The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) may be transforming industries worldwide, but VST ECS President and CEO Jimmy Go said the real competitive edge for businesses will lie in the areas that AI cannot replicate such as human insight, creativity, and leadership.
Speaking at the ongoing CXO Tech Summit 2025, Go described this new era as the “dawn of the augmented enterprise,” where technology and human capabilities must evolve together.
“AI is changing everything, but it cannot replace the human ability to think critically, to lead strategically, and to make ethical decisions,” Go said. “The goal is no longer man versus machine, but man with machine.”
Go emphasized that while global technology giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and OpenAI are racing to build massive AI “factories” powered by data centers and cloud infrastructure, the real challenge for organizations lies in ensuring that their people and systems are ready for this shift.
“AI is only as powerful as the data it consumes,” he noted. “Without high-quality, relevant, and timely data, even the most advanced AI systems will fail to deliver meaningful results.”
He urged companies to start asking the right questions about their data strategies: Are they collecting the right data? Are their infrastructures secure and scalable? Are they breaking down silos that prevent data from flowing across departments?
But beyond technology and infrastructure, Go underscored the importance of upskilling the workforce to ensure that organizations remain agile and innovative in an AI-driven world.
“We must cultivate new talent focused on the skills AI cannot replicate,” he said. “That means developing people who can think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy and purpose.”
Industry analysts estimate that AI could contribute nearly $2 trillion to the global economy by 2030 and boost productivity by as much as 40 percent.
Go further said he believes Southeast Asia, and the Philippines in particular, is well-positioned to take a leadership role in this transformation, thanks to its young, digitally savvy population and advanced digital infrastructure.
“The next chapter of digital transformation will belong to those who act decisively, invest strategically, and lead with clarity,” Go added. “Technology may be the enabler, but people remain the differentiator.”
As the summit continues, VST ECS aims to serve as a “compass” for companies navigating the evolving digital landscape, connecting them with cutting-edge technologies and expertise to integrate AI responsibly and effectively into their operations, Go further said.
