Bangkok: AI isn't causing jobs; it's people who use AI well who will replace you. Amid news of massive layoffs at tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon, many are experiencing "AI Panic," or concerns that artificial intelligence will completely replace human jobs. However, Professor Poj-Thanapongphan Thanyarattakul, an expert in Digital Transformation, insists that what is happening is not an AI Apocalypse, but rather a phenomenon of "Job Reconfiguration," or a restructuring of jobs.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Poj pointed out that in the last 2-3 years, AI hasn't directly caused job losses, but it's creating a new condition: "Those who are skilled at using AI will cause those who aren't skilled or don't use it to lose their jobs." It's similar to the past when we switched from abacus to calculator, and from calculator to computer. Layoffs at global technology companies are actually "removing people who don't meet the needs" to invest budget in AI and data centers instead, while simultaneously hiring people with new skills.
A golden opportunity in a crisis: More new jobs will be created than existing ones. Statistics from the World Economic Forum indicate that while approximately 92 million existing jobs will be lost, 170 million new jobs will be created. Especially for tasks that require managing AI, such as:
- AI Engineer / AI Agent Developer: Designer and implementer of AI systems.
- Prompt Engineer: An expert in AI command and control.
- AI Workflow Designer: Designs the collaboration process between humans and AI.
- AI Governance Officer: Responsible for the governance and accuracy of AI.
- AI Change Manager: A tool for managing change within organizations.
Why do 95% of organizations fail to adopt AI? Professor Poj reveals interesting data: although 88% of organizations worldwide have started using AI, 95% fail because its implementation doesn't generate a positive impact or return on investment (ROI). The main reason is the perception of AI as simply software that is purchased and then gone. The key, however, is "organizational redesign."
The survival of organizations: "Redesign" is not just about "buying tools." The right adaptation for executives isn't about asking "which AI to use," but rather starting with:
1. Define the strategy and outcome: How will we create new value or opportunities from AI?
2. Redesign the workflow: How can humans and AI work together to achieve 20-70% efficiency?
3. Create a corporate culture: Leaders must encourage trial and error and upskilling of employees.
4. Data is the food of AI: If the data within an organization is of poor quality, the AI will produce inaccurate results.
In summary, for professionals and managers, we are entering the era of Agentic AI, where AI not only answers questions but can also work across systems and perform analytical thinking on our behalf to some extent. What humans need to do is upgrade themselves to become "AI Agent Managers," focusing on using soft skills, creativity, and imagination to manage AI.
"This crisis is an opportunity for everyone who adapts," because ultimately, no matter how many waves of technological change there are, people with skills that match the needs of the times will never be unemployed.