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SGV Cybersecurity Principal Philip B. Casanova was a resource speaker at the ISOG I Am Secure 2024 Colloquium I. The event took place on 13 June 2024, at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), gathering cyber leaders to discuss cybersecurity topics, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Operations Technology, and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). SGV Cybersecurity Principal Philip B. Casanova at the ISOG I Am Secure 2024 Colloquium I Philip described SGV's involvement in cybersecurity. He presented the Executive Summary of the EY 2024 Global Cybersecurity Insights Study at the event. The study aims to improve understanding of AI's use in cybersecurity and identifies "Secure Creators," organizations that are leading in cybersecurity by adopting AI and other technologies for defense. Philip talks about cybersecurity and AI The colloquium's discussions focused on AI in cybersecurity, outlining the risks and opportunities for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). Philip's presentation also provided insights on integrating AI into cybersecurity strategies. Philip's full video presentation is available on the ISOG YouTube page. The presentation can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/hXFUcARh8lY?si=LFRwJc74vyumDjGU&sfnsn=mo.

SGV Sustainability Services Lead Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chairman Benjamin N. Villacorte led the PSRC Private Sector Forum on 16 July 2024.  Benjamin leads PSRC Private Sector Forum Benjamin discussed the Prototype Philippine Jurisdictional Roadmap for adopting International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards.  The forum highlighted the presentation on the prototype roadmap, engaged participants in a Q&A session, and reiterated PSRC's dedication to advancing sustainable and resilient practices. The event, which saw over 400 attendees from various companies and stakeholders, also introduced the PSRC members, explained the roadmap's development, and discussed the global and regional progress on ISSB Standards adoption.

SGV Assurance Partner and Philippine EY Private Leader Kristopher S. Catalan, along with Assurance Managers Arvin C. Bartolome and Krys Joanne J. Adison, participated in Holy Angel University’s (HAU’s) 9th Program Advisory Council Meeting held at the University’s PGN Building on 11 June 2024.  SGV Assurance Partner and Philippine EY Private Leader Kristopher S. Catalan (center) at the 9th Program Advisory Council Meeting Centered on the theme "Future-Proofing Education: Navigating Sustainability and Flexibility in the Business Environment," the meeting focused on closing the gap between the competencies and skills taught in universities and those needed in the real world. HAU alumni and business representatives offered insights and recommendations for enhancing HAU's curriculum for the upcoming academic year. As an HAU alumnus, Kristopher represented SGV at the meeting, where he discussed the importance of initiating real-world competencies and skills at the university level. He highlighted the influence of an organization's sustainability goals on its business objectives and proposed ways for HAU and other institutions to address this gap. Kristopher also stressed the importance of instilling entrepreneurial values early on, noting the Philippines' need for entrepreneurs to fuel economic growth. Other participants contributed feedback for refining the current courses, with a particular emphasis on student mental health and the core and soft skills required to navigate workplace disruptions.

SGV Partners attended the official launch of the Sustainable Enterprise Collaboration Network (eSECnature) Campaign on 15 July 2024 at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Headquarters in Makati City. (From left to right) SGV Sustainability Services Partner Katrina F. Francisco, SGV Chairman and Managing Partner and FSRSC Chairman Wilson P. Tan, SEC Chairperson and CEO Emilio Aquino along with his wife Brenda Aquino, SGV Sustainability Services Lead Partner and PSRC Chairman Benjamin N. Villacorte, and SGV Sustainability Services Principal Bonar A. Laureto SGV Chairman and Managing Partner and Financial and Sustainability Reporting Standards Council (FSRSC) Chairman Wilson P. Tan, SGV Sustainability Services Lead Partner and Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee (PSRC) Chairman Benjamin N. Villacorte, SGV Sustainability Services Partner Katrina F. Francisco, and SGV Sustainability Services Principal Bonar A. Laureto were present at the official launch.  The SEC inaugurated the eSECnature Campaign during the SEC Sustainability Week. The campaign aims to connect corporations, government organizations, and civil society organizations to promote and expedite the country's progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Members of SGV’s Sustainability Services team recently participated in the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (AmCham) Business Leadership Program (BLP) 2024.  Senior Director Crystal Aleli R. Cornell (left) during the question-and-answer portion SGV Sustainability Services Lead Partner Benjamin N. Villacorte opened the session by introducing SGV’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) to the participants. He discussed his journey in the sustainability space, highlighted the multi-disciplinary nature of the field, and emphasized its importance for businesses today and in the future. SGV Sustainability team with AmCham BLP participants Senior Director Crystal Aleli R. Cornell discussed the new era of sustainability reporting. She talked about the concept of sustainability and its importance in helping companies in creating long-term value. She also discussed the latest developments in sustainability reporting, particularly the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Disclosure Standards and the Revised SEC Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. Associate Director Jamaica N. Pangasinan talked about climate change, climate risk and scenario analysis. She provided an overview of the science behind climate change and its impact on the Philippines. She also underscored the importance of having a stable climate in sustaining the Philippine economy. The Sustainability team members shared their insights during the interactive question-and-answer portion with the participants. Benjamin concluded the session by thanking the participants for being proactive and enthusiastic during the session and for being part of a new generation of future climate-literate leaders who recognize the importance of sustainable development for the country. AmCham’s BLP is an annual program that provides opportunities for college students to engage with CEOs and leaders of AmCham member companies through a series of leadership talks, corporate visits, and networking events.

SGV Forensic & Integrity Services (FIS) Associate Nikka Andrea G. Bagaporo passed the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam. She successfully completed the four key sections of the exam: Investigation, Financial Transactions & Fraud Schemes, Fraud Prevention & Deterrence, and Law.  SGV FIS AssociateNikka Andrea G. Bagaporo, CFE Recognized globally, the Certified Fraud Examiner credential denotes proven expertise in fraud prevention, detection, and deterrence. CFEs are trained to identify the warning signs of fraud and fraud risk, helping to protect the global economy by uncovering fraud and implementing processes to prevent fraud from occurring in the first place. CFEs combine knowledge of complex financial transactions with an understanding of investigative techniques, law, and how to resolve allegations of fraud. The CFE exam is administered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) - the world's largest anti-fraud organization and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education. Congratulations, Drea!

SGV Partners and Managers paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, H.E. Ambassador Endo Kazuya. The visit took place on 5 June 2024. Ambassador Endo assumed his position on 4 April 2024. SGV Partners and Managers with Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, H.E. Ambassador Endo Kazuya (center) The delegation, led by SGV Chairman and Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, included SGV Vice Chairman and Deputy Managing Partner Maria Vivian C. Ruiz, Japan Business Services (JBS) Assurance Leader Michael C. Sabado, JBS Tax Leader Jonald R. Vergara, and members of SGV’s JBS team, Associate Principal and Japanese Business Council member Hiroshi Nakagawa, and Senior Director and Japanese Business Council member Kazuma Nakagomi. Wilson introduced SGV, outlining the Firm's services and its dedication to fostering Japanese investments and supporting Japanese clients in the Philippines. Vivian highlighted SGV's role as an EY member firm and the close collaboration with EY JBS colleagues in Japan and Asean. The SGV JBS team outlined their focus on addressing the needs of Japanese clients. Ambassador Endo, joined by Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke and Financial Attache Sugimoto Kensuke, expressed appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the Philippines and Japan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and developing the ties established by their predecessors. The meeting also covered discussions on tax issues faced by Japanese companies, including the proposed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) tax legislation pending in Congress. Insights and implications of the proposed tax measures on incentives for Japanese companies were exchanged. Wilson extended a formal invitation to Ambassador Endo to attend the launch of the latest version of Doing Business in the Philippines in Japanese, scheduled for the week of 5 August 2024, which will also welcome SGV's Japanese clients. As a token of goodwill, Wilson also presented Ambassador Endo with a copy of SGV Founder Washington SyCip’s biography Wash: Only a Bookkeeper, A Biography of Washington Z. SyCip by Dr. Jose “Butch” Y. Dalisay Jr.

The SGV Knowledge Institute in coordination with the SGV Bacolod Office conducted a symposium for business owners entitled “Strengthening Family Businesses for Generations to Come” at Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod on 17 May 2024. GCR Partner Erickson Errol R. Sabile with the symposium participants True to SGV’s Purpose of nurturing leaders and enabling businesses for a better Philippines, the symposium provided insights and strategies to business owners in diverse industries to strengthen and ensure that family businesses will not only survive but thrive for generations to come. SGV Bacolod Partner-in-Charge Djole S. Garcia SGV Bacolod Partner-in-Charge Djole S. Garcia spearheaded the symposium. She was joined by other Partners who attended the event, namely SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, Business Tax Advisory Partner Cheryl Edeline C. Ong, Global Compliance & Reporting (GCR) Partner Erickson Errol R. Sabile, Assurance Partner Kristopher S. Catalan, Consulting Partner Maria Kathrina S. Macaisa-Peña, Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS) Leader Aris C. Malantic, and Strategy and Transactions (SaT) Partner Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivers the welcome remarks BTS Senior Director Anne Margaret E. Momongan-Lim (left) moderates a panel discussion with SGV Partners Kristopher S. Catalan, Aris C. Malantic, Maria Kathrina S. Macaisa-Peña, Cheryl Edeline C. Ong, Erickson Errol R. Sabile, and Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Business Tax Services (BTS) Senior Director Anne Margaret E. Momongan-Lim. The event was attended by representatives from various companies, most of which are members of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Junior & Senior Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry. SGV Partners during the courtesy visit Prior to this, the SGV Partners paid a courtesy visit at the Office of the City Mayor of Bacolod and the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO).

SGV launched the Doing Business in Surigao del Norte publication with SGV Partners and Surigao del Norte officials, including Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, Vice Governor Eddie D. Gokiangkee, Jr., and District II Congressman Robert Ace S. Barbers, among other local government officials on 7 May 2024. The publication spotlights potential business opportunities and the province’s investment climate. SGV Partners and Surigao del Norte officials launch the DB in Surigao del Norte publication SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan, along with SGV Partners Marie Stephanie Tan-Hamed, Saha A. Bulagsak, and Joseph Ian M. Canlas, local leaders, and business representatives, introduced the publication as part of the "Doing Business in the Philippines" series, aimed at driving economic growth and attracting investors to Surigao del Norte.

The SGV Knowledge Institute, with SGV’s Sustainability team recently spearheaded a forum titled “Climate Convergence: Actions toward a Resilient Future” at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga as the keynote speaker. SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivers his opening remarks The climate resilience forum delved into the impact of climate change and how it is becoming more visible and pronounced, with businesses facing unprecedented physical and transition risks. It brought together local and international speakers to share their insights and the measures that their organizations are implementing to achieve climate resilience and in pursuing opportunities in the transition to a low-carbon economy.  SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz gives conference overview SGV Chairman and Country Managing Partner Wilson P. Tan delivered the opening remarks, citing the challenges posed by climate change and the need for business strategies that include mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. SGV Vice Chair and Deputy Managing Partner Vivian C. Ruiz provided an overview of the conference. SGV Sustainability Partners Katrina F. Francisco (left) and Benjamin N. Villacorte (right) moderating a panel discussion SGV Sustainability Principal Bonar A. Laureto (right) moderates a second panel discussion SGV Sustainability Partners Katrina F. Francisco and Benjamin N. Villacorte moderated the panel discussion on the Climate Risk Perspective. SGV Sustainability Principal Bonar A. Laureto moderated the panel discussion on the Low Carbon Investment Opportunities Perspective. SGV Chief Sustainability Officer Clairma Mangangey delivers the closing remarks SGV Chief Sustainability Officer Clairma Mangangey spoke about the importance of understanding climate risks and sharing best practices for businesses transitioning to a low-carbon economy.  EY Singapore Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader Praveen Tekchandani during his presentation EY Singapore Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader Praveen Tekchandani discussed investment opportunities and profit models aligned with low-carbon solutions.  The event also covered the integration of governmental insights with corporate climate strategies to align and harmonize private-sector efforts with national policy objectives. The first part of the forum tackled climate risks and how to manage physical and transition risks, as well as adapting to climate risks and low-carbon transition. The climate forum’s second part focused on low-carbon investment opportunities and explored climate resilience and strategic profit models that align with low-carbon solutions.  The SGV Knowledge Institute is a hub for intellectual exchange and advancement, powered by SGV’s collective thought leadership, experienced multidisciplinary professionals and the vast network of alumni, global EY professionals and allies in the business community and public sector, fostering continuous learning, knowledge-sharing and innovation.