PLDT, Smart recognized as AI pioneers

MANILA, Philippines — LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, has recognized PLDT Inc. as AI Pioneer of the Year at the recently concluded LinkedIn Talent Awards held at the Fairmont Hotel, Makati City.

This citation is given to organizations that have shown exceptional implementation of training and development programs in the field of AI or artificial intelligence, to increase the percentage of AI-skilled employees and stakeholders. Awardees are selected based on data analysis of each company’s ability to leverage LinkedIn Talent Solutions, and to make a significant impact within and outside the organization.

“We are grateful to LinkedIn Asia Pacific for recognizing our efforts. Driven by our corporate purpose of inspiring innovation and meaningful connections through generations, we will continue to harness the latest enabling technologies to help uplift the lives of our customers, our communities, and our people,” said Gina Ordonez, SVP and chief people officer of PLDT and Smart.

True to its commitment to innovation, the country’s largest integrated telco, PLDT, has enabled the group’s operations and workforce with AI capabilities, beefing up platforms and resources across the group and the communities it serves. PLDT’s wireless unit, Smart Communications Inc., was also cited as finalist in the same category.

To ensure that the PLDT and Smart workforce remains competitive, relevant, and agile, over 6,000 employees have been trained through the group’s capacity-building platform, PLDT-Smart University, with courses across 20 curated pathways. Over 5,000 have also participated in the group’s Skills Boost Academy Community Learning sessions, and thousands of PLDT and Smart employees have completed 45 AI and data science-related courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Aside from the two citations, PLDT was also named a finalist for the Talent Insights Pioneer category, for companies with over 10,000 employees.

“Our talent and learning teams are not just reacting to the AI and data revolution. We are proactively equipping our people to lead it. We are building a workforce that will power our business’s AI and data-driven future,” said Gail Mercado, FVP and group head for talent.

Held annually, the LinkedIn Talent Awards are given by LinkedIn Philippines in recognition of companies leading the future of work by demonstrating remarkable adaptability, innovation, and creativity.