Latest news with #AI-enhanced
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Closer teams, faster results, lower costs: How GenAI helps companies scale effectively
Mr Shashank Sharma, Adobe's senior director for digital experience for South-east Asia and Korea, presenting the company's latest AI solutions that help businesses speed up content creation at the Adobe Summit in Singapore. PHOTO: ADOBE BRANDED CONTENT Closer teams, faster results, lower costs: How GenAI helps companies scale effectively At Singapore's Adobe Summit, executives shared how Adobe's AI-enhanced digital solutions can accelerate each company's growth, helping them stay competitive Since ChatGPT's launch in late 2022, generative AI (GenAI) has rapidly developed into a core business tool not just for efficiency, but for delivering faster, more personalised customer experiences at scale. In Asia-Pacific, GenAI adoption has now gone beyond experimentation to bring real-world improvements to the way businesses market their products and services. Speaking at the Adobe Summit in Singapore earlier this month, Mr Shashank Sharma, Adobe's senior director for digital experience for South-east Asia and Korea, noted how GenAI is reshaping the expectations and pace of modern creative work. 'AI is accelerating,' he said. 'It is opening content floodgates, tapping into everybody's imagination and redefining what we mean by the word 'scale'.' The annual summit brought together over 600 partners and customers to explore the future of digital experiences. This year's event highlighted how AI is no longer just about efficiency – it is also fuelling creativity and enabling more expressive, visual communication at scale. As part of this shift, Adobe introduced new features within its Experience Platform, which brings together customer data and content tools in one place to help teams work more effectively. The latest additions include Product Support Agent, which helps marketing teams quickly troubleshoot technical issues such as missing campaign data, broken links in customer journeys or problems connecting different tools, and Data Insights Agent, which lets users ask questions about their data in plain English and get instant visual answers. Both tools reflect Adobe's approach to using AI to lighten the load by automating routine tasks and simplifying complex processes – helping people focus on creative and strategic work rather than replacing them. Putting GenAI to work (From left) Ms Mel Lim, Adobe's regional head, Singapore, Mr Tay Yan Long, senior manager, Enterprise Digital Ecosystem & Business at Changi Airport Group, and Mr Gourab Kundu, head of digital growth for Asia South at Citi Wealth, share insights on how GenAI is transforming marketing and customer engagement. PHOTO: ADOBE At the Adobe Summit in Singapore, regional businesses shared how GenAI is already enhancing marketing and customer experience. For instance, The Coca‑Cola Company is using Adobe Firefly to speed up brand-aligned content creation with images and copy, all while preserving brand voice and copyright compliance. In practice, such tools enable faster content localisation, on-demand creative production and significant time and cost savings across teams. Changi Airport Group (CAG) is also pushing the boundaries of digital engagement by harnessing the power of GenAI. 'At Changi Airport, we're tapping into GenAI to turbocharge our experimentation capabilities and scale our content, enabling richer, more personalised and truly dynamic interactions with our customers,' said Mr Tay Yan Long, senior manager, Enterprise Digital Ecosystem & Business at CAG. His team is using Adobe's GenAI tools for journey orchestration, predictive insights and agentic marketing to test and scale ideas more efficiently. For Citibank, GenAI is enhancing service delivery through proactive problem-solving and predictive analytics, which significantly improve customer satisfaction. 'The future of banking lies in anticipating customer needs, not just reacting to them,' said Mr Gourab Kundu, head of digital growth for Asia South at Citi Wealth. Mr Prabu Purushothaman, senior director for digital experience and platforms COE at ServiceNow, presents how the company is partnering with Adobe to create personalised, real-time customer journeys. PHOTO: ADOBE Adobe has also partnered with firms like ServiceNow to improve business-to-business customer journeys. 'Customers are always seeking more rewarding and meaningful interactions,' said Mr Prabu Purushothaman, senior director for digital experience and platforms COE at ServiceNow. 'We are working with Adobe to help create real-time personalised customer journeys at scale for ServiceNow.' Why GenAI is shifting to real results A new Adobe study released at the summit shows GenAI adoption in Asia is maturing, with more companies reporting tangible business benefits. In a late-2024 survey of over 500 executives across Hong Kong, South Korea and South-east Asia, 55 per cent said GenAI has freed up resources for strategic work, while 53 per cent credited it with boosting revenue through more effective marketing. Use cases vary – from chatbots to social media content generation – but all point to a shared goal: faster, smarter personalisation. Eighty-seven per cent of senior executives expect content production to become quicker and more scalable in 2025, with agentic AI helping to lower support costs. Still, many organisations face hurdles like siloed data and poor cross-team collaboration. 'The challenge is content creation, production, workflow and asset management,' said Mr Sharma. 'When we see things holistically, you can bring in more creativity and leverage that.' To tackle these gaps, eight in 10 senior executives plan to increase tech investments, with nearly a third expecting to spend significantly more. Many also plan to invest in talent, recognising AI as a tool to amplify – not replace – human capabilities. 'Digital transformation is as much about enhancing experiences as it is about improving operational efficiency. 'It is still important that AI be complemented with the human element, ensuring that customers can still connect with brands and feel that services are authentic,' said Mr Sharma. Find out how businesses are adopting GenAI in Asia-Pacific in Adobe's study of the region's corporate leaders here. AI tools for businesses In March, Adobe unveiled a suite of product innovations that drive customer experience orchestration with the help of AI, called Adobe AI Platform. Adobe Experience Platform Agent Orchestrator helps businesses to manage and orchestrate AI agents – across Adobe and third parties – through a single interface. Adobe Brand Concierge enables businesses to configure and manage AI agents that guide consumers from exploration to confident purchase decisions, using immersive and conversational experiences. Adobe GenStudio is an end-to-end content supply chain solution that optimises the process of planning, creating, managing, activating and measuring content for marketing campaigns and personalised customer experiences. Adobe Firefly Services application programming interfaces support video and 3D workflows by handling high-volume and time-consuming tasks. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Perspective: From engineers to fast food, how AI is rocking the future of jobs
Artificial intelligence development and deployment is accelerating, and so are the ironies. A recent report by Great Learning found that a growing number of Indian engineers — a group deeply involved in creating and deploying AI — are pessimistic about how it will affect their careers. Far from irrational pessimism, this is an early indicator of what my recent research calls the 'de-skilling' of the knowledge economy — AI's slow but accelerating erosion of middle-skill technical and cognitive work. The concern Indian engineers express is increasingly visible across global labor markets. U.S. labor unions are calling for AI legal protections. Fast food chains are testing AI-driven voice ordering and robotic kitchen equipment that could displace thousands of teenage and other entry-level workers. The technologies that seem novel today are rapidly becoming commonplace, creating broad unease about the future of work. While production workers are not exempt from AI impacts, the most exposed jobs are held by millions working in middle-skill, middle-income 'knowledge' economy jobs. Many of these jobs are made up of the types of tasks that are especially well suited to AI automation because, like the factory jobs of the past, they are repetitive, 'codable' and subject to technological substitution. The compression of middle-skill employment is already visible in sectors like software development. Routine front-end coding tasks are increasingly being handled by generative AI. More experienced coders — those who can manage complex system integration and lead cross-functional teams — are still in demand. But the base of the coding professional pyramid is narrowing. This is classic skills-biased technological change: those with the right combination of technical and noncognitive skills benefit greatly, others must reskill, and many are squeezed out of their current jobs altogether. 'Workers need to know that, as a society, we have their backs if AI displaces them. If we fail to prepare, we are inviting even more of the economic and social turmoil that we've experienced in the past decade.' What's striking in the new reports is how widespread the effects are becoming. In fast food, AI is reducing the need for human cashiers and kitchen staff — roles traditionally filled by young people seeking their first work experience. These aren't knowledge economy jobs per se, but they serve as training grounds for 'master skills' — like teamwork, time management and communication — that future AI-enhanced jobs increasingly demand. As AI systems become capable of handling not just repetitive tasks but also judgment-heavy work like customer service, legal document review and financial risk analysis, even highly credentialed professionals are exposed. Automating brain work is likely to have effects similar to automating 'muscle' work. Productivity growth means we will still need workers, but those workers will need a different blend of technological and human-facing capabilities. The extreme uncertainty we face means starting now in designing an automation adjustment assistance system with the scale and flexibility required for potentially sweeping labor market changes. As I will outline in a forthcoming report, such a system would have four core elements: better jobs data, worker-controlled transition support, broad AI literacy programs and, as a hedge for the future, greater investment in child, family and community stability. Our existing 'rearview mirror' labor market information systems need recalibration toward understanding the impact of technological change. Without locally and regionally focused 'headlight' data, it's difficult, if not impossible, to effectively target re-skilling and education investments. When it comes to AI impacts, harnessing the power of predictive analytics is the foundation for finding and supporting the workers most exposed to automation. A second key need is to develop more flexible and worker-driven employment transition systems. Tools like Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) can empower workers to choose their own upskilling pathways, while a reimagined version of Trade Adjustment Assistance — tailored for the effects of automation — could offer broader, more effective transition support that would cushion change for those in need of long-term reskilling. AI literacy is also critical in the same way reading and math are. This means integrating exposure to AI tools and concepts into K-12 education, higher ed, corporate retraining programs and workforce development. Crucially, we need to invest in people to build the human attributes required for learning and work in an AI-driven economy. The challenge is that these skills — sometimes referred to as noncognitive or soft skills — are often shaped very early in life. That means increasing investment in family stability, early childhood development and other initiatives that promote healthy communities. We've seen this movie before in the automation revolution of the past 40 years. Workers need to know that, as a society, we have their backs if AI displaces them. If we fail to prepare, we are inviting even more of the economic and social turmoil that we've experienced in the past decade. And, this time, we will have only ourselves to blame.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blueprint MCAT Raises the Bar--and Lowers the Price--on Medical School Prep
Blueprint MCAT doubles down on accessibility and outcomes amid rising competitiveness in medical school admissions. LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the rising competitiveness of medical school admissions and the increasing pressure on students to achieve top MCAT scores, Blueprint MCAT has announced sweeping updates to its course offerings, designed to make MCAT test prep more affordable, effective, and accessible than ever before. This shift was designed to provide pre-medical students with more outcome-oriented, cost-conscious prep solutions amid an increasingly competitive and financially challenging medical school landscape. What's New Live Courses Before: Blueprint MCAT Live Course with no score guarantee (6-9 months of access) Price: $2549-$3599 Now: Blueprint MCAT 515+ Course with a minimum MCAT score guarantee of 515 (6-12 months of access) Price: $2999-$3599 Self-Paced Courses Before: Blueprint MCAT Self-Paced 6-month Course Price: $1975 Now: Blueprint MCAT Self-Paced 6-month Course Price: $1499 New: Blueprint MCAT Self-Paced 3-month Course Price: $1199 By replacing the basic Blueprint MCAT Live Course, all students opting for live instruction now receive the added benefit of a score guarantee. This ensures either a 515 on their official MCAT or a 15-point improvement from their diagnostic exam performance. The update reflects Blueprint's focus on student outcomes, innovative AI-enhanced MCAT prep solutions, and long-term affordability, while strengthening its competitive position as a premium test prep provider in the medical education space. "We know how high the stakes are for future doctors," said Matt Riley, CEO of Blueprint Prep. "By aligning pricing to results, we're helping students navigate one of the most pivotal steps in the medical school admissions process with greater confidence and less risk." A Response to Rising Admissions Pressure This update comes as the average MCAT score for matriculants rose to just under 512 (511.8) in the most recent cycle, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Out of the 51,946 students who applied to U.S. medical schools last cycle, only 23,156 actually matriculated. For more selective programs—particularly tuition-free or scholarship-driven institutions like NYU Grossman or Johns Hopkins—average MCAT scores hover around 519. This challenge is further highlighted by potential federal changes to student loan forgiveness and borrower limits, which could significantly impact medical school affordability if approved. Additionally, a single MCAT retake can add months to the admissions process and thousands of dollars in additional expenses, making guaranteed, high-quality prep not just a convenience but a necessity. By expanding access timelines and anchoring all its live courses to a 515+ score standard, Blueprint MCAT is directly addressing the growing call for efficient, high-yield, low-risk preparation models. "I graduated with honors but my GPA wasn't high enough for me to feel very competitive," said Blueprint MCAT 515+ student Madeline. "Getting a 519 MCAT score thanks to Blueprint really helped me and my confidence by knowing that my grades or my MCAT score wouldn't be what held me back from my goals." By delivering scalable, evidence-based learning solutions, Blueprint MCAT aims to continue striking the perfect balance between empowering students and supporting their growth. For more information or to enroll, visit About Blueprint Prep Founded in 2005, Blueprint Prep is the leading platform for high-stakes test prep in the U.S., offering live and self-paced online courses, private tutoring, self-study materials, and application consulting services for pre-law, pre-med, and medical school students, as well as Qbanks, tutoring, and live study groups for residents, practicing physicians, PAs, RNs, and NPs. Blueprint Prep leverages a unique approach that combines engaging video lectures, unparalleled expertise in content creation, the latest adaptive learning technology, and personalized study planning tools. Blueprint Prep has produced unrivaled results, including industry-leading score increases for its pre-law and pre-med students taking the LSAT and MCAT. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Blueprint Test Preparation LLC Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aon's CFO on why the company hosted its first investor day in 20 years
Good morning. Aon, the $80 billion global professional services firm and insurance broker, is accelerating its growth strategy and redefining its role in the industry. At the center is a focus on technology-enabled, client-centric solutions, according to CFO Edmund Reese. For the first time in two decades, Aon hosted an investor day on Monday. 'We have something unique and differentiated, and in fact, it is very important for the insurance industry—risk capital management and human capital solutions,' Reese told me. 'We think that's what more senior executive clients are looking for.'Aon CEO Greg Case, Reese and Aon's executive committee have been spearheading a three-year, client-centric '3×3 Plan,' supported by the company's $1 billion investment in talent and technology, to be completed by 2026. Over the past 10 years, Aon has outpaced the S&P 500, returning about 15% annually, Reese said. 'There's a macroeconomic cycle about every 10 years, and you have to be able to win both when it's depressed and when it's elevated,' he said. Aon has to do that for its clients and itself. It was time to tell the company's story externally, Reese said. Modern CFOs have the task of crafting compelling narratives that explain the story behind the numbers, making complex information accessible and relevant to a wide range of stakeholders. 'When we decided to hold an investor day, I told the eight members of the executive leadership team to expect about 49 meetings in preparation,' Reese team told the board that after 15 years of implementing the Aon United strategy, the company has been accelerating growth through the 3×3 Plan, which is now halfway complete. Aon used the event to provide an update on its progress and set the stage for its long-term vision. 'This process is helping us refine our story, so it resonates clearly with all stakeholders—employees, clients, and shareholders,' Reese isn't your grandfather's insurance broker. Instead of only talking to risk strategy managers, the company now engages with CHROs, CFOs, and, in some cases, boards, explaining how trends are connected, Reese said. One of Aon's key roles is to provide AI-enhanced data to better understand risk and match capital to that risk, he weather-related events, for example. If a hurricane hits and a company doesn't have full insurance, it absorbs the losses in its own P&L. Companies are now looking for other sources of capital to offload some of that risk at an economically attractive cost, Reese explained. In such cases, Aon's solutions go beyond property insurance—they might include benefits for employees, such as direct payments if a hurricane destroys an office for more than 10 weeks. In the first quarter of 2025, Aon's total revenue increased 16% year over year to $4.7 billion, with organic revenue growth of 5%, and the company completed seven acquisitions. Aon also reaffirmed its guidance. Earlier this year, I talked with Reese about corporate trends. Now, I asked him what companies are increasingly asking Aon for help with—navigating trade policy uncertainty and tariffs, and seeking advice on issues ranging from political risk insurance to supply chain restructuring, he told me. Companies in retail and other supply chain–focused industries are 'where we're seeing pressures,' Reese said. Sheryl This story was originally featured on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple's WWDC Was a 'Yawner,' Wedbush Says, But Analysts Are Still Bullish
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote Monday delivered "slow but steady improvements to strategy," Wedbush analysts said, 'but overall [it was] a yawner." The event introduced an iOS update with some new features, but did not provide a specific timeline on AI-powered Siri features that investors had been waiting for. Shares of Apple have lost roughly a fifth of their value in 2025 amid concerns over the impact of tariffs and fears the iPhone maker is falling behind in the AI (AAPL) is late to the artificial intelligence party. That's what Wedbush analysts said after the company's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote didn't include a specific timeline for AI-enhanced Siri features that investors had been waiting for. The iPhone maker 'is playing it safe and close to the vest after the missteps last year,' Wedbush wrote, referencing an ambitious presentation at WWDC 2024 that showcased a supercharged Siri assistant handling more complex tasks using AI. Apple Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi said during Monday's keynote that there's more work to do, and that more information will be released in the coming year. Still, Apple did plant the seeds of its AI strategy by releasing a software development kit that will allow developers to build apps using the large language models within Apple Intelligence, Wedbush noted. The WWDC keynote showcased "slow but steady improvements to strategy," the analysts said. "But overall [it was] a yawner." Goldman Sachs analysts said that while the lack of Siri updates 'may have been underwhelming,' incremental improvements such as the new 'liquid glass' iOS redesign and features like AI-powered live translation should help keep users from switching to competitors' hardware. Wedbush and Goldman maintained bullish price targets of $270 and $253, respectively. Meanwhile, UBS reiterated its $210 target, and JPMorgan stayed at $240. Apple shares lost about 1% Monday after the WWDC keynote, and were little changed in recent trading Tuesday near $203. Shares of Apple have struggled this year, falling by roughly a fifth in 2025 amid concerns over the impact of tariffs and fears Apple could be falling behind in the AI race. Last month, ChatGPT maker OpenAI took what could be seen as a step toward competing with Apple in offering AI devices with plans to acquire io, an AI startup launched by former Apple design head Jony Ive. Read the original article on Investopedia Sign in to access your portfolio
