AI Transforms Nepal's Workplaces, Classrooms Lag Behind

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept in Nepal; it's actively reshaping the nation's workplaces, particularly within the burgeoning IT sector. Software developers like Mamata Chaudhary at Cedar Gate Technologies are now collaborating with AI assistants, a shift that fundamentally alters their workflow and cognitive processes. Chaudhary notes that her instinct is now to turn to AI for solutions, a departure from her previous method of independently exploring problems from multiple angles. While she feels this reliance might be weakening her own problem-solving abilities, she remains optimistic about AI's potential and stresses the necessity for the next generation to become AI-fluent.

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Earlier, whenever I hit a problem, I'd work through it myself, think about it from different angles. Now, the moment something new comes up, my first instinct is to ask the AI.

This transformation is evident across various IT companies in Nepal, which are increasingly deploying AI tools for operational efficiency. Santosh Tamrakar, managing director of IMS Software, highlights the dramatic reduction in time needed for tasks such as drafting business proposals and system architecture design, thanks to AI. His company utilizes AI for coding and presentations, underscoring the significant productivity gains. However, this technological advancement also brings challenges. Tamrakar points out that the job market is evolving, with employers now seeking individuals who can manage and verify AI output, rather than just code.

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Somewhere, I feel like my ability to think things through on my own has weakened.

Abhay Poudel, co-founder of Gokyo Labs, echoes the sentiment that AI adoption for efficiency is widespread. His company uses AI for planning, feature development, and documentation. Yet, despite the increased demand for AI-specific roles like prompt engineers and AI consultants, Poudel observes a slowdown in overall hiring. This is because most recent graduates lack the necessary AI competencies. While companies are still hiring, the gap between the skills possessed by fresh graduates and those demanded by the AI-driven market is widening, creating a challenging landscape for both employers and aspiring IT professionals in Nepal.

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Fewer people might do the work that many do today, but humans will always be necessary. That's exactly why the next generation has no choice but to become AI-fluent.