Microsoft puts Copilot to work

Microsoft is expanding its enterprise AI footprint in the Philippines through a partnership with PLDT and Smart that will embed artificial intelligence into everyday work across the telecommunications group.

The partnership builds on PLDT Group’s deployment of 1,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot seats, moving the technology from experimentation toward wider use in business operations.

Microsoft 365 Copilot is being deployed across workflows such as drafting communications, summarizing meetings, analyzing information and assisting employees in making faster decisions.

In finance and procurement, PLDT and Smart said AI is helping speed up reviews and analysis, while customer-facing teams are using the technology to synthesize feedback and improve response times.

Human resources and other internal teams are also using AI to automate or accelerate routine work.

“What stands out about the PLDT Group’s approach is that they’re focusing on real work and real outcomes. They’re embedding AI into the flow of everyday work, unlocking meaningful productivity gains while building long-term capability across the organization,” Microsoft ASEAN president Mayank Wadhwa said.

PLDT and Smart said the deployment will be accompanied by employee training and governance measures as they expand AI use across the organization.

The companies are also exploring more advanced applications in network operations, enterprise solutions and AI-driven automation.

“Our partnership with Microsoft allows us to accelerate this transformation at scale, embedding AI into everyday processes and building new capabilities across the organization,” PLDT and Smart first vice president and head of Information Technology and the Transformation Office Gilbert Gaw said.

The next phase of the partnership will focus on expanding Microsoft AI adoption among teams and developing more advanced applications as PLDT and Smart seek to translate productivity gains into broader business results.