Can AI take over humans?

Mr Vineet Panjabi is the Head of Business at Quintype Technologies. The venture offers a complete suite of digital publishing solutions to create, curate, distribute and monetise content. In the following interview, Mr Panjabi shares his opinion about the current changes in the digital media landscape. Further, he addresses the popular question regarding the tussle between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the global work force. Read on, edited excerpts from the interview.  

Please tell us about your educational journey.

I did schooling from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, Delhi till 2001. After which I pursued an undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from RV College of Engineering in Bangalore. Thereafter, I was campus placed as a Developer with a tech company based in Pune. Moving forward, I switched towards roles more non-technical in nature.

Tech, sales and marketing are some domains you work in. So, were you inclined to these early on?

I did feel inclined towards technology during my educational journey. However, my roles at sales and marketing weren’t anticipated. I took on opportunities that came my way and I seem to have found a sweet spot in these three domains.

As far as I can remember, I began working with a start-up that allowed me to wear multiple hats. Thus, the chance of playing around with different fields gave me the platform to learn more about my strengths and weaknesses. I think that’s where the progression happened for me.

Please tell us more about your current role? What does a regular day look like for you?

Quintype is a media tech company based in Bangalore that helps with digital transformations of newsrooms. It aids publishers in moving towards mobile-first or digital-first solutions. Currently, I am looking at marketing, sales and business development nationally and internationally.

As far as the day is concerned, I have a pretty early start to the day. Taking care of markets in the country and abroad is the foremost. Then comes the business-related updates, internal and external interactions. Besides, travel is often on the schedule for client meetings or conferences. 

A work ethic you closely follow?

Being honest and showing up. Every day is not going to be a rosy picture and it needs courage to be present. Every business function goes through ups and downs, but one’s ethic should be strong. I advise new professionals to learn to take the heat that comes with it. Don’t stop.

Any current trends in the domain of digital publishing?

India is at the forefront of adoption of digital consumption. It is pacing up due to mobile devices. The country is one of the highest consumers of digital content and it is growing by leaps and bounds.

Earlier we saw content which was mostly English-oriented but at present we have so much more to view. The diversity of the country is being captured well. What more? The apps have made it all the more easily accessible and these trends are shifting in the favour of India due to its sheer population.

As far the digital media landscape is concerned, what can students explore?

There is a lot happening! The buzz is how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will support different forms of digital content. Surely, there is an upside and downside to things but it may be wise for these learners to have a perspective on what is correct and incorrect information.

In my view, long-form digital content will be much appreciated and the value of human-driven content will go up. In the future, there will be appreciation for creative individuals too. Besides, most of the content may be premium-based.

Right now, every business function is trying to learn AI better and implement it in their existing systems. So, I think AI can help human beings improve. But we need to know how to utilise it and maintain originality at the same time. Human intervention must remain the basis of it. This period of transition is critical to how we progress in the coming years.

How were school years with Apeejay, Panchsheel Park?

I had a great time at the institution. My experience there is very much the foundation of where I am today. I started recognising my strengths in the school, especially in the last couple of years. The educators were extremely supportive and encouraged me to participate in as many extra-curricular activities. Moreover, being a part of the Prefectorial Board was the beginning of instilling leadership qualities in me. The school worked on my overall personality development as well. So, I am extremely grateful to Apeejay, my friendships from the school have lasted till today, and it has been about 25 years!