A passion for AI

Jaylee Venter is a skilled full-stack developer with a passion for artificial intelligence (AI). She joined Salt Essential IT in May 2021 and is responsible for orchestrating and engineering solutions to serve customers’ unique business needs.

“As a Saltie, I regularly create and bring together existing software solutions, often in different languages, using AI as a 'middleman' to bridge gaps. This could include developing automation, chatbots or other AI-driven tools to streamline processes and enhance user experience,” she said.



Solving business needs

Despite being a thrill seeker with many loves and passions, she is an introvert who is dedicated to bringing honour, integrity and diligence to her work. Her journey into the ICT industry started at a young age, having built her first computer at 11 and a website at 13.

Seven years ago, she boldly moved from hardware engineering to specialise in cloud SaaS solutions engineering, leading her to her passion for AI and application design, development and integration. “I now work as an AI, machine learning (ML) and automation software engineer, using my extensive knowledge in IT gained over the past 22 years to solve business needs.”

When working on a new project, Venter considers the existing business environment and software, as well as the legal requirements based on the business’ size. She aims to create solutions that last for five to 10 years, ensuring they are relevant and adaptable.



AI is a tool, not the enemy

Regarding the misconceptions about AI, Venter admitted that she is often met with surprise and reservation when she talks about her love for AI. She indicated that many people have misconceptions about AI, thinking that it is inherently 'evil'. She highlighted that AI is a tool created and guided by humans. It is for this reason that AI’s 'intent' is left at the mercy of the developer.

“It is important to remember that AI is a tool, not the enemy. The key is to ensure that AI solutions are transparent, managed, secure and ethically guided,” she cautioned.



Accomplishments

Reflecting on her accomplishments, Venter highlighted projects like creating Namibia's first Power Page platform; assisting with on-premises website server hacking to find malicious code and report findings to Microsoft and AWS; building a website with an AI bot and survey automation, reducing paper use and data capturing efforts; building the Apprada – Salt Essential IT's staff appraisal software, and automation with visual AI to transcribe handwritten notes. “I am proud of all the achievements and developments I have built, often with the support and guidance of my colleagues at Salt Essential IT."



Ethical development

Looking ahead, she envisions AI contributing positively to humanity and the planet. She advocates for 'pro-humanity' AI in financial, medical and educational fields. She believes that 'pro-planetary' AI can help solve many global challenges, making the world safer and better for everyone.

Venter encourages aspiring AI and cloud-solution engineers to never stop learning and to approach AI development ethically. She highlights the vast possibilities in different programming languages, urging them to choose their passion as their driving force.