28 January 2022: AIS, though AIS NEXT, has released key information about digital tech and smart networks to watch out for, before they transform different sectors in 2022. Six phenomena have been identified which are expected to affect businesses as they compete in a fast-changing environment. They will also upgrade the consumer experience in virtual worlds like the Metaverse, as well as bring new ideas in environmental technology to have a role in policies addressing environmental issues sustainably.
Arakin Rakchittapoke, Head of Innovation Development at AIS, noted, "In 2021, we were dealing with the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic for the entire year. This taught us a number of valuable lessons about changed lifestyles and limitations in the workplace. We caught a glimpse of what to expect in the next 5-10 years, including many challenges. Of course, in 2022 many of these factors will remain to cause an impact. As a leader in providing network services, and as Thailand's leading digital services provider, we have seen opportunities from the growth of digital infrastructure in many aspects. This year in particular, we shall see more intense deployment of digital tech for intelligent working, with smart digital engines being used to power growth, from the macro level of economic and social policy, to sustainable environmental conservation."
AIS has illuminated six key digital tech trends which every company should look out for in 2022 as follows:
1. Abundance of Technology and Platform Companies
Over many years, companies have been learning to apply Digitalization to their work processes, in order to provide consumers with a seamless experience, from marketing and sales promotions to after-sales service, both online and offline, alongside the development of digital infrastructure and efficient networks. This will connect databases with an inside-out strategy enabling a strategy to accurately and appropriately facilitate changes in a plan which respond to a situation. This gives us a clearer idea of enterprises' readiness to become a Platform Company or Cognitive Organization.
2. Intelligence at The Core
Although the enterprise has been conducting digital transformation for over 10 years, this may only be only in parts facing customers, suppliers, employees, that is, the Front Line. As such, it has not been applied to other systems of data in the core processes of each industry. In particular, data flow in the core business may not yet be digitized. This year, therefore, is a highly appropriate time to upgrade enterprise management to be intelligent at the core, from accumulated information acquired from previous Digital Transformation.
3. Multiple applications between the real and virtual worlds - Hyper Responsive User Interaction
The launch of self-transformation by global social media giants to a virtual society, also called the Metaverse, is confirmation that the world of the future will be connected to virtual worlds. Consumer behavior will be integrated with awareness and new experiences. We will see the development of various devices to support highly diverse of lifestyles, and the transformation of content to be suitable for a world which is no longer just the real world. Therefore, it is not enough to just understand a trend; we must take the steps to be in the trend, and seek solutions for engagement with consumers in both the real and virtual worlds in parallel.
4. Open Data Fabric
Every company has started to understand the world of data, and has become capable in tailoring data to meet customers' needs, while the Personal Data Protection Act comes into force this year. This is a major challenge requiring tools to gain the willing consent of consumers to use their data, while providing assurances of using the data with strong security protocols with no chance of causing damage for the customer.
There is also the matter of deidentification while maintaining capabilities for data owners to connect without identifying themselves through a central platform, to assist them in self-verification and provide a virtual avatar to maintain anonymity, a concern in managing data for the world of the Metaverse.
5. Talented and Composable Moonlighters
Nowadays, a team might have diverse skills to remedy both internal and external issues, and become a team generating performance and growth for the enterprise. This should occur in the context of a flexible and nimble framework which can adjust to any situation. Tech tools are available to manage the team structure to include people with vastly different skill sets to form one highly efficient team.
6. Democratization of Doing Good
Social and environmental issues have been given a high priority by people around the world. It is now time for technology to have a full and comprehensive role throughout the process. We will not only see new technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but we will also see the growth of digital services to meet the needs of young people who wish to protect the Earth. Products and services will be transformed with components and technology to reduce energy and generate renewable power, or technology will be cleaner and can be used to calculate carbon credits arising from the use of products and services. These will provide points and indices to show people how much they are helping the planet.
"It is clear that digital technology has a key role to play at a time when we are beset by the challenges of moving towards the new world. Seamlessly upgrading the intelligence of the company's infrastructure has now become a standard procedure. Therefore, if any modern enterprise is not addressing these six topics, it may have an effect on their future progress," concluded Arakin.
