Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing arm of Amazon, has outlined strategies to democratise technology and generative artificial intelligence (AI) amid intense competition in the global generative AI domain.
"The transformative impact of cloud computing democratises access to technologies and services globally. This fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, enabling businesses to leverage advanced tools and capabilities to drive meaningful change and progress," Jaime Vallés, vice-president of the commercial sector for Asia-Pacific and Japan, told the Bangkok Post.
The company focused on enhancing the customer experience, agility, and data-driven decision-making, enabling companies of all sizes to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the cloud, he said.
AWS also invested in programmes for startups to develop local language models for generative AI, which are available across Asia-Pacific, including Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.
In addition, the company developed its AI accelerator programme, earmarking up to US$200,000 for startups looking to harness AI capabilities.
Vallés: Cloud can increase access
Companies across Asia-Pacific and Japan are engaging in experiments, proofs of concept, and early adoption of generative AI across sectors such as risk management, logistics and supply chains, said Mr Vallés.
In 2022, AWS announced a plan to invest $5 billion in Thailand over the next 15 years. The company has engaged with the Thai government to advocate for policies that promote technology adoption in cloud computing and AI to drive economic growth and development in the country.
He said AWS acknowledges the competition in the cloud market, but remains focused on meeting customer demand.
The company uses AWS marketplace as a platform for independent software vendors (ISVs) to showcase and distribute their AI-driven solutions globally, said Mr Vallés.
"This can be an export channel for ISVs and startups in Thailand," he said.
Mr Vallés said he sees trends in AI applications across diverse sectors, mainly healthcare, logistics, finance and consumer-facing industries.
Regarding global concerns about AI replacing human workers, he said technology serves as an enabler, empowering individuals to add more value, innovate, and create new opportunities.
"Employees need to leverage technology to enhance skills and drive growth, rather than viewing it as a threat to jobs," said Mr Vallés.
In an uncertain economy, he suggested companies prioritise innovation and agility by closely aligning with customer needs and investing in emerging technologies such as AI. These will ensure businesses can stay competitive, adaptable and responsive, said Mr Vallés.
Vatsun Thirapatarapong, country manager for AWS Thailand, said public cloud computing services in Thailand will continue to grow, with a five-year compound annual growth rate of 18.6% to reach $2.5 billion by 2027, according to global IT research house IDC.
AWS will focus more on specific needs of industries for advanced cloud, ranging from financial services to health, telecom, media, entertainment and gaming, to stimulate their innovation and enhance efficiency, he said.
Mr Vatsun said generative AI will become culturally aware as large language models trained on culturally diverse data gain more of an understanding of human experience and complex societal challenges. This cultural fluency promises to democratise generative AI, making it more accessible to users.
AI assistants will evolve from basic code generators to teachers and collaborators that help developers to focus on impact work and improving productivity, he said.