The center will focus on cybersecurity engineering and architecture, cybersecurity for artificial intelligence (AI), threat intelligence and AI-driven cyber analytics, giving professionals opportunities to build expertise in higher-value technology services.
It forms part of EY GDS’ global cybersecurity capability, which the company said supports operations across more than 160 countries. Cebu-based professionals will work with global technology platforms, using advanced analytics, automation and engineering to address increasingly complex digital threats.
EY GDS Philippines cybersecurity leader and EY cybersecurity managed services emerging markets leader Maez De Guzman said the investment reflects changing demand for cybersecurity expertise as businesses adopt AI, cloud technologies and connected platforms.
“Cybersecurity has never been simply a game of scale. It is a game of strategy, specialization and critical thinking,” she said.
“We need to combine people, platforms, data, automation and AI to operate at a different level of speed and scale. Cebu now has an important role to play in that global transformation.”
Cybersecurity roles
According to EY GDS, many cybersecurity roles in the Philippines remain focused on analysis. The Cebu center aims to broaden that expertise through more specialized work, access to the company’s global technology alliances and exposure to cybersecurity threats across international markets.
The expansion builds on EY GDS’ partnership with the Cebu Institute of Technology-University, where it introduced a cybersecurity curriculum featuring laboratory simulations and real-world scenarios.
The program seeks to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and industry requirements.
Talent pool
De Guzman cited Cebu’s growing pool of technology talent, established delivery capabilities and developing technology ecosystem as factors supporting the center.
“Global cybersecurity careers should not require Filipino talent to leave the Philippines,” she said.
“Success is not simply having a bigger center. It is when a young professional in Cebu can use AI and advanced analytics to solve a sophisticated global cybersecurity problem and know that their expertise has global relevance.”
EY GDS said the initiative aims to develop higher-value careers and help the Philippines move further up the technology value chain.
De Guzman said critical thinking and continuous learning would be essential for professionals entering the field as cybersecurity demands evolve with advances in technology. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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