ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) has been integrated into workplaces in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
It is undeniable that AI tools can shape the way professionals approach their work, but how does utilising AI tools help people enhance their work?
The Sarawak Tribune spoke to some professionals utilising AI outside the virtual world. It covered the tools these professionals rely on, the ways AI has influenced their productivity and work, and the perceived advantages and challenges of incorporating AI into their daily routines.
Furthermore, they explore whether AI positively impacts workplaces and consider whether the public sector should embrace these tools as a part of a digital transformation.
Irwan Sharkawi, 32, an assistant administrative officer, uses ChatGPT for work; although he tries not to depend too much on it, these AI tools can give him an idea when working on a task.
“Although I don’t use ChatGPT very often, it proves helpful when I need fresh ideas or guidance, especially while handling various administrative tasks in the office.
“Its insights can be a real asset for streamlining work and sparking creative approaches to problem-solving.
“Thankfully, ChatGPT has not only made my work easier but has also boosted my confidence, especially when tackling unfamiliar tasks that I might otherwise find challenging,” he said.
Meanwhile, Alfean Aziz, 45, a section head, currently uses ChatGPT, Google Drive, and Google Workspace as part of his daily work routine.
“ChatGPT helps me streamline content creation, problem-solving, and communication tasks.
“I consider Google Drive and Google Workspace as AI tools because they leverage artificial intelligence to enhance productivity through features like predictive text, smart file organisation, and automated suggestions; and these functions make collaboration and file management more efficient, which I use daily to optimise my workflow,” he said.
Additionally, AIfean says that ChatGPT and Google Drive have helped him work more efficiently and have made his job more manageable.
“ChatGPT has helped me write and solve problems quickly, thus saving time and effort.
“Whereas Google Drive, with its smart features like file organisations and suggesting edits, has made it easier for me to manage documents and work collaboration,” he added.
Thirty-nine-year-old publication assistant Adib Ahmadhafiz Ro’aini depends on AI tools such as ChatGPT, Canva, Quilbot, and Ideogram for daily tasks.
“ChatGPT and Quilbot are some of those AI tools everyone utilises, and I am no different because they help me structure sentences better.
“And as someone who makes posters, I use AI tools like Canva and Ideogram, which has made things easy.
“By using AI, especially when doing creative content, instead of spending days on content, especially urgent content, it cuts down the time to just a few hours,” he said.
Suraidi Sindan, 36, is a graphic design instructor in the education field, where he creates designs using Adobe Illustrator.
“In my work, I use several Adobe Illustrator tools such as the Pen Tool to create lines and shapes, the Shape Builder Tool to combine shapes, and the Type Tool to add text.
“I use these tools regularly, especially when creating graphic designs and illustrations, and these tools have significantly improved my Illustrator skills.
“Overall, these tools make the job easier and enhance the final results,” he said.
However, despite relying on AI tools to make work easier for these public sector professionals, they acknowledged some pros and cons of relying heavily on AI tools.
“Although these AI tools have helped me increase my confidence level in decision-making and have taught me new things whenever I use them to create innovative and creative ideas, depending on AI tools has consequences, too.
“We as humans who can think for ourselves might lose the essential skills or problem-solving abilities.
“And this weakens our critical thinking adaptability, and in the long run, especially regarding job-related expertise,” Irwan added.
Alfeans expressed that AI tools are transforming the workplace by enhancing efficiency and innovation, though their growing use brings benefits and potential concerns about over-reliance.
“The good thing about AI tools is that they save time by completing tasks quickly and efficiently, and it can improve efficiency by automating repetitive work.
“However, AI tools may lack the full understanding of complex situations, leading to mistakes, especially when the person using it doesn’t give any context.
“Relying too much on AI can lead to weak problem-solving and critical thinking skills as it tones down our knowledge.
“As human beings, we have emotions, and that is the one thing these AI do not have, and this leads to a lack of personal and emotional depth.
“Furthermore, in this day and age, where scamming is going rampant, it raises concerns about privacy and data security,” he said.
According to Adib, these AI tools help with writer’s block and can help develop initial ideas further.
“Unfortunately, too much usage can cause a person to be too dependent on AI tools,” he added.
Meanwhile, Suraidi thinks that AI tools allow design flexibility, which allows for the creation of unique designs.
“AI tools can ease editing where layers and editing tools are made easy without damaging the original design.
“Having said that, the hole in one’s pocket can be considered a consequence, especially for designers, as licences are costly for individuals and small businesses.
“Performances can also be a problem because Adobe software requires high computer specification, especially for larger projects,” he said.
As AI becomes more integrated into workplaces, many weigh its benefits against potential drawbacks, but these professionals all agree that AI will benefit workplaces, especially in the public sector.
