MANDALUYONG, Philippines (Jul 2025) – KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, has launched its first KONE Academy in the Philippines, a state-of-the-art training facility in Mandaluyong City. The academy aims to equip local professionals with advanced digital and technical skills, directly supporting the country’s rapid urbanization and smart city initiatives.
The new facility is set to train 620 elevator and escalator professionals annually, with plans to increase capacity to 800 by 2027. By 2030, KONE projects certifying 4,400 professionals, significantly enhancing the Philippines’ infrastructure talent pool. This initiative aligns with KONE’s broader commitment to talent development in the country, which includes specialized apprenticeship programs for graduates and future operations leaders, according to a press release obtained by our editors.
Petteri Kyrklund, Managing Director of KONE Philippines, emphasized the academy’s role in the nation’s progress. “The KONE Academy is not just a training center; it is a launchpad for the Philippines’ smart city aspirations,” Kyrklund stated. He added that empowering local talent ensures elevator and escalator systems are safe, efficient, and ready for the future of urban living and people flow.
The academy’s opening is timely, as nearly 102 million Filipinos are expected to reside in cities by 2050. With 70 percent of urban local government units preparing smart city programs and 61 percent already piloting initiatives, the facility directly addresses the country’s need for intelligent infrastructure and skilled professionals. Edward Loy, Managing Director of KONE Southeast Asia, highlighted the academy as central to KONE’s “Rise” strategy for 2025–2030, which focuses on accelerating digital service delivery and modernizing infrastructure.
Trainees at the KONE Academy will receive hands-on instruction in installation, commissioning, maintenance, and modernization, adhering to KONE’s global standards for safety, quality, and equipment reliability. They will also gain exposure to real-world scenarios through advanced simulation systems and smart building technologies, including API-enabled robotics and connected elevator systems. The academy also serves as a Customer Experience Center, showcasing KONE innovations such as the KONE UltraRope hoisting technology and KONE 24/7 Connect for remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance. This commitment to local talent development and advanced technology positions KONE as a key partner in the Philippines’ journey toward smarter, more connected, and more livable cities.
