Capacity development Archives | Page 311 of 314

Microsoft committed to expanding AI in education in Hong Kong

US tech giant Microsoft is committed to offering generative AI services in Hong Kong through educational initiatives, despite OpenAI’s access restrictions in the city and mainland China. Microsoft collaborated with the Education University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Primary School to offer AI services starting last year.

About 220 students in grades 5 and 6 used Microsoft’s chatbot and text-to-image tools in science classes. Principal Elsa Cheung Kam Yan noted that AI enhances learning by broadening students’ access to information and allowing exploration beyond textbooks. Vice-Principal Philip Law Kam Yuen added that in collaboration with Microsoft Hong Kong for 12 years, the school plans to extend AI usage to more classes.

Additionally, Microsoft also has agreements with eight Hong Kong universities to promote AI services. Fred Sheu, national technology officer of Microsoft in Hong Kong, reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to maintaining its Azure AI services, which use OpenAI’s models, further emphasising that API restrictions by OpenAI will not affect the company. Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI reportedly allows it to receive up to 49% of the profits from OpenAI’s for-profit arm. As all government-funded universities in Hong Kong have already acquired the Azure OpenAI service, they are thus qualified users. He also emphasised that Microsoft intends to extend this service to all schools in Hong Kong over the next few years.

EU Commission opens €210m fund for cybersecurity and digital skills initiatives

The European Commission has opened the application process to fund cybersecurity and digital skills initiatives, exceeding a €210m ($227.3m) investment under the Digital Europe Programme (DEP). Established in 2021, the DEP aims to contribute to the digital transformation of the EU’s society and economy, with a planned total budget of €7.5bn over seven years. It funds critical strategic areas such as supercomputing, AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital skills to advance this vision.

In the latest funding cycle, the European Commission will allocate €35m ($37.8m) towards projects safeguarding large industrial installations and critical infrastructures. An additional €35m will be designated for implementing cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and tools.

Furthermore, €12.8m ($13.8m) will be invested in establishing, reinforcing, and expanding national and cross-border security operation centres (SOCs). The initiative aligns with the proposed EU Cyber Solidarity Act, which aims to establish a European Cybersecurity Alert System to enhance the detection, analysis, and response to cyber threats. The envisioned system will consist of cross-border SOCs using advanced technologies like AI to share threat intelligence with authorities across the EU swiftly.

Moreover, the DEP will allocate €20m to assist member states in complying with the EU cybersecurity laws and national cybersecurity strategies. That includes the updated NIS2 Directive, which mandates strengthening cybersecurity measures in critical sectors and requires it to be transposed into national legislation by October 2024.

Finally, the latest DEP funding round will also allocate €55m ($59.5m) towards advanced digital skills, supporting the design and delivery of higher education programs in key digital technology domains. Additionally, €8m ($8.6m) will be directed towards European Digital Media Observatories (EDMOs) to finance independent regional hubs focused on analysing and combating disinformation in digital media.

Ericsson to drive 5G Innovation and Digital Transformation in Thailand

Ericsson has unveiled an ambitious plan to drive digital transformation in Thailand, leveraging its state-of-the-art 5G network solutions and extensive global expertise. At the heart of this initiative is the newly established 5G Innovation and Experience Studio at Thailand Digital Valley, developed in collaboration with the Royal Thai Government and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA). The studio is a hub for co-creating and testing innovative 5G solutions. It showcases several innovative 5G applications, including Automated Mobile Robots (AMR), an Automated Production Machine developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi, and 360-degree wearable CCTV cameras.

Ericsson Thailand is committed to fostering collaboration with key stakeholders in the ecosystem, including partners, end-users, academia, and others. By working together, the company aims to develop new 5G use cases to drive digital transformation and benefit the Thai people, economy, and country. Anders Rian, President of Ericsson Thailand, emphasises, ‘5G is a platform for innovation. It enables new services for consumers, enterprises, and industry. We remain committed to fostering partnerships and innovations to ensure Thailand reaps the full benefits of a robust and sustainable 5G network.’

The initiative aligns with Ericsson’s global leadership in 5G networks, powering 162 networks in 69 countries. According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, 5G subscriptions in Southeast Asia and Oceania are forecasted to reach 560 million by 2029, driven by increased affordability of devices and expanded service offerings.

Yamaman launches facial recognition for light rail and buses

Japanese light rail and bus operator Yamaman Co has introduced facial recognition technology to its Jorudan Style Point&Pass ticketing system on the Yukarigaoka Line and local bus services. Passengers can now use the Eucalyptus Pass system by registering online with a photo and credit card details. At the stations, facial recognition cameras identify users, open barriers, and automatically charge their credit cards for the flat fare of ¥200 or a day ticket for ¥500.

Previously, passengers used magnetic tickets, but these machines are being updated to issue paper tickets with QR codes for occasional and non-registered travellers. The new technology builds on a successful 2021 pilot scheme on bus services, and suppliers J MaaS and Panasonic Connect aim to expand the system across Japan.

The implementation, costing around ¥60 million, was partially funded by a government subsidy and is expected to reduce ticketing costs by 30%. The koala theme of the transport services reflects the local presence of eucalyptus trees.

Chinese premier calls for global AI cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for global cooperation and a more open mindset in the field of AI amid growing competition between China and the United States. Speaking at the World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Li emphasised the importance of international collaboration, noting that each country has unique strengths in AI technology, data, and markets.

China has made significant strides in generative AI, with the UN reporting that Beijing has led the filing of generative AI patents globally. The progress has sparked concern in the US and other nations, who worry about potential espionage uses of Chinese technology. In April, the US revoked licenses for some chip exports after unveiling a Huawei computer powered by Intel AI technology.

Premier Li urged the promotion of cross-border data movement, free trade of equipment, and infrastructure connectivity to foster AI development. He also highlighted the need for international cooperation to address the risks associated with rapidly advancing AI technology, advocating for the establishment of global AI regulations and technical standards.

EU faces major AI shortfall by 2030

According to a European Commission report, the EU must catch up to its 2030 AI targets. The investigation into the EU’s Digital Decade project revealed that only 11% of the EU enterprises currently use designated AI technologies, far short of the 75% target set for 2030. At this rate, the Commission estimates it would take almost a century to achieve this goal.

The report also highlighted other areas for improvement, such as the EU being over a decade behind in producing the desired number of tech unicorns and spreading basic tech skills among the general public. Despite these setbacks, European Commission leaders remain optimistic, pointing out that the report offers a clear path forward. Margrethe Vestager, the EC’s competition commissioner, stressed the need for increased State-level investments to reach the digital transformation targets.

Thierry Breton, the EU’s digital chief, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of investments, cross-border cooperation, and the completion of the Digital Single Market to boost the adoption of key technologies like AI. The findings come amid concerns that the EU’s stringent AI regulations could hinder its global competitiveness, especially compared to less regulated regions like the US and China.

Examiners fooled as AI students outperform real students in the UK

In a groundbreaking study published in PLOS One, the University of Reading has unveiled startling findings from a real-world Turing test involving AI in university exams, raising profound implications for education.

The study, led by the university’s tech team, involved 33 fictitious student profiles using OpenAI’s GPT-4 to complete psychology assignments and exams online. Astonishingly, 94% of AI-generated submissions went undetected by examiners, outperforming their human counterparts by achieving higher grades on average.

Associate Professor Peter Scarfe, a co-author of the study, emphasised the urgent need for educational institutions to address the impact of AI on academic integrity. He highlighted a recent UNESCO survey revealing minimal global preparation for the use of generative AI in education, calling for a reassessment of assessment practices worldwide.

Professor Etienne Roesch, another co-author, underscored the importance of establishing clear guidelines on AI usage to maintain trust in educational assessments and beyond. She stressed the responsibility of both creators and consumers of information to uphold academic integrity amid AI advancements.

The study also pointed to ongoing challenges for educators in combating AI-driven academic misconduct, even as tools like Turnitin adapt to detect AI-authored work. Despite these challenges, educators like Professor Elizabeth McCrum, the University of Reading’s pro-vice chancellor of education, advocate for embracing AI as a tool for enhancing student learning and employability skills.

Looking ahead, Professor McCrum expressed confidence in the university’s proactive stance in integrating AI responsibly into educational practices, preparing students for a future shaped by rapid technological change.

Why does it matter?

The IATSE’s tentative agreement represents a significant step forward in securing fair wages and job protections for Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes workers, ensuring that the rapid advancements in technology do not come at the expense of human employment.

Helsing in talks for $500 million funding, poised to become Europe’s top AI defence startup

European defence technology startup Helsing is currently in negotiations to secure nearly $500 million from investors in Silicon Valley, including Accel and Lightspeed Venture Partners, amounting to $4.5 billion. This valuation marks a significant increase, tripling the company’s value in less than a year, possibly driven by heightened global conflicts which in turn are prompting a surge in private investments within the military supply sector.

Specialising in AI-based software for defence, Helsing was established in 2021 and works with AI to analyse extensive data from sensors and weapons systems, providing real-time battlefield intelligence to assist military decision-making processes. The company’s software is also contributing to the advancement of AI capabilities for drones in Ukraine.

Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that Accel and Lightspeed will be new investors in Helsing, potentially joined by General Catalyst, a previous investor in the company. If finalised, this deal would position Helsing as one of Europe’s most valued artificial intelligence startups in terms of worth, at par with Paris-based Mistral, an AI startup that recently secured €600 million at a valuation nearing €6 billion. The reluctance of venture investors to engage with defence tech firms has notably shifted, particularly in the US and Europe, driven by escalating tensions between major powers and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, leading to increased defence expenditure by nations.

NATO’s recent allocation of its €1 billion ‘innovation fund’ towards European tech firms points towards a notable shift, with Europe rapidly closing the investment gap in defence and dual-use technologies as compared to the US. The evolving landscape of modern warfare, as is the case in the Ukrainian conflict, emphasises the transition towards software-defined technologies over traditional hardware, enabling military forces to enhance strategic capabilities.

Why does it matter?

Helsing has forged partnerships with established defence contractors in Europe, such as Germany’s Rheinmetall and Sweden’s Saab, to integrate AI into existing platforms like fighter jets. Collaborating with Airbus, the startup is also developing AI technologies for application in both manned and unmanned systems.

African ministers endorse AI strategy for digital growth

African ICT and Communications Ministers have collectively endorsed the ‘Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and African Digital Compact’ to accelerate the continent’s digital evolution by harnessing the potential of new digital technologies. The decision came during the 2nd Extraordinary Specialized Technical Committee on Communication and ICT session, attended by over 130 African ministers and experts. The aim is to drive digital transformation amidst rapid advancements fueled by AI technology and applications.

The Continental AI Strategy aims to guide African nations in utilising AI to fulfil development goals while ensuring ethical use, mitigating risks, and capitalising on opportunities. It emphasises an Africa-owned, people-centred, and inclusive approach to enhance the continent’s AI capabilities across infrastructure, talent, datasets, innovation, and partnerships while prioritising safeguards against potential threats.

African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, highlighted AI’s significant opportunities for positive transformation, economic growth, and social progress in Africa. The strategy underscores the importance of AI-enabled systems in fostering homegrown solutions, driving economic growth, and sustainable development, aligning with the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Leaders stressed the need for collective efforts to leverage AI to advance Africa’s digital agenda and achieve long-term developmental objectives.

NATO to upgrade defence capabilities with cutting-edge technologies

In a bid to innovate in the area of defence, with the aim to replace the now old-school armoury, selected tech companies have received funds to begin work on upgrading key components of NATO’s defence system. Recipients include the British-based Fractile and German ARX Robotics, as well as a computer chip manufacturer and a robot designer.

Others include startups such as iCOMAT and Space Forge, which are companies that operate in the manufacturing space arena. This signals the first outlay of the €1.1 billion NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), which is slated to increase given partnerships with venture capitalists like Space Ventures, Squared Ventures, OTB Ventures and Join Capital. The project seeks access to key technologies to ensure a safe and secure future on the European continent.