Norman Aquilina

Farsons Group CEO Norman Aquilina on Saturday highlighted the importance of human capital in business, despite the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology.

“Living in a business world of rapid technological advancement, we sometimes risk sidelining the importance of the human factor. Yes, it is great, indeed essential, to take advantage of AI, but this still needs to be driven by human intelligence, and not vice-versa,” he said.

He explained that businesses need to “rely on the opportunities” that B2B and B2C bring to further develop themselves, yet it is integral that they also “never overlook” the fact that they need to be built on human-to-human relationships, an aspect he notes is a “fundamental prerequisite for any successful business”.

Over the years, technology in the business world has made great strides, and while many business leaders believe in the power of AI, a number of them also acknowledge that they must have a “deep respect” for the things that make us human.

“Technological tools are most certainly an indispensable asset in giving you a competitive advantage, yet the human element remains the primary enabler,” Mr Aquilina said.

“All successful businesses are firmly founded on the strength of their human capital, and even if ironically it does not feature on any balance sheet, it certainly is to be treated as one’s greatest asset, indeed as an invaluable asset,” he concluded.

Mr Aquilina joined Simonds Farsons Cisk in 2004 as Managing Director of its subsidiary Quintano Foods, and was appointed Group Chief Commercial Officer in 2007. In 2010, he was named Group CEO and has since led its management team towards the building-up of a more competitive business model along with “consistent profitable growth”.

Related

Casino / Pexels

Benjamin Delsinger resigns from Director role at Malta-based Together Gaming

8 June 2023
by Fabrizio Tabone

He has been replaced by Frank Heinänen, with effect from the start of June.

Exient promotes Christa Agius to Chief Operating Officer

7 June 2023
by Robert Fenech

As COO, she will be responsible to build out the company’s capabilities.

Jean Pierre Attard appointed Executive Chairperson of INDIS Malta

6 June 2023
by Helena Grech

He officially begins the new role on 1st July 2023.

‘Robust legislative framework’ needed to boost Malta’s position as a global financial hub, says MIA CEO

6 June 2023
by Fabrizio Tabone

Maria Cauchi Delia was speaking during the institute’s Biennial Conference 2023, during which the key areas that need reforms to ...

Close Bitnami banner
Bitnami