Over two days, we discussed artificial intelligence versus the workforce, as well as its applications in healthcare. On October 29–30, 2024, the Chamber of Commerce for Information and Communication Technologies – MASIT held its 19th traditional annual conference. Two days filled with top speakers, panelists, discussions, a diverse audience, and extensive networking. October 29, 2024 – “Artificial Intelligence vs. the Workforce – From Adaptation to Innovation” The first day of the conference, October 29, was dedicated to the controversial issue of balancing artificial intelligence (AI) with the traditional workforce. Through a series of panel discussions and presentations, attendees had the opportunity to hear experiences and insights from renowned speakers and panelists across various industries. Topics included the application of AI in business, the job roles most affected by automation, and ways in which companies, managers, and employees can adapt and leverage AI as a tool for innovation. The conference was opened by Ms. Aneta Pesheva, President of the MASIT Assembly, Mr. Stefan Andonovski, Minister of Digital Transformation, and Mr. Timothy Ong, Director of the USAID Office for Economic Growth. Vector 8 was one of the official supporters of the first day, enabling us to hear from top professionals as the main honorary speakers. Christoph Tomen and Katherine F. Simon emphasized the collaboration between humans and machines, talent education, and adaptation as key points for the effective application of artificial intelligence. The first panel session of the conference was dedicated to public-private dialogue. We had distinguished speakers who attracted significant attention during the discussion, which was moderated by Ms. Vesna Ivanoska, Director of Qinshift Academy and Vice President of the MASIT Management Board. The panel featured Prof. Dr. Vesna Janevska, Minister of Education and Science; Mr. Radoslav Nastasijević Vardziski, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation; Mr. Ilija Gospodinov, President of the MASIT Management Board; and Mr. Nebojša Mojsoski, Director of USAID’s Youth Actively Create Opportunities (YACO) initiative. Attendees had the opportunity to hear them discuss ways to enhance mechanisms that create value for society through such partnerships. Prof. Dr. Anis Sefidanis, a renowned innovator and creator of the first humanoid robot in the region, left a strong impression on the audience with his presentation. Additionally, during the panel session “AI: Threat or Opportunity for Jobs?”, moderated by Ms. Dina Ivanović, Site and Recruitment Lead at Proxiad SEE, we discussed the advantages that artificial intelligence brings to the labor market and which job roles are most at risk. Professionals in the field also provided guidance on which skills should be a focus for future students and which tools are currently most used in IT companies. This session featured representatives from this year’s silver sponsors, including: Ms. Verica Jakimovska, Master in Human Resource Management, specialized in new HR strategies, Coordinator of the employment platform www.esi.mk, and initiator and manager of ESI; Ms. Elena Dimovska, Master and Microsoft Certified Trainer and Certnexus Authorized Instructor, working at Semos Education; Mr. Simon Petkov, Master in Computer Science and Chief Systems Architect at Scalefocus. Education was one of the recurring themes throughout the conference day. On the topic of bridging the skills gap – training the workforce of the future, we hosted an expert panel with experienced and distinguished speakers: Mr. Nikola Zhivkov, Head of Development at Qinshift; Dr. Igor Trajkovski, Founder of Time.mk, Professor and Researcher; Dr. Miodrag Cekić, Lead Technical Consultant for CSE/R&D at IWConnect. This session was sponsored by this year’s Gold Sponsor of the conference – Qinshift Academy. The conference also featured a discussion on another very important topic: “AI-Enhanced Management – Redefining Managerial Roles.” This panel session was moderated by Mr. Damjan Manchevski, Director of Strategic Accounts and General Manager for the Balkans at MAK-SYSTEM International Group. The panel included: M.Sc. Sofche Jovanovska, General Manager at ScaleFocus; Mr. Goran Petrevski, Sales Director at ASEE Group; Mr. Filip Petrovski, CEO and Data Architect at Data Masters. We had the opportunity to engage in a productive discussion on the managerial aspects of artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on redefining managerial roles in the context of modern technologies. The panelists discussed how AI can transform traditional management practices, improve decision-making efficiency, and enable innovative approaches to managing teams and resources. The discussion included practical examples, analyzing the advantages and challenges arising from the integration of artificial intelligence into management. Participants actively shared ideas on how technology can influence the future development of management and new strategies in the field. The discussion proved to be particularly dynamic and valuable for all attendees. The panel “AI-Driven Innovations – Shifting Beyond Traditional Business Models”, moderated by Mr. Goran Damovski, Team Leader of the Swiss Program for Enhanced Market Employability, focused on the practical application of expertise and knowledge, as well as the regional perspective and use of artificial intelligence in agribusiness and tourism. This program enabled a comprehensive regional overview. The leading Research and Development Institute for Information Technologies in Biosystems and a pioneer in the digital transformation of agriculture, BioSense Serbia, represented by Ms. Milica Trajkovic, Head of the Business Innovation and Development Department, highlighted the implementation of the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) in Serbia. Ms. Trajkovic emphasized that:“By collecting field data and using artificial intelligence with 99% accuracy for LPIS, Serbia now has a reference database for its agricultural parcels. This allows the identification of all arable land contained in the reference parcels and makes it easy to calculate the maximum arable area.” Mr. Milan Banić, Associate Professor at the University of Niš Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, presented AgAR – an Agricultural Autonomous Robot. Equipped with remote control software, pre-defined path movement, and autonomous navigation with obstacle-avoidance sensors, AgAR is an ideal agricultural tool.“The AI-based AgAR robot is a joint project between an ICT company and a technical faculty. It is an excellent model demonstrating how academia and industry can collaborate effectively,” Mr. Banić noted. He emphasized that AgAR aims to increase agricultural production and reduce operational costs, targeting medium and large producers. However, he also highlighted the challenge of convincing farmers to adopt

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a concept from science fiction – it is already part of everyday life. As pioneers in promoting the importance of shaping the future, together with Najdenovski Law Office, on March 15, 2024, we hosted the premier event: #AI42024, as a follow-up to previously held workshops on this topic. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all guests, honorary speakers and panelists, sponsors and supporters of the event, and participants who secured their spots on time. We promise this is just the beginning – interest is high, and we will continue working on this topic, even more motivated, together with you, with a single goal: to stay ahead of the changes shaping our world. To AI or not to AI? – That is no longer a question. Check out the photo album from the event on our  Facebook page.

On March 29, 2024, the 18th Annual Assembly of the Chamber of Commerce for Information and Communication Technologies – MASIT was held. The Assembly is the highest governing body of the Chamber and is composed of all MASIT member companies. During the MASIT Assembly session, attendees were provided with a detailed overview of the activities the Chamber carried out in 2023. The Assembly also approved the Chamber’s plans and activities for the upcoming year, 2024. We extend our gratitude to all member companies for their active participation and contribution to the work of the Chamber, and we will continue to work together to support the growth and development of the ICT sector. The full album of photos from the 18th Annual Assembly can be viewed on our Facebook page.

11.12.2023 At the invitation of the President of the Republic, Stevo Pendarovski, MASIT organized a pre-New Year gathering and meeting for its member companies and patron partners at Villa Vodno. During the event, Ilija Gospodinov, President of the MASIT Management Board, emphasized the importance of the ICT industry as a strategic sector for the prosperity of the Macedonian economy and once again highlighted the economic indicators that clearly demonstrate the remarkable growth and progress of this industry. During the meeting, MASIT also presented its proposals for the further development of the ICT industry, aiming to better address the challenges faced by ICT companies. We extend our sincere gratitude to President Pendarovski for his cooperation and the warm reception of MASIT member companies, as well as to all participants at the event. Презентација

13.12.2022 On December 13, 2022, MASIT held an event discussing digitalization and how it operates and supports businesses during the current crisis. Innovative topics, trends, and solutions available on the market were presented by ICT companies. At the event, we had the opportunity to hear experiences from prominent representatives of domestic and international ICT companies, companies from various industries using ICT solutions, representatives from government institutions and ministries, members of the donor community, and professors. The panelists at the event focused on the main topics covered, including whether we have the national capacity for rapid digitalization. They shared best practices in process digitalization aimed at cost optimization as well as building business resilience during times of crisis through digitalization and automation. We would like to thank our patron partners, supporters, and sponsors, who further enriched the event with their presentations in the field of digitalization. More photos from the event will be shared soon on our social media channels. Follow us on:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn