Davos 2025: Andrew Ng urges Indian professionals to learn coding amid AI revolution

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on January 20, 2025, AI pioneer Andrew Ng stressed the importance of coding for professionals in India, warning that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) will shape the future of work. As tech giants increasingly turn to AI for core processes, Ng emphasized that those who are proficient in AI will outpace those who aren't.

"I don't think AI will replace people, but those who know how to use AI will surpass those who don't," Ng, founder of DeepLearning.AI and co-founder of Coursera, told Moneycontrol in an exclusive interview.

He advised Indian professionals to "leapfrog" the technological curve, highlighting the growing importance of coding not only for software engineers but also for marketers, recruiters, journalists, and professionals across various industries. According to Ng, AI is transforming how people interact with technology, making coding an essential skill for all.

"There’s no practical way to slow down AI," Ng continued. "To anyone concerned about their job, I recommend learning to code and taking control of the technology. The ability to direct computers to perform tasks will be one of the most important skills in the future."

Ng’s call to action comes amidst discussions at the WEF, including comments from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who predicted that AI would soon function as mid-level engineers, capable of writing code independently. Ng agrees with Zuckerberg’s view that AI will take on more coding tasks, but stressed that understanding how to code will remain a valuable skill for individuals.

"Even though I rely on AI to help with some of my coding, I wouldn't be as effective without a solid understanding of how to code myself," Ng added.

As AI continues to revolutionize industries globally, professionals in India are urged to adapt and embrace coding as an essential tool for staying competitive in the evolving job market.