ALIBABA Cloud has partnered with Mapua University to offer training in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, aiming to strengthen the Philippines’ digital talent pool through academic collaboration.

The initiative is part of Alibaba Cloud’s Academic Empowerment Program (AAEP), which will provide Mapua students and faculty with access to industry-aligned coursework, technical resources, hands-on labs, and certification opportunities. The partnership seeks to equip participants with the tools needed to thrive in the country’s growing digital economy.

The program aligns with the Department of Science and Technology’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS Ph), which identifies AI as key to inclusive innovation and global competitiveness. A central goal of the initiative is workforce development — specifically, upskilling and reskilling Filipino professionals to meet the demands of the digital age.

To support this strategy, the DOST has been encouraging higher education institutions to expand AI micro-credentials and continuing education programs. The Alibaba Cloud–Mapua partnership builds on that effort by integrating advanced cloud and AI training into the university’s curriculum.

“As a university with a century-long legacy in engineering and technology — and the first in the Philippines to offer AI engineering at the undergraduate level — Mapua is firmly committed to preparing our students to lead in the age of AI,” said Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo, president and chief executive of Mapua University. “Our partnership with Alibaba Cloud allows us to integrate world-class AI and cloud computing technologies into our learning ecosystem, ensuring that our graduates are not only ready for today’s industry needs but are also equipped to drive innovation in an AI-powered world.”

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Allen Guo, country manager for the Philippines at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, said the collaboration is designed to “bridge the gap between academia and industry.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Mapua University, a pioneer in engineering and technology education,” Guo said. “Through this collaboration, we aim to empower the next generation with skills and certifications that support long-term innovation and economic growth in the Philippines.”

The program will offer a range of training materials — including public lectures, webinars, and hands-on sessions — tailored to a wide spectrum of skill levels. Content will cover both foundational and advanced AI and cloud topics, including Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure and tools.

Alibaba Cloud Academy will support the effort with more than 250 online and in-person certification courses and over 270 labs available in 19 languages. The academy has trained more than 500,000 individuals globally and currently partners with more than 110 universities across 23 countries.


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