After officially launching its Manila office, Bud Communications held a media roundtable last September 5 in BGC for a discussion on the growing role of AI in critical industries such as public relations and corporate communications. The theme of the roundtable was “Beyond the Algorithm: Shaping the Future of Communications in the Age of AI.”
Representing Bud, an award-winning APAC-based PR and integrated communications firm, were Oliver Budgen, the company’s founder and CEO, and Patricia Malay, general manager.
Also present were Philippine-based members of the Bud team, including Kiana Carreon, who was recently appointed as account director last July.
“AI is already transforming industries from finance to retail, and the Philippines is no exception,” said Budgen. “But while automation can speed up processes, it can’t replace the trust that comes from clear, credible, and human communication. Businesses that underestimate this will run the risk of being left behind, or worse, becoming extinct.”
Headquartered in Singapore, Bud has offices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and the Philippines. The company counts several firms as clients, such as Tiger Brokers, DHL, Yellow.ai, and events such as the Singapore Fintech Festival and Asia Tech x Singapore. Locally, Bud handles communications for ACMobility, an Ayala Group subsidiary that includes auto brands such as Kia and BYD.
Within the context of the growing use of AI tools among more tech-savvy businesses and even media entities, Patricia Malay mentioned that, “This is exactly why communications matter more than ever. Leaders need to communicate not just what they’re doing with AI, but why it matters. They need to do this clearly to employees, customers, and the communities they serve.”
To further its thought leadership initiatives, Bud will continue to hold workshops, client dinners, and leadership profiling programs that will emphasize communications as a business-critical function, even in the advent of AI.
