Australian AI training company projected to create 1,100 PHL jobs

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said an Australian artificial intelligence (AI) training company is expected to generate 1,100 jobs in the Philippines.

In a statement on Wednesday, PEZA said Appen Butler Hill Pty Ltd., is hoping to address growing demand for AI support services.

Appen specializes in image labeling and annotation for automated image classification systems.

Since opening in the Philippines in 2007, the company has grown its Philippine workforce to over 2,500 employees with a P140-million investment.

PEZA also noted that A.S. White, an Australian international staffing company, projects to grow to over more than 300 new jobs per year in the next few years as it expands in new cities in the Philippines.

The company operates out of E-Square IT Park in Taguig City, and has grown to 1,308 employees.

PEZA also noted that Financial Advice Association Australia, a professional group for financial advisors, is set to conduct a study tour in Cebu in August 2026, with PEZA expected to assist in meeting its requirements.

Meanwhile, Haute Kitchens, which specializes in kitchen, bathrooms, wardrobes, and living room design, is considering the Philippines as a possible manufacturing site.

PEZA’s meetings with Australian firms were held on the sidelines of the Digital Health Festival 2026 in Melbourne.

In Melbourne, PEZA also met with companies engaged in business process outsourcing, outsourced professional support services, AI-driven language learning; plastic recycling and vanadium flow battery systems; and hydrogen-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

It said two New Zealand firms have shown interest in expanding in the Philippines in dairy processing and tourism-oriented retirement estates.

“Through this mission, we wanted to show our Australian and New Zealand partners that the Philippines is not only a cost-effective destination, but a strategic partner that understands their business needs, work culture, and service expectations,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said.

About 91 Australian companies were registered with PEZA as of 2025, generating over P19 billion in investments and 40,000 jobs. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz