Arun Kumar Parameswaran has accumulated almost 30 years of experience working in various regions, navigating the evolving landscape of technology and digital transformation. Currently serving as the Executive Vice-President and Managing Director for Salesforce in South Asia, he is directing his expertise towards Bangladesh, a rapidly growing digital market in the region.
In a recent discussion with The Daily Star, Arun delves into the potentials and concerns regarding the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the regulatory framework influencing its implementation, and his belief in the ability of Bangladesh’s young, technology-driven population to shape the future of the country’s digital economy.
Having worked in diverse markets such as India, the United States, Australia, and Singapore, Arun emphasizes the universal impact of technology but stresses the importance of localizing its application. His experience underscores the significance of understanding the local context, customer needs, and talent pool. In South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, he observes a youthful, ambitious, and digitally adept population eager for innovation. Salesforce aims to empower these businesses and individuals with reliable AI, data solutions, and automation to propel them beyond conventional growth stages and enable them to compete globally.
Bangladesh is steadily advancing on its digital transformation journey, with improved connectivity and a vibrant small and medium enterprise (SME) ecosystem. The country is primed to leverage AI to enhance efficiency and foster innovation across various sectors, from enhancing financial inclusion to revolutionizing manufacturing and public service delivery. Arun believes that as digital adoption expands in Bangladesh, the strategic use of AI, especially agentic AI, can equip businesses of all sizes to expand globally, boost productivity, and elevate services in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and finance.
However, the challenge lies in establishing trust, enhancing data readiness, and scaling digital skills. Salesforce emphasizes the importance of a robust data foundation for successful AI integration. As Bangladesh progresses on its digital path, ethical and human-centered AI will play a pivotal role in unlocking the nation’s full potential.
In regions where AI regulations are still evolving, Salesforce ensures that businesses can adopt their technologies securely without compromising ethics or accountability. The company has invested significantly in ethical AI practices, including guidelines for Generative AI, acceptable use policies, and principles for responsible agentic AI development. By prioritizing data privacy, protection, and security, Salesforce aims to exceed customer expectations and foster confidence in AI adoption.
As Bangladesh embarks on a national digital transformation roadmap, Salesforce contributes by sharing its expertise in ethical AI, offering technology solutions built on trust, and participating in initiatives that shape inclusive AI policies. The company collaborates with governments and stakeholders to advance responsible and globally applicable AI norms.
In addressing sustainability concerns related to AI, Salesforce integrates environmental considerations into its AI practices. The company’s Agentforce platform prioritizes sustainability by utilizing efficient models tailored for specific tasks and training models in low-carbon regions. These efforts resonate strongly in South Asia, where a balance between innovation and sustainability is crucial for long-term progress.
Salesforce is committed to talent development in South Asia, including Bangladesh, particularly for recent graduates. Recognizing AI’s transformative impact on jobs, the company focuses on continuous learning and reskilling initiatives. The free online learning platform, Trailhead, equips individuals with essential digital and AI skills for thriving careers in the evolving digital economy. Collaborating with local partners and institutions, Salesforce extends AI skilling programs to ensure that the next generation of talent is well-prepared for the AI era.