Enterprise Speaker Series: “The Agentic AI Enterprise, and What It Means for You”

On 7 October 2026, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) hosted a presentation titled “The Agentic AI Enterprise, and What It Means for You,” featuring Dr. Rainer Deutschmann, Group Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer at Axiata Group Berhad. The speaker explored the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly the growing ability of AI agents to perform tasks independently, and discussed the implications of these developments for businesses and the job market.

Dr. Deutschmann discussed how enterprises are moving from manual processes to automated systems and agentic AI, where AI agents can process information and carry out tasks with greater independence. Dr. Rainer Deutschmann also noted that human oversight remains essential, and they need to decide what AI agents should achieve, set clear limits on what decisions they can make independently, and step in when unexpected situations arise or decisions require human judgment.

In addition, he presented Axiata’s AI strategy, which focuses on applying AI to areas such as customer experience, network operations, and organizational efficiency and productivity. Dr. Deutschmann also examined employment trends affecting young workers, including data on graduate underemployment and declining new graduate hiring at some technology companies.

By the end of the session, Dr. Rainer Deutschmann offered students practical advice through the “Build, Judge, Show” framework to guide students in preparing for an AI-driven workplace. He encouraged students to become creators of AI-powered systems rather than simply users, develop the ability to recognize when AI produces incorrect, superficial, or unsafe outputs, and make their work visible to demonstrate their capabilities. He emphasized the importance of developing practical AI skills and critical judgment to prepare for the changing demands of the job market.