What are the five aspects of AI development this year that will need firm, updated regulation and usage oversight and accountability?

If implemented responsibly with the necessary guardrails in place, AI can vastly augment human capability, raising productivity, efficiency, and enabling us to achieve outcomes that were once considered extremely challenging.

The most successful organizations will be those that implement the necessary infrastructure and processes to embrace and evolve with it, empowering them to enjoy the full potential of AI solutions.

With its significant transformational potential, it is no wonder that digital-first economies across Southeast Asia are investing heavily into the research and development of AI. However, it is just as important that any AI-related advancements acknowledge the need for new regulation and reskilling of workforces; business leaders and governments must advocate for the benefits of AI while being mindful of ethical and practical limitations.

Nadia Alramli, Vice President of Engineering, HubSpot

This year, five AI trends to watch out for include:

    1. Acceptance into the mainstream
      Today, generative AI (GenAI) solutions can not only read, analyze and develop content, but also contextually understand a user’s surroundings. While imperfections remain, advancements are swiftly moving in a positive direction. In this rapidly evolving landscape, we envision a future where GenAI will become ingrained into social and professional settings, serving as a personal assistant in our pockets. This tireless companion can provide feedback instantly, ensuring users remain in control with data-driven insights.

    2. The future of search will change fundamentally
      Beyond powering automation, AI will advance to providing creative input and we will see exciting approaches to problem-solving: ones that lead to innovative ways of working. The future of search will fundamentally change, and websites will be built with AI in mind, not search engine optimization. Businesses must understand ways to leverage and embrace AI. If you do not figure out how to augment your work, someone else will. It is all about smarter ways of working. Aligning with global developments, we are seeing a growing trend towards AI-related roles in South-east Asia.

    3. A tussle between the ‘good guys’ of AI and the nefarious
      We are now living in a world where artists are worried about the threat that AI poses: authors fear being replaced, and workplace disruption is top of the agenda.

      Therefore, we need to catch up. The flip side of exciting AI developments is the potential for danger. Bad actors and the Dark Web will be using AI too. The adage, “data is power” will still hold true — but AI may not be our capable, trusted, and efficient assistant if the structures that underpin it are not robust. AI learns, iterates, and grows at the hands of the humans that operate it, not the other way around.

      A benign long term outcome of AI development will require educated experts and audit processes and tools at the helm that can guide ethics, explainability and accountability.

    4. AI democratization will require a new sharing mindset
      AI tools will not be limited to big tech but are now accessible to firms of all sizes and industries. To enhance their competitive edge, businesses will need to identify and develop relevant use cases to improve productivity and business outcomes. Those that can take the leap will be in the strongest position when AI makes further inroads on the mainstream.

      Also, do not hoard knowledge: pooling ideas and applications is the best way to move forward safely.

    5. Regulations: the final piece of the puzzle
      AI is moving so fast that businesses may rightly feel they need to regain some control. It is why the final piece of the puzzle is regulation.

      It may be a practical approach where like-minded peers are invited into businesses and government to learn from one another; however, equally important is inviting employees to share their experiences, because no one knows an organization better than those that run it day-to-day.

      Effective regulation is simply a vital cog in ensuring AI benefits the many, not the few. Only with proactive governance, continuous learning, and an ethical mindset can we work towards ensuring the algorithms and AI systems are reliable, accurate, and free from bias.

Governments are and will continue to be taking an active role to drive regulation in SEA to guide responsible AI adoption.