Globe joins Google and AWS for data and AI hackathons to empower future tech leaders

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, data and AI are essential tools for progress. Globe recognizes the urgency of equipping young Filipinos with the skills to navigate this new reality. 

Through the company’s “Data and Analytics for Good” project, Globe is taking action by providing hands-on learning experiences and fostering a culture of innovation. Through such programs, Globe is not just building a future-ready workforce; it’s empowering the next generation of tech leaders to shape a better world.

As part of its Data and Analytics for Good initiative, Globe recently hosted a series of lectures and hackathons for university students, partnering with industry giants Google and AWS. These events provided a unique platform for students to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technologies and collaborate on solutions with real-world impact.

Centered on the theme “Fusion of D.AI.TA,” the events highlighted the critical role of Generative AI, the integration of data in AI, and the transformative potential of these advanced technologies in shaping 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 kicked off at The Globe Tower where students and faculty members from eight universities joined the “Google Analytics and GenAI Lecture & Vertex AI Hands-on Labs.” 

The session presented the capabilities of Google’s AI-driven data platforms, including BigQuery, BigQueryML, and Looker. Under the guidance of Google experts such as Arvind Dhariwal and Keelia Tang, participants delved into the intricacies of AI platforms and tools, learning techniques such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) search. 

“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 culminated in a hackathon using Google’s Gemini AI Agent Builder, where students developed innovative solutions, pushing the limits of AI applications.  Melissa Mae Miranda, a Computer Science student from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, emerged as the champion.

"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 momentum, Globe hosted “Innovate with Data: AWS PartyRock Battle,” bringing together 148 students and faculty members from 18 universities across the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON. AWS Enterprise Solutions Architect Rom Gapuz introduced participants to data visualization and machine learning. 

In a high-energy hackathon following the workshop, students used PartyRock, a no-code platform by AWS, to create AI-generated applications, challenging their ingenuity and collaborative skills. A team of Computer Science students from Asia Pacific College took first place with a Gen AI application that aims to help Filipino basic education (K-12) teachers lessen their teaching workload by utilizing the generative capabilities of Claude for their day-to-day lesson planning tasks such as creation of quizzes, examinations, and activities for a particular 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 provide a unique bridge between academic learning and industry application, giving students early exposure to practical technology challenges. By partnering with companies like Google and AWS, Globe is actively fostering a skilled workforce poised to propel the nation’s digital economy forward.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.