To empower the younger generation in shaping their future, experts in their respective professions encouraged students to find purpose in their chosen path as they shared how they find meaning in what they do despite the struggles.
In a forum organized by The Manila Times on Tuesday titled “Student Empowerment 2023: Stand Up, Speak Up and Move Up,” professionals from various fields came together to inspire and motivate students. Home Credit Philippines Head of Public Relations, Ken Lerona, shared his journey of reaching millions of people through financial literacy and empowerment.
Lerona’s career in public relations and marketing began at a young age when he worked alongside his father in the public market. He shared how his three-minute radio program, aired over DZRH and targeting public market vendors, porters, and small-time business owners, has made a significant impact. With 10 million listeners, the program has created 1.4 billion impressions.
“I’m really grateful to The Manila Times for sharing my story years back. I’m able to speak to thousands of people, talk about marketing, public relations, and most importantly, self-leadership and empowerment. I’m also really glad that I’m able to speak to an audience such as you, coming from my background, where I came from, that I didn’t think I could do,” Lerona said.
Dr. Sebastian Ibañez, a data science expert from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), addressed the misconceptions surrounding the sciences, numbers, and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the fear of working with numbers can be overcome and that understanding data can empower individuals to pursue their passions.
“I think phobia in numbers is really about perspective. [Lack of confidence in] working with numbers, with data, that’s something that can be overcome. If you can really understand it, if you can get over that hurdle, it can really empower you to pursue the things that you really want,” Ibañez said.
Data science, a multidisciplinary approach combining mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, and computer engineering, is the study of data to extract meaningful insights for business. Ibañez highlighted that at its core, data science is about using data to make better decisions.
Lerona acknowledged the fear among young people that artificial intelligence (AI) might replace humans, discouraging them from considering data science as a profession. However, Ibañez clarified that the applications of AI in data science aim to enhance human interventions rather than replace them.
“My advice to the younger generation is to toughen up. It’s true that it will grow harder as you grow older. But what will happen is that you will also grow tougher. As you go along and learn, you become stronger and better than ever before,” Lerona said.
“If you really like what you are doing, and you put yourself into it, you will not be afraid,” he added.
Jay Patrick Veril, Social Corporate Responsibility Manager of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), shared his passion for data and the study of numbers and statistics. As a graduate of Development Communications, Veril emphasized the stories that numbers can tell and the impact they can have.
TCS has taken initiatives to empower more women to participate in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and information technology (IT) industries. Programs like Sustainathon and goIT Philippines have played a significant role in this endeavor.
The forum served as a platform for professionals to inspire and encourage students to find purpose in their chosen paths. By sharing their personal experiences and insights, these experts aimed to empower the younger generation to overcome challenges and make a difference in their respective fields.
Source: The Manila Times
