Br Abbas Seyani, a distinguished Khoja professional based in Australia, is making waves at the intersection of technology and policy. Born in Dubai to a well-known trading family, he grew up surrounded by community service. His father being a popular member of the community, and his mother a longstanding volunteer and Madrassa teacher.
His family moved to Australia when he was 11, and Br Abbas has since built a remarkable career that bridges advanced data science and public policy. With a first-class honours in Economics and a Master’s in Analytics from the Australian National University, he has been at the forefront of applying artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven insights to shape national strategies on jobs and skills. Recently, he served as the data lead for “Our Gen AI Transition,” a landmark study commissioned by the Australian Government that explores how generative AI is transforming the nature of work. The report, which is already attracting national attention, maps how AI may automate, enhance, or reshape jobs, and what this means for future training and education systems.
The Khoja News Team got an exclusive opportunity to interview Br Abbas as he discusses his work, landmark report, community involvement, and advice for future generations.
- About the Paper
Q: Can you tell us the title and overview of the paper you wrote?
A: The most recent report where I was the data lead was “Our Gen AI Transition.” It is a comprehensive study that analyses the potential for AI to automate or enhance different jobs. What was unique about this study was that we assessed not just jobs as a whole, but the underlying tasks within each job, calculating their exposure to AI. We also explored how AI may change the very nature of jobs and skills, and the adaptations required in our training systems. I won’t give away too much—readers can access the full report here: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/publications/generative-ai-capacity-study-report
Q: Why do you think this paper matters for the government, policymakers, or the broader public?
A: Everyone is talking about AI, but there is uncertainty. Some fear AI will eliminate all jobs, while others dismiss it as a temporary craze, like the metaverse or cryptocurrencies. Our study aimed to cut through these extremes with a balanced, evidence-based approach. We found that AI has the potential to augment almost every job, yet human skills such as collaboration, project management, and critical thinking remain indispensable. This provides valuable guidance not just for policymakers, but also for parents raising children, careers counsellors advising students, and course providers seeking relevance in an AI-driven future.
- Involvement in the Community
Q: You are involved in multiple community initiatives. Can you give us a brief on how you are contributing?
A: I am an associate councillor with Khoja Communities of Australia which is the Regional Federation for Australasia. As part of that, our Federation and local community members have put me forward for opportunities with The World Federation where I can assist. There are a couple of initiatives that I wish to highlight. First is ICAIR, the Islamic Research Institute managed by the WF, where I contributed to a symposium on AI, biotechnology, and education. It was inspiring to work alongside experts and Ulema to ensure our community can harness the benefits of AI while managing its risks.
Second is the Census Project which we note is an important project. The team is addressing key issues such as developing a Khoja ID, a global business directory, and membership management platforms for jamaats. Here, the human change aspects are as important as the technical ones, and I have been working with the team to help ensure seamless alignment.
Q: Beyond WF, are there any other community initiatives you are involved with?
A: Alhamdulillah, my service journey began as a Qur’an teacher in Madrasah. A decade ago, after moving cities, my wife and I recognised the absence of a Madrassah in Canberra and with community support, we established one. To this day, we continue to teach, and it is heartening to see some of our students grow to become teachers themselves.
Q: How do you balance professional work at a national level with grassroots service at the community level?
A: Many successful professionals have shared with me that they learnt more about leadership and management through community service than through their careers—and I’ve found the same. Serving students and youth has shaped me in profound ways. I often remind them that active community members excel not only in spirituality, but also in their studies, careers, and businesses. I draw inspiration from a hadith of Imam Sadiq (a): “One who passes his evenings and mornings in such a way that the world be his biggest concern, God ordains poverty between his two eyes… And as for one who passes his evenings and mornings while his biggest concern and goal be the Hereafter, God puts contentment to his heart and gives a wholeness and unity to his affairs (Al-Kulayni, Usul al-Kafi, Vol. IV, p. 8).”
- Final Reflections
Q: How do you think the community can better highlight and celebrate the contributions of Khoja professionals across different fields?
A: Alhamdulillah, ours is a talented community. Initiatives such as Khoja News and the World Federation awards are essential in recognising achievers. One of the most impactful experiences for me was participating in a MCE Tarbiyah Conference in Sydney, which brought together Madrasah teachers and highlighted professional expertise in AI. We need more creative forums beyond traditional events, to surface and celebrate such talents.
Q: What advice would you give to young Khoja individuals aspiring to work in research or data science?
A: When considering a career, ask yourself: Would I still enjoy doing this if it were just a hobby? If yes, then it is a path that will sustain your passion. Also, in today’s fast-changing world, lifelong learning is not optional—you must continuously grow. Choose a field you’ll be motivated to keep learning in, and you will thrive.
- The Khoja News team congratulates Br Abbas Seyani on his remarkable achievements and dedicated service to the community. His journey from Madrasah classrooms to shaping national AI policy reflects the true spirit of the Khoja ethos of faith, knowledge, and service. We pray to Allah (swt) to grant him continued success in all his endeavours, Ameen.