Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not meant to replace people but to improve speed and quality of doing things in all markets according to Mr Marek Munstermann, Director, Global Product Management Botanicals and Colors, Cosmetic Ingredients Division at SYMRISE at a networking event organised by the Ghana Telecom University College (GTUC) in collaboration with the Hochschule Anhalt University in Germany.

Mr Munstrermann, in his presentation praised the use of block-chain in doing business especially when it came to buying and selling of products. He cited how SYMRISE was using AI technology in producing fragrances. He said that the company allows students from GTUC to work on projects that were different from theories they study in the classroom environment allowing them to pick up the necessary skills needed on the job market.

Dr Stefan Stumps, a lecturer from Hochschule Anhalt speaking on 'Digital Brand Touch-points To Improve Customer Experience' said digitization leads to changes in society. He said that mobile phones are creating a shift in society's behavior in terms of communication, collaboration and more. He emphasized that mobile devices empower consumers, give information and more.

Dr Stumps said that the company’s  digital touch points were being used by   companies to enhance potential points of contact for users and consumers. Augmented Realities (AR), which he described as an example of digital brand touch-points, also enriched consumer expenses.
Dr Ebener Malcam, Graduate School Dean at GTUC said that in order for Ghana to catch up with digitization there was the need to critically assess things like big data and properly streamline ways of data collection and storage.

He also urged a proper utilization of government's digitization agenda in order to develop. 'GTUC on its part is training their students to appreciate emerging technology to propel development of digitization' he added.

The annual networking session was organised to facilitate sharing of experiences based on a contract between GTUC and Hochschule Anhalt to run their Master of Business Administration (MBA)   in International Trade locally. The collaboration   will help students who cant afford to travel to Germany to study their courses in Ghana.