Professor Geoffrey Hinton and the Impact of AI on the Future of Work

By Kevin Shepherdson, Founder & CEO, Straits Interactive

Earlier this year, Professor Geoffrey Hinton, known as the "Godfather of AI," was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, alongside American scientist John Hopfield, for their pioneering work on neural networks and machine learning. This prestigious recognition underscores the profound contributions of these scientists to the field of artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that has transformed industries and reshaped how we live and work.

During the Nobel Prize press conference, Hinton remarked, "We have no experience of what it's like to have things smarter than us." This statement is a stark reminder of the complexity and potential risks associated with AI.

At SMU Academy, we’ve been offering courses for working professionals under the banner of our Advanced Certificate in Gen AI, Ethics, and Data Protection, as well as AI Governance programmes. Through these courses, we explore how AI is driving digital transformation—particularly generative AI (Gen AI). However, many of us remain unaware of the broader implications of having “things smarter than us.” It’s not just about AI’s value; the associated risks and constraints must also be considered.

Reflecting on what Hinton said, "It's going to be wonderful in many respects... but we also have to worry about a number of possible bad consequences. Particularly the threat of these things getting out of control."—I would like to share some observations about the potential impact of AI.

Impact of AI on Creative and Physical Jobs

Hinton's work has spurred both excitement and concern regarding the future of work. He has warned that up to 50% of jobs could be replaced by AI within the next decade. Given his deep understanding of the technology, this prediction cannot be taken lightly.

Creative Jobs:

1. Automation in Creative Industries: The UK’s creative sector has grown substantially, with 2.4 million jobs in 2022—a 14.1% rise since 2019. Yet, studies suggest that up to 26% of tasks in arts and design could be automated, potentially impacting 23,800 jobs in the US alone.

2. Generative Tools: AI tools like ChatGPT, Sora, Suno and MidJourney are producing high-quality creative content at unprecedented speed. While these tools can craft compelling stories, music, and video, it remains unclear whether human creativity will continue to hold the same value when AI can generate similar results in a fraction of the time and cost.

Physical Jobs:

1. Automation in Manufacturing and Logistics: Physical jobs in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics are particularly vulnerable to automation. Routine tasks are easier to automate, meaning many jobs in these sectors could be drastically affected by AI.

2. AI in Software Development: AI tools are revolutionizing software development. Tools like GitHub Co-pilot and OpenAI Codex have enhanced productivity, with AI generating 41% of the code on GitHub.

Concerns and Controversies

Hinton’s warnings about AI’s impact on jobs are both thought-provoking and alarming. While AI can drive productivity and wealth creation, if that wealth is not distributed equitably, it may exacerbate social problems like income inequality. Hinton has advocated for Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential solution to mitigate the consequences of job loss. However, he recognises that UBI alone cannot address the need for human fulfillment and the sense of self-worth that many derive from work.

Jobs That Will Survive AI

Not all jobs are equally susceptible to automation. Roles that require uniquely human traits—such as empathy, creativity, and complex decision-making—are less likely to be replaced by AI. Jobs in healthcare, education, and creative fields like art and music are expected to continue thriving because they rely on human judgment, emotional intelligence, and originality.

New Roles Emerging in AI

AI is not only replacing jobs but also creating new opportunities. According to Gartner, by 2030, over 375 million new AI-related jobs will emerge. These roles will focus on improving AI, monitoring its decisions, and ensuring its ethical use across industries.

Professor Hinton’s Nobel Prize is a testament to his groundbreaking contributions to AI, but it also serves as a reminder of the significant challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. AI has the potential to automate routine tasks and boost productivity, yet it raises concerns about job displacement and the future of work.

As society evolves with AI, it’s crucial for business professionals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to continuously upgrade their AI-related skills. It’s not enough to simply adopt popular AI tools like ChatGPT or Co-pilot through free courses offered by tech giants and governments. Organisations must go beyond being passive consumers of these technologies and begin creating value by developing their own AI tools and chatbots to augment their expertise.