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Flashback 2024: Best of AI from Experts

Flashback 2024: Best of AI from Experts

AI dominated the headlines in 2024, with more and more organisations pumping more and more money and time into building AI capabilities. As per a recent IDC and SAS report, when it comes to the APAC region, investment in generative AI is noted to have grown significantly, from 19% in 2023 to a projected 34% in 2024, indicating a more diversified investment approach that includes predictive and interpretive AI. The findings point to an expected AI expenditure in the Asia Pacific of USD $45 billion in 2024, with a projected increase to USD $110 billion by 2028, signifying a compound annual growth rate of 24% from 2023 to 2028.

No wonder, if last year was a breakout year for the sector, this momentum is continuing in 2024 as well. Generative artificial intelligence startups are getting 40% of all the venture capital funding that flows into cloud companies, as per venture investors Accel.

While concerns remain around security risks, skilling, legislation, and return on investments, Generative AI adoption and value will continue to grow across industries in 2025 as well. We spoke to many experts in 2024 to understand how organisations can best leverage the power of AI. Here’s what they had to say.

While humanity is worried about AI’s hallucinations, let us address humans’ hallucinations for AI

Ethan Seow, co-founder of Centre for AI Leadership (C4AIL), spoke about realistic AI applications, stating, “The catchphrase for C4AIL is “while humanity is worried about AI and its hallucinations, we address humans’ hallucinations for AI.” Most people are just imagining a bunch of things for what AI can actually do, and again you can’t let it loose. At the end of the day, go back to the fundamentals instead of going complex in prompt engineering, and understand where it comes from.”

Businesses must invest in quality data, ethical AI practices

Nithya Krishnamoorthy, Vice President, Data Science, Strategy and Corporate Development, Singlife, shared how genAI is a potential game-changer for businesses aiming to streamline their operations. “One of the key strengths of genAI is its ability to automate and optimise tasks that traditionally required extensive human input. GenAI tools can scale more efficiently than human-based processes, enabling us to manage growth more effectively. However, to truly leverage genAI, businesses must invest in quality data, ethical AI practices, and ongoing training for their teams. While emerging technology is incredibly powerful, its success hinges on thoughtful implementation and management,” Nithya affirmed.

Changes will become even more pronounced as AI continues to evolve and integrate more deeply into our daily lives

Shirli Zelcer, Chief Data and Technology Officer (CDTO) of dentsu spoke about how AI as a technology has the potential to bring significant changes, driving transformative changes across numerous fields, leading to greater efficiency, uncovering new insights, innovation, and personalised experiences.

“This year, these changes will become even more pronounced as AI continues to evolve and integrate more deeply into our daily lives. With this increasing evolution of AI, we will witness significant amounts of data from different places coming together with the potential to offer practical solutions that will significantly improve our lives,” predicted Shirli.

Fragmented, unstructured data remains biggest barrier to adoption of AI

Data-related issues remain a significant barrier to adoption, shared Gavin Barfield, Chief Technology Officer, Salesforce ASEAN. “For many businesses, the root cause is fragmented data across multiple systems. The average organisation uses 1,061 applications, and over 71% of them are disconnected. Structured data such as transaction records, inventory and customer profiles is often fragmented across these systems, making it difficult to consolidate into a unified view. When data is scattered like this, AI cannot deliver accurate, contextualised, and actionable outputs, leading to incomplete insights and less reliable outcomes. Meanwhile, unstructured data—such as documents, PDFs, and emails—remains largely untapped. This data often contains valuable insights but exists in formats that aren’t easily integrated with structured data,” revealed Gavin.

AI will also create new ethical and social issues around privacy, bias, accountability, and trust

Anndy Lian, an Intergovernmental Blockchain Expert and Best Selling Book Author “NFT: From Zero to Hero”, revealed, “One challenge which AI will pose for the workforce in APAC is the potential displacement and disruption of existing jobs and industries, especially those that rely on low-skilled and manual labor. AI will also create new ethical and social issues, such as privacy, bias, accountability, and trust. Therefore, it is important to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a responsible and inclusive manner, that respects human rights and values, and that benefits all stakeholders.”

In the realm of AI, data is the currency

Dr. Adrienne Heinrich, AI CoE Head, Vice President, UnionBank of the Philippines stressed on investing in data wisely. Adrienne shared, “In the realm of AI, data is the currency. Invest wisely in data quality to avoid the pitfalls of inflation and devaluation. Recognising that not all data is created equal, we must adopt a waste/harm approach to identify and address data that causes the most waste or harm due to poor quality.”

“The desire for customisation and control often necessitates greater investment in talent, infrastructure, and maintenance. A hybrid approach that combines in-house expertise with external platforms can offer a balanced solution, ensuring that GenAI initiatives directly support organisational goals and deliver maximum value,” she shared.

 

Source: https://ciosea.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/strategy-and-management/flashback-2024-best-of-ai-from-experts/116388813

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Embracing AI and cryptocurrency: Is Hong Kong too ambitious?

Embracing AI and cryptocurrency: Is Hong Kong too ambitious?

Hong Kong is making a significant move to establish itself as a leading tech hub in Asia. With plans to issue more cryptocurrency exchange licenses by the end of 2024 and the introduction of its first set of AI policies specifically designed for the financial sector, the city is gearing up for a transformative shift.

The government’s push for tax-free gains on virtual assets, alongside regulations to manage the burgeoning AI landscape, highlights its ambition. However, a critical question arises: Is this bold strategy sustainable, and will it genuinely benefit Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem?

The potential of AI and cryptocurrency in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s financial sector is well-known for its strong infrastructure, large markets, and dynamic opportunities, making it a prime candidate for the adoption of AI technologies. The government, under the leadership of Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu, has acknowledged the dual nature of AI—its potential to revolutionise finance while also presenting certain risks. By taking a balanced approach, Hong Kong aims to encourage AI development while addressing the challenges that come with it.

The introduction of a unified framework for AI policy across various regulatory bodies is a significant advancement. This framework will facilitate a coordinated strategy for governing AI use in finance, ensuring that the technology is utilised effectively and safely. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as AI applications are rapidly expanding across industries, particularly in finance, where AI-driven algorithms are reshaping trading, risk management, and customer service.

On the cryptocurrency front, Hong Kong’s proposal to extend tax breaks on digital assets signals its intent to become a welcoming environment for crypto investments. By including virtual assets in existing tax incentives for family offices and private funds, the city aims to attract more investment in this growing sector. This move aligns with a broader global trend, as institutional interest in cryptocurrencies continues to rise, evidenced by the increasing number of crypto-focused investment funds and the growing market capitalisation of digital assets.

Navigating challenges and opportunities

Despite the promising outlook, Hong Kong faces significant hurdles in its quest to become Asia’s premier tech hub. One of the main concerns is the sustainability of the current cryptocurrency exchange license holders. Many of these exchanges are struggling to achieve profitability, raising questions about the wisdom of issuing more licenses. The cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile, and the regulatory landscape is still evolving, which adds to the uncertainty.

In addition, access to popular AI services in Hong Kong is limited. Major US tech companies like OpenAI and Google do not offer their AI services locally, and accessing Chinese AI services from companies like Baidu and ByteDance can be complicated. This lack of access could hinder the adoption of AI technologies in Hong Kong, potentially stalling the city’s ambitions.

To tackle these challenges, the Hong Kong government is working on developing its own AI solutions. This initiative could provide a much-needed boost to the local AI ecosystem, fostering innovation and creating new opportunities.

Economic implications

The economic ramifications of Hong Kong’s initiatives are profound. By embracing AI and cryptocurrency, the city is positioning itself at the forefront of the digital economy. The potential benefits are significant, including increased investment, job creation, and enhanced competitiveness in the global market.

According to a report by PwC, AI could contribute up to US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with the financial sector being one of the biggest beneficiaries. In Hong Kong, the adoption of AI in finance could lead to more efficient operations, improved customer experiences, and new revenue streams. Similarly, the cryptocurrency market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with the global market capitalisation of digital assets surpassing US$3 trillion in 2021.

The path to realising these benefits is fraught with challenges. The regulatory environment must be carefully managed to ensure that AI and cryptocurrency are used responsibly and ethically. This includes addressing issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and the potential for market manipulation.

A personal reflection

From my perspective, Hong Kong’s ambitious move to embrace AI and cryptocurrency is both exciting and concerning. As someone who closely follows technology and finance, I see the potential for these innovations to transform the industry. However, I am also aware of the risks involved.

The success of Hong Kong’s initiatives will hinge on the government’s ability to strike a delicate balance between fostering innovation and implementing necessary regulations. It is crucial that the city creates an environment that encourages experimentation and growth while protecting the interests of consumers and investors.

The sustainability of the cryptocurrency exchange market is a pressing concern. While issuing more licenses could stimulate competition and innovation, it could also lead to market saturation and increased financial instability. The government must carefully assess market dynamics and ensure that new entrants are well-capitalised and capable of operating sustainably.

Hong Kong’s initiatives are a testament to the transformative power of technology and the importance of forward-thinking policies in shaping the future of finance. Whether these efforts will ultimately pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Hong Kong is a city to watch in the coming years.

Source: https://e27.co/embracing-ai-and-cryptocurrency-is-hong-kong-too-ambitious-20241112/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Public sector IT strategies 2024: Leveraging AI and Blockchain for transforming governance

Public sector IT strategies 2024: Leveraging AI and Blockchain for transforming governance

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the public sector IT leaders who successfully navigate the integration of AI and blockchain will be well-positioned to deliver transformative changes in governance.

We’re seeing a huge shift in how governments are using technology. It’s not just about upgrading computers anymore, it’s about using powerful tools like AI and blockchain to completely change how things work. This is a chance to make governments more efficient, transparent, and trustworthy.

Think of all the ways AI is already being used: streamlining welfare, making immigration decisions fairer, catching fraudsters, planning cities, and even helping doctors. And this is just the beginning!

But there are worries too. Can we trust AI to be fair and unbiased? That’s where blockchain comes in. It’s like a digital ledger that keeps track of everything, making sure AI decisions are transparent and accountable.

Imagine a world where:

  • Every government decision made by AI is recorded and can be checked by anyone, ensuring fairness and stopping corruption.
  • AI analyses huge amounts of data to help governments understand what citizens need and provide better services.
  • Cities use AI and blockchain to manage traffic, energy, and waste more efficiently

The adoption of AI in government operations has already begun to yield significant benefits across various domains. From streamlining welfare payments to optimising immigration decisions, AI’s impact is far-reaching. Public servants are harnessing its capabilities to detect fraud, plan infrastructure projects, respond to citizen queries, assist in bail hearings, triage healthcare cases, and even establish drone paths. These applications merely scratch the surface of AI’s potential in the public sector.

However, the integration of AI into existing systems is not without its challenges. Concerns about transparency, accountability, and the potential for bias in AI decision-making processes have led some governments to approach this technology with caution. This is where blockchain technology enters the picture, offering a solution that addresses these concerns while amplifying the benefits of AI.

Incorporating Blockchain into AI-driven government systems

Blockchain, with its inherent characteristics of immutability, transparency, and decentralisation, provides a robust framework for ensuring the integrity and traceability of AI-driven processes. By keeping an unalterable record of all changes and decisions made by AI systems, blockchain technology can serve as a crucial accountability mechanism. This symbiotic relationship between AI and blockchain has the potential to create a new paradigm in public sector IT – one that combines the efficiency and insights of AI with the trust and transparency of blockchain.

The AI Strategy for Government, as outlined by various forward-thinking administrations, presents a vision where government agencies leverage AI to deliver high-impact outcomes in their core business. This strategy typically encompasses five key recommendations:

  • Identifying common AI applications that can be proliferated across different departments and agencies.
  • Pinpointing signature AI use cases to demonstrate tangible impact and build public confidence.
  • Productionising AI tools by building centralised infrastructure and resources.
  • Proliferating AI capabilities by broadening and deepening technical expertise within the public sector workforce.
  • Strengthening trust in the government’s use of AI by establishing robust governance frameworks.

These recommendations provide a solid foundation for the integration of AI into public sector operations. However, the addition of blockchain technology can significantly enhance this strategy, addressing some of the key concerns associated with AI adoption in government.

One of the primary advantages of incorporating blockchain into AI-driven government systems is the establishment of an immutable audit trail. Every decision made by an AI system can be recorded on the blockchain, creating a transparent and tamper-proof record. This not only ensures accountability but also allows for thorough scrutiny of AI decision-making processes, helping to identify and mitigate potential biases or errors.

The use of smart contracts on blockchain platforms can help align AI systems with their primary tasks and objectives. Smart contracts can be programmed to enforce specific rules and conditions, ensuring that AI systems operate within predefined parameters. This creates a system of checks and balances, mitigating the risk of AI systems deviating from their intended purposes or making unauthorised decisions.

The synergy between AI and blockchain extends beyond mere record-keeping and accountability. AI can analyse the vast amounts of data stored on blockchain networks to derive valuable insights for policymaking. By processing citizen feedback, transaction data, and other relevant information stored on the blockchain, AI systems can help governments make more informed, data-driven decisions that are responsive to the needs and preferences of their citizens.

Transforming public services with AI and Blockchain

This data-driven approach to governance has the potential to transform how public services are delivered. For instance, AI algorithms could analyse blockchain-stored data on citizens’ interactions with various government services to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement. This information could then be used to optimise service delivery, potentially leading to more personalised, responsive, and anticipatory public services.

In the area of policy-making and planning, the combination of AI and blockchain can provide governments with unprecedented capabilities. AI’s predictive analytics, when applied to the wealth of data securely stored on blockchain networks, can offer more accurate forecasts and deeper insights into societal trends. This could enable governments to anticipate future challenges, from demographic shifts to economic fluctuations, and develop proactive policies to address them.

The potential applications of this technology duo are vast and varied. In the field of public finance, for instance, AI could analyse blockchain-recorded transaction data to detect patterns indicative of fraud or tax evasion, while the immutability of blockchain ensures the integrity of financial records. In healthcare, AI could process anonymised patient data stored on blockchain networks to identify public health trends or predict disease outbreaks, all while maintaining patient privacy and data security.

In the domain of smart cities, the convergence of AI, blockchain, and spatial computing presents exciting possibilities. AI algorithms could analyse data from IoT devices recorded on blockchain networks to optimise traffic flow, energy consumption, and waste management. The immutability and transparency of blockchain would ensure the integrity of this data, while smart contracts could automate various city operations based on predefined conditions.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that the integration of AI and blockchain in public sector IT is not without challenges. Technical hurdles, such as scalability issues in blockchain networks and the computational demands of AI systems, need to be addressed. There are also important ethical considerations, particularly around data privacy and the potential for surveillance. The successful implementation of these technologies requires significant investment in infrastructure and human capital. Governments need to prioritise the development of AI and blockchain expertise within their workforce, potentially through partnerships with academic institutions and the private sector.

Public acceptance and trust are also critical factors. Governments must be transparent about how they’re using these technologies and provide clear explanations of how AI-blockchain systems make decisions that affect citizens’ lives. Public education initiatives may be necessary to help citizens understand the benefits and limitations of these technologies.

In Conclusion

Despite these challenges, I believe the potential benefits of integrating AI and blockchain in public sector IT far outweigh the obstacles. This technological convergence offers a path towards more efficient, transparent, and responsive governance – a goal that should be at the forefront of any public sector IT strategy.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the public sector IT leaders who successfully navigate the integration of AI and blockchain will be well-positioned to deliver transformative changes in governance. By harnessing the analytical power of AI and the trust-building capabilities of blockchain, governments can create a new paradigm of public service – one that is more efficient, more accountable, and more attuned to the needs of citizens.

In conclusion, the focus on integrating AI with existing systems and adopting blockchain technology in the public sector represents a forward-thinking approach to governance in the digital age. This strategy has the potential to enhance decision-making, improve service delivery, optimise internal operations, and strengthen public trust in government institutions. As these technologies continue to evolve and mature, we can expect to see increasingly sophisticated applications that redefine the relationship between citizens and their governments.

The journey towards fully realising the potential of AI and blockchain in public sector IT will undoubtedly be complex and challenging. It will require sustained commitment, significant resources, and a willingness to embrace change and innovation. However, for those governments willing to embark on this journey, the rewards promise to be transformative – ushering in a new era of smart, responsive, and trustworthy governance that is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

 

 

Source: https://ciosea.economictimes.indiatimes.com/blog/public-sector-it-strategies-2024-leveraging-ai-and-blockchain-for-transforming-governance/113050118

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j