MAICE is a research and development initiative designed to build local AI expertise and develop practical solutions to address community needs in Mindanao. The initiative will also develop computing infrastructure in phases.
ABN Global Infinities Corporation initiated the project in partnership with the local academe, bringing together local talent, industry expertise and academic research. Its goal is to translate research findings into practical AI solutions for communities, businesses and local government units (LGUs).
ABN Global Infinities Corp. head Alvin “Bingkoy” Suemitsu, a licensed electrical and civil engineer and CCNA-certified engineer, said during the launch that the project aims to introduce AI technology to Mindanao by starting with research and collaboration with academic institutions.
“This is our first (referring to Mindanao and Davao) because it is normal in Japan, Hong Kong, or China. We do something good and challenging, so we start with theory and work with the academe,” Suemitsu said.
The launch was held at the ABN Global office along Bacaca Road in Marfori, Davao City.
Suemitsu expressed optimism about the initiative, citing the company’s local engineering and technical talents as well as its international experience.
“With our local talents, engineers, electricians, and international experience, we draw these together to bring AI technology in Davao City, and maybe in other parts of Mindanao later on,” he said.
He added that he has been in initial discussions with the local government on how AI can help improve public services and address other priority areas.
Suemitsu is the founder of ABN Global Infinities Corporation, with Engr. Noel Payot Jr. and Engr. Nelson de Guia as co-founders. He is also currently based in Japan for similar work.
Phase 1
MAICE will begin with Phase 1, focusing on research partnerships, the identification of research priorities, local talent development and pilot projects.
The initiative also plans to develop AI computing capacity in Davao City through partnerships with global technology companies. Details of these partnerships will be announced once agreements are finalized.
For talent development, ABN Global aims to help retain AI talent in Mindanao through student internships and thesis support involving actual AI projects. Researchers will be encouraged to focus on local needs, while engineers will receive hands-on training in deploying AI systems.
Dr. Randell Espina, the first dean of Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), said technology development could begin through research and development, local talent training and pilot projects.
Espina, who has been an engineering professor at ADDU for about 30 years, has pursued engineering and AI studies in the United States and Australia. He has also been involved in the development of a robotics engineering program and is currently working on AI platforms and data centers, particularly for farming applications.
“Through research and development, training of local talents, Mindanao, especially Davao, has potential for the building of AI data centers,” Espina said.
Aside from ADDU, ABN Global plans to establish partnerships with other academic institutions, including the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Mapúa University and the University of Mindanao.
Espina said developing AI infrastructure would require both skilled people and expanded computing capacity.
“We have to train people. We still have to develop technologies because they are the ones using it. So aside from current data centers for internet connectivity, we are actually increasing the capacity or the requirement for storage with AI,” he said.
Initial research focus areas
MAICE has identified four initial areas for research and development: agriculture, health, disaster resilience, and smarter public service.
In agriculture, AI applications may include crop monitoring, yield forecasting and support for farmers. In health, the initiative will explore tools to support local clinics and public health programs.
For disasterresilience, AI may be used for early warning and response to floods and otherhazards, while smarter public service will focus on helping LGUs deliverservices to citizens more efficiently.
Suemitsu said the areas were identified based on pressing needs in Mindanao, including the need to improve agricultural production, strengthen local health services, speed up disaster response and improve public safety and other government services.
He said AI could help improve production quality, benefiting farmers and the export sector, while also supporting efforts to improve public services.
Computingcapacity
Peng Zhen, an executive of a Hong Kong-based data server provider, said the company is looking at providing MAICE with an initial 32 to 64 AI-capable data servers within the next six to nine months.
The number could increase to 128 to 256 data servers within the next 18 months, he said.
Zhen expressed optimism about the project, noting that the Philippines has more available space for data infrastructure compared with other Asian countries where suitable areas have become increasingly limited.
Environment,power and jobs
Suemitsu said AI data servers should not be placed in highly vulnerable areas, emphasizing the need to protect the environment and avoid disrupting communities.
On power requirements, he expressed optimism about the availability of alternative energy sources, including wind and solar power and waste-to-energy programs.
He also said the establishment of data centers could generate jobs and create economic opportunities for communities through related businesses and services.
“We talk about economic incentives. There are a lot of jobs generated when we put data centers, with a lot of secondary economic activities like schools, raw materials, stores, suppliers, cabling, wires and electricals,” he said.
Suemitsu added that data centers should be developed in a way that is “non-invasive and non-intrusive” and does not disrupt surrounding communities. Judy Quiros
Engr. Alvin Suemitsu, a licensed electrical and civil engineer and CCNA-certified engineer, founder of ABN Global Infinities Corporation (3rd from left) together with Peng Zhen representing Hong Kong-based AI Data Server ( 1st from left), Dr. Randell Espina - first dean of Ateneo de Davao University (4th from left), Engr. Noel Payot, Jr,- ABN Global co-founder (5th from left), and Engr. Nelson de Guia-c-founder ABN Global (6th from left). The executives pose for posterity after the launching of MAICE.
ABN Global Infinities Corporation employees, executives, and guests