“The Future is Here”: Mr. Jimmy Go Champions AI-Driven Leadership at VST ECS CXO Tech Summit 2025

VST ECS Philippines President and CEO Mr. Jimmy Go delivers his opening remarks at the CXO Tech Summit 2025 in Boracay, emphasizing how the theme “Navigating the Next Frontier of Digital Transformation” captures today’s fast-evolving landscape driven by AI, automation, and innovation.

• Digital Acceleration Reality: Technology waits for no one— digital transformation is moving faster than ever, with AI leading the charge.
• Southeast Asia Advantage: With its youthful population, fast-growing digital infrastructure, and agile industries, the region is primed to lead global AI adoption.
• Human-Centric Evolution: The next era of business growth depends on AI literacy, ethical governance, and leadership that embraces “man with machine.”

The 8th Annual VST ECS CXO Tech Summit and CIO Forum 2025 officially opened at the Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, gathering some of the region’s brightest technology minds and business leaders. In his welcome address, Mr. Jimmy Go, President and CEO of VST ECS Phils., Inc., set an inspiring tone for the summit running from October 14 to 17.

This year’s theme, “Navigating the Next Frontier of Digital Transformation,” captures the essence of today’s AI-driven technology landscape. Mr. Go emphasized that while digital transformation was once a long-term vision, it is now an everyday reality shaping how businesses operate, innovate, and grow. “For years we’ve spoken of digital transformation as an imperative to survive. But the future has arrived, and it’s moving faster than anyone anticipated,” he said.

He explained that technological progress has reached an inflection point, where changes that once took years now happen within months or even weeks. This accelerated pace, he noted, is powered by one transformative force: Artificial Intelligence. “The map we once relied on is being redrawn by one powerful, undeniable force: Artificial Intelligence,” he added.

His message was clear: Organizations must not simply adapt, they must lead with clarity, speed, and purpose in this new age.

The Dawn of the Augmented Enterprise

Mr. Go introduced the concept of Agentic AI, autonomous systems capable of making decisions, executing strategies, and collaborating like digital teammates. This signals what he called “The Dawn of the Augmented Enterprise,” where human talent and machine intelligence merge to enhance productivity and creativity, not replace them.

“The AI revolution is going to be bigger than the Internet,” Mr. Go said, emphasizing the scale of the transformation ahead. Yet, he reminded leaders that AI’s effectiveness depends on data quality, accessibility, and security -- without which, even the most advanced systems cannot deliver meaningful impact.

The Race for AI Leadership

Turning to the global AI race, Mr. Go pointed out that industry giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Tesla, and OpenAI are investing heavily to build the world’s most advanced AI data centers. “AI is driven by one relentless force: its huge appetite for data,” he explained.

He urged organizations to ask themselves: Are they gathering the right data? Are they using it responsibly? Is their infrastructure secure and scalable enough to support their digital ambitions?

These questions, he noted, are not theoretical -- they demand immediate action. “The decisions you make today will shape the state of your business five years from now.” Those who invest wisely and lead decisively will gain a powerful advantage in this AI-driven era.

A New Kind of Leadership

Artificial Intelligence is now redefining the rules of business. Traditional approaches to strategy, operations, and growth are being replaced by more adaptive, data-driven, and visionary leadership. This transformation requires a new mindset: One that embraces innovation while keeping people at the center.

The scale of opportunity is immense. Analysts project that the global AI market could contribute nearly USD 2 trillion to the world economy by 2030. Studies also show that generative AI can increase productivity by up to 40%, unlocking new levels of efficiency and creativity across industries.

The CXO Tech Summit 2025 sets the stage for innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. Running through October 17 in Boracay, it brings together industry leaders and visionaries to explore how AI, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and data-driven strategies are shaping the future of digital transformation.

Southeast Asia’s Moment to Lead

While AI is transforming industries worldwide, Mr. Go believes the next wave of innovation will emerge from Southeast Asia. “We are standing in the epicenter of the next generation of adoption right here in Southeast Asia,” he said proudly.

He highlighted the Philippines’ unique combination of youthful demographics, digital fluency, and adaptability as a foundation for leadership in this new era. “Consider our youthful, digital-savvy population, advanced infrastructure, unmatched business agility, and enthusiastic consumer base,” he added.

Citing a survey by Boston Consulting Group, he shared that “85% of business leaders in Southeast Asia believe AI will be the single most critical factor for their competitiveness,”—a figure that surpasses the global average.

With creativity, adaptability, and strong digital momentum, the Philippines is well-positioned to lead this AI-driven transformation across the region.

Human Talent at the Core

Beyond algorithms and infrastructure, Mr. Go reminded participants that people remain the true drivers of transformation. The future of business is not about man versus machine; It’s about man with machine.

He underscored the importance of upskilling and AI literacy. “We must train our workforce to be AI-literate and cultivate talent in areas machines cannot replicate: Critical thinking, creativity, and strategic leadership,” he said.

This balance between technology and humanity defines the essence of the augmented enterprise, where human insight directs machine intelligence to achieve greater innovation and efficiency.

Charting the Path Ahead

As the summit continues through October 17, VST ECS positions itself as the industry’s compass—guiding organizations toward a smarter, more connected future. The convergence of AI, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and data-driven systems marks the beginning of a new era of intelligent transformation.

Amid CXO Tech Summit 2025’s atmosphere of connection, collaboration, and discovery, one truth stands out: The journey ahead is not about keeping pace; It’s about charting the course. With shared vision, innovation, and purpose, the future is here, ready to be navigated.