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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider KONE launches first Philippine academy to boost smart city workforce

KONE launches first Philippine academy to boost smart city workforce

By MBrand
Published Jul 24, 2025 04:58 pm
Celebrating a new chapter for urban development in the Philippines. Key leaders gathered at the launch of the KONE Academy. From left: Bo Lundqvist (Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines), Petteri Kyrklund (KONE Philippines), Engr. Armando T. Comandao (City of Mandaluyong), Edward Loy (KONE Southeast Asia), and Ar. Abelardo M. Tolentino, Jr. (Aidea Inc.).
Celebrating a new chapter for urban development in the Philippines. Key leaders gathered at the launch of the KONE Academy. From left: Bo Lundqvist (Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines), Petteri Kyrklund (KONE Philippines), Engr. Armando T. Comandao (City of Mandaluyong), Edward Loy (KONE Southeast Asia), and Ar. Abelardo M. Tolentino, Jr. (Aidea Inc.).
KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, officially opened its first KONE Academy in the Philippines. This dedicated training campus in Mandaluyong City is designed to cultivate a highly skilled workforce, directly supporting the nation's rapid urban growth and ambitious smart city initiatives.
The state-of-the-art facility currently trains 620 elevator and escalator (E&E) professionals annually, with plans to expand its capacity to 800 by 2027. By 2030, KONE aims to certify 4,400 professionals, significantly strengthening the Philippines’ infrastructure talent pipeline. This milestone builds upon KONE’s broader commitment to talent development in the country, which includes programs like the Service Operations Apprenticeship Program for high-potential graduates and the Delivery Operations Development Program for future operations leaders.
“At KONE, we believe that people are the driving force behind progress,” said Petteri Kyrklund, Managing Director, KONE Philippines. “The KONE Academy is more than just a training center – it's a launchpad for the Philippines' smart city aspirations. By empowering local talent with the expertise to keep elevator and escalator systems safe, efficient, and future-ready, we are actively shaping the future of urban living and seamless people flow.”
The Academy's opening is timely, as nearly 102 million Philippine residents are projected to live in cities by 2050. With 70 percent of urban local government units developing smart city programs and 61 percent already piloting initiatives, the facility directly addresses the country’s growing need for intelligent infrastructure and skilled professionals.
“KONE strives to be a true partner in sustainable national development across every market,” stated Edward Loy, Managing Director, KONE Southeast Asia. “The KONE Academy is central to our ‘Rise’ strategy, driving digital innovation in the E&E sector and equipping technicians with the skills to modernize infrastructure. In doing so, we're proud to support the Philippines' journey toward smarter, more connected, and more livable cities – built on a foundation of long-term sustainability.”
KONE’s “Rise" strategy for 2025–2030 focuses on four key shifts: accelerating digital service delivery, driving modernization, winning the residential segment, and cutting carbon emissions, all underpinned by a people-first approach. Building on 50 years of presence in Southeast Asia, “Rise” will guide KONE's continued investment in talent, technology, and sustainability throughout the region.
The Academy plays a critical role in executing this strategy. Trainees receive hands-on instruction in installation, commissioning, maintenance, and modernization, all aligned with KONE’s globally certified methods to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and equipment reliability. They will also gain exposure to real-world scenarios through advanced simulation systems and smart building technologies, including API-enabled robotics, smart access systems, and connected elevator technologies.
Beyond training, the Academy will also serve as a Customer Experience Center, welcoming clients and prospects to explore KONE’s latest innovations. These include the KONE UltraRope hoisting technology, which enhances elevator eco-efficiency, reliability, and performance, as well as KONE 24/7 Connect, a service that supports remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, helping to reduce downtime and improve safety.
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