My Speech as MD at the Launch of the Center for AI Research
My Speech at the CAIR Launch (03 July 2024)
DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba, DICT Undersecretary Paul Joseph Mercado, BSP MD Eugene Teves, DG Joel Joseph S. Marciano, NAST Academician and Professor Chris Monterola, ADB Principal Sector Specialist Fook Yen Chong, Ms.Ida Tiongson, Member of the Board of Trustees from the Inst. of Corporate Directors, members of the diplomatic corps, esteemed colleagues, and partners in innovation, It is my great honor to stand before you today as we launch the Center for AI Research, marking an important milestone in the Philippines’ journey towards becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence.
As we’ve just heard from Secretary Fred, the National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0 sets an ambitious vision for our nation. At CAIR, we are committed to turning this vision into reality.
Our mission is clear: to elevate the Philippines as a premier destination for AI-driven innovation, fostering a synergistic environment between government, industry, and academia. We aim to drive socio-economic growth, enhance industry competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for all Filipinos through cutting-edge AI research and applications.
In the coming years, CAIR will focus on four key areas:
- Boosting AI research and industry applications
- Championing industry-academia partnerships
- Promoting sector-specific or domain-specific AI innovation
- Ensuring responsible AI governance
We will tackle challenges in manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and beyond, leveraging AI to create tailored solutions that address our unique national needs.
But we cannot do this alone. The success of the Center depends on collaboration - with government agencies, academic institutions, industry leaders, and international partners. Together, we will build a vibrant AI ecosystem that not only uplifts local industries but also attracts significant foreign investments.
This ecosystem is vital for the Filipino people. It means more high-quality jobs in emerging technologies, providing opportunities for our youth to build careers at the forefront of global innovation. It means increased competitiveness for our local businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations, enabling them to thrive in the digital age. For our farmers, it could mean AI-powered solutions to increase crop yields and resilience. For our healthcare system, it promises more accurate diagnostics and personalized treatments.
Ultimately, our AI ecosystem will be a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life across all sectors of Filipino society.
As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite all of you to join us in shaping the future of AI in the Philippines. Let’s harness the transformative power of responsible and trustworthy AI to create a more innovative, competitive, and prosperous nation for all. Maayong hapon sa tanan. Maraming salamat! At sama-sama nating isulong ang Tatak Pinoy sa larangan ng AI.