'It doesn't replace people, it makes them more productive': companies in Panama drive labor transformation with AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly establishing itself as a transformative force in Panama and the broader Central American region, moving beyond experimental phases to become a strategic tool for enhancing productivity and optimizing business operations. Experts from technology, business, and academia convened to discuss AI's growing impact on the labor economy and corporate transformation.

A central theme of the discussion was how AI can augment human capabilities rather than replace them. Roberto Melo, founder of MaiaHR, explained that AI technologies accelerate learning processes, improve access to job opportunities, and boost worker performance through real-time connected tools. He emphasized that AI aims to make individuals more productive, efficient, and focused on higher-value tasks. AI-powered platforms can centralize a company's internal knowledge, making it accessible to employees via mobile apps, thereby reducing adaptation times and increasing operational capacity.

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AI is not coming to replace people, but to make them more productive, more efficient, and focused on higher-value tasks.

Luis Mouynes, general manager of TVN Media, highlighted AI's integration into various facets of the media industry. He noted that AI currently assists in audience analysis, content optimization, news contextualization, and the strengthening of digital strategies through the processing of large datasets. Mouynes predicts that AI will become as ubiquitous as the internet, permeating all aspects of a company. A significant challenge, he added, lies in training the workforce to effectively leverage these tools and fostering a culture of innovation within organizations, encouraging continuous learning and experimentation.

Discussions also touched upon AI's role in connecting workers with job opportunities, discounts, and financial tools within integrated digital networks. The consensus among experts is that AI is poised to redefine the relationship between companies and their collaborators, driving efficiency and creating new avenues for growth and development across the region.

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AI is going to end up being like the internet: it will be present in the entire company.