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PT&T leapfrogs toward AI

Listed telecommunications company PT&T Corp., which has been largely idle amid the rapid growth of telecommunications on the global stage, is now betting on the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations.

Tycoon Salvador “Buddy” Zamora’s MRC Allied Inc. now controls PT&T which has resumed stock trading after a voluntary suspension of nearly 20 years.

The company aims to help boost the productivity of local industries and enhance the country’s economic competitiveness in the digital space.

At a recent event hosted by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, PT&T, in partnership with Crayon Philippines, discussed AI technologies, including Microsoft’s Copilot for Microsoft 365.

The company emphasized that this technology aligns with the government’s digital transformation agenda, which seeks to create a digitally inclusive economy.

PT&T’s initiatives are expected to provide businesses with the infrastructure they need to harness the full potential of AI.

Carlos Sevilla, Channel Sales Director at Crayon Philippines, however, noted that there should be a policy development and strategic planning to ensure the safe and effective deployment of AI technologies.

“There is a critical need for developing robust policies and strategies to ensure that AI technologies — such as Copilot for Microsoft 365, which PT&T proudly offers — are used safely and effectively,” he said.

The government has been actively promoting responsible AI usage, with initiatives such as the DICT Stakeholder Consultation and the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Roadmap.

By offering AI solutions and reliable connectivity, PT&T supports the government’s efforts to promote safe AI use, while simultaneously driving innovation and improving productivity across the nation.

Bull festival

Pundits are expecting the bull to come rampaging back at the stock market with a Philippine Stock Exchange index target of 7,500 with an overweight rating on Banking, Property and Consumer stocks.

The recent surge to above the 7,000 level was led by foreign fund inflows supported by a nine-day net foreign buying streak.

Global funds are turning to the regional market spurred by the US Fed’s policy pivot.

Most of them are under-allocated to emerging markets (EMs) which faced headwinds from a strong US currency. Now that the US dollar is weakening as rates move lower, funds are looking for some exposure to higher growth markets.

Bloomberg has reported that Southeast Asian equities have firmed up their position as a favorite among global funds that are positioning for the Fed’s pivot.

ASEAN markets have been outperforming the regional markets for the current quarter led by Indonesia. The Philippines comes next in terms of outperformance.