Shaping AI in 2025: Impacts, and Insights from Microsoft’s AI Tour

– By Astha Singh

2025 is set to be a transformative year for artificial intelligence (AI). What was once a speculative concept is now a driving force reshaping industries, fostering innovation, and delivering real-world value to businesses and communities. The recent Microsoft AI Tour we attended in Sydney, has offered a good preview of how these innovations are accelerating. At cubesys, we’ve been closely following these advancements, and we’re excited to share how AI will empower organisations to thrive in 2025 and beyond.  

What We Loved About the Microsoft AI Tour 

The Microsoft AI Tour is a powerful showcase of how technology can not only support organisations but propel them toward new heights of productivity, creativity, and efficiency. Here are some highlights that resonated with us: 

The Next Evolution of Microsoft Copilot 
Microsoft Copilot continues to evolve, now integrating advanced AI agents that automate tasks, interpret languages in real-time, and unlock valuable SharePoint knowledge. This evolution empowers employees with self-service automation and streamlines collaboration across applications, significantly improving workflows. 

Azure AI Foundry: Powering Generative AI Applications
Developers and decision-makers alike will appreciate the unified capabilities of the Azure AI Foundry. This platform enables the quick development, testing, and deployment of generative AI applications, complete with advanced benchmarking tools, prompt flows, and multimodal integrations. Azure AI Foundry represents a unique environment for innovators to push the boundaries of AI, all while maintaining operational efficiency. 

Microsoft Fabric: Data That Works for You 
The backbone of any AI initiative is data, and Microsoft Fabric ensures that data flows seamlessly from ingestion to transformation. By enabling faster and more impactful AI solutions, Microsoft Fabric empowers businesses to make smarter, data-driven decisions. This is a crucial advancement, considering that companies leveraging AI-driven analytics report a 5-6% increase in profit margins (McKinsey & Company). 

Security That Evolves with AI 
As AI becomes more integrated into organisational processes, the need for robust security becomes ever more pressing. Microsoft’s suite of security tools, including Purview, Sentinel, and Defender, provide enterprises with the resilience they need to safeguard their AI-powered systems against evolving threats, ensuring compliance while maintaining operational agility. 

At cubesys, we’re particularly passionate about how these tools will help our customers navigate the complexities of the digital world—keeping them secure, innovative, and agile in an ever-changing landscape. 

Leah Balter’s Insights from Wesfarmers 

One of the standout moments from the Microsoft AI Tour in Sydney was hearing from Leah Balter, CIO and Chief Transformation Officer at Wesfarmers. Leah shared the exciting AI-driven innovations taking place across the Wesfarmers Group, including iconic brands like Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, Priceline, and Catch. Her insights into the practical applications of AI were inspiring and highlighted how AI is transforming both customer and team experiences. 

At Bunnings, for example, the team is trialling several AI innovations, including the “Ask Lionel” service, an AI-powered information assistant for in-store teams. This service provides fast access to data and insights, allowing staff to respond more effectively to customer queries. Bunnings is also using AI to communicate with non-English speaking customers, deliver more personalised marketing offers, and automate team safety and payroll queries. 

These initiatives reflect a proactive and thoughtful approach to integrating AI, ensuring that it enhances the customer experience while aligning with Wesfarmers’ commitment to responsible AI use.  

Microsoft Copilot: A Game-Changer in Productivity 

Microsoft Copilot has become a key player in redefining workplace productivity. With its ability to offer personalised assistance across Microsoft 365 applications, Copilot removes the friction of repetitive tasks and enables teams to focus on high-impact work. Copilot’s capabilities, ranging from document generation to automating daily administrative tasks, have led to up to 40% improvement in operational efficiency (Microsoft). With Copilot Pro, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Copilot Studio, organisations can achieve new levels of collaboration and decision-making. 

AI Trends and Future Impact 

While AI’s immediate applications are remarkable, its long-term potential could fundamentally alter industries and economies. Here’s what we can expect: 

Short-Term Impact 

Enhanced Productivity: AI will continue to optimise business operations, reducing inefficiencies and allowing employees to focus on strategic goals. Studies show that 73% of businesses are already experiencing significant improvements in productivity through AI (PwC). 

Strengthened Security: With AI tools like Microsoft Sentinel, organisations will bolster their ability to detect and prevent cyber threats, enabling quicker responses and enhancing security across digital landscapes. 

Personalised Customer Experiences: AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants will evolve to offer even more tailored customer experiences, reducing service costs and enhancing satisfaction. 

Long-Term Implications 

Scientific Breakthroughs: AI will accelerate discoveries in fields such as healthcare, where machine learning is already being used to predict patient outcomes and recommend treatments. The AI-driven drug discovery market is expected to reach $9.2 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 40% (MarketsandMarkets). 

Economic Shifts: While AI will automate routine tasks, it will also create new opportunities. The World Economic Forum estimates that AI will lead to the creation of 97 million new jobs by 2025. However, this will require businesses to invest in reskilling and upskilling their workforce. 

Ethical Challenges: As AI evolves, concerns surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and fairness will necessitate stronger governance frameworks. Global standards for ethical AI development are essential for mitigating potential risks. 

Global Dynamics: The countries that lead in AI innovation will gain substantial economic and strategic advantages. With investments in AI, nations like China and the US are already shaping the future of the global power structure. 

Microsoft & cubesys: Your Partners in the AI Journey

AI isn’t just about adopting the latest tools—it’s about leveraging them effectively to achieve your unique goals. That’s where we come in. 

At cubesys, we specialise in helping organisations harness the power of AI, whether that’s through deploying Microsoft Copilot, integrating Azure AI Foundry, or securing AI-powered workflows. We’ve seen firsthand how these tools can transform businesses, and we’re here to help you unlock their potential. 

But we don’t just stop at implementation. We work alongside you to ensure your teams are empowered, your processes are optimised, and your goals are met. 

Looking Ahead: AI as a Force for Good 

The future of AI is bright—but it’s also ours to shape. As 2025 begins, the organisations that embrace AI’s potential while addressing its challenges will be the ones that thrive. Whether it’s automating tasks, enhancing collaboration, or driving innovation, tools like Microsoft Copilot are paving the way for a smarter, more productive world. 

At cubesys, we believe the best is yet to come. With the right strategies, partnerships, and technologies, we can help your organisation navigate this AI-driven future with confidence. 

Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk about how AI can transform your business today.