In a world increasingly driven by data, the thirst for knowledge and professional growth has never been more apparent. Every decision we make is underpinned by a data-driven approach.
Organized by the Culture Pillar Squad 2 in partnership with AI Center of Excellence and UBP Xcellerator, the Data Science Bootcamp aimed to equip our A-People with the tools and insights necessary to extract, relate, and derive value from collected data. It’s a transformative journey that goes beyond acquiring skills; it’s about fostering a deep appreciation for how data can uncover trends and drive informed decisions across diverse business domains.
This six-week intensive program challenged participants to excel in various fields, including programming, statistics, machine learning, and data visualization. They tackled real-world case studies, honed their problem-solving skills, and learned to collaborate effectively in teams.
As we delve into their recent graduation, let’s celebrate the achievements of those who displayed dedication and perseverance, earning them the title of Aboitiz Citizen Data Scientists. Their journey highlights that genuine innovation starts from within.
HONORING OUR A+10 TALENTS
We marked our virtual graduation ceremony together with our esteemed leaders last January 12. Michelle Rubio, GT Culture Pillar Tribe Lead and Chief HR Officer at Union Bank of the Philippines kicked off the event with her inspiring opening remarks. Adrienne Heinrich, Head of AI and Innovation COE at UBP, took the stage to honor our hardworking graduates. Wrapping up the event, David Hardoon, Chief Data and AI Officer at UBP and CEO of ADI provided encouraging words for their future.
On top of their day-to-day workload, our A+10 talents went above and beyond, showcasing their dedication and perseverance. With 19 online modules, we’re proud of our 25 Data Science Completers who showed their commitment to learning and growth.
We also recognized several A-People for their outstanding performance throughout the bootcamp. From top scorers in module quizzes to those who completed modules ahead of schedule, each awardee exemplifies excellence and dedication.
HIGHLIGHTING SUCCESS STORIES: A GLIMPSE INTO GRADUATES’ PROJECTS
In their Data Science Challenge, participants confronted real-world dilemmas, showcasing their adeptness by presenting impressive solutions. From optimizing power supply to forecasting supermarket demand, their projects reflect their skills and potential to drive positive change.
Let’s dive into each project and become inspired as they share their transformative stories, challenges, and insights, demonstrating their embodiment of our A+10 behaviors throughout their journey.
Group 1: Power Supply Optimization
Our general objective for this challenge is to optimize the power supply to get the lowest Generation Charge for customers using Data Science. This objective is anchored to the mission of Aboitiz Power Distribution Utility (AP DU) to provide reasonable cost for the satisfaction of our customers. Also, to appreciate the backend of the current optimization system, which is developed by a third party vendor and beat it.
Our realizations in this challenge is proof that data science can be the fuel that propels us on our “Transformation Journey”. It is something all of us want to master, making one a sharper decision-maker – a transformed A-Person. This “challenge” is a testament to our collective power, a glimpse of the potential that has been awoken.
- Data is the new gold and being able to understand, analyze and process data will help us back our decisions and push the innovations that we want.
- Learning data science can help us become more innovative and creative as its application and techniques are broad.
- This challenge made us more innovative as we are finding ways and achieving more than the status quo. “Purpose-driven”, as we aim to provide the lowest rates to our customers as much as possible.
- Chat GPT is the key!
Group 2: RTEM New York
Our case study on Power focused on proposing innovative use cases that can positively impact and accelerate the electrification and decarbonization of commercial and multi-family buildings.
In conclusion, our journey through this case study has been transformative, teaching us to navigate challenges, hone our technical skills, and most importantly, apply our knowledge to create practical solutions. We are proud to present our findings today and hope that our work inspires new ideas and approaches.
Group 3: Unbalanced Load Analysis
Our project aims to address power quality issues in our utility, the Unbalance current, leveraging machine learning capabilities, the goal is to predict future unbalance loading and its associated power loss, and ultimately improve the phase balancing of feeder lines and lessen the power losses in the Davao Light’s power system.
This project may not be possible without some of these manifestations from A+10 core behaviors:
- SYNERGETIC – our project is a product of the team’s collaborative effort regardless of the diversity
- SMART – we check each result and iterate as necessary in the depths of our knowledge
- FAST – we fast track the progress of our project despite the short time and busy schedules
- SIMPLE – simplifying complicated engineering-terms into layman’s terms for core understanding
- ARTICULATE – we believe that our project is explained well and understood
- PURPOSE DRIVEN – we are positive that it would help reduce company’s loss through proactive decision
- And last but the very important thing, FUN! – data science is new to us and is quite challenging but we’re having fun exploring it!
Group 4: Demand Forecasting for a Supermarket Chain
Our group provided the forecasts for the next three months of sales for 50 items across 10 stores. These forecasts will contribute to improved decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and enhanced overall sales performance.
We believe that all A+10 core behaviors were employed and demonstrated throughout this initiative.
- Open – This was evident in our curiosity about data insights and our receptiveness to various ideas.
- Entrepreneurial – This was showcased through our Owner’s Mindset, enabling us to offer recommendations beneficial to the business.
- Synergetic – This was achieved through collaborative efforts, proving essential in overcoming this challenge.
- Innovative – This was evident in our model evaluation process, enabling us to select the most suitable model for deployment.
- Smart – This was exhibited through our problem-solving approach and outcome-driven focus, employing critical thinking in data analysis, and continually learning through trial and error.
- Fast – This was demonstrated by delivering results efficiently despite time constraints and varied team schedules.
- Simple – This was embraced through concise meetings and presentations.
- Articulate – This was maintained by employing effective communication and storytelling techniques throughout our data science journey.
- Purpose-Driven – We take pride in representing the food group, aligning our work with a sense of purpose.
- Fun – We found joy in learning and engaging with new individuals.
Group 5: Project Bid Awarding
Our objective is to create a model that will help us in decision-making during the pre-qualification stage up to bidding/tender submission and to develop a dynamic, data-driven decision support system for bid selection and project profitability assessment.
- Open. Our presentation shows willingness to share data and findings, indicating openness in communication.
- Entrepreneurial. The use of predictive analysis and a focus on improving bid success suggests an entrepreneurial approach to leveraging data for business opportunities.
- Synergetic. The efforts to understand the relationship between project costs and bidding success indicates a synergetic approach to problem-solving, combining data analytics with business strategy.
- Innovative. Employing predictive analysis and statistical methods such as Chi-Square tests for project bid analysis shows innovative use of data science in business processes.
- Smarter. The use of statistical analysis to inform business decisions points to a smarter, data-driven approach to strategy.
- Faster. The use of predictive analytics would enable faster decision-making.
- Simpler. The presentation simplifies complex data into understandable conclusions, which aligns with the aim to make things simpler.
- Articulate. The clear presentation of data, hypotheses, and conclusions suggests an articulate approach to communication.
- Purpose-Driven. The focus on improving bid success rates indicates a purpose-driven approach to enhancing business outcomes.
- Fun. We had fun learning and collaborating as a team.
LOOKING AHEAD: EMBRACING A TRANSFORMED FUTURE
We invite our A-People to join similar transformative programs to fuel your own professional growth and innovation. If you’re interested in participating in future initiatives like this, reach out to your learning partners today and seize the opportunity to embark on your own journey of discovery and excellence in data science.
Visit and learn more from UBP Xcellerator and be part of a movement that advocates for social sustainability through digital capability building! Click the link below:
