AI in comms: Laying the groundwork for Asia Pacific

Who can you turn to when it comes to AI and business communications?

Who has an understanding and appreciation of the possibilities and risks that the technology brings to the industry?

It turns out that the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) has a crucial role to play.

During the recent interactive panel discussion organized by IABC Asia Pacific titled “The Future of Communication: Responsible AI in Asia Pacific”, most participants said they would turn to the IABC for guidance. After all, the IABC has become the purveyor of ethical, purposeful, and effective communications in the region for decades.

The panel was composed of Adrian Cropley OAM, FRSA, IABC Fellow, SCMP, GCSCE, and a Global Alliance board director and co-founder of the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence, Heman Gaule, SVP, Adfactors PR and IABC APAC board member, and Barbara Pesel, managing director of Pesel and Carr and Chair of the IABC APAC.

Results of a report from the Global Alliance for PR and Communication Management, which lays the foundation for responsible communication with AI, were presented to the participants.

It was found out that there is a wide adoption of AI and yet there are gaps in governance. The leadership in most organizations has little understanding of AI and where this technology is headed, thus creating a leadership void when it comes to policies.

Ethics has come up as a challenge, too. Ethical applications of AI arise in the discussions when it comes to using AI in communications. Building trust and managing risks also present difficulties that communicators need to manage and overcome.

This is where associations such as the IABC can play a crucial role. Through thought leadership, training, and a network of experts in communications and related fields, IABC can help equip today’s communicators with knowledge and insights on responsible AI in communications.

So what’s next?

As a first step, communications professionals and organizations are encouraged to support and sign the Venice Pledge, which represents the commitment to the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management’s Responsible AI Guiding Principles.

These principles provide a framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. It will help guide communications professionals in their efforts to use AI in their work responsibly.

The second step is to contribute to the conversation. Ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from others. IABC Asia Pacific will be having more of these discussions on AI in the coming months.

Stay tuned.