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Caroline Yap of Google Cloud: AI transformation at scale requires people as much as technology

In order to achieve meaningful AI integration, we need to keep the human element at the forefront rather than focusing solely on the technology, according to Caroline Yap, MD (Global AI Business and Applied Engineering) at Google Cloud.

She was speaking in a panel session about AI’s transformative power at the second edition of Gateway Gulf, organised by Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB).

“The generative AI boosts productivity, supports customer acquisition, and enables new economic models,” she added. “However, its successful adoption requires organisations to consider its impact on human behaviour and societal norms, ensuring the human element remains central. While enterprise interest is growing, the generative AI is still in its early stages, with only about 5 per cent of its potential realised.”

The AI market is projected to reach US$1.4 trillion by 2030, experiencing substantial growth from its estimated US$214 billion revenue in 2024. As businesses increasingly turn to AI to drive growth, it’s becoming clear that the transformative potential of these technologies extends far beyond their technical capabilities. AI’s ability to enhance operations, streamline workflows, and revolutionise customer engagement is undeniable.

AI is reshaping industries at an unparalleled rate

On a separate note, HE Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, noted that AI is transforming every sector at an unprecedented pace, with advancements quickly rendering today’s cutting-edge obsolete. Governments that stay agile and collaborate with the private sector—now the primary driver of innovation—are best positioned to leverage AI’s potential.
This transformation era is powered by three forces: AI (and generative AI), supercomputing, and robotics. As these technologies converge, they promise vast yet largely untapped possibilities that signal the beginning of a profound shift.

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AI regulations are essential to ensure the ethical development and deployment of AI, balancing innovation with public safety and accountability. Belhoul views the regulatory landscape as a key, often overlooked factor in innovation. While funding is plentiful, he argues that capital alone can’t ensure success; innovators need streamlined paths to implementation, rapid feedback, and real-world testing.

Ethical development and deployment

Hardware is also a critical component of AI adoption, as the technology’s full potential can only be realised with the necessary infrastructure, including powerful processing units, specialised chips, and ample storage capabilities, enabling AI systems to run efficiently and scale effectively.

Without robust hardware support, the rapid advancements in AI applications, particularly in areas like generative AI and machine learning, would not be possible. Yap highlighted the essential role of hardware, skilled talent, and rare materials in AI’s value chain, noting the importance of companies like Nvidia and Intel despite challenges in the competitive chip production sector.

Symonds, on the other hand, notes that healthcare is undergoing a major transformation, with AI playing a key role in advancements, and is expected to see the highest long-term adoption rate of 40 per cent.

AI-driven R&D is not only advancing areas like protein discovery but is also reshaping the entire industry, which faces inefficiencies, rising costs, and an ageing population.
Given that healthcare data comprises 30 per cent of global storage, AI-powered analytical tools are increasingly essential. Symonds highlights AI’s role in personalised medicine, enabling individual-level disease analysis and prediction. This pivot towards preventive and personalised care, enabled by AI, represents an unprecedented opportunity to transform healthcare for future generations.

As AI continues to evolve and reshape industries, its successful integration depends on a balanced approach that considers both technological advancements and human-centric values. With the right regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and ethical guidelines in place, AI has the potential to drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The journey ahead is one of collaboration, agility, and thoughtful implementation—paving the way for a future where technology works harmoniously with society’s needs.

Image credit: Gateway Gulf 2024

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