With 70% of global business leaders saying that generative AI will reshape how their companies create, deliver, and capture value in the next five years (PwC Global CEO Survey 2024), the question isn’t if we should embrace AI anymore but it’s how we can do it while staying true to what makes us human.
Across the finance world, professionals are moving beyond spreadsheets and number-crunching. Today, it’s less about just ticking boxes for compliance and more about using insights to guide strategy, drive innovation, and influence big decisions.
This shift was the focus of our recent forum, “Being, Human: AI & the Future of Finance,” hosted by Arcc Spaces and moderated by Renee Tan, Chief Marketing Officer and Partner at the Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), and Founder and Managing Director of Hashtaqs.
During the session, Renee interviewed Gopi Ganesalingam, a seasoned venture builder and former Senior Vice President at MDEC, who brings over 36 years of experience across finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. From starting his career as a factory accountant at Matsushita, to senior roles at American Express, Lucent Technologies, and founding one of Malaysia’s early cloud consulting firms, Lava Protocols, Gopi has seen the evolution of tech firsthand. At MDEC, he led national initiatives to grow Malaysia’s digital economy and helped scale local startups into global players.
His insights offered a grounded and strategic look at how AI is transforming finance without removing the need for human leadership and connection.
From Accounting to Strategy
Gopi shared how finance roles have shifted over the years from manual tasks in Excel to automated systems like SAP and now AI. His message was clear: AI replaces tasks, not people.
With automation taking over routine work, finance professionals now have more time to focus on analysis, advising leadership, and supporting business decisions.
Why Human Skills Still Matter
AI can spot errors, detect fraud, and even flag risks. But when it comes to making tough calls, handling negotiations, or shaping company culture—human judgment and empathy are still essential.
As Gopi said, “AI can’t read body language across a negotiation table.”
Malaysia’s Chance to Lead with SMEs
Gopi believes SMEs are Malaysia’s biggest opportunity in AI adoption. With younger entrepreneurs entering the scene, there’s a growing need to digitize operations.
Tools like government-led readiness assessments and support schemes are available, but Gopi encouraged businesses to start small – explore, learn, and test things out, even without external consultants.
Rethinking Education
Gopi pointed out that much of what’s taught in accounting courses is already automated in real-world settings. He stressed the need to update education with AI literacy, coding, ethics, and logic-based thinking are the kind of skills needed in today’s job market.
Balance Tech with the Human Touch
While businesses adopt AI in their backend processes, customers still expect personal interaction.
Gopi reminded us that AI should make experiences better, not colder:
“Technology must bring value. If it doesn’t, there’s no point implementing it.”
Rewiring Education for the AI Era
Gopi also challenged the current education system, pointing out that much of what’s taught in accounting and finance is already automated. To stay relevant, universities need to teach AI basics, coding, ethics, and algorithmic thinking—skills critical in an AI-first world.
AI Adoption vs Customer Readiness
Even if systems go digital, people still want a human experience. The goal isn’t to replace customer service with bots, but to use AI to enhance value while maintaining authentic touchpoints.
“Technology must bring value. If it doesn’t, there’s no point implementing it for the sake of it,” Gopi shared.
The key takeaway from the forum? AI is no longer a choice—it’s already here. But how we use it will define whether it empowers or disconnects us. By staying grounded in values, continuously learning, and leading with intention, we can ensure that technology supports not replaces our humanity.
At Hashtaqs, we accelerate the scale-up, venture building, and internationalisation of businesses not just through technology, but by combining it with transformative brand strategies, omni‐channel marketing, and ecosystem development. Forums like Being, Human reflect our commitment to helping businesses navigate an evolving tech landscape while staying true to their values and vision.
With advisory services supported by funding schemes of up to 50% for local Singaporean businesses, we don’t just support digital transformation, we make it accessible, impactful, and sustainable.
This wasn’t just another discussion. It was a moment of clarity, shared learning, and community.
Our advisory services is supported by funding schemes of up to 50% for local Singaporean businesses. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us at +65 8868 1418 or email us at [email protected]. For further details, visit www.hashtaqs.com.
