MSMES told: Pursue innovation, learning to ensure sustainability

MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMES) must continue to keep on innovating and absorb more learning to ensure sustainability,

In his keynote address, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged the participants to hold activities such as the Sulong Negosyante to give recognition and support to MSMES.

Moreover, Gatchalian urged the audience to keep on innovating. “We need to keep on innovating. We need to keep on finding new products and new services. We need to adapt,” Gatchalian said during the recently concluded Negosyante MSME Fiesta held in Pasay City.

Meanwhile, Asian Institute of Management President and Dean Dr. Jikyeong Kang; Mansmith and Fielders Inc. Chief Marketing Strategist Josiah Go; and Wong + Bernstein Advisory Group Managing Director Prof. Enrique Soriano underscored the value of lifelong learning education and training for MSMES.

Unionbank ’s Head of Merchant Acquiring and Payment Gateway Gerry Austria focused on the various digital banking solutions offered by Unionbank to MSMES, while Aboitiz Foundation’s Program Manager for Enterprise Development Gero Torres outlined how the Aboitiz Group has been helping MSMES become more digitally capable.

Digital technology also has important role in the success of MSMES, according to PLDT Enterprise Head for Small and Micro Business Armie Sason, who underscored the value of digital business tools and reliable business Internet connectivity.

Meanwhile, Globe Business ICT Portfolio Marketing Director Anne Leonardo touched on digital transformation for MSMES through ICT solutions.

Unionbank’s Chief Information Security Officer Joey Rufo provided MSMES tips on how they can stay #Cybersure.

“At Unionbank, we know how critical knowledge-sharing is to ensure that our MSMES are able to thrive in the digital economy. This is one of the reasons we organized this event together with ICSB. We want our attendees to learn from the best, so they can be at their best in their businesses,” Rufo said.

Avanza Inc. President Yayu Javier talked about sustainability and the need for MSMES to consider aligning their goals with that of the UN’S 17 sustainable development goals (SDGS).

Unionbank ’s SME and Micropreneurs Segment Head Jaypee Soliman touched on understanding the needs and challenges MSMES face to be able to help them succeed. He pointed out the necessity for entrepreneurs to prioritize. “We need to identify the things that we have to continue doing and the things that we need to start doing. We have to stop thinking we are the solution, but start engaging MSMES and collaborate on how we can be a solution for them.”