Technology and innovation next level for biz productivity, efficiency

 
CEBU CITY – Technology and innovation, especially on the adaptation and focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business systems and operations seem to be the next level to achieve the highest efficiency and productivity in the ever-changing landscape in business today.

This insight summed up the various discussion topics at the “Technology and Innovation Forum” hosted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce (CCCI) on June 20, at the Marcopolo Plaza Hotel, Cebu City as part of the Cebu Business Months (CBM) 2025 activities from June to August, this year with “Padayon Cebu” as a continuing tagline since 2024.

“The Technology and Innovation Forum focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI). We aim to catalyze digital transformation and collaborative innovation by bringing together a diverse mix of industry experts, tech leaders, innovators, and enabler to explore cutting-edge AI technologies, co-develop solutions, and tackle real-world challenges through a full day of learning and problem-solving centered on AI's transformative power,” CCCI president, Jay Yuvallos said in his opening message.

Yuvallos said, CCCI must lead, true to its LEAD A MUST Agenda, an acronym representing the Chamber’s leadership goals, including lifting up business and investments in Cebu. The event is framed as a movement to shape the future of Cebu and position it as a leader in ASEAN's technology and innovation.

AI adoption is already creeping in Southeast Asia creating huge potential impact on the economy and society.  It is now a must for the Philippines and other Asian countries to embrace AI to boost GDP by 18% and transform lives of 700 million people in ASEAN, Yuvallos added.

Anton Mari Perdices, CBM 2025 Overall Chair emphasized the importance of adapting to technological advancements, particularly AI, in the business sector.  There is that need for active participation in the technological revolution and to engage proactively rather than passively.

“It is important to adapt to technological advancements, particularly AI, reflecting the era of rapid technological change and its impact on business and the potential of AI in transforming decision-making processes and creating new digital markets. However, be reminded of the crucial element of being humans in business, cautioning against a complete takeover by AI,” Perdices said.

Brian Yap, CBM 2025 Digital Transformation Chair, bared that Cebu has a potential to become Southeast Asia's most dynamic technology ecosystem, but only if the business sector acts collectively, strategically and individually. Cebu has the talent, the infrastructures, the cultural advantage, the entrepreneurial spirit. What it needs is coordination, knowledge, sharing and collaborative actions.

“We are excited about the potential for Cebu to become Southeast Asia's most dynamic technology ecosystem. We believe that collective, strategic, and individual actions are necessary to achieve this potential,” Yap said.

Yap viewed the Technology and Innovation Forum as a pivotal moment for initiating this coordinated effort towards a dynamic technology ecosystem that will shape the region's economic future—the next level for business productivity and efficiency. (Photos: MBCNewman)