Wizpresso was honoured to participate in the FIDE Forum on 24 June 2026, co-hosted with ICAEW Malaysia, where our CEO, Calvin, joined Dato’ Faiz and Datuk Hamzah for a discussion on the growing role of artificial intelligence in boardroom decision-making.

The AI Dilemma

The panel explored the tension between value creation, workforce impact, and long-term economic balance. Referencing recent market reactions such as Oracle’s AI-driven restructuring, the discussion highlighted how companies are often rewarded for efficiency gains, even when these come with workforce implications. This reflects a broader challenge where market signals capture short-term financial outcomes, but not the full impact on talent and organisational resilience.

From Wizpresso’s perspective, AI is best understood as a leverage layer rather than a headcount reduction tool. Our work with financial institutions focuses on augmenting professionals by automating repetitive and error-prone processes. This enables lawyers, compliance teams, and financial professionals to focus on higher-value tasks such as judgement, client engagement, and complex decision-making. The greater risk lies in the widening gap between organisations that are able to integrate AI effectively and those that fall behind.

The Governance Gap

The forum also highlighted a clear disconnect between awareness and execution. While most organisations now acknowledge AI in their disclosures, only a minority have established robust frameworks for AI risk management and oversight. In markets such as Hong Kong, there are encouraging signs of progress, particularly in auditability, accountability, and board-level responsibility for technology and operational resilience.

Building Trust in AI

Trust remains a key challenge as organizations navigate a rapidly evolving landscape of AI tools and providers. The focus is shifting from vendor selection to internal capability. Organizations must be able to understand, challenge, and stand behind the outputs generated by the systems they deploy.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in decision-making processes, the responsibility for boards is clear. It is not only about adopting AI, but ensuring it is governed with the same rigour as any other critical function. At the same time, organisations must actively build trust between their people and AI systems. This means positioning AI as an enabler of human expertise rather than a replacement for it, ensuring transparency in how systems operate, and equipping staff with the skills and confidence to work alongside AI. Without this cultural alignment, even the most advanced implementations will face resistance and fall short of their intended impact.

The session was part of FIDE FORUM Malaysia, a non-profit alumni association for directors of licensed financial institutions in Malaysia that promotes high standards of corporate governance and board leadership across the financial services sector. FIDE FORUM provides a platform for board leaders to exchange perspectives, co-create board-centric solutions, and shape a sustainable financial future for the country.fideforum+4

In collaboration with ICAEW Malaysia, the local office of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the forum reflects ICAEW’s role in advancing professional standards, accounting excellence, and thought leadership across the region. Through initiatives such as this event, ICAEW Malaysia supports members, students, and industry stakeholders in navigating emerging issues in corporate governance, risk management, and AI-driven transformation.