JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS- Dian Indrawaty, Head of the Strategic Business Unit for Certification and Ecoframework (SERCO) at Sucofindo, recently highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bolstering sustainability efforts. Speaking at the IBM Think 2024 Media Briefing in Singapore, Indrawaty emphasized that AI technology can significantly aid organizations in tracking and reporting environmental and social metrics accurately.

Sucofindo is an Indonesian company specializing in certification, inspection, and consulting services. It offers services related to quality assurance, environmental management, and sustainability initiatives. Sucofindo supports organizations in meeting regulatory standards and improving their operational practices, particularly in areas like environmental impact and compliance.

“Implementing AI technology allows organizations to monitor and report on environmental and social metrics with precision,” Indrawaty stated in Jakarta

To ensure effective governance, she noted the necessity for independent verification of reports against governmental standards and regulations, as well as ensuring transparency for all stakeholders. “Recognition of compliance can be achieved through independent bodies appointed by the government and internationally recognized,” she added.

In Southeast Asia, organizations are beginning to adopt AI technology, though readiness remains a challenge. A recent Ecosystm study for IBM, titled *AI Readiness Barometer: ASEAN’s AI Landscape*, revealed that while 85% of ASEAN organizations believe AI can aid in achieving strategic goals, only about 17% have a clear strategy for AI adoption.

Moreover, the study found a significant gap between the optimistic views of companies regarding their AI readiness and the actual state of readiness. For instance, 16% of organizational leaders claimed they were at the pinnacle of AI readiness (AI First category), but only 1% of organizations met this criterion according to Ecosystm’s data. Similarly, 39% of organizations considered themselves in the Transformative stage of AI readiness, yet only 4% met the requirements.

Catherine Lian, General Manager of IBM ASEAN, noted that the journey of AI—from initial implementation to scaling—offers numerous benefits, including accelerated innovation, increased productivity, and improved customer experiences.

However, the study also revealed that many tech leaders and organizations overestimate their AI implementation capabilities. She stressed that adopting AI requires strong leadership, a robust data strategy, and a mature governance framework to ensure responsible and ethical use, ultimately achieving the organization’s goals.

“Without a strong foundation, organizations risk focusing solely on technological capabilities while neglecting long-term impacts on the organization and the community,” Lian warned. (Uki Ruknuddin)