Aboitiz Data Innovation (ADI) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo), one of the top universities in Southeast Asia, to create meaningful initiatives, drive innovations further, and co-develop AI solutions.

During the signing event, Ateneo and ADI presented the vast possibilities in Data Science and AI (DSAI) and a discussion of what are the exciting opportunities that the partnership offers. The event was attended by members of the faculty and students from different Ateneo schools. The university has received international honors such as recently, the World Universities Debating Championship in Madrid, Spain, where the university’s team won against over 260 teams from all over the world.

ADI was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Dr. David R. Hardoon, AI & Innovation Center of Excellence Head Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, and Marketing Adviser Albert Cuadrante while Ateneo was represented by Dr. Roberto N. Galang, John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM) Dean and Joseph Benjamin R. Ilagan, JGSOM Information Technology Entrepreneurship Program’s Program Director.

AI has the power to impact the world in many different ways, having the ability to empower lives, from improving social inclusion and sustainability to reducing carbon footprint. The Philippines has been increasingly adopting AI systems and solutions in the country, driving their National AI Strategy further as industry transformation for economic, social, environmental, and governance sustainability are priority concerns.

ADI aspires to make lives better and easier using the power of DSAI. They believe in turning data into a valuable resource that can create solutions that advance businesses and communities. Together with Ateneo, ADI plans to deliver effective, directed, and quality services, which includes implementing comprehensive programs that will drive the development of social capital and the measurement of impact for its community, and international audiences.

“We are excited to work with one of Southeast Asia's top universities, Ateneo, as it allows us to share the benefits of DSAI applications for the community, and also cultivate an AI culture amongst the youth by co-creating targeted integrated programs that help develop the necessary capabilities in our next generation, who will eventually be the ones to drive social innovation,” said ADI CEO Dr. Hardoon.

Ateneo’s Computer Science program has been awarded a Level 4 status accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU), making them and their students well-positioned to advance the discovery of progressive AI solutions. This accreditation is the highest level given by PAASCU for “accredited programs that are highly respected as very high-quality academic programs in the Philippines and with prestige and authority comparable to similar programs in excellent foreign universities.”

“We are grateful for this opportunity and eager to work with ADI to co-create AI solutions and programs that are evidence-based, comprehensive, and integrated to build social innovation and impact in the Philippines. Through this partnership we hope to be able to tackle challenges faced in our communities and further facilitate the adoption of AI across functional areas,” said Dr. Galang, JGSOM Dean.

This partnership brings many new possibilities to the Philippines’ AI scene. It also aims to pave the way for other sectors and institutions to follow in adopting AI systems.

“I see the actual impact of the right and efficient use of technology and data science from our business in improving the lives of the customers that it serves,” noted Cuadrante, UnionBank Chief Marketing Officer and ADI Marketing Adviser. “I’m excited for other companies and communities to experience the same thing that UnionBank has already benefited from and continues to benefit from.”