MASIT Successfully Held Its 19th Annual Conference
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 new technologies.
Mr. Srdjan Krcho, CEO of DunavNET, spoke about the widespread use of AI across various industries.
“75% of people are already using artificial intelligence at work, and 46% of them started using it less than six months ago,” he noted. His company develops IoT solutions for agriculture, tourism, and other sectors. One notable project is Pearl Island in Doha, Qatar, where AI transformed the customer support center into a chatbot by integrating WhatsApp conversations with their application, Microsoft Azure, and LLM, generating responses in both English and Arabic.
Later on the first day of the conference, we also had the opportunity to interact live with a digital clone. Thanks to FinqUP and its founder, Mr. Dime Galapchev, we explored the power and potential risks of artificial intelligence.
The final panel session focused on trends and funding opportunities for AI solutions from development programs and venture funds in Southeast Europe, as well as current investments and strategies of venture funds in the region. This session was supported by Startup Macedonia.
Mr. Igor Madzhov, Investment Expert at Nest Advisors/Startup Macedonia, moderated this session. The discussion on the potential of artificial intelligence for developing new business models and solutions featured:
Mr. Max Gurvitz, Managing Partner at Vitosha Venture Partners, Bulgaria;
Ms. Eli ZhaBevska, Managing Partner at SC-Ventures Macedonia;
Ms. Maja Stolevska Kostadinova, Managing Partner at EBRD Macedonia.
The panel aimed to highlight the importance of financial support for AI innovations and to connect investors with startups in this dynamic field. As part of the annual conference, one-on-one meetings also took place simultaneously within the MatchIn Summit, organized by Startup Macedonia.
MASIT extends its sincere gratitude to all supporters, sponsors, and patron partners for their selfless dedication and trust. Thanks to their support, the conference reached new heights, enabling open exchange of knowledge, ideas, and innovations. Their contribution plays a key role in the development of the IT sector and creates a platform for future collaborations and projects that are significant for the entire community. MASIT proudly highlights its partnership with these visionaries who drive the digital future forward.
All photos from the first day of MASIT’s annual conference can be found in an album on our Facebook page, available at the following link.
News
Greater global breakthrough of the Macedonian ICT sector
MASIT at a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Chamber of Commerce for Information and Communication Technologies – MASIT is embarking on a new chapter and partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia. This partnership aims to provide more intensive and constructive support to the Macedonian ICT sector. The collaboration is focused on enhancing the international visibility of the domestic ICT sector, creating conditions for entering new export markets, and better positioning Macedonian companies in the global economy. Through joint activities, participation in major international fairs, conferences, and business forums, as well as by establishing new channels to connect with the Macedonian diaspora and foreign investors, the initiative is expected to create tangible opportunities for growth and development for MASIT member companies. Within the framework of this collaboration, plans include organizing business delegations and direct meetings with potential partners abroad, preparing modern promotional materials, as well as initiatives to establish representative offices of Macedonian ICT companies in strategic markets. Additionally, initiatives for knowledge and technology transfer will be developed to contribute to enhancing the capacities of domestic companies. MASIT President, Mr. Jordan Dimitrovski, emphasized that the Chamber is strategically focused on providing long-term support and achieving an international breakthrough for companies in this industry, with a clear goal of creating conditions for sustainable growth and entry into new markets through partnerships and strategic initiatives. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Timcho Mucunski, highlighted that the Ministry is fully available to support the implementation of all future activities and initiatives that will enhance the competitiveness of Macedonian ICT companies and enable their more effective positioning in the global market. Through this partnership, MASIT strengthens its role as an active partner and supporter of its member companies in their internationalization process, contributing to a stronger positioning of the Republic of North Macedonia on the global ICT map.
15. 09. 2025y.
Meeting with the Minister of Digital Transformation
Common Priorities Set The Board of Directors of MASIT held a productive meeting with the Minister of Digital Transformation, Mr. Stefan Andonovski. The meeting was an excellent opportunity to deepen the collaboration between the Ministry and the Chamber, as well as to align priorities and visions for the further development of the ICT sector in the country. Minister Andonovski extended his sincere congratulations to the newly elected members of the MASIT Board of Directors and the President, emphasizing the importance of continuity and the Chamber’s ongoing work as a relevant and active partner to institutions. “MASIT is a great friend of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, and we will continue that way in the future,” stated the Minister, adding that joint activities will continue with increased intensity in areas such as digitalization, the economic potential of technology, modernization of public and private processes, development and application of artificial intelligence, and strengthening cybersecurity capacities. MASIT highlighted the key priorities of the new leadership – creating conditions for sustainable growth of the ICT industry, improving the business climate, boosting exports and internationalization of domestic ICT companies, and systemic support for digital skills and human capital. Both sides emphasized the importance of close and transparent communication, timely exchange of information, and the initiation of concrete measures and policies that will deliver real results for businesses, institutions, and citizens. The meeting served as confirmation of a joint commitment to building a digitally mature, resilient, and competitive society – a goal that requires collaboration, partnership, and a shared vision. News All news
25. 07. 2025y.
MASIT held a professional workshop on the topic “ICT, Regulation, and Human Capital”
Organized by the Chamber of Commerce for Information and Communication Technologies – MASIT, on May 28 a specialized working meeting was held on the topic “ICT, Regulation, and Human Capital,” focusing on key challenges faced by the ICT sector in terms of regulation, human capital, and technological changes. The event brought together relevant representatives from institutions, the business sector, and academia. The first panel discussion featured Mr. Gjoko Velkovski, Deputy Minister for Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Mr. Lazar Jovevski, university professor and advisor to the Prime Minister on labor and social policy, Mr. Mladen Frchkoski, Head of the Labor Market Department at the Ministry of Economy and Labor, and Mr. Jordan Dimitrovski, President of MASIT, who in his address emphasized that the Chamber remains a strong advocate for the interests of the ICT industry and will intensify efforts to create a fair, predictable, and modern regulatory framework that supports digital transformation and the development of human capital as a key ICT sector resource. The legal aspect of the current regulations and the challenges faced by ICT companies were thoroughly addressed by Mr. Jovan Najdenovski — lawyer and long-time legal representative of MASIT. We are especially pleased that attendees had the opportunity to hear first-hand about the complexity of the everyday legal challenges ICT companies face. Professional insights and practical experiences were also shared by Ms. Nevena Meshko from Mak System, Ms. Ana Zakovska from ITLabs, and Ms. Dina Ivanovic from Prohiad SEE, each with significant roles in human resources, labor relations, and legal regulation within their companies. The discussion was enriched with valuable perspectives from other sectors as well, thanks to Ms. Kristina Spiroska from Halkbank, Mr. Slavko Sazdovski from Triglav Life Insurance, and Mr. Dejan Pavleski from Semos, who shared their practical experiences from the banking and insurance industries. Among the key topics discussed were the application of the Labor Law in the context of flexible work models, the legal and practical implications of automation and artificial intelligence, digitization of HR processes, and the need for new internal regulations related to working from home or abroad — i.e., remote work. The closing segment highlighted specific conclusions and recommendations for further action. One of the key outcomes of the event was the initiative to form a MASIT working group to propose amendments to the Labor Law in line with the ICT industry’s specific needs. It was also proposed to organize thematic roundtables including all relevant stakeholders — institutions, companies, and experts — to align regulation with current conditions and needs. The event was held at Halkbank‘s premises, a patron partner of MASIT, whose support and hospitality were essential for the successful organization of the meeting. MASIT remains committed to improving the business environment for ICT companies and advocating for industry interests during the creation and adaptation of the legal framework. Through collaboration, expertise, and an integrated approach, MASIT will continue leading the dialogue for a better future for the ICT sector in Macedonia. Новости Сите новости
23. 07. 2025y.
