CIFAL Philippines - Into the Future: Who's Driving Industry 4.0 and Beyond?
CIFAL Philippines
The webinar aims to examine the role of digital governance and cybersecurity in the responsible and ethical adoption of emerging technologies; explore inclusive Industry 4.0 approaches in ASEAN; and identify practical ways to reduce digital inequalities and make technological progress safe, accessible and beneficial for all.
The rapid advancement of digital technologies continues to reshape economies, governance systems, and everyday life. Emerging technologies associated with Industry 4.0—including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, cloud computing, and big data—have transformed how societies communicate, deliver services, conduct business, and respond to global challenges. While these technologies create opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and sustainable development, they also present growing concerns related to cybersecurity threats, data privacy, misinformation, digital exclusion, and ethical governance. The emergence of interconnected digital systems has made cybersecurity and digital governance central to building resilient and sustainable societies. The United Nations has consistently emphasized the importance of inclusive digital transformation and international cooperation in ensuring that technological progress benefits all sectors of society. However, disparities in digital access, infrastructure, and technological literacy continue to widen the digital divide among marginalized sectors and nations. As governments, industries, and institutions accelerate digital transformation efforts, there is a growing need to strengthen governance mechanisms that promote accountability, inclusion, human rights, and responsible innovation at the local and global levels. With the theme of “Into the Future: Who’s Driving Industry 4.0 and Beyond?” UP-CIFAL Philippines holds a webinar on understanding the role of digital governance and cybersecurity in shaping a sustainable future. The webinar aims to examine how governance frameworks, cybersecurity strategies, and inclusive digital policies can support the responsible and ethical adoption of emerging technologies. It also seeks to explore practical approaches toward reducing digital inequalities and ensuring that the benefits of Industry 4.0 are accessible, safe, and inclusive for all. This webinar particularly highlights the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
At the end of the webinar, the participants should be able to: Analyze the critical importance of digital governance and cybersecurity in securing AI, IoT, and data-driven systems, and formulate strategies for their safe and ethical deployment. Evaluate the significance of inclusive Industry 4.0 in ASEAN and identify practical, equitable approaches to bridge the digital divide and promote access to technology.
Provisional Programme Date & Time: 24 August 2026, 3:00-4:30 PM Manila Time (GMT +8) Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes Zoom webinar registration link: TIME SESSION EXPERT 3:00 - 3:05 PM 5 minutes Introduction Moderator: GAB KABIGTING Programme Officer UP-CIFAL Philippines 3:05 - 3:10 PM 5 minutes Opening Remarks MICHELLE R. PALUMBARIT, PhD Director UP-CIFAL Philippines 3:10 - 3:35 PM 25 minutes Governance in and Cybersecurity of AI, Internet of Things, and data-driven systems MARK BRYAN MANANTAN Co-Founder and Senior Advisor Balai Labs 3:35 - 4:00 PM 25 minutes Closing the Gap: Advancing Inclusive Industry 4.0 in ASEAN ALLAN SALIM CABANLONG Regional Director for Southeast Asia Hub Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) 4:00 - 4:20 PM 20 minutes Question and Answer Moderator: GAB KABIGTING Programme Officer UP-CIFAL Philippines 4:20 - 4:30 PM 10 minutes Synthesis and Closing
An online webinar delivered via Zoom, featuring two expert presentations, a moderated question-and-answer session, and a final synthesis. The presentations address digital governance, cybersecurity and inclusive Industry 4.0 in ASEAN, with opportunities for participants to raise questions and engage with the speakers.
The event is open to the public but specifically aims to pursue the involvement of relevant international, national, and local government agencies, the academe, the private sector, advocacy groups for women and children, and other civil society organizations. Interested participants may register via bit.ly/IntoTheFutureWeb.