Business leaders across Asia, much like their counterparts worldwide, recognise the immense potential of GenAI, but many are also aware AI presents risks if they are not ready. While the technology promises to greatly improve efficiency, spark innovation, and deliver cost savings, implementation can sometimes be fraught with obstacles.
How then can we overcome these challenges and get our AI adoption right? iTNews Asia speaks with Rhonda Robati, Crayon’s Asia Pacific Executive Vice President, to learn some tips and find out law firm in Singapore, Rajah & Tann, has already used GenAI to automate its business processes and improve work productivity.
iTNews Asia: How are organisations looking at GenAI in Southeast Asia? Where are they now in their journey?
The allure of Gen AI is undeniable. In Singapore, for example, a recent Capgemini Research Institute report reveals that about three quarters of business leaders believe Gen AI could fundamentally shift their business strategies— this is a sharp increase from about a third just a year ago.
This surge in interest underscores a global trend where companies are eager to explore how generative AI can transform their operations. However, despite this growing enthusiasm, only 13 percent of enterprises in the region have integrated the technology into their workflows.
While the possible transformative power of technology is widely recognised, it’s critical we also acknowledge the barriers to its adoption.
iTNews Asia: What are some of the early barriers that they need to navigate? What do they need to be aware of?
Implementation costs, the complexity of integrating AI into existing systems, and data-related challenges — such as ensuring quality, accessibility, and visibility—are some of the obstacles. Additionally, a shortage of genuine experts passionate about honest guidance further complicates application efforts.
Understanding these challenges is central to businesses as they will need tailored solutions to navigate the technology and make decisions that are truly beneficial.
It is also important to note that no one AI solution fits all, and addressing specific business needs with expert support is critical. This perspective is particularly relevant in Southeast Asia, where the diversity of markets requires customised approaches.
iTNews Asia: What are some of the challenges that a business will typically face from their AI adoption?
Businesses should be mindful of several common challenges when adopting AI.
Firstly, security vulnerabilities need to be addressed, as AI systems often process large amounts of sensitive data, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Robust cybersecurity measures must be in place to protect both data and AI models. As AI systems can handle vast volumes of sensitive information and power critical business functions, they become attractive targets for cybercriminals. It’s not just about safeguarding the data flowing through AI systems but also ensuring the integrity of AI models themselves.
Adversarial attacks, where bad actors manipulate AI models to produce inaccurate results, are a growing threat. A layered security approach that includes advanced threat detection, model validation, and continuous monitoring to mitigate risks and maintain trust in AI-driven processes is essential.
Secondly, AI workloads, especially those relying on large models, can lead to unexpected increases in cloud costs, so careful cost management is essential. Leveraging smaller, purpose-built AI models may be a more cost-effective approach that can help the business control operational expenses.
Businesses often underestimate these expenses until they receive their cloud bills. It’s not just the cost of running the models but also the costs associated with data storage, processing, and scaling that can add up quickly.
Thirdly, data quality and accessibility also pose risks, as incomplete or biased data can undermine the effectiveness of AI outputs, leading to flawed business decisions. If your data is fragmented, inconsistent, or biased, it can lead to unreliable insights that ultimately affect your bottom line.
iTNews Asia: How does one consider where to start when adopting AI? How do they determine that they are ready?
Companies are also at different stages of AI readiness, which means integrating AI with existing IT infrastructure can sometimes be complex and costly, particularly if legacy systems are not equipped to handle the demands of modern AI technologies.
Partnering with an expert to ensure seamless integration without disrupting ongoing operations is key. A trusted partner will also assess your business’s readiness and implement a tailored model that is right for your company to drive efficiency and real value.
iTNews Asia: Can you highlight a use case with a customer in Singapore who has addressed the challenges and is well on their AI journey?
Despite the challenges, there are a growing number of examples of successful AI adoption in the region. Rajah & Tann, one of Singapore’s largest law firms, is an example of an organisation that sees the potential and is embracing Gen AI. Rajah & Tann is managing vast amounts of sensitive legal data and is hoping AI can help streamline operations and enhance service delivery.
As a high-risk business, the firm recognised the importance of partnering with experts rather than attempting to implement AI independently. After working closely with the company to assess its unique needs, we deployed Copilot for Microsoft 365, which gave them an immediate boost in productivity.
Rajah & Tann became our first corporate customer in ASEAN to adopt this AI-powered tool, automating over 80 per cent of their workload. The results were transformative — routine tasks were completed significantly faster, robust data privacy and protection measures were maintained, and the firm’s lawyers were able to focus on higher-value strategic work.
iTNews Asia: What can we learn from Rajah & Tann’s journey?
The Rajah & Tann case study highlights a critical lesson: successful AI adoption requires not only a clear vision – it demands the right technology and expert guidance to tailor solutions to an organisation’s specific needs.
By integrating an AI-powered assistant, Rajah & Tann streamlined time-consuming administrative tasks such as recording and summarising meeting notes, extracting information for presentations, managing high email volumes, and tracking document revisions. These efficiencies led to at least an 80 percent improvement in work productivity, allowing teams to act faster and focus on higher-value work.
Having a partner-driven approach is particularly important in Southeast Asia, where cultural, regulatory, and security differences demand bespoke solutions. Having a trusted adviser who understands these complexities and fosters open, honest collaboration is crucial for long-term success.
As AI continues to evolve, the divide between potential and practical implementation will likely persist. However, businesses that proactively address these challenges — by investing in the right technology, forming strategic partnerships, and prioritising data quality – will be well-positioned to lead in the era ahead.