On June 16, 2025, Shangri-La BGC hosted one of the year’s most anticipated business events: the MAP x KPMG Technology Summit. With a theme centered on digital transformation, trust, and leadership in the age of AI, the event drew a full house. The atmosphere buzzed with energy and urgency as business leaders, policymakers, and tech experts gathered for a day of bold, forward-looking discussions.
Opening the Dialogue: From Experimentation to Accountability
KPMG Philippines Chairperson and CEO Sharon Dayoan opened the summit with a powerful message. She emphasized that innovation must go hand in hand with responsible leadership and governance. “We must move beyond experimentation,” she urged. “Businesses must start building scalable and responsible AI systems that deliver outcomes while maintaining trust.” Her remarks struck a chord with leaders navigating the complexity of AI adoption.
Leading Through Transformation
MAP President Al Panlilio, who also leads Maya Bank, followed with insights rooted in his dual experience in telecom and banking. He underscored that failed digital initiatives often reflect a lack of leadership—not technology. Transformation, he argued, requires leadership that is both strategic and adaptable to change.
Lessons from the Field: The RCBC Journey
In a candid keynote titled “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Digital Transformation,” RCBC President and CEO Eugene Acevedo recounted hard-won lessons from RCBC’s own digital overhaul. His main point: transformation must be continuous and customer-focused—not just an app or one-off initiative.
AI Reality Check: Beyond the Hype
Next came a dose of clarity from Dr. Erika Fille Legara of the Center for AI Research. In her talk “The Real Score: Separating AI Opportunity from Oversell,” she challenged the audience to ask, “Are your results matching the hype you’ve been sold?” She highlighted real barriers like poor data hygiene, weak infrastructure, and misaligned expectations. Her message: invest in your data foundation, prioritize people, and pursue AI with purpose.
Global Outlook: Confidence Meets Caution
Adding an international lens, Paul Kent of KPMG Singapore presented findings from the 2024 Global CEO Outlook. While over 75% of CEOs remain optimistic about AI and digital growth, many acknowledge their organizations aren’t ready to execute. He cited risks like supply chain fragility and employee burnout but ended on a hopeful note: ethics, upskilling, and governance are key to long-term success.
Innovation on the Ground: Local Leaders, Big Vision
The final session, a dynamic panel led by Gil Genio of GT Capital, brought together Ernest Cu (917Ventures and Mynt/GCash) and Paolo Campos (Kaya Founders). Ernest previewed GCash’s upcoming IPO and Globe’s 124-MW data center project—proof of the country’s rising demand for digital infrastructure. Paolo highlighted the power of Filipino startups to solve local problems, underscoring the need for adaptive and resilient founders. Paolo spoke passionately about the role of venture capital in solving Filipino problems, citing Kaya Founders’ $1.5 billion under management and its focus on building high-impact, scalable startups. He noted that the best founders today aren’t just tech-savvy—they’re resilient, adaptive, and deeply grounded in local realities.
Key Takeaways: Tech Is a Leadership Game
The MAP x KPMG Technology Summit 2025 wasn’t just about digital tools—it was a call for thoughtful leadership. The main lesson? Digital transformation isn’t a technology issue—it’s a people challenge. The future belongs to organizations that can harmonize innovation, talent, and trust.
The biggest takeaway? Digital transformation is not a tech problem—it’s a leadership challenge. Companies that win are those that align technology, people, and culture. AI is no longer optional, but how you use it—and why—will define your competitive edge. Trust, talent, and timing will be the core currencies of transformation.
As the curtains closed on the summit, one thing was clear: the future of Philippine business is here—and it’s moving fast. Those who are bold enough to lead it, shape it, and take risks with discipline are the ones who will thrive.
Lead the Future of Digital Transformation
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