🌟 Word of the Day — 18 Rabiʿ Al-Awwal 1447 AH, September 11, 2025 ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ 🌟

Coach Ward

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Estimated read time: 5–6 min read

👋 Introduction

Welcome back to the Business English Word of the Day series! Today’s term is one you’ve likely heard everywhere, from boardrooms to classrooms to everyday conversations: Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s more than just a tech buzzword; AI is reshaping industries, transforming the workplace, and becoming a must-know concept for any modern professional.

But like all powerful tools, AI carries two sides of the coin: tremendous opportunity, and very real caution.

📖 What Does “Artificial Intelligence (AI)” Mean?

Artificial Intelligence refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. These include problem-solving, decision-making, natural language processing, learning from data, and even creativity.

In simple terms: AI is when machines think, learn, and act like humans, without being human.

🧬 Word Origin: Where Does “AI” Come From?

The phrase artificial intelligence was first coined in 1956 at a conference at Dartmouth College, marking the birth of AI as a field of study.

• Artificial comes from the Latin artificialis (“made by art”), meaning something created rather than natural.

• Intelligence comes from the Latin intelligere (“to understand”), referring to the ability to acquire and apply knowledge.

Together, the term describes human-like thinking created by design.

🧠 Why AI Matters in Business (The Opportunity)

AI isn’t just for engineers, it’s for leaders. Businesses that adopt AI report up to 40% increases in efficiency and gain significant advantages in data-driven decision-making.

Here’s why it matters:

• Automates routine tasks → frees up time for strategic thinking.

• Enhances customer service → chatbots, recommendation engines, personalization.

• Drives innovation → from finance to healthcare, AI sparks new solutions.

• Gives competitive advantage → companies slow to adopt risk being left behind.

⚠️ Why Experts Are Cautioning Against AI (The Risks)

While the opportunities are immense, many leaders in the field, like Elon Musk, Geoffrey Hinton (the “Godfather of AI”), and Sam Altman, have issued strong warnings.

• Uncontrolled speed: AI is advancing faster than regulation, leaving governments and industries scrambling to catch up.

• Impact on intellect: Early research shows heavy reliance on AI tools may weaken critical thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in younger generations.

• Ethical dilemmas: Questions of bias, surveillance, and misuse continue to grow.

• Existential warnings: Some experts even compare the risks of unchecked AI to nuclear weapons in terms of global threat.

In other words: AI can extend human potential, but it may also erode it if we lean too heavily on it.

🙋 Who Uses AI (and Why)?

• Businesses: Optimize processes, reduce costs, predict trends.

• Marketers: Personalize campaigns, analyze consumer behavior.

• Educators: Create adaptive learning systems tailored to students.

• Everyday people: From Siri to Google Translate, AI is already in our pockets.

❤️ The Coach Ward Way

As a business consultant and educator, I’ve seen how AI shifts the playing field. It doesn’t replace human intelligence, it extends it. But here’s the truth: leaders must balance innovation with wisdom.

AI can write your emails, crunch your data, and even draft your strategy. But if you stop thinking critically and simply let it decide for you, you risk losing the very skill that makes you indispensable: human judgment.

One of my favorite lessons: Embrace the tool, but never outsource the mind.

📌 Examples in Action

• “The company invested in artificial intelligence to improve supply chain management.”

• “AI-powered tools are helping professionals write, design, and analyze faster.”

• “Her research focuses on the ethical use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.”

🚀 Your Turn

How do you feel about AI, excited or cautious? Write down one way AI could help your work, and one area where you think it could be harmful if used recklessly. That reflection alone will sharpen your ability to engage with AI wisely.

👉 Let’s keep growing, one word at a time!