First KONE Academy Opens in the Philippines

KONE has officially opened its first KONE Academy in the Philippines, the Manila Bulletin reports. The state-of-the-art facility in Mandaluyong City currently trains 620 vertical-transportation professionals annually, with plans to expand its capacity to 800 by 2027. By 2030, KONE aims to certify 4,400 professionals. Trainees receive hands-on instruction in installation, commissioning, maintenance and modernization. They will also gain exposure to real-world scenarios through advanced simulation systems and smart building technologies, including API-enabled robotics, smart access systems and connected elevator technologies. The Academy's opening is timely, as nearly 102 million Philippine residents are projected to live in cities by 2050. The facility directly addresses the country’s growing need for intelligent infrastructure and skilled professionals. The Academy will also serve as a Customer Experience Center, welcoming clients and prospects to explore KONE’s latest innovations.