Shaping the future: Students get a glimpse of tomorrow at PLDT Smart TechnoLab

Engineering and Architecture students from Colegio de Muntinlupa recently had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology at the PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) TechnoLab in Makati City. This visit was more than just an educational tour–it was a glimpse into the future of telecommunications and a chance for these young minds to envision their own roles in shaping it.

The PLDT and Smart TechnoLab, operated by the group’s Network Strategy and Transformation Office (NSTO), serves as an incubator for new technologies, allowing visitors, including students, to test and explore emerging solutions such as network disaggregation, extended reality, and advancements in cloud and home connectivity solutions, and providing them with insights into the future of the industry.

Colegio de Muntinlupa’s visit underscores PLDT and Smart’s commitment to fostering technology and innovation among young Filipinos. By providing hands-on experience and access to advanced technological resources and expert guidance, PLDT and Smart are helping shape the future of these students as the next generation of innovators and leaders of the telecommunications industry.

ECE student Gabriel Battilier shared his excitement, “I was able to try the latest technologies of PLDT and Smart. I also got to try virtual reality and augmented reality, and how these interact with different environments. I want to thank PLDT and Smart for the opportunity to learn about both the history and future of the telecommunications industry in the Philippines.”

Maria De Mesa, another ECE student, echoed similar sentiments, “The tour was great, as I was able to learn about the pioneering innovations in PLDT and Smart. I also learned about future developments and opportunities related to our field of study.”

“As these students continue their journey, we hope that the knowledge and experience they have gained at TechnoLab will help serve as a foundation for their careers. We at PLDT and Smart remains committed to adopting innovative solutions that will pave the way for a new era where the dreams of today’s students become the realities of tomorrow,” according to Joseph Lennart Olaivar, head of the PLDT and Smart Network Innovations and Strategy.

Through initiatives like the TechnoLab, PLDT and Smart are not only promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, but are also driving meaningful advancements in the telecommunications industry. This aligns with the PLDT Group’s broader program for inclusive, quality education and is aimed at helping the country achieve UNSDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.