DTI and Converge Tech Synergy: The MSME Digital Roadmap
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Converge ICT Solutions Inc.'s SME Solutions division have officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to dramatically accelerate the digital transformation of Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This move is a crucial component of DTI's national strategy to future-proof the 99.6% of local businesses that MSMEs represent.
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| DTI and Converge Forge Strategic Tech Alliance for MSME Digitalization |
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DTI and Converge ICT Solutions' SME Group is anchored on providing three crucial components:
Accelerated Connectivity and Fiber Access
Converge is tasked with augmenting DTI's programs by offering specialized, business-grade fiber connectivity packages to MSMEs engaged in DTI-led innovation initiatives.
- MicroBIZ MAX: This plan is specifically designed as the budget-friendly solution for micro-enterprises. It offers various speed tiers (e.g., 100 Mbps, 150 Mbps, 250 Mbps) at competitive price points to ensure even the smallest businesses can afford reliable fiber internet for their daily transactions and online presence.
- FlexiBIZ Plans: This series is engineered for small businesses with regular operating hours. Its key feature is double the subscribed bandwidth during peak business hours (typically 7:00 AM to 6:59 PM), providing the necessary throughput for high-traffic operations, video calls, and essential cloud-based applications when they need it most.
- The Tech Edge: All these plans leverage a pure fiber connection, promising stable, high-speed, and symmetrical service crucial for running demanding digital tools.
AI and Capacity Building for the Future
A major component is the establishment of the country's first AI and Start-up Center for MSMEs, with the pilot site located at the DTI building in Makati. This is a direct answer to the necessity of training.
- The Hub's Functionality: This center will act as a physical innovation space, offering free co-working areas and networking opportunities.
- Hands-On Training: Converge will maintain a dedicated section within the hub to showcase its AI platforms and practical digital solutions. The goal is to provide hands-on training, mentorship, and workshops that enable MSMEs to adopt tools like e-commerce automation, cloud systems, and responsible AI-supported platforms to reduce costs and enhance productivity.
- Empowerment: DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista emphasized that this push gives entrepreneurs a "fair chance to compete and succeed in the global market" by future-proofing their operations.
Practical Digital Solutions & Ecosystem
Converge commits to supplying digital solutions that are "easy-to-use and practical" for small business owners who are new to digitalization.
- Focus on Simplicity: The emphasis is on delivering tools simple enough for a micro-enterprise owner to immediately adopt and integrate into daily business processes.
- Holistic Support: This initiative reinforces DTI’s existing work in nurturing the startup ecosystem, ensuring traditional MSMEs are not left behind while also empowering new ventures exploring groundbreaking technologies. The long-term objective is to build an inclusive digital infrastructure, as noted by Converge Senior VP Dindo Marzan, aligning with the mission to leave "no one behind" in the country's digital transformation.