Making the most of 2025: Leverage emerging technology for growth and innovation

Peter Drucker has said that, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” As we begin 2025, the swift progress realised through technology that have unfolded in 2024 offer a unique opportunity for businesses, organisations, and individuals to adapt and thrive. Our world has become more connected, data-driven, and tech-enabled than ever before, and the key to success in the new year lies in utilising these innovations to our advantage. Be it a business leader, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to stay ahead of the curve, understanding the best ways to leverage the technology of today will position you to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Key Trends in Technology from 2024 That Will Shape 2025

AI, Automation and The Rise of Smart Solutions

2024 witnessed AI’s massive leap forward, becoming an integral part of how businesses operate, communicate with customers, and manage internal processes. Technologies like advanced chatbots, machine learning (ML) algorithms for tailored recommendations, and AI-powered content creation (once considered futuristic) are now embedded in everyday business practices. AI’s ability to automate processes, improve personalisation, and transform the workforce has dramatically improved productivity, customer experiences, and operational efficiency. To truly leverage AI in 2025, companies must harness it in these key areas: automation for efficiency (better cash flow), AI for personalisation (more customer satisfaction), and workforce transformation (teams help businesses to win). Below are practical examples and case studies that illustrate how these strategies are already being implemented.

1. Automation for Efficiency Streamlines Operations

How AI Helps: Automation powered by AI allows businesses to streamline routine tasks, reduce errors, and free up employees to focus on more strategic or creative endeavours. From the automation of customer support to data entry, AI takes over time-consuming tasks that would otherwise require human intervention.

ChatGPT – Customer Service Automation OpenAI’s ChatGPT, integrated into platforms like Zendesk, is used by businesses to provide automated customer support. With advanced natural language processing (NLP), ChatGPT can handle a wide range of customer queries, from order tracking to technical support, without the need for human agents. This drastically reduces wait times for customers and allows human agents to focus on more complex issues. Some companies have reported up to 50% reductions in customer service costs after implementing AI-powered chatbots.

2. AI for Personalisation that Enhances Customer Experience

How AI Delivers: AI has the unique ability to analyse vast amounts of customer data in real-time, enabling businesses to offer personalised experiences at scale. Whether it is tailored recommendations in e-commerce, customised email campaigns, or individualised content, AI-driven customisation dramatically improves customer engagement and loyalty.

Netflix – Personalised Content Recommendations Netflix uses machine learning algorithms to analyse users’ viewing history, preferences (based on certain features), and even the time of day they watch content to make highly personalised recommendations. In 2024, Netflix’s AI system recommended content based on a deeper understanding of user behavior, going beyond basic genre or actor preferences. This personalised approach has been a major factor in Netflix’s success, driving higher user engagement and reducing churn. Their AI is also able to predict what kinds of shows or movies might resonate with a viewer, offering them content they are most likely to enjoy.

3. Transformed Workforce As Humans and AI Collaborate

How AI Helps: AI transforms the workforce by automating menial tasks and enabling employees to focus on more creative, strategic, and value-added work. To fully capitalise on AI, businesses must train their employees to work alongside AI systems, enhancing productivity and promoting innovation. This is especially important for roles in data analysis, customer support, and content creation, where AI tools can augment human effort.

IBM Watson – AI-Assisted Healthcare Professionals: In the healthcare industry, IBM Watson has been helping doctors and nurses by offering AI-powered tools that assist in diagnostics and treatment decisions. In 2024, IBM Watson’s AI tools helped medical professionals analyse patient data more effectively, identify potential health risks, and recommend personalised treatments. By automating repetitive tasks like reviewing patient histories, Watson allows healthcare providers to focus more on patient care and complex decision-making. This collaboration between humans and AI makes healthcare more efficient and improves patient outcomes.

How to Leverage AI in 2025

Automate Routine Tasks:

1. Invest in AI solutions that automate repetitive, time-consuming processes. Whether it is AI chatbots for customer service, RPA tools for data entry, or AI-driven marketing automation, businesses should look for areas where AI can take over mundane tasks. A customer support centre, for example, can automate 80% of inquiries with chatbots, allowing human agents to handle more complex cases.
2. Improve Personalisation:
   Start by using AI-powered recommendation engines, dynamic content, and personalised email campaigns. Retail businesses can improve the customer experience by making use of AI to predict customer preferences, while media platforms like Netflix or Spotify can refine their algorithms to suggest content based on deeper data insights.
3. Upskill Your Workforce:
   Invest in continuous learning programs that teach employees how to use AI tools effectively. For instance, a marketing team could learn how to leverage AI for customer segmentation and targeted campaigns. Upskilling employees to work alongside AI systems will ensure that your team maximises the value AI brings, leading to better productivity and creativity.
4. Encourage AI Collaboration:
   Allow collaboration between human workers and AI systems. AI can improve decision-making, but human creativity, judgment, and emotional intelligence are irreplaceable. For example, in industries like healthcare and design, AI can handle routine data processing, while humans focus on high-value tasks like patient care or creative design.
5. 5G and Edge Computing for Speed and Connectivity

In 2024, the global rollout of 5G networks and advancements in edge computing marked a notable milestone in technological evolution. With 5G offering unprecedented internet speeds and low latency, paired with edge computing’s ability to process data closer to its source, industries are witnessing transformative changes. These technologies make possible real-time data analysis, faster decision-making, and improved connectivity, powering innovation in sectors like healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and entertainment.

To maximise the potential of 5G and edge computing in 2025, businesses must embrace their capabilities in key areas like IoT integration, decision-making acceleration, and enhanced media experiences. Below are updated examples and case studies to demonstrate how these technologies are being used to create real-world impact.

1. Better IoT Integration that Powers Real-Time Connectivity

How 5G Helps: 5G’s ultra-fast speeds, combined with low latency and high capacity, enable seamless communication between billions of connected devices. This is especially critical for industries dependent on the Internet of Things (IoT)—such as smart cities, connected healthcare devices, autonomous vehicles, and industrial operations. In 2025, businesses can leverage these advancements to improve operational efficiency and deliver superior customer experiences.

Smart Cities in Singapore – IoT and 5G Integration Singapore has been at the forefront of smart city initiatives, integrating IoT devices with 5G to improve urban living. By using 5G to connect sensors across the city, Singapore can monitor traffic, air quality, energy usage, and even water levels in real-time. For instance, traffic lights are adjusted based on real-time data from vehicles, optimising traffic flow and reducing congestion. This level of connectedness, made possible by 5G and IoT, drives improvements in urban planning, environmental sustainability, and public safety.

2. Faster Decision-Making for Real-Time Data Processing at the Edge

How Edge Computing Helps: Edge computing allows data to be processed closer to its source (at the “edge” of the network), rather than being sent to distant cloud servers. This reduction in latency means faster insights and decision-making (critical for industries like logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare, where every second counts).

Supply Chain Optimisation – DHL and 5G DHL, the global logistics giant, is using 5G networks and edge computing to optimise supply chain management. By using 5G-enabled smart sensors on packages and delivery vehicles, DHL can track shipments in real-time and make immediate adjustments. For example, if a shipment is delayed or there’s a bottleneck in a warehouse, edge computing processes the data on-site, allowing logistics managers to make decisions faster and reroute deliveries in real-time. This seamless integration of 5G and edge computing helps DHL deliver goods more efficiently, even in highly dynamic conditions.

3. Streaming and Entertainment for Immersive Experiences and Next-Gen Media

How 5G Delivers: 5G’s high speed and low latency are a game-changer for the entertainment and media industries, particularly for streaming services, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and gaming. With the ability to stream high-quality video content in real-time, provide immersive AR/VR experiences, and enable instant gameplay in multiplayer environments, 5G is set to completely mutate the way consumers experience entertainment.

AR Shopping with 5G – Gucci’s Virtual Store Gucci has taken advantage of 5G’s capabilities to create an immersive augmented reality shopping experience. Customers can use their smartphones or AR glasses to enter a virtual Gucci store, where they can interact with products, try them on virtually, and receive personalised shopping assistance—all in real-time. With the bandwidth of 5G, the AR experience is seamless, offering a high-quality, engaging experience that keeps customers connected to the brand and increases sales.

How to Leverage 5G and Edge Computing in 2025

1. Improved IoT Integration:

• Implement Smart Devices: Equip your business operations with IoT devices that can leverage 5G’s speed and edge computing’s processing capabilities. For instance, in a warehouse, IoT sensors on items can transmit data instantly to edge servers, which can then trigger real-time inventory updates or alert workers to re-stock popular items.
• Create Smart Environments: For retail, health, or urban spaces, implement smart infrastructure that communicates with each other in real-time, improving efficiency and customer experiences. Smart stores could use IoT devices to track customer movement and inventory status, providing personalised services or offers in real-time.

1. Faster Decision-Making with Edge Computing:

• Leverage Edge for Predictive Maintenance: If you are in manufacturing or logistics, invest in IoT devices that are capable of processing data locally, without the need to send everything to the cloud. This allows for quicker decisions, such as triggering immediate repairs or rerouting shipments, reducing downtime and operational disruptions.
• Enhance Real-Time Analytics: Implement edge computing solutions that can analyse data at the source (e.g., at a point-of-sale terminal, vehicle, or machinery), allowing for instant feedback and quicker decision-making.

1. Streaming and Immersive Experiences in Entertainment:

• Invest in 5G for Live Streaming: Entertainment companies should take advantage of 5G’s speed to offer ultra-high-definition live streaming experiences, such as concerts, sporting events, or theatre performances. This will allow fans to experience events from anywhere in the world with no lag and high-quality visuals.
• Explore AR/VR Experiences: Media companies should invest in AR and VR experiences enabled by 5G, especially for immersive meetings, gaming or interactive media. From VR-based gaming to virtual reality movies and interactive office experiences, the possibilities are vast with the right connectivity.

1. Blockchain and Web3 offers Decentralised and Transparent Systems

2024 saw blockchain technology’s movement beyond its association with cryptocurrency and gained wider application across a range of industries. It was applied to secure supply chain management, transparent digital contracts, and identity verification, among others. Blockchain’s decentralised and transparent nature is rejigging business operations. Web3, the decentralised internet, has also grown in prominence, allowing users to take control of their own data, transactions, and digital assets.

As we move into 2025, businesses can leverage blockchain and Web3 technologies to improve security, develop decentralised applications (dApps), and tokenise assets. Below are detailed case studies that highlight the practical applications of these technologies across industries.

1. Improved Security for Secure Data Storage and Transparent Transactions

How Blockchain is Helping: Blockchain’s core strength lies in its ability to provide secure, transparent, and immutable records. This feature is especially beneficial for industries such as finance, healthcare, and logistics, where data integrity, security, and traceability are crucial.

Case Study: HealthVerity – Blockchain in Healthcare Data Security HealthVerity uses blockchain technology to enable secure and transparent sharing of healthcare data. In the healthcare industry, where patient privacy is paramount, blockchain ensures that medical records are securely stored and only accessible to authorised individuals. HealthVerity’s blockchain solution allows healthcare providers to share data with researchers, insurers, and other stakeholders in a way that maintains data integrity and privacy. By eliminating intermediaries, blockchain also reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorised access. This level of security and transparency is particularly valuable for improving patient outcomes and enabling collaborative healthcare models.

2. Decentralised Applications (dApps) Builds Transparent, Secure Platforms

How Blockchain and Web3 are Helping: Web3 and decentralised applications (dApps) offer an alternative to traditional centralised services, empowering users with greater control over their data and transactions. dApps operate on blockchain networks, offering transparency and security while removing the need for intermediaries.

Case Study: Audius – Decentralised Music Streaming Audius is a decentralised music streaming platform that allows artists to share their music directly with listeners without intermediaries, such as record labels or streaming services like Spotify. Using blockchain, Audius ensures that artists retain ownership of their music and receive a larger share of the revenue generated by their content. In 2024, Audius expanded its user base significantly, empowering independent artists to monetise their music more effectively. For businesses in the entertainment industry, Audius exemplifies how decentralised applications can change traditional business models by promoting transparency, giving control back to users, and offering fairer compensation models.

3. Tokenisation of Assets offers New Ways to Raise Capital and Share Ownership

How Blockchain Delivers: Tokenisation allows businesses to convert physical or intangible assets (like real estate, art, or intellectual property) into digital tokens that can be bought, sold, or traded on a blockchain. This opens up new opportunities for fractional ownership, capital raising, and investment diversification.

Case Study: The Museum of Digital Art – Tokenising Art The Museum of Digital Art (MoDA) has taken advantage of blockchain’s capabilities by tokenising digital art, creating NFTs (non-fungible tokens) that represent ownership of digital artworks. MoDA uses blockchain to authenticate and track the ownership of digital art, allowing artists to sell their work as NFTs and retain royalties whenever their art is resold. In 2024, MoDA saw a notable rise in both the number of artists using the platform and the price of digital art, thanks to the transparency and security provided by blockchain. Tokenising art not only offers a new way for artists to earn revenue but also creates new investment opportunities for collectors and investors who want to own unique digital assets.

How to Leverage Blockchain and Web3 in 2025

1. Improving Security:

• Implement Blockchain for Secure Transactions: If your business involves high-value transactions or sensitive data, implement blockchain for secure and transparent tracking. For example, a financial institution can use blockchain to ensure that every transaction is verified and transparent, reducing the risk of fraud.
• Utilise Blockchain for Identity Verification: Consider implementing blockchain for digital identity management. This could help businesses like online marketplaces, government services, and healthcare institutions to create tamper-proof, secure digital identities for their users.

1. Build Decentralised Applications (dApps):

• Create a Decentralised Marketplace: If you run an online marketplace, integrate blockchain technology to enable secure, peer-to-peer transactions without the need for a centralised intermediary. This will improve transparency and trust between buyers and sellers.
• Develop dApps for User-Centric Services: Consider developing dApps that allow users to control their data and interactions. For example, businesses in the media or entertainment industry can create decentralised platforms for content distribution, ensuring that creators retain ownership and earn fair compensation for their work.

1. Tokenise Assets:

• Explore Tokenisation for Fundraising: Tokenise physical assets like gemstones or artwork to raise capital. This allows businesses to tap into a global pool of investors, democratising investment opportunities. Consider luxury goods or even intellectual property as assets that can be tokenised.
• Fractional Ownership for Creativity: Businesses in the creative industry, such as film production or music, can tokenise ownership stakes in projects, allowing fans or investors to buy shares in a project’s success. This could unlock new revenue streams and enable community-driven funding models.

I close with Abraham Lincoln, who said that “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” As we progress in 2025, the possibilities presented by emerging technologies are limitless. But to truly capitalise on these opportunities, we must be proactive in preparing for the future. The businesses and individuals who invest in continuous learning, stay agile in adapting to the evolving tech landscape, and remain ahead of trends will not just get by—they will thrive. In our hyper-connected world, sustained success will come from how we leverage technology to solve problems, create value, and make a positive impact. So, as you look ahead to 2025, ask yourself: How can I harness these advancements to drive innovation, accelerate growth, and contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive world? The future is already unfolding, now is the time to move in take action and shape it.

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