How is AI Shaping our Future? | Canadian Tamil Professionals Association

Written by Meruthula Jeevananthan

On April 28, 2024, CTPA hosted an AI event at YSpace Markham, How is AI Shaping our Future?, where non-tech professionals and tech enthusiasts alike were able to dive deep into AI’s transformative power across industries like healthcare, finance, retail and more. A key highlight of this event was a panel discussion moderated by Vithushan Namasivayasivam. Vithushan has over a decade of experience in software engineering at top tech giants like Spotify, Meta, and Duolingo. Currently, he is revolutionizing digital education as the founder of Skillify, empowering young minds with in-demand skills for high-paying remote jobs.

To start the event, Vithushan introduced the following speakers: Rishi Midha (Data Scientist EllisDon), Malency Wainwright (MBA, CPA, CMA, Founder & President of MCS Analytics & Subtraid), Akil Balachandran (Founder & CEO of BlueMind.App), and Susan Selva (MRT(M), MMI, PMP, Digital Strategy and Transformation Lead at Michael Garron Hospital). Throughout the panel discussion, our speakers uncovered how AI reshapes job roles and opens new opportunities.

During the discussion and interactive components moderated by Vithushan, it was apparent that there continues to be a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of AI. Will AI replace humans in the job market? What will the job market look like? How would AI be incorporated into different industries?

Thankfully, our amazing panelists were able to shed light on why we should embrace the future of AI and how we can use it to enhance our daily lives. The Q&A session saw intriguing questions about AI regulation and privacy concerns recapped below:

How does AI impact your industry?

The traditional sector, as one might expect, is not very welcoming of AI. However, it is important to remember that it’s just another piece of software that is here to help individuals and industries. AI is not going to replace anyone anytime soon. It doesn’t have an imagination like humans. That said, both small and large organizations should embrace the small wins as they incorporate AI into their industries/businesses.

What do you see from working with clients regarding security and privacy?

Always be cognizant of the ethical aspects regarding security and privacy. Don’t just sign away your personal/privacy rights. Take a minute to sit down to read the terms and conditions (as extensive as they may be). As a consumer, it is important that you know how a particular company is going to use your data.

How would you describe AI?

Ultimately, it will be an intern in everyone’s pocket. AI will use information, take a process and redo it until it does it with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

What are some challenges of working with AI in finance?

The unknown. To get the real thing working, one must go into the privacy of individuals to collect information. However, some people aren’t ready to face or deal with the unknown. As a result, a lot of human intervention is required to deal with the complications in the finance field.

What are some biases in AI?

You cannot get rid of the human in AI. It does not have an imagination. Rather, it works with the data that is given to it by humans. So, to get a more holistic view, it will be useful to provide AI models with external data.
What are some patterns and trends that you have seen?

Individuals and industries often don’t know what they want from AI. Try to look at how AI is going to benefit you. What are you solving for? How do you ask the right questions? How do you want to work with AI?

Overall, How is AI Shaping our Future? was a successful event hosted by CTPA! A special thanks to our moderator, Vithushan Namasivayasivam, who did an amazing job keeping the speakers and attendees engaged throughout the panel discussion and allowing for meaningful activity. Keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in similar events held by CTPA in the future by following our social media pages!

Key Takeaways