Michael Cinco Couture co-founder Dr. Sayed Ali talks adapting to change on CoinGeek Backstage

As the Philippines’ digitalization drive goes on full throttle, Michael Cinco Couture Co-Founder Dr. Sayed Ali emphasizes the need to adapt to the changes that come with it.

While innovation may be frightening to some, especially to countries that have recently opened up their doors to utilizing nascent technologies like blockchain, it is vital to ensure the nation’s and society’s growth.

While much of the world is incorporating emerging technologies in critical sectors, such as healthcare, supply chain, and government services, the technology can also be integrated into the entertainment industry, including fashion, and this was showcased during the second year of the Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW), which took place this year at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City from September 18-22.

Dr. Sayed and renowned Dubai-based fashion designer Michael Cinco‘s experience in bringing fashion into the metaverse during the Philippine Blockchain Week is a testament to the fact that one does not need to know the technology’s technicalities to embrace it.

Speaking to CoinGeek Backstage, Dr. Sayed said that blockchain and other technologies that sprung from it, such as the metaverse and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), are fairly new to him and Cinco. But their trust in PBW co-convenor Chezka Gonzales and her drive to digitalize the Philippines pushed them to agree and be part of the annual event.

“I think, now, the world change; that’s why everything [is] in digital,” said Dr. Sayed, noting that consumers’ growing interest in digital fashion would one day lead to the adoption of emerging technologies.

The Metaverse Fashion Gala was organized to showcase Cinco’s designs and give ordinary consumers and trendsetters an opportunity to own the gowns made by the Michael Cinco brand through NFTs.

Although he has little knowledge of NFTs and blockchain, Dr. Sayed said he trusts Gonzales, who knows exactly the technologies she’s advocating for.

“She’s full power and energy; that’s why we trust her, and we hope the future will be good,” he noted.

This demonstrates the unnecessary need to fully understand the technicalities of each technology, but rather embrace it for what it can do and potentially offer.

Dr. Sayed believes integrating NFTs in Cinco’s designs would help the Philippines reach its goal for a broader mass adoption of blockchain technology.

“Now, everything is digital, and we have to be updated always with new technology. I hope it will add more for Michael Cinco house,” he said.

Wrapping up the interview with reporter Claire Celdran, Dr. Sayed said he was glad to have become part of the PBW in showcasing Cinco’s designs in the country, which he described as “one of the best in the world” when it comes to adapting to new technology.

Watch Michael Cinco Metaverse Fashion Gala: Metaverse meets haute couture