DOST-ASTI CSD signs MOU w/ Partners to support, promote IoT, Blockchain, AI Tech
Quezon City, Ph – DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute’s Computer Science Division continues to bring in partners to promote R&D on emerging technologies in the country.
The Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), Isabela State University- Cauayan City Campus, DOST- Region 2, Ohelio, Inc., and Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 28 February 2023 to support the Computer Software Division (CSD) projects in the field of Internet-of-Things, Blockchain, as well as AI technologies.
The MOU was signed to further promote the use of the Kooha application in state universities and colleges, local government units, and public and private sectors with the help of ISU- Cauayan City Campus and DOST Region 2.
One of the objectives is to develop a system and carry out state-of-the-art research in Blockchain technology, and to look for innovative solutions for a more systematic and efficient practice of machine learning and deep learning process and methods for ASTI- ALaM (Automated Labeling Machine) and MSU-IIT.
The event signifies the start of a formal understanding of these agencies to promote, utilize, and sustain these DOST-ASTI technologies.
DOST-ASTI Director Franz de Leon welcomed the guests and thanked them for joining the event. He said that DOST has been forging numerous agreements with various SUCs and HEIs all over the country, and these collaborations opened more opportunities for DOST-ASTI's R&D initiatives to expand.
“For 36 years, DOST-ASTI has been at the forefront in nurturing the field of ICT and electronics in the country, bringing forth innovations through its projects generated by research and collaborations amongst our stakeholders,” he added.
Nature of MOU with Ohelio, Inc.
Ms. Charisma Amor A. Coroza, the Co-CEO of Ohelio, Inc. briefly introduced Ohelio and Twala Sign, and discussed that Twala is an app that allows users to easily sign legally binding documents through a laptop or smartphone. It can also be used to issue tamper-proof digital credentials and Ohelio which is a blockchain technology startup based in Manila that aims to digitally transform paper-based workflows and reduce document fraud with blockchain smart contracts. Their company is building trust in any way possible.
Nature of MOU with ISU-Cauayan City Campus
Isabela State University is committed to develop globally competitive human and technological resources and services through quality instruction, innovative research, responsive community engagement, and viable resource management programs for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Both parties agreed to work together in enhancing the promotion of Kooha.
Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, the President of ISU- Cauayan Campus, said that the agreement between Kooha and ISU- Cauayan could bring and expand the active participation in innovation, and bring people closer to the framework of sustainable development. He also assures the University’s effort in the collaboration, saying it “commits to pursue a common goal and to take part in the initiatives for academic exchange and research collaboration”.
Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera the Regional Director of DOST RO II, promised that DOST-RO II will give their full assistance, especially in the promotion of the implementation of these projects. She expressed her happiness with yet another ICT-based project that will be implemented in Region II, adding that they need ICT platforms to help implement the smart city project.
Nature of MOU with MSU-IIT
MSU-IIT Chancellor Ditucalan stated that digitization, through technologies such as AI and big data is the future of education and university. While taking a serious role in research and innovation, the collaboration between MSU-IIT and DOST-ASTI will open a wide array of inquiries and systems of discoveries.
The partnership between the academe and the government through the ASTI-ALaM project and MSU-IIT seeks to stimulate reproducibility and transparency in AI research and engineering. The generated datasets from MSU-IIT’s Unmanned Aerial System with Passively-rotating Spherical Shell for Close-proximity Inspection of Infrastructure Project and Collaborative Aerial-Ground Robot for Volcano Exploration Project and AI models will be stored to the ASTI-ALaM's Model and Dataset Store. The use of these artefacts will be determined by the contributor and other system users, subject to the terms and conditions established.
Concluding the MOU signing event, Ms. Syjuco, the Chief of the CSD said that what a better way to kick off 2023 is to witness the signing of MOUs with esteemed partners; representing the private sector, government sector, and the academe.
She also mentioned that on behalf of DOST-ASTI, everyone is thankful to the partners for accepting the invitation for collaboration and partnership.
“We are looking forward to our fruitful discussions, practices, and exchanges for future shared activities following this momentous event,” she ended.