When we first spoke with Ida Evina Ong-Co earlier this year, she was still in her first 90 days as HP Philippines’ Managing Director, getting to know the culture, the people, and how every part of the organization worked together.
Months later, that same people-first approach continues to define her leadership style, now paired with a sharper focus on transformation.
“Leadership has to evolve just as fast as technology does,” Ong-Co tells us. With nearly two decades of experience in IT, she’s seen firsthand that innovation moves fastest when people feel supported through change. “What really accelerates transformation isn’t just technology. It’s guiding teams with clarity and shared purpose.”
That mindset is shaped by years of working across product, solutions, and enterprise engagements. “Those experiences taught me to look at organizations holistically. Strategy, operations, culture,” she says. “At HP, it’s about balancing discipline in execution with momentum in innovation.”
As businesses embrace modernization, Ong-Co notes that the market has shifted from simply acquiring technology to building long-term capabilities. “Organizations are focusing on resilience, hybrid work, and sustainability,” she explains. “Leaders now ask: how can technology help people perform at their best?”
For HP, that answer often involves AI, but with a human touch. “AI is helping leaders make decisions proactively, not reactively,” Ong-Co says. “It allows us to spot trends earlier and focus more on strategy. But responsible use is key. AI should enhance human judgment, not replace it.”
This philosophy is reflected in HP’s newest innovations, such as the HP AI Companion.
“It assists with tasks like writing, organizing, and optimizing workflows, all while prioritizing data protection,” she shares. “Our goal is to build a reliable AI foundation that empowers teams and strengthens collaboration.”
“Technology will keep changing,” Ong-Co says. “But leadership will always be about helping people adapt with confidence.”
