News roundup: Experts warn AI not a ‘silver bullet’ for Philippine companies, and other stories

For PropertyGuru’s real estate news roundup, experts warn that AI is not a “silver bullet” for Philippine companies. In other headlines, Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) approved the Master Plan for Land Use Planning for Food Source Areas, aimed at reducing dependence on imported food products. And explore the different passive design techniques and strategies that leverage bioclimatic architecture.

AI not a ‘silver bullet’ for Philippine companies — experts

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no “silver bullet” for companies and integrating tools powered by the technology into their operations should be done strategically and responsibly, experts said.

AI-driven Software as a service (SaaS) companies and data technology firms said during SaaScon PH 2024 held by Sprout Solutions last 17th April, that Philippine companies must manage their expectations about AI tools.

“We need to scale back [our] expectations because a lot of people are coming from [thinking] ChatGPT is a silver bullet. But we have to be responsible in educating about AI,” Thinking Machines Data Science Enterprise Solutions Engineering and Gen AI Solutions Lead Kyle Patrick Bartido said. Security, cost, privacy, and trust are their clients’ main concerns about using AI. “There should be a way for a human to override an AI decision or AI’s reputation and also give it some feedback for training,” Mr. Bartido said, according to BusinessWorld.

Symph Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder Dave Overton likewise noted that incorporating AI models will not solve everything as these tools have limitations.

BlastAsia, Inc., Steer, & Xamun CEO and Co-Founder Arup Maity noted that AI costs can be high and come with no promise of return and even the risk of billions in losses. “Will it even be worth it in terms of the Philippine cost setting?,” Mr. Maity asked.

Malaysia’s land use planning for food source areas master plan approved – KPKT

The National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) today approved the main policy related to urban and rural planning, namely the Master Plan for Land Use Planning for Food Source Areas, aimed at reducing dependence on imported food products.

Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), in a statement, said the master plan is one of the intervention measures that also seeks to enhance the country’s self-reliance in terms of food supply.

“The master plan proposes four thrusts, 20 strategies, 48 actions, and 102 initiatives to be implemented by all stakeholders, especially the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and its agencies as well as state authorities,” read the statement as reported by Bernama.

Passive design: Bioclimatic architecture

Passive design today represents one of the most effective responses to sustainability challenges in the building sector. Passive design focuses on using natural conditions to maintain a comfortable indoor environment without excessively relying on mechanical systems. In contrast, active design uses technologies and mechanical systems to control the indoor environment through advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) and other forms of technology. By leveraging bioclimatic architectural strategies, passive design minimizes the environmental impact of buildings while naturally providing optimal comfort to its occupants. According to a study by the Passive House Institute, buildings with passive design can consume up to 75 percent less energy than standard new constructions.

Green Building Consulting & Engineering explores different passive design techniques and strategies, including passive solar design, integration of natural ventilation, the importance of thermal mass and insulation, and finally landscaping and outdoor spaces.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].