HPU Professor Chong Ho Yu's presentation painted a picture of how AI is changing not only job markets but also entire economies.
HPU Professor and Program Director of Data Science Chong Ho “Alex” Yu, Ph.D., recently shared his insights on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) at the Annual Meeting of the Southern California Chapter of the American Statistical Association. His talk, “Surviving and Professionally Thriving in the Face of AI and Machine Learning,” delved into the challenges and opportunities these technologies bring, especially in data-focused careers.
Yu’s presentation painted a picture of how AI is changing not only job markets but also entire economies. He pointed to a prediction from the World Economic Forum that AI could replace up to 800 million jobs by 2030. But there's a silver lining: it’s also expected to create 133 million new roles. The catch? These new positions often require a fresh set of skills. Yu stressed that this shift calls for adaptability, urging professionals to stay ahead of the curve.
Chong Ho Yu.
To show how AI is already transforming industries, Yu shared some practical examples. Tasks that once required tedious coding, like web scraping, are now handled by AI-driven tools like Diffbot. Platforms such as Tamr and Alteryx are automating time-consuming data cleaning, while AI-powered apps like Tableau Pulse are making real-time data analysis and instant visualizations easier for everyone, even those without a technical background.
Yu also introduced the idea of "creative destruction," a term coined by economist Joseph Schumpeter. He explained how, while some jobs, especially in research and entry-level programming, may be phased out, AI’s rise sparks new opportunities and drives innovation across sectors.
For those looking to thrive in this new era, Yu encouraged professionals and educators to focus less on mastering every new tech tool and more on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
"Adapting to AI isn't just about learning new tech,” Yu said. “It's about rethinking how we approach problems and preparing ourselves to grow in an ever-changing professional world."
