Who wears the shoes better? Man or AI?

Fret not, even though AI and robots are all around us, humans are here to stay.

A woman orders a pair of shoes online. Two weeks later, it still hasn’t arrived. Feeling anxious, she logs onto the company’s website to ask for assistance. A chat box pops up.

“Hello, how may I help you today?”

“Hi, I bought a pair of shoes from you two weeks ago, but i have not received it. Please advise,” she types.

“Orders take 3 to 5 business days to reach our customers. Please see our FAQ for more information on shipping details,” the bot replies.

Slightly annoyed, the woman says, “I would like to speak with someone about my order.”

“Our staff are always happy to help our customers. Please see FAQ for our contact details,” replies the bot.

Frustrated, the woman closes the box and searches for information on her own, to find her missing shoes.

When it comes to customer service, the “shoes” that consumers demand of artificial intelligence (AI) might be too big for it to ever fill. A “human” touch to communicate information accurately and directly with consumers is still very much needed, whether in the retail industry or others.

AI is very useful for us. It can help us analyse data to provide evaluative insight, like how financial trading algorithms can buy or sell stocks at a pace impossible for a human broker to match. But that’s the limit of technology.

But without the ability for critical thinking, AI cannot calm angry customers down, nor can it replace our financial advisors. We need humans who can give us objective advice based on their instinct and experience. People who can give us peace of mind that our concerns are being addressed, now. People who can answer our queries with clear and concise explanations, whenever we require their help.

Similarly, financial advisors possess these soft skills which will always give them an edge over the “cold” robots. Soft skills are already important today, and will only become more essential in an AI-rampant world. Humans and people-oriented professions like financial advisors are here to stay.

Just as people can work together with AI to improve and empower lives, Eastspring Investments’ constantly seeks companies that add significant value to an investment portfolio. Find out more Eastspring at www.eastspring.com

How to invest in Eastspring's fund(s)

INNOVATION LIGHTER READS
This document is produced by Eastspring Investments (Singapore) Limited and issued in:

Singapore by Eastspring Investments (Singapore) Limited (UEN: 199407631H)

Australia (for wholesale clients only) by Eastspring Investments (Singapore) Limited (UEN: 199407631H), which is incorporated in Singapore, is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence and is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under Singapore laws which differ from Australian laws

Hong Kong by Eastspring Investments (Hong Kong) Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.

Indonesia by PT Eastspring Investments Indonesia, an investment manager that is licensed, registered and supervised by the Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK).

Malaysia by Eastspring Investments Berhad (200001028634/ 531241-U) and Eastspring Al-Wara’ Investments Berhad (200901017585 / 860682-K).

Thailand by Eastspring Asset Management (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

United States of America (for institutional clients only) by Eastspring Investments (Singapore) Limited (UEN: 199407631H), which is incorporated in Singapore and is registered with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission as a registered investment adviser.

European Economic Area (for professional clients only) and Switzerland (for qualified investors only) by Eastspring Investments (Luxembourg) S.A., 26, Boulevard Royal, 2449 Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés (Luxembourg), Register No B 173737.

United Kingdom (for professional clients only) by Eastspring Investments (Luxembourg) S.A. - UK Branch, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6AF.

Chile (for institutional clients only) by Eastspring Investments (Singapore) Limited (UEN: 199407631H), which is incorporated in Singapore and is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under Singapore laws which differ from Chilean laws.

The afore-mentioned entities are hereinafter collectively referred to as Eastspring Investments.

The views and opinions contained herein are those of the author, and may not necessarily represent views expressed or reflected in other Eastspring Investments’ communications. This document is solely for information purposes and does not have any regard to the specific investment objective, financial situation and/or particular needs of any specific persons who may receive this document. This document is not intended as an offer, a solicitation of offer or a recommendation, to deal in shares of securities or any financial instruments. It may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed without the prior written consent of Eastspring Investments. Reliance upon information in this document is at the sole discretion of the reader. Please carefully study the related information and/or consult your own professional adviser before investing.

Investment involves risks. Past performance of and the predictions, projections, or forecasts on the economy, securities markets or the economic trends of the markets are not necessarily indicative of the future or likely performance of Eastspring Investments or any of the funds managed by Eastspring Investments.

Information herein is believed to be reliable at time of publication. Data from third party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Eastspring Investments has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. Where lawfully permitted, Eastspring Investments does not warrant its completeness or accuracy and is not responsible for error of facts or opinion nor shall be liable for damages arising out of any person’s reliance upon this information. Any opinion or estimate contained in this document may subject to change without notice.

Eastspring Investments companies (excluding joint venture companies) are ultimately wholly owned/indirect subsidiaries of Prudential plc of the United Kingdom. Eastspring Investments companies (including joint venture companies) and Prudential plc are not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc., a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America or with the Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc (a company incorporated in the United Kingdom).