Industry

In recent years, e-commerce, data analytics, artificiaI intelligence and machine learning have made the quantum leap from being mere buzzwords to real revenue-generating technologies: a fact borne out by a 2018 study by US management consultancy Bain & Co which found that digitalisation could grow the Asean gross domestic product by an estimated SGD 1 trillion by 2025.

Beyond infiltrating the business lexicon, the notion of sustainability is becoming a part of business strategy. After all, all signs are pointing towards a focus on sustainability in businesses: from government-led initiatives to create infrastructure that addresses the problems of climate change, to growing consumer demand for sustainable brands. It is becoming more important for organisations to embrace and promote sustainability on environmental, social and economic fronts as a long-term business game plan.

From robots that deliver amenities to guests in hotel rooms, to recommendations for the best sushi by Siri — the smart assistant that dispenses helpful reminders and tips from iOS — it’s a fact that artificial intelligence (A.I.) has pervaded our everyday lives. While today’s digital generation may already be familiar with the benefits of A.I., the rapid rise of machine learning raises important questions about the impact of such technology on our future.

It has come to a point where it is no longer enough for tertiary education institutions to be producing a workforce that will be mere cogs in the machine that is our society. Instead, in a time of climate change, political uncertainty and rapid technological advancements, universities are now expected to produce future-ready global citizens who have the vision and drive to make a meaningful social impact.