Beyond the Buzzwords: An Industry Expert’s Perspective on AI’s Future and the Workforce

Meet the Expert: A Global Technologist Pioneering AI in Saudi Arabia

With over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, Ismail H.A. ibn Thomas-Benge III is a seasoned QA Test Architect and Software Development professional with a strong foundation in electrical engineering and computer science (BSEE, MSEE, MSCS). An AI enthusiast and developer, he has been actively shaping the AI landscape in Saudi Arabia since 2017 and has been living there full-time since 2022.

His career spans the globe, having worked in China, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, Europe, the UK, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Canada, and India, leading and contributing to cutting-edge technological advancements. His expertise extends across multiple industries, including Semiconductor, Hospitality, Automotive, Robotics, IT, Software, Medical Devices, Big Box Retail Tech Centers, Military (contractor), Cable TV providers, and Internet Service Providers.

With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for AI, Ismail H.A. ibn Thomas-Benge III brings unique insights into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in technology and business.

What Excites You Most About AI Advancements Right Now?

Hmmm….That’s a huge well to dive into! Well for starters, AI is something that is both old and new. Over the decades, we've made significant advancements in computer hardware, software, and semiconductor technology. For instance, I remember working on Ferromagnetic RAM and DRAM shrinks from 0.35 microns to 0.22 microns. These hardware advancements have directly enabled progress in software, what many people outside the tech industry often overlook is that advancements in hardware are the driving force behind breakthroughs in software.

what many people outside the tech industry often overlook is that advancements in hardware are the driving force behind breakthroughs in software.

What excites me most is how AI is revolutionizing automation, research, and coding while making the world more accessible and connected. I’m particularly excited about AI agents and avatars becoming physical through robotics. I believe this will become mainstream within the next two years.

I also hope to see AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) become accessible to individuals rather than being controlled solely by corporations. Saudi Arabia, for example, is building excellent infrastructure for AI learning, with brilliant minds in the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs leading the charge. The work being done by SDAIA (Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority) is also remarkable. I’m excited to see Saudi Arabia emerge as a global AI leader, I also really like what Australia is doing, they have built an incredible AI ecosystem for learning and entrepreneurship.

What Are the Biggest Misconceptions People Have About AI?

There are two major misconceptions about AI that I find equally troubling;

The Big, Evil SkyNet/Terminator/Matrix mentality; Many people believe AI will take over the world and destroy humanity, thanks to Hollywood movies and political fearmongering. This is absolute nonsense. AI is about enhancing human capabilities and creativity, enabling us to achieve things at an unprecedented scale and pace (By Allah’s decree)

Humans built AI, and we will continue to guide its development. Remember, people once thought Henry Ford was crazy for inventing the horseless carriage, Now, he’s seen as a visionary.

Many people believe AI will take over the world and destroy humanity, thanks to Hollywood movies and political fearmongering. This is absolute nonsense.

Secondly, the belief that AI can do everything on "its own" is not just wrong, it’s dangerous. Would you trust a high school student who just opened a biology 101 textbook to perform open-heart surgery on a loved one? Of course not! AI is a serious field that requires deep knowledge, expertise, and trustworthiness.

AI, like medicine, is a complex and evolving field that demands deep knowledge, expertise, and careful oversight. This is the perfect analogy for AI without human expertise, leaving AI unsupervised is like handing surgical tools to someone without medical training.

We need skilled professionals to develop and govern AI responsibly. A friend on LinkedIn rightly pointed out that data is the fuel for AI, and we must ensure its ethical use.

leaving AI unsupervised is like handing surgical tools to someone without medical training.

How Do You See AI Transforming the Workforce in the Next Decade?

AI will automate many routine tasks, such as customer service. For example, ATMs will become more interactive, and fast-food orders will be taken by AI to ensure consistency. Eventually, autonomous vehicles and robots will handle last-mile deliveries. As a result, humans will shift toward higher-level strategic thinking, planning, and software development. AI will also streamline communication, fostering more creative and collaborative workplaces.

What Industries Will Be Disrupted or Enhanced the Most?

Industries like manufacturing, customer service, healthcare, and medical devices will see significant disruption and enhancement. Military technology will also evolve, as seen in recent conflicts. Education will experience a massive boost, with AI improving training, onboarding, and even resume screening for HR departments.

How Can We Ensure AI Is Developed Responsibly and Ethically?

Corporate greed and selfish motives often lead to mistrust and inequality. To ensure ethical AI development, we need knowledgeable AI experts to provide checks and balances. Leaders must be transparent and honest about AI’s goals.

Saudi Arabia is a great example of responsible AI leadership. AI should be community-driven, not controlled by a handful of tech giants. Trustworthy governance of AI and data is essential.

What Role Should Leaders and Businesses Play in AI Alignment?

Leaders should establish regulations and frameworks for ethical AI, as Saudi Arabia is doing through The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA). Business leaders must trust their AI experts to do their jobs without unnecessary interference. While business goals are important, technical expertise should guide decision-making.

What Skills Will Be Essential for Individuals and Organizations to Thrive in the AI Era?

A combination of analytical and creative thinking is crucial. Software development already requires this mindset, and AI accelerates the process. AI engineers, data scientists, and developers must have formal education and training, not just superficial knowledge from YouTube videos. Creativity will remain a key differentiator.

Creativity will remain a key differentiator.

How Can Businesses, Leaders, and Individuals start preparing today for the AI Revolution?

Leaders should engage with AI experts, ask questions, and learn about AI’s potential. Hire a mix of novice and experienced AI professionals and let them execute your vision without micromanagement. Encourage open dialogue and incorporate their ideas into your strategy. Similar to how Said Nuh and I are collaborating to explore AI, I believe this will help break down barriers for those who fear it, making AI more approachable and inspiring more people to learn, experiment, and integrate it into their work.

Where Do You See AI Heading in 20 Years?

It’s hard to predict, but I hope AI becomes more distributed and people-centric, rather than controlled by a few corporations. Technologically, I expect more integration between AI and human biology, such as neural interfaces. Robotics will also play a larger role in workplaces and daily life.

?What Opportunities Are We Not Discussing Enough in the AI Space?

We need to talk more about AI in education and raise awareness about its ethical responsibilities. Saudi Arabia is leading these conversations, and others should follow. We must also ensure fair access to AI across all socioeconomic classes and regions. I’m also really excited about the convergence of AI, IoT, and robotics in transportation, including autonomous flying cars!

What’s your thoughts on being "bilingual" in programming, particularly when working with Python and R in data science and artificial intelligence?

Firstly, having knowledge and workable skills in multiple programming languages is always beneficial, especially from a software development perspective. Whether you specialize in Full Stack, MEAN/MERN, or LAMP, a strong foundation in various languages makes you more versatile as a software application developer.

For mobile development, Dart/Flutter/SWIFT are great choices, and adding React/React Native to your skill set enhances flexibility, making you valuable in multiple areas. The key takeaway; Master one or two languages but maintain proficiency in many.

When it comes to Artificial Intelligence, there is little debate, Python is the dominant language. While Data Science is an important aspect of AI, it does not fully define it. For Machine Learning, OpenCV, Darknet, and general AI development, Python serves as the backbone, allowing developers to work across the entire AI spectrum from a technical standpoint.

R is a fantastic language, particularly for statistical analysis and data visualization, and having it as a skill is a plus. However, Python remains the go-to language for AI development today.

AI applications require more than just backend development. Combining AI with front-end technologies like React, React Native, Vue.js, and Tailwind CSS is essential for building complete AI-powered applications.

As I’ve mentioned before, AI itself is not inherently rogue, Humans are! AI is merely a tool, and like any powerful tool, it requires governance and oversight to ensure its use remains ethical, fair, and responsible.

Regulation and ethical frameworks are essential to guiding AI’s development and application in a way that benefits society while mitigating potential risks. I think Saudi Arabia is setting an excellent example in this space. SDAIA’s regulations on data usage, privacy, and AI adoption provide a solid framework that should be followed and emulated globally. Responsible AI governance is not just necessary, it’s the foundation for ensuring AI benefits society while minimizing risks.

If you’re curious about AI, its impact, and how to integrate it into your work, follow Ismail H.A. ibn Thomas-Benge III for expert insights and practical strategies.