Despite having been around for a while, the popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) took off significantly in 2023. We can even say that this is the year of the technology as tools such as ChatGPT becomes a big hit, allowing the general public to experiment with the technology and see it how can impact their life.

According to Bee Kheng Tay, President of Cisco ASEAN, this momentum will only continue to gather pace in the new year.

“Undoubtedly, advancements in AI have shaped 2023. The past decade saw the breadth of AI use cases growing by the day. They were real but largely unseen. However, the public availability of generative AI tools has brought greater attention to the new possibilities of AI, which will only continue to gather pace in the new year,” she writes in a commentary.

“In 2024, businesses in ASEAN will have to grapple with how they can weave AI into their organisations effectively, whilst taking advantage of other emerging trends impacting the business landscape.”

According to the preident, there are two points that stand out in 2024, starting with how AI will experience a shift from a “nice-to-have” to “must-have”. However, despite this urgency, there remains a “significant gap” across crucial business pillars from infrastructure to culture.

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“The AI industry is projected to grow exponentially, from US$95.06 billion to US$1.8 trillion by 2030, making it a cornerstone of the global economy in the coming decade. However, Cisco’s inaugural AI Readiness Index reveals a stark reality – only 18 per cent of organisations in ASEAN are fully prepared to deploy and leverage AI. Moreover, 68 per cent express severe concerns about the potential impact on their businesses if they fail to act within the next 12 months,” Tay says.

She further elaborates that while 97 per cent of organisations report having a robust AI strategy or are in the process of developing one, challenges remain in areas such as ensuring data is AI-ready and cultivating a talent pipeline equipped for the AI revolution.

“As the new year ushers in the next waves of AI, ASEAN companies must grapple with addressing AI comprehensively across their organisations, considering not only the technological aspects but also the human factor.”

On being responsible

To follow up on the idea that AI is becoming more integral part of business operations in SEA, Tay stresses that a movement towards responsible and ethical AI is gaining momentum.

“Governance, underpinned by trust and transparency, is at the forefront of this movement. While the transformative benefits of AI are evident, navigating its adoption comes with inherent risks. Organisations need a robust framework of policies and protocols to guide the ethical and responsible management of data and AI systems,” she says.

“In ASEAN, the need for enhanced AI governance is evident. Only 36 per cent of organisations claim to have highly comprehensive AI policies and protocols in place, and a concerning 21 per cent lack systematic mechanisms to detect data biases. Recognising the evolving regulatory landscape, companies must stay updated on local and international regulations. Implementing internal policies that address data privacy, security, and the ethical use of AI technology is imperative. This includes embedding security, privacy, and trust by design processes throughout the innovation lifecycle of AI applications.”

In conclusion, 2024 is poised to be a crucial year for SEA businesses as they navigate the evolving landscape of AI. The shift from AI being a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have” technology brings both challenges and opportunities. Organisations must bridge the gaps in their AI readiness and embrace responsible AI practices to thrive in the era of AI-driven innovation.

As the AI revolution continues, the synergy between technology and human readiness will be the key to unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence in the ASEAN region.

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Image Credit: RunwayML

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