MANILA, Philippines — Samar Colleges, Inc. strengthened its international academic presence as Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso, Senior Vice President for Programs Development and Quality Assurance, served as a Special Guest and Speaker during the International Conference on Technological Intelligence and Business Strategies (TIBS) 2026 held at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Conference Center, Makati City, Manila, from June 22 to June 24, 2026.
Dr. Cardoso joined an esteemed roster of researchers, academicians, industry professionals, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world who gathered to discuss and explore to explore emerging technologies and their strategic applications in business and management, shaping the future of institutions and industries.
In her address titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Human Institutions,” Dr. Cardoso emphasized the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on organizations, education, governance, and society, describing the current era as a defining moment in human history.
"Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. The question is no longer whether AI will transform our institutions. The question is whether our institutions can transform themselves fast enough," Dr. Cardoso said.
She highlighted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution differs from previous technological shifts because it transforms not only physical labor but also the way people think and work, prompting institutions to become more adaptive, innovative, and data-driven.
"The future now belongs not necessarily to the biggest institutions, but to the most adaptive, the most innovative ones," she stressed.
Drawing from global trends and expert insights, Dr. Cardoso underscored the need for institutions to cultivate AI-ready cultures, invest in continuous reskilling and upskilling, embrace analytics and intelligent systems, and strengthen collaboration across sectors.
While acknowledging the vast potential of AI, she emphasized the irreplaceable role of human values in shaping the future.
"As machines become smarter, human beings must become wiser. AI can generate information at an extraordinary speed, but only human beings can provide wisdom, meaning, ethics, compassion, and a sense of purpose," she noted.
Looking ahead to the emerging concept of Industry 5.0, Dr. Cardoso highlighted the importance of human-centered innovation, ethical AI, sustainability, and meaningful collaboration between humans and intelligent technologies.
"The future is not about humans versus machines. The future is about humans working intelligently with machines," she said.
Concluding her address, Dr. Cardoso called on institutions to embrace technological advancements responsibly and ensure that innovation remains anchored on humanity's collective well-being.
"Technology may shape the future. But humanity must still define its purpose. Intelligent systems and AI must serve humanity—not the other way around," she concluded.
The conference serves as an international platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among professionals committed to advancing innovation, research, business strategies, and future-ready institutions in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Through Dr. Cardoso's speaking engagement, Samar Colleges continues to expand its global engagement efforts and contribute to international conversations on innovation, education, and institutional transformation.