TWENTY-FIVE trainees have completed specialized courses in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics at Silliman University, under a pioneering program organized by the Silliman University Technical, Educational, Vocational, and Entrepreneurial Center and the College of Business Administration.

The initiative, funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and supported by Hannam University in Korea, produced its first batch of graduates: 20 KOICA-supported scholars and five students from Silliman’s College of Business Administration.

Dr. Jose Edwin Cubelo, dean of the College of Agriculture and academic liaison officer for the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research, stressed the growing demand for strong ICT skills to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

CBA Business Analytics Program coordinator Asst. Prof. Larry Vincent Regencia added that the creation of the Digital Transformation Laboratory (DX Lab) was a strategic step “to help close the digital skills gap and position Silliman University as a key center for AI and Big Data education in the country.”

The DX Lab aims to train at least 100 students and faculty members over two years, equipping them with skills vital to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while strengthening Silliman’s international partnerships and aligning with the Philippines’ goal of becoming a regional hub for data science.

CBA dean and KOICA project leader Dr. Wilma Libarios praised the perseverance of the graduates and the partnership with Hannam University, calling the program “a dream realized” and urging trainees to use their new knowledge to drive community innovation.

Graduates received certificates from Hannam University, Silliman University, and a National Certification II from TESDA, with university officials, project partners, and local government representatives in attendance.