THE Junior Bedan Engineering Society (JBES) marked a milestone last Apr. 4 with the launch of their first webinar, “CONFLUX: A Webinar Regarding Blockchain and Telecommunications,” via  Microsoft Teams. 

     “Conflux gave us the standard to do so by allowing engineering and non-engineering students to learn something together,” Karl Ng (II-BSECE), president of JBES, shared. 

     The organization faced challenges in attracting student interest and adjusting to an online format. However, the officers’ dedication ensured the event’s success, laying the foundation for future endeavors. “With this event, SBCA and affiliated parties will recognize us and hopefully assist in our future endeavors,” the president added, emphasizing how the event solidified the organization’s growth and collaboration.

     The organization aimed to provide valuable insights about the advancements of blockchain technology and telecommunications centering around sustainability and digital transformation for the future. The webinar featured Engr. Jon Ervir Cabiling, Head of Technolab at Smart Communications Inc., and Dr. Gabriel Avelino R. Sampedro, Founder and CEO of Philippines Coding Camp.  

     Engr. Cabiling focused on the evolution of telecommunications in the Philippines, underscoring the transition to fiber-optic networks and the increasing adoption of 5G technology. He highlighted the support of 5G for emerging technologies like Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud networks. 

     He also advocated for sustainability in digital transformation efforts to enhance organizational longevity. "Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," he explained.

     Dr. Sampedro delved into the transformative potential of blockchain technology, explaining how it builds transparency and trust across industries. He described blockchain as a decentralized digital ledger, emphasizing its applications in healthcare, supply chain management, and election systems. "Blockchain bridges the gap and restores trust," he remarked, showcasing its capacity to ensure accountability and efficiency while maintaining data security through encryption.

     During the question and answer session, Cabling responded to concerns about AI replacing jobs, reassuring them that AI is designed to assist human workers by handling repetitive tasks and allowing people to focus on more strategic, human-oriented responsibilities. "AI is not meant to replace us but to complement our capabilities," he stressed, advocating for upskilling to adapt to technological advancements.

     Sampedro also addressed questions regarding blockchain risks and transparency, stating that the technology ensures data integrity through its tamper-proof design. “In terms of blockchain, the system is very transparent. You know what happened. In terms of security, it really depends on the platform we are using,” he stated. 

     Ng reflected on the significance of the event. “This webinar helps us progress in the exposure of our organization and engineering in SBCA,” he shared.