I recently had the privilege of having a conversation with Jerry Bongco, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Philippines Country Manager, and we discussed their commitment to building a digitally resilient nation and empowering innovation to enhance the lives of Filipinos. With nearly a decade of presence in the country, AWS has played a pivotal role in shaping the technological landscape and fostering a culture of innovation.
In 2014, AWS started its investment in the Philippines with the launch of Amazon CloudFront service. Over the years, the company has expanded its footprint, moving from a humble co-working space to a multi-floor office in BGC with key customers, such as Globe Telecom, Maya, KFC, and Motolite, which have been the bedrock of AWS’ growth in the country.
In 2022, AWS announced the general availability of AWS Outposts globally and locally, providing edge computing solutions. The launch of a local zone in the Philippines last December 2020 marked a significant milestone, allowing customers to run workloads locally and ensuring single-digit latency speeds. Notable early adopters include Riot Games and the Philippine Clearing House.
“I just wanted to share with you our mission in the Philippines because I think it’s very important why we do what we do and why we wake up in the morning. Recently, we’ve shared that our purpose is to build a digitally resilient nation that empowers innovation to improve the lives of Filipinos. We are all attached and committed to that long-term mission and that dictates our investments in the country. As we know, digitalization requires innovation. It’s in our point of view that for Philippine businesses to be truly world-class, it is to harness the power of the AWS Cloud,” said Bongco.
AWS & Artificial Intelligence
AWS is actively contributing to the new wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI), aiming to democratize Generative AI. The company’s strategy involves aggregating leading foundation models, including Amazon Bedrock and Amazon CodeWhisperer, an AI-powered code generator. The acquisition of Annapurna Labs in 2015 reinforced AWS’ commitment to developing its silicon chips for efficient Machine Learning (ML) and AI processing.
Amazon Q, a technical AI companion or business assistant, showcases AWS’ evolution from Large Language Models (LLMs) to Large Action Models (LAMs). The cloud computing company’s AI initiatives have made a significant impact across various industries, from enhancing sports performance in PGA Tours, NFL, and Formula 1 to transforming customer experiences in telecommunications, BPOs, FinTech, hospitality, and entertainment.
Training & Enablement to Empower the Future
AWS has been actively investing in training and enabling Filipinos in cloud skills. Since 2017, AWS has trained more than 100,000 Filipinos — university students, IT professionals, and AWS partners. The AWS Restart program, launched in 2022, focuses on upskilling unemployed and underemployed individuals for careers in the cloud.
The tech company also collaborates with top conglomerates, small and medium businesses, digital native businesses, startups, and various industries. AWS Philippines works closely with digital banks, retailers, financial services, remittance providers, BPOs, and more, contributing to the modernization and innovation of their services. AWS’ infrastructure investments align with the Philippines’ vision of becoming a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.
AWS Partners: A Force Multiplier for Innovation
AWS Partners, both global and local, play a crucial role in multiplying the impact of AWS solutions across the country. With 100 partners in the Philippines, AWS empowers these partners with training, sharing its culture of innovation, and enabling them to provide innovative solutions to their customers.
Amazon Web Services in the Philippines stands as a catalyst for digital transformation, innovation, and economic growth. With a focus on long-term investments, AI advancements, training initiatives, and strategic partnerships, AWS continues to shape the digital landscape of the Philippines, contributing to its vision of a digitally resilient and innovative nation.