Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are beginning to integrate artificial intelligence into their daily operations, as highlighted in the recent PCCI MAKATI webinar “Empowering MSMEs with AI and Allied Tech,” with Rowen Untivero, CEO – KinetX Sales & Marketing Inc., as resource speaker.
The session brought together business owners, operators, and professionals from various industries – offering both practical insights and a candid look at how AI is being adopted on the ground.
— AI Moves from Concept to Daily Tool —
Post-webinar interviews revealed that AI is already being used in practical, day-to-day functions across MSMEs. Participants shared applications such as:
- Supporting creative work, including music and content generation
- Enhancing marketing efforts, from messaging to campaign ideation
- Assisting in presentations and legal-related documentation
- Streamlining email and business correspondences
- Accelerating content review through summarization
These use cases point to a broader shift: AI is no longer seen as a future investment but as a current productivity tool – helping businesses operate faster and more efficiently with limited resources.
— A Spectrum of Reactions —
Beyond use cases, the webinar captured a wide range of emotional responses toward AI.
Some participants described AI in positive terms such as “happy” and “exciting,” reflecting enthusiasm about its potential to simplify work and unlock new opportunities.
Others expressed “curiosity,” signaling that many are still in the early stages of exploration – learning how AI fits into their specific workflows.
The concept of “automation” also stood out strongly, reinforcing AI’s appeal in reducing repetitive tasks and improving operational efficiency.
At the same time, there was an undercurrent of concern. The word “scary” surfaced as well – highlighting apprehensions about rapid technological change, dependency, and its long-term impact on jobs and business models.
Key Takeaway: Efficiency Without Scale Barriers
One of the central themes of the webinar was how AI can level the playing field for MSMEs.
With limited manpower and resources, smaller businesses often struggle to compete with larger organizations. AI, however, offers:
- Faster execution
- Lower operational costs
- Improved decision-making
- Scalable output without proportional hiring
This makes AI not just a tool but a strategic advantage for growth.
— Learning, Adapting, Moving Forward —
Participants also highlighted that the biggest shift is not just in tools but in mindset. Many attendees are now moving from passive awareness to active experimentation, testing how AI can be embedded into their workflows.
The webinar emphasized that adoption does not require full transformation overnight. Instead, MSMEs can start small, focusing on high-impact tasks such as communication, marketing, and data processing.
— The Bottom Line —
“Empowering MSMEs with AI and Allied Tech” showcased a clear reality: AI adoption is already underway but not without mixed emotions.
Between excitement and hesitation, curiosity and caution, one thing stands out – MSMEs are no longer asking if they should use AI, but how.
And in that shift lies the real transformation.
The online webinar was organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Makati Start-up, Tech and Innovation Committee, headed by Cid Bonilla, as part of the Chamber’s thrust under the leadership of Ruby Banares for Innovation & Digital Transformation—making the Chamber more efficient, connected, and future-ready.
