Corporate
June 18, 2025

GCash highlights AI-powered innovations for the underserved communities at UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week

Innovations powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can help bridge financial gaps, democratize access to services, and create opportunities for underserved communities.

The Void is not synonymous with stagnation; rather, it's a fertile ground for exploration and discovery. By understanding and embracing the Void, creatives can liberate themselves from the constraints of expectation and perfectionism. This liberation becomes a catalyst for fresh ideas, enabling a departure from the ordinary and a journey into uncharted territories of innovation.

Navigating the Void requires a willingness to confront uncertainty and silence the noise of external influences. It's a practice in mindfulness and self-discovery—a journey into the depths of one's own thoughts and emotions. In this solitude, creatives often find the raw materials for groundbreaking concepts, discovering connections and patterns that were previously obscured.

The process of engaging with the Void is not about avoiding challenges but transforming them into opportunities. It encourages a shift in perspective, viewing obstacles not as roadblocks but as stepping stones to innovation. By understanding 'the Void' as a realm of potential, creatives unlock the door to their most authentic and impactful work, revealing the beauty that emerges when the creative spirit is allowed to roam freely. In essence, the Void becomes not an abyss to be feared, but a sanctuary where creativity thrives, and our most brilliant ideas come to life.

This was the key message highlighted by GCash, the Philippines' foremost finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, during the UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week, a two-day summit recently organized by the British Embassy in Manila.

(L-R) British Embassy Bangkok digital and head of investment first secretary Zak Lawton, TPP research and analytics director Chris Bates, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines president and CEO Jack Madrid, BCG managing director and partner Julian Cua, Arup director Sankar Villupurum and GCash Chief Data Officer, Sara Venturina discussed 'AI for Good: Transforming Industries and Enabling Sustainable Growth' in UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week

The event also featured twelve prominent global companies operating in the region sharing their financial technology (fintech) expertise. They were focused on harnessing the transformative power of AI to foster economic growth and sustainability across the Southeast.

The summit brought together top global firms spanning engineering, health technology, management consulting, information technology, and business process outsourcing (BPO). GCash joined the discussions to emphasize how AI-driven fintech innovations are transforming lives and creating new opportunities for underserved communities through access to fintech services. 

At the fireside chat panel titled 'AI for Good: Transforming Industries and Enabling Sustainable Growth', GCash Chief Data Officer Sara Venturina shared the stage with industry leaders that included Arup Director Sankar Villupuram, TPP Director of Research and Analytics Chris Bates, IBPAP President and CEO Jack Madrid, and BCG Managing Director and Partner Julian Cua. Together, they unpacked the impact of AI in reshaping industries and fostering sustainable growth.

GCash Chief Data Officer Sara Venturina joined the panelist in discussing 'AI for Good: Transforming Industries and Enabling Sustainable Growth'

GCash Chief Data Officer Sara Venturina joined the panelist in discussing 'AI for Good: Transforming Industries and Enabling Sustainable Growth'

Venturina shared insights into how AI has been instrumental in expanding financial inclusion in the Philippines. With over 94 million users nationwide, GCash has leveraged advanced AI technologies to address the unique challenges faced by underbanked and underserved populations. Through AI-powered analytics, GCash can better understand user behavior, enabling the platform to tailor its financial services to meet the needs of diverse communities, including those with limited access to traditional banking systems.

By integrating AI into its operations, GCash has streamlined processes like credit scoring for users without formal credit histories, allowing more Filipinos to access loans and other financial products. AI also enables personalized recommendations, guiding users toward tools and services that align with their financial goals, such as budgeting assistance, savings plans, and investment opportunities, allowing users to build more educated financial habits.

Additionally, Venturina highlighted how AI enhances the platform’s security measures, particularly in fraud detection and prevention. By analyzing vast amounts of transactional data in real time, AI helps protect users from cyber threats, fostering trust and confidence among those new to digital financial platforms.

“At GCash, we are proactive in using AI to achieve financial inclusion for all Filipinos and ensure they actively participate in the country’s financial progress,” Venturina shared. She emphasized that these technologies not only broaden access to essential financial services but also empower individuals and families to build a more secure and stable financial future.

As a flagship event showcasing advancements in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, the UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Southeast Asia’s digital transformation. GCash’s participation highlighted its dedication to aligning with global best practices and fostering cross-border collaborations in fintech innovation.

Through its involvement in this summit, GCash continues to position itself as a champion of responsible and inclusive AI-driven financial solutions, contributing to the development of a more connected and equitable digital economy.

For more information, visit www.new.gcash.com.

You may also like these