I’ve been concerned for some time now about the pace of global change. This pace continues to accelerate and, frankly, under the general human radar, confronting humanity with unprecedented challenges. So how do we manage what we don’t know?
My simple answer is to continue to dig, research, engage, and have significant persistence to connect the dots.
I continue searching answers as the majority of humanity sleepwalks to its fate. Many ask me why I invest time, energy, and resources in this task, and my only answer is that it is my genes that guide me and primarily my fate. Seated by and gazing at the powerful flow of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, I had a feeling of serenity engulfed by the river’s ceaseless ongoing in all directions. My thoughts took me to the eight developments seriously underway, to which we are not paying enough attention to the impact. I feel we are at the stage Alvin Toffler described in his book Future Shock back in 1970, when the idea of a smart cell phone was bubbling under the surface but had yet to emerge, and how that instrument has impacted human beings across the globe. The eight underway developments I have recognized are, in no specific order:
Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Cloning Fact versus Fiction Humanoid robots Autonomous Intelligence Space Quantum ComputingIn a general sense, everyone believes that they understand “AI”. That it may take some jobs away, accelerate efficiency, reduce costs, etc. But there is a much more sinister aspect of AI that has already been reached, which is still not in the public domain. Insofar as “biotech” is concerned, all you have to do is research Jennifer Doudna, an American biochemist who pioneered CRISPR gene editing and a 2020 Nobel Prize winner who can alter the genes of human beings.
Tiffany Vora on the other hand, has immense knowledge of the microbiome, space biology, the impact of viruses that are significantly worse than COVID and biohacking, which can be devastating. As for cloning, advances in this field remain largely undercover to date. However, circumstances allowed me to experience what a friend has done and how a clone is not only physically the same but has the same character. Over 15 years ago, I wrote about the threat of being incapable of differentiating fact from fiction. Just as I wrote before about the need to authenticate the use of the internet. Both to avoid the damaging use of fiction dressed in real facts.
The faking of voice and physical imaging have reached a stage of serious danger and complexity which will only become more difficult to see through. Last month at a board meeting, there were nine human beings and one humanoid robot (a machine with an appearance, form, and characteristics that resemble a human being) that was six feet tall and quite dominating in a polite way. It corrected facts, brought forward research and global statistics, provided background, and took notes.
I say no more to the impact of this humanoid presence. It is a fact that autonomous intelligence is already with us, and its system can set goals, make decisions, and take action without human supervision. Unlike traditional generative AI, which suggests or creates content, autonomous intelligence can execute multi-step tasks on its own.
It has already reached levels of learning, reasoning, and independent action.
Today, autonomous intelligence is used by the military in many areas, such as selecting targets for bombing, global markets, trading in milliseconds, etc. Space is a frontier we are already a part of in a big way, but which is still not generally recognized. It has significant roles to play in communication, transportation, the military, and much more.
Recognition and regulation of space is a dream that is still far away. Quantum computing is the one development that, when it emerges, will impact the other seven underway developments in a big way, as well as turn upside down all the ongoing activity in cyber, privacy, blockchain, security, crypto, and much more. Having outlined the eight underway developments as I was gazing at the river, I paused, wondering about their impact in today’s world, where the old order that emerged after World War II has disappeared but no new order has emerged, and we live under constant chaos. A sharp knock on the door of my room in the Four Seasons brought my thoughts back to Bangkok. It was three close friends who were coming for a coffee before we went to dinner: Steve Tan is a professor of computer science living and teaching in Singapore. Young, active, and a global traveler. Jacqueline Cavory, an entrepreneur and very successful businesswoman and investor in global companies in Asia, Europe, and the US. Larry O’Callaghan, an Irish American who over the years has innovated, created, and patented multiple manufacturing processes in the aerospace, transportation, and industrial sectors. After ordering coffee and exchanging pleasantries since we had not met in person since 2023, we discussed the state of the world.
Globalization, fragmentation, multilateralism, multipolarity, international security architecture, up to 50 global conflicts, lack of effective global institutions and law, disappearance of soft power and moral compass as well as significant global income inequality and corruption. The conversation got heated at times but was always constructive. Larry remained positive that such challenges would find processes to resolve them. Jacqueline was convinced that this volatility galore was useful for business opportunities but harmful for humanity at large.
Steve, quite cautious, remained worried about any black swan episodes.
We all agreed that the world was moving towards a clear differentiation. Winners, Navigators (middle powers), and Losers. The winner, in spite of all its issues, was America at the top (see my article titled ‘The Lamborghini Theory’), followed by China. The navigators are the middle powers in their regions that will navigate at a cost as these challenges manifest themselves.
These include Russia, India, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Singapore, and others. The losers we decided not to name. We also agreed that global instability will continue and increase, there will be higher governmental intervention in economics, a less benign environment, no more free markets, anemic growth and economic fragmentation, but no World War III. Jacqueline looked at her watch and declared she was hungry. It was eight pm, and our booking was at 7:30 pm at an Italian restaurant.
We got up and exited towards the elevators. As we were walking down the corridor to the elevators, Jacqueline, Steve, and Larry were discussing their flights tomorrow and their different destinations. I was thinking that human beings have been given everything on this earth. Yet, frankly, we have failed to make this world better for all of us.
Thus, I thought, a future shock awaits us as machines may emerge and become a major player in our world.
That is why I am convinced business and governments must work together seriously to wake up to this reality before our sleepwalking has us facing this development unprepared.
About the author
M. Shafik Gabr is a renowned leader in international business, innovation, investment and one of the world’s premier collectors of Orientalist art, and an accomplished philanthropist.
During his career, Gabr established over 25 companies plus three investment holding companies including ARTOC Group for Investment and Development which, established in 1971, is a multi-disciplined investment holding company with businesses in infrastructure, automotive, engineering, construction and real estate, over the past three years focusing on investment in technology and artificial intelligence.
Gabr is the Chairman and a founding member of Egypt’s International Economic Forum, a member of the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum, a Board Member of Stanhope Capital, an International Chairman of the Sadat Congressional Gold Medal Committee, and a Member of the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum.
Gabr is a Member of the Metropolitan Museum’s International Council and serves on the Advisory Board of the Center for Financial Stability, the Advisory Board of The Middle East Institute, and the Global Advisory Council of the Mayo Clinic.
Through the Shafik Gabr Social Development Foundation, Gabr is helping to improve elementary-school education in Egypt, introducing students to arts and culture and promoting sports and physical fitness for youth. The Foundation has its first Medical and Social Development Center in Mokattam, Cairo, offering free medical and health services.
In 2012 Gabr established in the US the Shafik Gabr Foundation which supports educational and medical initiatives plus launched in November 2012 the ‘East-West: The Art of Dialogue initiative promoting exchanges between the US and Egypt with the purpose of cultural dialogue and bridge-building.
Gabr holds a BA in Economics and Management from the American University in Cairo and an MA in Economics from the University of London.
Tomorrow is here Egypt Independent.
Hence then, the article about tomorrow is here was published today ( ) and is available on EGYPT INDEPENDENT ( Egypt ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Tomorrow is here )
Also on site :
- The rise of ‘conspicuous waiting’: The 19th-century economic theory that explains why Gen Z posts their place in line
- Oscar Mayer Turned a Viral TikTok Trend Into a Real Cake for the Wienermobile's 90th—Here's How to Get It
- PHH, BYAH Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Park Ha Biological Technology Co., Ltd. Securities Lawsuit