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Traditional
Islamic banking principles are committed to establishing a welfare-oriented banking
system that meets the needs of low income and underprivileged citizens.
It supports the establishment of an
economic system based on social emancipation and equitable distribution of
wealth, encouraging the economic progress of socially deprived people. It also
works to create employment opportunities and the development of agriculture and
rural communities.
Whilst
creating employment opportunities and developing agriculture in rural
communities, the aim of traditional Islamic banks is to, support the
establishment of a unique economic system. This economic system is based on
social emancipation and an equitable distribution of wealth so that socially
deprived people experience economic progress. This is done through the
development and the creation of employment opportunities in agricultural and
rural communities.
The
Al-Arafah Islami Bank Limited (AAIBL) was established in 1995 and is
headquartered in Dhaka in Bangladesh. This bank operates on the traditional
Islamic principles and they face many key challenges. For the successful
operation of any bank, they have to ensure that the vital pillars of IT
security and confidentiality are ceaselessly infallible.
The AAIBL
has an enormous responsibility to ensure that its IT security and
confidentiality is being upheld, due to the fact that it has a customer base
that is expansive and wide-ranging. It has customers from 199 branches
throughout Bangladesh, ranging from busy city environments to remote rural
communities.
The Challenges that has Compromised the
Reputation of the Bank
The AAIBL
has, for many years faced many pertinent challenges that are both internal and
external. The external challenges include having to operate in an environment
with weak national infrastructure, making them prone to cyberattacks that could
compromise the IT security and confidentiality of the organisation. The
internal challenges include having lack of a central management or policies
that govern the individual use of PCs and other devices.
This has
regrettably caused many virus, worm and Trojan attacks on both the local head
office network and across the branch network. This resulted in the
inconvenient, time-consuming and expensive task of having to transport the
affected PCs from remote, rural branches back to Dhaka to be cleaned and
repaired.
In
particular, the uncontrolled access to virus-laden web pages and the widespread
use of unauthorised USB devices resulted in numerous large scale and
debilitating infections. At their most severe, these problems could result in
the complete shutdown of branches, with core banking software ceasing to
operate. This could be extremely inimical as it could affect customer’s
transactions, doing irrevocable damage to the organisation’s reputation. These
issues were also preventing AAIBL’s efforts to establish online banking
services.
Mr. D. M. Jahangir Rabbani, Senior
Principal Officer, ICT Division, said that whilst these events were now routine
to the organisation, it was vital that they find a solution to the problems
since it was causing severe disruptions to their consumers and creating a bad
reputation for the organisation.
The Solution
from Kaspersky Lab that Brought AAIB Back to their Feet Again
The bank selected Kaspersky Lab and its
award-winning Dhaka-based partner, Officextracts, for the performance of its
software. The systems put in place by Kaspersky included virus detection and
management. Kaspersky Lab’s world class,
multi-layered anti-malware protection for AAIB’s systems, servers and more than
1,000 individual users was combined with firewall, application, device and web
control, mobile security, device and systems management capabilities.
The solution has provided a comprehensive
remedy for the bank’s longstanding and damaging virus problems. Network traffic
is now running smoothly and centralised controls on the use of devices such as
USBs, CDs and DVDs is preventing local infections out in the branch network.
Websites and applications presenting
dangers to the bank are being identified and blocked centrally by the IT team
from head office, managing threat and risk levels and significantly reducing
bandwidth consumption. It can manage the system, monitor endpoint security,
review threat and risk levels and generate reports for executives, all from the
Kaspersky Lab central console.
The results are significant for both the
bank and its customers. Core banking services are streamlined and operating
smoothly for customers resulting in efficiency of operations allowing staff to
focus on activities that can improve customer satisfaction. The IT team can now
focus on enhancing and innovating so that their colleagues and customers can
benefit from them.
Said Mr. Rabbani that as a bank their
operations must be secure and confidential at all times. While they have
resolved their security issues thanks to Kaspersky Lab, they have to continue
to be resilient and control central access to web pages, applications and
devices.
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The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, recently organised a Workshop on “Cultivating Tomorrow: Advancing Digital Agriculture through IoT and AI.”
Held at the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, this event aimed to explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies in agriculture.
Participation was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates, ITU Academia, and individuals from countries that are members of the ITU, as well as members of international, regional, and national organisations in hybrid mode. The event drew around 200 delegates, including international participants, who shared their experiences in the emerging field of Agriculture 4.0.
In light of the challenges posed by a growing world population and climate change to traditional farming practices, the workshop underscored the importance of leveraging technology for sustainable food production. It delved into the application of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and other cutting-edge technologies across the agricultural value chain, from production to consumption, including post-harvest management and marketing.
The discussions focused on how these technologies can empower farmers with real-time data, predictive analytics, and actionable insights to optimise their operations and enhance productivity.
A highlight of the workshop was the release of the Technical Report on “Revolutionising Agriculture: The Digital Transformation of Farming.” This report serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders in the agricultural sector, providing guidance on harnessing the power of technology to drive sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in food production. Overall, the event emphasised the critical role of digital innovations in shaping the future of agriculture and fostering global food security.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in India is pioneering the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance farmers’ productivity and well-being. Championing the India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (InDEA) 2.0’s network approach, the Ministry has achieved significant milestones.
According to Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India has leveraged AI to tackle various challenges in the agricultural sector, aiming to support farmers.
Key initiatives include the implementation of ‘Kisan e-Mitra,’ an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist farmers with inquiries regarding the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which supports multiple languages and is expanding to cover other government programmes.
The National Pest Surveillance System employs AI and Machine Learning to detect crop issues caused by climate change, enabling timely interventions for healthier crops. Furthermore, AI-based analytics are utilised for crop health assessment using field photographs, along with crop health monitoring through the integration of Satellite, weather, and soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crops.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed, paving the way for collaborative efforts between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI, and a foundation to establish India as a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture transformation. This partnership signifies a crucial step forward in leveraging AI to revolutionise digital agriculture, ensuring a prosperous and food-secure future for India.
Following the workshop, the 9th meeting of the ITU/FAO Focus Group on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) for Digital Agriculture” (FG-AI4A) will take place on March 19, 2024, at the same venue.
The Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things for Digital Agriculture (FG-AI4A) has extensively explored the potential of emerging technologies such as AI and IoT. These technologies offer promising avenues for data management, model enhancement, and effective communication, thereby optimising agricultural production processes.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated all aspects of human life, including its crucial role in defence and security, which has become a focal point, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The integration of AI in defence has sparked extensive debates on its implications for national security, military strategies, and ethical considerations, indicating the depth of its impact and the need for careful evaluation.
One of the primary concerns revolves around how AI could revolutionise military, security, and defence operations. This revolution introduces concepts like autonomous weapons systems, unmanned vehicles, and cyber warfare capabilities, marking a significant shift in how AI is adopted in these fields.
Moreover, there is a growing interest in understanding how AI will shape defence strategies and operations by 2035, potentially altering the balance of power in the region and leading to new alliances and strategic rivalries.
While AI advancements promise strategic advantages, they also raise ethical dilemmas, especially regarding the use of AI in making life-or-death decisions, highlighting the need for robust ethical frameworks and guidelines. The evolving nature of AI and its rapid advancements necessitate continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure its responsible and ethical use in defence and security contexts.
Anto Satriyo Nugroho, former Head of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security (PRKAKS) at the Indonesian Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN), emphasised the pivotal role of various AI technologies in advancing research in defence and security. He highlighted technologies like Computer Vision, Machine Learning (ML), Cyber Security, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and others, underlining their importance in enhancing defence and security systems’ capabilities.
Further, Achmad Farid Wadjdi, an Associate Expert Engineer at PRKAKS-BRIN, discussed the importance of understanding the concept of national defence, particularly in the context of the Internet of Battlefield Things (IoT) and its applications in modern combat operations and smart warfare. He emphasised the need to ensure security in military operations when deploying IoT technologies, indicating the complexity and critical nature of AI integration in defence systems.
Conversely, Eddy Maruli Tua Sianturi explained the conceptualisation of measuring the State Defence Index (IBN) to understand better citizens’ sense of pride, patriotism, nationalism, and willingness to defend the country. The IBN measurement provides a nuanced approach to grasping current socio-political dynamics. Still, it also requires addressing challenges such as data bias, privacy concerns, and security issues, highlighting the multidimensional nature of AI’s impact on defence and security.
PRKAKS-BRIN Associate Engineer Jemie Muliadi introduced the Intelligent Control System method for law enforcement and state sovereignty applications in a related context. This method effectively manages complex systems that are challenging to simplify, those with cross-coupling that are difficult to separate, and systems with significant parameter changes over time. Jemie emphasised that this method ensures precise control in fast-moving and uncertain situations, particularly in law enforcement and state sovereignty contexts, showcasing the versatility and potential of AI in enhancing national defence and security operations.
Integrating AI in defence and security represents a significant advancement with far-reaching implications. While AI offers numerous benefits in enhancing defence capabilities, it also poses ethical, legal, and security challenges that must be addressed through collaborative efforts between governments, researchers, and industry stakeholders.
By fostering responsible AI development and deployment practices, the Asia-Pacific region can harness AI’s transformative power while ensuring its citizens’ safety, security, and well-being. This approach involves developing robust AI governance frameworks, ensuring transparency and accountability in AI systems, and promoting international cooperation to address common AI-related challenges.
“In advancing the defence and security with AI, Indonesia’s security will benefit from the strategic integration of AI technologies. These advancements can enhance Indonesia’s military capabilities, improve situational awareness, and strengthen its ability to respond to security threats effectively,” Jemie concluded.
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Dr Sylwia Kolenderska, a Senior Research Investigator in Physics at the University of Canterbury, spearheads a pioneering project to transform the ophthalmology landscape. Her innovative work harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise the accessibility and affordability of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a pivotal imaging technique in assessing eye health. This endeavour holds immense promise for advancing ophthalmic care and underscores AI’s profound impact in pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.
OCT is often described as a light-based counterpart to ultrasound imaging and generates three-dimensional internal images of the eyes. These images are invaluable for ophthalmologists in diagnosing and monitoring various eye conditions. However, the high cost of traditional OCT equipment has limited its accessibility, particularly for researchers and clinicians in resource-constrained environments.
Dr Kolenderska’s research addresses this issue by leveraging AI to improve the data processing capabilities of OCT machines. She identified a key bottleneck in current expensive machines: the time-consuming process of calculating high-resolution images from raw signals. She aims to enhance the image quality of cheaper, lower-resolution OCT machines to match or surpass that of expensive models by developing a neural network algorithm akin to a sophisticated software update.
“The potential impact of this technology is enormous,” said Dr Kolenderska. “Not only will it make high-quality OCT imaging more affordable and accessible, but it could also lead to significant improvements in early detection and treatment of eye conditions.”
The application of AI in OCT data processing offers several advantages. AI algorithms identify complex patterns in data, enabling them to produce sharper and more detailed images than traditional algorithms. Dr Kolenderska estimates that the images generated by AI-enhanced OCT machines could be up to six times better than current images.
Moreover, the scalability of AI technology opens up possibilities for future hardware integration. Dr Kolenderska envisions a future where AI modules could be seamlessly attached to existing OCT machines, much like a USB stick, further democratising access to high-quality imaging capabilities.
In Asia Pacific, eye healthcare technology is making significant strides globally. According to a report by OpenGov Asia, in 2022, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) announced a partnership with the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) to develop at least two projects aimed at treating patients of different ages suffering from lazy eye and other eye conditions. CEVR, established under the Innovation and Technology Commission’s platform for research and innovation, InnoHK, is at the forefront of innovative research in eye health care.
Amblyopia, a common visual impairment that reduces vision and 3D perception, requires retraining the brain to use information from both eyes. This is particularly challenging in adults due to reduced neuroplasticity and the brain’s full maturation with age.
In 2023, Hong Kong continued its innovative efforts in eye health care. A partnership between CEVR and DEFTA Partners was announced to advance technology transfer and commercialise eye and vision health research. Celebrated at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), this partnership will leverage DEFTA’s business network and CEVR’s research achievements to translate research outcomes into globally impactful products. The collaboration is expected to drive innovation in the eye and vision health field, addressing critical issues in the industry.
Dr Sylwia Kolenderska’s work in eye health care represents a significant advancement in the intersection of AI and medical imaging.
In the future, Dr Sylwia Kolenderska’s work is poised to have an even greater impact on the field of ophthalmology in New Zealand and beyond. As AI continues to evolve in this rapid technology landscape, its integration with medical imaging technologies like OCT holds immense promise for improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes.
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Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) successfully conducted a trial application of the first-generation prototype of the ITS Al-Air Battery on a motorbike at the ITS Research Centre Building. This achievement, supported by Pertamina and the ITS Kedaireka Matching Fund, marks a pivotal step towards accelerating the use of Battery-Based Electric Vehicles (KLBB) in Indonesia.
Prof Dr Ir Heru Setyawan MEng, the head of the research team, described the metal-air battery in his research as a metal fuel engine that utilises aluminium.
This technology promises to expedite Indonesia’s energy and technological independence. One of the key advantages of these metal-air batteries is their ability to prevent dendrites or lithium metal crystallisation, a common issue in batteries that can lead to critical problems. The collaboration between Prof Heru and undergraduate (S1), master (S2), and doctoral (S3) students from the ITS Chemical Engineering Department underscores the interdisciplinary nature of this research effort.
The research team’s innovative approach involved the electrodeposition of a Zn and Mn metal alloy to address dendrite formation. The specially designed air battery features a slim and three-dimensional surface, enabling the uniform extraction of aluminium ions and resulting in a longer battery life, lasting up to 140 hours. Additionally, the battery is environmentally friendly, using an aqueous electrolyte with the addition of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) salt, a common household item that poses no harm to humans. Furthermore, concerns such as leakage and thermal runaway are mitigated, making the battery a safe and sustainable choice.
Despite the substantial electrical current requirements for motorbikes, Indonesia’s abundant aluminium resources have motivated the ITS research team to adopt this battery for KLBB. Moreover, aluminium batteries are more cost-effective than lithium-ion batteries, making them a viable option for widespread adoption.
The development of the ITS Al-Air Battery has been ongoing since 2013. However, the battery still requires further development to become a viable option for KLBB. Currently, the battery is primary, meaning it can only be disposed of after use. Plans include developing a secondary battery, making it rechargeable, and reducing its size for easier integration into vehicles.
Bambang Pramujati, ST MScEng PhD, ITS Vice Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Alumni, expressed his appreciation for the support from Pertamina and Kedaireka, highlighting the importance of industry collaboration in advancing KLBB development. He emphasised the potential of the ITS Al-Air Battery to contribute to Indonesia’s energy independence and expressed hope for further advancements in this field.
In conclusion, the ITS Al-Air Battery represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, with the potential to revolutionise the use of Battery-Based Electric Vehicles in Indonesia. With ongoing research and industry collaboration, ITS aims to further refine this technology, paving the way for a more sustainable and energy-independent future.
This innovative breakthrough in battery technology underscores the importance of research and development in advancing Indonesia’s digital economy. As the country strives to achieve energy independence and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, initiatives like the ITS Al-Air Battery play a crucial role in driving technological innovation and sustainable development.
The successful trial of the ITS Al-Air Battery on a motorcycle demonstrates the feasibility and potential of this technology for powering electric vehicles. The ability to prevent dendrite formation and ensure a longer battery life addresses key challenges in battery technology, making it a promising solution for Indonesia’s transportation sector.
Furthermore, the environmentally friendly nature of the battery, using an aqueous electrolyte and common household salt, highlights its potential for widespread adoption without posing harm to humans or the environment. This aspect aligns with global efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
The collaboration between Prof Heru and students from the ITS Chemical Engineering Department also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in tackling complex challenges. By combining expertise from various fields, the research team was able to develop a novel solution that could have far-reaching impacts on Indonesia’s energy landscape.
Looking ahead, the development of a secondary battery that is rechargeable and smaller in size will further enhance the usability and practicality of the ITS Al-Air Battery for electric vehicles. This, coupled with the ongoing support from industry partners like Pertamina and Kedaireka, bodes well for the future commercialisation and implementation of this technology.
In conclusion, the trial application of the ITS Al-Air Battery represents a significant milestone in Indonesia’s quest for energy independence and technological advancement. With continued research and collaboration, innovations like this battery have the potential to reshape the country’s energy landscape and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Indonesia’s digital economy is on a path of acceleration, with projections indicating a substantial economic contribution of up to US$366 billion by 2030. This growth is intricately intertwined with the widespread adoption and effective utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology across various industries. However, this rapid expansion also underscores the urgent need for more robust regulatory frameworks governing AI’s ethical and responsible use to mitigate potential societal harm.
This imperative was underscored in a Public Discussion titled “The Need to Develop Regulations for Artificial Intelligence Governance. The Faculty of Philosophy UGM organised them in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) and the policy research and advocacy.
Key speakers such as Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology Nezar Patria, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM, Dr Siti Murtiningsih, Director of Government Relations Microsoft Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam Ajar Edi, Executive Director of the Policy Research and Advocacy, Wahyudi Djafar, and Head of the Artificial Intelligence Master’s Programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences UGM, Afiahayati, PhD offered insights.
Deputy Minister, Nezar Patria, highlighted that the current contribution of the digital economy to the GDP still needs to be 10%. He emphasised the significant influence of AI technology adoption on the growth of the digital economy.
Consequently, Kominfo issued guidelines in December 2023 for the ethical use of AI, targeting AI developers and industrial sectors. Given AI’s impacts on society, economy, and culture, these guidelines aim to address ethical considerations.
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has advocated for using cutting-edge technology to enhance Indonesia’s global competitiveness. Nezar stressed the importance of aligning AI policies with international trends to ensure Indonesia’s optimal position in AI development and utilisation. This focus will directly impact the growth of domestic sectors.
Nezar acknowledged that the current AI guidelines lack legal enforceability as they need to be integrated into legislation. However, the government is actively monitoring AI’s growth in Indonesian industries. Nezar explained that they are moving towards soft regulation by observing the industry’s growth, aiming to maximise benefits while mitigating risks.
Some potential risks associated with AI use, as highlighted by Nezar, include the significant likelihood of AI misuse leading to social discrimination and the emergence of disinformation products that could disrupt social harmony.
In addition to providing ethical guidelines for AI usage in industries, Kominfo is also actively fostering digital talent development to support the digital economy’s growth over the next five to six years. “We require 9 million digital talents,” Nezar emphasised.
Dr Siti Murtiningsih emphasised that in an era of rapidly advancing information and communication technology, the emergence of AI poses ethical challenges. Consequently, AI’s development must align with moral and ethical values in society without compromising humanitarian principles.
She stressed the need for more robust legal frameworks to address societal and industrial interests related to AI usage. “We need to formulate laws that uphold the ethical principles of AI from a multidisciplinary perspective,” she asserted.
Ajar Edi noted that there are many misconceptions about AI in society. However, for executives and staff in companies, AI is primarily used to support tasks and work, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. “Although there is potential for bias, human decision-makers are still the most appropriate to ensure sound decision-making,” he concluded.
Indonesia’s digital economy holds immense promise for growth, contingent on responsible AI governance and digital talent development. Establishing clear ethical guidelines and legal frameworks for AI usage will be pivotal in maximising its benefits while mitigating potential risks. Successfully regulated AI usage will result in organised outputs, ensuring the necessary values, ethics, and controls are observed for national interests.
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The Indian government’s recent approval of over Rs 10,300 crore (approximately US$1.34 billion) for the IndiaAI Mission marks a significant stride towards fortifying the nation’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. This substantial financial infusion, designated over the next five years, underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing indigenous AI innovation and propelling India to the forefront of global AI leadership.
The approval signifies a strategic investment in India’s digital future, with a focus on empowering AI startups and expanding access to cutting-edge computing infrastructure. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar lauded the decision, highlighting its potential to catalyse India’s economic growth and position the nation as a pivotal player in shaping the trajectory of AI development worldwide.
The IndiaAI Mission encompasses a comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at bolstering various facets of the AI ecosystem. At the heart of this endeavour lies the IndiaAI Compute Capacity, a visionary initiative aimed at erecting a state-of-the-art AI computing infrastructure.
With plans to deploy over 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) through strategic public-private collaborations, this initiative seeks to democratise computing access and cater to the burgeoning demands of India’s AI startups and research community.
Furthermore, the IndiaAI Innovation Centre (IAIC) is poised to emerge as a leading academic institution, driving the development and deployment of indigenous AI capabilities. Through strategic partnerships and research collaborations, IAIC will spearhead the creation of indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models, leveraging edge and distributed computing for optimal efficiency.
Another pivotal component of the IndiaAI Mission is the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, aimed at enhancing the accessibility, quality, and utility of public sector datasets. By streamlining access to non-personal datasets, this platform seeks to foster data-driven governance and catalyse AI-based innovation and research across diverse sectors.
Simultaneously, the IndiaAI FutureSkills program is poised to revolutionise AI education by expanding the accessibility of graduate and post-graduate AI programs. With plans to establish Data and AI Labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India, this initiative aims to impart foundational-level courses in Data and AI, ensuring widespread dissemination of AI knowledge and skills.
In addition to fostering innovation and research, the IndiaAI Mission prioritises the growth and sustainability of AI startups through the IndiaAI Startup Financing mechanism. By streamlining access to funding and providing risk capital, this initiative aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of futuristic AI projects, thereby bolstering India’s position as a global hub for AI innovation.
Moreover, the IndiaAI Mission underscores the importance of responsible AI deployment through the Safe & Trusted AI pillar. With a focus on advancing ethical AI frameworks and governance mechanisms, this initiative seeks to ensure the responsible development, deployment, and adoption of AI technologies, safeguarding against potential risks and vulnerabilities.
India has embarked on a multifaceted journey to deploy AI across various fields and sectors, emphasising safety and inclusivity in its implementation to foster holistic societal advancement.
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) recently partnered to drive innovation in Trustworthy and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Systems. Serving as India’s recognised Standards Setting Organisation (SSO) in the telecom and ICT sector, TEC is pioneering standards to ensure fairness in AI/Machine Learning systems, recently introducing Standard No. TEC 57050:2023 for “Fairness Assessment and Rating of Artificial Intelligence Systems”, following extensive stakeholder consultations and expert inputs.
The approval of over Rs 10,300 crore for the IndiaAI Mission represents a watershed moment in India’s journey towards AI leadership. By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, fostering indigenous innovation, and prioritising responsible AI deployment, the government aims to propel India to the forefront of global AI innovation, harnessing the transformative power of AI for social good and economic prosperity.
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In a landmark move to solidify Singapore’s position as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) has announced an ambitious suite of initiatives designed to drive economic growth through AI-driven advancements.
Revealed during the Committee of Supply (COS) Debates 2024, these initiatives mark a strategic commitment towards harnessing the transformative potential of AI to propel Singapore into its next phase of development and prosperity.
Nurturing AI Research Talent: Acknowledging the critical role of skilled AI professionals in driving innovation and competitiveness, the government has unveiled plans to invest over $20 million over the next three years to significantly augment the pool of AI talent in the country.
This investment will be channelled into expanding SG Digital Scholarships and overseas internships in AI roles, aimed at nurturing a diverse and dynamic ecosystem of AI practitioners within Singapore.
To enhance research, Singapore will launch an AI Visiting Professorship programme, inviting top global AI researchers to collaborate with local institutions. With an initial target of five professorships, this initiative will boost Singapore’s standing in AI innovation.
Investment in High-Performance Compute Resources: Central to the advancement of AI is the availability of robust computational infrastructure. In alignment with this imperative, the government has committed to investing up to $500 million to secure high-performance compute resources dedicated to AI innovation and capability building.
This strategic investment aims to address the growing demand for compute resources driven by the proliferation of AI applications across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and beyond. By providing a solid foundation for AI research and development, this initiative is poised to catalyse innovation, drive economic growth, and position Singapore as a global AI powerhouse.
Generative AI x Digital Leaders Initiative: Enterprises stand to reap significant benefits from the adoption of AI technologies. However, navigating the complexities of AI implementation can present formidable challenges, particularly for digitally mature organisations. In response, the government has launched the Generative AI x Digital Leaders initiative, aimed at providing businesses with access to GenAI expertise and resources.
Through collaboration with tech partners, this initiative seeks to empower enterprises to harness the full potential of AI, driving operational efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage across diverse industries.
Advisory Guidelines on Personal Data Use in AI Systems: The responsible and ethical use of personal data is paramount in AI deployment. To address this imperative, the government has published Advisory Guidelines on the use of personal data in AI recommendation and decision systems. These guidelines provide clarity and guidance to businesses on the ethical and legal considerations surrounding the use of personal data in AI applications. By fostering transparency, accountability, and consumer trust, these guidelines aim to promote responsible AI innovation while safeguarding individual privacy rights.
In response to the evolving technological landscape, Singapore is prioritising the development of its workforce to maintain its edge in innovation. Spearheading this effort is the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which is implementing a wide-ranging initiative to enhance the nation’s tech talent pool, focusing notably on Artificial Intelligence.
Similarly, Senior Minister Tan Kiat How discussed Singapore’s digitalisation progress and plans for AI advancement at the Committee of Supply Debate. He stressed empowering enterprises and workers to utilise AI and digital solutions for increased productivity and competitiveness in the economy.
Aligned with NAIS 2.0, led by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, these initiatives show Singapore’s commitment to leveraging AI for economic growth and societal advancement. With a multifaceted strategy covering talent development, infrastructure, industry collaboration, and regulations, Singapore aims to lead in AI excellence, fostering prosperity and resilience in the digital age.