From the use of natural language text prompts to generate content on social media, to the expansion of the metaverse, experts from various fields — alongside insights from research conducted online — discuss how such tech trends will shape the new year.
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK
TEXT: MARCUS WONG
Given the impact that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) had in 2023, it’s safe to say that the technology — which can generate text, images, and other data in response to prompts — will continue to feature heavily in 2024.
But there are more applications to AI technology than ChatGPT, a GenAI tool that lets users enter prompts to receive humanlike images, text, or videos. As Ian Buck, Vice President of high-performance computing at American multinational technology company NVIDIA, puts it: “AI is set to become the new space race, with every country looking to create its own centre of excellence to advance research, science and national prosperity.”
Frontline speaks to experts from various fields, including Home Team NSmen, who share their take on what exciting developments this race might bring in their respective industries.
1. A SURGE IN THE USE OF GENERATIVE AI IN EVERYDAY COMPUTING
According to Home Team NSman LTC (NS) Derek Ho, a sales manager at a global cloud services provider, 2024 will likely see the widespread application of GenAI in all aspects of personal and corporate life. While AI tools like Grammarly and Otter.ai already help with tasks such as transcribing meetings as well as drafting emails and proposals, you can look forward to GenAI being integrated into social media apps such as WhatsApp and TikTok. This could be used to create convincing virtual replicas of people, or enable content creators to use natural language text prompts to generate photorealistic images.
2. INCREASED USE OF CLOUD TECHNOLOGIES AND SERVICES
Machine learning algorithms analyse data patterns to predict resource demands, improving scalability and efficiency in cloud infrastructure. As more companies move their existing technology infrastructure to the Cloud, expect further adoption of technologies enabled by it, including analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and GenAI.
Derek contends this will allow businesses to innovate faster. He cites Moderna as an example of how tapping on scalable storage infrastructure can achieve unprecedented results. In this case, the biotechnology firm leveraged cloud computing technology to expedite the development of the COVID-19 vaccine by facilitating rapid data sharing, collaboration, and analysis. While cloud technologies may allow new technologies to enter our lives more rapidly than before, this means we will also need to be more mindful of cyber security and data privacy issues.
3. THE RISE OF PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS
In 2024, we can expect the rise of predictive analytics. AI powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) will bring a wave of new features and possibilities for data teams, analysts, and users. Expect data specialists to start using AI to better filter and classify unstructured data, allowing them to glean sharper insights. This should be translated to better products and services, with a higher degree of personalisation.
Home Team NSman DAC (NS) Mohammed Azhar Yusof, Director, Coach Singapore, is an avid user of AI at work and has initiated various projects that utilise the technology to complete tasks more efficiently and on a greater scale. He feels that the number of AI-powered analytics tools will only increase, as it allows us to “pull information in a coherent way very quickly.” He adds that: “Given the speed of response, it allows us to perform our work in less time and therefore more efficiently. The information that it pulls out is also more comprehensive as it trawls available information on the web.” For example, AI and Big Data can be applied to sports, predicting player performance based on a range of metrics. This is especially useful when it comes to injury management and prevention as coaches will be able to draw on a wealth of information to make the best decisions.
4. COMPANIES WILL MOVE FURTHER INTO THE METAVERSE
Expect more immersive virtual worlds created by enterprising companies for their customers, with GenAI enabling even more personalised content. AI-driven algorithms analyse user behaviour, preferences, and inputs to create tailored experiences, from virtual worlds to personalised avatars. Home Team NSman MAJ (NS) Shabirin Ariffin, Head of Marketing & Creative, Stellar Ace, says the surging popularity of Augmented Reality (AR) tools has transformed various industries. “It has enhanced everything from shopping experiences to interactive education. It is reshaping how we engage with the world.”
Shabirin sees AR becoming a greater part of our daily lives soon; driven by our desire for more engaging experiences. Businesses will leverage AR to create immersive marketing campaigns, while educational institutions will integrate AR into curriculum for more interactive learning. As AR technology becomes more accessible, Shabirin also expects a “paradigm shift” in entertainment, with AR-enhanced gaming experiences captivating audiences.
5. MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WILL BETTER HARNESS THE POWER OF AI
According to Kimberly Powell, Vice President of Healthcare, NVIDIA, the day has come where surgeons can use AI to augment what they understand inside and outside the surgical suite. She predicts that with AI, surgeons will get better training, and surgeries will be safer thanks to real-time feedback and guidance.
Dr Seamus Phan, CTO, Head of Training & Content of McGallen & Bolden, sees medical professionals benefitting from local LLMs, as these can be stored on devices as small as a smartphone or tablet, giving them secure access to vast amounts of information without the need for network connectivity. “Imagine being a doctor, a TCM physician, or a pharmacist, where you can run queries on conditions, diagnoses and medications off your smartphone,” says Dr Seamus Phan, CTO, Head of Training & Content of McGallen & Bolden.
Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.
