As the world races forward, Southeast Asia is not far behind. With its vibrant economies, bustling cities, and tech-savvy population, the region is emerging as a hub for innovation and progress. In this new era of rapid growth and transformation, one technology is taking center stage — artificial intelligence (AI).
AI and its cousin, machine learning (ML), are fast becoming the engines of progress in Southeast Asia, powering many industries and businesses to new heights. The adoption of these cutting-edge technologies is transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. But what does this mean for the people and businesses of Southeast Asia?
Answer: a new era of opportunity and innovation. With AI and ML, businesses can create new products, streamline processes, and offer better customer experiences. It’s already all around us — in the “enhance” function of your Spotify playlist, the ads for dog food that pop up a short while after your friend mentions her new puppy, even in apps like Taobao or Lazada which populate your feed with products it thinks (and likely knows) you’ll want to buy.
On a larger scale, they can also solve complex problems, create new jobs, and build new industries. But, as with any major technological revolution, there are also risks and challenges that must be addressed.
There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s dive in.
Retail
One of the biggest opportunities presented by AI and ML is the ability to automate mundane and repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and creative work. For example, a Singapore-based startup called Trax uses computer vision and machine learning to analyze images of store shelves, helping retailers track inventory and optimize product placement. This not only saves time and money but also improves the shopping experience for consumers.
Healthcare
Another area where AI and ML are having a significant impact is healthcare.
As Thailand’s healthcare industry grapples with a shortage of medical professionals, the adoption of AI technology is proving to be a game-changer. One Thai startup, Perceptra, is leading the charge with its AI-powered diagnostic medical imaging service, Inspectra.
Utilizing deep neural networks, Inspectra can screen for abnormal conditions in chest X-ray images with precision. As a radiologist assistant, it aims to reduce workload, increase productivity, and improve clinical quality for healthcare professionals.
What sets Inspectra apart is its cloud-based, real-time solution that is fully integrated into hospital workflow. This means that diagnosis reports can be generated swiftly and seamlessly, allowing medical staff to make more informed decisions and ultimately improve patient care.
Transportation
Southeast Asia is quickly becoming a hotbed for AI and ML innovation. In the transportation sector, companies are using these technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Grab, a Singapore-based superapp that offers ride-hailing services, uses ML algorithms to optimize driver routes and match customers with the nearest available driver. This not only saves time and fuel, but also reduces traffic congestion and air pollution.
But the benefits of AI and ML in transportation go beyond just cost savings. These technologies are also helping to improve safety on the roads. In Indonesia, Go-Jek has developed an AI-powered system that analyzes data from sensors on their fleet of motorcycles to detect and prevent accidents before they happen. Here’s a great article about Go-Jek’s approach to machine learning. The company’s use of ML has the potential to save lives and reduce the number of road injuries in the region.
Finance
Another area that AI and ML are revolutionizing is financial services. Banks and other financial institutions in Southeast Asia are using these technologies to improve customer service, reduce fraud, and streamline operations. For example, Malaysia’s CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (CIMB) introduced a commercial NLP-powered chatbot for small and medium-sized enterprise customers. The AI automatically analyzes customer data and provides personalized financial advice through a chatbot. This not only saves time and money but also improves the customer experience.
AI & ML Challenges
With any new technology, there are also concerns about the potential negative impact of AI and ML. One issue is the potential for biased algorithms, which could perpetuate or even amplify existing societal inequalities. It is crucial that researchers and companies take steps to address and mitigate these risks.
Another issue is that increased adoption also brings with it the challenge of upskilling and re-skilling workers to meet the demands of the new economy. Governments and companies must invest in training programs to ensure that workers have the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.
In the transportation sector, AI and ML also present a challenge concerning data privacy and security. As more and more data is collected and analyzed, there is a risk that sensitive information may be compromised. Companies and governments in the region must take steps to protect this data and ensure that it is used responsibly.
RELATED ARTICLE
Despite the challenges, the adoption of AI and ML in Southeast Asia is an exciting development that has the potential to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for the people of the region.
As AI and ML improve and become even more widespread, it’s crucial that we consider how to best harness their potential while also addressing the potential challenges they may bring. Believe me, no one wants to end up in a Black Mirror episode, so it’s best to deal with these challenges before they’re beyond our capability to do so.
All opinions expressed in this piece are the writer’s own and do not represent the views of KrASIA. Questions, concerns, or fun facts can be sent to [email protected].