Interview with Fee Vu, AI & Machine Learning Expert

26 July, 2024
Posted by: EuroCham Cambodia

This week, we interviewed Mr. Fee Vu, an AI and machine learning (ML) expert who will be visiting from the United States to speak at EuroCham's upcoming Breakfast Talk, Beyond Buzzwords: Leveraging AI/ML for Tangible Business Outcomes on Wednesday 31 July. Mr. Vu is a client advisor at SynergieGlobal and a Chief Strategy Officer at Innovative Intelligence & Technology Consulting

EuroCham: AI is quite well understood at this point, with the popularity of its creations obvious in all forms of media. Machine learning, however, is less understood. How would you describe machine learning to someone who’s just learning about it?

Mr. Vu: Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables computers to learn from data and make decisions without being explicitly programmed.

In simple terms, ML is like teaching a computer to recognize patterns and make predictions based on past data. Just as humans learn from examples such as identifying fruits after seeing many, ML algorithms analyze large datasets to identify patterns and improve decision-making. The more data they process, the better they become at making accurate predictions.

EuroCham: We are still in the early stages of seeing what AI and ML together can achieve together. What potential breakthroughs are you looking forward to?

Mr. Vu: As AI and ML technologies continue to advance, we can anticipate the development of ‘digital twins’—virtual replicas of ourselves that handle repetitive and routine tasks. Additionally, we expect more advanced personalization in healthcare, offering tailored treatments and proactive care to patients. These innovations have the potential to extend human life sustainably while enhancing overall well-being and happiness.

EuroCham: What kind of daily applications does AI and ML have for a typical office workplace?

Mr. Vu: In a typical office environment, AI and ML have a broad range of applications. For instance, robotic process automation (RPA) efficiently manages repetitive tasks such as invoice processing and billing. Additionally, intelligent chat systems can assist sales agents by providing real-time suggestions and insights to enhance customer interactions. These technologies streamline operations and improve productivity across various functions.

EuroCham: Chatbots are often a thorn in a customer’s side, standing between the problem and an actual person who might be able to help. How are AI and ML changing chatbots?

Mr. Vu: Chatbots can be frustrating when not implemented effectively, often acting as obstacles rather than aids. However, advancements in AI and ML are significantly improving their functionality. Modern chatbots, especially those utilizing advanced techniques like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), offer several key benefits:

**Contextual Understanding:** These chatbots can better understand and interpret user queries by being trained with domain-specific knowledge, leading to more relevant and accurate responses.

**Enhanced Interaction:** They can handle complex interactions with greater ease, offering solutions that are more aligned with user needs and reducing the need for escalation to human agents.

**Efficiency and Personalization:** By analyzing past interactions and learning from them, modern chatbots can provide personalized experiences and handle routine tasks more efficiently, freeing up human agents to focus on more complex issues.

These advancements help improve overall customer satisfaction and streamline support processes, making chatbots a more valuable tool in customer service.

EuroCham: For someone who’s interested in applying AI and ML to their daily lives, where do you suggest they start to master the basics?

Mr. Vu: To master the basics of AI and ML, start by exploring their use cases online to understand how and why these technologies are applied. This foundational knowledge will help you grasp their practical applications.

Next, focus on domain expertise. While understanding algorithms is important, having a deep knowledge of your specific field is crucial for successful AI/ML implementations. By comprehending what works, what doesn’t, and the benefits in your domain, you’ll be better positioned to effectively apply these technologies.