Flux Series: Marketing Leaders is happening at the St. Regis in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 15 November 2023. Are you working in the field of marketing? Don’t miss out on this focused and curated event designed especially for marketing professionals!

Visit Flux Series: Marketing Leaders for more information! Read on to get discounted tickets.

In an era dominated by visual content, the ability to create compelling and engaging visuals is paramount for businesses and content creators. Whether it’s for marketing campaigns, social media posts, websites, or presentations, high-quality visuals play a crucial role in capturing the attention of the audience. With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in the field of Generative AI, the process of creating visual content has changed dramatically.

Generative AI refers to a class of artificial intelligence algorithms that generate new, original content based on patterns and examples in existing data. It has proven to be a game-changer in various industries, including visual content creation. But why is harnessing Generative AI for automated visual content creation a matter of paramount importance?

Advantages of Generative AI

One of the most significant advantages of using Generative AI for visual content creation is the efficiency it brings to the process. Traditionally, designing visuals could be a time-consuming and resource-intensive task, often requiring specialised skills and software. With Generative AI, much of this process can be automated. This allows designers and content creators to allocate their time and resources to more strategic and creative tasks.

Moreover, Generative AI systems can generate a vast number of visuals in a short period. It can also be trained on specific styles, themes, or brand guidelines, enabling the creation of highly customised visuals. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that aim to maintain a distinct visual identity across all their content. Automated visual content creation can produce tailored visuals that align with the brand’s message and resonate with the target audience. With preferences and trends in visual content constantly evolving, keeping up with these changes manually can be challenging. Generative AI, on the other hand, can adapt to new styles and trends quickly by analysing a wide range of visual data, generating content that aligns with current preferences and ensuring that businesses stay relevant in their visual marketing efforts.

Also read: Learn how to achieve automation in operational processes and workflow at Flux

Automation through Generative AI can also significantly reduce the costs associated with visual content creation. It eliminates the need for extensive design teams or expensive design software licenses. This democratisation of visual content creation means that even smaller businesses with limited resources can produce high-quality visuals that compete with larger enterprises.

At its core, Generative AI can act as a creative partner for designers and content creators. Handling repetitive tasks frees up creative professionals to focus on more innovative and high-level aspects of visual content creation. Additionally, it facilitates collaboration by providing a starting point for further refinement and customisation.

Ultimately, harnessing of Generative AI for automated visual content creation marks a significant leap forward in digital marketing and content creation. It empowers businesses to create visually compelling content efficiently, at scale, and with a level of customisation that was previously unattainable. As Generative AI continues to advance, its role in visual content creation is poised to become even more indispensable, shaping the future of how we communicate visually in the digital landscape.

Challenges in adopting Generative AI

One of the foremost challenges in adopting Generative AI for content creation lies in the knowledge gap. While the technology has made significant strides, implementing it effectively requires a deep understanding of both AI principles and the specific nuances of the content creation domain.

Content creators and marketers may find themselves grappling with the complexities of training models, fine-tuning parameters, and interpreting results. Bridging this knowledge gap demands a commitment to ongoing education and collaboration between experts and specialists, as well as industry leaders who understand what brands need. Without this foundational understanding, leveraging Generative AI for content creation can be a daunting and potentially unproductive endeavour.

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Furthermore, staying abreast of the rapid advancements in Generative AI technology poses an ongoing challenge. The field is in a state of constant evolution, with new techniques, models, and best practices emerging frequently. This necessitates a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. For businesses and content creators, this means ensuring their teams are well-versed in the latest advancements, or in some cases, seeking external expertise to navigate the evolving landscape effectively. Keeping pace with the cutting edge of Generative AI is essential to maximising its potential for content creation, but it also demands a willingness to invest in training and development.

Flux Series: Marketing Leaders

Understanding this knowledge gap, Flux Series: Marketing Leaders aims to equip today’s marketing professionals with the practical know-how on how to optimise their teams in ways that could empower their brand. One of the key areas that marketing leaders must navigate is the world of content creation.

Also read: Braze: Top customer engagement platform will be at Flux!

Powered by Generative AI, marketing content can be calibrated in ways that could capture, nurture, and expand one’s market. As such, at Flux Series: Marketing Leaders, we are launching a series of workshops where participants can take part in interactive and practical application exercises where they can hone their marketing talents in real time.

Learning alongside regional industry leaders, Flux Series will be leading a workshop on “Harnessing Generative AI for Automated Visual Content Creation.”

This workshop will be led by no other than Warren Leow, CEO of Inmagine Group which owns 123rf.com, pixlr.com and designs.ai. Warren has previously worked as a management consultant with Bain & Company, ran the largest accelerator in Southeast Asia, and was in commodities trading with an oil and gas major.

Inmagine is a creative ecosystem that spans content, community and creative tools with the mission to allow creatives to work SMARTER, FASTER, and EASIER using AI, technology and creativity.

With Warren’s extensive experience in the field, he will be discussing the potential of Generative AI for visual content creation and how this can be explored and leveraged by marketing professionals from across the region. Moreover, marketing leaders get to participate, test out, and experiment with different strategies on the spot.

Join Flux Series: Marketing Leaders

Join Warren Leow and other industry leaders at the Flux Series and be a driving force in the AI-powered marketing revolution. To learn more about the event, you may visit the official Flux Series: Marketing Leaders page.

Get ready to embark on a journey that will not only deepen your understanding of AI-driven marketing but also equip you with the actionable insights needed to thrive in the dynamic world of modern marketing.

Join Flux Series: Marketing Leaders with discounted tickets here.

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We are living in a world of rapid technological advancement. In a span of a couple of decades, we have moved from mobile phones to smartphones, from Web2 to Web3 and to an era of AI and clean energy.

But even as we embrace the benefits of innovation, some of the innovation might go awry if left unattended. Hence, the Government might want to come in to ensure the stability of society.

In the EU, there is a push for regulation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act to ensure the ethical use of AI. However, some of the industry players are pushing back against the proposed regulations, stating the burden of compliance with the regulation will hamper the development of the industry.

Such a tussle between the need to promote innovation while having the right regulation to ensure responsible use of technology and safeguarding society is a delicate balance between the society, Government and industry players. Much like the delicate act of nurturing a bonsai plant, the challenge lies in striking the right balance.

The silent revolution of innovations

Historically, innovations often seemed to be running against the current of their times. When cars were first invented, or when the first iPhone was launched, many could not fathom the profound changes they would bring. In many ways, these innovations were like cryptic pieces of art; their true value wasn’t immediately understood. Yet, they had the potential to redefine the world.

The grace of non-intervention

A significant reason some innovations flourished is that they were left relatively untouched in their early stages. Without excessive intervention from the authorities, these innovations are allowed room to grow, adapt and navigate their purpose into the society. There’s inherent wisdom in allowing the market to play its role in determining the fate of these innovations. Some will naturally thrive, while others will wither away.

When is the right time for regulations to come in?

However, non-intervention doesn’t mean a handoff approach. Once an innovation begins to show signs of significant growth and potential impact, regulations should be considered. Introducing regulatory frameworks at this juncture can ensure the innovation grows sustainably and ethically, benefiting the larger community.

Also Read: Why fintech companies should learn about customer retention from e-commerce companies

Drawing parallels with bonsai cultivation, a plant needs to be allowed to grow to a certain size before the art of trimming and pruning begins. Immediate restrictions can stunt its growth, depriving it of reaching its true potential. Similarly, introducing regulations prematurely might rob an industry of unparalleled opportunities.

The irreversibility of regulation

However, one has to keep in mind that regulations, once set, cast a long shadow. They will have a great impact, and often lasting, impact on the growth and trajectory of the industry and its innovation. Given the long-term implications and costs, it becomes challenging for regulators to backtrack or make drastic changes. Such shifts come at a high price for both the regulating bodies and the industry.

Therefore, it is important for the authorities to carefully consider the impact of their regulations.

Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the regulatory sandbox

One can look at the approach Singapore is using to balance innovation and regulation. The MAS introduced a ‘regulatory sandbox’ where fintech startups can test their products in a controlled environment without immediately facing the regular regulatory requirements.

This approach acknowledges the fast-paced nature of fintech innovations and provides a safe space for experimentation. Once a product’s viability and potential risks become clear, appropriate regulations can be established. This forward-thinking approach by MAS ensures that Singapore remains a hub for fintech without compromising on regulatory safeguards.

One use case is how Kristal.AI, a digital wealth management platform, was enrolled into the sandbox to test out the business model and later graduated from the sandbox once both the industry and regulator had a better sense of how the new product impacted the industry.

A healthy environment – a fine art of balancing innovation and regulation

Balancing regulation and innovation isn’t a matter of cold calculus but a nuanced art. It’s about discerning the “right” moment for intervention, ensuring that innovations are given the chance to reach their potential. By adopting a patient, informed, and timely approach, we can harmonise the dance between regulation and innovation, ensuring a vibrant, sustainable, and ethical future for emerging industries.

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Korea Investment Partners (KIP) has closed US$60 million for its first flagship Southeast Asia venture capital fund.

Korea Investment Partners Southeast Asia (KIPSEA) Venture Fund I has attracted institutional investors from South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore, including Samsung Life Insurance, Korea Development Bank, Korea Growth Investment Corporation, D.camp, Woomi Global, Mirana Ventures and Korea Investment & Securities Asia.

Also Read: An amazing opportunity for startups to enter the South Korean market

The fund will be dedicated to investing in seed to Series B, high-growth technology startups in the region, with a small proportion reserved for South Korean companies looking to expand into the region. Key focus sectors are fintech, proptech, and enterprise software.

Incorporated in 1986, KIP is one of the largest venture capital firms in South Korea, having made over 900 investments. With more than US$3 billion in assets under management, some of its notable portfolio companies include Kakao, Naver, YG Entertainment (all South Korea), Halodoc (Indonesia), and Tiki.vn (Vietnam).

KIP is a subsidiary of publicly-listed Korea Investment Holdings, a financial conglomerate with multiple financial verticals, including securities, asset management, banking, credit finance, private equity, and real estate.

KIP first established its foothold in Southeast Asia by launching the GEC-KIP Technology and Innovation Fund in 2018, with Singapore as the headquarters. It has been actively deploying capital to promising startups within the region.

Also Read: East Ventures, SV Investment launch US$100M fund to bridge SEA, Korea startup ecosystems

“Underpinned by strong macroeconomic factors and the development of technological and digital capabilities within the region, Southeast Asia remains a key target market for KIP. We target to utilise KIP’s strategic networks and the strength of its ecosystem to identify and nurture early-stage, high potential and category-defining companies across the region,” said Synclare Kim, Head of KIPSEA.

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On the second day of She Loves Tech Global Conference, which fell on October 27 in Singapore, GGV Managing Partner Jenny Lee spoke about the unique characteristics of Greater Asia region which global investors need to pay attention to. This is especially related to where the region is in terms of digital transformation.

“I will say, for the Greater Asia region, the challenges that we have are a little different, meaning that we are actually a bit more functional,” she began.

The Managing Partner highlighted that to implement novel technologies such as AI, for example, the challenges that companies may face include the lack of sufficient data, as many countries are just in the early stage of digitalisation. When there is no sufficient structured data, there is just no capacity to begin the automation process.

“While there is definitely opportunity for some of the more advanced cities or countries in this region, there are other areas that may need work … but you cannot avoid the transition, because it is important. Digitalisation, for consumers, can present itself in terms of better education, tax, healthcare services,” she told moderator She Loves Tech Chief Content Officer Sharon Lim.

At the fireside chat, Lee also spoke about how technological disruption affected the workforce and how policies can impact the success of startups who are able to seize that opportunity. She pointed out that there are major trends in Asia that are policy-driven by the government which can be seen in countries such as China.

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“I am not against government supporting industries, because I think that if you are in the startup business, you want to be lucky as well,” she said.

Investment beyond the borders

Lee is no stranger to the global startup investment community and has made significant achievements in the field. A trailblazer in Asia’s venture capital industry, she was the first woman to crack the Midas List top ten (2015), has remained on Forbes Global 100 VC Midas List since 2012.

As a passionate technologist, she pays attention to trends in various tech verticals, not just the ones that GGV is focusing on. This is includes niche verticals such as space tech.

“Even though it is not my area of investment, it is my personal interests,” she said.

She also shares her preference for companies that are building technologies that are “not easily copied.”

“Long-lasting companies have their own advantages … That unique advantage sometimes is operational excellence, sometimes is user interface.”

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Open metaverse company Animoca Brands has announced a strategic partnership with NEOM Company, the company behind Saudi Arabia’s iconic project NEOM City, to drive regional Web3 initiatives in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan.

Animoca Brands will work with NEOM on building Web3 enterprise service capabilities with global commercial applicability, which will be deployed to support technology advancements in Riyadh and the NEOM region.

Also Read: ONE Championship, Animoca partner to create NFT-powered mobile game

These projects will include a range of Web3 initiatives, including plans to establish a hub within NEOM to nurture the local Web3 ecosystem and bring in extensive capabilities from across Animoca Brands and its subsidiaries, partners, and a broad portfolio of investments.

As part of the deal, NEOM Investment Fund (the strategic investment arm of NEOM) has proposed investing US$50 million in Animoca via convertible notes and secondary share purchase.

Majid Mufti, CEO of NEOM Investment Fund, commented: “Web3 technology and infrastructure development will not only be an important foundation of NEOM’s tech stack and architecture, but also has potential to revolutionise global industries. By partnering with a market-leading company like Animoca Brands, we hope to accelerate Web3 technology development and adoption.”

NEOM is a region being built in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea. It will include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports and enterprise zones, research centres, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations. As a hub for innovation, entrepreneurs, business leaders and companies will come to research, incubate and commercialise new technologies and enterprises in groundbreaking ways.

Also Read: Animoca Brands nets US$20M in new round for its ‘Mocaverse’ project

Animoca Brands develops and publishes a broad portfolio of products, including original games such as The Sandbox, PHANTOM GALAXIES, Life Beyond, and Crazy Defense Heroes, and products utilising popular intellectual properties from the worlds of sports and entertainment, such as The Walking Dead, Power Rangers, MotoGP, and Formula E.

It has multiple subsidiaries, including The Sandbox, Blowfish Studios, Quidd, GAMEE, nWay, Pixowl, Forj, Lympo, Animoca Brands Japan, Grease Monkey Games, Eden Games, Darewise Entertainment, Notre Game, TinyTap, Be., PIXELYNX, WePlay Media, and Gryfyn.

Animoca is also an active Web3 investor, with a portfolio of over 400 investments, both directly and through Animoca Ventures, including Yuga Labs, Axie Infinity, Polygon, Consensys, Fireblocks, OpenSea, Dapper Labs, Yield Guild Games, and Alien Worlds.

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