A Southeast Asia First—PLDT Is the First SEA Telco Running UiPath's Conversational AI

Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) continues to strengthen AI adoption within the organization, with the launch of another homegrown AI-powered conversational assistant to support its PLDT Enterprise teams with timely network intelligence and product insights.

Dubbed ‘KAI’, which stands for 'Knowledge, Automation, Intelligence', the solution is the first conversational agent from UiPath, a leader in agentic business orchestration, to be deployed in a live production environment by a Southeast Asian telco provider, marking an industry milestone. Developed to support Enterprise teams, KAI enhances how PLDT Enterprise engages with customers by enabling faster access to network, product, and solution information during customer interactions.

"Before KAI, our teams had to dig for answers in the middle of a customer conversation. Now the information comes to them. That improves how fast we respond, how well we design solutions, how much our customers trust us," said Eric Santiago, Head of Network Strategy and Architecture at PLDT and Smart.

Built on the UiPath platform, KAI reflects PLDT and Smart’s shift toward “tech-enabled selling” that is boosted by data-driven insights and powered by an Agentic AI assistant that, instead of being a substitute for human engagement, enhances it by simplifying processes, reducing response times, and improving the quality of customer conversations overall.

For enterprise customers, this translates into more efficient engagements—from quicker validation of network availability to clearer discussions on solution options tailored to specific business needs.

“PLDT's KAI sets a new benchmark for telco innovation in Southeast Asia," said Amit Khandelwal, Regional Vice President and Managing Director, Southeast Asia, UiPath. “At UiPath, we see the real power of AI in how it augments people to deliver better outcomes. By combining agentic automation with human-in-the-loop governance, PLDT is turning complex data into timely, actionable insights, enabling their teams to deliver measurable business impact.”

As KAI continues to evolve, PLDT eyes a more seamless experience for teams and customers alike, with essential information, such as network capacity features with real-time insights, being more accessible to accelerate decision-making.

Delivering better outcomes for customers

“Soon, we can even automate the creation of solutions specific to customer needs,” Santiago added. “When our teams are equipped with the right information at the right time, customers benefit through more reliable connectivity, stronger solutions, and partnerships built on trust and transparency.”

The launch of KAI is part of PLDT’s continuing investments in innovations to enhance its network. These initiatives are aligned with the Group's broader thrust to deliver leveled-up services to customers nationwide and reinforce PLDT's role as the go-to partner for Philippine enterprises navigating an increasingly digital and connected economy.

This also contributes to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Globe Ramps up Local Renewable Energy Use, Joins Global Observance of Earth Day Amid Energy Challenges

Globe is taking concrete steps to support local, diversified, and sustainable energy sources for its operations. The company has established a partnership agreement with the First Gen Group to supply electricity from geothermal and hydroelectric sources to power key facilities in Mindanao and Caloocan City. The company established this agreement in early April in anticipation of Earth Day on April 22.

Under this agreement with First Gen, three of Globe’s facilities in Mindanao will be powered by geothermal energy, while its Caloocan site will draw from hydropower. These indigenous energy sources are not dependent on imported fuel, helping reduce exposure to global fuel price volatility.

Geothermal energy, in particular, provides a steady and continuous source of power that can support energy-intensive operations around the clock. Combined with hydroelectric power, this strengthens Globe’s ability to run critical network infrastructure while maintaining consistent service for customers.

The transition was enabled through the government’s Retail Competition and Open Access and Green Energy Option Program, which allows large electricity consumers to directly source renewable energy from qualified suppliers. These mechanisms support the country’s broader push to diversify energy sources and improve long-term energy resilience.

“As demand for connectivity grows, how we power our network matters just as much as how we build it,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe. “Shifting to local renewable energy allows us to operate more responsibly while ensuring we remain reliable for the people and communities we serve.”

By purchasing electricity from local sources of renewable energy, Globe contributes to the Philippines’ goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the national mix while supporting a more stable and sustainable power system. The move also diversifies the company’s sources of energy to keep its network running reliably as demand for connectivity continues to grow.

Globe is also implementing fuel use efficiency initiatives for facilities that still need non-renewable fuel, such as Dynamic Load Management, for generator sets that provide power to sites located in remote areas and backup power.

As Globe continues to expand its digital infrastructure, it remains focused on powering connectivity in a way that balances performance, sustainability, and long-term value for the communities it serves.

Earlier in March, Globe Telecom, Inc. switched off non-essential lighting and appliances across its facilities on March 28, 2026, in observance of Earth Hour, reinforcing its commitment to climate action, while urging a stronger focus on energy conservation and efficiency as the country faces ongoing energy challenges.

Lenovo Appoints Sumir Bhatia as Chief Commercial Officer for the Asia Pacific Region

Singapore – Lenovo has appointed its first Chief Commercial Officer for the Asia Pacific region*, Sumir Bhatia. Bhatia will lead the newly created commercial organization in Asia Pacific, bringing together enterprise sales, solution sales, channel, and alliances teams to drive stronger commercial alignment and accelerate growth across the region. He will continue reporting to Amar Babu, President, Asia Pacific, Lenovo.

Bhatia is a Lenovo veteran, having led its Infrastructure Solutions Group business for the past decade. He has been spearheading a transformative phase of sustained growth for Lenovo’s Asia Pacific infrastructure business.

The Asia Pacific region represents a highly dynamic landscape for digital transformation and technology adoption for organizations to drive business impact. This dynamic is defined by diverse levels of digital maturity, evolving infrastructure, and significant untapped potential, which presents a unique opportunity for Lenovo to deliver flexible, end-to-end solutions that address a wide range of customer needs.

The newly established commercial organization, led by Bhatia, will more closely align Lenovo’s differentiated full-stack AI offerings and commercial capabilities across business groups, teams, and markets to deliver Hybrid AI solutions to commercial customers.

The appointment follows the announcement of the planned retirement of Ivan Cheung, Vice President and General Manager of Lenovo’s PCs & Smart Devices (PCSD) and Chief Operating Officer in Asia Pacific, in June 2026. Cheung has made significant contributions to Lenovo’s growth and device business success in the region over the years.

Benjamin Yeh succeeded Cheung as Vice President and General Manager of PCSD for Lenovo‘s Asia Pacific region in March 2026. He brings over two decades of industry experience and deep business management expertise to lead Lenovo’s PCSD business in Asia Pacific through its next phase of growth.

*Lenovo Asia Pacific consists of these markets: Australia, Hong Kong SAR China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.

Globe’s Upgrades GFiber Prepaid With 300Mbps Internet Plus 7 days FREE to Ease Work From Home

As the country faces an energy crisis and rising fuel costs, more Filipinos are encouraged to stay and spend time at home. At the same time, government initiatives have authorized flexible learning and full online classes, while many companies continue to promote work‑from‑home arrangements. These shifts make faster and more reliable home internet not just a convenience, but a necessity.

Globe is responding to this reality by redefining digital inclusion through GFiber Prepaid, making high‑speed fiber internet more affordable and accessible for households nationwide. With Globe AT HOME’s GFiber Prepaid, families can now enjoy up to 300Mbps internet speeds, six times faster than the previous 50Mbps baseline, for the same ₱699 installation fee, plus 7 days free of UNLI internet. This upgrade sets a new standard for prepaid internet, giving your family the digital power to thrive while keeping your hard-earned savings intact.

GFiber Prepaid’s 300Mbps supports up to 15 devices simultaneously, enabling smooth and reliable online experiences for every member of the household, from parents working remotely and managing online side hustles, to children attending online classes, gaming, or streaming content together. Sulit at mabilis na internet para sa pamilya! Top-up with ₱499 for 7 days for as low as ₱71 lang kada araw, or ₱1,199 for 30 days for as low as ₱40 lang kada araw. Mabilis na internet na hindi masakit sa bulsa.

“As Filipino households become more digitally connected, the demand for faster and more reliable internet continues to grow. We are aligning our efforts with the national government's priority to keep families connected during this crisis, making it easier for them to experience the benefits of higher speeds by encouraging an upgrade to 300Mbps early in their journey,” said Abigail Cardino, VP for Globe Broadband Business.

“Our goal is to make high-speed connectivity a standard for every home, ensuring multiple devices can enjoy a seamless online experience. With rising costs like fuel potentially pushing more people to work from home, and the urgent need to stay informed about global events, fast and reliable internet is essential in helping families stay productive, safe, and connected,” she added.

By making high-speed internet both affordable and accessible, Globe helps Filipino families unlock opportunities, strengthen connections, and thrive in the digital economy, even amid global uncertainty. As the State of National Energy Emergency and rising fuel prices make it more practical for many to work and stay at home, GFiber Prepaid stands as a reliable partner in powering a connected lifestyle, helping households experience more at home while staying resilient in the face of uncertainty.

DOST-PCHRD Backs SpeakClinic to Expand Teletherapy Access for Children with Autism This World Autism Awareness Month

Manila, Philippines — SpeakClinic, a digital health platform designed to connect families with licensed clinicians, is expanding access to teletherapy services for children with autism after receiving support from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

The support comes through DOST-PCHRD’s Startup Research Grant Program, which funds continued development of the platform. The grant provides a one-year research and development roadmap that includes an integrated therapy appointment and reservation system, as well as machine learning capabilities to support more efficient pediatric intervention and evidence-based care.

SpeakClinic enables families to access teletherapy services by connecting them with licensed clinicians for scheduling and e-consultations. It operates alongside Mylo Speech Buddy, a speech therapy support app, which helps with both clinical consultations and daily language development. The platform was created to address persistent gaps in access to speech and developmental therapy in the Philippines, where many families continue to face challenges related to distance, cost, and limited availability of specialists.

Many Filipino families of children who need developmental support continue to face challenges in accessing timely and consistent therapy due to a shortage of specialized professionals. These constraints have made it difficult for many families, particularly those outside major urban centers, to access timely intervention. SpeakClinic seeks to address this gap by functioning as both a directory of verified specialists and a platform where families can directly book appointments and access teletherapy services.

The initiative comes as April marks World Autism Awareness Month, a global observance that highlights the importance of inclusive support systems and early intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum. Throughout April, Mylo Speech Buddy is distributing vouchers for 30-day free access to its speech development platform, while SpeakClinic currently does not charge membership fees for users accessing its services.

DOST-PCHRD’s backing is also expected to support the platform’s development into a more integrated digital ecosystem that combines clinical research, data-driven tools, and collaborative care among clinicians, therapists, and families. This public-sector support strengthens its potential to scale while ensuring that interventions remain grounded in validated healthcare practices.

Vincent Rocha, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mylo Incorporated, shared that the support from DOST-PCHRD marks a significant milestone for the platform’s growth and credibility.

“The support from DOST-PCHRD is a turning point for Mylo. What started as a personal journey to help children access speech therapy has grown into a research-backed digital healthcare solution. This partnership allows us to ensure that our tools are grounded in clinical evidence while reaching more Filipino families who need consistent support,” said Mr. Rocha.

Beyond its clinical innovation, Mylo Speech Buddy continues to champion autism advocacy through the third edition of “Ausome Stories,” a digital storytelling series that has generated over 20 million organic views since its launch.

The latest season, launched on April 14, 2026, and hosted by Tuesday Vargas, features families alongside insights from therapists and medical professionals, underscoring the importance of early intervention, sustained support, and holistic care across all stages of life.

Finding the right therapist can be challenging for many families—download the SpeakClinic app at www.speakclinic.com to connect with licensed professionals more easily.