AI for good: Creating a positive social impact

 
It’s no secret that AI is set to disrupt the world as we know it, from the way we work to the way we live and interact with one another. Machines are now able to perform activities and make decisions faster and more accurately than humans.

Dubbed ‘the new electricity’, the emergence of AI has captured the attention of the world’s movers and shakers such as Google CEO Sundar Pichai, claiming that it is ‘probably the most important thing humanity has ever worked on’.

AI is also expected to generate significant global economic and business impact. It is forecasted that in 2021, AI augmentation will generate US$2.9 trillion in business value and recover 6.2 billion hours of worker productivity globally.

Companies are beginning to see the importance of integrating AI into their practices. In 2018, AI adoption rates stood at 14 percent across Southeast Asia, compared to just 8 percent the previous year. Businesses are also firming up their AI strategies, with 37 percent having plans to adopt such technologies over the next five years.

Using AI to make a positive impact

Beyond improving companies’ bottom line, AI has the potential to make a positive impact on societal challenges. The technology is being used to improve education and healthcare sectors that directly impact the society. For instance, humanoid robots are able to ask patients how they are feeling, suggest activities and provide medication reminders.

While many possibilities for good exist, risks also need to be managed. For example, as humans are the ones crafting algorithms and collecting data, there may be unintended bias involved in the process. Other dangers include privacy concerns, social manipulation, and misalignment of goals.

As more powerful AI capabilities are being developed, businesses and key stakeholders need to work together closely to discuss how technologies can be used to drive positive social change.

On March 14, Deloitte and Tech in Asia will be hosting a knowledge sharing session on the benefits of AI for corporates, where attendees will gain the opportunity to discuss the current situation of emerging technologies such as AI in Malaysia, and ways to enhance the adoption of these technologies.

Discussion will range from the need for national strategies, importance of enabling the startup ecosystem, driving up the infrastructure, talent and more. This event is complimentary.

Click on the button below to register your interest by next Friday, March 8. Please note that this is an invitation-only event, and successful applicants will be notified via email.

Event Details

AI for good: Creating a positive social impact

Date: March 14 2019, Thursday
Time: 6.00pm to 10.00pm
Venue: Komune Coworking – Level 8, Vertical Corporate Tower B, Avenue 10, The Vertical, Bangsar South City, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur