Cover Managing partner at Foxmont Capital Partners Franco Varona, Lenovo Philippines country general manager and president Michael Ngan, and Kumu founder Roland Ros leading the discussion on AI of Tatler House Dialogues

With AI seemingly everywhere, invited experts discuss where it is now, and where it’s headed

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is still in its infancy, yet it has already progressed leaps and bounds in its short existence. It is everywhere—our phones, workplaces, and it’s slowly becoming integrated into our daily lives, one way or another. The question is, what can we do to understand it, harness it, and ensure that it’s used as ethically as possible? 

Hosted by Aziza Mondonedo, Tatler House Dialogues partnered with Lenovo to discuss and touch on AI’s seemingly unshakeable presence all around us. Invited guests gathered to hear three experts in their respective fields discuss the implications of AI, and how it is enhancing their careers, personal affairs, and everything in between. Leading the discussion were Roland Ros, the founder of the homegrown social media application Kumu; Franco Varona, a managing partner at Foxmont Capital Partners; and Michael Ngan, the president and country general manager of Lenovo Philippines.

“This is an industry I really love,” Ngan remarked. “In Lenovo, we have a slogan called ‘Smarter Technology For All’. We actually live that everyday—bringing smarter technology for all Filipinos.”

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Above Host Aziza Mondonedo begins the Tatler House Dialogues X Lenovo talk on AI empowering our lives
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Above AI's far-reaching influence prompted a deeper look into its implications

AI has found its way into health and wellness, allowing ordinary people to easily access the necessary information on a scale never before seen. “I mean, that's how easy life can be. Now with AI, you keep track of your health,” Varona enthused. He cited, for example, how one can upload one’s blood work to programs such as ChatGPT to identify what supplements to take and what lifestyle adjustments to make—but of course, one must not forget to have it approved by a physician. Going on diets is also easier thanks to other programs like CalorieCam, which can identify the ingredients, calories, and other nutritional facts about virtually any dish—and all you need is a photo. Ross also demonstrated the power of a conversational AI, which was able to discern where he was, who he was talking to, and the subject matter that they were discussing. 

Of course, AI sees the most use in making work easier, but it’s not just about boosting productivity; it's also about enhancing our overall quality of life. Varona shared how AI helps him optimise his personal schedule, and how it even suggests the best routes to minimise commute times. “I put my personal schedule calendar into ChatGPT, and wondered, how do I make this more efficient?”

Note-taker apps have also become an increasingly essential part of our workplaces. Ross remarked that this is a great way to save time and to home in on the specific tasks that really matter. From managing time more effectively to making healthier food choices, AI is becoming an indispensable tool for navigating modern life.

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Above Ngan, Tatler Philippines managing editor Irene Martel Francisco, Ros, and Varona
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Above The applications of AI and its steady advancement into multiple sectors were the main focus

Though no doubt an incredibly useful tool, AI is still developing. “AI is the way to go, but we just have to be cautious and mindful that this is not a plug-and-play thing,” Madocs director of information technology Edison Dungo stated. “There will be lots of iterations, but we’ll get there.” 

Monique Madsen, a brand consultant and owner of Modeme, asserted that AI is not an all-in-one solution to creative work. “The technology doesn’t scare me,” she said. “What scares me is dependency. You still need to give [your work] your signature, your touch."

AI is here to stay, and it’s set to become more integrated than ever. While it isn’t a replacement for the emotional and human touch needed in certain industries, such as in healthcare, creatives, and in F&B, its far-reaching influence is set to shape the way of the world moving forward. It is a tool to streamline workflows, improve our productivity, and redefine how we interact with one another, and it’s still evolving at a staggering pace.

This iteration of Tatler House Dialogues offered deeper insights into the potential of AI, made possible through Lenovo in cooperation with Intel®. Their innovations in technology and applications of AI throughout their ecosystems—from their devices, chips, and manufacturing—are a testament to what this technology is capable of, and how it can benefit a myriad of industries across the globe.

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Credits

Photography: Ian Santos
Tobias Jared Tomas
Associate Editor for Branded Content and Tatler GMT, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia
Tobias Jared Tomas

About

Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles. 

He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.

Work

Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.