Google Day Asia: How to make it Big in the World Wide Web and discover why the “Philippines” is an Opportunity

A few years ago, the Big G sets its foot in our shores as a promising market emerges that is worth exploring. I'm reposting this article to re-evaluate the forecast on the influence of technology as a driver of change in different areas of our society and our lives.

Makati became the convergence zone of top tech company Google and IT professionals in Asia last Friday, 3^rd August 2012. G-day happened first in the Philippines with Google’s Loren Shuster delivering the keynote for the event. Working in the country since 1995, he said that the “Philippines” has always been marked as the next big thing. “The reality is: the internet is here and the drivers are here. The Philippines is going to be one of, if not, the fastest growing market from a GDP perspective across Asia Pacific. The Philippines is an opportunity here and now for all collectively. That's why we're holding our 1st G-day in Southeast Asia particularly, in the Philippines” said Shuster.

He also gave a round of Trivia to engage with the crowd.

·                     What is the nickname of Google's search engine during the initial days of Larry and Sergey 
            working on their Stanford engineering project (back in 1996)? 

            Answer: Backrub (Not to be mistaken as a massage parlor which it sounds like. 

           *Note : The name was changed in 1998 when the company was founded. With 14 years on 

                       its track, Google is very young yet; it has changed Technology to better the 
                       lives of many).

·                     What is the meaning of Google?

            Answer: It's a number with a hundred zeros.

·                     What is the Informal corporate slogan of Google?

            Answer: Don't be Evil.

·                     What inspired the multi-colored Google logo?

           Answer: When the founders were working in the garage, they built a computer chassis out 

                         of Lego. The multi-colored Lego inspired the Google Logo.

Google Executive Loren Shuster delivers the Keynote

The talk narrated the big G’s timeline beginning from its birth on a rented Garage of Susan Wojcickis in Menlo Park, California. Established in 1998, the organization’s mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.  Shuster moved to discuss Google Glass (GG), a man-machine interface which makes information accessible right in front of your eyes.  Classified as the Google I/O extension in Asia, the event could have been more exciting if he did a demo of the GG in action.  “It is an incredible innovation. It sounds futuristic. It is here and now. In the next 24-36 months, I wouldn't be surprised if many people in this room started wearing Google glass.” said Shuster as he discussed about the product.

Shuster shifted to discuss about the current landscape in the region. He said that 2.3 Billion people are already online and over 1 Billion are across Asia Pacific representing over 29% market penetration.  “The numbers present huge opportunity for people to come online and engage online, to access info online and participate in their communities online “he added. Being one of the most exciting and dynamic region in the world, Google raises its flag and establishes its presence in the country. 

“The pace of Change is normal. It is something that we all need to adapt to in order to stay abreast of the latest technology opportunities that provide us the chance to enhance our businesses and our personal lives.” Shuster said.

What the future holds

Mobile is the Future. Photo Credit: CDN 2

Shuster went on to discuss the figures in 2012 showing that there are over 5 Billion mobile devices globally.  Looking forward, Google expects this number to double. This means that a huge change is about to happen creating enormous opportunities and value.  The internet is at the heart of everything we do in our daily lives. It’s all about these 3 core areas: Information, Entertainment and Community.

Information sourcing today

Android Marshmallow

In retrospect 20 years ago, Shuster reminisced how we relied on local libraries, morning papers and encyclopedias. But, today, the vast majority of the information we use are sourced online.

“There are more Android activations happening compared to the number of babies born.  Every day, 4.7 Billion Google searches are made.” These are the reasons why mobile is perceived as a change agent in sourcing information.  The Tech stalwart expects to have more mobile and desktop searches in the next 24 months.  Shuster believes that importance should be given to mobility and business.

YouTube defines entertainment

Back in 2006, Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 Billion. At present, more than 72 hours of video content is uploaded per minute. People YouTube videos having more control as to when, where and what to download.  People are now empowered to define entertainment at their own will.

Community Basics online

Apart from retrieving information, people are getting more connected online.  “There is a lot of sharing happening and there is also an explosion of content. As a result, consumers are starting to demand” Shuster said. These times are interesting since different platforms are accessible and available. The spotlight is lit towards content creators and businesses to take advantage of these opportunities and make something useful for people.

Why Google loves the Philippines

Internet penetration in the country is at 33%. Shuster emphasized the need for businesses to go beyond traditional media and consider online presence. In Southeast Asia, the “Philippines” has the highest usage of videos and the second biggest in the world to upload videos online.  Also, the number of searches made via mobile is outstanding. Shuster emphasized “Mobile has to be the center of all activities.”

How to make it Big in the Web

Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda. YouTube Star Sensation.

Digital platforms even the playing field for everyone to be successful online. So, what makes success online?  Google believes that the only limiting factor is creativity. There is a massive opportunity for businesses and individuals aspiring to make it big. A proven fact: Many became successful using the new media with the likes of Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda.

To illustrate where the trend is heading, Shuster said the Philippines is the first market in Asia where chrome is the number 1 browser.  President Aquino was the first world leader to be interviewed in YouTube. Google offers free SMS to Globe, Smart and Sun.  The big G’s big bets are: Android, YouTube, G+ and Google search.

Now, all the cards are down. What’s your online success story?

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Programming the Future: What will the world be like in 2050?

The rat race in technological innovation is happening in a light speed. Various platforms are continuing to intertwine different fields of specialization to provide solutions from complex to mundane problems of everyday life. One of the pillars of such breakthroughs is computer programming. With all these changes happening, there are two questions relevant to ask today. How will computer programming impact the future? Where do we go from here?

Accenture held "Shaping the Future Forum 2012" last Thursday, 26th July 2012 at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Manila. In partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Accenture invited Srini Devadas, MIT professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, to lecture about "Programming the Future" which aimed at keeping technology professionals abreast with the latest trends and developments in computing and programming. 

Top executives from Accenture gave an overview of the company's profile and mentioned how Asia, particularly the Philippines, is playing a key role in its global operations. Then, a brief introduction was given for the guest speaker. Srini started his talk by inviting the audience to imagine a world where everyone has avatars with the likes of Tom Cruise, a descriptive illustration on how the future could be like. His discussion went in-depth on the history of programming beginning from the Abacus age of computation. He then discussed about Plato together with the importance of calculation, Ada Byron being the first programmer and Harvard Mark 1 and 2 as the pioneer electromechanical computer.It was interesting to discover the robust background of programming and know where it all started.

MIT Professor Srini Devadas giving his Talk

There have been a lot of developments in programming. "What about the next 40 years?" asked Srini. Logically, it is appropriate to ask what the next chapter will be after the introduction of new programming languages and coding platforms which gave birth to new disruptive technologies. The next part of the talk centered on three computing paradigms playing a significant role in technology: Programming for Everyone, Big Data and Crowds to Clouds.

Programming for Everyone

According to Srini, in the near future, millions of programmers will need to write billions of lines of correct code. These require coding methodologies such as Graphical Programming, which allows element manipulation using graphical means instead of standard texts, and Programming in English, a method used in programming data structure codes.

Big Data

Financial Markets Causality Connections

New Age Technology gives access to big data which are relevant in understanding everyday problems and carving out solutions. Srini added that there are a lot of significant data that can be analyzed. However, this overwhelming volume presents the big data challenge: Too big, Too Fast and Too Hard. A solution to this is locality sensitive hashing where input items are hashed to group similar items and placed in the same categories with increased probability. An interesting example mentioned by Srini was about consumer credit risk analysis and forecasting. The goal was risk profiling of consumers based on their financial transactions. To achieve this, machine learning was utilized to detect potential defaults. 

The results were more accurate compared to the FICO score method. Machine learning applies sophisticated analytics to big chunks of data.

Crowds to Clouds (c2c)

Cloud Computing. Photo Credit: Aisha Hasan

Cloud computing is the future. Despite of its infancy stage, tech giants Amazon, Google, Microsoft and even Oracle, to name a few, have joined the cloud provider's club. The cloud's seamless accessibility, security and storage are a magnet to enterprises and startup companies. Srini perceives the future with billions of people using devices to connect to trillions of processors in the cloud. To illustrate this vision, project cartel, a pothole finding application, uses sensors from GPS, WIFI and cellular triangulation to measure and localize traffic delays allowing people to spend less time in traffic. Another example is Twit info which synthesizes interesting information based on raw twitter feeds.

More on Artificial Intelligence

The Future of Driving using Artificial Intelligence

Diving into more unconquered charters, Srini asked "What is the future of Artificial Intelligence?" According to him, combining the strengths of human and machine is the way to go to create synergy in Artificial Intelligence.

What will the world be like in 2050?

In general, Srini's talk characterized the future with technology playing a big role to achieve its maturity. Its presence will be felt across major aspects of human life. Climate change will utilize Green software by means of using Big Data. The future will seek to predict unpredictable weather patterns. Autonomous driving will be seen in the field of transportation. In the health sciences, personalized system genomics will allow to track generations of ancestral origins and determine predispositions to diseases and determine preventive measures.

Personal Systems Genomics

Srini concluded his talk by saying that programmers are in a great field since computer programming will be a major driver of growth and opportunities. No one really knows what the future will be. It will all depend on the present generation of IT professionals to lead the way in shaping the future.

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Part 2: A 19-Year-Old CEO talks about creating disruptive technologies for Philippine education and his advice for aspiring young Filipino startup founders

So what exactly does it take to be a 19-Year-Old Filipino Startup founder?

(This is a two-part interview series of Orange Apps Co-founder Gian Scottie Javelona.)

Let’s talk more about you. What course are you taking at PUP?

Computer Engineering Management from the PUP College of Technology.

Have there been any changes in your life when you decided to create Mobile Portal? 

PUP Mobile Portal For Students, Faculty and Alumni of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines

I became more focused in my goals and spent less time with friends. I miss being a regular college student. But my passion in what I do drives me to keep on going. I also want to take the entrepreneurial path with the birth of Orange Apps.

What do you do during your free time?

I like playing NBA games and partying with friends. But, when I started to make the app, I devote most of my time for coding and development.

Do you have any Tech Hero whom you aspire to be?

Photo Credit: B.K. Marcus, Ludwig von Mises Institute

Photo Credit:  John Haydon                

I want to be the next Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg. I also want my startup, Orange Apps, to surpass what Apple has achieved in the field of Software development.

Startup founders are getting younger with ages under 20. Do you think your age is more of an advantage?

When I attend developer events, people usually tell me how lucky I am since I have more time to spend creating apps. As for them, they have to stick to a day job and work with their startup ideas after work.

 I believe that my age is an advantage allowing me to focus in what I do. Aside from having great ideas, Young Filipino startup founders should also focus on execution to make their vision a reality.

What’s the Roadmap of Orange Apps?

Gian doing a demo of PUP Mobile Portal

I plan to register Orange Apps as a business. I also want to hire developers and start creating customized portals for other universities. My vision is for all schools to have their own mobile portal.

For the next 6 to 12 months, I will be graduating (hopefully with honors) at PUP. I see my startup as a success providing opportunities for developers and extending mobile services to different institutions. All is possible with perfect execution.

What advice can you give to aspiring young Filipino startup founders?

Stop making excuses as reasons not to pursue and to achieve your goals. Instead, see these as opportunities to be seized. I never had an android phone when I started to make Mobile Portal. But, I used my resources to bring my app into completion. I believe that things happen for a reason.

We also need a change of mindset. Apart from being an employee, students and graduates should also consider being an entrepreneur.  Working in a big company is an achievement. But, owning the company is something more.

Lastly, people should see competition as an avenue to collaborate. Not everyone is a competitor. It’s possible to join forces and be part of one team.

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PART 1: A 19-Year-Old CEO talks about creating disruptive technologies for Philippine education and his advice for aspiring young startup founders

Father: Just like what my father said, study hard, do well in school and get a great job after you graduate. I’ll give you the same advice. Study hard and maybe, someday you will be a good employee like me.

You may have had this conversation at one point in your life. Most people may have taken it by heart and lived by it. But, for Gian Scottie Javelona, the path of entrepreneurship has a lot to offer than an 8 to 5 lone job. This under 20 visionary is starting to make ripples in the silent waters of the Philippine startup scene.

So what exactly does it take to be a 19-Year-Old CEO?

(This is a two-part interview series of Orange Apps Co-founder Gian Scottie Javelona.)

How did you start with Orange Apps? What do you want to achieve with your startup?

I started to work with Mobile Portal, an Android application for the PUP community, June of this year. I got curious about how mobile applications work. Using my background in Java, I immersed myself with online tutorials for Android.

Learning is a step-by-step process. I observed different functions of apps which led me to ask how these are made. When I have questions, I make sure to consult tutorials and forums. Then, I applied my new discoveries when I started to work with the app.   

I admire Apple as a company along with the technological breakthroughs they made. That’s why Orange Apps was born. It’s about time to have a Philippine Startup version of Apple. My aim is to surpass what Apple has achieved as a company.

With Efficiency and Speed as your core operating principles, what exactly does Orange App offer?

Even though my background is related to hardware, Orange Apps deals with creating software application programs. My goal is to make everything instant through mobile and systems software applications.

Philippine startups encounter different challenges in their entrepreneurial journey. Can you share any during the initial phase of your startup?

The primary challenge was Financial in nature.  We had little capital during the development phase. I also did not own an android phone. Thus, I had to call my classmate who owns an Android and we had to debug over the phone.

Back then, together with my co-founder Paulo Benologa, we were working on a freelance payroll system project. After we got paid, I bought an Android phone which I am currently using today.

What compelled you to focus on education for Mobile Portal?

I wanted to focus on apps for education because it’s one of the least explored areas requiring solutions. PUP Mobile Portal aims to help students, faculty and even alumni to have a fast access to a list of services using a single tool anytime and anywhere.

From enrollment applications to news, events, personal records and many more, university-related and scholastic information is made accessible. The Portal gives them one space to multi-task and to be informed about the latest updates within the university. The App is a great tool to know almost everything about the school.

PUP Mobile Portal is now available for Free download.

Do you know of any competitors?

At present, I believe we are the only one to offer this type of educational app.

How do you plan to leverage your startup with competitors (if any)?

I plan to form partnerships with them rather than seeing them as competition.

What support do you need for PUP Mobile Portal to take off?

We made an interesting discovery regarding the market of the App. Initially, apart from being open source, we chose Android because it’s cheaper and accessible for everyone. However, recent user feedbacks show a market for iOS.

We need handsets and hardware to support cross platform development. For marketing purposes, we aim to partner with PUP to promote the app.

We also need a web developer who will be in charge of web updates.

PART 2: A 19-Year-Old CEO talks about creating disruptive technologies for Philippine education and his advice for aspiring young startup founders

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