Speaking at the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s North Luzon Area Business Conference held in Bataan, Uy, who also chairs the upcoming 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E), said that AI is rapidly transforming global business models—and the Philippines cannot afford to lag behind.
“Companies all over the world are trying to adapt to AI. Here in the Philippines, we’re barely scratching the surface,” Uy said.
Embracing game-changing technologies
“And the smaller businesses, which are just starting to embrace digitalization, have to learn new ways of doing business with the growing pervasiveness of these new technologies,” he added, emphasizing that AI is not exclusive to large corporations.
“Micro and small businesses can also find a foothold in the use of the game-changing technology,” Uy said. “With AI adoption, MSMEs can potentially increase efficiency, reduce costs, and drive competitive edge.”
Uy recently returned from a trip to Taiwan, the global hub for semiconductors, where he witnessed firsthand how AI is being integrated into manufacturing value chains.
Finding a niche in the value chain
“If the Philippines can find a niche spot in this value chain, the multiplier to employment, skills and knowledge upgrading, and the effect on downstream industries is massive,” Uy said. “While micro and small businesses may not yet be able to participate in these larger value chains, where they can benefit is by taking small steps toward adopting AI tools.”
Bataan Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III expressed support for digital innovation at the local level.
“We want to express the support of the provincial government of Bataan… for the creative and innovative industry,” Garcia said. “This sector is key to accelerating productivity and growth, especially for the youth who were born adept to digital devices.”
51st PBC&E’s ‘technology-forward’ agenda
During the Byte Forward Hackathon, jointly organized by Converge, PCCI, the Department of Trade and Industry, and Converge subsidiary Rev21 Labs, small businesses collaborated with student teams to design AI-powered solutions to real-world challenges.
Artificial intelligence will take center stage at the 51st PBC&E, scheduled for Oct. 20 to 22, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, where Uy promises a “technology-forward” agenda aimed at empowering MSMEs through digital transformation. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
