The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed many industries including iGaming. For many firms in the industry, the technology is either being used or explored to enhance user or gamer experience.  

Speaking with SiGMA News after winning SiGMA Asia Industry Rising Star Award 2024, K36 CEO Truman Chia delved into the transformative role of AI in the iGaming industry. K36, despite being a young company of just a year and a half, has made headway in the industry, largely due to its commitment to integrating AI into its operations.  

“We are a B2B iGaming platform provider, and we are an AI-driven company,” Chia said while attributing the company’s rapid growth to their heavy investment in AI methods since their inception in 2023.    “We normally put 30 percent of our revenue each month into our AI research lab. That’s why we believe that’s the future of a software engineering company,” Chia explained. This substantial investment in AI research and development underscores K36’s belief in AI as the cornerstone of their business model and growth strategy.  

The integration of AI in iGaming  

K36’s top executive also elaborated on AI’s multifaceted impact. “In the iGaming field, 90 percent of it is in the software world,” he said. He highlighted three key elements essential for the industry’s future: computing power, electric power, and data. Chia emphasised the importance of data, stating, “As a turnkey solution company, we have a lot of data around the world, the client, and the provider. How we use those data to transform it as a strength to get an advantage as a company is our goal.”  

AI: A tool, not a threat   

One common concern with AI is its potential to threaten jobs. Chia addressed this apprehension directly, suggesting a more optimistic outlook. “We have a department that’s AI-driven, training our own AI agents to serve as junior engineers. This means everyone can level up to the next level, solving problems on a higher layer,” he said. Chia reassured that AI would not replace humans but augment their capabilities, enabling them to focus on more complex and creative tasks.  

AI: The fifth industrial revolution  

Chia went on to describe AI as “the fifth revolution in the industry,” predicting that AI will become an integral part of our daily interactions. “AI is a tool, it’s how we extend our wisdom. In the future, AI will become a part of us that we can communicate with, solving problems and helping us,” he predicted. This vision of AI as a collaborative partner rather than a mere tool is central to K36’s forward-thinking approach.  

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs  

Reflecting on K36’s journey, Chia offered advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. “Be part of this change, be part of this revolution,” he urged. He stressed the importance of focusing on business departments that connect people, such as HR and account management. “How you maintain or engage with your client is something AI cannot take away. You have to build trust and engagement,” Chia emphasised. He highlighted the value of human interaction and trust-building, which remain irreplaceable by AI.  

Recognised as SiGMA Asia‘s Industry Rising Star, Chia said K36 exemplifies how integrating cutting-edge technology can drive rapid growth and transformation.

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