6 UP AND COMING INNOVATORS FROM ASIA LEADING THE AI CHARGE IN 2024
Source: Tatler Asia
Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and reshaping our digital landscape, these six AI innovators are not just predicting the future—they’re creating it
In a whirlwind year that’s redefined the technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has surged from a promising concept to a transformative force, leaving few industries untouched. From revolutionising healthcare and education to finance and creative industries, AI’s reach has expanded exponentially.
The poster child of this AI revolution, ChatGPT, has once again captured global attention sparking both awe and debate about the future of human-machine interaction. Not to be outdone Apple has introduced its own lineup of AI tools, aptly named Apple Intelligence. According to market forecasts, the Asia-Pacific AI market is expected to grow at an impressive compound annual growth rate of 39.9 per cent from 2024 to 2029. It is projected to increase from US$66.4 billion in 2024 to US$356.1 billion by 2029.
Across Asia, entrepreneurs are leveraging AI to tackle complex challenges, streamline operations and unlock new possibilities in their respective industries. Here are six Gen.T honourees who are not just adopting AI but actively pushing its boundaries to create groundbreaking solutions.
Kenny Du
Kenny Du's Homee AI uses generative AI for interior design (Photo: Renan Chung)
An expert in interior space and AI computer design, Kenny Du from Taiwan founded Homee AI in 2017 to integrate creativity with technology and make home design a breeze. His one-stop services pioneer the use of generative AI to arrange real spaces, while a complementary global online furniture procurement platform helps users build on the 3D interior design drawings.
Thiranun Arunwattanakul
COO Thiranun Arunwattanakul runs Thailand-based fintech company Monix which provides
loans to underbanked people in the country (Photo: Worapon Teerawatvijit)
Chief Operating Officer, Monix
Thailand-based fintech company Monix, of which Thiranun Arunwattanakul is the COO, provides loans to underbanked people in the country. A joint venture between Thai financial services giant SCBX Group and Chinese fintech unicorn Abakus Group, it is the developer of Finnix, an app that provides nano-loans of about US$2,700 using AI and machine learning to assess borrowers’ creditworthiness. As of now, the company has provided legal loans to over 1 million customers.
Justin Chan
Justin Chan's Virtrix bridges concept and reality with comprehensive digital services, from immersive
exhibitions and dining experiences to virtual showrooms (Photo: Zed Lee)
Virtrix empowers global businesses with immersive digital solutions using 3D, VR, AR and AI technologies. Co-founded by Justin Chan, the Hong Kong company bridges concept and reality with comprehensive digital services, from immersive exhibitions and dining experiences to virtual showrooms. It has won numerous awards and partnered with organisations such as K11, MTR, KMB and SLD Group.
Connie Lee
Connie Lee of Elevatefoods is the first in the world to use AI to make 3D-printed food (Photo: Zed Lee)
Connie Lee’s company, Elevatefoods, is the first in the world to use AI to make 3D-printed food. Its food printing and cooking technology uses an innovative nanomaterial to cook printed food in seconds. In addition to reducing food waste, it can create new flavours, textures, and shapes to meet personalised dietary requirements.
Ooi Boon Sheng
Ooi Boon Sheng’s Xilnex looks at streamlining growth for retailers and restaurants (Photo: Fady Younis)
Founded by Ooi Boon Sheng, Xilnex serves over 10,000 Southeast Asian retailers and F&B businesses with cloud-based point-of-sale solutions. These include account management, e-commerce integration, e-payments, mobile reporting and inventory management. The Malaysian company streamlines growth for retail and supply chain sectors by processing billions in transactions annually and facilitating expansion.
Xilnex integrates AI solutions into its offerings for retailers and restaurants. These include AI-powered cameras that detect the number of customers in stores and monitor performance in delivering orders to waiting customers.
Kaveh Taghipour
Kaveh Taghipour’s company Qritive uses AI to help analyse microscopy images and patient data
Globally, about 10 million people succumb to cancer each year. Kaveh Taghipour’s company, Qritive, uses AI to analyse microscopy images and patient data because more information means more accurate and efficient diagnoses. Qritive is the first of its kind in Singapore and one of few companies worldwide with regulatory-approved AI products for cancer diagnosis in pathology labs.