Smart Communications and the Department of Science and Technology Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) are exploring opportunities for collaboration to promote a culture of innovation in the country.
During a recent visit to the PLDT-Smart Technolab, representatives from DOST-ASTI, led by Director Dr. Franz De Leon, were given an in-depth tour of the facility. They had the opportunity to explore PLDT-Smart’s Technology Experience Center, where they were introduced to the company’s latest innovations and proofs of concept (POCs). Some notable advancements showcased included Open RAN and digital twin technologies, as well as practical applications for extended reality.
“We are happy to host DOST-ASTI at our Technolab, where we explore and test innovations and capabilities. We at Smart are always ready to partner and lend our expertise with the government and other stakeholders to boost innovation in the Philippines,” expressed Arvin L. Siena, Vice President and Officer-in-Charge for Network Strategy and Planning at Smart.
In response, Director De Leon expressed his eagerness to foster collaboration and discover synergies with Smart’s innovations. “We look forward to learning more about your innovations at your Technolab, and we are also excited to share what we are doing at DOST-ASTI so that we can find some synergies and points of collaboration,” De Leon said.
Smart’s AVP and Head of the Technology Strategy and Transformation Office, Lennart Olaivar, expressed optimism about cultivating a robust innovation culture in the country, which would benefit Filipino companies and propel economic growth. “Collaborating with partners like DOST-ASTI will boost our joint research and development efforts for innovation. We are here to help you, and our laboratory is open for you, and we can do many things together,” Olaivar added.
Underpinning PLDT and Smart’s commitment to innovation are their integrated fixed and wireless networks. PLDT operates the most extensive fiber infrastructure in the country, with a total fiber footprint exceeding 1.1 million kilometers. This infrastructure supports Smart’s 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G network, which currently reaches 97 percent of the country’s population.
Also read: PLDT, Smart launch first Experience Hub with Smart Home in the Philippines
PLDT and Smart’s efforts to cultivate an innovative culture in the Philippines align with the PLDT Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). Particularly, their focus is on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
As Smart and DOST-ASTI explore potential avenues for collaboration, their joint efforts aim to further advance technological innovation in the Philippines, ultimately contributing to the nation’s growth and development.
