Harnessing AI for Equality

Ayala Corporation Managing Director for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Karl Kendrick Chua challenges the graduating class of the University of the Philippines Diliman National Graduate School of Engineering (UPD NGSE) to use their knowledge to address inequalities and benefit the planet.

Although the future appears bleak, especially if AI risks materialize, this does not mean that we cannot make AI work for us and reap its potential rewards. [...] Many innovative solutions that can potentially transform our society are in your hands.

KARL KENDRICK CHUA
AC Managing Director for Data
Science and Artificial Intelligence

There is no prosperity in the presence of inequality, but it is possible to "give every Filipino an equal opportunity to succeed," with the help of the transformative, technology-enabled solutions that are rapidly shaping society today.

Ayala Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Group Head Karl Kendrick Chua spoke about the pitfalls and opportunities in an AI-powered world to the 132 graduates of the University of the Philippines Diliman National Graduate School of Engineering during recognition rites held on August 18. More importantly, he underscored the need for the 2024 cohort to reflect on how to use their education to benefit people and the planet.

Chua, who received his master's and doctoral degrees in economics from UP Diliman, shared insights on the social inequalities and challenges from his previous roles as Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and as senior country economist at The World Bank. He then described potential use cases for AI to empower citizens to demand better government service, improve airport immigration processes and public transportation, support farmers, reduce corruption, and enhance education through internet accessibility.

Speaking of his current role at Ayala as an example of how business is using technology to help solve society's pain points, he said: "We aim to use data science and AI to improve understanding of our customers’ and various stakeholders’ needs and provide more data-driven and customized responses. By responding better to their need for lower priced, higher quality, and more sustainable goods and services, we hope to help improve the overall living standards and productivity of the country." He added that this includes partnering with the academe to arrive at solutions to the most pressing concerns.

In closing, Chua urged the UPD NGSE graduates: "In the face of an uncertain future, I hope many of you will be inspired by this to do more—more for our own personal improvement, more for our country, and more for our planet."