Inaugural AI Summit Envisions an AI-Driven Future in the Philippines and Beyond

Aboitiz Data Innovation (ADI), the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) arm of the Aboitiz Group, successfully hosted the first-ever AI Summit in the Philippines from May 10 to 11, 2023, at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay, Philippines. 

In collaboration with Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), Aboitiz Equity Ventures, and Google Cloud, this groundbreaking event sparked in-depth discussions and prompted proactive measures to shape the future of the nation through AI. The summit gathered more than 1,000 industry professionals from diverse sectors, representing a significant milestone in the country's technological landscape.

The Aboitiz Group is currently undergoing a Great Transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate with ADI at its forefront, operationalizing DSAI to transform data into business and sustainability outcomes to better serve the needs of its customers and stakeholders. The AI Summit PH 2023: Redefining the Future with AI featured real-world use cases of data being turned into actionable insights and deep-dived into discussions on the challenges, opportunities, and advancements within the AI and tech space.

The AI Summit PH 2023 was opened with a captivating keynote speech titled “Reimagining a Sustainable and Equitable Philippines with AI” delivered by Third District of Negros Occidental Representative and Housing and Urban Development Chairperson Jose Francisco Benitez. In his address, Rep. Benitez highlighted the pivotal role of technological innovation in promoting national development, as heralded by the Philippine constitution. He emphasized the need for collective action in equipping the people with the necessary skills and fostering innovation to adapt, compete, and flourish in a brave new world.

“A digital future is our national destiny. Let us work together to harness its benefits for all,” Rep. Benitez firmly emphasized.

TECH-INNOVATION-DEVELOPMENT NEXUS. Third District of Negros Occidental Representative and Housing and Urban Development Chairperson Jose Francisco Benitez inspires the crowd at the AI Summit PH 2023 with his message on the power of AI and innovation in promoting national development.

Through a series of engaging events, including talks, fireside chats, panel discussions, knowledge sessions, and networking opportunities, the AI Summit PH 2023 provided a platform for industry leaders, tech innovators, and game-changers to share valuable insights and actionable use cases of AI implementation. Attendees were exposed to a diverse range of topics, exploring the immense potential of AI in revolutionizing various sectors, driving sustainable urban development, transforming financial services, powering sustainable smart cities, and operationalizing DSAI.

Google Cloud Southeast Asia’s Regional Customer Solutions Manager Richard Coombes delivered a presentation on how Google is bringing AI to users, business, and society.  He also participated in a panel discussion on Generative AI with leaders from ADI and Amazon Web Services. Tiffany Adriana, Google Data Analytics - Southeast Asia Customer Solution Consultant joined experts from Connected Women and KPMG Philippines to discuss data-driven foundations with a focus on data literacy and inclusion.

TRANSFORMING LIFE AS WE KNOW IT. Google Cloud Southeast Asia’s Regional Customer Solutions Manager Richard Coombes delivered a presentation on how Google is bringing AI to users, business, and society.

The AI Summit PH 2023 also served as an exceptional platform for networking and collaboration, fostering connections among industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with tech innovators and game-changers, expanding their professional networks and exploring potential partnerships.

During the two-day summit, ADI and Connected Women launched its partnership on empowering the latter’s members to take on advanced services such as data handling, language annotation, and image annotation for ADI’s Data Science and Artificial intelligence projects. ADI and Mila’s partnership on building responsible AI solutions for the power sector was also announced during the Summit through a ceremonial signing. Mila, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, focuses its mission on core research areas such as health, environment and climate change, and AI ethics. Mila extends its expertise and leadership in AI to deliver advances that will benefit all of society.

On the financial services front, LBC Express, Inc., ADI, and UnionBank signed a tripartite agreement to champion financial sustainability at the inaugural AI Summit. Through this initiative, LBC clients will have access to small business financing from UnionBank to help finance their expansion plans. The SeekCap Embedded Scoring Agreement was also signed by UBX and ADI during the event.

“Let me congratulate Aboitiz Data Innovation on spearheading the first Artificial Intelligence Summit. We laud your efforts in forging our path to national advancement through technological research and innovation as you forge strong partnerships in the field of technology,” shared Vice President of the Philippines Sara Z. Duterte in an official statement.

“This active pursuit to explore artificial intelligence and find ways to use it positively for progress facilitates a culture of futures-thinking and preparedness in society,” she added.

➲ Govt Cloud First Policy pushed

On the second day of the summit, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy presented an overview of the DSAI landscape in the Philippines and future prospects of these technologies within the country.

Secretary Uy said, “Digital transformation is about constantly adapting and optimizing new solutions to the ever-changing needs of society, and it starts with deeper and more meaningful partnerships between the government and the private sector. And we all share a common goal of transforming the country and accelerating its progress through the use of all these emerging technologies.”

DIGITAL FUTURE. DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy shares insights on the future of the Philippines with emerging technologies like AI, charting a path towards a smarter and more connected nation.

Dr. David R. Hardoon, Chief Executive Officer of ADI, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response to the first-ever AI Summit in the country and the active participation of industry and government leaders and diverse professionals.

“We are thrilled with the success of the AI Summit, which surpassed our expectations in terms of attendance and engagement. This event truly showcases the potential of AI to revolutionize industries and drive sustainable development in the Philippines. We are proud to have provided a platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations that will shape the future of AI in the Philippines,” stated Dr. Hardoon.