The Philippines has the talent to compete in an artificial intelligence-driven economy, but businesses and institutions must move quickly to keep pace with technological change, Beyond AI chairman Christopher French said on Saturday.
Speaking at the official launch of Beyond AI on October 17 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, French urged businesses, entrepreneurs, and government officials to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as technology rapidly reshapes industries and workplaces.
“The world is changing faster than it ever has before,” French said. “There has never been a time where technology has moved so fast and done so much in history.”
French, who has lived in the Philippines for seven years, said the country already has many of the capabilities needed to participate in the global technology economy.
“Because we have everything you need,” he said.
But he stressed that readiness will require investment, opportunities, and the development of locally owned technology.
His presentation stated: “We don’t lack intelligence. We need more investment, more opportunities, and more Filipino-owned intellectual property.”
He also warned businesses that delaying AI adoption could widen the gap between those that adapt and those that do not.
“You won’t be able to catch up if you don’t embrace AI today,” French said.
Beyond AI offers enterprise technology solutions, including human resource management and enterprise resource planning software, counting systems, and the Philippine AI Competency Framework, or National AI Skills Certification Program.
The company’s competency framework covers credential levels from Foundation to Expert and combines technical AI skills with training in governance, security, privacy, and ethics.
Beyond AI is also working with government agencies to expand AI skills development and workforce readiness.
On October 8, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Beyond AI formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding signed by PEZA director-general Tereso Panga and Beyond AI president and chief executive Ronald Vergara.
The agreement establishes cooperation in AI competency development, training, certification, and knowledge-sharing for PEZA personnel, registered business enterprises, and other stakeholders.
The partnership includes discussions on applying Beyond AI’s Philippine AI Competency Framework in economic zones. Both entities are also exploring an AI Fundamentals pilot in selected zones.
The initiative may also support efforts to seek recognition of the AI competency framework through the Philippine Qualifications Framework National Coordinating Committee, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Civil Service Commission.
Panga said the partnership supports efforts to prepare Filipino workers and businesses for a technology-driven economy.
“By investing in AI skills and strengthening partnerships with industry and government, PEZA supports the national drive for digital transformation, innovation, and workforce development,” Panga said.
PEZA’s AI initiatives include the PEZA Advanced AI Tech Academy, which has recorded more than 16,000 completed training certifications since its launch.
The agency said the collaboration with Beyond AI complements its efforts to equip workers with emerging technology skills, encourage responsible AI adoption among economic zone locators, and expand digital capacity-building opportunities.
Beyond AI’s launch, sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc., brings together its enterprise software offerings and AI workforce development programs as the company expands its presence in the Philippines.
For French, the central question is whether businesses and the country are prepared to act as AI adoption accelerates.
“Are you ready? Are you there to take and elevate your business and keep up? Is the Philippines ready?” he said.
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