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Gen AI: A Game Changer for Small Businesses in Asia

AI and AGI reshape small businesses in Asia, with SMEs embracing generative AI for growth.

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AI and AGI in Asia Businesses

TL/DR: AI and AGI in Asia Businesses

  • 67% increase in AI and machine learning investments in APAC by 2024
  • 71% of Singapore SMEs use generative AI tools compared to 57% in large enterprises
  • AI adoption essential for business growth, but long-term safety and responsible innovation crucial

Introduction: AI and Asian SMEs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the business landscape, and Asia is no exception. As investments in AI and machine learning surge across the region, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly adopting generative AI to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. This article explores the growing impact of AI and AGI on small businesses in Asia, the benefits they bring, and how SMEs can adopt these technologies effectively while navigating potential challenges.

AI and AGI: The New Marketing Assistance

AI and machine learning investments in the Asia-Pacific region are projected to rise by 67% by 2024, according to Daitaiku, an American AI and machine learning company. Generative AI applications have become indispensable for marketers, enabling them to create high-quality, personalised content and unique customer experiences at a faster pace.

The Power of Intelligent Digital Agents

Generative AI has transformed customer service technologies, replacing basic chatbots with sophisticated digital agents. These agents can converse in multiple languages, answer complex questions, provide directions, and assist customers with purchases, according to Basil Chua, managing partner at Multiverse Partners.

SMEs Leading the AI Adoption Race

A study among Singapore business respondents revealed that 71% of SMEs use generative AI tools, compared to just 57% of large enterprises. Jon Dick, senior vice president of global customer success at HubSpot, advises SMEs to adopt AI capabilities progressively and focus on specific use cases like customer service or data analytics.

The Importance of AI Safety and Responsible Innovation

As businesses embrace AI, they must also consider long-term AI safety, responsible innovation, algorithmic biases, intellectual property, data privacy, and regulations and compliance, Chua warns. Singapore’s pioneering AI frameworks, such as the ‘AI Verify’ and ‘Model AI Governance Framework for Generative AI,’ serve as excellent starting points for businesses adopting generative AI.

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Malaysia’s AI Journey

Malaysian CEOs recognise the impact of AI, with 82% anticipating workforce skills acquisition due to Gen AI advancement. However, half of the CEOs surveyed have yet to adopt Gen AI across their companies in the past 12 months. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urges Malaysians to embrace AI or risk being left behind.

Limitations and the Future of AI

Despite its potential, AI has limitations. It cannot complete sales or customer actions and may require human intervention for emotionally charged or high-risk issues. However, generative AI is constantly learning and evolving, with future chatbots becoming more human-like and capable of creating original content or taking on tasks for the human workforce.

Conclusion

AI and AGI are transforming the business landscape in Asia, with SMEs at the forefront of adoption. By embracing these technologies progressively and responsibly, small businesses can unlock new growth opportunities and enhance customer experiences.

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SQREEM Acquires TotallyAwesome to Revolutionise Youth Marketing

Youth marketing transforms as SQREEM and TotallyAwesome unite to create a safe, scalable and ethical platform for brands and agencies.

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SQREEM Acquires TotallyAwesome

TL;DR:

  • Singapore-based AI giant SQREEM acquires TotallyAwesome to create a youth safe marketing powerhouse
  • The acquisition combines advanced AI technology with extensive user reach and human-curated whitelists for enhanced ad safety
  • Rapid growth and strategic positioning pave the way for SQREEM to become ASEAN’s first profitable AI unicorn

Powerhouses Join Forces for Responsible Marketing

Two Singapore-based heavyweights, SQREEM Technologies and TotallyAwesome, have announced a groundbreaking merger. This deal brings together SQREEM’s cutting-edge AI technology and TotallyAwesome’s extensive reach in youth marketing, creating a go-to platform for safe, responsible marketing targeted at young audiences.

Enhancing Ad Safety and User Reach

SQREEM, a world leader in AI and digital behaviour aggregation, will integrate TotallyAwesome’s contextual digital advertising platform to create precision-targeted web environments for young users. The combined platform will boast an unparalleled audience repository, reaching over 2.4 billion consumers in 80 countries, with over 900 million users from TotallyAwesome alone.

A Strategic Move towards Ethical Youth Marketing

As global discussions emphasise the responsible use of AI in targeting vulnerable audiences, this acquisition positions SQREEM to navigate the complex ethical landscape of youth marketing. The merged companies will offer brands and agencies comprehensive, age-appropriate solutions for connecting with young consumers and parents safely and compliantly and without the use of cookies.

Rapid Growth and ASEAN’s First AI Unicorn

The acquisition marks SQREEM’s 400% growth over the past three years, fuelling its ambition to become ASEAN’s first profitable AI unicorn within the next 12 months. The combined tech stack will be accessible on a unified full-service platform, offering agencies significant cost reductions and improved operational margins.

Uniting Teams and Strengthening Market Competitiveness with AI-driven Marketing

“By joining forces with TotallyAwesome, we’re setting a new standard to connect with youth audiences ethically and effectively. Our combination of tech and expertise will demonstrate how brands can precisely tailor their engagement with kids, teens and families while prioritising safety and trust.” Ian Chapman-Banks, CEO and CO-Founder of SQREEM

TotallyAwesome’s team of approximately 100 employees across key markets will merge with SQREEM’s global workforce, streamlining operational processes and expanding market reach. This union strengthens both companies across all industry sectors while maintaining GDPR-K and COPPA compliance.

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“SQREEM’s acquisition of TotallyAwesome perfectly aligns with our strategy of curating high-value audiences without cookies. With SQREEM’s cutting-edge AI technology, this union significantly strengthens both companies across all industry sectors.” Raja Kanniappan, CEO of TotallyAwesome

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Microsoft’s AI Chatbot for Spies

Microsoft’s AI chatbot for US spies raises concerns

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Microsoft's AI Chatbot for Spies

TL;DR:

  • Microsoft launches a GPT-4-based AI chatbot for US intelligence agencies operating in a secure, offline environment.
  • The new service aims to help intelligence agencies analyze top-secret data while mitigating connectivity risks.
  • Concerns arise over the AI’s potential to mislead officials due to inherent design limitations, such as confabulation.

Microsoft’s AI Chatbot for US Intelligence Agencies

Microsoft has introduced an AI chatbot based on the GPT-4 language model, designed specifically for US intelligence agencies. This secure, offline version of the AI model allows spy agencies to analyse top-secret information without the risks associated with internet connectivity. The new service, which doesn’t yet have a public name, is the first time Microsoft has deployed a major language model in a secure setting.

GPT-4 and Its Capabilities

GPT-4 is a large language model created by OpenAI that can predict the most likely tokens in a sequence. It can generate computer code and analyze information, and when configured as a chatbot, it can power AI assistants that converse in a human-like manner. Microsoft has a license to use GPT-4 as part of a deal involving significant investments in OpenAI.

Mitigating Risks for Intelligence Agencies

The new AI service addresses the growing interest among intelligence agencies to use generative AI for processing classified data while minimizing data breaches or hacking attempts. The service is currently available to about 10,000 individuals in the intelligence community for testing and is “answering questions,” according to William Chappell, Microsoft’s chief technology officer for strategic missions and technology.

Limitations and Potential Concerns

One significant drawback of using GPT-4 in this context is its potential to confabulate, providing inaccurate summaries, conclusions, or information. Since AI neural networks are not databases and operate on statistical probabilities, they may provide incorrect information unless augmented with external access to data. This raises concerns that the AI chatbot could mislead US intelligence agencies if not used properly.

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What do you think about Microsoft’s new AI chatbot for US intelligence agencies? Do you have concerns about the potential for misinformation, or do you believe the benefits outweigh the risks? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments in Asia.

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Siri is Getting Smarter

Exploring Apple’s AI advancements transforming iPhone user experience.

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Apple AI advancements

TL/DR:

  • Apple’s AI enhancements are set to enhance Siri and other iOS features
  • STEER technology to improve digital assistant conversations
  • AI-powered image editing, music remixing, and biometric data interpretation on the horizon

A Smarter Siri and Enhanced AI Capabilities

Apple’s AI research is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements, starting with a smarter Siri. As The Verge reports, Apple has been working on integrating large language models, similar to those powering ChatGPT, directly onto mobile devices. This development could lead to significant improvements in Siri’s capabilities and responsiveness.

STEER: Transforming Conversations with Digital Assistants

One of Apple’s most intriguing AI projects is called STEER (Semantic Turn Extension-Expansion Recognition). This technology aims to improve conversations with digital assistants by enabling them to understand follow-up questions and more ambiguous queries. With STEER, Siri could engage in more human-like conversations, making it easier for users to communicate their needs.

AI-Powered Image Editing and Creation

Apple’s AI ambitions extend beyond Siri. The company is exploring AI-powered image editing tools, such as MGIE, which would allow users to edit images using voice commands like “make the sky more blue” or “add some rocks.” Although this technology is still in development, it demonstrates Apple’s commitment to integrating AI across various iOS features.

AI in Biometric Data and Music Remixing

AI could also play a significant role in interpreting biometric data from wearables like the Apple Watch and AirPods. Additionally, Apple has been experimenting with AI-powered music remixing, separating voices from instruments in recorded music to create unique user experiences.

Ferret: An AI to Understand Your Every Move

Perhaps the most fascinating AI project Apple is working on is Ferret. This technology aims to understand user context and provide assistance in navigating apps, describing objects seen through the iPhone camera, and interpreting visuals in future devices like the Vision Pro.

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The Future of AI in Apple’s Ecosystem

While a more responsive and accurate Siri is eagerly anticipated, it’s just the beginning of Apple’s AI plans. With iOS 18 set to unveil some of these AI improvements at WWDC next month, users can look forward to a more intelligent and interconnected Apple ecosystem.

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Have you experienced any AI-powered features on your iPhone or other devices? How do you think Apple’s AI advancements will impact your daily life? Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments and share your thoughts in the comments below!

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