Communicating Well With AI

A two-day workshop on using artificial intelligence to enhance communications was held on August 19 to 20 at Ayala’s headquarters. Dubbed “Communic-AI-tions: Risks and Opportunities,” the workshop was part of Comms ACademy, a program of Ayala’s Public Affairs team comprising a series of expert-led training and knowledge-sharing sessions for communicators across the Ayala group.

In his message to participants, Ayala Senior Managing Director and Public Affairs Group Head Rene Almendras said: “AI also means ‘authenticity and integrity.’ It is important that we remain authentic and genuine in the way we communicate, and that we communicate the truth. AI is an enabler that will allow us to do even greater things.”

Experts from the media, technology, and advertising and creative industries spoke on the principles of AI, its application in communications, practical tips, and ethics and governance. Ayala Data Science and AI Group Head Karl Chua shared his perspectives on AI and how Ayala utilizes it to advance business transformation and strategy. He also highlighted the need to change paradigms and mindsets. “To be an AI-driven company, you must have clean data. To have clean data, you must be a digital company. To be a digital company, you must have an efficient business process. To arrive at that, we begin with people and organization,” he said.

Rappler Co-founder and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa reiterated the importance of integrity and accountability. She said, “The problem is when you use technology that is not anchored on facts to replace real people or to stop your own growth. Use AI, but use it with caution. If you do not learn anything more of the heart of the real skills, like learning to write, learning to reason, it could also come crumbling down quickly.”

(From left) AC Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Group Head Karl Chua, AC Public Affairs Group Head Rene Almendras, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa underscored authenticity, integrity, and accountability in using AI.

Participants utilized AI tools to produce various media such as images and short videos, with emphasis on responsible use.

Communicators from across the Ayala group took part in the “Communic-AItions: Risks and Opportunities” workshop.