Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven strategies are transforming modern business operations, experts said today.

AI has become a fundamental tool in solving business challenges, with data analytics, machine learning, and advanced algorithms enabling businesses to anticipate market demand, manage inventory efficiently, and refine marketing strategies for maximum impact, said Zaved Akhtar, CEO of Unilever Bangladesh.

"With the rise of multiple TV channels and the evolution of digital marketing, firms must adapt and shift their perception accordingly," he said.

Akhtar also highlighted AI's capabilities, stating that it can now prepare, simulate, and complete 3D printing in just 30 minutes, whereas it previously took 15-20 days.

Bangladesh can be broadly divided into two regions: the eastern region, which is more industrialised and receives significant remittances—leading to a higher concentration of digital advertising—and the western region, which is predominantly rural, where door-to-door sales are more prevalent, said Akhtar, who is also the president of the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

He was delivering a keynote address at the 11th edition of the Digital Summit, presented by Meghna Group of Industries (MGI) and organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum at InterContinental Dhaka.

The event served as a platform for industry leaders, digital experts, marketing professionals, and business strategists to convene and explore the dynamic and ever-evolving digital landscape.

The summit facilitated in-depth discussions on how businesses and brands can navigate the complexities of digital transformation while staying attuned to shifting consumer behaviours and emerging technological innovations.

Guided by the overarching theme "Digital Renaissance: Innovating for Tomorrow's Consumer," this year's summit analysed the intersection of technology, consumer psychology, and brand engagement.

Discussions underscored how brands must rethink their strategies to forge stronger and more meaningful connections with the next generation of consumers, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

The event featured a meticulously designed agenda, comprising an exciting lineup of two keynote sessions, four panel discussions, and two insight sessions, all aimed at offering deep insights and practical solutions for digital transformation.

Delivering the opening remarks, Sajid Mahbub, group CEO and executive editor of Bangladesh Brand Forum, emphasised the importance of embracing digital evolution as a necessity rather than an option.

"We are witnessing an era where digital transformation is no longer a distant concept—it is happening all around us, redefining how businesses operate and how brands engage with their audiences," he said.

"The digital renaissance calls for innovation, agility, and a profound understanding of consumer expectations. This summit is designed to equip industry leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to rethink their approaches, foster deeper engagement, and navigate the complexities of today's fast-changing digital terrain."