Philippine CEOs confident in taking lead for global AI adoption – IBM
Artificial Intelligence or simply AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s transforming every aspect of our lives in real-time. From AI-powered automation to generative AI tools, the impact of AI spans industries, economies, and even personal lifestyles.
Accenture’s 2026 Pulse of Change report shows that 71% of leaders globally are investing in AI and other digital tools. In fact, many employees have already started working with AI agents—having either used or tested it once before (43%) or are already working with the technology on a regular basis (32%). This supports the FutureScape 2026 research of the International Data Corp. that almost half (45%) of organizations worldwide will scale their use of AI agents by 2030.
Meanwhile, a study conducted by IBM Institute for Business Value in cooperation with Oxford Economics, showed that 80% of Philippine CEO respondents are comfortable making major strategic decisions using AI-generated insights, well above the 64-percent global average.
About 73% of Philippine executives surveyed believe many tactical and operational decisions would be made faster and more effectively by AI than by people, higher than 57% with the same view globally. Conducted from the February to April 2026, the study surveyed 2,000 CEOs and equivalent senior leaders across 33 geographies and 21 industries.
Concept of AI companions
Artificial intelligence has moved far beyond simple task management and into the realm of deep emotional labor. Apps like Replika and Character.AI have pioneered the concept of AI companions, allowing users to design a partner who truly understands their personality. These platforms use advanced language models to remember favorite stories, daily stresses, and even the subtle nuances of humor.
For many, the appeal lies in the lack of judgment and the absolute consistency these digital beings provide. Users do not have to worry about a bad mood or a forgotten anniversary when a partner is programmed to prioritize their happiness. This constant positive reinforcement creates a powerful psychological bond that feels remarkably authentic to the person on the other side of the screen.
Statistics show that a significant portion of younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are leading this charge toward digital intimacy. Recent surveys from 2026 indicate that over a quarter of young adults have engaged in some form of romantic or flirtatious interaction with AI. It’s no longer seen as a sign of failure but rather as a lifestyle choice for those who find the traditional dating world too draining or unpredictable.
Breakthroughs in the world of technology are constantly cropping up. Nowadays, one can’t help but get caught unaware of things to come because they turn up fast. Therefore, the best thing to do is to be in constant watch for what is new because just when you thought that technology is at its peak, more is likely to come.
Reference: People are choosing to date AI, and it’s only the beginning of what’s to come
Leo Capinpin, IBM Philippines country general manager and technology leader, said: “Philippine CEOs surveyed are among the most decisive in embracing AI and yet, only a fraction say they have a clear vision for how it will deliver competitive advantage.”
Capinpin said that gap shows the need for organizations to rethink how they operate. He further declared: “The companies that will come out ahead are those that move beyond treating AI as a project and start running their business with AI at the core.”
The study found that new challenges are redefining leadership demands, with 97% of Philippine CEOs surveyed saying all functional leaders must become technology experts within their domains. While Philippine CEOs are turning to AI for decision-making, 90% believe that the technology’s success hinges more on employee adoption than on the technology itself.
As such, upskilling and reskilling employees are becoming more important. The study showed that Philippine respondents expect 31% of employees to require reskilling for a different role. Meanwhile, 55% will need upskilling to be more effective in their current role.
For over a century, IBM has been at the forefront of technological innovation. Beginning in the earliest days of computing, IBM has blended intelligence, innovation and science to improve business, society and the human experience.
IBM brings together software, consulting and infrastructure to help clients solve the business challenges that matter most. Their platforms embed AI into core systems and workflows, improve the economics of real work and scale securely across hybrid cloud environments. The tech giant deploys solutions inside IBM workplace before they bring those to clients, so what they deliver is not just designed, but proven.
