On October 24, 2024, Asia Select, in partnership with Cebu IT BPM.Organization (CIB.O), held an insightful fireside chat on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the workforce. Titled “Cultivating an AI Workforce: A Strategic Imperative for Cebu,” this event brought together industry leaders, HR professionals, and AI enthusiasts to explore the potential of AI-driven transformations in today’s work environment.

From upskilling employees to addressing ethical concerns, the panel dove deep into the dynamics that businesses face with AI adoption. With a warm welcome from Regina Zulueta-Perlas, President & CEO of Asia Select, Inc., the event began, followed by enlightening perspectives from industry leaders like Jemima Villa, Country Head at Innodata Knowledge Services, Inc., and Ryan Buswell, CEO of JustPressOne International.

Key Highlights from the Event

Upskilling and Reskilling for an AI Future
Preparing the workforce for AI-integrated roles was a major topic. Panelists emphasized the importance of continuous learning, encouraging companies to implement training programs that foster AI skills, such as data analysis and machine learning, to stay competitive.

AI Workforce Statistics and Demand
ZMG Ward Howell’s Research and Talent Intelligence team shared compelling statistics on the state of AI talent in the Philippines. As of October 2024, Cebu has around 3,700 AI professionals, while Metro Manila leads with 33,000, and Davao follows with 1,400. Cebu alone has 860 open AI positions, reflecting a robust demand for talent. Specific AI skills like Natural Language Processing (NLP) have grown by 281% and Generative AI by 334% over the past year. These trends underscore the need for targeted training to match the pace of AI integration across industries​.

Human-AI Collaboration
The conversation highlighted how AI can augment human capabilities, enhancing creativity, productivity, and decision-making. Panelists provided examples from healthcare and finance, illustrating how AI is supporting, not replacing, the workforce. Asia Select’s proprietary ZMG Hiring Difficulty Scale®—which rates AI talent acquisition as “Very Difficult” across Cebu, Metro Manila, and Davao—emphasized the need for strategic hiring solutions to bridge the talent gap and foster human-AI collaboration​.

Ethical Considerations
With AI comes a responsibility to address ethical challenges such as bias and inclusivity. Asia Select’s Sylbil Marie Fortuna discussed policies that HR teams can implement to ensure ethical AI practices in recruitment and evaluations. Additionally, ZMG Attrition Data® highlighted that Metro Manila experiences a high attrition rate of 27%, followed by Cebu at 18% and Davao at 16%. These insights underscore the importance of creating supportive work environments to retain skilled AI professionals amid high competition.

Retaining AI Talent and Building an AI-Ready Workforce
Attracting and retaining AI talent requires understanding their unique needs and offering competitive employment packages. Flexible work setups, career development plans, and upskilling opportunities are essential for sustaining a dedicated AI workforce. According to recent research, employees who feel supported in their skill development stay with their employers 41% longer. By developing reskilling programs, businesses can strengthen employee loyalty and reduce turnover in a highly competitive AI talent market.

Preparing for the Future Together: A Human-Centered Approach to AI
At Asia Select and CIB.O, we’re not just riding the AI wave; we’re paving the way for it—with a human touch. We champion initiatives that bring businesses and individuals into the AI era, emphasizing the need for collaboration every step of the way. After all, integrating AI isn’t a solo mission; it’s a team sport.

As we look ahead, our goal isn’t just to keep up with technology but to create a future where AI empowers rather than replaces us. Picture this: a workplace where AI handles the tedious stuff, giving us more time for creative problem-solving, building relationships, and maybe even squeezing in a coffee break that lasts longer than five minutes. We’re building that reality together.

By equipping our workforce with the skills and confidence to work alongside AI, we’re setting the stage for sustainable growth and innovation. At the end of the day, we believe AI should enhance our human potential—not overshadow it.