In Conversation: Berns Lim from WunderWaffen on AI and Automation

In technology, where buzzwords like “AI-driven automation” and “low-code/no-code platforms” are often drowned in hype, it takes a clear-eyed leader to distinguish between fleeting trends and transformative shifts.  

Berns Lim, the Chief Automation Officer at WunderWaffen, is one such leader. Known for his strategic foresight and hands-on approach, Berns has been at the forefront of deploying AI solutions that cut costs and drive operational efficiency across industries. 

As we look toward 2025, the business and technology landscape is set to be reshaped by breakthroughs in generative AI, autonomous AI agents, and democratized automation through low-code/no-code tools.

In this interview, Berns shares his insights on the future of AI, the critical skills tech professionals will need, and how companies can balance innovation with ethical responsibility. 

Q: Lim, your career path has been anything but linear—from the Singaporean Army to door-to-door sales, then insurance, digital marketing, and now leading automation at WunderWaffen. What’s the common thread that ties all these experiences together? 

Lim: It’s fascinating how each chapter of my life shaped me. The army taught me discipline and teamwork—invaluable skills in any field. Selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door? That was a masterclass in resilience and reading people. It was tough but built my confidence and sharpened my sales skills. 

Then came insurance, where I learned the intricacies of financial planning and how to tailor strategies to diverse clients. But when COVID-19 hit, it forced me to rethink everything. I pivoted into digital marketing, completing a government-funded diploma in just six months. That was a turning point—I realized the power of technology to market and transform businesses. 

All these experiences—sales, strategy, and adaptability—led me to automation. It’s about using technology to amplify human potential, not replace it. 

Q: Speaking of amplifying potential, let’s talk about the future. What do you think will be the biggest technological shift in the next few years? 

Lim: Without a doubt, autonomous AI agents will be the biggest game-changer. Right now, companies rely on AI for simple tasks—like chatbots or basic data processing. But soon, AI will handle complex, multi-step processes with minimal human oversight. 

Imagine AI that can analyze market trends, draft strategic reports, and even suggest business pivots—all autonomously. It’s not about replacing jobs; it’s about enhancing decision-making and scaling businesses faster than ever before. 

And then there’s low-code/no-code platforms. These tools are going to democratize automation, allowing non-technical users to build and deploy AI solutions. This is a game-changer for SMEs that don’t have large IT teams but still want to stay competitive. 

At WunderWaffen, we’re leading this charge in APAC. 

Q: That’s fascinating. So, with these shifts happening, what do you think are the must-have skills for future tech professionals, beyond just coding? 

Lim: AI literacy is absolutely crucial. It’s not just about understanding how AI models work but knowing their limitations and best practices for deployment. Then there’s prompt engineering—crafting the right inputs to get the best outputs from AI. It’s a skill that’s becoming as important as coding itself. But here’s the kicker: business acumen. Technology without strategy is like a car without a destination. Tech professionals must bridge the gap between AI capabilities and real-world business needs. 

Q: I love that analogy—technology without strategy is like a car without a destination. As AI evolves, how will its role change in the next few years, especially in automation? 

Lim: AI and automation are moving toward self-learning models that refine their outputs based on real-time feedback. This means AI will move beyond task execution to decision-making and predictive analytics. For my team at WunderWaffen, this means focusing on seamless AI integration—embedding AI into enterprise workflows without disrupting existing operations. The goal is to make AI an invisible yet powerful force that enhances human productivity rather than replacing it. 

Q: Speaking of transformation, automation often gets a reputation. People worry about job losses, impersonal systems, and the fear of becoming obsolete. How do you address these concerns, especially when talking to small business owners? 

Lim: I get it. Automation is often seen as a threat, but in reality, it’s the opposite. It’s about freeing people from repetitive, low-value tasks so they can focus on what truly matters—building relationships, solving complex problems, and driving growth. 

Think about it: if your team doesn’t have to spend hours on data entry or handling basic customer queries, that’s time reclaimed. They can focus on higher-value activities like meeting clients, strategizing, or even upskilling. 

For small businesses, automation is a game-changer. They’re agile, but they often struggle with resources. By automating repetitive processes, they can scale efficiently without the need for proportional increases in staff. It’s not about replacing jobs—it’s about making roles more meaningful.’ 

Q: You’ve mentioned that you believe automation can help create a four-day workweek. That sounds revolutionary! How does automation make this possible? 

Lim: The idea of a four-day workweek isn’t just a pipe dream—it’s achievable with the right automation strategies. It’s not about reducing work hours but increasing productivity. Imagine if your team could get the same amount of work done in four days because smart systems are handling the routine stuff. This means more time for creativity, strategic thinking, and client interactions. We’re already seeing this in companies we work with. Automation isn’t just making work easier—it’s making it more rewarding. Happier employees, better work-life balance, and even higher productivity. 

Q: That’s insightful. Now, with all this power comes responsibility. Ethics in AI is a hot topic these days. How does WunderWaffen ensure that the automation we’re building is ethical and responsible? 

Lim: Ethics is at the heart of everything we do. We prioritize transparency—making sure businesses understand how AI decisions are made. We’re committed to reducing biases in our models and ensuring data security at all costs. 

Regulations like the EU Artificial Intelligence Act are pushing companies to rethink their approach to AI, and we’re ahead of the curve. Companies that ignore these principles risk legal trouble and loss of public trust. At WunderWaffen, we’re not just building smart systems—we’re building responsible ones. 

Q: It sounds like you’ve got a solid ethical framework in place. But when it comes to innovation, how do you balance pushing boundaries with managing risks in your tech strategy? 

Lim: The key is building an experimental culture with guardrails. At WunderWaffen, we adopt a “fail fast, fix fast” approach while ensuring compliance with security standards. 

We achieve this by: 

• Running pilot programs before full-scale AI deployment. 

• Establishing clear risk assessment frameworks for new technologies. 

• Training employees to work alongside AI instead of fearing job loss. 

The biggest risk isn’t AI adoption—it’s falling behind competitors who embrace AI effectively. 

Q: That’s a great point. Can you share a specific example where you successfully adapted to disruptive technology, maybe a challenge you overcame? 

Lim: Sure. One example is when we integrated AI-driven workflow automation for a legal marketplace in Indonesia, Bursa Hukum. Initially, their team resisted AI because they were concerned about accuracy in data scraping, leads generation, and automated email delivery. 

To ease the transition, we: 

• Conducted hands-on training to build trust in AI outputs. 

• Used hybrid AI models (human + AI collaboration) for quality assurance. 

• Iterated based on real user feedback to refine the system. 

Result: A significant reduction in lead generation time. 

The next few years will separate companies that integrate AI from those that just slap the label on without real transformation. The future belongs to businesses that embrace AI-driven automation, ethical AI frameworks, and continuous adaptation.

For tech professionals, the biggest takeaway is to stay ahead of AI trends, master business applications of AI, and always think about how technology serves people—not just profits.