CEO of the Autumn Economic Forum 2025: AI is a tool, it cannot replace humans

That is the opinion of the Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF) at the Autumn Economic Forum 2025, in the discussion revolving around the context of the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI), what should young people do?

The 2025 Autumn Economic Forum organized by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee. (Photo: Dai Viet)

WEF data shows that most businesses are now actively retraining and recruiting people who can work with AI. According to him, the most important thing is the ability to connect across industries. Mr. Stephan Mergenthaler expressed the view that AI needs to be used responsibly. AI users should start with small decisions within the organization.

"Vietnam has a special advantage of a young population, flexible thinking and quick adaptability. This is an important foundation for developing a strong AI ecosystem, retaining talent and attracting high-quality resources. The young generation with a natural understanding of technology will be the decisive force in deploying AI safely and transparently," the WEF CEO affirmed.

Mr. Stephan Mergenthaler, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF). (Photo: Dai Viet)

Answering the question about the biggest barrier that makes it difficult for young entrepreneurs to create artificial intelligence solutions, Mr. Stephan Mergenthaler said that a common mistake of young people is to depend on AI. When needing to solve a problem, many people will think about technology first instead of thinking about the problem that needs to be solved.

According to him, the world talks a lot about AI improving labor productivity for businesses, replacing workers or opening up new fields. However, for many years, this issue has remained too abstract.

Mr. Stephan Mergenthaler stated: It is necessary to bring AI down to earth and turn them into specific projects for businesses. Businesses must "look" deeply into their most difficult problems, which are questions that human power cannot completely solve. At that time, AI will be a partner, a tool to help deploy solutions.

According to Mr. Stephan Mergenthaler, the most effective public-private partnership models are learning communities, where businesses can learn from global experience and receive support to implement real problems. Design thinking, the ability to ask questions, curiosity and basic skills are still the foundation for young people to use AI properly.

“AI software is getting smarter every day, removing barriers to use. It is important to create an environment where ideas can spread, while also enhancing “digital cognitive intelligence” including the ability to discern information, understand risks and use technology responsibly,” said Stephan Mergenthaler.

The Director of the World Economic Forum shared that instead of asking AI, people should think and plan for themselves. Originality, creativity, and passion are very important, AI cannot replace humans. Don't let your actions be guided by tools instead of thinking.

The Autumn Economic Forum will take place on November 25-27 at Sala Urban Area - Ho Chi Minh City. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, leaders of ministries, localities and international guests will attend and speak at the forum.
The Prime Minister will also participate in a high-level policy dialogue between Vietnam and WEF leaders, with the theme “Science and technology shaping Vietnam in the era of development”, focusing on strategic cooperation orientations in the fields of green economy, high-tech industry, artificial intelligence and innovation.
Within the framework of the forum, representatives of international delegations will visit technology enterprises headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City and visit scenic spots in the city.

DAI VIET - HANG NGUYEN

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/ceo-dien-dan-kinh-te-mua-thu-2025-ai-la-cong-cu-khong-the-thay-con-nguoi-ar989312.html