Al Honcho Dr. Ayesha Khanna exploring tech’s societal impact with innovative solutions
Technology is not a new word. It has deeply affected people’s lives decades ago. In recent years, as social media has rapidly invaded life, digital technology has become inseparable from life. Metaverse, technology, NFT, etc. are the hottest keywords nowadays, but to convert these complex codes into tools that facilitate life, you must rely on technological experts.
Dr. Ayesha Khanna, co-founder and CEO of artificial intelligence company Addo, is one of the important promoters of regional technology development. She has been named one of Southeast Asia's most groundbreaking female entrepreneurs by Forbes magazine and a strategic advisor to the world's leading companies and governments on artificial intelligence, smart cities, and the metaverse.
Dr. Ayesha Khanna graduated from the Economics Department of Harvard University. She also holds a master's degree in operations research from Columbia University and a doctorate in information systems from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She once served as editor-in-chief of The Economist on Wall Street in the United States. Ten years ago, when she chose to settle in Singapore, she discovered that the development of artificial intelligence in the region was far behind that of Europe and the United States.
The so-called seizing the first opportunity is a business opportunity. Dr. Ayesha Khanna aims at Southeast Asia, a "treasure land" where the development of artificial intelligence is immature, and locates the company's headquarters in Singapore. "I have been deeply involved in technology long before artificial intelligence became a hot topic. Our customers are all over the United States, the Middle East, and Asia." In addition to providing professional data consulting for the financial industry, logistics industry, etc., we also focus on the medical field, such as providing AI systems to detect organ failure, predict health status, etc. "
For many companies, Addo provides not only consultation but also technological assistance. She emphasized: "The difference between Addo and other companies is that we have only specialized in AI from the beginning to the end, have data processing experience, and can optimize enterprise productivity and efficiency. When working with enterprises, we will adopt a flexible guidance method, and the ultimate goal is to provide a framework and strategies to accelerate business growth and ensure that their future needs are met.”
At that time, few women were involved in the artificial intelligence industry. In the beginning, she claimed that she had no female role models to learn from or anyone to help her. Her male colleagues preconceived that she knew nothing about technology. She was not only offended by the stereotypes and differential treatment due to gender but also felt frustrated and helpless.
She believes that as long as women are provided with opportunities and platforms to learn, they can realize their huge potential. Therefore, she founded a charity organization called 21st Century Girls to teach women computer programming and basic computer skills, teach them how to apply what they learn to solve business problems, and also instill correct concepts.
“In the future, artificial intelligence will still be people-oriented, with the goal of meeting people's needs and improving people's quality of life.” - Dr. Ayesha Khanna
Over the years, Dr. Ayesha Khanna has actively conveyed correct concepts through speeches and examples. However, there are still many technology companies in the market that exaggerate their capabilities and describe themselves as magicians who can turn corruption into magic. "Artificial intelligence companies must work hand in hand with corporate employees." Only by working together can we have a thorough understanding of the needs of enterprises and their customers. When cooperating with enterprises, communication and education are the key links."
The development of science and technology is crucial to the development and progress of modern society. She believes that in the future, artificial intelligence will still be people-oriented, with the goal of meeting people's needs and improving people's quality of life. The rapid development of science and technology is beyond imagination. In the beginning, people could talk to machines, but now it has evolved to machines talking to technology. "Like robots, we used to have to give them instructions, but now they can analyze by themselves. The medical industry uses artificial intelligence to develop new drugs, and some companies rely on it to develop more environmentally friendly electricity to replace batteries."
She pointed out that artificial intelligence has become pervasive in life, and people should accept it and coexist with it in a more positive and friendly attitude. "More and more companies are adopting artificial intelligence, and more and more electronic devices with this function are appearing on the market, including phones, cars, washing machines, etc. We must ensure that these designs are more humane in order to benefit society."
This was originally published by ICON Singapore.
