We recently had the privilege of interviewing Vipul Singhal, Intelligent Automation Leader in the UAE. With over 12 years of expertise, Vipul is widely recognized in this field as he manages a diverse suite of products related to robotics, document processing, workflow automation, etc. With a perfect blend of innovation and quality, Vipul Singhal coaches and leads an agile team, prepares RFPs and RFQs, conducts discovery workshops, and oversees the implementation and delivery of solutions, ensuring enhanced customer experience.
Vipul played a vital role in uplifting the organization and establishing it in its current position. In this interview, the IA Leader shares his profound insights on the scope of this industry, the performance of the Middle East, and principles to be considered by leaders while offering invaluable lessons for aspiring professionals in this sector.
Spark Behind Joining The Field
We started the interview by asking, “What interests you in choosing your career in Intelligent Automation?”
Vipul Singhal responds, “Intelligent automation is a seamless fusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technologies to perform tasks, make decisions, and learn from data without human intervention. I love to see things moving on their own with sensible logic.
This revolutionary combination has given rise to various technologies, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision, among others. All these technologies are equally exciting as they sound and keep the rhythm alive for any technology professional worldwide.”
Expanding The Reach
We were curious to learn about this industry’s scope and how Vipul Singhal plans to shape his organization, unlocking its vast potential. So, we asked, “What does the scope of Intelligent Automation look like in the Middle East Market?”
Vipul Singhal shares, “The Middle East has long been known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and thriving economies. In recent years, the Middle East has been on the cusp of a technological revolution, and one of the most significant drivers of this change is intelligent automation.
The integration of AI and automation technologies has been rapidly transforming industries, government services, and businesses across the Middle East, creating efficiency, cost savings, and a more sustainable and competitive future.”
We further asked, “Can you share some examples of the same?”
Vipul Singhal shared, “The region is rapidly adapting to the changing technological landscape, embracing the potential of AI and automation for a more prosperous and sustainable future. To be honest, there are many examples to share, but let me share some of my favorites.
The Middle East market encompasses diverse sectors where intelligent automation enhances operational efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and processes. For instance, in the oil and gas industry, AI-driven predictive maintenance minimizes downtime and reduces costs by identifying and addressing equipment issues before they cause major problems. And, in healthcare, AI-powered diagnostic apps enhance patient care by providing quicker and more accurate diagnoses by understanding your body’s current state.”
Vipul Singhal added, “With intelligent automation, companies across the Middle East can enhance the customer experience by deploying Chatbots and virtual assistants to provide quick and efficient customer support in various languages, highlighting a customer-centric approach. Today, these innovations are not only streamlined but also reduce risks and enhance the security of financial transactions.
Another best thing is the adoption of IA by the Government to improve public services and be a role model. One of the leading initiatives is the launch of “Dubai 10X” to position the city ten years ahead of the world. Moreover, AI is revolutionizing how you teach and manage students, creating a more efficient education ecosystem.”
Exceptional Performance
To learn more about how the Middle East is showing an outstanding performance in IA compared to the other top economies around the world, we asked, “How is the Middle East performing better as compared to the US and Canada in terms of Intelligent Automation?”
Vipul Singhal passionately asserts, “I would say the performance of each region depends on various factors, including economic conditions, technology adoption, government policies, and industry-specific needs. There are still a few factors that have influenced the Middle East’s progress in intelligent automation compared to the US and Canada.
Middle Eastern countries, notably the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have been making significant investments in technology and innovation to promote intelligent automation and digital transformation in both the public and private sectors. The Governments in the Middle East are adopting several ambitious programs to accelerate digital transformation, like Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030”, the UAE’s national initiative “NextGenFDI”, and the “Smart Dubai” of Dubai.
Some sectors in the Middle East, such as real estate, banking, oil and gas, are investing heavily in automation to improve operational efficiency, along with proactively adopting AI and automation in healthcare and leisure sectors.”
Vipul Singhal continued, “Historically, the US and Canada have been leaders in technology and innovation, with strong ecosystems for their startups and tech companies. I would say that the Middle East is now coming to speed with its new digital transformation agendas and strategies that emphasize the adoption of technology and automation as much as possible.”
Adoption Of The Right Principles
Leading this industry requires the adoption and implementation of the right strategies and practices. So, we asked, “Can you suggest a few key considerations that all Intelligent Automation Leaders should keep in mind while managing their COE?”
Vipul Singhal responds, “As one, I believe IA leaders play a pivotal role in the digital transformation journey for their organizations through the adoption and implementation of automation technologies. They must have:
- initiatives efficiently aligned with the overall business strategy.
- courage to enforce change management and workforce transformation.
- preference given to ethical practices and responsible AI.
- measurable business outcomes and ROI..
In essence, being an IA leader requires a clear strategy, adopting the right changes in the workforce, maintaining strong customer relations, while establishing a clear framework to measure success and ROI of automation projects.”
Words Of Wisdom For Beginners, we asked Vipul Singhal
We ended the interview by asking, “What’s in for youth and what are the key parameters Fresh college graduates should keep in mind while aiming for a career in Intelligent Automation?”
Vipul Singhal responds, “I think intelligent automation offers exciting opportunities for young professionals and fresh college graduates in the Middle East and around the world. This field provides diverse growth and job opportunities, and fresh graduates can find their ideal position in sectors such as IT, finance, healthcare, education, real estate, entertainment, and many more. The growth potential is substantial.
Besides that, my friends in high schools and universities should be prepared to engage in lifelong learning if they choose this domain, as it will be vital to remain competitive in the job market.”
Vipul Singhal added, “Having a multidisciplinary skill set is highly advantageous for our young leaders, as developing an in-depth understanding of both technical and business aspects is crucial. To create a highly valuable and attractive profile, skills in data analysis, programming, and domain knowledge are paramount for this industry, while for on-the-floor experience, internships and projects are the perfect match.
Intelligent automation is often about solving complex business problems and optimizing processes. Candidates developing a strong problem-solving mindset will always set apart and grab the opportunities much faster. Be open to experimentation.”
Connect with Vipul Singhal on LinkedIn.
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