By Parveen Kumar JITERWAL, Chief AI and Innovation Officer at VFS Global
Remember when smartphones were just getting smart, and we thought, “Can it get any better than this?” Well, here we are, standing on the cusp of another revolution—this time with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as our co-pilot.
It’s like we’ve been handed the keys to a futuristic car that not only drives itself but also tells jokes to keep us entertained on the journey. But how do we make the most of this incredible partnership?
AI: the new colleague who never takes a coffee break
Let’s face it, AI is like that tireless colleague who doesn’t need sleep and can crunch numbers faster than you can say “algorithm.” In various professions, AI is augmenting human skills in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago.
Take healthcare, for example. Radiologists are now teaming up with AI to detect anomalies in X-rays with greater accuracy. It’s not about replacing the doctor but enhancing their ability to diagnose and treat patients effectively. Similarly, in finance, AI algorithms are sifting through mountains of data to identify market trends, enabling analysts to make more informed decisions.
At VFS Global, we’re embracing this wave by investing in our own large language models and developing AI-powered chatbots that never clock out. These chatbots are available 24/7, providing applicants with seamless access to visa information in multiple languages and formats. Imagine getting your visa queries resolved at midnight in your native tongue—no waiting, no hassle. It’s all part of our commitment to enhancing customer experience through innovation.
Why two heads (One Human, One AI) are better than one
You might wonder, “If AI is so great, where do we fit in?” Good question! The magic happens when humans and AI collaborate. Think of it as a dance where AI handles the repetitive cha-cha steps while we bring the flair and creativity.
AI can process data at lightning speed, but it lacks the emotional intelligence and ethical considerations that humans bring to the table. For instance, an AI might flag an application based on data patterns, but a human can interpret nuances and make exceptions where appropriate.
At VFS Global, we’re implementing back-office automation using AI and OCR technologies to extract data efficiently. However, we ensure that every piece of information processed by AI undergoes human oversight. This means while AI handles the heavy lifting of data extraction, our human experts review and validate the outputs to maintain accuracy and uphold our commitment to security and compliance. It’s a perfect blend of speed and scrutiny.
School’s out—or is it? Preparing for an AI-enhanced future
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: education and training. If we’re going to work alongside AI, we need to up our game. Traditional education models won’t cut it anymore. We need reforms that focus on critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence—skills that AI hasn’t mastered (yet!).
Imagine classrooms where students learn coding alongside poetry, or problem-solving through interactive AI tools. Continuous learning will be the name of the game.
At VFS Global, we’re not just adopting AI; we’re doing so responsibly and ethically. We’re investing in training programs that equip our employees with the skills to collaborate effectively with AI technologies while ensuring that ethical guardrails are in place.
This includes understanding the limitations of AI, ensuring data privacy, and promoting transparency in how AI tools are integrated into our processes. Our goal is to prepare our workforce for an AI-enhanced future without compromising on our values.
Embracing the Inevitable with a Smile
Change can be daunting, but it can also be exciting. Remember how we adapted to smartphones and couldn’t imagine life without them? Embracing AI is the next step in that journey. It’s about enhancing our capabilities, not diminishing them.
So, let’s welcome our new AI partners with open arms and perhaps a witty joke—they might not laugh, but we’ll keep things lively!
In the grand tapestry of innovation, AI is a new thread that, when woven together with human ingenuity, can create a masterpiece. It’s not the protagonist or the antagonist—it’s a new character joining our ensemble cast. At VFS Global, we’re not just observers of this change—we’re active participants, weaving our own patterns into the future.
Together, we can co-write the next chapter, blending human intuition with artificial intelligence to create a future we’re all excited to be part of. Let’s not fear the future; let’s craft it together.
