CBM 2015 focuses on bracing entrepreneurs for globalization

CEBU, Philippines- After exploiting the important tools and avenues to bolster capacity in fighting the regional competition in the ASEAN, this year's Cebu Business Month (CBM 2015) will take higher stride in bringing Cebu businesses to master the global competitiveness fight.

Now on its 19th year, CBM 2015 will focus on strengthening the competitive advantage of Cebu entrepreneurs in the global market place carrying the theme "Globalized Cebu-Local Solutions for Global Challenges' for the fast growing industry."

CBM 2015 chairman Francis Dy said that while most businesses are now confident in winning against the threats brought about by ASEAN integration, the push now will extend into making local businesses thrive under the harsh global competition.

Dy said globalization mindset among businesses in the local level will be reinforced further by holding events that will focus on globalization and competitiveness issues, specifically within the economic industry drivers in Cebu--tourism, business process outsourcing, entrepreneurship and the emerging creative industry.

The month-long event will hold activities and events that will inspire and stimulate globalization mindset among local traders, such as adopting right corporate practices, among others, Dy said.

CBM 2015 will kick off on May 29 with the Grand Opening Salvo at The Terraces at Ayala Center Cebu which will be highlighted with an advocacy fair until Sunday, May 31.

The first major event will be the ICT and BPM Conference and Expo on June 3 and 4 at Marco Polo Cebu.

Topics will include prospects and challenges, trends faced by the industry and will provide a venue where local players can meet and network with national players.

On June 5 to 7, those looking to start their own technology-based companies can join the Startup Weekend set on these dates.

Pushing the development and promotion of Cebu's promising Creative industry, CBM 2015, will host the 4th Cebu International Documentary Film Festival on June 11, at the SM Cinema One.

Also, the 4th Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network Forum is set on June 25 and the Visayan Pop Song Writing Competition on June 26 at SM City Cebu.

The venue for the 4th Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network Forum will be announced soon. This is something that we think will help us push more of our creative industry.

This year's tourism events will take on a different twist as it will be infused with technology.

On June 16 to 18, the first Technotour Amazing Adventure Challenge will be introduced. Dy said this is a type of experimental tourism using technology to feature destinations in the southern and midwest parts of Cebu.

An International Travel Fiesta will also be held at SM City Cebu Trade Hall and Northwing Atrium from June 19 to 21.

On June 18 to 19, the Entrepreneurship Conference with Breakout Sessions will be held at Cebu City Marriott Hotel which will be complemented with an Entrepreneurship Grand Expo from the 18th to the 20th still at the hotel.

He added that CBM 2015 shall celebrate the influx of opportunities brought about by the ASEAN integration. The programs shall provide a platform to establish networks of local interactions and global connections to stimulate transnational business community.

The event expects to draw in more participants, not only from other parts of the Philippines, but also delegations from other countries. (FREEMAN)