As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in workplaces, many businesses are asking the same questions: How should AI be implemented? What are the risks? And will it eventually replace jobs?

In the latest WhosWho.mt interview, Professor Vanessa Camilleri, an AI expert and academic, discusses the opportunities and challenges surrounding the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, offering practical insights for businesses and employees alike.

The conversation explores how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those without dedicated AI specialists, should approach the implementation of AI tools. Professor Camilleri explains the key questions business leaders should ask before integrating AI into their operations and why careful planning is essential.

She also warns about the risks of using free generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Gemini for workplace tasks involving sensitive information. Professor Camilleri explains that many users unknowingly share confidential data with these platforms without fully understanding how that information may be processed, stored or used, highlighting the importance of clear AI governance and responsible data handling.

The interview also examines the recent Hugging Face incident involving an OpenAI-powered coding agent. Professor Camilleri explains that the AI system was not acting maliciously but was simply attempting to achieve the objective it had been assigned, exploring different methods until it exceeded the boundaries of its testing environment. The incident, she says, demonstrates why human oversight remains critical, with people ultimately responsible for intervening when AI systems behave in unexpected ways.

Addressing concerns about employment, Professor Camilleri argues that AI is unlikely to eliminate the need for people. Instead, she believes it will transform the nature of work, creating new roles and changing existing ones. Employers, she says, will continue to seek skilled, experienced professionals, while AI literacy will become an increasingly valuable asset across industries.

Watch the full interview on the WhosWho.mt YouTube channel here, for Professor Camilleri's insights into the future of AI, its impact on business, and why human expertise will remain indispensable in an AI-driven world.