Quantum computing is poised to be a game-changer starting around 2028, Damien says. These computers uses quantum bits (qubits) to run multidimensional quantum algorithms, and are expensive to create.
The most powerful quantum computer right now is powered by 64 qubits. But in five years time, according to IBM, they will be able to achieve 1 million qubits. This will dramatically reduce costs of building one. “By then, the processing power of quantum computers will be a staggering 158 million times faster than today’s computers. Its influence will be pervasive, laying the foundation for future technological advancements,” Damien says.
Change #2: Goodbye to smartphones
Meanwhile, smartphones, once revolutionary, are on the path to obsolescence. Apple, a major player in the smartphone market, has indicated plans to phase out the iPhone by around 2032, despite it currently contributing over 50% of their revenue.
The replacement? Augmented reality (AR) wearable devices, potentially in the form of glasses or lenses. Meta has already launched AR glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban, and Apple is developing its own AR device, the Apple Lens. “These devices will likely redefine how we interact with technology, moving away from traditional websites and applications to more immersive AR experiences,” Damien explains.
The shift to AR devices will impact various aspects of daily life and work. For example, in the workplace, wearing AR goggles could replace traditional desktops or laptops, offering a new way to access and interact with information. Contact lenses with AR capabilities could even become a reality, allowing for direct access to digital content. This shift will require a rethinking of how we design and interact with technology.
Change #3: My AI will speak to your AI
From creating images, animations, and assisting with tasks such as drafting contracts and emails, generative AI has taken the world by storm over the past year. This technology is now integrated into productivity suites like Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace, where it can help to create emails, PowerPoint presentations, and more – all from a simple text prompt.
“The integration of AI into these suites is expected to significantly reduce the workload of white-collar workers. This will free up time for workers to focus on more human-centric aspects of their jobs, such as creativity,” Damien says. “However, it also poses challenges, as repetitive tasks that can be automated may put certain jobs at risk.”
At the same time, the future will likely see increased interaction between AI systems as we “outsource” tasks such as email communications to our digital assistants.
Change #4: Your job will be at risk
The advancement of AI poses a potential threat to various job sectors – even those in managerial roles. “This is due to the ability of AI to make better-informed decisions (compared to the average human) based on vast amounts of data and wisdom,” Damien explains.
As the capabilities of AI increase, jobs that involve repetitive tasks or reactive customer service roles are at risk of being automated. In administrative and customer service roles, AI is already demonstrating its capabilities to a significant extent. For example, Google's discontinued Duplex product showcased AI's potential in customer service, offering human-like interactions and complex problem-solving abilities. “Right now, we are already seeing the automation of customer service tasks, traditionally handled by humans, such as phone calls and chat interactions.”
Change #5: The real metaverse is coming
The concept of the metaverse, while currently more of a marketing gimmick, holds the potential for a transformative digital experience. Today, accessing the metaverse requires a VR headset, limiting its accessibility and appeal to the broader population. “However, future advancements in technology, particularly in areas like touch, taste, and smell, could make the metaverse a truly immersive 3D world,” Damien explains.
Imagine exploring Mars or starring in a movie alongside your favourite actor, with full interactivity and the ability to shape your experience. This vision of the metaverse requires significant processing power, beyond what current technology can provide. “However, advancements in quantum computing and AI suggest that the metaverse could become a reality in the 2030s or 2040s.”
The future starts now
The next decade is set to bring about profound changes driven by technological advancements – which are already reshaping the way we work and interact with technology.
“This transformation is not a distant future but a current reality, and it's pushing us to become more adept at leveraging AI as our co-pilot in tasks like document creation and email management,” says Damien.
To thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape, “we need to evolve our skills and mindset to remain competitive,” he emphasises. This means focusing on creativity, vision, and human-centric skills, as we let AI handle the more mundane aspects of our work.
“Ultimately, this transformation is not just about technology; it's about how we adapt and evolve in response to these advancements. As we navigate this new era, the ability to embrace change and continuously learn will be critical to our success.”
Watch the recorded NUS-ISS Learning Festival 2023 talk on NUS-ISS' YouTube Channel here.
For more information on NUS-ISS' Executive Education Programmes in Digital Strategy and Leadership, visit here.