Speaker Interview: Markus Schreyer, Chairman, META Foundation, Hospitality Executive, Business Innovation & Brand Leader

“ Hospitality 3.0 becomes AI’s human interface, fostering engagement and emotions.”

From the outset of my career in hospitality, I recognized the transformative power of technology not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a profound enabler for enriching human experiences and enhancing the physical spaces we inhabit. My journey in this dynamic industry has always been guided by a vision to harmonize technology with the art of hospitality, ensuring that every innovation we adopt amplifies human connection and engagement. This has involved reimagining physical spaces as dynamic environments where technology serves to enhance, rather than overshadow, the human element.

As I look to the future, I remain committed to exploring new ways technology can continue to elevate the human experience across industries. Always mindful of the delicate balance between high-tech and high-touch service that I learned from my hospitality background; I am inspired by Singapore's position as the fastest-growing market for AI talent in the Asia-Pacific region—a testament to the nation's commitment to embracing the future.

Why do you believe generative AI and LLMs are crucial for enterprises in the realm of data-driven decision-making? Provide a concise explanation.

Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) are certainly helpful for enterprises in the context of data-driven decision-making because they enhance the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of processing and analyzing vast amounts of data. From my professional experience, they have helped us respond more agilely to market changes and customer needs, optimize operations, and drive innovation, thereby freeing up time to focus on meaningful human engagement with our consumers.

However, it's important to note that the output is only as good as our input. Therefore, at the META Foundation, we are working with communities around the world to protect their cultural, social, and environmental fabric. We view these communities almost as laboratories, helping to preserve their wisdom and studying how they have socialized and engaged over centuries. We explore how emerging technologies can help to accelerate their knowledge, thereby enhancing the technologies themselves while ensuring that communities actively participate in this movement.

What excites you about The AI Summit Singapore, and what can the audience expect from your session?

I'm thrilled about The AI Summit Singapore. For me, this summit is not just an event; it's like stepping into a future shaped by the collective imagination and innovation of today's brightest minds and exploring together what's possible when we harness the power of AI across industries.

In my session, "AI and Hospitality 3.0: Merging Digital Innovation with Physical Space," I'm excited to share a vision that's very close to my heart. Here's a glimpse of what I'll be bringing to the stage:

• A Personal Journey: I'll share my vision of Hospitality 3.0, providing a human interface to foster consumer engagement across industries.
• Beyond Automation: We'll dive into how AI-driven business models can go beyond automation by augmenting the human touch, creating seamless digital experiences that complement the physical space.
• A Sustainable Future: I'm passionate about how technology can drive not just profit, but also purpose. At the META Foundation, we develop frameworks that balance innovation with sustainability, impacting not just our industry but our world.

Expect a session filled with personal insights, real-world examples, and a vision for a future where technology and humanity converge in the most beautiful ways. I can't wait to share this journey with you and inspire a new way of thinking about what's possible in hospitality and beyond.

In the past 12 months, what’s the most interesting project or achievement involving AI within your organization?

We founded the META Foundation with the belief that we can make the world more hospitable. If we can bring people together in more meaningful ways, we can overcome societal and generational divides. Innovation happens when diverse communities and backgrounds converge. We are currently exploring the language and iconography of indigenous communities in Latin America and how AI can help to translate this into unique pieces of art based on individual prompts. This empowers local indigenous communities to connect with a global audience and keep their crafts thriving through a hospitality lens.

What does leadership look like in the age of AI? How does it differ from the past?

Leadership in the age of AI and technologies like web3 is transforming traditional roles, prioritizing vision, innovation, and adaptability. This marks a significant departure from reliance solely on past experiences and established practices, moving towards a proactive approach that embraces rapid technological evolution.

I am seeing the next generation of leaders prioritizing purpose over hierarchical rank, driving a shift towards decentralized decision-making that grants more autonomy across organizational levels. This shift supports quicker response times and enhances employee engagement, marking a significant change from the hierarchical, top-down decision-making structures of the past.

Moreover, I am personally convinced that as consumer expectations evolve, organizations are increasingly expected to collaborate across traditional boundaries, enabling them to offer more comprehensive and integrated solutions to complex societal challenges."

What are the biggest mistakes business leaders make about AI?

Jumping on a trend and assuming it's appreciated by their clients. First, define the value proposition, and then AI can help to scale and accelerate the business.

To attend Markus Schreyer’s session at The AI Summit Singapore, 29-31 May, Singapore Expo, secure your pass here.