GOVPH

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has found a new ally in promoting science, technology, and innovation (STI).

 Television host, entrepreneur, and former basketball player Chris Tiu is nowthe DOST’s brand ambassador, bringing with him his many achievements, credentials, and positive influence, especially among the youth. 

Tiu was launched as Brand Ambassador of the DOST during the opening program of the 2019 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on 17 July at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City.

At the press conference for the NSTW, Tiu thanked the DOST for choosing him to be the Department’s brand ambassador. “I hope that I can help you out in your advocacies in promoting science and technology especially among the youth,” Tiu said.

“My role is to help encourage the youth to love science or to pursue a career in science, or at least consider it,” added Tiu.

He also expressed hope that the youth can channel their interest in social media in creating content related to science. “I want to help the youth to realize that science is cool and it is for everyone and benefits us all,” Tiu explained.
Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña also expressed hope that with Tiu on board as the DOST ambassador, more people will be aware of how science and technology can help them.

“We had a long list of names to choose from as DOST ambassador and I am very glad that we eventually chose Chris Tiu to be the face of DOST. His interest and knowledge on science will be beneficial for all us,” the Secretary said.
Chris Tiu or Christopher John Alandy-Dy Tiu graduated with a degree in Management Engineering from the Ateneo de Manuila University. He first made a name for himself when he played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball team in the UAAP. From there, he went on to play professionally for the Philippines’ national team and the Philippine Basketball Association.

After retiring from professional basketball, Tiu explored the world of show business as television host for several shows, including his current show, iBilib on GMA 7. The show features scientific experiments and explores scientific facts and theories surrounding everyday events.

Aside from hosting, he is also a commercial model and products endorser, and has also served as SangguniangKabataan Chair of Barangay Urdaneta in Makati City. At 33, he owns or partly owns and manages several business enterprises.

With all his achievements so far, he has been awarded with several recognitions including the Ten Outstanding Young Men Award in 2013.

Tiu was one of the top choices among several celebrities that were identified as possible endorsers or influencers for the DOST in a commissioned survey done in the last quarter of 2018.

The NSTW is held annually and features the latest technologies and innovations in the fields of agriculture, enterprise development, industry, emerging technologies, health and nutrition, information and communication technology, and disaster preparedness.

Admission to the event is free and the exhibits are open to the public. The 2019 NSTW will run 17-21 July at the World Trade Center, Gil Puyat Avenue, Pasay City. (Sheila J. de Luna, DOST-STII)#2019NSTW #ScienceForThePeople

Chris Tiu, the first Brand Ambassador of the Department of Science and Technology, says that his role is to “help encourage the youth to love science or to pursue a career in science, or at least consider it.” With him are the winners in the #HulaWHO contest of the 2019 National Science and Technology Week (2019 NSTW) Facebook page. John Michael Bricia, MarronPayosalan, and Angela Nalda were the first to comment the correct answer that Chris Tiu is the DOST’s Brand Ambassador, earning the three students a special time with Chris Tiu on the NSTW opening day at the World Trade Center in Gil Puyat Avenue, Pasay City. To be held 17-21 July, the NSTW is open and gives free admission to the public. (Text by Framelia V. Anonas | Photo by Kimverlyn C. Sayson, DOST-STII)