Globe Collaborates with Google and AWS on Data and AI Hackathons to Empower Future Tech Leaders

In today's fast-changing digital world, data and AI are critical instruments for advancement. Globe Telecom understands the need to provide young Filipinos with the necessary skills to handle this new environment. ​

​Globe is taking action through its "Data and Analytics for Good" project, which provides hands-on learning opportunities and fosters an innovative culture. Globe's programs not only prepare the workforce for the future but also empower the next generation of tech leaders to make a better society.

Globe recently organized a series of talks and hackathons for university students as part of its Data and Analytics for Good project, in collaboration with industry leaders Google and AWS. These events presented a unique opportunity for students to obtain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technology while also collaborating on solutions with real-world effect.

The events, themed "Fusion of D.AI.TA," focused on Generative AI's important role, data integration in AI, and the revolutionary potential of these sophisticated technologies in defining modern applications.

“Our focus is always on how we can leverage our resources to address the challenges Filipinos face,” said Jenny Echevarria, Vice President of Enterprise Data and Strategic Services at Globe. “Ultimately, our goal is to inspire students to build careers in data science right here in the Philippines.”
 
The first activity began at The Globe Tower, with learners and faculty members from eight universities attending the "Google Analytics and GenAI Lecture & Vertex AI Hands-on Labs." 
 
The talk demonstrated the capabilities of Google's AI-driven data platforms, such as BigQuery, BigQueryML, and Looker. Participants learned about AI platforms and tools, as well as approaches like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) search, from Google experts such as Arvind Dhariwal and Keelia Tang. 
 
“The enthusiasm and rapid upskilling we saw in this joint initiative with Globe Telecom demonstrate how we can truly democratize access to advanced analytics and generative AI – and that's a vision we share,” said Killing Tang, Technical Account Manager, Google Cloud Singapore.

The day concluded with a hackathon utilizing Google's Gemini AI Agent Builder, where students created inventive solutions that pushed the boundaries of AI applications. Melissa Mae Miranda, a Computer Science student at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, emerged as the winner.
 
“We were tasked to create a search app that uses different datasets. We used an API to access the data and show information. It was really cool to be able to access and manage data like that very easily,” said Miranda. “I didn't know you could do all those things with Vertex AI when creating a GenAI app— makes me wish I tried it sooner!” 
 
Continuing the enthusiasm, Globe organized "Innovate with Data: AWS PartyRock Battle," which drew 148 students and faculty members from 18 universities in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON. Rom Gapuz, AWS Enterprise Solutions Architect, presented learners to data visualization and machine learning. 
 
Following the session, students utilized PartyRock, AWS's no-code platform, to construct AI-generated applications, testing their originality and collaboration abilities. A team of Computer Science students from Asia Pacific College won first place with a Gen AI application that aims to help Filipino basic education (K-12) teachers reduce their teaching workload by leveraging Claude's generative capabilities for day-to-day lesson planning tasks such as creating quizzes, examinations, and activities for a specific class and subject.

“PartyRock is a way for us to engage with our clients and share with them and expose them to the power of AI,” said Patricia Gamboa, Principal Account Director, AWS. “From the partnership that we have between AWS and Globe, we’re really excited to tap into all of these students.”
 
“Participating in the event was a blast. Initially, when we created our program, it was only for science teachers and science-based quizzes. However, after more group collaboration and ideas, it eventually led to the creation of Edu-Creator. The opportunity to represent my college and conceptualize an application that elevates the lives of Filipinos, especially our K-12 teachers, really broadened my perspective on the uses and application of artificial intelligence,” said Janson Crisostomo Pagharion, the Asia Pacific College’s winning team.
 
These hackathons serve as a unique bridge between academic learning and industrial application, providing students with early experience with real-world technological difficulties. Globe is aggressively cultivating a talented workforce capable of propelling the nation's digital economy ahead through partnerships with firms such as Google and AWS.