The discourse on artificial intelligence (AI) taking over the jobs of humans may be clichéd; however, as long as humans walk the Earth, this will remain a relevant topic in the context of digital transformation.
An estimated 94% of global business leaders highlighted AI as critical for the success of their organizations, as per research cited in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) recent ‘AI for Good’ impact report. However, insufficient technical skills, the need for extensive upskilling and reskilling, as well as the need to build user trust in new technologies are among the key barriers to broader AI adoption globally.
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A Different Education
By now, most of us have realized that the method of rote learning—the process of memorizing information based on repetition—is technically over. Today, the information that we need is just a click away. In 2024, the global volume of data created, captured, copied, and consumed across various sectors and industries was 149 zettabytes. By the end of 2025, the global volume of data is projected to touch 181 zettabytes (a single zettabyte consists of about 250 billion DVDs worth of data). This traffic will come from IoT (Internet of Things) devices, real-time data processing, and cloud-based storage.
This is an environment where it warrants memory intelligence to be replaced by a constant learning state of mind because, in the era of AI, the questions we ask will be crucial in shaping the answers we receive, as powerful computing technologies like AI push us to rethink how we learn.
Over the years, AI will improve the way education is imparted across industry verticals. By combining AI with customer data, companies can glean insights that will help them to make better decisions and expand their understanding of their businesses. The same applies to various fields such as medicine, construction, automotive, gaming, and the list goes on.
AI’s growth is being driven by its ability to bring down the cost of experimentation through applications such as simulation, digital twins, automation, and predictive analysis. At the same time, it is accelerating creativity like never before. AI can analyze enormous amounts of data and instantly generate fresh ideas that might have taken years to decipher.
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Tackling Augmented Intelligence
Tools such as Google’s NotebookLM, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Microsoft’s Copilot are completing everyday tasks, such as developing and organizing documentation, by leveraging AI.
AI and machine learning (ML) can help improve manufacturing supply chains by predicting supply levels, automating reorders, and scheduling maintenance. Similarly, in telecom, AI can significantly reduce operational costs by automating repetitive tasks, optimizing resource use, monitoring networks, and minimizing network downtime. Furthermore, digitalization and AI are transforming domains like air traffic control and motor sports by offering unprecedented opportunities for enhanced safety, efficiency, and capacity.
Augmented intelligence leverages AI technologies to analyze data and process it into usable information within seconds. Despite this advancement, human intelligence is still required to make the final decision. This approach is particularly beneficial in data governance, where human expertise and contextual understanding are invaluable. The skills and experience of industry-specific professionals will remain at the heart of the AI-powered system’s efficiency.
In such a scenario, how can humans adequately convey what they want to achieve? Studies have shown that curiosity and a willingness to learn are key to adapting in an AI-driven world. AI literacy is essential for empowering individuals to navigate and thrive with confidence in this evolving landscape.
AI-driven personalized development pathways can scale employee development needs that are tailored to their unique strengths and career aspirations. The development of cutting-edge generative AI (GenAI) solutions, powerful machine learning technologies, and specialization in the advanced field of deep learning will shape the AI landscape.
AI must be harnessed to make us more productive and efficient by developing our skills to make innovations faster. For example, in the medical sector, scenario simulation can help doctors develop greater empathy toward their patients, improving bedside manner and patient outcomes. Similarly, role play simulations can help employees become better leaders. In the educational sector, AI-powered tutoring can personalize learning, helping students grasp complex subjects more effectively. In customer service, AI-driven sentiment analysis can guide representatives in responding with greater emotional intelligence, leading to better customer experiences.
To fully utilize the potential of artificial intelligence, fostering greater collaboration and knowledge acquisition is vital.
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Honing AI Skills
During this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, the ITU announced the ‘AI Skills Coalition’ initiative in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, the East African Community (EAC), and Cognizant. These organizations are among the 25+ organizations from around the globe that have pledged to bridge the global AI skills gap and ensure equal worldwide access to artificial intelligence training. As part of the ITU’s ‘AI for Good’ initiative, the AI Skills Coalition will serve as an online platform for AI education and capacity building, encouraging inclusivity in the AI revolution by offering open and accessible skills training on generative AI, machine learning, and sustainable applied AI development.
Similarly, Ericsson has launched Cognitive Labs, an innovative initiative dedicated to research and development (R&D) in artificial intelligence, focusing on advanced technologies, such as Graph Neural Networks (GNN), Active Learning and Large-Scale Language Models, which it uses to develop its solutions. These solutions will be fundamental in facilitating the next generation of mobile communications. Operating virtually, Cognitive Labs will also extend their application to other areas such as healthcare and medicine to benefit society.
In Abu Dhabi, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence’s (MBZUAI) Undergraduate Research Internship Programme (UGRIP) is an all-expenses-paid internship program that allows university students to connect with some of the brightest minds in AI and gain hands-on experience in AI research in areas including computer vision (CV), machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP).
Meanwhile, Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) has launched a program called ‘Deep Technologies’ that aims to guide participants in the creation of clear marketing strategies, offer financial support, and provide mentorship from industry leaders, leveraging scientific discoveries and engineering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and sustainable energy solutions to do so.
Interestingly, A new study from e& and the IBM Institute for Business Value report found that the conditions for AI adoption in the MENA region are highly favorable, with 65% of MENA CEOs pushing their organization to embrace generative AI (GenAI), outpacing the global average of 61%. Key factors contributing to this momentum include robust government support, focused research, investments in infrastructure, strategic upskilling, and cross-sector collaboration. Governments are particularly enthusiastic about AI due to the significant economic value it promises, further accelerating its integration across industries. Moreover, startups such as China’s DeepSeek’s open-source AI model are set to deliver AI solutions at a fraction of the cost compared to their western counterparts.
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Mapping the Mind
Noteworthy developments are happening across the globe to advance telecom technologies, which form the pillars of digital transformation. Newer technologies are being rolled out to provide lightning-fast latency and yottabytes of bandwidth capacity to drive AI-fueled operations.
Despite significant advancements in neuroscience, fully understanding the human brain remains a formidable challenge. Initiatives like the NIH's BRAIN Initiative have invested substantial resources into mapping the brain's structure and function. For instance, the Allen Institute recently reported that the BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN) released its first major data set, contributing to a comprehensive atlas of the human brain. However, deciphering the neural mechanisms underlying consciousness is even more complex. As highlighted in a review from Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, while progress has been made in understanding neural networks associated with consciousness, the precise mechanisms remain elusive. While AI has the potential to transform our daily living drastically, the intrinsic power of the human mind to override this technology is indisputable.
The power of AI-teacher collaboration is already gaining traction. For example, Squirrel Ai, a hybrid education company offering a large adaptive model learning system, has improved student question accuracy rates from 78% to 93% through personalized learning paths. Currently serving over 24 million students and processing 10 billion learning behavior data points, Squirrel Ai combines human teacher-designed curricula with AI algorithms, using neural network knowledge tracking to provide data-driven feedback while human teachers deliver engaging lessons and crucial mentoring.
Read More: From Friend to Foe: Is AI a Threat to Humanity?
Final Thoughts
While the advancements in AI will keep evolving, humans’ primary focus must be on ensuring that the impact of AI innovation and adoption should not deepen global disparities between access to quality education and workforce development opportunities. Finding the “sweet spot” between challenges and opportunities will be key to retrieving the desired outcome in an AI-driven environment.
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