The rapid adoption and development of AI tools such as ChatGPT and the opportunities for businesses, especially for MSMEs and academics has been a hot topic of discussion.

Questions about useful AI tools, accessing AI experts and how AI can be used in business were the points of discussion under the theme Artificial Intelligence: ready or not it is here Embrace it Drive Development at Summit in Kingston on Thursday (June 29).

The panel discussion featured two experts who shared their insights on the topic.

Speaking at the event, AI expert Matthew Stone, founder of Jamaica Artificial Intelligence Association (JAIA), cautioned the need for society and policymakers to prepare for automation and job loss due to AI as well as AI’s potential to democratise spaces in education.

“There are some concerns regarding policy that we as a society need to start thinking about. Many industries such as BPO will be automated within the next few years,” said Stone.

He posed questions about how will Jamaica as a society navigate and replace the jobs that will be lost to automation as well as the issue of misinformation.

“When the next election comes around, you’re going to see AI generate fake content and people are going to have to deal with the reality of deciphering what is real and fake.”

He highlighted the need for policy to address the impending issues.

Speaking on AI in education, Stone added, “When people talk about AI with education, especially regarding tools like ChatGPT, they think about cheating. AI has not created cheating and I think it’s the wrong thing to focus on.”

“Education has to change from how it’s done and incorporate AI – we like to look at the negative but if you look at the sheer potential AI has for democratising education, [for example] anyone can have access to the best tutors through AI which will bring a lot more benefits than negatives,” he continued.

Fellow panellist Trevor Forrest, tech evangelist and CEO of 876 Tech Solutions, spoke on the opportunities and barriers entrepreneurs face with incorporating AI in their businesses as well as the importance of training AI on accurate and relevant data.

“Think of AI as a force multiplier. With AI, a small team can now do a whole lot more using these tools if they are to learn it and use it to their advantage, and it’s far more cost-effective for emerging businesses that are looking to create a large footprint,” said Forrest.

Speaking on the issue of accessing local talent in the AI space, Forrest added, “There is a whole lot of talent but because there is no central place to find these skillsets people think Jamaica doesn’t have it and choose to explore international options.”

“A lot of people just don’t know. I think quite a bit needs to be done to create a space that shows all the different skillsets and companies that exist in Jamaica that do these things and are available for Jamaican businesses and I think its important to have associations like what Matthew is doing to drive and advocate for AI, and addressing the realities that are here that don’t necessarily exist elsewhere,” he continued.

David Wan, general manager at the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) and president of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation gave Our Today his thoughts on the presentation, sharing, “This is the first of what DBJ is gonna be doing in this area to share information about AI’s applications in business and personal productivity to give some incentive to entrepreneurs.”