First data science lab in the PHL launched

The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) on Thursday launched “ACCeSs@AIM,” the first data science corporate laboratory in the Philippines.

ACCeSs@AIM, which stands for Analytics, Computing, and Complex Systems Laboratory, boasts of a 500-teraflop Acer supercomputer, which ranks among the fastest in the ASEAN region. It has a capacity of 500 terabytes. The supercomputer was donated through StanShih Foundation, led by Acer Founder and Honorary Chairman, Stan Shih.

On top of the computing power, the facility is also brimming with brain power, with highly-trained experts from various fields leading the lab.

Chris Monterola, Executive Managing Director of ACCeSs@AIM, said that the main purpose of the initiative is to improve the way of living of Filipinos —  finding solutions to real world problems by harnessing data science.

"Our goal is to improve the way we live, to make things more efficient. The ability of science and technology to improve life is something that we all understand...but mere knowledge is not sufficient," he said during the launch of ACCeSs@AIM at the campus lobby.

"Excellent execution has always been the problem. We want ACCeSs to be our excellent execution," he added.

One of the main issues that the team is looking to address is urban development and the transportation issues of Metro Manila, Monterola said. They also want to look into the gap between the skill set produced by universities and the available jobs in the country.

ACCeSs@AIM is planning to coordinate with government agencies, non-government organizations, and corporations with its projects. If successful, it promises "actionable insights" that will impact businesses, communities, and societies.

Already, its members are communicating with officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

"Definitely, we are looking forward to helping the government agencies, especially the DTI. We've been talking to [Asec. Rafaelita] Aldaba of DTI and [Secretary] Ramon Lopez. We are optimistic that something great will happen after this conversation," Monterola said.

"After we've done all the science, eventually the goal that we would like to see here, is to see the value of the science that we produced to be implemented for the benefit of the community, societies, government agencies," he added. — LA, GMA News