THE Aboitiz Group is strengthening investments in talent and leadership as artificial intelligence (AI) takes on a bigger role across its businesses.
Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz said AI’s rapid development was increasing the value of judgment, adaptability, curiosity and leadership as technology assumes more functions in the workplace.“The value of this program is not just to help you finish school but to prepare you for what comes after it,” he said during a recent gathering of Aboitiz Future Leaders scholars.He said technology would continue to improve, but judgment, curiosity, character, creativity, empathy and leadership would become even more important as AI advances.“AI can give you an answer in seconds, but it cannot decide what kind of person you want to be. That part is still up to you,” Aboitiz saidAboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar said leadership should not be viewed only as a future position but as something students could practice through their decisions and interactions with others.“The Aboitiz Future Leaders Program is not only about academics,” Hontiveros-Malvar said. “It is really about becoming a whole person and a better person.”“Success is never only about how far we go on our own personal journeys. It’s also about how many people we can take with us, how many people we can bring forward with us.”The group has been expanding its capabilities in AI, data and digital technologies, with Aboitiz Data Innovation providing data and AI solutions across business units.The conglomerate has extended its investment in technology talent beyond its own workforce through a $10-million commitment to the Asian Institute of Management to establish the Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship.The program has supported 290 students pursuing graduate studies in data science, with more than 160 graduates produced so far.