AI’s new frontier: Unlocking innovation while ensuring trust
As Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape industries globally, the need for effective governance is becoming more pressing. The Makati Business Club recently organized a roundtable discussion in partnership with IBM to delve into the complexities of AI governance. Thought leaders and business executives gathered to discuss regulatory hurdles and ethical considerations in AI adoption. IBM's Ida Chao Kho emphasized the importance of trust as the cornerstone of AI implementation. Kho highlighted the necessity of being able to explain AI to promote its responsible use.
As Artificial Intelligence continues to disrupt and revolutionize industries worldwide, the question of governance becomes increasingly urgent. On March 5, 2025, the Makati Business Club, in collaboration with IBM, hosted an executive roundtable discussion about AI Governance, bringing together thought leaders and business leaders to explore the evolving AI landscape, regulatory challenges, and ethical considerations in responsible AI adoption.
Trust and Transparency in AI Adoption
“Trust is the foundation of AI adoption. If you can’t explain AI, you can’t encourage its use,” said Ida Chao Kho, Worldwide Emerging Regulatory Policy Senior Counsel for AI, Privacy, Cyber, and Data Governance at IBM. Kho emphasized that as AI adoption accelerates across multiple industries, organizations must focus on fostering trust through transparency and explainability. She highlighted the ethical and societal implications of AI adoption that demand proactive governance.
Kicking off the discussion, Aileen Judan-Jiao, Country General Manager and Technology Leader of IBM Philippines, emphasized the inevitability of AI integration in various sectors, stressing the importance of sustainable adoption and responsible maximization of its potential.
Global AI Regulation Challenges
Kho pointed out the complexity of AI governance across different nations, noting the challenge of establishing a unified global approach to AI ethics and governance. She highlighted the necessity of creating adaptable, interoperable frameworks to navigate shifts in AI policies.
Privacy and Responsible AI Development
Before the rise of advanced AI technologies, concerns over trust and explainability were already shaping AI governance discussions. Kho stressed the importance of transparent and explainable AI models to build user confidence and comply with privacy regulations, particularly in the EU.
Transforming Businesses with AI
The conversation also delved into how AI is transforming businesses in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for strong governance frameworks to mitigate risks and ensure ethical compliance. Collaboration between businesses, regulators, and policymakers was highlighted as crucial for fostering AI adoption responsibly.
Building AI Ethics Frameworks
AI governance fundamentally revolves around human decision-making. Kho emphasized the importance of responsible AI use and accountability in system design to ensure compliance and ethical application.
Collaborative Action for Ethical AI
The roundtable discussion concluded with a call to action for collaboration in building AI governance frameworks that prioritize trust, accountability, and innovation. Participants were encouraged to engage leadership teams, management, and boards of directors in discussions about AI governance to shape the future of AI regulation.
This executive roundtable discussion marked the first session in a three-part AI in Action series by IBM and MBC, aiming to provide firsthand insights into how Artificial Intelligence operates. Subsequent discussions will delve into AI ethics, smart agriculture, AI for good, and AI for securing data.
This article is brought to you by Makati Business Club.