PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) opened the doors of their Technology Innovation Center (TechnoLab) in Makati City to the computer engineering students of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).
“We at PLDT and Smart believe that innovation and technology are vital tools in today’s world. It is our passion to explore and push the boundaries of what is possible. Through our TechnoLab, we hope to inspire the youth, and share insights about the exciting world of digital technology,” said Arvin L. Siena, Vice President and Head of Technology Strategy and Transformation Office at PLDT and Smart.
In 2022, PLDT and Smart officially renewed their partnership with MMSU under the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), celebrating almost twenty years of collaboration towards innovation and excellence.
“We are glad to open the doors of PLDT and Smart’s TechnoLab and showcase cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment to young, aspiring college students. Through this educational tour, we strive to become the youth’s partner in exploring infinite possibilities in tech,” shared Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Group Corporate Communications Head at PLDT and Smart.
SWEEP’s commitment to MMSU includes capacity-building through technical training conducted by TechnoLab to enable MMSU students and faculty members to become industry-ready and to keep up with current and emerging technologies.
“Seeing our students experience up-to-date innovations and technology brings me joy and excitement. The PLDT and Smart TechnoLab is one of the most remarkable facilities we have visited during this educational tour. This one-of-a-kind experience has provided our students with opportunities that can help them reach their full potential in their future careers through personally learning about innovative software, simulations, and hands-on computer demonstrations,” shared Aljay Santos, Computer Engineering Faculty at MMSU.
“Technology has made life somehow better but some of our fellow Filipinos still have limited to zero access to available digital tools. If we focus on developing inclusive technology for everybody, including the marginalized and vulnerable groups, leaving no one behind, then technology is really changing lives for the better,” shared 21-year-old Neil Bryant Baliao, MMSU Computer Engineering student.
PLDT and Smart highlight the value of industry-academe linkage to the career of tertiary students and industry experts. SWEEP is part of PLDT and Smart’s initiatives that support the UNSDG #4: Quality Education.