Review of GICC (Global In-House Center Council)
The rapid advancement in technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, presents a lot of challenges and opportunities to the Philippine information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry. In the face of these changes, various government bodies and trade organizations for different IT-BPM sectors are rallying together to ensure that the Filipino talent is future-ready and that the country can maintain its position as a preferred outsourcing destination. Now more than ever, these groups are focused on providing trainings that lead to a successful career in the said industry, as well as developing locations outside major cities as attractive bases for IT-BPM investments.
The Global In-House Center Council (GICC), the trade association of shared service and in-house centers operating within the Philippines, is one of the main proponents of these projects. The group represents more than 50 members—many of which are Fortune 500 companies—that support more than 150,000 high-value jobs and bring in USD 4.7 billion to the country. The members of the group provide a wide range of services, from IT and legal support to healthcare and finance.
The primary goal of this non-stock, non-profit trade association is to help set, develop, and shape best practices among the global shared service centers based in the Philippines. As its members work together to maintain and grow the country’s edge in the business service sector, the GICC serves as a collective forum for addressing the various concerns of the industry. The association puts a lot of effort in showcasing the talent of the Filipino professional, thereby actively supporting the continued development of the country as a primary and preferred location for global in-house centers and multi-national corporations.
Programs, Projects, and Events
The GICC was duly incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines in April 2014. Shortly after, in 2016, the trade association partnered with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the Philippine IT-BPM industry’s key information and advocacy gateway, and has since actively participated in its various programs and projects.
In addition to working with the IBPAP, the GICC also encourages its members to represent the group in events hosted by organizations that endeavor to develop the IT-BPM industry, particularly the in-house and shared services sector. These include the following:
International IT-BPM Summit. Formerly known as the International Outsourcing Summit, the International IT-BPM Summit or IIS is an annual gathering of industry stakeholders, leaders, and experts. It serves as a venue for conversations and discussions on industry trends, issues, and forecasts. In its 9th year in 2017, the IIS focused on the looming threats and opportunities presented by the upcoming artificial intelligence headwind. The GICC promoted the event to its members and offered support and significant discounts.
Annual Shared Services and BPO Week Philippines. Hosted by the Shared Services and Outsourcing Network (SSON), the Annual Shared Services and BPO Week Philippines is the largest gathering of shared service and BPO professionals in the country. The event is a venue for experts and organizations to share knowledge, experience, and tools that will further the industry. It is also a perfect opportunity to network with other industry stakeholders and players. In the past few years, the speakers and organizers discussed the different ways of providing training and connecting with colleagues online and face to face. The GICC is always well represented by its members in this big event.
Aside from attending events by other organizations, the GICC hosts regular events for its members. The general membership meeting, for one, is a venue for discussing the various acts and laws relevant to the industry, such as Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012. These meetings also serve as a venue for sharing ideas about topics that are of interest to the general membership, like 4-day workweek proposals and work-from-home arrangements. Organizing documentations regarding industry best practices and planning for events and projects are also done during these events.
Becoming a Member of the GICC
The GICC accepts membership applications from companies that belong to any of these 3 categories: global or multinational company, shared services, and captive or wholly owned subsidiaries that perform services for the parent company. The country manager typically serves as the official representative of the company to the GICC. Aside from shared service and in-house centers, individuals who may serve as a consultant or advisor to the group because of their professional expertise or experience may be invited to become a member.
Focusing on Continued Growth
The group ended 2017 on a high note with 58 members in its roster, and the GICC only aims to make this number grow in 2018. In addition to strengthening its membership, the organization continues to pour efforts into meeting its goals under Accelerate PH, the Philippines IT-BPM Roadmap 2016-2022. Together with various government bodies, particularly the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and other trade groups that support the IT-BPM industry, the GICC is working towards achieving the following by 2022:
- Generating 1.8 million jobs
- Directly and indirectly employing a total of 7.6 million personnel to the IT-BPM industry
- Hiring 73% of these employees to mid- to high-level jobs
- Hiring 500,000 personnel outside the National Capital Region
- Bringing in USD 4.7 billion in revenue
- Securing a 15% share of the global IT-BPM market
The IT-BPM industry is expected to plateau this 2018, but the GICC and its partner organizations are focused on achieving maximum growth and keeping on track with their mission to brand the Philippines as a preferred destination for international investments.
Independent
