KPMG targets gov’t digitalization market

MANILA  -The Philippine unit of professional services firm KPMG International has set up a one-stop shop for government agencies looking to digitize their operations, seeing the public sector as still a largely untapped market for digitalization consulting services.

KPMG R.G. Manabat & Co.  launched its Digital Government Center which is “aimed to help local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies in their digitization efforts,” KPMG chair and CEO Sharon Dayoan said.

“Everybody wants to go digital, everybody sees the need to go digital, but it’s always a challenge to get started. Therefore, we want to help that first – building the strategy roadmap, upskilling their people,” Dayoan told reporters on the sidelines of their innovation summit on Thursday at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.

Dayoan, whose firm offers audit, tax, legal, deal advisory and consulting services, said digitalization goes a long way when it comes to public services, highlighting its impact in particular on paying taxes and securing business permits.

Meanwhile, KPMG Philippines vice chair and COO Noel Bonoan said they focused on the government sector after seeing the huge market demand when it comes to these kinds of professional services.

“I think it’s very untapped. I talked to (the) mayors. Everyone does not dispute that technology can be a big help. But again, where do we start? And how are we going to pay for these things? And that’s where we come in,” said Bonoan.

“We bring our expertise on, say, making a strategy to tech up your city, municipality, province. Something that’s fit for your particular LGU because, you know, it’s not a one-size-fits-all [solution],” he added. INQ

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