AI agent cuts two-month product setup to two weeks for Amla’s B2B clients

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 AUGUST 2026 —

Malaysian Engineers Look to AI Innovator for E-Commerce and Health Tech Inspiration

Ingole, who now leads AI-driven initiatives at Amla Commerce in Milwaukee, developed his first lines of code in a middle school computer lab after growing up in Udgir, a village where only one household owned a television. His early fascination with programming evolved into a career spanning software engineering, project management, and independent research in AI applications for healthcare and assistive technologies.

At Amla, Ingole is developing AI agents to streamline e-commerce operations for manufacturers and B2B clients, reducing the traditionally labor-intensive process of setting up large product catalogues from two to three months to just two weeks. His work reflects a broader trend in Malaysia’s digital economy, where businesses are increasingly adopting AI to enhance efficiency and customer engagement.

From Rural Roots to Global Tech Leadership

Ingole’s breakthrough moment came during his undergraduate years at the College of Engineering, Pune (now COEP Technological University), where he interviewed prominent entrepreneurs, including Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy and philanthropist Sudha Murty. Despite financial constraints, Ingole and a classmate traveled 940 kilometres overnight to meet Murty in Bengaluru. Their persistence left a lasting impression, with Murty arranging a meeting with her husband and penning a handwritten note of encouragement for their college magazine.

“They are billionaires, and I was just a regular student,” Ingole told IEEE Spectrum. “The fact that they took the time to do this really motivated me.”

After graduating in 2008, Ingole held various roles in India’s IT sector before moving to the U.S. in 2022. His experience includes managing IT systems for U.S. state health departments, where he gained firsthand insight into the critical role of data governance in healthcare—a sector where precision is paramount.

AI Agents Transforming E-Commerce Efficiency At Amla, Ingole is applying his expertise to develop AI tools that automate repetitive tasks for e-commerce businesses. One such tool is an AI agent designed to guide manufacturers through the complex process of setting up product catalogues. Traditionally, this process involves manual data entry, adjustments to item names, pricing, and image updates—a task that can take weeks or even months.

“Product setup has been one of the most painful processes in e-commerce,” Ingole said. “We’re creating an AI agent that will guide them, step-by-step, to get everything set up in two weeks.”

Ingole has also built an AI agent to automate status reports for project managers, a task that typically consumes 10 to 12 hours weekly. The agent extracts key information from emails, compiles highlights, risks, timelines, and upcoming releases, and generates a written report—freeing up time for deeper strategic work.

Healthcare AI and Assistive Technologies: A Personal Mission

Beyond his professional role, Ingole dedicates weekends to independent research in AI-driven healthcare solutions. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers and holds six patents in the U.K. and India, including innovations in breast cancer detection and wearable health monitoring devices.

One of his current projects involves developing a brain-computer interface to assist patients with paralysis or nonverbal conditions in controlling their environment, such as turning on a fan or switching off a television.

“Health care data is not like other data,” Ingole said. “The stakes are high, compliance requirements are different, and the margin for error is effectively zero.”

His work underscores the potential of AI in Malaysia’s healthcare sector, where digital health initiatives are gaining traction under the government’s MyDIGITAL blueprint. The integration of AI in diagnostics and patient care could address critical gaps in accessibility and efficiency, particularly in rural areas.

IEEE Membership: A Gateway to Global Collaboration Ingole joined IEEE in 2022, a move he describes as to his professional growth. The organisation has provided him with a platform to contribute to the research community, serving as a conference session chair, keynote speaker, and peer reviewer.

“IEEE is important for me to continue as an independent researcher,” he said. “It lets me contribute to the community, and I get a lot in return.”

His IEEE affiliation has also facilitated collaborations with global researchers, including entry into the British Computer Society, known for its stringent acceptance criteria. These connections have expanded his network, enabling knowledge-sharing and joint research efforts.

Malaysia’s Digital Economy: Lessons from Ingole’s Journey Malaysia’s digital economy is projected to contribute 25.5% to the country’s GDP by 2025, driven by initiatives such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) and the National AI Strategy 2021-2025. Ingole’s career trajectory offers valuable insights for Malaysian engineers and tech entrepreneurs aiming to leverage AI for business transformation.

His emphasis on self-directed learning and practical application resonates with Malaysia’s push to cultivate a skilled workforce in emerging technologies. The government’s focus on upskilling through programmes like the Digital Skills Training Directory aligns with Ingole’s belief in “learn by doing.”

Stakeholder Perspectives: Bridging Theory and Practice Industry experts in Malaysia view Ingole’s work as a case study in how AI can bridge gaps in traditional business processes. Dr. Mazlan Abbas, CEO of REDtone Digital, highlighted the importance of AI agents in reducing operational inefficiencies.

“AI-driven automation is not just about cost savings; it’s about enabling businesses to scale rapidly and respond to market demands,” he said. “Ingole’s approach demonstrates how AI can be tailored to specific industry challenges.”

Meanwhile, healthcare professionals in Malaysia see potential in AI applications for diagnostics and patient care. Dr. Helmy Haja Mydin, a pulmonologist and founder of the Lung Health Initiative, noted that AI tools could improve early detection of diseases like breast cancer, particularly in underserved areas.

“AI’s ability to analyse vast datasets can complement the work of healthcare professionals, ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses,” he said.

The Road Ahead: AI Integration and Ethical Considerations

As Malaysia accelerates its digital transformation, Ingole’s work serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with AI innovation. His patented breast cancer detection tool, for instance, reflects a commitment to ensuring that AI applications are both accurate and accessible.

For Malaysian businesses and policymakers, Ingole’s journey underscores the need for investment in STEM education, research and development, and cross-sector collaboration. The integration of AI into e-commerce and healthcare could unlock new opportunities, but it must be accompanied by frameworks to address data privacy, security, and equity.

Conclusion: A Model for Malaysia’s Tech Talent Balaji Ingole’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and the transformative power of technology. From a village without computers to leading AI initiatives in a global e-commerce firm, his journey offers inspiration for Malaysia’s next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs.

As the country advances its digital economy, Ingole’s emphasis on practical learning, global collaboration, and ethical AI development could serve as a guiding framework. For Malaysian tech professionals, his career is a testament to the possibilities that lie at the intersection of determination, technology, and community.

Details not yet available on whether Ingole’s AI tools will be adopted in Malaysia or if similar initiatives are being developed locally.

Related: Amla Commerce · Balaji Ingole · Kuala Lumpur