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| September-October. 2025

▶ Artificial Intelligence isn ' t just boosting operational performance- it ' s also enabling companies to lead on Environmental, Social, and Governance( ESG) fronts

▶ From reducing emissions and monitoring safety to enhancing DEI and automating ESG reporting, AI transforms ESG from a compliance burden into a strategic advantage

▶ With national goals such as carbon neutrality by 2050 and mandatory ESG reporting starting in 2025, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to become a regional pioneer

BY AKHIL GUPTA

The writer is the Group CEO of Total IT Global, a conglomerate specialising in IT infrastructure, AI, and talent solutions. With 25 years of experience leading businesses in these sectors, he actively participates in industry associations and government-backed initiatives focused on driving digital transformation.

Across every industry and boardroom, AI has emerged as the most potent force since the internet revolution- not just as a tool, but as a transformational engine. It ' s driving profits, reshaping strategies, and redefining leadership.

But the true AI advantage goes beyond speed, automation, or even innovation. At its core, AI is a twin-turbo engine- one that propels financial growth and advances Environmental, Social, and Governance( ESG) outcomes.

In an age where investors demand performance and society demands purpose, AI isn ' t just a competitive edge- it ' s a leadership imperative.

The question is no longer if you should embrace AI. It ' s how fast you can harness its dual power- to lead the market and change the world.

In boardrooms and on stock exchanges, a seismic shift is underway. It ' s a change driven not just by market volatility or consumer trends, but by a technology so foundational it ' s reshaping our world. Artificial Intelligence is no longer the stuff of science fiction. It is the single most powerful strategic tool available to businesses today.

But its true potential isn ' t just about making things faster or cheaper. The real " AI Advantage " lies in its unique ability to function as a potent " Dual Engine," simultaneously turbo-charging financial performance while accelerating leadership in the critical domains of Environmental, Social, and Governance( ESG).

The numbers alone are staggering. Forecasters predict AI could inject up to US $ 15.7 trillion into the global economy by 2030. This isn ' t some far-off fantasy; it ' s happening now. According to the latest reports, the adoption of AI in business functions increased to 78 per cent in 2024, a significant leap from 55 per cent the previous year.

An overwhelming nine per cent of companies plan to increase their AI investment in the coming years. Why? Because 75 per cent of CEOs believe it is the key to gaining a competitive advantage.

This isn ' t just about a new software upgrade. It ' s a fundamental belief in AI ' s power to deliver tangible, world-changing outcomes. For leaders, the question is no longer whether they should adopt AI; instead, it is how they can harness its dual power to win in the market and lead on the world stage.

ENGINE 1: SUPERCHARGING BUSI- NESS PERFORMANCE

The first engine of the AI advantage focuses on enhancing traditional metrics of corporate success, including efficiency, productivity, and growth. At its core, AI is a master of automation, capable of handling repetitive tasks that consume valuable human hours. The impact is direct and measurable. On average, AI saves employees 2.5 hours per day, freeing them to focus on strategic, creative, and high-value work.

This efficiency translates directly into financial returns. Recent studies suggest that for every dollar invested in generative AI, organisations are seeing an average return of more than US $ 3.50.

As per some survey reports, nearly half( 49 per cent) of companies using AI in their service operations have reported significant cost reductions. By automating processes, AI not only reduces costs but also minimises human error, resulting in higher-quality work, less waste, and improved compliance. In essence, it is a fundamental streamlining of a business ' s entire operational backbone.

GROWTH AND INNOVATION

Beyond just optimising what already exists, AI is a powerful catalyst for growth. It is revolutionising the customer experience( CX) through hyper-personalisation, a strategy now employed by more than 50 per cent of businesses using AI for customer service. This focus pays dividends; retailers using AI-powered chatbots have seen conversion rates increase by up to 15 per cent.

AI ' s ability to analyse immense datasets uncovers new market opportunities that would be invisible to the human eye, contributing to a market projected to swell to over US $ 3.6 trillion by 2034. It is also dramatically accelerating research and development( R & D).

Crucially, AI enables leaders to make more informed, data-driven decisions. It is believed that companies using AI to refine their Key Performance Indicators