PLDT unit to forge foreign deals in Q1

PLDT, Inc.’s digital innovations unit Voyager Innovations, Inc. expects to sign deals with foreign partners within the first quarter of the year.

“It’s going to be financial and strategic,” PLDT Chairman, President and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan told reporters on the sidelines of the The Outstanding Young Men awardees announcement, when asked about partnerships with foreign firms.

Asked whether the deals could be signed within the first quarter of the year, he replied: “I’ll stick my neck out for it.”

The signing of partnerships is key to Voyager’s overseas expansion plans. Mr. Pangilinan previously said that Voyager needs to scale and aim for a larger market and venture outside the country.

Voyager Innovations President and CEO Orlando B. Vea previously said the company is targeting emerging markets, particularly in Asia, where it sees a strong demand for its services.

Voyager on Tuesday launched DigiHub, an office space at its Launchpad headquarters in Mandaluyong City that entrepreneurs can use. DigiHub is expected to be fully operational by first quarter of next year.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. —