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The Great AI Debate: Brands Pump the Brakes on Generative AI

The Great AI Debate discusses the cautious approach brands are taking towards AI in marketing, highlighting potential risks and rewards.

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AI in Marketing

TL;DR:

  • The Willy Wonka Experience fiasco in Glasgow highlights the dangers of over-reliance on AI for promotional purposes.
  • Brands like Dove are taking a cautious approach or implementing a ‘no AI’ policy in response to potential pitfalls.
  • Tension arises between agencies racing to adopt AI and brands clamping down on its usage.

A Cautionary Tale: The Willy Wonka Experience

The Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow earlier this year was marketed as a fantastical journey into Roald Dahl’s chocolatey world. However, the event turned out to be a disappointment, with shoddy displays and tacky banners. This modern cautionary tale highlights the dangers of relying too much on AI for promotional and advertising purposes.

Brands Pump the Brakes on Gen AI

Examples like the Willy Wonka fiasco have led brands to tread more carefully when it comes to using Generative AI. Alison Ray, General Manager at Town Square, a Melbourne creative agency, warns against ceding all control to AI, potentially jeopardising a brand’s reputation.

Some brands are even adopting a strict ‘no AI’ policy. Contracts from Fortune 500 brands now include clauses forbidding the use of generative AI without prior authorisation. Skincare brand Dove has pledged to never use AI in its advertising, aiming to keep beauty real and avoid promoting unrealistic standards.

Tension Between Brands and Agencies

While brands are taking a more cautious approach, agencies are racing to adopt AI due to its ability to speed up processes and save costs. This disparity is causing tension, with better negotiation needed between brands and agencies.

AI: A Substitute for Human Creativity?

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, predicts that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will be ready within the next five years, capable of handling 95% of marketing tasks. However, many believe that AI cannot replace human creativity and craft. Chloe Fair, Client Services Director at Virtue APAC, emphasises the importance of the human touch in creating resonating ideas and addressing human truths.

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AI: Help or Hindrance?

AI has the potential to mislead and erode consumer trust. Full transparency in the intent and use of AI is crucial to address consumer reactions. Regulation may be necessary to ensure the safe, transparent, unbiased, and ethically acceptable use of AI.

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What are your thoughts on the use of AI in marketing? Have you experienced any AI-related mishaps or successes? Share your stories in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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Adrian’s Arena: Reaching Today’s Consumers – How AI Enhances Digital Marketing

AI Digital Marketing is revolutionising consumer engagement across Asia, enhancing personalisation and customer service.

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AI Digital Marketing

TL;DR:

  • AI is transforming digital marketing in Southeast Asia, personalising experiences across multiple platforms.
  • AI-powered chatbots enhance customer service, are available 24/7, and handle queries in multiple languages.
  • Programmatic advertising powered by AI optimises ad placement without cookies or personal data, ensuring privacy.

AI Infused Marketing: Engaging Consumers Across Digital Worlds

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming digital marketing in Southeast Asia. It’s no longer just about reaching people on their phones—now it’s about connecting with them wherever they are, whether it’s on YouTube, connected TVs, websites, or even while they’re playing a game.

AI is helping brands personalise these experiences in a way that feels seamless, making every interaction more relevant.

Customer Insights and Personalisation

Have you ever noticed how some brands seem to know exactly what you want, almost like they’re reading your mind? That’s AI.

In a region as diverse as Southeast Asia, AI helps brands like Shopee and Lazada figure out what you’re into and serve up the perfect recommendations.

Whether you’re getting a product suggestion on their app or seeing a relevant ad while streaming on YouTube, AI is behind the scenes making sure it all feels tailored just for you.

Chatbots and Customer Service

We’ve all been there—needing help at odd hours or just not wanting to deal with a long wait time. That’s where AI-powered chatbots come in.

These little helpers are available 24/7 and can handle queries in multiple languages. Lazada, for example, uses chatbots to assist shoppers with everything from order tracking to product recommendations.

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Whether you’re browsing late at night on your phone or checking something on your laptop, you can get quick, accurate answers without waiting from AI Chatbots.

Content Creation and Curation

Creating content that speaks to millions of people across Southeast Asia? AI has got that covered. It doesn’t just create content—it curates it, serving up what’s relevant for each user.

Zalora, for example, uses AI to recommend outfits based on your browsing history. This means that whether you’re on their app or website or even seeing their content on a connected TV, it feels like it was made just for you.

Programmatic Advertising

Ever felt like an ad was following you around the internet? That’s AI doing its job. Programmatic advertising powered by AI is all about putting the right message in front of the right person, at just the right time.

SQREEM is a big player in this space, helping brands in Southeast Asia optimise their ads across digital platforms—from YouTube and gaming apps to connected TVs.

And the best part? They do it all without cookies or personal data, making it privacy-friendly.

SEO and Voice Search Optimisation

With voice search on the rise, especially in places like Indonesia and Thailand, AI helps brands stay on top of how people are searching. Instead of typing out searches, people are now talking to their devices:

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“Hey Google, where’s the best coffee shop near me?”

AI ensures that content is optimised for these conversational searches, so brands can be found easily across platforms—from websites to voice-activated assistants.

Email Marketing Automation

Think about the emails you get from your favourite brands—AI likely had a hand in making sure they arrived at just the right moment.

AI-powered tools like ActiveCampaign analyse when people are most likely to open emails and what they’re interested in. So, whether you’re checking your inbox on your phone, tablet, or laptop, AI makes sure the content is personalised and relevant.

Enhanced Data Analytics

In Southeast Asia’s fast-moving markets, staying on top of consumer trends is essential. AI-powered data analytics tools give brands like AirAsia real-time insights, helping them adjust their strategies on the fly.

Whether it’s for social media, connected TV, or in-app ads, AI helps brands react to changing behaviours and fine-tune their marketing efforts quickly.

Social Media Monitoring and Influencer Marketing

Southeast Asia loves social media, and AI is there to help brands track what’s happening in real-time. Platforms like Sprinklr use AI to monitor conversations, helping brands understand what people are saying and when.

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AI also helps identify the perfect influencers to partner with—especially micro-influencers who can authentically connect with niche audiences in different countries.

Now, you might not even realise some influencers are entirely AI!

Image and Video Recognition

Visual content is a big deal, and AI helps brands figure out what kind of images and videos work best. Whether it’s tweaking a YouTube ad or adjusting visuals for connected TV, AI can analyse what gets the most engagement and optimise future campaigns.

Brands like Grab are already using AI to make their ads more appealing across platforms like connected TV and mobile.

Predicting Trends and Consumer Behaviour

Wouldn’t it be great to know what your customers want before they even ask? AI does just that.

By analysing data from apps, websites, and even connected TVs, brands like Shopee 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.

Case Study: Shopee’s AI Success

Shopee is nailing AI integration. From personalised recommendations to optimised ad placements, they’ve made the shopping experience seamless across platforms. Whether you’re browsing on the app, desktop, or watching a connected TV ad, Shopee’s AI ensures the experience is smooth and relevant.

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Data Privacy Concerns

As AI continues to grow, so does the importance of data privacy, especially in Southeast Asia where regulations like Singapore’s PDPA are strict.

Unlike many platforms, SQREEM takes a unique approach by not using cookies or any personal data. This allows them to help deliver effective, personalised ads while respecting users’ privacy through AI driven behavioural insights.

The Future of AI in Southeast Asia’s Digital Marketing

Looking ahead, AI will continue to revolutionise digital marketing in Southeast Asia. With innovations like virtual influencers and smarter machine learning, brands will be able to connect with consumers across all digital touch points—from gaming to connected TV—with even more precision and personalisation.

Marketers who embrace AI now will be the ones leading the pack.

Comment and Share:

How do you think the rise of AI in digital marketing will change the way brands interact with consumers in the next five years? Will we see a future where every ad and piece of content is perfectly tailored to our individual preferences, or is there a risk that personalisation could become too invasive?

Share your thoughts in the comments below as we hone our learning skills together, and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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Author

  • Adrian Watkins (Guest Contributor)

    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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Adrian’s Arena: The AI-Driven Playbook for Winning Over APAC Consumers

AI is reshaping customer experience (CX) across APAC, empowering brands to create personalised, culturally relevant, and secure interactions that resonate deeply with diverse audiences.

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AI customer experience APAC

AI is reshaping customer experience (CX) across APAC, empowering brands to create personalised, culturally relevant, and secure interactions that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. AI customer experience in APAC is a game changer in the industry.

TL;DR

  • AI is transforming CX in APAC by enabling brands to deliver experiences that feel both personalised and culturally relevant, boosting engagement and building trust.
  • Personalisation: Brands that understand local tastes and customise experiences to meet those expectations consistently see greater engagement and loyalty.
  • Multilingual Chatbots: AI-powered chatbots remove language barriers, enhancing customer satisfaction and retention​
  • Gen Z-Focused Campaigns: TotallyAwesome’s AI-driven ads connect with Gen Z on privacy and authenticity, improving engagement by up to 35%​
  • Visual Search & Dynamic Pricing: Rakuten’s visual search boosts transactions by 5%, and AI-driven pricing aligns offers with local events
  • Enhanced Security: AI-driven fraud detection ensures secure transactions, building trust in mobile-first APAC markets

How AI is Transforming CX Across APAC

If one thing’s become crystal clear in running a successful business today, it’s this: customer experience (CX) isn’t just a box to tick—it’s the heartbeat of any brand. In the AI customer experience APAC industry, this is more relevant than ever.

In APAC, with its cultural variety and many languages, people expect brands to genuinely get them, speak their language, and offer real value. So, for business leaders, marketers, and media strategists here, the question isn’t if AI should play a role in CX—it’s how to make it resonate with audiences.

From hyper-personalised campaigns to seamless multilingual support, AI is empowering brands to connect more deeply with APAC audiences.

Here’s a look at how AI is shaping CX across the region—and where it’s heading.

Personalisation That Hits Home

Brands that understand local tastes and customise experiences to meet those expectations consistently see greater engagement and loyalty. According to Accenture, personalised experiences can increase customer satisfaction by up to 30%, particularly in markets with a high emphasis on relevance, such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, proving the potential of AI in customer experience APAC.

In APAC, personalisation isn’t just “nice to have” – it’s expected.

Example – APAC Ecommerce Personalisation: AI-powered recommendations based on browsing history, demographics, and past purchases have significantly increased customer satisfaction. Studies report up to a 30% boost in satisfaction and loyalty among users who experience tailored shopping journeys, particularly in mobile-driven markets like Japan and Singapore.

Chatting in Their Language

With APAC’s linguistic diversity, AI-powered chatbots have become vital for connecting with customers. Conversational AI in the telecom and e-commerce sectors offers 24/7 multilingual support, removing language barriers and enhancing satisfaction. Research shows that native language support reduces churn by up to 15% in markets where language accessibility is critical​, which emphasises the importance of AI customer experience in APAC.

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In APAC, language is more than just a tool—it’s a critical factor in building brand loyalty and trust.

Culturally Tuned Campaigns for Gen Z

Gen Z is big on authenticity, privacy, and relevance, and AI helps brands deliver on these fronts. TotallyAwesome’s advertising platform connects with younger audiences in APAC by delivering culturally tuned, privacy-compliant campaigns that resonate with Gen Z values.

This AI-powered approach can improve engagement by up to 35%, building trust with this highly difficult-to-reach and tough-to-engage discerning demographic​.

Visual Search That Feels Like Magic

Visual search is transforming the shopping experience, especially in APAC’s mobile-first markets. Rakuten’s AI-powered visual search feature on Rakuten Fashion allows customers to upload images and find similar products instantly, resulting in a 5% boost in search-related transactions. This intuitive shopping tool is redefining convenience and aligning with APAC consumers’ visual engagement preferences.

Dynamic Pricing That Feels Right

Effective localisation in APAC goes beyond language—it’s about aligning pricing with cultural events and real-time demand.

AI-driven dynamic pricing allows brands to adjust prices around local celebrations, like Diwali or Lunar New Year, boosting conversion rates. This strategy enhances customer loyalty by showing that brands are in tune with local customs and timings.

Real-Time Sentiment Monitoring

AI’s sentiment analysis tools help brands gauge customer emotions as they happen, enabling campaign optimisation in real time. Data-driven responsiveness ensures each interaction feels meaningful and aligned with audience sentiment​.

Example – Adobe Sensei: Adobe’s AI platform analyses customer sentiment across social media, reviews, and surveys. By identifying sentiment trends, Adobe uses these insights to tailor marketing efforts and improve customer satisfaction, creating more personalised experiences in digital interactions.

Hyperlocal Content That Hits Home

Hyperlocal content, powered by AI, strengthens connections by aligning with regional preferences. For instance, streaming platforms in APAC use AI to recommend culturally popular content like K-dramas in Southeast Asia or anime in Japan.

This content personalisation doesn’t just engage viewers but also builds community by providing content they truly want to see​.

Securing Digital Payments

With the rise of mobile payments in APAC, AI-driven fraud detection has become essential for secure transactions. Digital wallet providers in the region are using AI to flag suspicious activity, boosting user confidence in the safety of their transactions. This security, powered by AI, reduces fraud risks and retains customers by providing a reliable payment experience

Example – HSBC’s AI Fraud Detection: HSBC applies AI-based security measures to analyse customer transaction patterns, flagging suspicious transactions in real time. This approach has helped reduce fraud across APAC, as the bank leverages AI to monitor for anomalies in transactions and proactively secure customer accounts. By monitoring trends and identifying outliers, HSBC’s system protects against fraudulent activity, ensuring a secure experience for mobile-first APAC customers.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in CX

AI isn’t just enhancing CX in APAC—it’s reshaping it. From hyper-personalisation to real-time sentiment monitoring, AI lets brands connect in ways that feel genuine and relevant. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even more from trends like generative AI for hyper-personalisation and predictive analytics to anticipate customer needs faster, representing the future of AI customer experience APAC.

Comment and Share

What role do you see AI playing in your CX strategy? And what’s the biggest challenge for adopting these technologies in APAC? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how others are embracing these changes. And don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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Author

  • Adrian Watkins (Guest Contributor)

    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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Adrian’s Arena: AI is Shaping the Future of Marketing to Gen Z in Southeast Asia

Gen Z is transforming marketing in Southeast Asia. Learn about their preferences for personalised experiences and values-driven consumerism.

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Gen Z Marketing SEA

TL;DR

  • Gen Z is driving the evolution of marketing in Southeast Asia, with a preference for personalised, authentic experiences across platforms like gaming and social commerce.
  • AI-powered platforms, such as SQREEM Technologies and TotallyAwesome, enable brands to engage Gen Z without relying on invasive tracking, using behavioural insights instead.
  • Values-driven consumerism is key, with Gen Z seeking brands that align with their values, especially around sustainability, authenticity, and social responsibility.
  • Rewarded video ads and personalised social commerce are effective tools for engaging Gen Z, allowing brands to connect in ways that add value without disrupting the user experience.
  • Trust and privacy are paramount—Gen Z expects brands to be transparent about how they use AI, with a growing demand for experiences that respect privacy.

Gen Z: Redefining Mobile Marketing in Southeast Asia

There’s no denying it: Generation Z is reshaping how brands connect with consumers, especially on mobile.

In Southeast Asia, where mobile penetration continues to rise, Gen Z is driving a shift in how we approach advertising. Whether through mobile gaming, social commerce, or general mobile use, brands that understand this generation’s behaviour are well-positioned to capture their attention. And to do this effectively, AI has become a crucial tool.

In this article, we’ll explore this in more detail and explore how brands can leverage AI-powered platforms like SQREEM Technologies and digital contextual marketing solutions like TotallyAwesome to stay ahead in this competitive market – all the while keeping the Gen Z’s user privacy intact.

Understanding Gen Z in Southeast Asia

Gen Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in technology. In Southeast Asia, where mobile penetration is above 76%, this generation is spending more time on mobile devices than ever before, whether gaming, streaming, or engaging with brands.

Short-form video is also a major trend with Gen Z, with platforms like TikTok leading the charge, as seen in the latest GWI data, which highlights a sharp rise in short-form video consumption, particularly for sports.

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Gen Z is looking for more than just products—they want brands that showcase the human side behind them, as well as social responsibility.

This generation is sceptical of traditional advertising and craves organic, transparent engagement, pushing brands to rethink how they communicate and engage.

Singaporean Gen Zs: How AI and Digital Marketing Shape Their Experience

Singaporean Gen Zs stand out for their high engagement with digital platforms. Despite representing just 1% of Southeast Asia’s population, Singapore contributes 23% of Grab’s revenue, underscoring the strong digital engagement of its consumers.

Brands targeting Gen Z in Singapore can leverage AI-driven personalisation to deliver seamless, relevant experiences.

Additionally, 69% of Asian Gen Zs feel uncertainty is detrimental to their mental health. As such, brands that create community, emphasise well-being, and promote authentic interactions will resonate more strongly with Gen Z.

By incorporating AI-driven personalisation and predictive analytics, brands can address these concerns, delivering content that feels genuine and supportive of their mental well-being.

How AI Can Help You Reach Gen Z Without Invasive Tracking

One of the most important things to highlight is that neither SQREEM Technologies nor TotallyAwesome relies on PII (personally identifiable information) or cookies to deliver personalised experiences. Both companies use AI to analyse behavioural signals that allow for deep personalisation without the need to collect sensitive data. This is crucial when marketing to Gen Z, a generation that values privacy and expects transparency from brands.

Gen Z’s preference for values-driven consumerism and their need for authenticity have made it necessary for brands to build relationships based on trust. AI allows companies to personalise their communication without sacrificing privacy or trust, maintaining alignment with Gen Z’s values.

1. AI-Driven Personalisation for Mobile Marketing

Gen Z expects brands to understand their preferences and deliver experiences tailored to them. AI is what enables that level of personalisation without relying on invasive tracking methods. Platforms like SQREEM Technologies analyse behavioural patterns and deliver ads that resonate—at exactly the right moment. This allows brands to connect with their audience without sacrificing trust or privacy.

Example: Picture a Gen Z consumer who frequently engages with sustainable fashion content. Using SQREEM’s AI-powered insights, a brand can deliver relevant ads for eco-friendly products across multiple mobile platforms, from Instagram to gaming apps. This builds stronger connections while respecting the user’s privacy.

2. Rewarded Video Ads: Adding Value Without Disruption

Let’s face it—Gen Z is savvy, and they’re not fans of ads that interrupt their experience. That’s why rewarded video ads have become a smart, non-intrusive way to engage this generation. AI helps predict the best moments to serve these ads, making sure they feel like a natural part of the mobile experience.

Example: Imagine a gamer receiving in-game currency for watching a short, relevant ad. This gives the user something valuable while ensuring the ad doesn’t disrupt their experience. It’s a win-win for both brands and consumers.

3. AI-Powered Social Commerce

Gen Z doesn’t just engage with content—they also shop directly within mobile apps. AI is revolutionising social commerce by predicting purchasing behaviour and creating personalised shopping experiences. With tools like those provided by TotallyAwesome, brands can offer products that align perfectly with Gen Z’s interests, right within the apps they already use.

Example: Using proprietary data enriched by AI-driven insights, TotallyAwesome helps brands identify trends and preferences, allowing them to offer limited-edition virtual goods or eco-friendly products that match Gen Z’s values. Whether they’re on TikTok or browsing within a mobile game, the shopping experience is seamless and personalised, again without the need for cookies or PII.

Measuring Effectiveness: AI’s Real Power

1. Real-Time Data for Smarter Decisions

When it comes to measuring the success of campaigns, impressions and clicks only tell part of the story. AI provides deeper, real-time insights into how Gen Z interacts with your brand across different platforms. SQREEM Technologies tracks behaviours across mobile, social, and gaming environments, giving brands a holistic view of their impact.

Example: With AI-powered analytics, brands can see how long Gen Z engages with an ad, how they feel about the content, and what ultimately drives conversions. This real-time feedback enables brands to optimise campaigns quickly and efficiently.

2. Cross-Channel Integration

Gen Z is constantly shifting between platforms—from gaming apps to social media and back. AI helps brands track these interactions seamlessly across multiple touchpoints, ensuring consistent messaging and engagement.

Example: With SQREEM’s AI-driven cross-channel analytics, brands can follow Gen Z’s journey from in-game ads to social media, to connected TV, ensuring the brand message remains cohesive and relevant. This comprehensive view allows brands to refine their strategies and deliver more impactful campaigns.

1. Playable Ads and Interactive Experiences

AI is making interactive ads, like playable ads, even more engaging. These ads allow users to interact with a product or service in a game-like environment before downloading or purchasing it. For Gen Z, who craves control and interactivity, AI-driven playable ads offer a fun, non-intrusive way to explore new products.

2. Virtual Goods and NFTs

AI is also helping brands navigate the growing world of virtual goods and NFTs. By predicting which digital products will resonate most with Gen Z, AI is helping companies create exclusive virtual items that tap into their interests—whether in mobile games or social platforms.

The Future of AI and Gen Z: Building Authentic Connections

AI is transforming how we engage with Gen Z, especially when it comes to mobile marketing. Platforms like SQREEM Technologies and TotallyAwesome are using AI to deliver hyper-personalised, non-intrusive experiences—without relying on PII or cookies. This approach aligns perfectly with Gen Z’s expectations for privacy and personalisation.

Whether through personalised ads, rewarded video experiences, or seamless social commerce, AI is allowing brands to build meaningful, long-term connections with Gen Z in a way that feels authentic and trustworthy.

As AI continues to evolve, so too will our ability to meet Gen Z exactly where they are—on their mobile devices, across games, social platforms, and beyond.

Comment and Share:

How will your brand adapt as AI reshapes Gen Z’s expectations for personalised, meaningful interactions—and do you feel you need AI to do this yet? Share your ideas and experiences with AI and AGI technologies in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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Author

  • Adrian Watkins (Guest Contributor)

    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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