Ashok Krish, TCS’s Global AI Head, asserts that AI is about skill transformation, not job loss. He emphasizes the importance of viewing AI as a cultural and technological shift. Industries, particularly healthcare and finance, are rapidly adopting AI, which is reshaping work dynamics and projecting a proactive upskilling approach among workers.
Ashok Krish, TCS’s Global Head of AI, recently emphasized that the real impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t about job losses; rather, it’s about transforming skills for a new era. “AI will spur the creation of new technologies, reshaping the nature of work,” he asserted in an interview with PTI. According to him, the high-value implementations of AI are found in companies that prioritize it as more than just an IT project, seeing it as a board-level transformation.
He described AI as a cultural shift that redefines how we work in conjunction with technology. The-tech landscape has seen waves of disruptive innovations over the last three decades—from mainframes and the internet to e-commerce and cloud—which have sparked fears of obsolescence. Krish pointed out that AI is simply the next phase of this evolution. “It’s wrong to look at it through the lens of job loss and it is more an opportunity to transform skill,” he stated, reflecting a growing sentiment that advancement is often accompanied by new roles, not just loss of old ones.
Krish addressed concerns regarding geopolitical and economic tremors that might affect AI’s adoption. He noted that economic fluctuations are nothing new. “Progress in AI exponentially improves progress in AI,” he said, highlighting its unique, self-reinforcing nature. The approach to AI must adapt, and as it matures, it’s likely to change the kind of workbeing done in organizations.
“There’s a possibility that projects previously handled by a hundred staff may now only require fifty,” he explained. The work might shift in nature, giving way to new services and projects that were previously unimagined. In tech, it’s vital for professionals to keep reassessing their skills and make time for upskilling—especially now with the rapidity that AI tools bring to the table.
Krish hailed AI as possibly the biggest disruptive force of our time, referencing its potential to democratize access to knowledge and skills. This transformation isn’t just theoretical. In less than two years, industries like healthcare and finance have rapidly integrated AI—from initial proof-of-concept trials to essential components in major deals. “AI is infused into everything we do at TCS,” he said, pointing out its presence across various service sectors, including IT and cybersecurity.
Industries like banking and healthcare have been the early adopters, creating breakthroughs particularly in drug discovery, Krish noted. However, manufacturing and high-tech sectors are beginning to catch up. Although early spending in AI was concentrated in a handful of sectors, now other industries are not trailing far behind in this transformative race. With this momentum, the discourse around AI continues to evolve, urging businesses and employees alike to adapt or be left behind.
In conclusion, Ashok Krish from TCS has highlighted a paradigm shift with AI not as a fearsome entity but rather a vehicle for skill enhancement and transformation. Industries are embracing AI, crossing barriers and redefining roles, all while maintaining a collective emphasis on ongoing learning. As organizations adapt to this new technological landscape, the essence of work remains dynamic, evolving alongside AI itself.
Original Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com
