INTERNET 1.0 was all about the exchange of information, videos and images. 2.0 was the era of “social,” while 3.0, the latest iteration of the Internet, the Internet of Value, Reputation and Trust.
Also known as the era of blockchain.
To underscore the importance of this era, Acceler8 and SCI launched the first Blockchain Space in the Philippines in May. This seminal collaboration is between Acceler8 by UnionSPACE, a workspace provider in the Philippines; and SCI, a fintech company that seeks to streamline financial services by developing solutions using blockchain technology.
Pioneered by UnionSPACE, the Blockchain Space is an initiative that aims to bring fintech companies across Southeast Asia together through a series of collaborative events involving networking, seminars, workshops and training sessions. UnionSPACE has four Blockchain Spaces across the region.
Blockchain Space Manila is the Philippine chapter of Blockchain Space Asia (www.blockchainspace.asia), which was cofounded by Steven Suhadi, chairman of the Indonesian Blockchain Association, and Albert Goh, CEO of UnionSPACE. The Blockchain Space Manila has been officially launched on May 22 at Acceler8 111 Paseo, Makati City.
Acceler8 by UnionSPACE is a coworking space that provides business solutions such as serviced office suites, coworking seats, virtual office plans, meeting rooms and event spaces. It was recently consolidated under the brand UnionSPACE, which has presence in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, giving their members access, not only to spaces, but also to partners, investors and VCs across Southeast Asia.
SCI has emerged as one of the thought leaders in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry not just in the Philippines but globally, as well. Starting its business in 2014, it blazed the trail for other companies in the space, not only by proving that the technology has significant practical value by reducing costs of cross-border money transfer with its groundbreaking service, Rebit.ph, but also by actively engaging relevant regulators, securing a first-of-its-kind license from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Its flagship brands now also include Buybitcoin.ph, Bitbit.cash, and the soon to be launched digital asset exchange Citadax.com.
“We can only maximize the potential of blockchain technology by promoting it across communities and industries through continuous learning opportunities. Together with Acceler8, we now offer a place where anyone who is interested can learn more about this technology, and also connect with others, so they can create synergies,” said John Bailon, cofounder and CEO of SCI.
“This is a very exciting project knowing that we are getting a lot of support from other organizations and most especially our collaboration with industry leader, SCI. We are planning to roll out a series of blockchain events that will bring together fintech companies in the country,” said Mikko Barranda, cofounder and CEO of Acceler8 by UnionSPACE.
Peter Ing, Philippine country head of Blockchain Space Asia, believes that it is about time that a project such as this becomes available—whether to businesses or interested individuals. “With the fast-paced growth of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in both the Philippines and the region, we’ve found this to be a perfect partnership with SCI in terms of timing and service offerings. Combining SCI’s leading position in terms of maturity and knowledge plus Blockchain Space’s plethora of business services, we aim to spearhead initiatives in growing the industry and supporting those already active. We will host education modules to those new to the industry and support existing players with more advanced training modules. We will equip the community with tools to grow regionally in Southeast Asia through access to capital, network, incorporation services, legal services and other blockchain advisory services,” said Ing.
Blockchain Space Manila will be having its first event this coming June 20, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. It will be tackling blockchain policy and Regulation.
Richard Hahn, marketing manager of SCI, said, “An innovative legal, regulatory and policy framework is critical in promoting blockchain adoption in various financial and nonfinancial industries. Decentralization can create opportunities that will promote inclusive prosperity and economic development. At the same time, the technology is susceptible to abuse and there is a compelling need to provide safeguards for consumers, investors and Dapp users in general.”
This pilot event will be discussing what are the legal, regulatory and policy areas that blockchain projects and cryptoasset-oriented businesses should consider and if there are specific regulations or guidance notes that should be observed. Furthermore, it will also address the implications of decentralized applications and blockchain architectures relative to existing legal and regulatory canvasses. There will also be a discourse on how we can frame new policies that ensure innovation is encouraged while also discouraging bad actors from taking advantage of the market or from using the technology for nefarious and illicit activities.
This pilot event will be moderated by Allena Dawn (Coding Girls Manila) and Atty. Karl Borja (partner in Benitez Salem Baldonado). The panelists include John Bailon (cofounder and CEO of SCI Ventures), Atty. Rafael Padilla (head of Legal & Compliance in SCI Ventures), Atty. Gyte Baldonado (partner in Benitez Salem Baldonado), Kat Gonzalez (senior associate in White Rook Advisory) and Rep. Bullet Jalosjos of the First District of Zamboanga del Norte.
This event will officially kick off the series of learning sessions and networking meet-ups in the Philippines’s first blockchain space.