"Pearl", Philippines' First Digital Human, Unveiled by Smart, MediaQuest Holdings, Cignal TV, and NTT DATA

PLDT Inc., Smart, MediaQuest Holdings, Cignal TV, and NTT DATA have joined forces to introduce an innovative experience for basketball enthusiasts both within the Philippines and worldwide, who will be attending the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Manila. This collaboration brings forth "Pearl," the nation's inaugural "Digital Human."

Anticipating the gathering of nearly 500,000 sports aficionados during the FIBA tournament from August 25 to September 10, 2023, Pearl stands ready to engage with visitors. Powered by Advanced Digital Human Technology, Pearl is a conversational Artificial Intelligence (AI) Avatar stationed at designated kiosks within the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena.

Leveraging ChatGPT technology alongside visual and auditory sensors, Pearl adeptly interacts with fans in both English and Filipino, fielding inquiries about FIBA-related matters. From guiding attendees to their seats to offering insights on snack locations and recommended tourist activities in Manila, Pearl excels in assisting attendees.

(L-R) PLDT and Smart Communications President and CEO - Mr. Alfredo S. Panlilio, NTT DATA CEO - Mr. Kaz Nishihata, and President and CEO of Mediaquest and Cignal - Ms. Jane J. Basas, at the official unveiling of "Pearl", The Philippines' First Digital Human, for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

As a pioneering feat in Asia, Pearl represents the forefront of Digital Human technology. Combining speech recognition, machine learning, natural language processing, and conversational AI, Pearl establishes meaningful connections with individuals. Pearl's dialogue is accompanied by intricate facial expressions, enhancing the naturalness of her interactions. Enthusiasts seeking game updates can simply consult Pearl, who readily provides the latest game outcomes, statistics, leaderboards, and upcoming match details.

Digital Human technology, conceived by NTT DATA in collaboration with NTT Ltd. and NTT DATA Business Solutions, introduces Smart Solutions that transcend geographical boundaries, granting fans a globally unified experience. These Smart Solutions amalgamate innovative communication techniques with cutting-edge advancements in IoT and AI technologies, thus crafting a distinctive encounter for sports aficionados. The NTT Group has previously showcased Smart Solutions across diverse sporting events such as the Tour de France, IndyCar Series, and Major League Baseball.

Thanks to the partnership between Smart, PLDT through its business-to-business sector (PLDT Enterprise), MediaQuest, Cignal, and the NTT Group, the Philippines is now home to Smart Solutions, perfectly timed for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

To quote NTT DATA CEO, Mr. Noriyuki Kaya, "The NTT Group has been advocating Smart Solutions for sports for some time now, and we are happy to introduce it to the Philippines at this global event. We look forward to more collaborations with the PLDT Group and the Mediaquest Group as we develop more innovations"

 

PLDT and Smart Communications President and CEO, Mr. Alfredo S. Panlilio, who also serves as Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President, noted, "We are thrilled at the chance to bring these next-generation technologies to Filipino basketball fans as we adapt more innovative and customer-centric digital solutions. We will learn from the interactions that the fans will have with Pearl, and we will continue to improve the live stadium experience for future events."

Finally, Ms. Jane J. Basas, President and CEO of Mediaquest and Cignal, shared, "Aside from helping sports fans enjoy the FIBA games, Pearl gives them something more – a taste of the emerging digital future today. That’s why we are quite keen on bringing Smart Solutions to Philippine sports. This will bring the fan experience to new, higher levels.