PH could have a strong AI market — BCG

The Philippines’ strength in the technology field and its emerging talent sets a good foundation for AI growth in the local market, said Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Manila Principal Julian Cua.
In an interview with BusinessWorld, Cua said that the country has “a lot of talents in things like programming, machine learning, engineering, data analytics, and many more.”
He added that the country’s sizable English-speaking workforce is also an advantage as it is essential for some AI applications such as natural language processing.
He continued that the next moves for the country to take should center on building an ecosystem that allows AI and AI-related talent to thrive and stay in the Philippines.
Mr. Cua notes that this ecosystem has started and is expected to develop in three areas: the conglomerates, tech start-ups, and the government.
Cua added that a link should be established between AI and fueling the Philippine economy.
“If you want to be an AI powerhouse, then it means that the country has to create an environment where Filipinos who are experts in AI stay and work for services and products that really support the local economy,” Cua emphasized.