2023 Pie & AI Ambassador Spotlight: Armielyn Obinguar, Manila, Philippines

Pie & AI is a series of events organized by DeepLearning.AI, a global community aimed at fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These events are typically informal gatherings where attendees can network, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for AI, ML, and related technologies.

Why did you join the DeepLearning.AI community as an event ambassador?

I became a part of this community because Andrew Ng has always been my role model in the field of deep learning and artificial intelligence. My journey began with his Coursera course, and I continue to explore the intricacies of deep learning through his courses. What’s truly remarkable about this community is that it’s not solely focused on technology; it also emphasizes the profound impact we can make on society.

What do you do when you are not hosting events with DeepLearning.AI

As the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Safe, I’ve had the privilege of spearheading the development of cutting-edge AI products tailored specifically for fintech and safety analytics. My expertise extends to areas such as encryption and transparency, where I ensure robust data security and compliance with industry standards. I’ve taken the lead in managing and collaborating with more than 30 cross-functional teams, successfully driving projects in fraud analytics to deliver actionable insights.

Being honored by Women in AI as the first Filipina to receive such recognition for my outstanding contributions to AI for Humanitarian initiatives is a moment I’ll always cherish. My commitment to the ethical use of AI and its potential for positive change is evident through my collaboration with prestigious organizations like UNICEF, ITU (International Telecommunication Union), and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). In these collaborations, I have initiated and contributed to impactful projects that leverage AI to promote inclusivity and widen access to education, aligning my work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Outside of my professional commitments, I dedicate a portion of my time to engaging with external communities through outreach initiatives. My focus is on training, equipping, and sharing knowledge about AI with these communities. I’ve undertaken several side projects, driven by my passion for empowering young individuals in the Philippines. These projects involve conducting workshops and sharing insights with students and youth across different campuses.

Describe a few highlights from your event ambassador experience.

It brought me to a larger group of networks inside and outside my country. It also deepened my knowledge of deep learning. I have been able to launch my own startup, Safe, which is a trailblazing fintech company revolutionizing online shopping by providing an escrow-as-a-payment app to act as a trusted middleman between buyers and sellers. Our mission is to effectively eliminate online shopping scams and instill trust in every transaction. With Safe, users can confidently engage in e-commerce, knowing that their financial interests are safeguarded throughout the process. I’ve built this with my co-founders Al Cardenas and Belle Daza, and using my extensive knowledge and experience from the DeepLearning.AI program.

What have you learned/gained since joining the DeepLearning.AI community?

I’ve learned more about best practices and key industry speakers. We’ve also been able to become more ethical and responsible in our AI developments. It’s essential to step out into the world and demonstrate that, as women, we have the ability to kickstart our careers in AI and even launch our ventures using the resources and skills we possess.

What are some predictions you have for the AI community in the next year?

Our goal is to expand our network and reach out to a larger audience, with the hope of meeting Andrew Ng in person. This would serve as a powerful testament to our community, showcasing that we are not only recognized but also that our efforts are both acknowledged and enduring. We will continue to have our in-person meetups and also events where provinces here in our country will also be joining! We hope to have more than 500+ people in the community from the Philippines. Personally, I hope to be one of the pioneering women for DeepLearning.AI here!

Do you want to become a Pie & AI Ambassador?