The Dawn of AI-Powered Growth in ASEAN
2023 marks a significant milestone in the AI journey, with generative AI catapulting to the forefront of technology and business. According to Sujith Abraham, Senior Vice President and General Manager, ASEAN at Salesforce, this upsurge is just the beginning. In 2024, AI is poised to dominate the business agenda, with its application in innovative solutions now more crucial than ever. ASEAN businesses stand at the threshold of a transformative era, where AI not only redefines customer engagement but also propels unprecedented growth and success.
Golden Opportunities for ASEAN with AI
In a world grappling with geopolitical tensions, ASEAN emerges as a beacon of opportunity. Global giants like Hyundai and Procter & Gamble are investing heavily in the region, buoyed by the potential of AI, projected to contribute a staggering S$1.36 trillion to the ASEAN economy by 2030. With countries like Singapore leading in AI readiness and Thailand and Indonesia showing significant progress, the stage is set for ASEAN businesses to leapfrog onto the global stage. New policy initiatives, including the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, further bolster this journey towards responsible and innovative AI adoption.
Elevating Customer Engagement to New Heights
The rapidly evolving digital landscape is pushing customer expectations to new levels. Innovations in AI, data, and CRM are key to unlocking personalized customer experiences, fostering stronger relationships, and driving loyalty. The banking sector, for instance, is a prime example of this shift, with digital banking solutions increasingly catering to tech-savvy customers.
Trusted Data Sharing as a Catalyst for Growth
The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), set to be finalized by 2025, marks a significant leap towards digital integration in the region. This framework aims to facilitate seamless and secure data flows across member states, enhancing regional competitiveness and unlocking new growth avenues.
Also read: Havas Host Ushers in New Era with Key Senior Appointments: Larken and Alhadeff Join the Team
Laying the Right Data Foundation for AI
Gavin Barfield, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Solutions at Salesforce ASEAN, stresses the importance of a robust data strategy to harness the power of AI. With many ASEAN organizations yet to fully exploit their data, the focus is now on data harmonization, privacy, and compliance to fully leverage AI’s potential.
The Human Element in AI’s Evolution
Despite advancements in chatbot technologies, human supervision remains crucial. The accountability of AI-generated advice and the risks of inappropriate responses necessitate a balanced approach to AI deployment, ensuring accuracy and mitigating liability.
The Surge of Automation in Business
AI’s role in automating routine tasks is set to expand significantly, freeing up human resources for more creative and productive work. This shift towards automation at scale promises to redefine efficiency in the region’s businesses.
Specialization in AI: The Future of LLMs
2024 will likely see the rise of specialized Large Language Models (LLMs) tailored to specific industries. These models, more efficient and cost-effective, will provide bespoke solutions in various sectors, including healthcare and finance.
Simplifying Software Development with AI
AI is transforming the way software is built. By enabling natural language instructions, AI democratizes software development, allowing even non-IT professionals to become digital creators.
Pioneering AI in Customer Service
Semantic query advancements are set to revolutionize customer service, with industries like travel and hospitality leading the charge in automation and generative AI.
Navigating the AI Era: Businesses and Employees Must Adapt
As AI reshapes job roles, businesses must balance AI deployment with upskilling opportunities for their workforce. Soft skills, alongside technical know-how in AI, will become increasingly vital in this new era.
As we step into 2024, the ASEAN business landscape stands on the cusp of an AI revolution. With insights from Salesforce’s Abraham and Barfield, it’s clear that embracing AI is not just about technological advancement but also about adapting to a rapidly evolving business environment.
