ACB CEO tells students: 'AI won't replace you unless you stand still'

Mr. Tu Tien Phat - General Director of ACB Bank - affirmed that AI will not take your job unless you stand still. So be proactive in learning, upgrading yourself and 'going all out' in this new era.

Mr. Tu Tien Phat - General Director ofACB Bank - talked with students of the University of Economics and Law (Ho Chi Minh City National University) on the topic "AI and the future of careers for students" - Photo: TRAN HUYNH

On September 9, Mr. Tu Tien Phat - General Director of Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ACB) - shared with students about the topic "AI and the future of careers for students" on the opening day of the University of Economics and Law (Ho Chi Minh City National University).

This is also the first year the school has officially included technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), in the career orientation curriculum for students right from the day of admission.

AI cannot replace core human elements

Citing new research, Mr. Phat said: by 2030, 30% of working hours could be automated, and 80% of jobs could be affected by AI (Generative AI). However, AI cannot replace critical thinking, emotions, creativity and compassion. These are core human factors.

Answering the question of whether AI can replace humans, Mr. Tu Tien Phat affirmed: "AI does not take your job, unless you stand still. Even if you use AI every day, it does not mean you will keep your job, if you do not have skills and differences."

Mr. Phat also pointed out three things that students need to avoid being left behind by AI: first, core competencies are solid background knowledge, especially technology and foreign languages. "If you cannot communicate in English, the ability to get a job is almost zero," Mr. Phat warned.

Second, "genuine" skills: critical thinking, creativity, initiative and adaptability. These are important "shields" that help students not be replaced.

Third, know how to use AI properly: AI should be seen as a virtual assistant, not a tool that does everything for you.

"AI can replace some jobs but cannot replace all emotions, creativity, critical thinking and other skills. AI will not take our jobs unless we stand still. So let's proactively learn, upgrade ourselves and 'go all out' in this new era," Mr. Phat emphasized.

Two valedictorians of the University of Economics and Law were commended and rewarded - Photo: TRAN HUYNH

Make a difference from the smallest things

ACB's CEO also shared his own story from his internship days and then being recruited to work at the bank. It is a story about making a difference.

When he saw that the bank's home loan product lacked communication materials, he designed three brochures himself, which had not been noticed by the marketing team. He then proactively presented them to the branch manager and they were used immediately. Thanks to that initiative, he was hired.

"I was shaking at that time. But if I didn't do anything different, I would have been forgotten like all the other interns," he said.

From intern to branch manager at the age of 27 after only 4 years, Mr. Phat believes that it is his daring to think, daring to do, Youth Union spirit, soft skills and proactive spirit that helped him make his mark.

"AI can copy voice and image, but cannot copy sense of responsibility and initiative," said Mr. Phat.

Students attend the UEL Talk program on the topic "AI and the future of careers for students" - Photo: TRAN HUYNH

Keeping your mark in the digital age

Speaking at the ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Cong Gia Khanh - the school's principal - emphasized: in the context of a rapidly changing world , where jobs can disappear after just a few years, instead new professions appear and from breakthroughs, the most sustainable thing is not knowledge, but the ability to learn, forget, and then learn again.

"The journey of personal success is very important, but the most lasting mark is the value that spreads to others. In a world where technology can reproduce images, it cannot copy individual marks, responsibility for life, compassion and depth of humanity.

The journey of the four years ahead is written by you yourselves. It may not be perfect, but it must be written by you yourselves. Those are your own, unique, unmistakable marks, and they will follow you throughout your journey of study and future career. Those are the characteristics you create by writing them yourself in life," said Mr. Khanh.

TRAN HUYNH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tong-giam-doc-acb-noi-voi-sinh-vien-ai-khong-thay-ban-tru-khi-ban-dung-yen-20250909160028818.htm