Microsoft Copilot, DeepSeek Gain Traction; ChatGPT Impact

AI's rapid growth is creating both opportunities and challenges across various sectors. In Asia, the AI boom is driving data center growth in places like Johor, Malaysia, but straining energy and water resources. Experts like Peter Murphy suggest that AI's energy demands could make achieving "net-zero" emissions by 2050 unrealistic, potentially requiring a continued reliance on natural gas and nuclear energy. Meanwhile, analysts point out that power limitations in the U.S. could give China, with its investments in sustainable energy, an advantage in AI development. From a business perspective, companies are actively integrating AI to enhance productivity and gain a competitive edge. IgniteTech CEO Eric Vaughan, for example, "defends firing" nearly 80% of his employees for resisting AI adoption, a move that ultimately increased productivity and revenue. Accounting firms are leveraging large language models like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot 365 to improve efficiency, while emerging-market funds are focusing on AI-related stocks, including companies like DeepSeek, Taiwan Semiconductor, Tencent, and Samsung, to boost returns. However, the rise of AI also introduces new risks and necessitates careful governance. Okta warns that AI agents create new security risks due to a lack of management strategies for non-human identities. CrowdStrike has launched Falcon Next-Gen Identity Security, an AI-powered platform designed to protect digital identities across IT environments. The American Medical Association (AMA) has also released an AI toolkit to help health systems implement AI safely and ethically. In healthcare, Atropos Health is collaborating with Novartis to use AI to speed up the diagnosis of rare diseases. In sales and marketing, AI is transforming lead qualification, personalization, and content creation. However, potential limitations to AI development could arise from Europe's AI regulations, which could impact American companies wanting to operate there. The convergence of AI and business is not without its challenges, requiring strategic alignment, ethical frameworks, and robust security measures.

Key Takeaways

• AI-driven data center growth in Asia is straining energy and water resources, particularly in regions like Johor, Malaysia.
• Experts warn that AI's energy consumption could make achieving "net-zero" emissions by 2050 unrealistic.
• Power limitations in the U.S. could potentially give China an advantage in AI development.
• CrowdStrike has launched Falcon Next-Gen Identity Security, an AI-powered platform to protect digital identities.
• Okta warns that AI agents create new security risks due to inadequate management strategies.
• The AMA has released an AI toolkit to help health systems implement AI safely and ethically.
• IgniteTech CEO "defends firing" 80% of employees for resisting AI adoption, leading to increased productivity.
• Emerging-market funds are focusing on AI stocks like DeepSeek, Taiwan Semiconductor, Tencent, and Samsung to boost returns.
• Accounting firms are using LLMs like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot 365 to improve productivity.
• AI is transforming marketing with personalization and revenue gains, but requires ethical frameworks and human oversight.

AI growth strains energy and water in Asian data centers

Data centers in Johor, Malaysia, are booming due to AI's high computing needs. This growth strains the state's energy and water resources, with planned data center capacity increasing dramatically. Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad projects data centers will use 20% of Malaysia's energy by 2035. The government plans a "Sustainable Data Centre Framework" by October and is exploring renewable and nuclear energy. They are also pushing for recycled wastewater use to address water supply issues.

AI boom makes 'Net-Zero' emissions goal unlikely, expert says

According to Peter Murphy, AI's growing need for electricity makes achieving "net-zero" carbon emissions by 2050 unrealistic. AI data centers require huge amounts of power, with global needs projected to increase significantly. Murphy argues renewable energy sources like wind and solar won't be enough. He believes the world will need to rely more on reliable sources like natural gas and nuclear energy to support AI's rapid growth.

US power limits could give China an AI advantage, analysts say

Experts suggest that power limitations in the U.S. could hinder AI development, potentially giving China an advantage. China's government has invested heavily in sustainable energy, ensuring a secure and inexpensive electricity supply for AI development. In contrast, the U.S. faces power constraints and debates over data center energy use. This has led to companies building their own power plants and residents facing rising electricity bills.

CrowdStrike launches Falcon Next-Gen Identity Security platform

CrowdStrike has launched Falcon Next-Gen Identity Security, a platform to protect digital identities across IT environments. The AI-powered platform combines access prevention, privileged access management, and threat detection. It aims to eliminate security gaps from fragmented tools, providing immediate protection. The platform uses a single sensor and console for faster deployment and simpler operations.

Okta warns AI agents create new security risks

Okta warns that AI agents are creating new security risks because many companies don't have good ways to manage them. A survey of 260 executives found that most lack strategies for governing non-human identities. Okta recommends treating AI agents as unique digital identities with specific access controls. They also suggest using modern authentication methods and centralizing oversight to manage AI agent behavior.

AMA releases AI toolkit for health systems

The American Medical Association (AMA) has released a new toolkit to help health systems implement AI safely and ethically. The "Governance for Augmented Intelligence" toolkit guides health systems through establishing AI governance. It includes steps for policy development, vendor evaluation, and training. The toolkit aims to ensure AI technologies improve patient care responsibly.

CEO defends firing 80% for resisting AI adoption

IgniteTech CEO Eric Vaughan replaced nearly 80% of his employees in 2023 because they resisted adopting AI. Despite initial problems, the company has seen increased productivity and revenue. Vaughan believes AI is the future of work and companies must adapt. The company has since hired new employees who are open to using AI.

AI boom drives emerging-market stock returns, experts say

Emerging-market funds are focusing on AI to boost returns. Investors are encouraged by companies like DeepSeek and semiconductor firms in Asia. AllSpring Global Investments and GIB Asset Management are investing more in AI stocks. Taiwan Semiconductor, Tencent, and Samsung are top contributors to Bloomberg's EM stocks index. Experts predict this trend could continue for 10 to 20 years.

Trump's AI plans may face challenges from Europe's regulations

President Trump wants to reduce regulations on American AI companies. However, Europe's AI regulations, particularly the AI Act, could limit his plans. The AI Act sets rules for AI development to protect privacy and prevent discrimination. American companies wanting to operate in Europe must follow these rules, potentially shaping global AI development.

AI agents are improving productivity in accounting firms

AI is changing how accounting firms work, with AI agents improving productivity. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot 365 are becoming popular. Firms are using AI in existing products and building new AI-powered tools. Experts say firms should align their business and technology strategies to use AI effectively. Firms are also investing heavily in AI to stay competitive.

AI helps speed up rare disease diagnosis in Novartis collaboration

Atropos Health is working with Novartis to use AI to speed up the diagnosis of rare diseases. They are focusing on paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare blood disorder. The AI model aims to identify undiagnosed patients faster, reducing delays in testing and treatment. The models will be used across the Atropos Evidence Network to improve patient care.

AI transforms new home sales with lead qualification and coaching

AI is changing the new home sales process by helping with lead qualification and objection handling. AI tools can sort leads based on buying behavior and create custom outreach plans. ChatGPT can provide talking points to address buyer concerns. Rilla uses AI to analyze sales conversations and provide real-time coaching. AI can also serve as a brainstorming partner for salespeople.

AI transforms marketing with personalization and revenue gains

Generative AI is changing marketing by improving personalization and increasing revenue. Companies are using AI to automate content creation and personalize customer experiences. This requires a strategic approach with cross-functional teams and ethical frameworks. AI can analyze customer behavior to tailor messages and generate dynamic content. However, it's important to have human oversight and address ethical concerns like data privacy.

Sources

• This Asian data center hub is quietly grappling with the massive costs of AI: energy and water
• Opinion: Artificial intelligence means farewell to “Net-Zero’ fantasy
• Analysts warn U.S. power limits risk ceding AI race to China
• CrowdStrike launches unified identity security platform
• AI Agents Expose a New Identity Security Gap, Okta Warns
• AMA releases AI governance toolkit for health systems
• CEO who laid off 80% employees globally for refusing to adopt AI, says after two years that he… - The Times of India
• AI boom seen driving next decade of emerging-market returns
• Opinion | Trump’s Plans for A.I. Might Hit a Wall. Thank Europe.
• Experiences 2025 – Not So Secret AI Agents
• Atropos Health Enters into Strategic Collaboration to Reduce Time to Rare Disease Diagnosis with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Algorithm
• 5 Ways AI is Already Revolutionizing the New Home Sales Process
• Generative AI Transforms Marketing: Personalization, Revenue, and Ethics