Japanese technology powers DTI’s first AI assistant

Japanese-based Rinna Co. Ltd. will now power the Department of Trade and Industry’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered assistant, a move aimed at making government services faster and more accessible.

This, after Trade Secretary Cristina Roque signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last 14 July for the Project TRINA, which stands for Trade and Industry Assistant.

The project features a 24/7 conversational AI avatar on the DTI website that will serve as a one-stop, seamless support tool for the public, reducing the need for in-person visits or manual searching.

Project TRINA

Project TRINA AI-assistance will handle queries related to trade, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) development, consumer rights, and investment policies.

Secretary Roque, who led the MoU signing, said the project is pivotal in creating a more modern and inclusive approach to public service.

“With Project TRINA, we are introducing a new technology that allows people to access DTI services anytime, in a way that feels as natural as talking to a real person, breaking down barriers for users who may not be tech-savvy,” Roque added.

One of TRINA’s key features is its ability to simulate human interaction in English and Tagalog through voice-enabled and emotionally intelligent responses, especially helpful for users with limited digital skills.

Next phase

In the project’s next phase, DTI plans to expand TRINA’s capabilities, allowing its various frontline offices to develop their own specialized AI assistants that can facilitate active tasks like applying for a license, registering a new business, or filing a consumer complaint with the appropriate DTI office.

The DTI secretary further said that Project TRINA aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to adopt advanced digital tools for public service delivery, guided by ethical AI standards with human oversight and strong data privacy.

MoU signing

The MoU signing also signals the start of DTI’s broader public engagement campaign to raise nationwide awareness about Project TRINA and its role in providing user-friendly government services.

Rinna Corporation Ltd. started as a Japan-based AI character development company established in June 2020.

With a vision of a co-creation of a world between humans and AI, Rinna aims to realize a society in which all people can exercise their creativity through fruitful communication between people and AI.

One distinctive quality of Rinna is that prior to becoming an independent company, its main focus was on AI research, which they now integrate into their products and services.