KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, today launched its first KONE Academy in the Philippines, a dedicated training campus in Mandaluyong City aimed at developing a highly skilled workforce to support the country’s smart city ambitions and rapid urban growth.
Currently, the facility trains 620 elevator and escalator (E&E) professionals annually, with plans to expand its capacity to 800 by 2027. By 2030, KONE aims to certify 4,400 professionals, significantly strengthening the country’s infrastructure talent pipeline.
This milestone complements KONE’s broader commitment to talent development in the Philippines, which includes initiatives such as the Service Operations Apprenticeship Program for high-potential graduates and the Delivery Operations Development Program for future operations leaders.
“At KONE, we believe that people are the driving force behind progress. The KONE Academy is not just a training center – it’s a launchpad for the Philippines’ smart city aspirations,” said Petteri Kyrklund, Managing Director, KONEPhilippines. “By empowering local talent with the expertise to keep elevator and escalator systems safe, efficient, and future-ready, we are actively shaping the future of urban living and seamless people flow.”
The Academy’s opening comes at a pivotal moment for the Philippines, where nearly 102 million residents are projected to live in cities by 2050. With 70% of urban local government units preparing smart city programs and 61% already piloting initiatives, the facility directly supports the country’s need for intelligent infrastructure and skilled professionals.
“At KONE, we strive to be a true partner in sustainable national development across every market,” said Edward Loy, Managing Director, KONE Southeast Asia. “The KONE Academy sits at the heart of our “Rise” strategy, driving digital innovation in the E&E sector and equipping technicians with the skills to modernize infrastructure. In doing so, we’re proud to support the Philippines’ journey toward smarter, more connected, and more livable cities – built on a foundation of long-term sustainability.”
KONE’s “Rise” strategy for 2025–2030 centers on four strategic shifts: accelerating digital service delivery, driving modernization, winning the residential segment, and cutting carbon, all anchored by a people-first approach. Building on 50 years in Southeast Asia, “Rise” will guide KONE’s continued investment in talent, technology, and sustainability across the region.
The Academy plays a critical role in delivering this strategy. Trainees receive hands-on instruction in installation, commissioning, maintenance, and modernization—aligned with KONE’s globally certified methods to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality and equipment reliability. They will also gain exposure to real-world scenarios using advanced simulation systems and smart building technologies, including APIenabled robotics, smart access systems, and connected elevator technologies.
Beyond training, the Academy will also function as a Customer Experience Center, welcoming clients and prospects to experience KONE’s latest innovations. These include the KONE UltraRope® hoisting technology, which improves elevator ecoefficiency, reliability, and performance, as well as KONE 24/7 Connect, which supports remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, helping reduce downtime and enhance safety.
About KONE
At KONE, our purpose is to shape the future of cities. As a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, we move two billion people every day, making their journeys safe, convenient, and reliable with smart and sustainable People Flow®. In 2024, KONE had annual sales of EUR 11.0 billion, and at the end of the year over 60,000 employees in close to 70 countries. KONE class B shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. in Finland.
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