Japanese chamber supports IT human resource growth

Due to the shortage of qualified IT (Information Technology) professionals in Cebu to support the expansion plans of some Japanese companies that operate here, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines-Cebu is planning to support some IT students for review and certification process offered by the Philippines National IT Standards Foundation (PhilNits).

PhilNits has set up a review and examination center in Cebu last year, to provide Cebuano IT professionals easy access to immediate employment especially to Japanese companies.

PhilNits is being supported by the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) and dispatched an IT expert in Cebu to provide review classes for the certification examination.

Jetro expert Shinichiro Kato said there is a growing number of Japanese companies operating in Cebu that wanted to expand their operation, but they are often hounded by the unavailability of qualified IT professionals.

"The Japanese chamber is willing to support the growth of human resource for IT in Cebu, that is why member companies of the chamber have expressed interest to support some of the IT students from different universities in Cebu," said Kato.

In October this year, Kato said PhilNits-Cebu is expecting to attract at least 1,000 examinees, including already the students that will be sponsored by some Japanese companies.

In coordination with PhilNits and Jetro, the Japanese Chamber here will coordinate with different universities in choosing students that are best qualified to take the review and examination, a prerequisite in getting the Japanese IT standard for skills.

Kato, a JEXSA (Jetro Expert Service Abroad for improving business environment) expert, was dispatched to Cebu last January 2005 to give guidance in stepping up the functions of PhilNits and to popularize and expand the certification system for IT professionals in the southern part of the Philippines.

The 7th PhilNits exam was held last April 2, 2006 at the University of San Carlos. Last year, there were only 215 examinees in Cebu, Kato reiterated that this number is expected to reach 1,000 in the next scheduled exam on October this year.

Active supporters of PhilNits examinations and reviews are Japanese companies like NEC Telecom Software Philippines Inc., EPSON Precision Philippines Inc., ADTX Systems Inc., and Alliance Software, Inc.

PhilNits certification is not only recognized in Japan and the Philippines, but also in other countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Mongolia, and Vietnam.