BORACAY Island — Companies that fail to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) today risk being left behind in the next five years, warned VST ECS president and CEO Jimmy Go at the start of the annual CXO Tech Summit at the Shangrila Boracay.
“The decisions you make today will shape the state of your business five years from now,” Go said. “The competitive advantage will belong to those who act decisively, invest strategically, and lead with clarity. The AI revolution is going to be bigger than the Internet.”
According to Go, the world has reached a turning point where AI is no longer an emerging technology but an unavoidable strategic necessity.
The next stage of digital transformation, he said, is the rise of the Augmented Enterprise — organizations that integrate AI to amplify human capabilities and drive measurable business outcomes.
“Artificial Intelligence is not a future concept anymore. It’s here, it’s evolving fast, and it’s rewriting the rules of business,” he said. “Those who hesitate to adopt it will find themselves competing in a game that has already changed.”
Go noted that traditional playbooks on operations and growth are no longer enough. AI now influences every part of business — from customer experience and supply chain optimization to innovation and risk management.
At the center of this transformation is Agentic AI — a new generation of intelligent systems capable of autonomous decision-making and collaboration.
These systems, Go explained, are no longer just tools but digital teammates that can execute strategies and adapt dynamically to business goals.
“What was once theoretical is now real,” he said. “Agentic AI is driving the evolution of the modern enterprise.”
Go emphasized that the foundation of successful AI adoption lies in data — high-quality, relevant, and secure information.
“AI feeds on data. Without it, even the most advanced systems are ineffective,” he said.
He urged leaders to assess whether their organizations are ready: “Are we collecting the right data? Are we eliminating silos? Is our data infrastructure scalable, secure, and ready for AI?”
Companies that invest early in robust data systems, cybersecurity, and computing infrastructure, he said, will be best positioned to compete in the AI-driven economy.
Go believes Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, is well-positioned to lead the next wave of AI adoption. The region’s youthful workforce, digital infrastructure, and business agility create ideal conditions for accelerated growth.
Citing a Boston Consulting Group study, he noted that 85% of Southeast Asian executives already view AI as the single most critical factor for competitiveness — higher than the global average.
Go concluded with a challenge to executives and policymakers: act now or risk obsolescence.
“This is the moment to act,” he said. “AI is redefining how businesses operate and grow. Those who invest today are the ones who will lead tomorrow.”
He added, “The future belongs to companies that move with conviction — not caution — in embracing AI.”
