and family-owned businesses.
AI Innovators
Moderated by Dominic Ligot, Founder, CEO & CTO of Cirrolytix, this panel included Prof. Christopher Monterola, PhD, School Head of Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship; Prof. Michelle Banawan, PhD, Assistant Professor and Academic Program Director of Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Business Administration; and Donald Patrick Lim, DBA, Chairman of the Blockchain Council of the Philippines and Trustee of ICSB PH. They discussed how AI can enhance sustainability and governance, offering practical advice on integrating AI solutions tailored for small businesses.
Entrepreneurial Leaders
Moderated by Armando Butz Bartolome, ICSB PH Founding Member and Chairman of GMB Franchisers, Inc., this panel featured George Royeca, CEO of Angkas; Pinky Yee, Founder of Pure Essentials; Jose Magsaysay Jr., Founder of Jose Biz Co.; and Francisco “Paco” Magsaysay, Founder of Carmen’s Best Ice Cream. They shared their experiences of implementing sustainability, governance, and AI best practices, highlighting how these practices propelled their businesses to success.
Organizing Team and Support
The conference was organized by a dedicated team including Eric Caeg, President of ICSB PH; Richie Cuña, Conference Chair; Amrei Dizon, Conference Panel Lead; Bryan Sy Lato, Event Director; Faith Abano, Master of Ceremonies; Kimberly Lim, Marketing Manager at iPay88; Joyce Co-Yu, Treasurer and ICSB Cares Lead; and Rose Concepcion, Executive Officer of ICSB PH. Their collective efforts ensured the smooth execution of the event, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and networking among participants.
Contract Signing Sessions
In addition to the panel discussions, the event featured significant contract signing sessions with key partners, including the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, PCCI QC, BNI, and Barangay San Lorenzo. These partnerships aim to support MSME empowerment and foster collaborative efforts for sustainable and ethical business practices.
Inspiring Keynotes and Support
The event was graced by virtual messages from Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, ICSB PH Honorary Member, and Vicki Stylianou, Incoming Chairman of the International Council for Small Business. Jikyeong Kang, President and Dean of AIM, also delivered a compelling keynote address, setting an inspirational tone for the day’s discussions.
The “Entrepreneurs Implementing Sustainability & Governance in the Age of AI” conference highlighted the crucial need for SMEs to prioritize sustainability and governance, with AI as a supportive element. The success of this event underscores ICSB PH’s commitment to fostering responsible and innovative business practices among SMEs, setting a benchmark for future initiatives.
As the conference concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of knowledge, ready to implement the strategies discussed to drive their businesses forward sustainably and ethically.