Business
Asia’s AI Revolution: Are Banks Ready for the Future?
Explore the future of AI in Asian banking, with insights from DBS’s journey and practical tips for banks to accelerate their AI integration.
Published
2 weeks agoon
By
AIinAsia
TL;DR:
- Only 50% of banks have made sufficient progress in AI and digitalisation.
- DBS Bank expects to gain over S$1 billion from AI by 2025.
- Cultural shifts and strategic planning are crucial for successful AI integration.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world, and Asia is at the forefront of this revolution. Banks, in particular, are feeling the heat. According to Piyush Gupta, the outgoing CEO of DBS Group Holdings, only about half of the banking industry has made enough progress in embracing digitalisation and AI. So, what’s holding the other half back? Let’s dive in.
The Race to Digitalise
Gupta, who has been widely credited for transforming South-east Asia’s biggest bank, believes that many banks have been going about digitalisation the wrong way. “A lot of people have tried to digitise before they change the fundamentals,” he told Bloomberg News. “I call that putting lipstick on a pig.”
The DBS Transformation
Under Gupta’s leadership, DBS has become a global leader in digital banking. The bank’s market value has soared to S$112 billion, and it’s expected to gain over S$1 billion from AI by 2025. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Gupta admits that DBS had its share of setbacks, including technology glitches and penalties from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The Role of Culture
Gupta believes that changing the culture at DBS was his biggest achievement. The bank is now “a little more entrepreneurial, a little bit more risk-taking, but most of all, it has got a little bit more confidence about what can be achieved.” This cultural shift has been crucial to DBS’s digital transformation.
Common Pitfalls in AI Integration
Gupta points out that common failures at many banks result from technology mistakes and corporate culture. So, what can banks do to avoid these pitfalls?
Strategy Before Technology
Banks need to have a clear strategy before investing in technology. It’s not about having the shiniest new tech; it’s about using tech to achieve your strategic goals.
Culture Matters
A risk-averse culture can hinder innovation. Banks need to foster a culture that encourages experimentation and accepts failure as a part of the learning process.
The Future of AI in Banking
As Gupta prepares to step down, he leaves behind a bank that’s ready for the future. But what about the rest of the industry?
The Rise of Fintech
Traditional banks are facing stiff competition from fintech rivals like Grab Holdings. To stay relevant, banks need to embrace AI and digitalisation.
Regulatory Challenges
Banks also face regulatory challenges. They need to work closely with regulators to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly.
Comment and Share:
How do you think banks can accelerate their AI journey? Share your thoughts and experiences below. And don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on AI and AGI developments!
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- To learn more about DBS’s AI implementation, tap here.
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Business
Can You Spot AI-Generated Content? Recognising Patterns and Making Your Content Sound More Human
Uncover the secrets of spotting AI-generated content. Learn strategies to keep your content fresh and engaging.
Published
1 day agoon
November 6, 2024By
AIinAsia
TL;DR
- Spotting AI-generated content can be particularly straightforward when you know the common patterns to look for.
- AI-generated content often relies on repetitive, formulaic phrases, making it easy to identify.
- Buzzwords and filler language reduce engagement and can make content feel impersonal.
- Using too many transitional and generic statements dilutes authenticity and trust.
Customising content with specific examples and avoiding overused phrases creates stronger connections.
Can You sSpot AI-generated Content?
Artificial intelligence is reshaping content creation, offering speed and scale but occasionally at the cost of authenticity. Recognising common AI language patterns is becoming essential, as formulaic phrases can make text sound generic. In this article, we’ll explore how to spot these patterns and share strategies to keep content fresh and engaging, giving it a truly human touch.
Why Recognising AI-Sounding Language Matters
For professionals in writing, marketing, and strategy, understanding these language patterns can transform how they engage audiences. The issue isn’t with AI itself but with how certain language choices create a “default” AI tone. This often gives readers a sense of being spoken at rather than being spoken to, which can erode connection and reduce engagement.
Identifying AI language Through Recognisable Patterns
AI writing tools often streamline content creation with structured language, yet this leads to certain words, phrases, and sentences that feel familiar—and not always in a good way. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most recognisable phrases and suggestions for making content more genuine.
1. Overused Buzzwords and Phrases
AI-generated content is often littered with impressive-sounding industry buzzwords that lack substance and sound repetitive. These include:
- “Revolutionise,” “Transform,” or “Next-generation”
- “Cutting-edge” or “State-of-the-art”
- “Leverage” and “Optimise”
- “Game-changing”
Such words aim to be impactful but often feel empty. Replacing them with specific, concrete language improves readability and credibility, avoiding the impression of a polished but hollow message.
2. Vague or Redundant Expressions
Some AI phrases aim to create flow but can feel redundant and overly polished, including:
- “Ultimately,” “All in all”
- “It’s important to note”
- “It is worth mentioning”
These expressions often pad out content without adding value, making readers feel as though they’re getting “filler” instead of real insight. Keeping sentences lean and purposeful can significantly improve the reader experience.
3. Overly Polished Transitional Phrases
AI tools often rely on polished transitional phrases, which link ideas but can feel formulaic. Phrases like:
- “Consequently,” “Furthermore,” and “Additionally”
are useful in moderation but can quickly make content sound mechanical. Instead, try using informal links or even questions to guide readers naturally through ideas, enhancing engagement and making content flow more naturally.
4. Generic Sentence Starters
AI-generated content often begins sentences with broad statements that feel detached. Examples include:
- “Many people believe…”
- “There are many ways…”
- “It is widely known that…”
These vague openers risk losing the reader’s attention. Human writers typically offer specific insights or intriguing details from the start, which readers find more engaging.
5. Impersonal General Statements
AI often uses broad phrases to create context but can come off as detached and impersonal. These include:
- “Some would argue…”
- “From a broader perspective…”
- “It has been observed that…”
Personalising content with unique insights or actionable information creates a stronger sense of connection with the audience, keeping readers interested and engaged.
6. Repetitive Explanations
AI tends to repeat phrases to simplify content, but it often feels redundant. Examples include:
- “To put it simply…”
- “This can be broken down into…”
- “What this means is…”
These phrases become repetitive quickly, losing their intended clarifying effect. Instead, using precise language and avoiding unnecessary repetition ensures content stays engaging and valuable.
7. Common AI Phrasing in Descriptions or Analyses
When explaining ideas, AI often sticks to predictable phrases that sound clinical. These include:
- “This has led to an increase in…”
- “The primary benefit of this approach is…”
- “There are several factors to consider”
Human writers can create more engaging analysis by using fresh phrasing or offering new perspectives on familiar topics.
8. Filler Language and Informational Add-Ons
AI-generated text often includes filler language that, while aiming to create interest, tends to dilute the message:
- “An interesting fact is…”
- “Did you know that…”
- “One thing to consider is…”
Readers value conciseness and relevance, so cutting filler phrases helps keep the focus on meaningful content that adds real value.
What Happens When You Use Words and Phrases Like This Already?
Using these patterns can have a noticeable impact on content effectiveness, sometimes negatively influencing reader perception, trust, and engagement.
1. Reduced Reader Engagement
Buzzwords and vague phrases may catch initial interest but can lead to disengagement. If content seems to lack depth, readers may stop reading before reaching the main message.
2. Loss of Trust and Authenticity
Readers value authenticity, and over-relying on generic phrases can make content feel detached or even inauthentic. This perceived lack of connection can lower reader trust and lessen the impact of your message.
3. Diluted Brand Voice
Every brand has a unique voice, and AI-sounding language can drown it out, creating a message that feels like everyone else’s. Readers connect more deeply with distinctive, authentic voices that are not simply repeating industry-standard language.
4. Reduced SEO and Long-Term Impact
As search engines evolve, they prioritise content demonstrating “expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.” Formulaic language risks sounding less credible, which can reduce ranking effectiveness over time. Search engines reward high-quality, engaging content, and AI-sounding text can struggle to meet these standards.
Crafting Authentic, Human-Centred Content
Identifying and avoiding these common phrases lets brands and professionals focus on what matters—connecting with their audience through authenticity, relevance, and value. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls of AI-sounding content:
Prioritise Specificity
Replacing generalities with examples or data points boosts credibility. Instead of “Data-driven insights drive growth,” say, “Brands using consumer-focused insights have seen a 30% boost in engagement.”
Vary Sentence Structure
AI often produces repetitive structures, making content feel monotonous. Varying sentence length and style keeps readers interested, creating a rhythm that feels human.
Limit Transitional Phrases
Instead of stock transitions, experiment with questions or informal links to create natural flow, allowing ideas to connect without sounding forced.
Add Personal or Unique Insights
Adding original insights can elevate writing, making it relatable and distinct. Readers value authenticity, so expressing a unique perspective or anecdote adds value and fosters connection.
The Role of SEO in Human-Centred Writing
While AI-generated content may rely on keywords for SEO, a balanced approach keeps content engaging without compromising readability:
- Relevance: Focus keywords on the reader’s search intent and integrate them naturally into the content flow.
- Keyword Variation: Human writers can use keyword variations to avoid repetition, maintaining relevance while keeping the text fresh.
- SEO in Headings: Using keywords naturally in descriptive headings improves readability and search ranking.
Final Thoughts
As AI technology advances, understanding language patterns helps professionals humanise content, avoid formulaic language, and keep audiences engaged. Recognising these patterns can guide content creators in connecting with readers in a memorable, relatable way.
Join the Conversation
Can you spot when a piece of content was generated by AI? What phrases make you immediately suspicious? Share your thoughts and join the discussion on how we can make content more human! And don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments!
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Try it for yourself! Tap here to use the free version of ChatGPT.
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Business
Chinese AI: Revolutionising the Industry with Cost-Efficient Innovations
Chinese AI companies are revolutionising the industry with cost-efficient innovations, optimising hardware, and using the model-of-expert approach to achieve competitive models.
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 21, 2024By
AIinAsia
TL;DR:
- Chinese AI companies are reducing costs by optimising hardware and using smaller data sets.
- Strategies like the “model-of-expert” approach help achieve competitive models with less computing power.
- Companies like 01.ai and ByteDance are making significant strides despite US chip restrictions.
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), Chinese companies are making waves with innovative strategies to drive down costs and create competitive models. Despite facing challenges like US chip restrictions and smaller budgets, these companies are proving that creativity and efficiency can overcome significant hurdles.
The Cost-Cutting Revolution
Chinese AI start-ups such as 01.ai and DeepSeek are leading the charge in cost reduction. They achieve this by focusing on smaller data sets to train AI models and hiring skilled but affordable computer engineers. Larger technology groups like Alibaba, Baidu, and ByteDance are also engaged in a pricing war, cutting “inference” costs by over 90% compared to their US counterparts.
Optimising Hardware and Data
Beijing-based 01.ai, led by Lee Kai-Fu, the former head of Google China, has successfully reduced inference costs by building models that require less computing power and optimising their hardware. Lee emphasises that China’s strength lies in creating affordable inference engines, allowing applications to proliferate.
“China’s strength is to make really affordable inference engines and then to let applications proliferate.” – Lee Kai-Fu, former head of Google China
The Model-of-Expert Approach
Many Chinese AI groups, including 01.ai, DeepSeek, MiniMax, and Stepfun, have adopted the “model-of-expert” approach. This strategy combines multiple neural networks trained on industry-specific data, achieving the same level of intelligence as a dense model but with less computing power. Although this approach can be more prone to failure, it offers a cost-effective alternative.
Navigating US Chip Restrictions
Despite Washington’s ban on exports of high-end Nvidia AI chips, Chinese companies are finding ways to thrive. They are competing to develop high-quality data sets to train these “experts,” setting themselves apart from the competition. Lee Kai-Fu highlights the importance of data collection methods beyond traditional internet scraping, such as scanning books and crawling articles on WeChat.
“There is a lot of thankless gruntwork for engineers to label and rank data, but China — with its vast pool of cheap engineering talent — is better placed to do that than the US.” – Lee Kai-Fu
Achievements and Rankings
This week, 01.ai’s Yi-Lightning model ranked joint third among large language model (LLM) companies, alongside x.AI’s Grok-2, but behind OpenAI and Google. Other Chinese players, including ByteDance, Alibaba, and DeepSeek, have also made significant strides in the rankings.
Cost Comparisons
The cost for inference at 01.ai’s Yi-Lightning is 14 cents per million tokens, compared to 26 cents for OpenAI’s smaller model GPT o1-mini. Meanwhile, inference costs for OpenAI’s much larger GPT 4o are $4.40 per million tokens. Lee Kai-Fu notes that the aim is not to have the “best model” but a competitive one that is “five to 10 times less expensive” for developers to use.
The Future of Chinese AI
China’s AI industry is not about breaking new ground with unlimited budgets but about building well, fast, reliably, and cheaply. This approach is not only cost-effective but also fosters a competitive environment that encourages innovation and efficiency.
Comment and Share:
What innovative strategies do you think will shape the future of AI in Asia? Share your thoughts and experiences with AI and AGI technologies in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.
- You may also like:
- The Race for AI Supremacy: China’s War of a Hundred Models
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- Demystifying AI in Asia – A Glossary of Essential Terms
- To learn more about China’s cost effective AI innovations, tap here.
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Adrian’s Arena: East Meets West – Contrasting AI Partnership Strategies for OpenAI
Discover the impact of AI partnerships in APAC, focusing on OpenAI collaborations and future trends in AI technology.
Published
3 weeks agoon
October 15, 2024
TL;DR:
- APAC’s AI Spending Growth: Projected to reach $78 billion by 2027, growing at a 24.5% CAGR
- Government Support: China and Singapore lead in AI investments and strategies, positioning APAC as a global AI hub by 2030
- OpenAI Partnerships: Enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive economic growth, with notable success in Toyota’s advertising and Ping An’s insurance operations
- AI Talent Development: SQREEM Technologies and SGTech launch a symposium to address the AI talent shortage in APAC
- Future Trends: AI is integral to smart cities, healthcare, and economic growth, with OpenAI playing a central role.
The Role of OpenAI Collaborations and Emerging Trends in AI Technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving substantial technological advancements globally, with the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region at the forefront of this revolution.
AI is transforming industries such as healthcare, retail, finance, and logistics by enhancing operational efficiency and improving customer experiences.
Governments across APAC play a key role in facilitating AI adoption. For example, China is a global leader in AI investments, with Singapore’s National AI Strategy positioning the country as a global AI hub by 2030.
APAC’s AI spending is projected to reach $78 billion by 2027, growing at a 24.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
AI’s Role in APAC’s Business Landscape
AI is becoming indispensable across various sectors in APAC. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are integrating AI into national strategies to boost productivity, automate complex tasks, and improve customer experiences (read more at Grand View Research). Retailers are leveraging AI to offer hyper-personalised marketing, while financial services use AI-driven analytics to enhance decision-making and manage risks (read more at IDC).
Why OpenAI Partnerships are Key to Unlocking AI’s Potential in APAC
Unlocking AI’s full potential across APAC requires strategic partnerships that combine OpenAI’s expertise with local market knowledge. These collaborations ensure that businesses across the region can implement AI solutions tailored to the specific needs of their industries.
OpenAI’s Role in Building Effective Partnerships
OpenAI plays a crucial role in enabling businesses to deploy AI solutions that drive operational excellence and improve customer experiences. Here’s how OpenAI partnerships benefit businesses in APAC:
- Enhanced Customer Experiences: OpenAI’s GPT models help businesses enhance customer engagement through AI-powered, real-time interactions. These models can improve customer service operations, making them more responsive and personalised.
- Operational Efficiencies: OpenAI’s AI tools streamline business processes such as supply chain management, predictive analytics, and decision-making, helping businesses save time and reduce operational costs
By partnering with OpenAI, companies in APAC can access cutting-edge AI technology that enables scalable innovation across industries. At SQREEM Technologies, where I serve as the interface globally between pricing, partner negotiations, and contracts, we see firsthand how OpenAI’s advanced AI capabilities can significantly improve marketing, customer experiences, and operational efficiencies without relying on invasive tracking methods.
Real-World Impact: OpenAI-Driven AI Partnerships in APAC
AI-powered solutions are already making a tangible impact across industries in APAC, thanks to key partnerships with OpenAI:
1. Personalised Marketing at Scale: Toyota’s AI-Powered Advertising in Japan
Toyota leveraged OpenAI’s models to build a more targeted advertising strategy, significantly boosting customer engagement and increasing click-through rates by 40%.
Using OpenAI-powered insights, Toyota developed highly customised marketing campaigns that delivered personalised experiences, driving conversions and improving customer retention.
Using OpenAI-powered insights, Toyota developed highly customised marketing campaigns that delivered personalised experiences, driving conversions and improving customer retention.
Read More: Toyota’s AI success
2. Optimised Decision-Making: Ping An Insurance’s AI Transformation in China
Ping An partnered with OpenAI to optimise its operations, from improving customer service through AI chatbots to enhancing risk management processes. OpenAI’s models helped reduce claims-processing times by 40% and improved fraud detection.
In APAC, companies adopting AI, especially through collaborations with OpenAI, often see substantial improvements across business operations, leading to significant savings and efficiency gains.
Read More: Ping An’s AI journey
Strengthening Global Partnerships: OpenAI in APAC vs. Western Markets
At SQREEM Technologies, we leverage similar AI tools in our collaborations, enabling businesses to design privacy-compliant marketing campaigns that deliver results.
By analysing data from apps, websites, and even connected TVs, brands like Rakuten are using AI to predict shopping habits and adjust their marketing strategies. It’s all about staying ahead of the competition and giving customers exactly what they’re looking for.
As the global interface for pricing, partner negotiations, and contracts at SQREEM Technologies, I have observed distinct differences in how partnerships form between APAC and Western markets.
East vs West AI Strategies
In Western markets, AI partnerships often focus on solving specific, narrow issues such as automating customer service or improving operational efficiency.
In contrast, OpenAI partnerships in APAC are often holistic and long-term. For example, companies in Japan and South Korea tend to integrate AI solutions into broader business operations, adopting OpenAI technologies not only for customer management but also for supply chain optimisation and predictive analytics.
This approach reflects the more transformative, enterprise-wide AI adoption seen in APAC markets.
The Future of AI in APAC: OpenAI’s Collaborative Approach
1. Driving Economic Growth
The AI market in APAC is projected to grow to $734.7 billion by 2030, with OpenAI positioned to play a central role in sectors like finance, manufacturing, and retail (reference here). Collaborations between OpenAI and local companies will continue to drive economic growth and business transformation in these industries.
2. Smart Cities and Urbanisation
AI is integral to the development of smart cities across APAC, with OpenAI providing the underlying technology that helps governments and businesses tackle urban challenges. For example, AI-driven smart city projects in Singapore and China are using OpenAI’s models to optimise traffic systems and enhance public safety.
3. AI in Healthcare and Precision Medicine
Healthcare remains one of the fastest-growing sectors for AI adoption in APAC, with OpenAI models being used to improve diagnostics, treatment planning, and remote healthcare solutions. In Singapore, hospitals are already applying AI to improve patient outcomes (reference here).
Partnering with SGTECH to Aid AI Talent Development and Upskilling: SQREEM’s Symposium
The APAC region continues to face a significant shortage of skilled AI professionals. To address this, SQREEM Technologies has partnered with SGTech to launch a symposium focused on AI and digital marketing upskilling in H2 2024. This initiative is designed to build a talent pipeline to meet the region’s growing demand for AI experts, while paying a potential rebate to employers upon completion for each successful participant.
Participants develop skills in AI tools, data analytics, and media planning while ensuring compliance with data privacy laws.
For employees, the programme offers a path to acquiring high-demand AI skills, while employers benefit from building AI-savvy teams. SQREEM strengthens its position as a leader in AI education, ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals
The six-month on-the-job training programme offers hands-on AI experience in real-world projects, including four key modules: AI & Technology, Media Ecosystem, Data Safety, and Digital Content.
OpenAI’s Role in APAC’s AI Future
The future of AI in APAC is bright, but realising its full potential will require strong partnerships with leaders like OpenAI. By fostering collaborations that address both local and global challenges, OpenAI is helping businesses across the region unlock the transformative potential of AI.
As the global interface for pricing, partner negotiations, and contracts at SQREEM Technologies, I’ve witnessed how OpenAI partnerships can drive innovation across industries.
In APAC, businesses adopt AI with a long-term, strategic vision, and OpenAI’s cutting-edge technologies are pivotal to this transformation. By working together, we can ensure that AI continues to drive meaningful change, growth, and innovation across APAC.
Comment and Share:
What are your thoughts on the future of AI partnerships in APAC? How do you see OpenAI’s role evolving in this dynamic region? We’d love to hear your insights! Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments and share your experiences with AI and AGI technologies in the comments below. Let’s build a community of tech enthusiasts together!
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- Or find out more about Adrian Watkins by tapping here.
Author
-
Adrian is an AI, marketing, and technology strategist based in Asia, with over 25 years of experience in the region. Originally from the UK, he has worked with some of the world’s largest tech companies and successfully built and sold several tech businesses. Currently, Adrian leads commercial strategy and negotiations at one of ASEAN’s largest AI companies. Driven by a passion to empower startups and small businesses, he dedicates his spare time to helping them boost performance and efficiency by embracing AI tools. His expertise spans growth and strategy, sales and marketing, go-to-market strategy, AI integration, startup mentoring, and investments. View all posts
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