AS artificial intelligence (AI) continues rapidly reshaping the global economy and threatening to make some traditional jobs obsolete, minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright has challenged Jamaica’s next generation of leaders to develop the adaptability, emotional intelligence (EQ), and character needed to succeed in a world where education alone will not be enough.

Delivering the keynote address before a packed hall of students, parents, families and teachers at Hillel Academy’s 2026 Student Leadership Badging Ceremony in the Corporate Area on last Friday, Seiveright warned that the pace of technological change will fundamentally alter careers, industries, and business opportunities, making lifelong learning and strong interpersonal skills increasingly critical.

The ceremony, held under the theme ‘Preparing the Leaders of Tomorrow, Today,’ brought together newly appointed student leaders and the wider school community, including head of school Andrew Bunt; prep school Principal Helena Haynes and Student Leadership Advisor Kishawna Thomas.

Seiveright took the audience through more than 180 years of technological transformation, from electricity, telephones and motorcars to computers, the Internet, smartphones, social media and today’s AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.

“Your grandparents grew up without the Internet. Your parents watched smartphones and social media transform everyday life.

But you are growing up in a world where artificial intelligence is beginning to transform almost everything,” said Seiveright as he pointed out that many traditional occupations could disappear or change significantly, while entirely new careers and industries emerge.

“By the time you become adults, some jobs you will do may not even exist today. That is why education cannot simply be about memorising facts and passing examinations.

It must prepare you to think, adapt, communicate, and solve problems,” added Seiveright. He emphasised that EQ is an increasingly valuable skill, particularly the ability to understand others, communicate effectively, build relationships and demonstrate compassion.

“The most successful people are not always those who know the most today, but those willing to keep learning tomorrow,” he stated.

In an appeal for social responsibility, Seiveright reminded students that access to quality education and opportunities brings an obligation to assist others, particularly less fortunate Jamaicans. “Never confuse having more opportunities with being more important than someone else.

“Your education should not simply prepare you to make a good living. It should prepare you to make a difference. The greatest leaders do not just climb the ladder of success. They reach back and help others climb too,” said Seiveright.

He also encouraged students to think globally and noted that technology increasingly enables Jamaicans to develop businesses and innovations serving international markets.

Challenging newly appointed student leaders to view their badges as symbols of service rather than status, he declared: “A badge does not make you a leader.

What you do when nobody is watching makes you a leader.” Seiveright further urged the students to remain curious, embrace change, and lead with compassion, as he reminded that that Jamaica’s size need not limit their ambitions.