Hyper Island APAC, a forefront player in creative business education, orchestrated a compelling exploration into the future of work with the distinguished presence of Dr. Vivienne Ming, a renowned expert in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The event, titled “Building People for the Unknown” and held at the Ayala Museum last 01 December 2023, left an indelible mark on attendees from both Europe and Asia.
The centerpiece of the event was Dr. Ming’s illuminating keynote presentation, where she navigated through the redefinition of essential human skills crucial in the age of AI. Driven by the conviction that emotional intelligence, resilience, courage, perspective-taking, and creativity surpass traditional hard skills, she emphasized the necessity of cultivating meta-learning skills — learning how to learn. Dr. Ming underscored the profound societal importance of preparing individuals for the unknown, highlighting its role in fostering social stability.
“There is a growing chasm between the routine and the creative economy, and it will soon be very hard to cross that chasm. While knowledge is important, we moreso need a generation of creatives, explorers, and problem solvers — a generation that can do amazing things with amazing tools. It is the craftsmen using the tools, and not the tools that allow us to solve the problems of the world,” according to Dr. Ming.
The event’s hybrid format, featuring simulcast sessions across multiple locations, enabled a global audience to engage with the transformative insights. Face-to-face sessions took place not only in the Philippines but also in Singapore and Vietnam. Dr. Ming, virtually joining from New York, laid the groundwork for subsequent panel discussions in each participating location.
In the Philippines, Hyper Island APAC Managing Director Peachy Pacquing expertly moderated a panel comprising thought leaders from sectors poised for significant AI impact, including Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs), technology, and creative industries. The panel featured Jack Madrid, CEO of IBPAP, Leah Besa-Jimenez, FVP and Chief Data Privacy Officer of PLDT, Donald Lim, Chief Innovation Officer of Udenna Corporation, and Angie Tijam-Tohid, Creative Guild President of 4As and Executive Creative Director of Havas Ortega Group.
The dialogue delved into the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in their respective industries, exploring mitigating strategies, evolving policies, and the moral responsibilities organizations must shoulder as AI becomes increasingly integrated into every aspect of work and life. The panelists resonated with Dr. Ming’s emphasis on lifelong learning and the importance of concentrating on fundamental development, with AI serving as an amplifying tool rather than a solitary problem-solving entity.
Earlier this year, Hyper Island extended its global footprint in Asia, successfully launching programs in the Philippines as part of its strategic expansion efforts. The Hyper Island Institute of Higher Education, renowned for its creative business education and consultancy services, continues to provide alternative learning experiences that challenge individuals and organizations to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving and complex world.