Heard the buzz about AI agents? Thinking of using them for your business in Singapore? Many are, but are they really the game-changer everyone’s talking about? Turns out, the reality might be different from the hype, especially for Singaporean businesses.
Reddit Insights
- AI Agents Aren’t Ready Yet: Many Singaporean Redditors agree that fully autonomous AI agents aren’t quite there yet. Instead, focusing on specific, automated workflows is more effective. As one user put it, “Agents aren’t ready yet.”
- Workflow Automation is Key: The real value lies in automating workflows, not just implementing AI for the sake of it. Most problems can be solved with a well-designed pipeline, not necessarily complex AI. One Redditor pointed out that “80% of such workflows do not need AI, just a well thought pipeline.”
- Specificity Over Generality: Businesses in Singapore are finding more success with specific, vertical solutions rather than broad, horizontal AI agents. Instead of trying to do everything, focus on solving one particular problem well.
- Consultancy and Custom Solutions: Many are making money by offering consultancy services, figuring out business problems, and then building custom, automated solutions using AI. It’s about understanding specific needs first, then applying the right tech.
- Courses vs. Real Solutions: Some Redditors point out that many people are making more money selling courses about AI agents rather than building and selling actual, working solutions. Be wary of the hype and focus on real-world applications.
SG Context: What It Means For You
For Singaporean businesses, this means focusing on practical solutions rather than chasing the latest AI buzzword. Think about how you can automate repetitive tasks or optimize your existing processes. The Singapore government is also pushing for digitalization, so exploring workflow automation can also help you take advantage of available grants and initiatives. Consider attending local tech events and workshops to learn more about these practical applications. For example, the SME Digitalisation Programme offers support for businesses looking to implement digital solutions.
Singaporean Experiences on Reddit
Many Singaporeans are sharing their experiences with AI automation on Reddit. Here are a few perspectives:
I paid around 500 usd to develop an automation for my company – developer took less than 24h to make it for me, saves us time in a big way.
Narrow-Band-2878
This shows how specific automations can be implemented quickly and provide immediate value.
We have an agent that helps developers in construction with pricing comparison which is location agnostic. We are still in closed beta and have made a token since we deployed the agent.
Long_Complex_4395
This highlights the importance of building solutions with domain expertise, focusing on real use cases, and partnering with people who know the industry.
Selling AI agents always raises people eyebrows. But businesses are super interested in building systems that utilise LLM‘s – just got to be specific about the problem you are solving rather than selling agents
BerlinCitizen
This reflects the common sentiment that businesses are more interested in solving specific problems rather than buying into the hype of AI agents.
Your Practical Action Plan for Singaporeans
So, what should you do if you’re a Singaporean business owner or professional looking to leverage AI?
- Identify Pain Points: Don’t start with AI. Start by identifying your biggest bottlenecks and repetitive tasks. What’s costing you time and money?
- Focus on Automation: Explore ways to automate these processes using existing tools and technologies. This may be simpler and more cost-effective than a full-blown AI solution.
- Seek Specific Solutions: If you do need AI, look for solutions that address your specific needs. Avoid general-purpose AI agents that try to do everything.
- Partner with Experts: Consider working with consultants or developers who have experience in workflow automation and AI.
- Start Small, Scale Later: Don’t try to overhaul your entire business with AI at once. Start with a small project and scale up as you see results.
In short, don’t get caught up in the AI hype. Focus on solving real problems with practical solutions. That’s the key to success in Singapore’s competitive business landscape.