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Traditional Industries Must Embrace Alliance to Survive AI Era
The New Challenges for Traditional Industries in the AI Era
As artificial intelligence (AI) sweeps across the globe, traditional industries find themselves at an unprecedented crossroads. Lingering effects of the pandemic, volatile geopolitical landscapes, and intensifying internal competition have impacted sectors such as dining, retail, tourism, and culture. With rapidly changing consumer habits and mounting cost pressures, individual brands struggle to survive alone. Expert Lu Hanhao (盧翰豪) posits that in this chaotic environment, the winners will be those industries that form alliances early, shedding self-interest to pool collective wisdom and build AI-trusted databases.
Shifting from 'Internal Competition' to 'Industry Alliance'
For decades, the winning formula for traditional industries often involved a zero-sum game: competing on rent, decor, location, and advertising budgets, viewing competitors as adversaries. This approach was somewhat effective during market booms, but the world has changed drastically. Global supply chain restructuring, the rise of cross-border e-commerce, an aging population, and upgrading consumption mean local traditional businesses now face digital giants from all directions. AI elevates this battlefield to a new level: it focuses not on individual brands but on the overall data ecosystem. When AI sifts through information, it favors systematic, consistent, and highly credible sources. Internal industry discord and lack of unified standards become weaknesses, whereas shared knowledge and a unified voice enhance the entire industry's appeal.
The Role of Traditional Media and 'New-Old Fusion' in the AI Era
An industry alliance encompasses at least three complementary elements. First, it establishes a knowledge pillar through collaborative content creation. Second, it forms a discourse pillar by aligning keywords and industry definitions. Third, it builds a platform pillar, such as an official website or open data center, to become an authoritative source for AI. This approach enhances the industry's collective voice without stifling individual brand identities. In the age of AI, where social media is rife with misinformation, the high credibility of traditional media (TV, newspapers, radio) is a significant asset. Data from Nielsen shows that traditional TV still commands high viewership among mainstream audiences in many Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. Combining the trust of traditional media with AI's amplification capabilities, supported by content from industry alliances, forms a 'new-old fusion' model that can effectively cut through noise and resonate with consumers.
*Source: 香港01 (2026-04-14)*
