Latest news with #Watson
Business Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore retailers want to use AI, but employee resistance a ‘major hurdle': poll
[SINGAPORE] Retailers in the Republic are greatly interested in the use of artificial intelligence (AI), but remain wary of giving it complete control, according to a survey released on Wednesday (Aug 20) by Out of the 350 retail decision-makers surveyed, 98 per cent said they were actively exploring or deploying AI agents, but only 10 per cent trusted AI to autonomously manage their entire customer journey, said a report from the work management platform. 'Singapore's retailers see AI as an opportunity to deliver personalised, intelligent and faster customer experiences,' noted Gavin Watson, senior industry lead at 'However, to fully realise these benefits, businesses need the trust, skills, and resources to make the technology viable for them.' Retail businesses in Singapore have been facing a tough time for more than a decade thanks to rising rents, labour crunches and digital disruption. Covid-19 only helped accelerate the decline in footfall, with the Tripartite Cluster for Retail responding with a new set of progressive wage model recommendations . A Morgan Stanley research report in July flagged Sea Ltd as a 'significant driver' of technological innovation, particularly in the AI sector. Sea has adopted AI for consumer-facing and internal uses, boosting gross merchandise value by improving recommendation accuracy and improving purchase conversion rates. Customer service was the area most picked for AI usage among the 98 per cent of respondents open to using or currently using AI agents. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Additionally, 94 per cent of all respondents said that local businesses will be able to compete against the pressure from global retail giants thanks to AI. Employee resistance However, nearly seven in 10 felt that employee resistance is a 'major hurdle', with the figure reaching 77 per cent for stores in shopping centres and malls. The report posited that concerns over job security and skills atrophying, and an imperfect understanding of AI's benefits for them could be the reasons behind this. The issue is particularly present in micro and small retailers – those with up to 50 employees. Among such companies polled, 37 per cent cited this as the top barrier to AI adoption, followed by complexity and cost. In comparison, 44 per cent of retailers that have more than 1,000 employees have in-house AI teams, and 50 per cent have a C-suite-level AI specialist. 'Instead of viewing (AI) as a challenge, physical retailers must capitalise on this opportunity by enhancing human touch with AI,' said Watson. He added in an interview with The Business Times that the brick-and-mortar experience is 'not going to go away'. Instead, he expects AI to enhance the customer journey. For example, improvements such as showing the 'best possible outfit' on the most relevant model via a website or an app could entice the customer to visit the store and try on the clothes. AI can also help prevent what is called 'showrooming', said Watson. That is a phenomenon where customers go down to physical stores to test or try products, but eventually make their purchase online through platforms such as Amazon. Higher costs for physical stores can prevent permanent price-matching schemes, which means better solutions are needed for this complex issue. 'We did see that as a trend maybe three to five years ago,' Watson explained, but stated that a shift towards loyalty programmes has also helped stem the showrooming issue. Humans still at the forefront Even though the majority of Singapore retailers are interested in AI usage for their businesses, only 7 per cent said they will allow AI to make independent decisions. Customer acceptance is also a factor that the respondents said they are being careful about. Data privacy in sectors such as health and beauty was flagged as a key issue to overcome. 'It's definitely a challenge,' said Watson, adding that he foresees the creation of C-suite roles for AI governance in the next few years. He elaborated that 'overly intrusive' and 'controlling' uses of AI could end up harming brand authenticity and eroding customer trust. Data collected in the survey seemed to back up his assertion; 75 per cent of respondents believed that customers will be more loyal to brands that are transparent about AI use. He also estimated that only about 30 to 50 per cent of retailers would want to deploy AI for customer-facing uses. While AI is often viewed as a threat to sustainability, particularly due to its high energy and water consumption, three in four Singapore retailers polled by said they are increasingly using AI to drive their sustainability efforts. The retail sector is considered one of the highest consumers of resources and generators of waste, said the report, and retailers said that AI has enabled them to optimise production, reduce waste reduction and implement circular economy principles.
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
London Quay Businesses Open As Revamp Hits Halfway
Press Release – Marlborough District Council Councils Project and Contract Manager Maighan Watson said the London Quay Revitalisation Project was focussed on essential infrastructure upgrades, while delivering a landscape refresh of London Quay. As work on the London Quay upgrade in Picton marks the halfway point, the doors of businesses along Picton's much loved waterfront strip are very much open for customers. The Diversion Gallery owner Barbara Speedy, also part of the Picton Business Group, said the Fulton Hogan team and Council had communicated well with those affected and this was appreciated. 'We are keen for the public to know we are all still open for business and there is plenty to take in, including good food and wine, as the upgrade work continues. A lot of people didn't realise the watermains and stormwater needed replacing and relocating, so it's good to see Council taking the opportunity to combine that essential infrastructure project with simultaneous improvements,' she said. Council's Project and Contract Manager Maighan Watson said the London Quay Revitalisation Project was focussed on essential infrastructure upgrades, while delivering a landscape refresh of London Quay. 'We have adopted a 'dig once' approach to minimise the disruption to the Picton CBD, local businesses and users of the area. We appreciate the support of all the directly affected businesses as well as those close by such as Brereton Jewellers and Diamond Nails. 'Several essential infrastructure upgrades were required in this area, including streetlight upgrades, watermain renewals and road resurfacing.' Ms Watson said the contractor, Fulton Hogan, was making great progress with the underground infrastructure now completed, including watermains, stormwater upgrades and ducting for new streetlights. 'Around 350m² of new paving has been laid with the southern section of the footpath now reopened to the public. The old pavers around the War Memorial have also been replaced, and work has started on the stepped pedestrian connection to the Foreshore which is a real feature of the revitalisation. 'September will see more some progress above ground with the installation of new streetlights and starting the landscaping works,' Ms Watson said. The site holds cultural significance for local iwi, Te Ātiawa (Waitohi Pā), and Council has worked in partnership with the iwi to integrate cultural design elements throughout the upgrade. The project, scheduled for completion by mid-October, was awarded to Fulton Hogan with design led by Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects. Funding for the project has been provided through Council's forestry, land and port income, with no impact on rates. For more information, go to Council's website at and search 'Picton CBD – London Quay Revitalisation Project'.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Palo Pinto County Elections Administrator tells commissioners local GOP wants separate primary
PALO PINTO — Elections Administrator Laura Watkins alerted county commissioners on Monday that a local party is exploring holding its 2026 primary separately. Her announcement, during a workshop for next year's budget, prompted Palo Pinto County Judge Shane Long to urge members of both parties to be in touch with their political party leadership. "I think whether Republican or Democrat, you need to be willing to go to your own party meetings to find out what this separate primaries is going to cost," Long said. "The number of polling places is going to be ridiculous. We would be set back 30 years and have to have separate polling places." Watkins later confirmed it was the county Republicans investigating the change, which in addition to cost increases would eliminate the popular countywide voting in which residents vote at any county poll. The county pays up front for party primaries, and the parties reimburse the county for election day and early voting expenses — but the county buys the electronic voting machines. Watson said the state GOP had reimbursed the county for the 2024 election last February. Palo Pinto Republican Chairwoman Barbara Upham did not answer several calls Monday after the county meeting, where the elections administrator revealed more of the GOP call. "They want to hand-count ballots," Watkins said. "It's been well over 30 years since we hand-counted ballots in this county." The wait for hand-counted election results also would return to the pre-electronic voting era, when next-day results were common in Texas. "I pray it goes away," she said. "But this is the reality. So if you can't get your totals for five or six days, just be ready." Losing the joint-party option, she told the court, would create the need for more polling sites and voting machines. "Just the voting machines themselves are close to $5,000 apiece," Watson said. "So, you're looking at a big undertaking that we have not had in years." She said Hart InterCivic, which makes the machines the county uses, does not have the inventory to loan equipment to the county but was willing to sell machines. "So who's really pushing this?" Precinct 4 Commissioner Jeff Fryer asked Watson. "Somebody spoke to the party last week, and there's somebody from Tarrant County that has, you know..." she said, not finishing her sentence. The change also would lead to many voters showing up at the wrong site, she said. "We're going to be turning people away and telling them to go someplace else," Watson said, adding those people will blame the county. "It doesn't matter if I say all day, talk to your Republican Party chair." Monday's budget work session brought good news for some county employees, as Sheriff J.R. Patterson successfully pitched a $1.02 hourly raise for his dispatchers beyond the 5% countywide pay increase. Patterson has six in his communications department plus a supervisor. He said their assignment is unique in being tied to their chair. "They sit there 12 hours and have to catch somebody walking by to get a bathroom break," the sheriff said, adding each is licensed and has 500 hours of training. County Auditor Melissa Mahan said the $1.02 raise would bring that pay category from $75,000 to $77,000. The communications office already was budgeted for its first major renovation in decades, and Patterson said he would "whittle down" that expense if it helped secure the pay raise. "I can forego something in order to get the girls taken care of," he said. "I've just got to be frugal with it." Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Desmond Watson waits for clearance as Buccaneers hold rookie out until weight loss goal
Desmond Watson waits for clearance as Buccaneers hold rookie out until weight loss goal (Image via Getty) Desmond Watson is the biggest name in this story. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing about 449 to 450 pounds, the rookie player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers observed practice from the sideline in August 2025 in Tampa Bay. He is still not permitted to participate in drills since the team wants him to shed weight first. He is working hard, with a nutritionist and conditioning in the hot Florida sun but still must stay out of pads until he is lighter. Desmond Watson forced to stand on sideline as Tampa Bay Buccaneers delay practice return Desmond Watson, who went undrafted after his time at the University of Florida, joined the Buccaneers in April 2025. He measured 464 pounds at his pro day, which makes him the heaviest player in NFL history. By July, he dropped to about 449 to 450 pounds, but that still wasn't enough. The team put him on the non-football injury list and told him to get healthier before practicing. Every day, while teammates run drills, Watson is seen doing laps in the heat. He looks bored and just watches. He wants to play, he really does but he can't join until the team clears him. Coach Todd Bowles said, 'It's just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player and getting him on the field a little more. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Foods That Help In Healing Knee Pain Naturally Undo He's working at it and we're working with him.' He also said there's no clear timeline yet on when Watson will be allowed to practice. Also Read: ' Just don't be Travis Hunter': Dennis Rodman slams NFL star's controversial relationship with wife Leanna Lenee Desmond Watson continues weight loss journey while Todd Bowles plans next steps Making 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks over his college career, Desmond Watson played for Florida from 2021 to 2024. He was noted for making plays in short-yardage situations and for obstructing defensive line holes. Following his signing with Tampa Bay, he began to drop weight, around 25 to 30 pounds, by the start of training camp. He is doing laps in the Florida heat and collaborating with the team's nutritionist. Even though Watson is sidelined now, he could be a key player in stopping the run once he's ready. The Bucs are dealing with injuries, and they want him ready to go. Coach Bowles said they hope to have a long-term plan for Watson by the end of this week. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
The Herald Scotland
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Sam Watson eagerly anticipating Defender Burghley
Now 39, Watson and noble steed Ballyneety Rocketman will cross the Irish Sea come September for another tilt at what he describes as 'the pinnacle of the sport'. 'I'm delighted to be going there,' said Watson. 'As an Irish rider, it tends to clash with other European events and it's not a track where I've had as many rides as I'd like but it's right up my street. 'It's one of the most challenging tracks in the world and it's certainly the pinnacle of the sport. 'In eventing you compete against two core components: your opponents and the course itself. 'It's similar to golf in that sense. What's going to suit you, a low-scoring course or a longer course? 'For us, Burghley and its course is the biggest component. It's a very challenging track so it pushes us out of our comfort zone more than a championship course. 'It is the most challenging track in the world and as a competitor that kind of excites you. 'It challenges you and that's what you want to ride. You want to be challenged. It's good and you have to have a very fit and talented horse. You need to have a horse at the top of their game. 'Burghley's the toughest competition that you can put in front of yourself as an athlete and in front of your horse but we're ready.' Watson is one of six Irish riders competing at Burghley House this year, alongside Susie Berry, Lucy Latta, Padraig Mccarthy, Joseph Murphy and Austin O'Connor. 'The sextet are all aiming to become the first rider from the Emerald Isle to win at Burghley House in just over six decades, with the feat last accomplished by Harry Freeman-Jackson on St. Finbarr in 1963. 'I always feel like I'm competing for my country and not as an individual competitor, added Watson. We're underdogs and haven't won one of the British majors in 60 years so it's been a good while. 'There have been a couple of Irish wins in the history books and we'd love to get another one.' Defender Burghley Horse Trials (4-7 September 2025) has been a major international sporting and social event for over 50 years. It attracts the world's top equestrians and is attended by vast and enthusiastic crowds. For more information visit
