The Ai Gambit: Today's Exploration, Tomorrow's Domination

Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, AI CoE Head, Vice President, UnionBank

Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, AI CoE Head, Vice President, UnionBank

The race for dominance in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn't just about deploying the latest gadgets; it's about planting the seeds of future success through long-term research and exploration. This is the philosophy behind Union Bank of the Philippines' (UnionBank) AI & Innovation Center of Excellence (AI&I CoE), a testament to the bank's commitment to shaping not just its future, but the future of AI itself.

Long-Term Vision with a Human-Centric Focus

In contrast to some AI CoEs focusing on immediate returns, UnionBank's approach prioritizes long-term goals. The team is tasked with identifying emerging AI trends and technologies with high future potential, all with a human-centric focus. AI for AI's sake is a no-go; the ultimate aim is to create value for the end user.

Fostering a Thriving AI Ecosystem

Knowledge sharing and education stand as equally important pillars of the AI&I CoE. They foster a vibrant ecosystem within UnionBank, the Aboitiz techglomerate and even the Philippines at large. Free Data Science Development Programs empower Filipino citizens to level up and re-skill, ensuring a future-proof workforce. Internally, AI Bootcamps, hackathons and training sessions equip employees with the knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving world of AI.

Another key aspect is knowledge exchange with the broader AI community. The AI&I CoE actively shares its findings through peer-reviewed publications and talks while learning from the community through conferences and research papers.

Collaboration is Key

In the realm of research, fostering a vibrant ecosystem is crucial. Thus, the CoE actively forges partnerships with universities and research institutions. These collaborations leverage external expertise and resources, allowing for faster advancements and the potential to leapfrog competitors.

"The race for dominance in the age of AI isn't just about deploying the latest gadgets; it's about planting the seeds of future success through long-term research and exploration "

Exploring Promising

Frontiers But what exactly does this exploration entail? UnionBank's AI&I CoE is currently focusing on four promising domains:

• Natural Language Processing and Voice AI: Imagine seamless interactions with your bank through voice commands and conversational AI. This is the exciting world of Natural Language Processing (NLP), Generative AI and Voice AI, where the AI&I CoE is exploring ways to make banking a more natural and intuitive experience.
• Graph Analytics: Relationships are key in today's interconnected world. Graph analytics help us understand these connections, allowing the AI&I CoE to develop innovative solutions for fraud detection, risk management, and even customer relationship building.
• Geospatial Data Analytics: Location data holds a wealth of information. By harnessing the power of geospatial data analytics, the AI&I CoE can unlock possibilities for location-based services, targeted marketing campaigns, and even improved branch network optimization.
• Capability and Community Building: The human element remains irreplaceable. The AI&I CoE recognizes this and invests in building both its own and external capabilities and fostering a strong AI community within the Philippines.

Successful explorations today fuel tomorrow's business strategy. By constantly testing and experimenting, the CoE identifies what works and where we need to pivot. This allows UnionBank to adapt and pivot its strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

The Engine of Innovation

Here are the core functions that make the UnionBank's AI & Innovation CoE tick:

• Long-Term Research Exploration: UnionBank's AI&ICoE prioritizes long-term research exploration. This involves identifying emerging trends, developing novel AI algorithms, and fostering a culture of exploration and risk-taking. "Failing fast" and learning from these failures is key to iterating and improving. The AI&I CoE explores areas like Generative AI (Gen AI) for leapfrogging user experiences and Explainable and Responsible AI (XRAI) to ensure the responsible use of AI outputs.
• Innovation Acceleration: The ultimate goal is to translate promising research into game-changing AI technologies that disrupt the industry and secure long-term success. Here, the AI&I CoE works closely with business units to identify impactful use cases. Additionally, partnerships with Enterprise Architecture guarantee that the necessary infrastructure resources are incorporated into the roadmap, paving the way for the successful launch of these solutions.
• Internal Knowledge Sharing and Education: As mentioned earlier, education is a cornerstone of the AI&I CoE's philosophy. Through workshops, training programs, and initiatives like AI Bootcamps and Gen AI training sessions, the AI&I CoE empowers UnionBank employees and the broader Filipino community to become active participants in the AI revolution.

From Ideas to Reality

For stakeholders unfamiliar with the complexities of AI, the AI&I CoE utilizes rapid prototyping to bring abstract ideas to life. This is where the multidisciplinary nature of the AI&I CoE shines. Software engineering expertise complements the research team, accelerating the development of prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).

Finally, to ensure that promising research translates into realworld applications, the AI&I CoE collaborates with business units to identify areas where AI-powered solutions can create a significant impact.

By combining long-term research with a human-centric approach, fostering a thriving AI ecosystem and translating exploration into tangible solutions, UnionBank's AI & Innovation CoE is playing a vital role in shaping the future of AI, not just for the Philippines, but for the world. This forward-thinking approach ensures that AI remains a tool for progress, one that empowers people and creates a brighter future for all.