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On December 5, 2024, the HKUST MSc in Business Analytics (MSBA) Program was honored to host an enriching talk delivered by Prof. Arif Perdana from Monash University. The session, titled "How AI and Business Analytics are Being Deployed in Southeast Asia", offered profound insights into the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science across various industries in the region.

Prof. Perdana began the talk by outlining the AI and data science landscape in Southeast Asia, focusing on the region's four largest economies — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Drawing on research and reports, such as McKinsey's findings, he highlighted AI's transformative potential, noting that it could automate up to 50% of work activities, fundamentally reshaping industries.

The discussion also touched on the growth of AI ecosystems in Southeast Asia, emphasizing Singapore and Indonesia as leading hubs. Prof. Perdana explained the importance of public-private partnerships, government support, and robust national frameworks, such as Singapore’s National AI Strategy and Indonesia’s Personal Data Protection Act, in fostering AI innovation. Among the highlights of the talk was the introduction of Knowledge Graphs, a tool that enhances AI's ability to contextualize data, and spiking neural networks, a cutting-edge advancement in AI technology. He also underscored the increasing demand for AI governance specialists and the necessity of ethical AI development to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and empower professionals.

The session concluded with a lively discussion on AI's integration into key sectors, including healthcare and finance, and its impact on employment. Prof. Perdana emphasized that while AI may change the nature of jobs, it also creates opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly in talent development and education.

The talk provided students with a comprehensive understanding of how AI and business analytics are shaping Southeast Asia's future. It also served as a platform to explore opportunities for internships and industry collaborations in the region.

The MSBA Program extends its sincere gratitude to Prof. Arif Perdana for sharing his expertise and perspectives. Events like this underscore our commitment to providing students with valuable insights into the global impact of AI and business analytics.

Stay tuned for more enriching events brought to you by the HKUST MSc in Business Analytics Program!

For further insights into our program, feel free to reach out to us at msba@ust.hk.