Philippine participation in Singapore expo to boost wireless industry

The Philippines will bring its major players in wireless services to CommunicAsia in Singapore, an exhibition for the information and communications technology market, in a bid to boost the local wireless industry, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the trade promotions body of the Department of Trade and Industry.

“The Philippine presence in CommunicAsia aims to promote the Philippine brand of ICT services to Asia and the world, as well as provide a venue for our local ICT companies to expand markets,” said Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila.

This year is the third time the Philippines is joining the annual expo in Singapore. Scheduled on 20-23 June 2006, CommunicAsia is attended by over 35, 000 trade visitors from Europe, United States, Canada, Australia, China, and the Asia Pacific.

As a strategic decision, local companies join CommunicAsia to highlight our excellent communications infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, innovative and creative content, and proactive government support, according to Trade Assistant Secretary Fe Agoncillo-Reyes.

For 2006, seven ICT companies from the Philippines will join CommunicAsia: Chikka Asia, D3Systems, Inc., Globe Telecom, Innove Communications, Load.com.ph, Mannasoft Technologies, PLDT and Smart.

To date, the Philippines is a recognized leader in mobile technology applications. Several firms recognized internationally for their world-class wireless capabilities were: Wolfpac Communications Inc. (WAMMP product); Smart Money (“Most Innovative GSM Wireless Service Customers,” 3GSM World Congress 2002); Globe G-Cash (“Best Mobile Messaging Service,” GSM Association Awards); Mannasoft (e-Services Philippines Best in Mobile/Wireless); Load.com.ph (Best Website); and PLDT (Best Emerging Market Carrier, Telecom Asia). Meanwhile, Chikka is the first mobile application developer in the Philippines to receive CMMI Level 5 ranking under the Carnegie Mellon’s Software Engineering Institute.

Aside from expanding their markets, the CommunicAsia participation is also an opportunity for local firms to scale up their operations, meet potential business partners, and enhance the country’s position as a hub for global infocomm business. CommunicAsia is being held in conjunction with Enterprise IT 2006, a platform for business and IT solutions and Broadcast Asia.

For information about the Philippine participation to CommunicAsia, please contact itservices@citem.com.ph or call 831-2201 loc 212, 251 and 301. Visit the website at www.e-servicesphils.com/communicasia2006