TACLOBAN CITY – A Europe-based Filipino Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineer and data scientist has emerged as part of a winning team at the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academy Public Policy Seminar, hosted by Fulbright University Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
AI engineer Rex Albert Villahermosa was part of a multinational group that bested other participants from across Southeast Asia during the high-profile policy conference focused on the theme “Shifting the Tech Value Chain in Southeast Asia” held from Nov. 18 to 22, 2024.
“This memorable experience provided an unparalleled opportunity to engage with fellow Southeast Asian innovators and policymakers on the complexities of the global chip ecosystem,” the 31-year-old Villahermosa said in an online interview Monday.
A native of Leyte province, he is an alumnus of the Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus and a graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
Villahermosa pursued further studies in AI in the Netherlands, where he shifted his focus towards the rapidly evolving world of semiconductor technology, with an emphasis on AI chips.
“Our collaborative discussions have shed light on how our region can strategically navigate the U.S.-China chip war and ensure sustainable technological advancement,” he added.
During the seminar in Vietnam, Villahermosa joined 32 other competitively selected delegates from across Southeast Asia to address urgent global challenges, including the escalating U.S.-China chip conflict.
He was accompanied by a diverse group of Southeast Asian delegates, including Nithya Vysnavi Vadeveloo (Malaysia), Sukonphet Phonpradiitanon (Thailand), Aditya Pradana (Indonesia), Khin Kye Sin (Myanmar), and Korlakod Vannaly (Laos).
“I am truly grateful to the YSEALI Academy and Fulbright University Vietnam for this opportunity, which not only broadened my professional perspective but also strengthened our shared commitment to shaping a more resilient and inclusive tech landscape for Southeast Asia,” said Villahermosa.
In their research, the AI engineer and his team examined how Southeast Asia “can strategically navigate these complexities to foster sustainable technological growth.”
“This memorable experience provided an unparalleled opportunity to engage with fellow Southeast Asian innovators and policymakers,” Villahermosa said.
He also emphasized the importance of “building a resilient and inclusive tech landscape, one that truly benefits the region.”
Over several intensive days during the seminar, participants delved into the complexities of the ongoing U.S.-China chip war, analyzing its implications for Southeast Asia’s technological ecosystem.
“As the chip war intensifies, we remain dedicated to informing policy decisions. We hope that our journey stands as an inspiration for other policymakers, scientists, and innovators aiming to shape the future of Southeast Asian technology,” he added.
Through collaborative dialogues, they demonstrated the potential of innovative semiconductor solutions. (PNA)
