KPMG Australia’s chief digital officer John Munnelly and KPMG Fiji’s managing partner Lisa Apted were approached by The Fiji Times to elaborate on the purpose and the various functions of the Hub in Fiji.
They said their vision for the AI Hub is not just to innovate within the firm but to empower local talents and foster a culture of learning and adaptation.
Mr Munnelly outlined the hub’s primary objective and said KPMGs strategy around AI is bold, fast, and responsible.
“We aim to integrate AI into everything we do, ensuring we remain at the forefront of this transformation,” he said.
“This involves developing solutions that enhance productivity and streamline operations, starting internally before extending to clients across sectors like education, health, and finance.”
Groundbreaking
Ms Apted added to that, noting the AI Hub was groundbreaking.
“It provides our people in Fiji with the opportunity to start from the ground and be at the forefront of developing AI programs,” she said.
“The focus is on building capabilities that not only serve KPMG but also uplift the local workforce, allowing them to engage with cutting-edge technology.”
Mr Munnelly said the AI Hub was poised to tackle approximately 80 use cases in the coming months.
These range from tools that assist with research to automated proposal writing solutions, he said.
“It’s never-ending,” he said.
“Our goal is to drive productivity and support our clients by providing innovative tools that redefine traditional workflows.”
Kim Chat
Ms Apted highlighted that the internal tools being developed, such as KPMG’s own version of ChatGPT known as Kim Chat, streamlined information retrieval and enhanced knowledge sharing within the organisation, an advancement that reflected a growing trend where AI was not just a tool but a catalyst for efficiency and innovation.
Another critical aspect of the AI Hub’s mission was its commitment to local talent.
Mr Munnelly pointed out that the enthusiasm and innovative mindsets found in Fiji were key factors in their recruitment efforts for the AI Hub.
“We are impressed by the young professionals eager to learn about AI. This hub provides them with valuable skills and exposure to global projects,” he said.
Ms Apted also shared her excitement about the opportunities the AI Hub would present for young Fijians, with plans to expand the team.
The initiative, she added, promises significant career development opportunities for new graduates interested in similar fields.
“The excitement among our staff is palpable,” she said.
“We are eager to help them learn more and grow in this new environment.”
Collaboration
The KPMG executives said collaboration was at the heart of KPMG’s AI Hub strategy, with plans to actively engage with local universities to create pathways for students to enter the tech field.
Mr Munnelly emphasised the importance of partnerships, particularly with a focus on attracting women into technology roles.
“We recently hosted a session for young women in tech, aiming to inspire and recruit them into our workforce,” he said.
Training and educational programs are top priority and KPMG is developing 130 AI-related courses for its employees, Mr Munnelly added.
He also highlighted the importance of “trusted AI,” where ethical considerations are integrated into AI development.
“Every tool is vetted through a governance framework to ensure ethical standards are upheld,” he said.
The hub is not without its challenges.
Mr Munnelly acknowledged the ongoing need for training and adaptation as technology evolves.
He said the rapid pace of AI development needed continuous learning, which he views as a crucial skill for the team.
Ethical considerations being a key factor, KPMG has established a framework that requires each tool to be assessed for compliance with EU standards before development.
Mr Munnelly said just because they can build something doesn’t mean they have already understood how AI governed.
On how the Hub would measure success, Mr Munnely said KPMG employs metrics based on digital full-time equivalents (FTEs), which basically measures the quality, and the quantity of the time saved by AI tools.
He said the Hub will contribute to approximately 125 digital FTEs this year, with expectations to double the figure moving forward.
Optimism
Looking ahead, Mr Munnelly and Ms Apted expressed optimism for the Hub’s future.
“The talent here is raw but promising. We are committed to cultivating it,” Mr Munnelly said.
He pointed out that the foundation laid in Fiji could lead to potential expansions as the demand for AI solutions grows.
Ms Apted believes that the AI Hub will not only transform KPMG’s operations but also play a pivotal role in shaping the tech landscape in Fiji.
“This initiative is a game changer for our people and the economy. We are excited about the possibilities it brings,” she said.
In essence, KPMG’s AI Hub in Suva is more than just a technological initiative.
