New Delhi, February 13: Mustafa Suleyman, head of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Microsoft, has issued a warning that within the next 12 to 18 months, most white-collar jobs, particularly those involving computer-based office tasks, could be performed by AI.
He explained that Microsoft is developing a ‘professional-grade AGI’ capable of handling the majority of tasks typically performed by lawyers, accountants, project managers, and marketing professionals.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Suleyman stated that Microsoft is in a race to create a ‘professional-level AGI,’ which refers to an AI system that can perform nearly all functions of a professional individual. He noted that AI will not only accelerate work processes but may also reduce the demand for numerous jobs.
According to Suleyman, “White-collar work, where you are seated at a computer—whether you are a lawyer, accountant, project manager, or marketing person—most of these tasks will be fully automated by AI within the next 12 to 18 months.”
He emphasized that Microsoft aims to simplify operations for companies by developing AI systems capable of handling repetitive and routine tasks. This could enable businesses to operate with fewer employees.
Suleyman also revealed that Microsoft plans to create more of its own AI models to reduce reliance on OpenAI. This decision follows a new agreement between the two companies.
He mentioned that in the future, creating a new AI model could be as easy as producing a podcast or writing a blog. This means institutions and individuals will be able to develop their own AI systems tailored to their needs.
Meanwhile, American tech company Oracle is planning to lay off approximately 20,000 to 30,000 employees to expand its AI data centers. Similarly, Amazon has announced the termination of 16,000 employees as part of its AI strategy.
According to a report by PwC India, AI could contribute around $550 billion to India’s economy by 2035, with benefits expected in five major sectors: agriculture, education, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing.
The Indian government launched the ‘India AI Mission’ in 2024 with a funding of $1.2 billion, aimed at making computing resources, data, and AI-related training accessible to the public and institutions.
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