Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has teamed up with the University of the Philippines (UP) to equip computer and engineering students with digital skills for the artificial intelligence (AI) era.
Converge yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with UP for the development of AI talents, as the Philippines gears up for a future dominated by automated systems.
The agreement, which runs for three years, sets up a collaboration framework between Converge and UP with the goal of putting up a dedicated space for innovation in the long term.
The partnership aims to raise the level of education in UP on cloud computing, machine learning, smart manufacturing and digital business.
The program will benefit students taking up computer engineering, computer science, electronics engineering and business administration.
Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy said the company has decided to work with UP to ensure students are well prepared for the future.
Likewise, the agreement seeks to build the country’s pipeline of tech leaders and talents.
‘This collaboration represents more than skills development, as it is about creating a sustainable pipeline of Filipino technology leaders,’ Uy said.
The partnership is designed for rollout in three phases, with Converge and UP kicking it off with exploratory initiatives and expanding further into integration efforts by 2026.
The first leg of the program will launch a nine-month pilot aimed at graduating students, giving them the opportunity to specialize in AI systems, digital technology and product development.
Uy said the partnership would try to address the knowledge gap between classroom learning and industry application. Students included in the program will be given access to global benchmarks on AI, with Converge supplying educators who can share industry practices.
Later on, the agreement would evolve into an internship model where students can participate in competitions, forums, hackathons and mentoring.
If feasible, Converge also plans to establish an innovation lab in UP devoted to AI prototyping and research.
UP vice president for digital transformation Peter Sy said the tie-up with Converge could become a model of how academe-industry alliances could be shaped in the future.
The Department of Trade and Industry sees AI contributing $92 billion to the economy, making up 12 percent of the gross domestic product by 2030.