Leow is on a mission to spread generative AI, passionately sharing tools to make innovation accessible to everyone, everywhere. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
In today’s fast-evolving digital arena, learning to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just a technical skill – it’s a modern-day kemahiran hidup, according to AI evangelist Warren Leow.
Just like hands-on lessons in school once taught essential life skills, Leow believes that mastering AI tools has become crucial for everyone, regardless of background.
“Kids are malleable and naturally digitally savvy. So they can pick things up very quickly. They play Roblox and Minecraft. They already know how to use ChatGPT for homework,” he says.
“But the key thing is to make these skills and tools accessible across the digital divide, whether you are part of the B40, M40 or T20 communities. We need to make sure everybody has equal access to these skills because, going forward, it will be important for any white-collar job, if you own a small business, or if you work for the corporate or public sector.”
Leow says it is key to get enough practice, have an awareness of the latest tools and know how to bring all this knowledge together.
“As democratisation or disruption continues to increase the volume of content being generated, humans will have to adapt. That means a person would need to learn how to be the master of tools rather than be mastered by tools. You need to be a good architect to know how to bring things together.”
The 41-year-old stands out as a leader with a clear vision and a passion for innovation. As the Group CEO of Pixlr, an AI-powered digital photo editing and content creation platform, Leow is also committed to a leadership style that balances innovation, accountability, and a vision for digital transformation.
“I believe in creating an environment where team members are motivated to innovate and take ownership of their projects. I encourage open communication, continuous learning and a culture of collaboration. We set clear goals and expectations but also provide the support and resources needed to achieve them,” says Leow during an interview at the cosy Pixlr headquarters located in Sunway Geo Tower, Sunway City, Selangor.
“Regular feedback and recognition of achievements help maintain high morale and accountability. By fostering a culture that values both creativity and responsibility, we ensure that Pixlr remains agile, innovative and committed to excellence in all our endeavours.”
Leow’s journey from a modest upbringing to leading an internationally recognised startup is both inspiring and instructive.
His early life in Klang was grounded in modesty and hard work. The Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) boy grew up in a family supported by his police officer father and his mother, a housewife. Education was highly valued in their household, and his sister went on to become a doctor, while Leow himself earned a Public Service Department (JPA) scholarship to study at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he pursued a degree in Accounting and Finance.
From corporate to startups
Leow spent over a decade in Britain, gaining invaluable international exposure before returning to Malaysia to make his mark in the tech industry. His professional journey began in the corporate world with British Petroleum (BP), where he gained insight into the complexities of large-scale operations.
His next move to management consultancy giant Bain & Co saw him working across various countries. These roles not only broadened his global perspective but also deepened his understanding of how businesses could leverage technology for growth.
Leow says: “My career journey has been a diverse and enriching experience that has ultimately led me to Pixlr. Over the years, I have worked with various companies, honing my skills in leadership, strategic planning and product development. My time at these organisations taught me the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.”
After several years abroad, Leow returned to Malaysia, driven by a desire to be closer to his ageing parents. His homecoming marked a shift from corporate to entrepreneurial ventures. He dabbled in tech, launching various apps and online platforms, including a language social network and an online dating app.
Though some of these early ventures didn’t gain significant traction, the experience proved invaluable. “It was a little early, but I learned how to manage freelancers and developers globally through platforms like Freelancer.com,” he reflects.
Leow’s entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to join the Malaysian government’s effort in nurturing the startup ecosystem. His work with the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) allowed him to be part of a team that built one of South-East Asia’s largest accelerator programmes, bridging the gap between government policies and startup needs. It also gave him invaluable experience working with the government.
“That was my first exposure to what it was like working in the government. I highly recommend it! You will get a better appreciation of how things fit together.”
A new AI era
In 2016, Leow took the reins at Pixlr when it was acquired by the Malaysia-based Inmagine Group from Autodesk. Under his leadership, Pixlr has grown into a leading AI-driven design platform, boasting over 10 million monthly active users, 99% of whom are from outside Malaysia, reflecting the platform’s global appeal.
Pixlr’s success stems from its mission to democratise design through AI, a vision that aligns seamlessly with Leow’s core belief in making technology accessible to everyone. Emphasising the transformative impact of AI, Leow states, “AI is reshaping the creative industry, making design smarter, faster and more accessible for all.”
Pixlr’s long-term goals include expanding its AI capabilities, enhancing user experiences, and solidifying its global presence. Leow envisions the company as a leader in AI-driven design solutions, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation.
“At Pixlr, we leverage AI to automate and complement complex design processes, enabling users to focus more on creativity rather than technical details. Our AI-driven tools, such as Pixlr.com and Designs.ai, simplify tasks like background removal, photo enhancement and template customisation, thereby democratising design and making high-quality results achievable for all skill levels. And next up, Inabit.ai is a soon-to-be-launched tool for automated text-to-presentations.”
Leow’s vision extends beyond the corporate sphere into education. Pixlr’s partnership with Malaysia’s Education Ministry exemplifies his dedication to fostering digital literacy. Earlier this year, Pixlr provided AI training worth RM1mil to 500 teachers from across the nation. This collaboration aimed to equip educators with the tools to integrate AI into their teaching methods, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
“AI has the potential to bridge educational gaps and prepare students for a digital-first world,” Leow explains. “By training teachers in generative AI, we’re enriching the classroom experience and further ensuring equal access to these skills across socio-economic divides.”
The sessions were very promising, according to Leow. “We were creating an awareness about generative AI, teaching them to use our tools as well as external tools. Most of the teachers were not tech people. But all you really need to know is how to use a camera and then learn how to use tools like ChatGPT or Gemini.
“Once we’d trained them, the hope is that they would go back to their schools and run programmes there, training other teachers and students. Feedback from the teachers was good – with many of the participants commenting on how fruitful and insightful the sessions were, as well as how they appreciated it being tailored to their skills level.”
Driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Malaysia
As a former member of the Council of Digital Economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MED4IRN), Leow has been at the forefront of Malaysia’s digital transformation. He is particularly enthusiastic about emerging trends in AI automation, ethical AI and personalised user experiences, which he believes are reshaping industries and enhancing productivity.
“The integration of AI into workflows and the development of ethical AI are crucial as we navigate this transformative era,” he asserts.
His involvement with the Konsortium AI Negara (Kain) further underscores his commitment to building a robust national AI ecosystem, supporting local talent, and fostering innovation across sectors. Kain, as he explains it, is made up of a group of local tech exponents who build up awareness and engage with ministers on issues related to their industry.
Leow’s advice to young Malaysians aspiring to enter the tech industry is straightforward: embrace lifelong learning and practice. “Stay curious, develop a strong foundation in coding, data science and AI, and cultivate soft skills like problem-solving and creativity. Internships and mentorships are invaluable, and resilience is key to navigating challenges,” he advises.
His parting shot is clear: “Learn to be a builder. The tech industry is full of possibilities, and with dedication and passion, you can make a significant impact.”
