The article discusses the impact of generative AI on the future of work, particularly in the Middle East and Africa region. Sumanta Roy, the President and Head of India’s Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Middle East and Africa region, emphasized that the advent of AI will have a profound impact on knowledge workers, as it is the first time that AI will affect those in high-skilled jobs. He noted that AI will not replace blue-collar workers, but rather will impact white-collar workers, such as those in financial services, education, and healthcare.
Roy highlighted that the training of employees to adapt to AI-driven changes is crucial in this rapidly evolving landscape. He stated that TCS has trained 60-65% of its employees in mid-level courses on AI, and is also exploring the legal and ethical implications of AI.
Roy also emphasized the importance of human skills in areas such as programming, system architecture, and documentation, which are difficult to replicate with AI. He noted that pure analytical abilities, creativity, and aesthetic skills will likely remain the domain of humans, while AI will excel in areas such as data analysis and pattern recognition.
However, Roy also highlighted the potential risks associated with AI, including deepfakes and adversarial networks, where AI-generated content cannot be distinguished from real content. He suggested that blockchain technology could potentially be used to mitigate these risks.
Roy’s comments are significant, given the growing importance of AI in the global job market. As the pace of technological change accelerates, it is essential for workers to upskill and reskill to remain relevant in the job market. The TCS executive’s views offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and businesses seeking to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of AI.