Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman’s latest statement is creating a stir in the AI world. In an interview with the Financial Times, Suleyman warned that artificial intelligence (AI) will completely automate most tasks in most white-collar jobs within the next 12 to 18 months. He stated that white-collar jobs —those performed by people sitting at computers—such as lawyers, chartered accountants, project managers, and marketing professionals—will be fully automated by AI within the next 12 to 18 months.
Coding with AI
He cited software engineering, noting that engineers are now writing most of their code using AI. Their role has shifted toward “strategic” tasks such as designing the architecture and bringing it to production. According to Suleyman, this shift has been observed in the last six months alone.
Furthermore, he stated that existing AI models can code better than most human coders, perhaps even better than all coders ever created. He emphasised that creating new AI models will now be as easy as “making a podcast or writing a blog.” Institutions and organisations will be able to design their own AI according to their needs. He also stated that in the next two to three years, AI agents will be able to handle the workflows of large organisations more efficiently.
Microsoft’s Superintelligence Mission
Speaking about his vision, Suleyman said that Microsoft’s goal is to build a superintelligence. He explained that a few months ago, the company renegotiated the long-term agreement with OpenAI and extended the IP license until 2032. He also said, “We have decided that now is the time to achieve true AI self-sufficiency.” Suleyman discussed Microsoft’s plan to develop its own independent basic AI models, with a strong training team and systematic data processing.
These comments from the Microsoft AI chief come at a time when concerns are growing about AI replacing human jobs and leading to mass layoffs. Previously, Amazon stated in a blog post that increased AI-related competition could affect approximately 16,000 jobs across its companies.
Last year, Microsoft announced in a blog post that it had signed a new agreement with OpenAI, further strengthening the partnership between the two organisations. Under this agreement, OpenAI will remain Microsoft’s primary model partner and will expand exclusive intellectual property rights between the two companies.
