28/07/2026
There is a lot of hype around AI, so it's easy to feel that way. The reality is more nuanced.
Yes, AI is becoming a foundational technology, much like the internet or smartphones. Many organizations are adopting it because it can improve productivity, automate routine work, enhance customer service, and create new products and services. Ignoring AI completely could put individuals and businesses at a disadvantage over time.
However, not everyone needs to jump onto every AI trend. What matters is adopting AI where it creates real value.
A practical way to think about it is:
Learn AI – Everyone should understand the basics and what AI can and cannot do.
Use AI – Apply it to save time, improve decisions, or solve specific problems in your work.
Build with AI – Only if it aligns with your role, business, or industry.
History offers similar examples. During the rise of the internet, cloud computing, smartphones, and IoT, some people rushed in because of hype, while others ignored the technologies. The ones who benefited most were those who understood where the technology genuinely fit their needs.
As someone who has been active in IoT, digital transformation, and now AI, your perspective can be especially valuable: AI alone is not the destination—AI combined with IoT, trusted data, and domain expertise is where real impact happens. That message is likely to resonate with businesses and policymakers alike.
A good mindset is:
> Don't adopt AI because everyone else is. Adopt AI because it helps you solve real problems, create value, and stay relevant in a changing world.
Being left out isn't about not using the latest AI tool. It's about not developing the ability to work effectively alongside AI as it becomes part of everyday business and society. Stanley Seow Malaysia IoT Association @
