APAC CIOOutlook

Advertise

with us

  • Technologies
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Big Data
      • Blockchain
      • Cloud
      • Digital Transformation
      • Internet of Things
      • Low Code No Code
      • MarTech
      • Mobile Application
      • Security
      • Software Testing
      • Wireless
  • Industries
      • E-Commerce
      • Education
      • Logistics
      • Retail
      • Supply Chain
      • Travel and Hospitality
  • Platforms
      • Microsoft
      • Salesforce
      • SAP
  • Solutions
      • Business Intelligence
      • Cognitive
      • Contact Center
      • CRM
      • Cyber Security
      • Data Center
      • Gamification
      • Procurement
      • Smart City
      • Workflow
  • Home
  • CXO Insights
  • CIO Views
  • Vendors
  • News
  • Conferences
  • Whitepapers
  • Newsletter
  • Awards
Apac
  • Artificial Intelligence

    Big Data

    Blockchain

    Cloud

    Digital Transformation

    Internet of Things

    Low Code No Code

    MarTech

    Mobile Application

    Security

    Software Testing

    Wireless

  • E-Commerce

    Education

    Logistics

    Retail

    Supply Chain

    Travel and Hospitality

  • Microsoft

    Salesforce

    SAP

  • Business Intelligence

    Cognitive

    Contact Center

    CRM

    Cyber Security

    Data Center

    Gamification

    Procurement

    Smart City

    Workflow

Menu
    • Sales Tech
    • Cyber Security
    • Hotel Management
    • Workflow
    • E-Commerce
    • Business Intelligence
    • MORE
    #

    Apac CIOOutlook Weekly Brief

    ×

    Be first to read the latest tech news, Industry Leader's Insights, and CIO interviews of medium and large enterprises exclusively from Apac CIOOutlook

    Subscribe

    loading

    THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING

    • Home
    Editor's Pick (1 - 4 of 8)
    left
    Rethinking Agility with Hybrid Ways of Working

    Jenny Shiers, VP, Employee Success at Salesforce

    Evolution of our MarTech Economy Part One - Our Markets Leading Us

    Jethro Grainger-Marsh, Head of Digital, Marketing, and National Sales - APAC, Alsco Australia

    How the World's Top Employers Use Digital Storytelling to Build Their Employer Brand

    Rachele Focardi, Chief Strategy Officer - APAC, Universum, Intergenerational Strategist

    Alex Meyer, Chief Marketing Officer, The Iconic

    The Evolution of MarTech

    Christophe Eymery, Head of Digital Marketing, SEEK

    How AI-driven Consumer Insights can Support Faster and Better Business Growth in the Food & Beverage Industry

    Parth Patel, VP Marketing and Strategic Planning, Kerry [LON: KYGA]

    Sales Tech And The Digital Marketing Landscape

    Jason Wong, Managing Director, MWI Asia

    Authenticity in the Social Media Advertising World

    Marta Buryan, Social Media Analyst, Socialbakers

    right

    AI is a Critical Step in Quest to Humanize Customer Service

    Haymans Fung, CMO, Sun Life Hong Kong

    Tweet
    content-image

    Haymans Fung, CMO, Sun Life Hong Kong

    Ask someone to think about AI, the first image that many people conjure is machines taking over the world. There is a fear and underlying insecurity that we humans will one day be rendered irrelevant and immaterial by machines of superior intelligence.

    One million people in Hong Kong could lose their job to AI over the next 20 years, noted a recent study by The One Country Two Systems Research Institute. The report estimates around 28 percent of the total of 3.7 million jobs in Hong Kong are vulnerable to automation.

    Hence there is a backlash against AI, robotics, and the unstoppable trend of automation. While technologies like chatbots, voice assistants, and AI-powered apps promise massive time savings and new levels of productivity and efficiency, people still argue how humans prefer human interaction over say a chatbot.

    But hold that thought. Ask most people on the street if they prefer talking to a human or a chatbot – most will invariably reply a human. The point to hammer home here is that chatbots, AI and voice assistants like Siri and Alexa are here to replace humans. They are designed to assist, to support and enhance our capabilities and our lives.

    Painful voice and web experiences

    In the past, we’ve had automated voice recognition systems that test the patience of a saint. While on websites there’s the usual link to the extensive but un-navigable FAQ. There are times I’ve lost the will to click and want to ask a human. While at other times I’m quite happy finding my answers in my own time. To go human or bot? It all depends on the context, on the specific situation and also on the individual’s preference. Currently, there’s still disconnect for many marketers when trying to automate basic tasks but also provide that high-touch customized and more human experience.

    Enter conversational AI and a company called AutoMat that provides natural language processing with machine-learning algorithms to create conversational marketing tools such as intelligent chatbots. During a recent trip to Montreal, I had the opportunity to meet and experience several AI technologies at work. Instead of being bombarded with discount or ‘special offer’ banners and animated Gif images on your Facebook or your mobile browser, imagine being asked: “how’s your day?” or “what’s top of your to-do list?” As I interacted with one chatbot demo, conversations began and at the same time a journey of discovery. For the bot, it was trying to figure my age, my skin type, my preferences, while for me, I was intrigued by where this conversation was leading.

    By Creating this More Natural and Humanized Interface by Combining Conversational AI, Bots, and Humans, Customers are More at Ease and More Trusting in the Process

    Through this fleeting conversation, I was able to do a complete remote skin diagnostic and analysis which the chatbot used to then recommend products to best suit my specific needs. Companies such as global cosmetic brands are using such platforms to create end-to-end engagement journeys on Facebook Messenger or their website right through to the point of sale. A customer can get his or her custom skincare treatments from the comfort of the home or while on the move.

    Humanizing insurance

    This replication of human interaction was surprisingly engaging, and my first thought was how this could be applicable across a number of customer marketing scenarios.

    One of the biggest challenges with insurance and similar financial services is the trust issue but also that fear factor that many people have with financial products. On one hand, they may not possess the knowledge but refuse to admit it to anyone. While also many detest being badgered by a pushy sales agent. Conversational AI is the ideal glue to bring these parties closer together.

    Why not provide more intelligent self-service ways like a chatbot to help customer research, answer queries, and develop an understanding and a profile. Given the complexity of financial products, a customer will, at some point need to talk to a human to get more specific insight and information. But that point of handover from bot to human is completely down to the customer.

    This non-invasive, conversational engagement lowers the barrier to connect to customers while giving the individual complete control over what information to seek, share, and act on.

    This example highlights the different roles that bots and humans can undertake in the future customer journey. AI and bots can give customers intelligent and customized access to the exact information they want, and they can ask questions and query at their will, anywhere and anytime. The data is captured and can be picked up again if the conversation stops and starts. If needed, a human agent can join, see all the relevant data and take the conversation further to eventually conduct the transaction.

    It’s worth noting that 77 percent of Hong Kong consumers prefer humans offering financial and wealth advice rather than robo-advisors. This according to the recent study -- Artificial Intelligence in Asia: Trust, Understanding and the Opportunity to Re-Skill, conducted by YouGov, commissioned by Sales force.

    By creating this more natural and humanized interface by combining conversational AI, bots, and humans, customers are more at ease and more trusting in the process.

    It is clear that people on the street today harbor an inherent fear of AI as they envisage algorithms and robots taking over the world. But by allowing machines to take over the more mundane or predictable tasks, people can actually do more. Time is freed to give people greater capacity for higher value tasks or more meaningful actions such as building genuine emotional connections with customers or tackling complex decisions and problems. Rather than be seen as a threat, AI could be seen as a savior when you imagine how it could provide all of us with the simple pleasure of more downtime.

    Ironically it is AI, if used correctly that could unlock the challenge to make customer service more engaging and ultimately more human.

    tag

    Financial

    Point of sale

    Voice Recognition

    Weekly Brief

    loading
    Top 10 Sales Tech Consulting/Service Companies - 2019
    ON THE DECK

    Sales Tech 2019

    I agree We use cookies on this website to enhance your user experience. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. More info

    Read Also

    Cultivating a Sustainable Future through Collaboration

    Cultivating a Sustainable Future through Collaboration

    Jiunn Shih, Chief Marketing, Innovation & Sustainability Officer, Zespri International
    Mastering Digital Marketing Strategies

    Mastering Digital Marketing Strategies

    Tasya Aulia, Director of Marketing and Communications, Meliá Hotels International
    Building a Strong Collaborative Framework for Artificial Intelligence

    Building a Strong Collaborative Framework for Artificial Intelligence

    Boon Siew Han, Regional Head of Humanoid Component Business & R&D (Apac & Greater China), Schaeffler
    From Legacy to Agility Through Digital Transformation

    From Legacy to Agility Through Digital Transformation

    Athikom Kanchanavibhu, EVP, Digital & Technology Transformation, Mitr Phol Group
    Change Management for Clinical Ancillary Teams: Aligning Practice with Policy and Progress

    Change Management for Clinical Ancillary Teams: Aligning Practice with Policy and Progress

    Ts. Dr. James Chong, Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Asia Hospital – Tebrau
    Digital Transformation: A Journey Beyond Technology

    Digital Transformation: A Journey Beyond Technology

    John Ang, Group CTO, EtonHouse International Education Group
    Building A Strong Data Foundation: The Key To Successful Ai Integration In Business

    Building A Strong Data Foundation: The Key To Successful Ai Integration In Business

    Richa Arora, Senior Director Of Data Governance, Cbre
    Transforming Tollways Through People, Data and Digital Vision

    Transforming Tollways Through People, Data and Digital Vision

    Carlo Cagalingan, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation
    Loading...
    Copyright © 2025 APAC CIOOutlook. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy and Anti Spam Policy 

    Home |  CXO Insights |   Whitepapers |   Subscribe |   Conferences |   Sitemaps |   About us |   Advertise with us |   Editorial Policy |   Feedback Policy |  

    follow on linkedinfollow on twitter follow on rss
    This content is copyright protected

    However, if you would like to share the information in this article, you may use the link below:

    https://sales-tech.apacciooutlook.com/cxoinsights/ai-is-a-critical-step-in-quest-to-humanize-customer-service-nwid-7274.html