Should Technology Prioritize Humanity? Insights from Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO of Salesforce South Asia
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a thought-provoking address, Arundhati Bhattacharya, President & CEO of Salesforce South Asia, urges the tech industry to prioritize human-centric design as Asia accelerates its AI advancements. Discover how ethical frameworks can guide the future of technology and its impact on society.
Key Takeaways
- Technology must prioritize humanity.
- Ethics, privacy, and accountability are essential in AI systems.
- Human-centric design is crucial for societal impact.
- Local AI systems can enhance cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Guardrails should be seen as essential infrastructure for trust.
Mumbai, Dec 4 (NationPress) The swift advancement of AI in Asia has raised a cautionary note from Arundhati Bhattacharya, the President and CEO of Salesforce South Asia. She emphasized that the impending wave of technological innovation in the region must focus on human-centric design. Speaking to business leaders and policymakers at the Mint All About AI Tech4Good Awards, she highlighted that developments in digital finance, healthcare, and education are escalating at a rate that necessitates new protective measures.
“Technology must serve humanity,” she asserted, urging companies to incorporate ethics, privacy, and accountability into their AI systems from the ground up.
This year marks the second installment of the event, showcasing innovators from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and India.
Having previously led the State Bank of India, Bhattacharya reflected on how technology has transformed economic systems. She pointed out that India’s initiatives in financial inclusion illustrate how digital infrastructure can elevate whole communities. By leveraging Aadhaar-based identity, extensive mobile access, and instantaneous payments, India has established one of the largest financial inclusion programs globally within a short period.
“I have personally witnessed how technology can unlock potential and uplift communities from ground zero,” she stated.
According to Bhattacharya, innovations like generative AI and machine learning can expedite diagnoses in healthcare, broaden educational access via adaptive learning, and enable governments to provide services more efficiently. However, she cautioned that these technologies could also intensify bias, compromise privacy, or exceed regulatory frameworks if not implemented with clear guidelines.
“The onus is on us to ensure that technology prioritizes humanity,” she remarked.
This year has seen a heightened push for sovereign AI models in the region, influenced by national policies and concerns regarding the impact of global platforms.
Bhattacharya asserted that locally trained systems will be crucial for linguistic diversity, cultural subtleties, and long-term resilience. She encouraged developers and enterprises to perceive 'guardrails' not as limitations but as essential frameworks for fostering long-term trust.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the significance of Arundhati Bhattacharya's message. Her emphasis on ethical frameworks in technology development resonates strongly in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. By prioritizing human-centric design, we can ensure that technological advancements serve the greater good, fostering inclusion and empowerment across communities.
NationPress
04/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arundhati Bhattacharya emphasize about technology?
Arundhati Bhattacharya emphasized that technology must serve humanity and should be built on ethical foundations, prioritizing privacy and accountability.
Why is human-centric design important in AI?
Human-centric design in AI is crucial as it ensures that technological advancements address real human needs and prevent issues like bias and privacy erosion.
What impact has technology had on financial inclusion in India?
Technology has significantly enhanced financial inclusion in India through initiatives like Aadhaar, mobile access, and instant payments, benefiting entire communities.
What role do guardrails play in AI development?
Guardrails are essential frameworks that help ensure responsible AI development, fostering trust and preventing misuse of technology.
How can generative AI and machine learning benefit society?
Generative AI and machine learning can improve healthcare diagnostics, expand educational access, and enhance government service delivery.
