Today, as we commemorate AI Appreciation Day, I find myself reflecting on the transformative journey of the past two decades since I first ventured into the realm we now recognize as Artificial Intelligence. In those early days, our work on contextual language systems for threat intelligence aggregation was hardly seen as pioneering AI. We were merely engineers in pursuit of modest breakthroughs, crafting solutions with a mission in mind. Yet, over time, our steady progress enabled the creation of systems capable of learning and adapting algorithmically to changing variables.
Among the most rewarding experiences has been the opportunity to engage with the bright, curious minds during academic lectures across various institutions. Their eagerness to explore the future, juxtaposed with the skepticism of some, only fueled our collective passion for what might lie ahead. In recent years, as advancements in this field have surged, I’ve had the privilege of meeting influential figures and visiting the corridors where tech giants have shaped the future.
Yet, our celebration today owes much to Alan Turing, who, in 1950, first posed the question, “Can machines exhibit intelligence?” His inquiry laid the groundwork for our current achievements and challenges in AI.
As we celebrate, we must also embrace a moment of somber reflection on the dual-edged nature of this technology. Celebrating AI may seem premature as we, the practitioners, must remain vigilant about its potential misuse.
In a world often seen in black and white, we stand at a crossroads. AI could lead us either to a promising future marked by health and security or toward a dystopian society riddled with perpetual surveillance. Yet, a third path might blend these realities, ushering in an era of deep digital integration and automation—with all its attendant benefits and drawbacks.
Looking forward, the legacy of AI will depend significantly on how we choose to implement it. As we celebrate today, let us temper our enthusiasm with a cautious appraisal of the potential risks. Our choices now will determine whether we continue to celebrate AI’s possibilities or brace against its threats in the years to come.
To learn about Connection’s efforts in the AI space, please visit our Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics.
Jamal Khan
Jamal Khan, a technology executive with over two decades of experience, currently leads the CNXN Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics and serves as the Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection. He is instrumental in designing and executing innovative growth initiatives, leveraging his extensive background in technology, sales, marketing, and operational P&L management to drive strategic advancements and operational excellence across the organization. Khan's expertise spans equity trading platforms, electronic commerce, and cybersecurity, with notable contributions as a guest lecturer at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business on Artificial Intelligence. His strategic counsel is valued across the tech industry: previously serving on the advisory board at Intel, and currently advising Microsoft, Lenovo, and HPE. Most recently, Jamal was appointed as a Founding Member of NVIDIA’s Partner Advisory Board for North & Latin America, underscoring his influence on the future of accelerated computing and AI ecosystems. His innovation is also marked by co-inventing six patents related to human-machine interface, data orchestration, and machine learning, alongside his active role in technology startups as an investor and mentor.
