It was a vibrant Saturday afternoon with a great turnout for IPWS’s first event of the year!  We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our event partners Global Women Connect (GWC), Shanghai Universities’ Overseas Communication Federation, and Chingho Island for providing the beautiful venue space. A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the event.

AI: A Turning Point in Technology and Business
While artificial intelligence (AI) is not a new concept, it is experiencing a significant boom as we reach a critical turning point. The increasing use of AI is beginning to generate real value, particularly in productivity gains. However, only a limited number of companies are creating substantial value from AI, and people transformation remains the biggest challenge. The need for raising awareness, building knowledge, and enhancing skills around AI adoption is more critical than ever.

Why AI Matters to Women
Women should care about AI, not only because it impacts everyone but also because diversity is crucial to avoiding bias in AI systems. Without high-quality, human-generated data, AI models fail to function effectively. Women bring unique strengths that are essential to the future of AI—such as advanced communication skills, empathy, and a human-centric approach to experiences.

Real-World Applications of AI

Our panelists shared inspiring examples of how AI is already transforming their businesses:

· R&D and Manufacturing: Accelerating innovation and improving processes.

· Marketing Intelligence: Delivering data-driven strategies for better outcomes.

· HR Applications: Enhancing job description generation and performance management.

· Entrepreneurship: Empowering entrepreneurs and solopreneurs to deliver more, better, and faster.

All panelists unanimously agreed that human oversight is critical from start to finish, as AI lacks common sense.

Navigating AI Adoption

The panel emphasized that adopting AI should be a step-by-step process. Companies attempting to rush or implement AI without proper planning often fail in their transformation. AI raises expectations for speed and quality, making it crucial to address potential challenges like burnout and stress.

Recommendations to Get Started with AI:

· Learn the Basics: Explore online and offline training resources to build foundational knowledge.

· Join Interest Groups: Connect with like-minded individuals to share best practices.

· Practice Regularly: Identify repetitive or time-consuming tasks to experiment with AI solutions.

Preparing for the Future

The conversation concluded with a focus on skills essential for succeeding in an AI-driven world. While foundational professional skills like strategic thinking, leadership, and communication remain vital, additional focus is needed on:

· Critical Thinking: A highly underdeveloped but crucial skill in working with AI.

· Self-Leadership and Growth Mindset: Embracing adaptability and continuous learning.

· Creativity and Empathy: Maintaining the human element in AI applications.

The panelists emphasized the importance of instilling ethical knowledge and behavior in the next generation. It was noted that being young does not automatically equate to high-tech knowledge, and fostering a well-rounded, ethical mindset is key to navigating the challenges of the AI era. We look forward to more thought-provoking discussions throughout the year and hope to see you at our next event!

A heartfelt thank you to Sara Huang for generously volunteering as the official photographer for this event.

Sara has over a decade of experience in creative field, skilled in photography, especially portraits, product shoots and event photography. She’s looking forward to any potential opportunities for future cooperation in photography.

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