October 24, 2024 | Blog

There are three pillars to digital transformation: people, process, and technology. And the most important of all— will always be the people. Why? Because nothing will move unless people pursue it. So, how does digital transformation affect people’s lives, especially children’s? 

Last, why does being socially aware of digital transformation for children is directly professional in making your business agile and prepared for the future?

Why is it Important?

1. The Future Belongs To the Children  
2. State of Digital Transformation in the ASEAN Region 
3. Cybersecurity for Children 
4. Girls in the Tech Industry 
5. Responsible Business

The Future Belongs To the Children

IT Group, Inc. (ITG), the leading IT Solution Partner in the Philippines and ASEAN region, has been in the IT industry for more than 20 years, and their expertise belongs to the people who work and believe in them, especially the pool of young professionals in its early years. Last September, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) released a report about digital transformation, its importance to today’s children, and why everyone should get involved.   

“This report highlights key achievements in delivering digital transformation across UNICEF – covering everything from education to health and child protection to communications. It showcases some of the efforts we have been involved in since we launched our initial digital transformation strategy in 2022,” said UNICEF. “By applying the lessons we learned as a team between 2022-25, we will build on our successes and encourage further progress across the organization. So that we can maintain momentum on the inclusion of children in digital transformation and ensure a UNICEF fit for the digital age.”

State of Digital Transformation in the ASEAN Region

The domino effect of digital transformation starts when children are aware of how to use technology, whether in the form of learning processes through education or simply as part of their everyday lives. This means they are more vulnerable to online threats, cyberbullying, and consuming heavy and unfiltered content compared to adults, where awareness and discernment are both high. In the ASEAN region, digital transformation are incorporated in so many ways, especially the involvement of children when making policies, programs, and even educational plans.

Also read: How Digitalization Helps Retailers

In the ASEAN Magazine, Roger Y. Chao Jr., shared the current status of digital transformation in the region.“ASEAN education has been proactively undertaking initiatives that facilitate the sector’s transformation. There has been more emphasis on building evidence for policy-based intervention, as seen in the various education-related reports in recent years. The transformation of ASEAN education towards enhancing inclusion, equity, quality, and relevance is clearly in progress,” he said. “However, much needs to be done, including operationalising key declarations, ensuring the sustainability of initiatives, and promoting sustainable funding and resource mobilisation of education-related initiatives in the region. There is also a need to enhance the capacity of teachers to adapt to the digital transformation of education systems, which is required to facilitate the use of innovative digital pedagogies. It is crucial to conduct effective assessments of learning outcomes in a world where Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI are quickly permeating educational settings and all aspects of work and life.”

Cybersecurity for Children

Outside the education system is a far more dangerous place where people—children in particular—can be victims of cyber threats. “In the digital world, children’s rights are threatened by cyberattacks, data breaches and online exploitation. UNICEF uses advanced cybersecurity tools to protect children, partners and donors – enhancing visibility and managing the threats in our digital environment,” he said. “As an organization, we adapt and innovate to tackle cyber challenges and take advantage of opportunities. We’re working on new ways of assessing and managing risks. Evaluating how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can keep our digital services safe and reliable. Always aiming to use technology to provide the best support for children.”

For businesses to get involved and secure children’s welfare, whether visiting your website or using your services online, any interaction or contact made on your end should always be safe and gated for any users, especially critical and sensitive information. ManageEngine, one of ITG’s tech partners, promotes cybersecurity from inside to outside ecosystems of your company that can help you and your business gain trust from the public. 

“The risk of losing the business or the risk of losing valuable assets or damage of those assets can [really] happen. So we need to protect those assets and important information, important details about our employees. That’s one of the [many] responsibilities of each organization [involved in data privacy and security],” he said. “Both private and public organizations, they are all growing. The demand for technology is increasing, and at the same time, threats are also evolving, so we need to practice [how to protect our data],” said Rommel Bernabe, ITG’s Head of IT Management Solution, during the celebration of  World Privacy Data.

Girls in the Tech Industry

Aside from cybersecurity for children, there is also a gap between the genders of males and females learning about digital transformation. “Digital technologies can offer significant opportunities for women and girls, yet it is essential also to address the challenges and biases that exist to ensure inclusivity and equality. One part of UNICEF’s digital transformation is the facilitation of access to digitally enabled information, communication and services in safe, culturally appropriate ways, to leave no one behind,” they said. “For instance, how gender influences and is influenced by the development, use and impact of technology. Safe spaces for women and girls have been established as a key approach for reaching and providing them with key information, links to services, skillsbuilding, peer connection, and support.” 

Also read:  Modernize Your Financial Management with Digital Transformation, Here’s Why 

Aside from being the leading IT Solution Partner, ITG is also a supporter of girls and women in the tech industry. Amie Abalos, Head of Human Capital and Admin for PH shared her hopes for the tech industry. “I have high hopes for women, especially in the tech industry. I look forward to the future where more women will thrive in this male-dominated industry and occupy leadership and management roles. I hope in the future, the tech industry will be viewed as a sector run equally by women,” she said.

Responsible Business in the Tech Industry

For over 20 years in the industry, IT Group, Inc. has been the leading IT Solutions Partner in the Philippines and the ASEAN region. As an ISO 9001:2015 Certified company with four regional offices located in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, helping 200+ clients across the ASEAN region on their digital transformation journey and have a solid portfolio of 250+ successful projects, we’re a firm believer in children are the next in line of our future who will utilize tech for our humanity’s growth. And as a responsible business, we’re aligned with UNICEF’s goals and vision to protect and nurture children through digital transformation. 

Also read:  Digital Transformation Journey: Things You Need to Know

“Children are directly impacted by technology as much as – if not more than – adults. Our aim is to extend our focus on child rights into the digital realm – both across and beyond the boundaries of UNICEF. In conjunction with UNICEF colleagues working hard to embed the principles of responsible business, our Normative and Policy Focus Area has been successful at shining a light on the need to incorporate child rights into technology advances,” UNICEF said. “Promoting responsible tech requires evidence, policy advocacy and raising awareness of issues. Not just among children but also within the companies that create the tech they use. We supported an internal research project on UNICEF’s engagement with and on industry with regard to children’s data.”