When we hear the term “artificial intelligence,” we often imagine sleek robots, humanoid machines, or scenes straight out of science fiction. But what many don’t realize is that AI is already part of our everyday lives. From Waze rerouting us through traffic-free streets to apps that recommend what to binge-watch next, AI has been quietly working behind the scenes for a long time.

Now, as AI becomes more integrated into everything from healthcare to creative industries, it’s no longer enough just to be a user. The world needs engineers who can build, understand, and ethically shape AI systems, and Mapua University is stepping up to that challenge. 

Mapúa University, long regarded as one of the country’s top engineering institutions, has officially launched the Philippines’ first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Engineering.

This pioneering program positions the university at the forefront of AI education in the country, equipping students with in-depth technical knowledge in machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and natural language processing -fields that underpin much of today's innovation across various sectors.

Just as significant is the program’s strong emphasis on ethical design and human-centred solutions, which help students consider not just what AI can do, but what it should do.

After attending the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Shanghai earlier this year, I witnessed this global AI wave firsthand. Tech leaders—from telcos to hardware manufacturers—weren’t just talking about AI anymore. They were showcasing it: in autonomous infrastructure, intelligent networks, and applications that adapt to human needs in real-time. In conversations with industry insiders, it became clear: the countries that build, understand, and shape AI are the ones who will define the future.

It makes programs like Mapúa’s not just timely—but absolutely necessary.

For deeper insights from that event, I wrote this piece on Huawei’s human-forward vision of AI, connectivity, and its intention: Intelligence with Intention

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Mapua University’s progressive approach to education doesn’t stop with AI. Through its partnership with the Arizona State University (ASU) -ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation—Mapúa University is also elevating its Business and Health Sciences programs, infusing them with international best practices, advanced digital tools, and global classroom experiences.

This strategic collaboration with ASU helps create a multidisciplinary learning environment. Whether you're training to be an AI engineer, a business analyst, or a future healthcare leader, you’ll benefit from global content, world-class faculty, and opportunities for collaboration that cross boundaries and industries.

The AI Engineering degree, while tech-focused, is launched in an ecosystem where students are encouraged to develop soft skills, global mindsets, and cross-sectoral thinking -a necessity in a world where AI is reshaping every profession.

Learning by Building

In line with Mapua's tradition of tech-forward, project-based learning, students in the AI Engineering program will gain:

The curriculum is designed to be rigorous yet responsive, ensuring that students are not only job-ready but also innovation-ready.

Here’s the Real Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is changing the game, but choosing to study it? That’s the real smart move. Mapúa’s new program proves that the Philippines isn’t just catching up—it’s quietly leading.

As artificial intelligence continues to shape the future, programs like Mapua's BS in Artificial Intelligence Engineering help prepare the next generation of Filipino engineers with the skills and mindset to lead in this fast-evolving field.