Hybrid artificial intelligence (AI) could offer a practical path for companies planning to adopt AI, according to Lenovo executives during the company’s first Tech Day ‘25 event in the Philippines.
Kumar Mitra, general manager and managing director of Lenovo in Greater Asia Pacific, said hybrid AI is not a plug-and-play solution. Instead, it requires a deliberate strategy that starts with structured data and a step-by-step implementation.
“The big thing about AI is that data is being generated from everywhere,” Mitra said during a media briefing.
He pointed to smartphones as an example, noting how they produce massive data just by helping users complete everyday tasks. Lenovo believes that hybrid AI must begin with gathering and understanding data from all sources.
“Our concept of hybrid AI is that if you really want to implement AI, you have to take all the data sources in place, because you can’t take it in isolation, otherwise you will create a model that will be very isolated,” Mitra said.
He explained that companies should not rush into full AI adoption. Rather, they should begin with one application or workload and slowly expand once a strong foundation of structured and unified data is built.
Mitra also urged businesses to break down internal data silos. Before starting any AI project, he said, companies need to create a consolidated data layer that allows insights across platforms.
“Understand your specific business outcomes and build a clear business matrix for AI implementation,” he added.
Secure and flexible infrastructure
A recent Lenovo study showed that 65% of CIOs believe AI requires a secure and flexible infrastructure. Many enterprises are now searching for reliable partners to help guide their hybrid infrastructure, AI strategy, and data privacy needs.
“Lenovo’s AI strategy focuses on personal, enterprise, and public AI, leveraging AI to enhance productivity, efficiency, and community services,” said Michael Ngan, president and general manager of Lenovo Philippines.
He shared that a global survey of 2,900 CIOs, including 900 from Asia Pacific, revealed that ASEAN companies are ahead in AI use, with 53% already deploying AI and AI budgets growing by 2.5 times. However, many still face challenges such as data quality, regulatory rules, and ethical considerations.
Executives concluded that a hybrid AI approach, though complex, offers flexibility and can match different business needs, if supported by proper planning and structured data.
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