𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀’ 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 3𝗗-𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

Caritas Manila and the Onocom Group marked a historic milestone in Philippine construction and humanitarian innovation with the groundbreaking ceremony for the country’s first 3D-printed building at the Caritas Manila Headquarters in Paco, Manila last May 20, 2026.

The multi-purpose facility, donated through the collaborative efforts of Onocom Japan, Onocom Philippines, and Providere Onocom, highlights how emerging construction technologies can be utilized to support social development initiatives.

The initiative introduces large-scale 3D concrete printing technology to the Philippines. By using automated systems that build structures layer by layer, the technology offers a more efficient construction process while minimizing material waste and improving precision.

Caritas Manila, the lead social service and development ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila, was chosen as the beneficiary of the project in recognition of its long-standing commitment to serving vulnerable communities through education, disaster response, livelihood programs, and poverty alleviation efforts.

The Onocom Group is recognized for integrating Japanese engineering standards, innovation, and modern construction practices into sustainable and people-centered developments since 1934.

The donated 3D-printed structure is envisioned to serve as a venue for training programs, religious activities, social development initiatives, and disaster response operations.

For Caritas Manila, the partnership reflects its continuing mission to bring hope and opportunities to underserved communities through innovative and sustainable programs.

“We hope that this multipurpose center brings people together to appreciate both charity and innovation,” said Rev. Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila.

As construction begins on the country’s first 3D-printed building, the project stands as proof that technology can become a powerful instrument for social good.

“The Blueprint by Globe” Lights Up the Holidays with Purposeful Connectivity and Meaningful Connections

Globe marked the season of giving and togetherness with the second installment of The Blueprint by Globe, celebrating the year-end holidays at The Globe Tower, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. With the theme “Lighting Up the Season with Purposeful Connectivity and Meaningful Connections,” the event showcased how Globe continues to shape the Filipino digital lifestyle, not just through innovation, but with intention.

The Blueprint by Globe charts the evolving design of a connected future where technology is built not for its own sake, but to include, protect, and empower every Filipino. From frictionless digital experiences to nation-building infrastructure, Globe’s forward-thinking approach lays the foundation for a truly inclusive digital nation.

“Through each quarter, we’ve explored the different layers of this design, from innovation and inclusion to sustainability and digital empowerment,” said Roche Vanderberghe, Chief Marketing Officer at Globe. “And today, as we close the year, we celebrate how all these pieces come together to form something greater: a future where every connection we build becomes meaningful.”

Purposeful Connectivity

Globe spotlighted how its strategic collaborations, inclusive platforms, and customer-first solutions enable seamless, secure, and equitable access to essential services, empowering Filipinos to thrive in work, learning, and everyday life. From reliable 5G and AI-powered experiences to seamless connections at home and abroad, Globe continues to build technology with purpose, proving that real progress is driven by care.

Globe is equipping businesses with tools that drive meaningful digital transformation. Through the Globe API Ecosystem, enterprise partners gain access to secure, next-generation authentication capabilities. Anchored on the GSMA-certified Number Verification API, the multi-party ecosystem brings together Globe Business, m360 and Concati. Together, these enable new standards of trust, security, and seamless customer experiences across industries. 

Complementing this is Digitest, Globe Business’s digital maturity assessment tool that helps organizations gauge their current capabilities, identify gaps, and align their digital initiatives into a clear strategy for growth. Together, these innovations enable  Philippine enterprises to scale with confidence, strengthen customer trust, and drive progress across industries, business sectors and communities.

Connectivity that Brings Us Together

Globe opened the segment with the heartbeat of the nation’s digital life, its network. Whether at home or abroad, Globe ensures that every Filipino stays connected, especially during the most connected season of the year.

From GoRoam’s “roam like a local” offer for leisure travelers, and the Roam Kabayan 3-in-1 pack that empowers Overseas Filipino Workers to stay close to their families through affordable call, text, and data bundles, to Globe At Home’s AI-powered partnerships that redefine future living with secure, seamless digital experiences — Globe ensures that connection is always within reach. Whether it’s managing life abroad, sending love back home, or building a digitally enabled household, Globe makes every moment count.

This season, Globe celebrates the power of 5G to unlock everyday potential, backed by the widest 5G coverage in the Philippines according to Ookla. With smoother gaming, clearer video calls, faster streaming, and real-time content creation, 5G enables young Filipinos to stay productive, expressive, and connected wherever they are.

Through Globe Prepaid’s Go5G TURBO 50 and Go+ 99 plus AI, hyper-connected youth gain access to fast, reliable 5G and powerful digital tools that support learning, creativity, and self-expression. Together, these innovations light up Filipino lives with seamless, meaningful connections that bring us closer to who and what matters most this holiday season and beyond.

Meaningful Connections

Globe’s commitment to Meaningful Connections comes to life through campaigns, community programs, and personalized experiences that celebrate relationships that matter most. Whether connecting families, educators, creators, or changemakers, Globe transforms connectivity into community. This segment is about people: families gaining meaningful access to digital tools and opportunities, students building their dreams, local designers and entrepreneurs shaping businesses and culture, and the partners who help make these stories possible.

The Globe Student Program and The Globe Caravan embody this mission. The Student Program, co-created with Filipino youth stakeholders, empowers over 30 million students nationwide to turn ambition into action through mentorship, real-world opportunities, and access to telco tools. From student-led events to digital literacy and career-building experiences, Globe helps young Filipinos grow as creators and community builders. 

Meanwhile, the Globe Caravan brings digital know-how to families and aspiring social entrepreneurs  in underutilized communities, showing them how to turn connectivity into livelihood. Through hands-on learning and practical demonstrations, it transforms hesitation into hope and simple connections into stepping stones for progress. 

In the spirit of bringing the nation together, Globe proudly supports the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, the world’s international women’s futsal tournament, hosted for the first time by the Philippines. As our national team competes, Globe brings the global stage closer to the Filipinos through heartfelt hospitality, ticket giveaways, and providing strong and reliable connectivity to the delegates and their supporters. More than a game, this historic moment unites fans, inspires young athletes, and celebrates Filipino excellence and sportsmanship. 

Globe of Good

To cap off the event, Globe of Good took center stage as a testament to the company’s compassion in action. In the wake of devastating typhoons and earthquakes that displaced millions and triggered a national state of calamity, it stood as a beacon of hope and collective resilience. By transforming everyday connectivity into an opportunity to directly help our vulnerable kababayans, Globe empowers customers to turn data usage, Rewards points, and digital engagement into sustained support for their communities and chosen advocacies. 

Through the GlobeOne app’s platforms like Globe Rewards, over 300,000 Globe customers have already donated their rewards points to collect over Php5 million to support programs of our Globe of Good Community Alliance NGO partners to address disaster relief and recovery, hunger alleviation, child stunting, livelihood assistance,, education, persons with intellectual disabilities, child protection, environmental conservation, animal welfare, health and well-being, and other advocacies proving that small acts such as donating their rewards points can drive lasting impact. For our Prepaid customers, Globe offers GoGIVE, which is impact without interruption. Prepaid customers can sign up for free in the GlobeOne app to automatically send hearts to their chosen causes every time they use mobile data. In addition, this year’s G-Gantic Goals campaigns brought together 150,000 customers through the GlobeOne app, proving that even one Rewards point can make a difference, whether it’s feeding rescued animals or donating tablets to public schools in need. Globe of Good perfectly captured the heart of The Blueprint, showing that true progress shines brightest when powered by compassion and collective care.

“This holiday season, The Blueprint by Globe celebrates how technology and connectivity, when guided by purpose, can spark meaningful connections, empower communities, and light up lives through inclusive, intuitive, and intentional innovation,” said Darius Delgado, Chief Commercial Officer at Globe. “We believe in purposeful connectivity, where every product, service, and initiative is designed to provide meaningful connections to Filipino lives.”

The event reinforced Globe’s leadership in shaping the Filipino digital lifestyle, spotlighting how its innovations, from mobile platforms to fiber broadband and digital solutions, enable meaningful connections during the most connected time of the year.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

HONOR Celebrates Save ‘N Earn’s 31 Years of Innovation in Bohol

Manila, Philippines, September 24, 2025 – Save ‘N Earn Wireless (SNE), one of the leading and trusted mobile and gadget retail chain in the Visayas, proudly marks its 31st Anniversary with a week-long celebration at Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, in partnership with HONOR Philippines.

  “At HONOR, we believe technology should empower lives. Our partnership with Save ‘N Earn is not just about offering devices—it’s about providing tools that connect communities, boost productivity, and drive progress. Together, we are bringing the future of AI closer to every Filipino,” shared by Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

Save ‘N Earn Wireless, one of the leading and trusted mobile and gadget retail chains in the Visayas, proudly marks its 31st Anniversary with a week-long celebration at Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, in collaboration with HONOR Philippines.

This year’s theme, “SNE X AI: Empowering the Future of Mobile Life”, highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping lifestyles, productivity, and connectivity. The celebration will showcase interactive and tech-driven experiences through futuristic, AI-inspired booths featuring LED displays, holograms, and smart demo stations.  

“Celebrating 31 years is a milestone made possible by the trust of our customers and partners. With HONOR by our side, we look forward to another decade of innovation, accessibility, and service. This celebration is not just about our legacy but about shaping the future with AI-powered experiences for every Boholano,” expressed by Nikki Roldan, Operations Manager of Save ‘N Earn Wireless.   

The event underscores SNE’s three-decade market leadership while cementing its commitment to bringing innovations to Boholanos. Attendees enjoyed exclusive product promos, immersive tech showcases, and engaging entertainment experiences.  

During the program, Pao Oga, PR Manager of HONOR Philippines shared in his welcoming remarks the mutual goal and intent of the partnership. “The HONOR and Save ‘N Earn partnership stands as a cornerstone of success in the region, driving growth, accessibility, and shared innovation. We are immensely proud of this collaboration, as we go beyond selling devices to create meaningful experiences that empower lives, create productivity, and foster growth.”  

Interactive HoK and HONOR AI Mobile Photography Booth

The event highlighted AI-Powered Experience Zones where customers can explore how AI enhances photography, productivity, and daily living through interactive HONOR devices, including the durable, HONOR X9c 5G, the masterpiece of mobile photography, HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro, the revolutionary HONOR Magic7 Pro, and the thinnest foldable smartphone yet, HONOR Magic V5.   

With its recent partnership with weTrnd and Honor of Kings, the brand initiated an HONOR of Kings Amateur Tournament where HONOR Philippines brings excitement to Boholanos with a competitive esports event featuring the popular game Honor of Kings.   

 

Six local teams from Bohol participated and battled to get the cash prize worth Php 20,000 and HONOR X6c smartphones. Among the six teams, namely MDM E-Sports, Predators, Sync Warriors, Feline Immortals, Ignite Esports, and Team Hashira, Team Hashira was hailed as the champions of the league. 

Future4ward: GCash iGnite Innovation Summit 2025 Champions People-First approach to AI

GCash, the Philippines’ largest cashless ecosystem and leading finance super app, hosted the 2025 run of its premier think tank event, the iGnite Innovation Summit at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura Premier. Now in its 4th year, the dynamic event introduced the next revolution in fintech, bringing together 76 industry partners, seven universities, and thousands of attendees from diverse sectors.

 

This is where GCash led with new insights and innovations to support the next phase of digital evolution. Entitled “Future 4ward,” iGnite Innovation Summit 2025 featured a full day of immersive experiences, bold conversations, artificial intelligence (AI) powered interactions, and future-defining strategies. This year’s program also featured renowned speakers, trailblazing innovators, and influential thought leaders, with plenary talks by event partners Alibaba Cloud, Ascendion, Amazon Web Services, and Huawei.

 

“We need to redesign how things are done and keep people at the center—what we call the 'human in the loop,” shared Pebbles Sy, chief technology and operations officer of Mynt, the holding company of GCash. “Because at the end of the day, AI can speed things up, but humans bring the judgment, creativity, and empathy that make the difference. At GCash, we’re starting to see that balance—AI takes care of repetitive tasks, so our teams can focus on solving bigger problems, serving customers better, and thinking more strategically. That’s how we stay future-ready—by building with AI, but also building for people.”

 

This year’s keynote speaker, undersecretary Joee Guilas, who spoke on behalf of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAP-IEA) secretary Frederick D. Go, delved further into the future of the Philippine economy, with AI and financial technology driving economic growth and inclusion for all.

 

“AI could redefine our economic landscape—from optimizing supply chains and creating new industries to delivering hyper-personalized financial services. With the Philippines’ young, dynamic workforce and strong tech partnerships, we are positioning our nation at the center of the digital global economy,” Usec. Guilas explained.

 

Empowering the nation’s digital shift

 

Meanwhile, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) secretary Henry Aguda also graced the summit and shared his insights on how the government is enabling the shift toward digital transformation.

 

“Everybody wants digitalization. The President issued an executive order that all government services must interface with the eGov app. We’re connecting the dots—from infrastructure to policy to talent—because digital transformation isn’t just a vision, it’s a whole-of-government effort,” said DICT secretary Aguda.

 

Launched in 2022, the GCash Innovation Summit began as a way to spark thought starters within GCash; it evolved into a conversation with like-minded companies about what the future of digital finance could hold. In 2024, it transformed into an event that made a concerted effort to understand AI and digital trust, seeking ways to deepen engagement and bring innovative solutions to the forefront.

 

This year, the goal of the iGnite Innovation Summit was not merely to discuss but to create the future of fintech and the technology that surrounds it. Through “Future 4ward,” GCash unveiled the future of AI and set out to empower the leaders of tomorrow by exploring cutting-edge technologies, providing a platform for actionable collaboration, and ultimately enabling these “future makers” to innovate within their respective industries.

 

At the summit, attendees engaged in immersive, hands-on experiences including the “Shark AI” virtual investor panel and the “Future Finance Hub,” both designed to showcase GCash’s commitment to shaping the future.

 

The event featured a robust series of breakout sessions spanning four critical tracks: Technology AI-Volution, Trust and Reliability, Next-Gen Enterprise, and Regulatory Innovation. Equally important were the regulatory roundtable discussions, which underscored the need for a stronger public-private collaboration in navigating the evolving digital landscape. Highlights included a fireside chat with DICT secretary Aguda, alongside sessions on Regulatory Tech and AI, “Rewiring the Nation”, and Innovations in Capital Markets. These conversations emphasized the crucial role of forward-thinking regulations in enabling safer, more inclusive, and future-ready digital finance in the country.

 

“At GCash, we’re investing in platforms that can scale fast, and stay resilient, while embedding AI into how we work and how we serve—from fighting fraud, to improving customer support, to creating more personalized experiences. But more than the tools, it’s about mindset. We’re building a culture that’s curious, agile, and ready to challenge old ways of thinking. That’s what iGnite is all about—opening up space for new ideas and real conversations on how we shape what’s next.” Sy concluded.

 

GCash, as a renowned pioneer in the fintech space, aims to continue leading this important conversation. With efforts such as “Future 4ward,” the company hopes to foster an environment of forward-thinking collaboration, where leaders can outline a roadmap together that empowers them as they navigate digital disruption and drive the next phase of the digital evolution

PLDT, Smart Showcase Best Practices in Driving Culture of Innovation and Learning

Leading integrated telco PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) are fostering a culture of learning and innovation within the Group by upskilling their employees and harnessing internal platforms to make workflows within the company more seamless.

At the recent “Transform the World of Work at ACHIEVE: Manila” forum hosted by software company ServiceNow, PLDT and Smart Executives Joseph Sermonia and Kristine Hung shared PLDT and Smart's journey in embracing low-code and no-code platforms, which have led to reduced costs, improved productivity and employee engagement, as the Group continues to look for ways to optimize its processes.

"Our strategy is simple: Modernize, transform and innovate. We want to modernize our legacy applications and align it with our org-wide cloud strategy. We want to transform our company culture into one that is more service-oriented. We also have to innovate--we have to continuously improve and transform great ideas into reality," said Sermonia, a Platform Architect at PLDT.

Hung, Project Manager for PLDT and Smart's Citizen Development Program, said the rise of "citizen developers" or non-technical employees who are empowered to be change makers and enabled to build automations using no-code or low-code IT-governed platforms will also help free up other IT personnel within the company to handle more complex deliverables and innovations.

"Our vision for the program is to empower anyone in the organization to deliver innovative ideas as a Citizen Developer using no-code/low-code technology, and to bridge the gap between the growing demand to deliver more digital solutions and innovation with improved speed and agility," she said.

Launched in 2022, PLDT and Smart's Citizen Developer program was overseen by the Group's IT team and has produced more than 200 Citizen Developers, with over 100 automation ideas submitted.

Hung cited as an example the impact of the first applications built by Properties and Facilities Management (PFM) Citizen Developers. "With the first applications built 100% by PFM Citizen Developers, the team became more agile and able to process renewals and reports in a shorter amount of time, ahead of time and 100% compliant," she said.

"This also enabled them to focus on the upkeep of PLDT and Smart’s site equipment and facilities, with their ad hoc activity of monitoring due dates and report consolidation already automated. Centralization of data repository has also provided management with a more cohesive and comprehensive nationwide view of real-time information, allowing them to forecast trends and future expenses," she added.

On the other hand, Sermonia also cited that the Group’s implementation of a unified IT service management platform has reduced the number of email requests by 88%, nearly doubling case resolution rate, and reducing ticket backlog by a third.

These initiatives to improve internal processes by leveraging technology are fundamental to the aspirational PLDT 2025 vision and strategy laid out by its President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio.

Under PLDT’s 2025 vision, the company aims to further strengthen its standing as a premier workplace in the country, bring the best experience to its customers, and establish industry-leading operational excellence across the group. This is also aligned with the Company’s purpose to inspire innovation and meaningful connections.

PLDT, Smart, TikTok Shop Scale Digital Upskilling, Reaching more MSMEs and Coops Nationwide

PLDT and Smart have expanded their eBiznovation initiative, a digital upskilling-to-ecommerce program that aims to provide local entrepreneurs, cooperatives and Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), with the right digital tools to help them grow their businesses online.

Scaling up eBiznovation, PLDT and Smart have started utilizing other platforms to promote the program and encourage more partners to extend opportunities from digitalization among all sectors.

“At PLDT and Smart, we believe that collaboration is key to advancing the goals of eBiznovation and achieving them more efficiently. By working with like-minded partners from various industries, we are able to boost our efforts to digitally upskill and assist local enterprises, helping them to increase productivity and income through digital technology," said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.

Leaders and experts from the technology industry joined the discourse on the vital role of supporting small- to medium-scale local enterprises and their contribution towards the country’s economic growth at the recent Philippine Digital Convention 2023 (PH Digicon 2023) organized by PLDT Enterprise.

“Our clients and partners have so far done an amazing job in driving the evolving digital landscape of the MSMEs. During this gathering at Digicon, PLDT Enterprise recognizes and celebrates MSMEs as the life force of our country,” said Euan Rex Toralballa, Customer Relationship Management Head for Luzon at PLDT Enterprise.

"TikTok Shop connects Filipino MSMEs with the wider TikTok community, allowing them to reach a broader market and expand from offline to online. Through PLDT and Smart's eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar on TikTok Shop and in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, we have enabled Filipino farmers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to gain direct access to consumers and expand their revenue opportunities by onboarding them onto TikTok Shop. We are committed to building the digital capacity of Filipino MSMEs and enabling them to grow and expand their business," said Toff Rada, Head of Public Policy for TikTok in the Philippines.

A digital convention where global industry mavens, thought leaders, and pioneers in technology come together to help drive technological enablement for enterprises, PH Digicon has served as a hub for innovation, digital transformation, and technology advancements in the Philippines.

The PLDT Group continuously finds ways to promote inclusive technologies that can help boost livelihood opportunities among farmers and fisherfolk, leaving no one behind. The eBiznovation program also highlights the PLDT Group’s support to the government’s Go Digital Pilipinas Movement as a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the Private Sector Advisory Council, which seeks to uplift the lives of Filipinos through adoption of digital services.

Countdown to the World Solar Challenge: Innovative Solar Powered Car Safely Shipped to Australia by Gebrüder Weiss

Adelaide / Lauterach, October 16, 2023. At the end of September, the innovative solar powered car of the aCentauri Solar Racing Team arrived in Adelaide, Australia. As official partner, the international logistics company Gebrüder Weiss transported the high-tech vehicle, with all the relevant equipment to Australia, seamlessly coordinating a mix of land transport, air and sea freight. At the end of October, students of ETH Zurich will take part in the World Solar Challenge with the car. In this unique race, 31 teams must cover the 3,000 km from Darwin down through the Australian outback to Adelaide, using only solar energy.

When the shipment arrived at the airport in Adelaide, the Australian logistics experts from Gebrüder Weiss were called for. After all, the solar powered car is no "standard product", but was designed, built, and tested by the ETH Zurich students themselves. Special regulations apply to the import of used goods to Australia: "In order to protect Australia’s unique flora and fauna from pests and diseases, the import of used goods is subject to strict quarantine and customs regulations," explains Martin Fernandes, Country Manager Australia at Gebrüder Weiss. "We had already prepared extensive documentation and certificates for the import of the solar powered car and all related equipment in advance. This way, we ensured that the team could start on time for the race."

Team Manager Alexandr Ebnöther is already in the starting blocks with his aCentauri Solar Racing Team and is relieved to have a specialist with local knowledge at his side in Gebrüder Weiss: "We are fortunate to have gained an internationally operating logistics partner. The experts at Gebrüder Weiss know the local regulations and have taken care of all the formalities for us, so that we can concentrate fully on preparing for the race." To be perfectly prepared for the start of the race on October 22 in Darwin, the aCentauri Solar Racing Team will also road test its Solar Challenger on some sections of the track.

Gebrüder Weiss sees such ambitious research and innovation as the basis for new mobility concepts, and as an asset for a state-of-the-art infrastructure in logistics. That is why Gebrüder Weiss cooperates with young scientists to jointly shape the mobility of the future. In doing so, the logistics experts contribute their extensive knowledge and many years of experience, be it for the punctual start of the World Solar Challenge, or for a Mars or space mission.

Gebrüder Weiss regularly reports on the preparations and progress of the cooperation on a dedicated landing page and via various social media channels.

PLDT, Smart envision AI accelerating PH digital transformation

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart welcome the advancement of artificial intelligence or AI as a catalyst for the Philippines’ digital transformation.

The PLDT Group sees the technology vastly improving processes and maximizing efficiency. “AI will accelerate the country’s digital transformation. The technology can automate a wide range of tasks, enhance productivity, and even help in decision-making. But most importantly, AI can help improve governance,” said Angel Redoble, FVP and Chief Information Security Officer of PLDT and Smart.

Redoble says that with the technology’s capability to sift through vast data, AI can flag unusual patterns or anomalies that might suggest fraudulent activity. This is particularly helpful in the banking industry where AI can sound the alarm on unusual transactions or patterns that deviate from a customer’s typical behavior.

“Based on historical data, AI has the capability to predict where fraud or corruption is likely to occur. This allows the organization to put in place preventive measures to address potential vulnerabilities,” explained Redoble.

In public governance, Redoble believes that AI can be used to make public spending and government transactions more transparent by combing through data and presenting them in formats accessible to the public.

PLDT and Smart have employed AI and machine learning on their self-optimizing network, joining global operators in the rapid adoption of the technology. PLDT also recently became the first in the local telco industry to offer better customer care with a voice AI solution, expanding its existing suite of customer service channels.

While AI can vastly improve economies and businesses, Redoble warns that AI can also be used by criminal entities to cause disruptions. The system can be programmed to launch phishing attacks, crack passwords, evade detection and create deep fakes.

“In the end, what matters most is the person behind AI. Humans will always dictate whether AI will be our friend or foe. That’s why it’s important that the good guys learn more about this technology faster than the bad guys do,” added Redoble.

PLDT and Smart's push for AI and other new technologies is anchored in the Group's aspirations of elevating customer experience and enhancing operational excellence. It also underscores the Group's support for the government’s nationwide digitalization efforts as one of the founding members of the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar.

This effort also highlights the Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

PLDT, Smart, University of Baguio Join Hands to Promote Innovation and Engineering Excellence

PLDT and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently joined the University of Baguio (UB) during its Annual Tripartite Collaboration to further enhance the existing curriculum of programs in the College of Engineering.

“Under our Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program or SWEEP, the country's first and longest-running industry-academe linkage program, we continue to promote and culture of innovation and excelling by extending learning opportunities to students and faculty,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart.

This initiative brought together partners from the academe and the private sector, specifically those in the technology industry, and aimed to align the current engineering program with the latest technological trends, and to strengthen the linkage between the academe and the industry.

“We acknowledge the contribution of the industry reaching out to and partnering with the academe. Under this collaboration, we have extended our expertise in the field of wireless telecommunications and technologies, which aim to add value to what UB currently has,” said Hope Mamucud, Senior Core Network Supervisor at PLDT and Smart.

“We currently offer a Technopreneurship subject in the School of Engineering and Architecture that requires our students to create prototypes and explore innovations. We also have Robotics incorporating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in our curriculum. With PLDT and Smart extending their technical expertise, we can further improve these subjects under this partnership,” said Engr. Annalyn D. Soria, MACT, UB Faculty.

“I chose to take Electronics Engineering so I could learn more about the current and upcoming trends in technology. I also believe through technology and innovation, I can contribute to addressing the waste management challenges in our community,” said 24-year-old John Reynald Garcia, a UB Electronics Engineering student.

“Trainings extended under SWEEP can help us gain knowledge in technology and enables us to become familiar with advanced innovation and equipment available. This can eventually add value to our academic and professional development,” John added.

Since 2003, PLDT and Smart have being supporting colleges and universities all over the Philippines through SWEEP. The program underscores the PLDT Group's commitment to innovation and digital inclusion, and supports the government's key digitalization efforts, by fostering industry-academe linkage. The PLDT Group is a founding member of the Digital Infrastructure pillar of the presidential Private Sector Advisory Council or PSAC.

Fuji Xerox Strengthens Synergies Within Fujifilm Group to Create Growth Globally

TOKYO, November 5, 2020 – Fuji Xerox announces that its Asia Pacific operations will change to the Fujifilm brand with the changing of Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. corporate name to FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp. on April 2021. This change is brought forth based on the company’s decision to end the Technology Agreement with Xerox Corporation on the agreement’s expiration date, March 31, 2021. The Technology Agreement provides for technology/brand licenses and sales territories applicable to each company.

Fuji Xerox and Xerox Corporation have a history of benefiting from the shared use of technologies each company independently developed. Fuji Xerox has thrived in the speed and level of product development and have been establishing its own technologies for many years. As such, Fuji Xerox is well positioned to continue developing and manufacturing its original products using its own, unique technologies after the expiration of the Technology Agreement with Xerox Corporation.

Fuji Xerox will also provide services and maintenance including managed print services to customers in full performance of current agreements with them, without regard to the expiration of the Technology Agreement with Xerox Corporation.

With affluent know-how accumulated to date and trust earned from customers, Fuji Xerox aims to foster innovation with the other companies in the Fujifilm Group by accelerating the market introduction of solutions and services that build on technologies related to the cloud, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. Additionally, Fuji Xerox will work swiftly to strengthen its document and adjacent businesses as well as to expand into new business areas, and to bring about business innovations by supporting the use and sharing of knowledge that will enable office workers to further increase their productivity and efficiency.

Likewise, on April 1, 2021, the sales departments in Japan and all 31 domestic sales subsidiaries plus Fuji Xerox InterField will integrate as one to establish a new company, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Japan Corp.

The new corporate name represents Fuji Xerox’s commitment as part of the Fujifilm Group―which promotes “Value from Innovation” as its corporate slogan―to expand into a wide range of business areas going forward and to always continue delivering business innovations.

[List of major Asia Pacific affiliates]

Current company name	New company name after April 2021
Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (Regional management of sales affiliates in Asia/Oceania countries and regions)	FUJIFILM Business Innovation Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (Malaysia Operations)  (Sales and services of office equipment in Malaysia)	FUJIFILM Business Innovation Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.  (Malaysia Operations)
Branch of Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (Cambodia) (Sales and services of office equipment in Cambodia)	Branch of FUJIFILM Business Innovation Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (Cambodia)
Fuji Xerox Singapore Pte Ltd (Sales and services of office equipment in Singapore)	FUJIFILM Business Innovation Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Fuji Xerox Australia Pty. Limited (Sales and services of office equipment in Australia)	FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia Pty Ltd.
Fuji Xerox New Zealand Limited (Sales and services of office equipment in New Zealand)	FUJIFILM Business Innovation New Zealand Limited
Fuji Xerox (China) Limited (Sales and services of office equipment in China)	FUJIFILM Business Innovation (China) Corp.
Fuji Xerox Taiwan Corporation (Sales and services of office equipment in Taiwan)	FUJIFILM Business Innovation Taiwan Co., Ltd.
Fuji Xerox Korea Company Limited (Sales and services of office equipment in Korea)	FUJIFILM Business Innovation Korea Co., Ltd.
Fuji Xerox (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Sales and services of office equipment in Thailand)	FUJIFILM Business Innovation (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Fuji Xerox Philippines Inc.  (Sales and services of office equipment in the Philippines)	FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp.

Note: Due to the registration processes of respective countries, the exact date as to when the new names will go in effect may vary per affiliate.

About Fuji Xerox

Founded in 1962, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. is a leading company in offering smarter ways to work with its document-related solutions and services, as well as with the world-class office multifunction devices, printers and production printers that we develop and manufacture for worldwide distribution.

Fuji Xerox is a wholly owned subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation with direct sales force covering Japan and the Asia-Pacific region including China. As a U.S. 10 billion dollar enterprise, we employ approximately 40,000 people globally, with more than 80 domestic and overseas affiliates / sales subsidiaries. On April 1, 2021, Fuji Xerox will change its corporate name to FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.

Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific is the subsidiary of Fuji Xerox overseeing sales operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
http://www.fujixerox.com

Fuji Xerox Philippines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Fuji Xerox overseeing the sales and service operations in the Philippines.
http://www.fujixerox.com.ph