Resources

Investing in responsible AI may come with high upfront costs, but the long-term benefits far outweigh them. Ethical AI builds consumer trust, reduces bias, and enhances decision-making, offering businesses a competitive edge. Companies like Microsoft, Google, and IBM are already reaping the rewards of prioritizing AI ethics. In the long run, responsible AI is not just a cost—it’s a strategic investment that drives growth, brand reputation, and innovation.

Oracle is investing $6.5 billion in a new data center in Malaysia to support Southeast Asia’s growing demand for cloud services and AI technology. This move aligns with Malaysia’s vision to become a regional tech hub, providing local businesses with advanced tools to innovate and compete globally. The center will offer cutting-edge cloud solutions and AI capabilities, helping businesses improve decision-making and operations. The investment also promises to create thousands of jobs and expand AI infrastructure across the region. As other tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon ramp up their investments in Southeast Asia, this data center positions Malaysia as a key player in the region's booming digital economy.

Generative AI is revolutionizing New Zealand’s advertising industry, with Bremworth launching the country’s first AI-generated TV commercial. This innovation helped the carpet company cut production costs by 60%, boosting their media budget. AI enables faster, more cost-effective video creation, opening up creative possibilities for businesses. Experts predict the technology will transform the media and wool industries by streamlining production and offering new marketing opportunities, though concerns about creative limitations remain. The future of advertising is set to be more imaginative and efficient with AI.

The AI hype may be outpacing its real-world impact, warns Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu. While tech giants like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta have poured billions into AI, Acemoglu's research suggests the economic boost will be much more modest than the industry predicts, with only a small fraction of jobs benefiting from AI over the next decade. Acemoglu highlights three possible futures for AI investments: a slow cooling of hype, a sudden tech crash, or a prolonged frenzy that leads to economic disruption and widespread job losses. He cautions companies to rethink their AI strategies, emphasizing that the promise of revolutionary productivity gains is unlikely to materialize without significant organizational adjustments and worker training. For businesses, the real risk is not missing out on AI, but overcommitting to an uncertain technology.

Malaysia is advancing its digital future with the introduction of a National Cloud Policy and AI regulations, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on October 1, 2024. The initiative aims to boost economic growth, enhance public services, and ensure ethical AI use. Key efforts include a national AI office, a five-year action plan, and a partnership with Google, expected to create thousands of jobs and contribute $3 billion to the economy by 2030. With a focus on innovation, data security, and digital inclusivity, Malaysia is positioning itself as a global leader in AI and cloud technology.

New Zealand has made headlines with its first AI-generated TV commercial, created by wool carpet company Bremworth. The ad, produced entirely by AI, features a woman surrounded by wool that transforms into a carpet. Bremworth reported a 60% reduction in production costs and faster turnaround times thanks to the AI-driven process, allowing them to reinvest in promoting the campaign. While AI’s potential in advertising is clear, experts warn that the technology still requires human oversight to avoid issues like repetitive content and creative disruptions. Legal challenges also loom, with concerns about misleading representations under copyright and fair trading laws. As AI tools continue to evolve, businesses are expected to increasingly adopt them for TV campaigns, though human creativity remains essential.

India is making significant strides in artificial intelligence, launching a substantial ₹10,372 crore fund to boost AI innovation and move toward self-reliance. This investment also brings focus on balancing tech advancement with privacy, as data protection becomes a top concern. Recently, India introduced the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) of 2023, granting citizens greater control over their data with the right to consent, access, and delete information. In addition, the forthcoming Digital India Act 2023 is set to replace the IT Act of 2000, modernizing digital governance to keep AI-driven innovation safe and ethical. Through these moves, India aims to become a leading AI hub while safeguarding its citizens' data and privacy.

AI rapidly transforms education, pushing Indian business schools to rethink their approach. With nearly half of learning tools soon to be AI-powered, educators are adapting by integrating AI-focused modules and partnering with tech leaders to prepare students for an AI-driven future. This shift aims to make learning more personalized and efficient, though it raises questions about data privacy and equitable access. As AI becomes a classroom staple, India’s B-schools are setting the stage for graduates to thrive in the global, tech-centered economy.

India's multilingual landscape challenges AI chatbots, but startups like Sarvam AI and Krutrim, alongside tech giants like Google and Microsoft, are innovating to enhance language processing and cultural relevance. This article explains.

Adtech is evolving globally with a significant buzz coming from APAC. What are the trends and how will this sector monetise for the better?