Today’s fear of losing the benefits Mother Nature has been showering for ages can best be dealt with through environmental education. This will help address the pressing eco-living challenges that make some people panic.

Luckily, however, there’s the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the academe that presents a transformative opportunity to enhance every learner’s experience. This article will help you explore how AI, with all its advancements, can significantly enhance environmental education.

AI prowess: Transforming and enhancing environmental education

Personalised learning experiences with AI

In today’s educational scene, AI has enabled almost all educational content to meet the individual needs and learning paces of students. It can easily analyse data on students’ preferences, strengths, and weaknesses, furthering and customising their learning paths.

For example, students struggling with understanding climate change can be given additional resources like interactive simulations and targeted quizzes to reinforce their learning processes. This more personalised approach can make sure that each student receives the support they need so they can grasp the complex environmental concepts fully.

Also, integrating an AI voice generator or making text-to-speech content into the teaching tools mix can make learning even more engaging. They can offer apt audio explanations that are more tailored to each learner’s coaching pace.

Interactive and immersive learning through AI

The more interactive and immersive the learning, the more attention-getter your educational content, and that’s how AI is transforming today’s young generation and academia. AI’s most compelling advantage in imparting learning is its ability to create these more dynamic environments. 

Fronting this advantage is making students experience ecosystems firsthand, not just reading about them, through:

• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) learning modules

These modes of learning, through VR and AR, allow students to explore various ecosystems and observe wildlife up close, making it more immersive and relatable. Also, these tech-savvy media of instruction can explore fantastic locations, like the Arctic tundra, without leaving their classroom.

• Firsthand experiences with AI

Your students can virtually dive into enchanting coral reefs or witness the horrible effects of deforestation. These will be enriching stories to tell when they’re with their siblings and friends who still lack knowledge about people’s footprint in nature.

• Engaging and impactful learning through AI

AI can give students an immersive experience that will make their learning more engaging and fun. It’s also where they’ll develop a deeper connection with the environment through their AI-driven learning experiences.

With AI, student learning is no longer hemmed in by textbooks but with a stimulating, personalised, interactive, and immersive coaching style. These learning avenues make education more impactful and relatable, helping students connect with their courses or subjects more deeply.

Education with AI: Enhancing your research capabilities

The more advanced AI of today can significantly enhance every student’s research capabilities by opening doors to vast amounts of information and advanced analytical tools. Even AI-driven platforms can now curate and summarise the latest scientific research, helping students stay in the know about the latest and most trending developments in environmental science.

Also Read: The future is here: Seizing the first-mover advantage in AI entrepreneurship

Also, the invaluable assistance of AI in data analysis is quite astounding, enabling students to complete complex research assignments and projects efficiently and more accurately. This can be quite beneficial for higher education students and researchers who are working on more highly advanced and efficient environmental solutions.

Gamification of environmental education with AI

The academia is one recipient of the revolutionising benefits of gamification, especially in the realm of environmental studies and research like:

• AI-powered educational games

Many students become more interested and immersed in AI-created interactive games, which make learning about the environment more fun and competitive. These games also help turn boring lessons into more engaging and enjoyable activities. 

• Virtual conservation projects

Some of these learners are students who become interested in virtual conservation projects, solving environmental problems to advance in their gamified learning platform. It’s a more hands-on approach that helps students understand and relate to more complex environmental preservation concepts.

• Teaching key concepts

These games are so lighthearted that teaching sustainability, resource management, and biodiversity conservation has never become so attractive to learners. It’s where students can learn more lessons about the environment in a more relaxed, enjoyable, and interactive way.

These are just some of the ways where AI has so empowered education with tools and strategies to enhance every student’s environmental education, that even if faced with the increasingly complex environmental challenges, the next generation may become more eco-friendly and eco-conscious citizens and leaders.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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Dear reader,

The impending shutdown of TikTok’s US operations marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about national security, data privacy, and digital freedom. With 170 million American users and a global presence supported by US-based infrastructure, TikTok’s potential ban exemplifies the complexities of regulating technology in an increasingly interconnected world.

At the heart of the controversy lies the tension between safeguarding national security and preserving freedom of expression. The US government’s mandate for ByteDance to divest TikTok stems from concerns about data accessibility by Chinese authorities. While such concerns are valid in the context of rising geopolitical tensions, critics argue that a blanket ban infringes upon First Amendment rights and disrupts the livelihoods of countless creators and businesses reliant on the platform.

The situation has been further muddled by political posturing. President-elect Donald Trump’s deliberation over an executive order to delay the ban contrasts sharply with the outgoing Biden administration’s firm stance on enforcing the law. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s indecision underscores the legal ambiguity surrounding the issue.

This lack of clear direction has left TikTok users and businesses in limbo, highlighting the absence of a cohesive strategy for balancing security concerns with the rights of private entities.

TikTok’s assertion that a US ban could disrupt services globally raises significant questions about the unintended consequences of such policies. The platform’s role as a cultural and economic phenomenon cannot be understated, and its shutdown could set a concerning precedent for the future of global tech regulation.

Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder of the need for nuanced policymaking. As governments grapple with the challenges of digital sovereignty, the TikTok saga underscores the importance of balancing security imperatives with the principles of openness and innovation.

Sainul,
Editor.

—

NEWS & VIEWS

TikTok may shut down in US on Sunday: sources
The decision will depend on whether the Supreme Court intervenes to block the ban | Under current legislation, new downloads of TikTok are prohibited from Apple and Google app stores.

Oyo investors plan to sell stake at US$3.9B valuation
Early Oyo investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, are in talks with family offices to sell their shares | Peak XV, another early investor in Oyo, recently sold part of its 3% stake, earning US$80-US$90M.

Digibank Sygnum achieves unicorn status after US$58M raise
The round was led by bitcoin-focused venture capital firm Fulgur Ventures | The Swiss and Singaporean company plans to use the funds to expand into new markets, including the EU, EEA, and Hong Kong.

Singapore, Thailand authorities move to block crypto betting site Polymarket
Singapore’s Gambling Regulatory Authority blocked access to the prediction markets platform in December, as it was deemed to be providing unlawful gambling, a spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.

India’s Breathe Well-being lays off 100 employees: sources
The layoffs were reportedly due to the healthtech startup’s inability to raise fresh funding, leaving it with a runway of just six months to a year | The startup, which helps manage and reverse Type 2 diabetes, has raised over US$10M to date.

Skor scores US$6.2M funding to tackle Indonesia’s credit market
The investors include Argor Capital, QED Investors, and Saison Capital | Skor’s product Skorcard is designed as a digital-first product, with a purpose-built mobile app that uses “gamification” to engage users.

Singapore bitcoin rush defies MAS warnings
According to Gavin Chia, CEO of investment platform Moomoo, the trading volume of bitcoin ETFs in Singapore increased by over 200% in November compared to October 2024. Over 50% of the platform’s crypto traders in 2024 were Singaporeans.

SC Ventures, ENGIE Factory launch Qatalyst to transform carbon finance market
The goal is to simplify and expedite the identification, due diligence, and oversight of carbon abatement projects, thereby addressing longstanding inefficiencies in the sector.

iMyanmarHouse launches C2C marketplace for individuals to connect, exchange goods
iMyanmarMarket’s emergence comes after the late 2022 exit of OneKyat, a C2C e-commerce platform previously owned by Carousell | iMyanmarMarket is also looking to expand into the business-to-consumer (B2C) sector.

Urban solutions, sustainability take centre stage at SMU’s LKYGBPC startup challenge in 2025
This year’s LKYGBPC is enhancing its support for participants by connecting finalists with Southeast Asia’s leading business families.

Amazon to acquire Indian BNPL firm Axio
The financial terms were not disclosed, but sources estimate the transaction exceeds US$150M | This acquisition marks Amazon’s second purchase in India within a year, following its acquisition of video streaming service MX Player in June 2024.

SG corporate finance firm W Capital secures Series B funding
received investments from existing seed shareholders, a single-family office, and leaders from listed companies | W Capital Markets has executed over 50 transactions valued between US$36.6M and US$2.19B.

Kaya Founders plans to invest in 10 to 15 startups in 2025
Kaya Founders focuses on pre-seed and series A startups in the Philippine market, with an emphasis on technology-driven solutions, AI, and financial services.

Meta warns of feature rollbacks after antitrust ruling in India
Meta Platforms may be required to withdraw certain features in India due to a directive from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) | These restrictions could affect Meta’s ability to provide personalised ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram in India.

SG women’s health startup Aura Fem Health secures US$200K in funding
Aura Fem Health aims to address the gaps in women’s healthcare, considering mental, physical, and environmental factors | Currently, Aura serves users in ten countries, mainly in the US and Europe, targeting women aged 40 to 55.

Grab, BYD partner to expand EV fleet in Southeast Asia
The partnership will bring up to 50K EVs to Grab’s driver-partners in the region | This collaboration aims to reduce the costs of EV adoption and promote sustainable transportation.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Rise of the machines: 20 robotics startups shaping Southeast Asia’s future
Singapore leads the region in robotics adoption, particularly in manufacturing and service industries, due to its robust R&D infra and favourable investment climate.

How NEU Battery Materials is powering the circular economy for lithium
NEU Battery Materials has developed a proprietary electrochemical redox-targeting technology to sustainably recycle Li-ion batteries.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The banking revolution: Balancing convenience and security in the digital era
In the digital age, banking undergoes a transformation where convenience meets security, and fintech revolutionises financial management.

From teaching to a writing startup: Why and how I’ve pivoted my career
Don’t stop learning and trying new things. Even if it seems useless or controversial at first, every skill you have will come in handy one day.

How millennial investors are taking control of their wealth creation
Tech is making investing more accessible for young investors in Southeast Asia but disinformation can threaten financial wellbeing.

How Generative AI will advance embedded lending
The latest developments in generative AI will bring some significant developments to the lending industry with more personalisation.

How fintech in Asia is enabling and making education affordable for everyone
Financing has always been the key barrier for enrolment and retention and is a top-of-mind issue for schools.

Edutech in a post-pandemic world: Where do we go from here?
Edutech stands to furnish massive opportunities to startups that seek to provide solutions for the ever-evolving education sector.

How the metaverse opens new opportunities for education
Education in the metaverse will be more democratised, the academic curriculum will be more equitable and open.

How to navigate through the vast opportunities in the finance industry
As the scope of the finance industry continues to evolve, a career in the industry can be fast-paced, dynamic, challenging, and enriching.

Openness and collaboration in education is what the world needs
To solve the problems of tomorrow, we need to leverage digital technology to match the world’s best minds with the best education resources.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

US$25B lost: Crypto’s deepfake defence is failing
With minimal technical knowledge, AI can now generate hyper-realistic deepfake content | As a result, it is becoming increasingly hard to distinguish between legitimate and deceptive media.

How this founder went from being a tutor to a modern-day mompreneur
As a mompreneur every day I am tasked with managing the home and the office and juggling between the two.

Leading the pivot: Transforming B2B marketing in the age of AI
The question isn’t whether AI will change marketing; the real question is: will you lead the change or get left behind?

How to use AI positively and stay ahead in your career
The real question isn’t whether AI will take over but whether we’ll take advantage of it to stay ahead in our careers.

Beyond drug discovery: How generative AI is revolutionising content creation in biotechnology
Generative AI is set to revolutionize scientific data processing, analysis, and presentation, prompting biotech leaders to rethink content strategies.

The future of education is AI: Here’s how it will look
With the right kind of AI, edutech enterprises can not only shape the future of curriculum, but also the very culture of learning.

How AI and digital strategy are shaping the future of connectivity
A platform-based approach helps telcos future-proof with digital integration, automation, and intelligence.

Gina Romero’s quest of unchaining women through AI and digital tasks
“Making sure that women have access to technology is a gamechanger, it creates opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist,” says Romero.

How a hospitality career helped me jump into tech
This article focuses on my journey where I changed the trajectory of my career and went on to become a full-stack software developer.

Is Vietnam the new AI destination? NVIDIA might say yes!
The partnership with NVIDIA highlights the commitment of Vietnam to high-tech development and a skilled workforce.

The digital silk road: How Southeast Asian startups are redefining cross-border collaboration
The journey of Southeast Asian startups represents more than a regional success story – it offers a blueprint for global technological collaboration.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: TikTok may shut down in US on Sunday | Digibank Sygnum becomes unicorn | Singapore bitcoin rush defies MAS warnings appeared first on e27.

In the bustling world of hospitality, where every interaction shapes a guest’s experience, ensuring that staff are well-trained and deeply engaged is paramount.

Matt Spreigel, founder and CEO of Singapore-based Atiom, recognised a critical gap in traditional training methods and embarked on a journey to redefine how hospitality companies develop their teams.

Atiom, an AI-powered, gamified platform, isn’t just another training tool; it’s a novel approach to building high-performing, satisfied, and loyal workforces.

Spreigel’s journey began not in a boardroom but on the back of a motorcycle in Maua, Kenya, while he was interning at a micro-finance bank. Immersed in a vibrant culture, surrounded by children he’d never met, he had an epiphany: “Every day we change forever.”

This experience instilled in him the belief that each moment holds the power to transform, inspiring him to approach each day with a sense of limitless possibility. This mindset set the stage for his future entrepreneurial endeavours.

Also Read: The future of gamification: Connecting brands with consumers through games

A year later, a move to China to study Mandarin evolved into a decade-long immersion. Struggling with intensive study hours, Spreigel discovered the power of Anki flashcards.

This tool, which used frequent short study sessions and applied learning, allowed him to learn effectively. It was a key step in developing Atiom’s spaced repetition learning methodology.

When Spreigel encountered a challenging workplace training scenario during his time at a multinational company in Shanghai—eight days of PowerPoint slides in Chinese—he knew there had to be a better way. He supplemented his learning with his own Anki flashcards, and soon, he was learning more effectively on his own.

This experience crystallised the need for a more personalised, flexible, and engaging approach to training, and Atiom was born.

The shortcomings of traditional training

Traditional classroom training, designed for the Industrial Revolution, is simply not keeping up with the demands of the modern hospitality industry. Spreigel highlights the major limitations of such methods, noting the often long hours and low pay in the industry.

Simply getting staff to a classroom for training is a challenge, let alone keeping them motivated. The “one-size-fits-all” approach of traditional training fails to accommodate the individual needs of employees, often leaving them without effective tools for review and retention. As Spreigel notes, repetition is vital for mastery but must be personalised.

The front-line workforce is often underserved. These are the individuals who make our daily lives smoother – the people who maintain workplaces, get us to meetings on time and make our coffees. They are too often taken for granted. This is reflected in the fact that many companies invest more in middle management and above.

Spreigel argues that this creates a negative cycle of low morale and performance. Companies that invest in their front-line employees see big benefits, with more engaged staff who are more productive and loyal, which boosts customer experiences.

Gamification and AI: The Atiom difference

Atiom leverages gamification to keep employees engaged, using quizzes, challenges, and rewards, as well as providing bite-sized content. These features make training more effective and drive lasting shifts in performance.

Gamification also allows employees to track their progress with milestones and leaderboards, fostering healthy competition and teamwork.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is central to Atiom’s platform. It creates a dynamic learning path for each employee, focusing on areas where they need support. Ati, Atiom’s AI assistant, streamlines the creation of training modules, surveys, and local newsfeed posts while also customising content to meet each organisation’s unique needs.

Human psychology and data-driven behaviour change

Atiom understands that lasting behaviour change is built on strong foundations. The platform uses intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to increase participation and foster achievement. It incorporates bite-sized content and daily quests. In addition, insights from data can be used to create daily challenges that spark positive shifts in performance.

Atiom focuses on delivering measurable business outcomes, not just increased training hours. They report 100 per cent customer retention with each account growing by over 2x on average. In addition to revenue growth, they have received a lot of positive feedback from front-line teams.

The future of employee training

Spreigel foresees a shift towards a more blended and holistic approach to employee training, noting that whilst technology will continue to advance, face-to-face interaction should be optimised through role-playing, on-the-job training, and personalised learning.

He says the days of long classroom sessions and videos on obsolete learning management systems are over. Training must be concise, relevant, and interactive. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and critical thinking skills will be increasingly important. Employee mental health and well-being should be prioritised to reduce turnover rates and boost productivity.

Also Read: How to use the psychology of gamification to grow e-commerce sales

Atiom is aware of the need to balance technology with the personal touch. It also recognises the need to tailor solutions to diverse cultural needs. Spreigel emphasises the importance of open conversations with employees to provide them with the right tools and support.

Ultimately, Atiom envisions a workplace where training is a dynamic, data-driven journey tailored to each individual’s unique needs. By leveraging AI, gamification, and a holistic approach, Atiom is transforming how organisations cultivate talent, enhance performance, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Atom is not just changing how employees are trained; it is changing how they experience work.

The post The Atiom way: Gamified, AI-powered training for the modern hospitality workforce appeared first on e27.

An Binh Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ABBANK), a prominent retail bank in Vietnam, has made a strategic investment in fintech company Backbase launching its new business digital banking platform, ABBANK Business.

With this move, ABBANK aims to digitally transform its services, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Vietnam.

ABBANK’s investment in the Backbase platform is a key component of its broader digital transformation strategy, aiming to simplify banking for SMEs and entrepreneurs. The new ABBANK Business platform delivers features, including customisable account numbers, quick bill payments, international money transfers, and a comprehensive dashboard for easy asset and transaction management.

According to Pham Duy Hieu, CEO of ABBANK, “The new application makes banking easy, safe and convenient for our clients while enhancing ABBANK’s efficiency and enabling us to achieve transformative SME digital banking goals”.

Also Read: The banking revolution: Balancing convenience and security in the digital era

By leveraging Backbase’s platform, ABBANK aims to empower SMEs with the tools they need for success in the digital-first world. ABBANK’s vision is to be a trusted financial partner for SMEs and entrepreneurs, supporting them with the innovation, security, and service levels essential for growth. This partnership highlights the increasing importance of technology investment for financial institutions looking to meet the demands of modern businesses.

Founded in 2003 in Amsterdam, Backbase offers an Engagement Banking Platform, a composable platform that empowers banks to accelerate their digital transformation by progressively modernising their main customer journeys. From onboarding to servicing, lending and investing, the platform streamlines every aspect of the customer and employee journey.

With its APAC headquarters in Singapore, Backbase operates across key regional markets, including Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The company also has regional hubs strategically located in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The post Vietnam’s ABBANK invests in fintech firm Backbase appeared first on e27.

In 2020, serial entrepreneur Bryan Oh and Kenneth Palmer identified a growing challenge that would shape the future: the recycling of lithium batteries. Traditional recycling methods were not only expensive but also lacked scalability, creating a pressing need for innovation. Driven by a vision to develop a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly solution, the duo founded NEU Battery Materials.

“We wanted to make a real impact by enhancing the value chain managed by existing recycling players and making life better for everyone,” Oh shared with e27.

A groundbreaking approach to recycling

Based in Singapore and co-founded by Oh and Palmer, NEU Battery Materials has developed a proprietary electrochemical redox-targeting technology designed for the sustainable recycling of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Unlike conventional methods like hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy, NEU’s process uses electricity as the sole consumable and employs regenerative chemicals, avoiding toxic waste and harsh acids.

Also Read: NEU Battery Materials scores US$3.7M for sustainable recycling of Li-ion batteries

Oh explained that this approach is less polluting than traditional methods, paving the way for the widespread adoption of a cleaner, more sustainable way to recycle lithium batteries, including lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The technology produces battery-grade lithium, which can be supplied directly to manufacturers, contributing to a circular economy in the battery industry.

An alternative to conventional recycling

Traditional recycling techniques, such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, are resource-intensive and often deprioritise lithium extraction. NEU’s innovative electrochemical redox process relies solely on water and electricity, which means it can leverage renewable energy sources to produce green lithium and green hydrogen as by-products.

“We can recycle LFP batteries more economically compared to incumbent technologies. At the same time, we can drive positive climate impact by reducing the carbon footprint and pollution levels while meeting the exponential demand for batteries,” Oh said.

The process eliminates the need for wastewater treatment, reduces operational pollution, and significantly lowers costs by avoiding chemical usage. Its scalable electrolyser technology allows NEU to expand without requiring massive infrastructure investments. “Instead of duplicating facilities, we simply add cells to the electrolyser, enabling us to process 100,000 to 300,000 tonnes of batteries per year from the same commercial assets,” Oh elaborated.

This modular approach–likened to building with Lego blocks–positions NEU as a leader in scalable recycling solutions.

Addressing a gap in LFP recycling

Unlike nickel and cobalt, which dominate traditional battery recycling due to their high economic value, lithium often receives less attention. NEU’s focus on lithium positions it as a unique player in the industry. “By supplying recycled lithium, we help companies meet regulatory requirements and embrace sustainable practices,” Oh said.

NEU’s expertise has attracted interest from larger recycling firms specialising in nickel and cobalt, who now look to NEU for collaboration on LFP recycling. This symbiotic relationship allows NEU to fill a critical gap while larger players focus on their strengths.

Scaling for global impact

NEU Battery Materials operates a 150-square-metre pilot recycling plant in Singapore, with the capacity to process approximately 200 tonnes of lithium batteries annually. However, the company’s ambitions stretch far beyond its home base.

“Recycling is a global challenge that requires collaboration and innovation. From the start, our goal has been to become a global recycling company,” Oh said. NEU takes an open, partnership-driven approach, working with local recycling companies worldwide to complement their expertise and leverage their networks.

Also Read: German Li-ion battery recycling startup tozero wins EPiC 2024 in Hong Kong

Oh emphasised that NEU’s technology offers a competitive advantage, enabling the company to address a pressing global issue while adding value to ecosystem players. “With recent geopolitical tensions and proposed trade restrictions, NEU is positioned to play a critical role in securing access to these vital materials for nations around the world.”

In 2023, NEU Battery secured US$3.7 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round led by SGInnovate, with participation from ComfortDelGro Ventures, Shift4Good, Paragon Ventures I and angels.

Looking ahead

As the world transitions to cleaner energy and electrification, the demand for sustainable battery recycling will only grow. With its innovative technology, commitment to collaboration, and focus on scalability, NEU Battery Materials is poised to lead the way in transforming how batteries are recycled, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The post How NEU Battery Materials is powering the circular economy for lithium appeared first on e27.

Biotechnology companies invest significant time and resources in developing scientific content for regulatory submissions, educating the scientific community and patients, training internal teams, and differentiating themselves from competitors. In an era where misinformation is prevalent, these companies must swiftly and consistently produce high-quality, targeted content.

Beyond drug discovery and manufacturing, content creation is a core activity across various departments, including marketing, medical affairs, research and development, regulatory, and pharmacovigilance. Essentially, biotechnology companies create large volumes of content.

Writing high-quality, compliant content is complex and demanding, especially in a highly regulated industry. There is often more work than available personnel, and even when writing is outsourced, it requires time to supervise and review agency outputs. Budget constraints and layoffs further limit resources for content development.

Writing is just one facet of the content development workflow. Content creators must educate themselves, sift through an ever-growing volume of scientific publications, draft outlines, collaborate with stakeholders, and review drafts. These tasks are time-consuming and labour-intensive.

Given these challenges, innovative biotechnology companies, use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for scientific content generation. AI is not only a technological advancement but a strategic necessity. As the industry discovers new products, the demand for efficient, accurate, timely, and cost-effective content development is crucial for success.

Generative AI has the potential to revolutionise how scientific data is processed, analysed, and presented, pushing biotechnology leaders and scientists to rethink their content generation strategies.

The role of generative AI in scientific content generation

AI-powered tools can be utilised in all phases of content creation, enabling faster and more accurate generation of scientific documents. Creating scientific content manually can take weeks or even months. AI drastically reduces this time by automating repetitive tasks and providing data-driven insights that accelerate the writing process.

Also Read: Generative AI for sustainability: How these startups are saving the planet with the technology

For example, AI can significantly reduce the time needed to search literature databases, draft outlines, and review content. AI writing assistants are invaluable for paraphrasing, writing titles, checking spelling and grammar, changing tone, generating plain language summaries, seamless citation generation, and language translations—tasks that are often time-consuming or require external expertise.

Examples of AI-generated content in biotech

Biotech companies can leverage AI to create diverse content types, including clinical study reports, regulatory submissions, slide presentations, posters and abstracts, marketing materials, journal articles, medical information letters, training materials, patient information leaflets, and plain language summaries. Announcements about using AI for drug discovery generate more attention. 

However, companies are also using AI in other areas. Recently, Moderna announced a collaboration with OpenAI to integrate AI across all departments and business processes. Agencies that produce clinical study reports and other content for biotech companies are also adopting AI tools, further highlighting its versatility.

Impact of AI on content creation cost

The cost of generating scientific content can be substantial. Developing a slide presentation can cost between $20,000 and $60,000 when outsourced to an agency. Biotechnology companies spend millions annually on content development. AI can help mitigate these costs by automating many aspects of the content creation process.

Experts estimate that generative AI tools can reduce the time to write a clinical study report by nearly half, improving the speed of regulatory submissions by 40 per cent, while significantly reducing costs across regulatory teams.

Moreover, AI enhances content quality by minimising human errors and ensuring consistency across documents. This quality improvement can save costs by reducing the need for extensive revisions and rework.

Concerns about using AI in scientific content generation

Several concerns must be addressed to ensure the effective use and adoption of AI tools in scientific content-generation workflows. These concerns include accuracy, data safety and privacy, the availability of fit-for-purpose solutions, the cost of implementation, and the learning curve associated with using AI tools effectively.

• AI accuracy: AI systems rely on algorithms and data inputs, which have the potential to lead to errors or misinterpretations. Ensuring the accuracy of AI-generated content is critical, particularly in fields requiring precision, such as biotechnology. With human oversight and guided prompts, AI can produce accurate outputs comparable to those of subject matter experts.
• Data safety and privacy concerns: AI systems require access to large datasets, raising concerns about the safety of sensitive or proprietary information. Companies can mitigate risks by restricting AI use to non-sensitive data and employing models that do not train on proprietary information. Robust data protection measures, like encryption and compliance with privacy regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA, are essential for safeguarding data.
• Fit-for-purpose AI solutions: Generic AI models alone are often insufficient for creating life sciences content. Companies should collaborate with life sciences AI vendors to develop tailored solutions that integrate into existing workflows. Thorough evaluations ensure AI tools align with organisational needs and effectively support content generation processes.
• Cost of implementation: Deploying AI involves expenses for software, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, requiring a cost-benefit analysis to assess ROI. Scalable and cloud-based AI solutions, along with pilot projects, can reduce upfront costs and test suitability before full implementation. Most companies cannot afford bespoke large language models, making scalable solutions more practical.
• Training and workforce development: Successful AI adoption requires employees to gain skills through comprehensive training programs. Fostering a culture of continuous learning with workshops, online courses, and seminars is key to equipping teams to leverage AI. Cross-functional collaboration and celebrating AI-driven successes can enhance adoption and effectiveness.
• Job displacement concerns: While AI may replace certain tasks, it cannot replicate human experience, strategic thinking, or judgment. Instead of replacing jobs, AI enhances professional capabilities and creates new opportunities. Workers proficient in AI are more likely to succeed than those who resist leveraging it effectively.

Also Read: The rise of generative AI: 6 ASEAN countries leading the charge

Embracing AI: The key to revolutionising biotechnology’s content future

Integrating AI in biotechnology content generation presents a transformative opportunity to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. Biotechnology leaders and scientists must take proactive steps to integrate AI into their content generation workflows.

This involves investing in fit-for-purpose AI solutions, ensuring data privacy and security, and fostering a skilled workforce ready to embrace technological advancements. By doing so, companies can increase efficiency, focus more on strategy and innovation, and maintain a competitive edge.

The question is no longer whether AI should be used but how to effectively integrate AI into biotechnology content development workflows.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image credit: Canva Pro

The post Beyond drug discovery: How generative AI is revolutionising content creation in biotechnology appeared first on e27.

AI-generated deepfakes in crypto have emerged as the most alarming threat to the ecosystem, with a projected US$25 billion in losses by the end of 2024. In the first half of 2024, crypto scammers siphoned US$679 million in user funds. This figure is closely in line with the last two quarters of 2023, showing scammers have no plans of slowing down.

“Pig butchering” is a form of these scams that has proven very successful. Amongst many other examples, in October 2024, Hong Kong authorities uncovered an operation where deepfake technology was used to create fake romantic profiles, eventually leading victims into fraudulent crypto investments.

For context, over 15 billion AI-generated images were created in a single year, equating to 150 years of photography. While this is a staggering development, it has become a Pandora’s box of digital fraud that poses a serious threat to all digital transactions.

AI deepfakes in crypto: A new era of crime

With minimal technical knowledge, AI can now generate hyper-realistic deepfake content. As a result, it is becoming increasingly hard to distinguish between legitimate and deceptive media.

Deepfakes are particularly concerning in crypto for two reasons:

• Sybil attacks: Criminals can exploit AI-generated identities to create multiple fake identities, manipulating blockchain governance systems and consensus mechanisms. These attacks harm the fundamental trust of decentralised systems.
• Bypassing KYC: Deepfakes enable bad actors to appear as legitimate users and bypass Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, allowing them access to financial services using false identities.

The computing power for AI training has quadrupled year on year for the past decade, accelerating the sophistication of deepfakes to a point where this technology is accessible to anyone, including bad actors. These scammers can now create convincing videos impersonating influential figures promoting fake crypto schemes, as seen with Elon Musk.

This rapid progression, paired with the potential for misuse highlights the critical need for solutions that ensure these powerful technologies are developed and used responsibly.

Also Read: Cross-chain interoperability: The key to unlocking crypto’s true potential

Tokenised identity: A defence against deepfakes

The rise of deepfakes has exposed vulnerabilities in traditional security systems, particularly those reliant on outdated KYC and anti-fraud measures. As these defences struggle to keep pace, tokenised identity emerges as a powerful solution.

Tokenised identity leverages blockchain technology to verify and authenticate identities. Against deepfakes, tokenised identity is routed in three principles; dynamic verification, source validation and immutable records. This multi-layered verification approach targets the vulnerabilities exploited by AI deepfakes.

At the forefront of these innovations is the implementation of face comparisons for continuity checks and liveness detection systems. Unlike traditional static checks, like uploading your passport photo, this new dynamic check will ask you to do something in real-time, like move your camera closer to your head.

An advanced deepfake scammer could present a convincing fake photo and fool the system. However, with dynamic verification, the task of fooling the system becomes more challenging. Systems that can prove genuine human interactions are the first step.

The next step of the process extends beyond facial recognition to include source verification to ensure individuals have explicitly consented to the use of their likeness and validate the authenticity of their identity claim. This prevents bad actors from using an Elon Musk deepfake to open a crypto account, even if the video is perfect and bypasses dynamic verification, as they don’t have Elon’s real ID or actual permission. By utilising tokenised identities that prove both consent and authenticity, businesses can establish a powerful defence against deepfakes. 

The final step of tokenised identity when combating deepfakes is the tying of digital assets to verified individuals through immutable privacy-preserving blockchain records. This ensures that once an identity is verified, its proof cannot be tampered with or duplicated when it is used in on-chain use cases. 

For businesses concerned about protecting their platforms and users, these enhanced identity checks become crucial custodians against unauthorised access and identity theft.

Implementing a new standard of security

Across the industry, identity verification is not approached as an exact science. Instead, it’s thought of as a matrix of signals evaluated in aggregate, of which ID document verification is just one potential component. 

Businesses should choose an appropriate level of identity verification based on their specific use case and risk tolerance. In other business use cases where a high degree of certainty is required, checks such as knowledge-based authentication, re-verification at the time of transaction, and document verification may easily be added and help combat AI deepfakes. 

When it comes to beating AI, in-person verification (physically verifying a person compared to their ID) is the ultimate indicator that a person is the individual they claim to be. 

Conclusion

AI deepfakes represent a US$25 billion threat that crypto can no longer afford to ignore. To protect users and restore trust in the ecosystem, the industry must embrace solutions like tokenised identity. These tools can ensure authenticity, safeguard privacy, and enable a more secure digital future.

Collaboration between the blockchain and AI industries will be essential to developing strong measures against deepfake fraud. Action must be taken now so that risks can be mitigated and the full potential of decentralised technology can be unlocked. 

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In today’s fast-paced world, banking isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of waiting in line at brick-and-mortar branches; instead, we’re ushering in the era of digital banking, where everything you need is just a tap away on your smartphone.

Digital banking, the heart of the fintech world, has completely transformed the way we manage our finances. No longer confined by physical limitations, digital banks offer a plethora of financial services right at our fingertips. From depositing checks to investing in stocks, everything can be done with the touch of a button.

But as the popularity of digital banking skyrockets, so do concerns about security. After all, with great convenience comes great responsibility — and vulnerability. With sensitive financial information floating around in cyberspace, are these digital banks really as secure as they claim to be?

Let’s delve into why digital banking has become the backbone of the masses. Convenience is the name of the game. Imagine being able to pay your bills while waiting for your morning coffee or transfer funds between accounts without ever leaving your couch. Digital banks offer unparalleled convenience, coupled with lower fees and personalised services tailored to your needs.

Also Read: How an AI cybersecurity company harnesses the power of AI for optimal business performance

However, convenience doesn’t come without its fair share of risks. With cybercriminals lurking around every corner of the internet, security is a top priority for digital banks. Luckily, they’ve stepped up to the plate with state-of-the-art encryption technology and stringent identity verification measures. Two-factor authentication? You betcha. These banks leave no stone unturned when it comes to protecting your hard-earned cash.

But security isn’t a one-way street; users must also do their part. From setting strong passwords to avoiding sketchy Wi-Fi networks, there are plenty of steps we can take to keep our accounts safe and sound. After all, it’s a team effort to keep the digital banking ecosystem secure and thriving.

In the grand scheme of things, digital banks aren’t just here to stay; they’re here to revolutionise the way we think about finance. With more players entering the market every day, we’re on the brink of a fintech renaissance.

But it’s up to all of us — banks and users alike — to ensure that the future of banking is not only convenient but secure. After all, when it comes to our money, there’s no room for compromise.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

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This article was first published on February 26, 2024

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AI is everywhere these days. It’s in the tools we use at work, the apps on our phones, and even in the suggestions we get while shopping online. For some people, it’s exciting—like living in the future. For others, it’s terrifying—“Will AI take my job?”

But here’s the truth: AI isn’t here to replace us. It’s here to help us. The real question isn’t whether AI will take over but whether we’ll take advantage of it to stay ahead in our careers.

Let’s talk about how to make AI your ally and not your competition.

Why you should embrace AI, not fear it

Remember when calculators became a thing? People thought it would make us bad at math. But instead, it freed us from tedious calculations so we could focus on problem-solving. AI is the same.

Here’s why you should lean into it:

• It saves time: AI tools can handle repetitive tasks, like sorting emails or summarising documents, giving you more time to focus on strategic work.
• It boosts creativity: Struggling with ideas? AI can help brainstorm or refine your concepts, whether you’re designing a project, writing, or problem-solving.
• It keeps you relevant: In many industries, knowing how to use AI tools is becoming a must-have skill.

The key is learning to work with AI, not against it.

How to use AI positively in your career

So, how do you start? It’s simpler than you think.

Learn the tools of your trade

Every industry has its go-to AI tools. If you’re in marketing, it might be analytics platforms or content generators. In design? Think AI-powered creative tools like Canva or Adobe Firefly. Explore what’s trending in your field and experiment with them.

Focus on skills AI can’t replace

AI is great at processing data, but it struggles with soft skills—like empathy, leadership, and critical thinking. Sharpen these skills to stay irreplaceable.

Also Read: 3 ways AI technology can help startups save money

Use AI to supercharge your productivity

Here are some practical ways to use AI every day:

• Streamline research: Tools like ChatGPT or Notion AI can summarise articles or suggest ideas.
• Automate admin work: Use AI to schedule meetings, draft emails, or create reports.
• Up-skill quickly: Platforms like Coursera or YouTube now have AI-curated learning paths to help you master new topics fast.

Stay curious

AI is evolving fast. Stay updated on trends, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Subscribe to a newsletter or follow experts on LinkedIn to learn about advancements at your own pace.

Turning AI into an opportunity

Instead of worrying about AI replacing jobs, think about this: AI is creating entirely new ones. Roles like AI trainers, prompt engineers, and AI ethicists didn’t exist a few years ago. By positioning yourself as someone who understands AI, you can unlock career opportunities you never imagined.

Here’s an example: Imagine you’re a graphic designer. AI can now create stunning visuals in seconds. Instead of fearing it, you could learn to use AI to speed up drafts, focus on high-level concepts, and offer even more value to your clients.

Using AI responsibly

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Fact-check everything: AI can sometimes give wrong or outdated information. Don’t take it at face value.
• Respect privacy: Be careful when inputting sensitive or confidential information into AI tools.
• Be mindful of biases: AI learns from data, and data can be biased. Use your judgment to ensure fairness and accuracy.

The future is now—Are you ready?

AI isn’t the enemy. It’s a powerful tool we can use to work smarter, be more creative, and unlock new career paths. The sooner we embrace it, the better positioned we’ll be to thrive in an AI-driven world.

So, instead of fearing the future, let’s shape it. Start small. Try out a new AI tool. Learn something new. The opportunities are endless if you’re willing to explore.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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Vietnam has caught the tech world’s attention once again. This time, it’s not just about manufacturing or distribution hubs; it’s artificial intelligence (AI). NVIDIA, a global leader in AI and computing technologies, has partnered with the Vietnamese government to establish AI research data centres, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s tech aspirations.But what makes Vietnam such an attractive destination for AI?

Let’s be honest. We saw all the big names making further investments in Vietnam – but for AI? Is Vietnam the new AI destination? We — and NVIDIA might as well just say yes!

Vietnam’s AI landscape

Vietnam has long been a go-to destination for manufacturing, with tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Dell setting up operations. However, AI represents a newer frontier.

Historically, Vietnam was considered “low-tech” compared to regional heavyweights like China and India. But recent years tell a different story.

In January 2021, the Vietnamese government issued a National Strategy for Research, Development, and Application of AI through 2030. The goals? To rank among the top four ASEAN nations and the top 50 globally in AI research and development. The strategy also targets trademarking 10 AI technologies and establishing three national high-performing data centres by 2030.

Reports like the Government AI Readiness Index further validate Vietnam’s potential. Ranked fifth in Southeast Asia and 59th globally in 2021, Vietnam scored high for government support, infrastructure, and data readiness.

NVIDIA’s bold move: A bet or a masterstroke?

NVIDIA’s entry into Vietnam is more than an expansion; it’s a calculated power play. CEO Jensen Huang recently announced plans to establish an AI R&D hub and a cutting-edge data centre in Hanoi. This aligns with Vietnam’s ambitious goal of achieving US$100 billion in annual semiconductor revenue by 2050.

Also Read: AI and healthcare: Navigating challenges and embracing the future

In addition, NVIDIA partnered with FPT, a Hanoi-based tech firm, to develop a US$200 million AI factory.

Equipped with 127 Nvidia HGX H100 server systems, the facility has received approval from US authorities and represents a significant leap in Vietnam’s AI capabilities. This partnership isn’t just about resources; it’s about leveraging Vietnam’s burgeoning talent and infrastructure.

Huang himself has been vocal about Vietnam’s potential. At a roundtable in Hanoi, he noted that Vietnam meets three key criteria to succeed in AI: data, a skilled software workforce, and infrastructure. He described Vietnam as “the future home of NVIDIA,” emphasising that AI’s success relies on processing and utilising data where it originates. AI’s intelligence is built from data and Vietnam’s data is a national resource.

Huang’s enthusiasm isn’t just rhetoric—it’s backed by action. NVIDIA’s investment marks the beginning of a long-term relationship that could transform Vietnam into a global AI leader.

The outlook

This partnership with NVIDIA underscores Vietnam’s commitment to developing high-tech industries and fostering a competitive, skilled workforce. From the establishment of the Electronic and Semiconductor Training Center at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park in 2023 to the proliferation of R&D hubs, Vietnam is laying the groundwork for its transformation into a global technology leader.

Also Read: AI: The secret ingredient for unlocking developer success in Asia

The implications go beyond Vietnam’s borders. For foreign investors, Vietnam is emerging as Southeast Asia’s AI nerve centre. Its young, tech-savvy population and growing infrastructure make it a promising market for technology products and services. NVIDIA’s investment sends a clear message: Vietnam is no longer just a manufacturing hub; it’s a serious contender in the global AI race.

But why does this matter?

The stakes couldn’t be higher—for both Vietnam and NVIDIA. Vietnam’s bold vision to become a global AI powerhouse by 2030 is not just aspirational—it’s within reach, especially with heavyweights like NVIDIA in its corner. For NVIDIA, this isn’t just about expanding its footprint; it’s about cementing its status as a leader in AI while harnessing Vietnam’s immense potential as a data-rich, strategically pivotal nation.

As Jensen Huang so eloquently put it, this is far more than a partnership—it’s the “birthday of NVIDIA Vietnam.”

The future of AI in Southeast Asia is being written right now, and Vietnam is wielding the pen. No longer just an emerging contender, Vietnam is fast becoming the destination to watch. With NVIDIA’s backing, the AI revolution here isn’t just on the horizon—it’s happening in real time, with the potential to redefine the tech landscape across the region and beyond.

If you’re searching for the next epicenter of innovation, keep your gaze fixed on Vietnam. The AI revolution has only just begun, and it’s brimming with promise.

Will Vietnam and NVIDIA together rise to echo Taiwan’s transformative role in the tech world? It’s a thrilling question—and one whose answer we’re eagerly awaiting.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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