DTI, rinna Co. sign MOU to bolster Philippine AI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has taken a decisive step towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the Philippine economy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with rinna Co., Ltd. This strategic alliance is aimed at enhancing the local AI ecosystem, fostering innovation, and stimulating economic growth.

During the signing event at the Board of Investments Building on March 22, 2024, DTI Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group Rafaelita M. Aldaba expressed that the partnership is a significant move towards achieving the government’s vision outlined in the National AI Roadmap.

“By partnering with rinna Co., Ltd., we are not only crafting cutting-edge AI solutions but also nurturing the Filipino talent pool. We are committed to making AI skills available to our youth, especially those from varied backgrounds, aligning with our nation’s strategic future goals,” she stated.

The collaboration is expected to support the National AI Strategic Roadmap by elevating the Philippines in the global AI landscape. Utilizing rinna’s proficiency, DTI envisions a comprehensive development of the local AI industry.

Initiatives include the integration of AI system development into academic programs via the AICademy and promoting real-world AI applications to local enterprises, helping them understand and leverage AI’s advantages.

The partnership aims to not only generate a robust pool of AI professionals but also to make AI technology more accessible across the country.

These efforts are seen as pivotal for the country as the DTI plans to host a series of AI-focused events such as tradeshows, hackathons, and symposiums to encourage innovation and knowledge exchange.

Moreover, the collaboration is poised to contribute to the crafting of the National AI Governance Framework, ensuring that AI integration spans across key sectors like manufacturing, social services, and agriculture, to boost productivity and competitiveness.

This DTI-rinna alliance symbolizes a dedicated investment in AI-driven economic growth, sharing expertise, and ensuring sustainable progress, marking a milestone towards transforming the Philippines into a forward-looking and resilient nation.