A SWEEP Moment: Xavier University Alum Tops Electronics Engineering Board Exam

When Engr. Carl Vincent Malinao of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan walked into the PLDT and Smart headquarters in Makati, it symbolized more than personal achievement. It marked the success of a long‑standing collaboration between academe and industry through the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP). Since 2003, Xavier University has been part of this pioneering initiative, and Malinao’s journey shows how such partnerships can shape future engineers.

From Classroom to Real‑World Technology

Fresh from topping the March 2026 Electronics Engineers Licensure Examination, Malinao represents a new generation of engineers molded not only by academic rigor but also by early exposure to cutting‑edge telecom technologies.

“During my freshman year, I attended a SWEEP seminar on 5G and its evolution,” Malinao recalled. “Smart also provided antennas, transceivers, and other cell site components to our communications laboratory, which we used in our coursework.”

These resources gave students hands‑on experience with real equipment, bridging the gap between theory and practice. For Malinao, this exposure was pivotal in developing the skills and confidence needed to excel in the licensure exam and beyond.

A Historic Achievement for Xavier University

Graduating summa cum laude—the first in the department’s history—Malinao went on to become the university’s first board exam topnotcher in Electronics Engineering.

“Carl is proof that Xavier University can produce top‑tier electronics engineers,” said Engr. Lolit Villanueva, head of the Electronics Engineering Department. “He has benefited from training and seminars supported by Smart through SWEEP. We look forward to expanding this collaboration to develop more industry‑ready engineers and innovators.”

This milestone not only elevates the reputation of Xavier University but also inspires future students to pursue excellence in engineering education.

Industry Perspective: Building the Next Wave of Engineers

For PLDT and Smart, Malinao’s success reflects a broader industry commitment to nurturing talent that can meet evolving customer needs.

“We are constantly pushing the network forward and exploring what’s next—not just in terms of technology, but in the kind of engineers we need to build it,” said Eric Santiago, Head of Network Strategy and Infrastructure at PLDT and Smart. “Delivering the next wave of customer experience will require engineers who are innovative, adaptable, and ready to work with rapidly evolving digital systems.”

This statement underscores the importance of programs like SWEEP in aligning academic training with industry demands.

SWEEP: Two Decades of Impact

Launched over two decades ago, SWEEP is the Philippines’ longest‑running industry‑academe linkage program. It equips engineering students nationwide with mentorship, hands‑on training, and access to evolving network technologies.

Now in Phase 5, SWEEP integrates artificial intelligence, automation, and intelligent systems into engineering education. This ensures that students are not only prepared for today’s telecom challenges but are also future‑ready for the digital transformation sweeping across industries.

By embedding AI and automation into the curriculum, SWEEP helps students understand how modern telecom networks are designed, operated, and optimized. This prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to the country’s digital future.

Closing the Loop: From Student to Engineer

For Malinao, his visit to PLDT and Smart headquarters was symbolic. It closed the loop from being a student learning about emerging technologies to becoming an engineer poised to help build them. His journey highlights how collaboration between universities and industry can produce professionals who are both academically excellent and practically skilled.

As Xavier University celebrates its first Electronics Engineering board exam topnotcher, the achievement also serves as a testament to the enduring value of SWEEP. It is a reminder that when academe and industry work hand in hand, they can empower students to reach their full potential and contribute to the nation’s digital progress.