In a celebration of technology and collaboration, Ambassador Ilan Fluss of Israel addressed a gathering of innovators, entrepreneurs, and legal experts at the “Israel Tech and Innovation Night.” The event emphasized the growing ties between Israel and the Philippines in the fields of technology and innovation.
Ambassador Fluss shared his vision of fostering a bridge of innovation between Israel and the Philippines, highlighting Israel's transformation into a global hub of innovation despite numerous challenges such as geopolitical tensions, water scarcity, and arid land.
"From being a number one victim of cyber-attacks, we have become a global leader in cybersecurity solutions. We made the desert bloom, literally, by maximizing productivity with minimal resources," he said, illustrating Israel's capacity for turning challenges into opportunities.
He noted that the tech sector in Israel contributes 18% of the country's GDP and serves as a critical driver of economic growth and job creation. This success, he explained, stems from a culture of resilience, a supportive ecosystem involving government, academia, and venture capitalists, and a mindset that embraces innovation and risk-taking.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Naga and Lupi in Camarines Sur, Ambassador Fluss acknowledged the resilience and warmth of Filipinos despite facing poverty and natural calamities. Drawing a historical parallel, he highlighted the Philippines' role in saving Jewish refugees during the Holocaust under President Manuel Quezon, calling it an enduring example of solidarity and compassion.
The evening featured Israeli food and wine and presentations from innovation experts and ecosystem leaders. Participants were encouraged to connect with the Embassy's Economic Attaché team and explore opportunities for partnerships with Israeli startups and ventures.
Concluding his speech, Ambassador Fluss expressed hope for lasting partnerships that would drive meaningful impact. "I want to bring the Israeli mindset and approach to work with Filipino talent on the Philippines' challenges and opportunities," he said, urging participants to explore partnerships that transcend simply selling technology. "It's about us, not me or you."
Panel discussions on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity
The event featured two insightful panel discussions that delved into the role of cutting-edge technologies in business and finance.
The first panel, Artificial Intelligence in Business. Moderated by Atty. Anthony Tupaz, the panel included notable experts: Sagi Eliyahu, CEO of DMS Lighthouse; Shri Ram, Director for Connectivity and Connected Industries at the Israel Export Institute; and Enzo Tanedo, Head of Business Development at Microsoft Philippines.
The panelists discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) has become indispensable in various sectors, from streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences. Sagi Eliyahu emphasized how AI is revolutionizing the way businesses operate by providing actionable insights and predictive analytics. Shri Ram highlighted AI's role in fostering global connectivity, particularly in industries like manufacturing and telecommunications. Enzo Tanedo shared how Microsoft is leveraging AI to drive innovation in the Philippines, focusing on empowering businesses to become more agile and competitive.
"AI is no longer a future technology—it is here and now, enabling smarter, more efficient business operations across the board," said Shri Ram, underscoring its transformative potential.
The second panel, focusing on cybersecurity and fintech, featured Abhinav Nagpal, Regional Sales Director of BioCatch; Menny Barzilay, CEO and Co-Founder of Cytactic; Daniel Martin from Cyber 7; and Raymond Babst, CEO and President of Direct Agent 5.
Panelists explored the growing importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks in the fintech industry, particularly as the adoption of digital financial services accelerates. Abhinav Nagpal discussed how technologies like behavioral biometrics are helping secure transactions by detecting fraud in real-time. Menyy Barzilay emphasized that as fintech evolves, so does the sophistication of cyber threats, necessitating proactive and adaptive defense mechanisms.
Daniel Martin highlighted how advancements in AI and quantum computing are reshaping cybersecurity, both as tools for protection and as avenues for potential threats. Raymond Babst provided insights into how Philippine fintech companies are leveraging cybersecurity to build trust and compliance, which are critical in fostering user confidence in digital platforms.
"Cybersecurity is the backbone of fintech innovation," said Barzilay. "Without it, the promise of seamless, borderless financial transactions would falter under the weight of security breaches."
The event showed the deepening collaboration between Israel and the Philippines, particularly in addressing modern challenges through innovative partnerships. Ambassador Fluss expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead, emphasizing the shared commitment to driving meaningful impact.