A groundbreaking study led by Associate Professor Kristin Cleverley at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing reveals that FathomX’s innovative AI tool, FxMammo, is addressing the shortage of radiologists in the region and alleviating their workload. FxMammo employs artificial intelligence to identify breast cancer through mammography images, providing crucial insights into the probability and precise location of potential cancerous growths, according to FathomX CEO Stephen Lim.
Lim emphasizes the vital role of AI in supporting radiologists, particularly in dealing with breast cancer. The study, involving 417 youth aged 11-24, indicates that 50% met the threshold for Psychosis Spectrum Symptoms, underscoring the significance of early detection. Lim reports that the integration of FxMammo has improved radiologists’ breast cancer detection rates, leading to a notable 20% reduction in average screening time.
AI’s Impact on Healthcare Careers
While AI has assumed certain healthcare tasks, experts affirm that healthcare workers are not at risk of job loss. Dr. Feng from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health emphasizes the global shortage of healthcare workers, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the labor crunch. The study on radiologists suggests a growing demand for their expertise in the next decade, driven by an aging population.
FathomX CEO Lim and Bot MD founder Koh assert that AI can enhance certain tasks but can never replace a healthcare worker’s knowledge, passion, and critical thinking skills crucial to quality patient care.
AI in Call Centers: Challenges and Perspectives
Contrary to concerns in the Philippines regarding AI chatbots displacing call center workers, employees in the industry express confidence in their job security. Customers prefer interacting with live agents, especially for complex issues. AI companies like Haptik stress complementarity rather than replacement, with AI handling routine tasks and human agents focusing on more complex interactions.
BPO companies, including Concentrix, incorporate AI to improve accuracy and productivity. Despite advancements in AI, human workers remain indispensable due to their ability to empathize, a skill AI has yet to fully replicate.
Future Outlook and Expert Predictions
While AI currently enhances human work in the healthcare and BPO industries, Dr. Lundberg warns of potential job risks by 2040 as AI enters the strong AI phase. Experts advocate for proactive measures, such as upskilling and reskilling, to prepare workers for evolving job landscapes.
Governments in the region, including Singapore and Thailand, are implementing initiatives to address these concerns, focusing on AI education, talent development, and creating a tech-inclusive workforce. While regulation lags behind technological progress, experts emphasize the importance of aligning government efforts with the pace of private-sector development.
To navigate the evolving job market, workers are encouraged to embrace AI technology, participate in training programs, and continuously develop digital literacy skills. Dr. Feng suggests integrating AI education into regular school curricula to familiarize students with these technologies from an early age.