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PR Newswire

Infinix Teams Up with UNESCO and Google to Inspire Today’s Youth with AI and Robotics Education through the Largest CogLabs Workshop Ever

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NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Infinix, a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers, conducted the largest CogLabs workshop to date with more than 200 students at the University of Nairobi. Themed “Get in Now”, Infinix partnered with UNESCO and Google to inspire today’s youth with AI and robotics education through the CogLabs initiative. This project aims to equip the next generation of thinkers and makers in Africa with accessible, hands-on experiences in robotics, machine learning, and AI education.

The people in the picture from left to right are: Joan Nadal, Master Trainer of UNESCO at STEM Education; Michael Zeng, Brand Manager of Infinix Kenya; Amber Zhao, Infinix's Product Manager of AI; John Kimani, Head of Developer Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google; and two representatives of the University of Nairobi.
The people in the picture from left to right are: Joan Nadal, Master Trainer of UNESCO at STEM Education; Michael Zeng, Brand Manager of Infinix Kenya; Amber Zhao, Infinix’s Product Manager of AI; John Kimani, Head of Developer Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google; and two representatives of the University of Nairobi.

“It is a true honor for Infinix to collaborate with UNESCO and Google in globally promoting the CogLabs project,” said Michael Zeng, Brand Manager of Infinix Kenya. “This project is designed to build capacity in crucial domains such as robotics, machine learning, and AI, with a focus on education equality, to transform knowledge into resilient ownership and foster sustainable development.”

CogLabs Project Makes AI and Robotic Education Easy

The CogLabs project is an innovative educational initiative that aims to make AI and robotics accessible and engaging for today’s youth. Through a step-by-step process, participants can design and build their own robots using 3D printed parts and a second-hand phone, train the robots to recognize images, sounds, and poses, and program them to respond and perform simple tasks. CogLabs emphasizes sustainable design and provides code files, FAQs, and support to guide users.

CogLabs Workshop
CogLabs Workshop

“The CogLabs project is a shining example of how we can inspire and empower the next generation to embrace the transformative power of AI and robotics. By partnering with innovative companies like Infinix and Google, we are providing young learners with the tools and resources to design, build, and program their own robotic creations. This hands-on approach not only sparks their curiosity, but also equips them with the practical skills needed to thrive in the digital age,” said Joan Nadal, Master Trainer of UNESCO at STEM Education.

Celebrate the Largest CogLabs Workshop Yet and the Preview of the New CogLabs Mobile App

The CogLabs workshop, held at the prestigious University of Nairobi, was a resounding success, drawing the attention of esteemed guests and showcasing the institution’s commitment to fostering technological advancements. This landmark event, the largest CogLabs workshop to date, witnessed the active participation of over 200 eager students, who were empowered to acquire new skills, put their knowledge into practice, and create impactful solutions for the future.

During the workshop, students engaged in captivating hands-on activities, such as building their own robots by assembling 3D parts and repurposing used Infinix smartphones. This innovative approach breathed new life into the devices, enabling the students to train the robots to recognize surrounding objects, such as arrows, and respond accordingly by moving left, right, or forward. Through this process, the participants gained valuable insights into the realms of coding, machine learning, and AI recognition processes.

“We are thrilled to preview the mobile application of the CogLabs initiative,” shared John Kimani, Head of Developer Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google. “Google’s emphasis on promoting digital literacy and making learning accessible to all aligns perfectly with the CogLabs mission. This mobile application will empower everyone to explore the world of machine learning and programming, without the need for a laptop, ensuring equal opportunities for all to create their own robotic wonders, wherever they may be.”

Infinix Get In Now: Inspiring Africa’s Youth with AI Education

The CogLabs project stands as a testament to Infinix’s unwavering commitment to empowering today’s youth with cutting-edge technology and smart devices. Recognizing Africa as the region where the brand originated in 2013, Infinix has strategically focused on promoting this groundbreaking initiative across the continent.

Through in-depth market research and collaborations with leading industry suppliers and research institutions, Infinix has meticulously optimized its products to address the specific demands and needs of local users in Africa. This attention to detail and understanding of the African landscape sets the stage for the transformative impact of the CogLabs project.

Infinix has made significant advancements in AI education and adoption in Africa. In 2020, the company released voice interaction technology supporting Hausa, and now provides support for major African languages. To further expand its language capabilities, Infinix has established specialized R&D centers focused on minor and regional languages across seven African countries, employing over 120 linguists. As Amber Zhao, Infinix’s Product Manager of AI, stated, “These centers are dedicated to developing localized AI language models that truly understand and serve the diverse linguistic needs of users across the continent.”

Starting from Kenya, Infinix plans to organize a series of CogLabs workshops across various African countries, providing primary, secondary, and tertiary students with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences. These workshops will seamlessly integrate 3D printing, robot making, and basic programming knowledge, empowering the youth to explore the realms of advanced technologies.

“We firmly believe that every young mind possesses unlimited potential, and we believe that advanced technologies, such as AI, will open the doors to a brighter future for all,” added Michael Zeng, underscoring Infinix’s unwavering commitment to the project.

As the event theme boldly proclaims, “Get in Now: Inspiring Today’s Youth with AI Education”, the CogLabs initiative aspires to ignite the creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities of young people across Africa. Infinix has also pledged to continuously support the development of the CogLabs mobile application and provide Infinix smartphones for student experiences in each workshop, ensuring a seamless and accessible learning journey.

Robots
Robots

For more information about Infinix and its innovative products and initiatives, visit www.infinixmobility.com.

About Infinix

Infinix Mobility is a rapidly emerging technology brand that designs, manufactures and markets an expanding portfolio of smart devices worldwide under the Infinix brand, which was founded in 2013. Targeting today’s youth with first in class technology, Infinix creates trendy, powerful and attainably priced smart devices that bring the latest technology on the market to users around the world at a time when they need it at a price that they want it. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

More information: www.unesco.org

About Google

Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.

PR Newswire

Fractal Launches ‘Leadership Strategies for AI and Generative AI Specialization’ on Coursera

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NEW YORK, July 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fractal (www.fractal.ai), a global provider of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics solutions to Fortune 500® companies, has launched the ‘Leadership Strategies for AI and Generative AI Specialization’ on Coursera, one of the world’s leading online learning platforms. This comprehensive program is designed specifically for executives, senior leadership, entrepreneurs, management students and aspiring leaders in the field of AI, equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge to harness the power of generative AI across various business domains.

The Specialization offers a strategic framework for integrating generative AI into business operations while emphasizing data privacy, ethical considerations, and potential risks. Learners will explore diverse applications of generative AI and develop the confidence and competence to lead AI initiatives effectively.

“In the rapidly evolving AI landscape, it is crucial for leaders to not only understand but also effectively leverage generative AI technologies. Our partnership with Coursera aims to provide a robust educational foundation, empowering leaders to drive meaningful AI transformations in their organizations,” said Pranay Agrawal, Co-founder & CEO, Fractal.

“Leaders today face a ‘GenAI conundrum’: moving too quickly risks data, ethical, and regulatory issues, while being too cautious may undermine their competitive edge. High-quality education and training are key to navigating this balance,” said Raghav Gupta, Managing Director, India and APAC, Coursera. “This Specialization from Fractal aims to equip organizations to harness the transformative power of GenAI swiftly and safely, driving innovation and efficiency while maintaining ethical standards.“

This Specialization comprises four comprehensive courses, meticulously designed and presented by Fractal’s senior leaders including Pranay Agrawal, Co-founder & CEO; Rasesh Shah, Chief Practice Officer – EDTech; Bhaskar Roy, Client Partner APAC & Bangalore Centre Head; Ajoy Singh, Chief AI Officer; Sray Agarwal, Principle Consultant; Akbar Mohammed, Head, Fractal Dimension. These courses are: 

i)  Generative AI for Business – A Leaders’ Handbook 

  • Core concepts of generative models including Variational Auto Encoder (VAEs) Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)
  • Strategic framework for integrating GenAI into business operations with data privacy, ethical implications, and potential risks at the center

ii)  Successful AI Strategies: A CEO’s Perspective 

  • Key components for driving desired outcomes from AI
  • Strategies for error reduction and accuracy improvement in AI
  • Insights into optimizing organizational effectiveness in AI adoption

iii)  Responsible AI – Principles and Ethical Considerations 

  • Responsible AI principles and their significance in technology
  • Techniques to identify, address, and mitigate bias in AI algorithms and data
  • Insights on Ethical AI governance, privacy considerations, and security measures

iv)  Structured Approach to Problem Solving 

  • Lifecycle of data science projects and the role of structured thinking
  • Importance of human centered design in solving business problems

Upon completing the course, participants will receive a certificate and gain invaluable insights from industry leaders. Additionally, they will be well-positioned for diverse and promising career opportunities, not only at Fractal but across the AI and tech industry.

Fractal’s previous courses have seen remarkable success, with nearly 50,000 enrollments within just seven months. The ‘GenAI for Everyone’ course, part of Coursera’s Gen AI Academy, alone attracted over 26,000 participants, while other courses have been adopted by top universities and leading corporations. With this partnership, Fractal continues its commitment to democratizing industry knowledge and empowering AI professionals worldwide.

To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/leadership-strategies-for-ai-and-generative-ai

About Fractal

Fractal is one of the most prominent providers of Artificial Intelligence to Fortune 500® companies. Fractal’s vision is to power every human decision in the enterprise, and bring AI, engineering, and design to help the world’s most admired companies.

Fractal’s businesses include Asper.ai (AI for revenue growth management) & Flyfish (generative AI for Sales). Fractal incubated Qure.ai, a leading player in healthcare AI for detecting Tuberculosis, Lung cancer, heart failure and stroke.

Fractal currently has 4500+ employees across 17 global locations, including the United States, UK, Ukraine, India, Singapore, Middle East and Australia. Fractal has been recognized as ‘Great Workplace’ and ‘India’s Best Workplaces for Women’ in the top 100 (large) category by The Great Place to Work® Institute; featured as a leader in Data Engineering services 2024 & Data Science Services 2024 by Information Services Group, Leader in AI and Analytics Services Specialists Peak Matrix Assessment 2021 by Everest Group, Leader in Customer Analytics Service Providers Wave™ 2023 by Forrester Research, Inc

About Coursera: 

Coursera was launched in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors, Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with more than 148 million registered learners as of March 31, 2024. Coursera partners with over 300 leading university and industry partners to offer a broad catalog of content and credentials, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, Guided Projects, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Institutions around the world use Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in fields such as data science, technology, and business. Coursera became a Delaware public benefit corporation and a B Corp in February 2021.

PR Newswire

Macquarie University: Preparing Students to Thrive in the Dynamic Age of AI

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In recent years global upheavals including COVID-19, geopolitical shifts, and economic disruptions, compounded by the rapid advancement of AI technologies, have created widespread uncertainty. To overcome these challenges, institutions such as Macquarie University are playing a vital role in preparing students for the future of work.

HANOI, Vietnam, July 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Macquarie University leaders, including Professor Yvonne Breyer, Deputy Dean, and David Sams, Executive Director of Macquarie Business School (MQBS), recently held a masterclass on “Future-Proofing Your Career” in Vietnam. The visit aimed to engage with students, universities and key stakeholders in the education sector to address the challenges presented by the rapidly changing global landscape.

The Evolving Workplace and the Rise of AI 
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, up to a quarter of jobs will be transformed within the next five years. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key driver of this change, with nearly 75% of companies surveyed planning to adopt AI technologies. While some jobs may be automated, AI is also expected to create new opportunities. The report highlights the crucial role of human talent in navigating this evolving landscape.

This trend extends to Vietnam.  A January 2024 IMF analysis suggests that nearly 40% of coding and testing engineer positions in Vietnam could be affected. However, Vietnam is proactively addressing this challenge by aiming to become an AI innovation hub for ASEAN by 2030.

Lifelong Learning: The Key to Staying Ahead
During the visit, Professor Breyer emphasized the importance of developing adaptable and transferable skills, especially for business students. She shared the top five skills for 2024 and coming years, highlighting the growing need for complex problem-solving and self-efficacy skills, such as motivation and curiosity.

Figure 1- Professor Yvonne Breyer leading the Masterclass “Future-Proofing Your Career” for Vietnamese students
Figure 1- Professor Yvonne Breyer leading the Masterclass “Future-Proofing Your Career” for Vietnamese students

She also underlined that the key to a successful career lies in lifelong learning. Macquarie University equips students with adaptable skills, such as analytical and creative thinking, resilience, and a passion for continuous learning. These skills are essential to navigate disrupted workplaces and thrive in evolving job markets.

During the Masterclass, David Sams, MQBS Executive Director, debunked the myth that business graduates struggle to find jobs. According to Mandala report 2023, MQBS graduates are in high demand by top companies such as Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, Quantium, CBA, Telstra and more.

This strong demand reflects Macquarie’s commitment to industry connections and equipping students with the skills employers need to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. From day one, Macquarie students gain opportunities to develop into well-rounded graduates, capable of exploring, honing, and applying the knowledge, skills, and attributes that are most desired in the workplace.

Embrace the Future with Macquarie University
Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, is a comprehensive, research-intensive university, internationally recognized for teaching and research excellence.  It offers a wide range of exceptional undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees. Additionally, Macquarie boasts one of the Australia’s most generous scholarship programs, benefiting international students, including those from Vietnam.

Established in 1964 with a focus on innovation, Macquarie University enrolls over 44,000 students and 3,000 staff in Australia’s largest high-tech precinct. This prime location provides students with exceptional research opportunities and industry connections preparing them for future careers.

By promoting lifelong learning and providing essential skills, Macquarie University ensures its graduates are “future-proofed” for success in the exciting and dynamic age of AI.

For more information on Macquarie University, please visit https://www.mq.edu.au/ 

PR Newswire

Human-Centered Digital Technology Starts with Digital Talent Development: DigiBridge Digital Talent Development Side Event at the 2024 UN STI Forum

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NEW YORK, May 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The ninth annual United Nations Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum (UN STI Forum), dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, convened at the UN headquarters in New York on May 9-10, 2024. Under the theme “Science, Technology, and Innovation for Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: The Effective Delivery of Sustainable, Resilient, and Innovative Solutions,” the forum featured keynotes from luminaries such as Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly; Paula Narvaez, President of ECOSOC; Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs; Tshilidzi Marwala, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Rector of the United Nations University; Muhammadou M. O. Kah, Chairman of the UN CSTD and Vice Chair of the WDTA Education Council. These remarks focused on deploying innovative solutions to expedite the achievements laid out in the 2030 Agenda.

A key highlight of the forum was the DigiBridge side event, organized by the World Digital Technology Academy (WDTA). The event centered on crucial discussions about narrowing the global talent and skill gap and enabling developing countries to leverage digital technologies for sustainable growth. 

The event was officially opened by Peter Major, Vice Chairman of the UN CSTD and Founding Chairman of WDTA, detailed how the DigiBridge program detailed how the DigiBridge is a leading global initiative in digital talent development, designed to bridge the global digital skills gap for everyone. This comprehensive educational and training program melds advanced pedagogical techniques with the demands of industry and international benchmarks, offering a lifelong learning platform for college students, technology professionals, and sector leaders.

Muhammadou M. O. Kah, also opened the event by highlighting the indispensable role of digital technologies in global economic growth and as pivotal solutions to global challenges. He outlined the vision for UN CSTD and WDTA to jointly foster a platform that promotes creativity, groundbreaking ideas, and international collaboration, serving as a powerful catalyst for sustainable digital technology growth and societal advancement.

Yale Li, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of WDTA, introduced the highly anticipated ‘DigiBridge Digital Talent Development Program. He emphasized the transformative role of innovative educational solutions in shaping a resilient digital economy, particularly through the lens of AI-driven training programs. These initiatives demonstrate WDTA’s leadership in educational innovation and its commitment to cultivating an inclusive global digital talent pool. Prof.  Li mentioned that the WDTA has launched the ” Certified Artificial Intelligence Security Professional” and ” Certified Chief AI Officer” programs, which are rapid actions to support comprehensive education in artificial intelligence.

Tshilidzi Marwala delivered a keynote speech on the topic of generative AI in education. He emphasized the vast potential of generative AI in the educational sector, particularly in personalized learning and the access to educational resources, while also highlighting the risks and challenges it presents, such as data biases and the potential decline in students’ critical thinking skills. He advocated for a comprehensive and ethical approach to exploring AI’s application in education, ensuring equitable access and mitigating potential negative impacts.

Contributions about AI and Education also came from industry leaders. Naria K, General Manager of Digital Inclusion at Microsoft Philanthropies, presented ‘Helping People Build Skills for a New Way of Working.’ She discussed the transformative impact of Generative AI on the workplace and the new opportunities it creates. Highlighting the necessity for AI fluency in all future jobs, Naria detailed Microsoft’s initiatives to upskill individuals, especially from underserved backgrounds, to navigate and thrive in the evolving AI economy.

Dr. Cari L. Miller, Co-founder and Board Chair at the AI Procurement Lab, presented ‘Urgent and Emerging AI Use Cases and the Demand for Cross-Cutting Education.’ She discussed the rapid adoption of AI use cases and their future trends, emphasizing the need to adapt educational practices to prepare a tech workforce capable of delivering immediate employer value. Dr. Miller highlighted the importance of context-specific AI applications and cross-cutting educational strategies that enhance ROI through applied technical skills and domain knowledge.

From the academic sector, Professor Ryan Ko, Cyber Security Chair at the University of Queensland, spoke on ‘AI for Interdisciplinary Cyber Security Education and Research.’ He outlined how UQ Cyber leverages AI in cyber security training, detailing the synergy between rapid AI advancements and educational strategies. His presentation highlighted UQ’s role in training Team Oceania for the International Cybersecurity Challenge, where AI significantly enhanced the team’s performance, securing them second place. This effort not only demonstrated effective AI application but also contributed to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting the global impact of their educational innovations.

Zhifeng Hao, President of Shantou University, outlined the evolution from early digital technologies to today’s AI-driven landscape, emphasizing the need to integrate disciplines like AI and Big Data into education. Professor. Hao highlighted Shantou University’s commitment to supporting the DigiBridge program, which aims to promote sustainable development and universal access to digital technology.

During the summary of the event, Executive Director and Assistant to the Chairman of the WDTA, Melan Xu, stated that DigiBridge is an open collaborative program. It invites governments, corporations, NGOs, and others to partner with the WDTA to leverage our collective strengths for synergistic development, with the common goal of bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the digital economy.

The success of the DigiBridge side event at the 2024 UN STI Forum underscored the critical importance of international collaboration in tackling challenges of the digital era. It also reaffirmed the vital role of multilateral cooperation in promoting digital education equity and inclusive growth worldwide, ensuring that bridging the global digital gap for everyone.

PR Newswire

Google-backed learning app QANDA Unveils its First U.S. Product, Prep.Pie

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  • Prep.Pie is a gen-ai-powered study tool designed to support U.S. college students’ exam preparation.

LOS ANGELES, March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Mathpresso, creator of Asia’s leading learning app QANDA, unveiled their first U.S. targeted product today. Prep.Pie is a gen-ai-powered study tool designed to support U.S. college students’ exam preparation.

Google-backed learning app QANDA Unveils its First U.S. Product, Prep.Pie
Google-backed learning app QANDA Unveils its First U.S. Product, Prep.Pie

Prep.Pie leverages generative AI integrated with QANDA’s core engine to deliver a highly personalized study aid aimed at enhancing study productivity. Students can upload their study materials, and Prep.Pie will generate a comprehensive preparation package tailored to their exam needs. After conducting over 300 detailed interviews with students in its closed beta phase, Prep.Pie has officially launched for USC and UCLA students.

Key features of Prep.Pie include:

  • Prep Notes: Reorganizes all key content based on the study materials uploaded for the upcoming exam and provides an easy-to-grasp overview.
  • Prep Sets: Offers practice exams, detailed solutions, and relevant concept explanations.
  • Quick Solver: Employs QANDA’s text and image recognition technologies to instantly solve problems using the QANDA database.

Additional features, including Prep Cards and Additional Explanations, will be introduced to the product in the first half of the year.

Prep.Pie is developed by Mathpresso, a developer of MathGPT, a math-specific large language model that broke the world record in various mathematical benchmarks last December. QANDA, its flagship app, is the largest AI-powered learning platform in Asia, incorporating OCR and LLM technologies to provide detailed solutions and study guides. This approach has cultivated a self-enforcing data flywheel, boasting over 90M registered users and handling 4-8 million queries daily. 90% of its user base is located outside Korea, with predominant clusters in Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. Mathpresso raised $130 million to date from various partners including Google, ByteDance, Samsung Ventures, SBVA, Mirae Asset Venture, Goodwater, and GGV Capital.

Mathpresso aims to create the world’s premier AI tutor by enhancing AI capabilities and transforming it into a 1:1 tutor. Given the localized and diverse nature of educational content, influenced by hyperlocal factors such as teaching styles and school systems, there’s a risk of AI delivering content that lacks personalization. Prep.Pie focuses on the hyper-local aspects of education, addressing the specific needs of different schools, curriculums, and instructors.

Prep.Pie is now available by monthly subscription at USC and UCLA, with plans to expand to other West Coast universities for the first half of the year and a nationwide rollout by year’s end. It delivers unparalleled coverage and results in STEM and business subjects – domains where QANDA’s proficiency in numerical knowledge is prominently displayed.

“With the launch of Prep.Pie, we’re taking a major step forward in transforming how students study,” said Jake Yongjae Lee, CEO of Mathpresso. “By blending cutting-edge AI with our extensive experience as an edtech leader in Asia, we’re ready to bring a personalized educational experience in the US that is truly hyperlocal.”

About QANDA (Mathpresso)

Seoul-based edtech startup Mathpresso (QANDA) operates the AI-powered learning platform, QANDA. The app has gained 10 million monthly active users globally including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Leveraging QANDA’s vast database and traffic, Mathpresso plans to integrate its LLM-based AI tutor into its vertical services, including QANDA Tutor for tablet-based individual tutoring, and QANDA B2B & B2G SaaS, ensuring a deeply personalized educational experience for all students. Since 2015, Mathpresso has secured investments from Google, ByteDance, SBVA, and Samsung Venture Investment.

PR Newswire

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) collaborates with Vietnamese university researchers to create water monitoring solution for aquaculture

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Thanks to a proven model of rapid technology transfer, an innovative real-time sea-water monitoring system is now supporting the aquaculture industry and environmental protection in Vietnam.

SYDNEY, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A groundbreaking collaboration between UTS, Vietnam National University and Ho Chi Minh University of Technology has led to the development of a real-time sea-water monitoring system in Xuan Dai Bay, Vietnam.

A water monitoring station in Xuan Dai Bay in Vietnam. Photo supplied.
A water monitoring station in Xuan Dai Bay in Vietnam. Photo supplied.

As the system is scalable and non-site specific, the technology has the potential to be used not just in further sites across Vietnam, but globally, and the team is actively seeking new partners to help them realise its full potential.

The project, funded by Aus4Innovation and part of UTS Rapido Vietnam, employs the latest Industry 4.0 technologies such as Internet of Things, data analytics, and mechatronics.

“Aquaculture is an important industry in Vietnam, generating an income of AUD$11 billion per year. But while it can have rich economic rewards for farmers and the regions they live in, it can be a precarious livelihood,” says Professor Eryk Dutkiewicz, the chief investigator of the project at UTS.

The system, launched in March 2020, monitors temperature, acidity, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and turbidity, providing real-time data to farmers. The advanced technology withstands harsh conditions, offering alerts for timely decision-making. The monitoring stations, the first of its kind in Vietnam, are now permanent fixtures in the bay.

Mr Le Tan Ho is Vice President of Phu Yen province and was impressed with both the UTS team and the results of the project. He says the information it has provided has been invaluable for decision making.

“The data from the realtime seawater monitoring system allows the local government to assess and better plan aquaculture and other activities like tourism towards the sustainable social and economic development goals while protecting environment and coping with global climate changes, especially in coastal areas,” says Mr Le Tan Ho.

The research team hopes the application of IoT platforms for coastal water system management in Phú Yên will just be the start.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is one of the top 100 universities in the world and a leading public university of technology with global impact. Visit discover.uts.edu.au to learn more.

PR Newswire

HKUST and Tsinghua University Jointly Organize International AI Forum

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Gathering World’s Top Experts to Construct Global Framework for AI Governance

HONG KONG, Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Tsinghua University jointly launched the ‘International AI Cooperation and Governance Forum 2023’ from December 8th to 9th.  The two-day forum brought together over 50 world-renowned artificial intelligence (AI) experts, scholars, industry leaders, government representatives and international organization delegates to explore the opportunities and challenges brought by cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI, and discuss strategies for building a comprehensive global governance framework for the new technology.

The rapid development of generative AI in recent years has embarked a new era of AI research and development, however, there were numerous security considerations in its applications. The US and European governments have taken steps in regulating generative AI through different rules and orders. As a significant international conference in the field of AI governance, this forum has gained support from organizations worldwide including the United Nations (UN) Development Program and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It also attracted representatives from government departments in the Mainland, European Union, Singapore, Brazil, South Africa and Malaysia, as well as academicians from the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Top AI experts from countries such as UK, US, France, and Germany, as well as senior executives from well-known science and technology innovation enterprises, addressed and discussed the challenges as a result of the paradigm shift brought by AI.

Officiating guests of the forum were Ms. LU Xinning, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (CLO), Mr. FANG Jianming, Deputy Commissioner of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, Prof. Harry SHUM, HKUST Council Chairman, Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, Prof. WANG Hongwei, Tsinghua University Vice President, Prof. XUE Lan, Dean of Schwarzman College and Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University, Dr. YBhg. Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor AZMAN HASSAN, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia, and Prof. WANG Weiming, Director-General of Educational, Scientific & Technological Affairs at CLO. 

Prof. Tshilidzi MARWALA, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Manuel Innocencio DE LACERDA SANTOS JR., Consulate General of Brazil in Hong Kong, Mr. Thomas GNOCCHI, Ambassador of the European Union office to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr. Mojalefa MOGONO, Consulate General of South Africa in Hong Kong & Macau, addressed the audience after Prof. GUO Yike, HKUST Provost and Prof Xue Lan from Tsinghua University delivered introductory remarks.  About 600 people have joined the two-day forum, other viewers watched live broadcast online.

Turing Prize Winner Prof. Yoshua BENGIO, Founder and Scientific Director of Mila – Quebec AI Institute hailed by the media as one of the “Godfathers of AI, delivered a keynote speech on the second day of the forum. He shared on how to strike a balance between the two management models that manage frontier AI risks: democratic governance, which prioritizes public interest and regulation, and techno-libertarianism, which emphasizes autonomy and innovation, in order to achieve social inclusion and sustainable development of AI.

Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said in his opening speech, “Hong Kong is sparing no effort to seize the opportunities brought by AI for digital innovation, while we are also aware of the challenges it posed. The Government has developed the Ethical AI Framework which provides guidance in implementing AI projects and managing the associated risks, while promoting responsible AI practices. I would like to express my gratitude to HKUST and Tsinghua University for co-hosting this Forum, which will be a catalyst to generate intelligently more innovative ideas about AI development and provide more pointers to the robust development of the AI industry in terms of stronger cooperation and enhanced governance.” 

Prof. Harry Shum, renowned AI expert, Co-chairperson of the Forum’s Academic Committee and HKUST Council Chairman, said in his welcome remarks, “The strides we have made in AI in recent years have surpassed what we could have imagined just a decade ago. Both corporate and academic worlds are pushing the boundaries, endeavoring to reach human-like competencies in a wide range of tasks. Yet, as we navigate the complexities of AI, it is equally crucial to consider the societal repercussions it may bring, and the importance of establishing some guiding principles and framework. HKUST is privileged to co-organize this forum with our long-standing partner Tsinghua University, providing a platform for critical discussions that will guide the future trajectory of AI.”

Prof. Nancy Ip, Co-chairperson of the Forum’s Organizing Committee and HKUST President, said in her welcome remarks, “Governance is vital to advance and popularize the use of any new technology. This forum we are holding with Tsinghua today provides an invaluable platform for collaboration and thought-provoking discussions on how we could apply AI to create a better, more inclusive and sustainable world. HKUST is committed to advance the AI ecosystem. While we continue to strengthen international collaborations in this area and pioneer AI’s application and development in different fields, we will also enhance our infrastructure capacity through the construction of an Innovation Building that promotes cross-disciplinary and collaborative research, as well as a high-performance computational facility to further enhance our research capabilities in AI.”

Prof. WANG Xiqin, President of Tsinghua University and another co-chair of the organizing committee, said in his welcome remarks, “AI governance is crucial for humanity’s fate. As the birthplace of technological innovation, leaders in social development and inheritors of human civilization, universities have greater responsibilities in strengthening global governance of AI risks. Tsinghua University attaches great importance to scientific research, innovation, ethics education, and governance in AI, and sincerely look forward to working with global partners to empower the world and contribute to the construction of a shared future for mankind.”

Prof. Wang Hongwei, Vice President of Tsinghua University and co-deputy-chair of the organizing committee, said, “Tsinghua University is committed to using this forum as a platform to foster extensive exchanges and cooperation with partner universities and institutions, including HKUST. Together, we will advance the healthy and sustainable development of AI and improve the global governance framework.”

Meanwhile, HKUST and Peng Cheng Laboratory also signed an agreement at the forum to conduct collaborative research and jointly cultivate talents in AI related areas.

Keynote speakers for the first day included Mr. Brad SMITH, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, Prof. GAO Wen, Director of Peng Cheng Lab and CAE Academician, Prof. DAI Qionghai, Dean of Information Science and Technology and Director of Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology at Tsinghua University, and Dr. Stephen CAVE, Director of the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence at the University of Cambridge. They presented on topics spanning security issues in the development of next generation AI, intelligent photoelectronic computing, and the three waves of AI ethics.

Keynote speakers for the second day were Prof. ZHANG Bo, CAS academician and Honorary Dean of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Tsinghua University, Prof. Dame Wendy HALL, Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton, Prof. Shahbaz KHAN, Director of UNESCO’s Cluster Office in Beijing, and Turing Prize winner Prof. Yoshua Bengio from the Université de Montréal. 

A highlight of the forum is the roundtable discussion chaired by Dr. Liesbeth VENEMA, Chief Editor of the authoritative scientific journal Nature Machine Intelligence. She was joined by Prof. Pascale FUNG, Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAiRE) and Chair Professor in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering at HKUST, Prof. ZHENG Liang, Vice Dean of the Institute for AI International Governance of Tsinghua University, Prof. Rostam J. NEUWIRH, Head of Department of Global Legal Studies at University of Macau, Dr. Serge STINCKWICH, Head of Research at the United Nations University Institute in Macau, and Prof. TAN Jianrong, a CAE academician from Zhejiang University. The panel engaged in in-depth dialogue over the development of a global governance framework for AI.

Other key sessions included a dialogue on the development of AI ethics among Prof. Pascale Fung, Chloé BAKALAR, Chief Ethicist of Meta’s Responsible AI division, and Joaquin Quiñonero CANDELA, AI Technical Fellow at LinkedIn. The trio discussed how to achieve a balance from three aspects of mathematics, ethics and politics, in the process of practicing and applying AI.

Scholars from renowned institutions including Technical University of Munich, Sorbonne University, University of Edinburgh, University of Southampton and Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, as well as senior executives from well-known scientific and technological enterprises such as Anthropic, xAI, Huawei, and Baichuan AI, also shared their insights on the strategies to address challenges such as those posed by generative AI.

Download photos of the forum here: http://udz039.ust.hk/~meu/AI_Forum_2023 

PR Newswire

The University of Melbourne Collaborates with Cognizant to boost student engagement

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Cognizant is helping implement Tealium Customer Data Platform for the University of Melbourne to personalize the student and alumni journey 

TEANECK, N.J., Dec. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) today announced that it was selected by The University of Melbourne (UoM or the University), a leading international university with a tradition of excellence in teaching and research, to help implement the Tealium Customer Data Platform (CDP). The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities. 

The University of Melbourne awarded Cognizant the brief to support the creation of data-led and personalised experiences for students, staff and alumni as it looks to enhance meaningful constituent engagement. 

Ai Lin Choo Macdonald, Executive Director, Communications and Marketing (Acting) from The University of Melbourne, explained that the CDP is designed to empower UoM’s constituents with relevant content and experiences based on their intent and what is known about them to inspire engagement with the University on a deeper and continued basis. 

“As we continually undertake processes of digital transformation, we have the opportunity to elevate the student experience. We expect this journey will prove invaluable for the university, students and alumni as we create tailored lines of communication, based on individual needs.” 

“Coming into this transformation, our mission is to efficiently and effectively communicate with past, present and even future students, helping them engage with UoM on their terms.” 

Speaking to the collaboration, Kristen Anderson, Director at Cognizant leading marketing modernisation, highlighted the company’s enthusiasm in working with The University of Melbourne. 

“We are excited to be collaborating again with one of Australia’s preeminent universities. And, through the implementation of Tealium CDP, we look forward to helping UoM improve engagement with students, alumni, and community.”

About Cognizant 
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

For more information, contact:

PR Newswire

China Liberal Education Holdings Limited to Hold 2023 Annual General Meeting on November 30, 2023

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BEIJING, Nov. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — China Liberal Education Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: CLEU) (“China Liberal,” the “Company,” or “we”), a China-based company that provides smart campus solutions and other educational services, announced today that it would hold its 2023 annual general meeting of shareholders (the “AGM”) at 7th Floor, Building 5, No. 2 Zhenxing Road, Changping District, Beijing 102299, People’s Republic of China on November 30, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. (China Standard Time) for the purposes of considering and, if thought fit, passing each of the proposed resolutions as defined and set forth in the notice of the AGM (the “Proposed Resolutions”). The notice of the AGM and the form of proxy for the AGM are available on the Company’s website at http://ir.chinaliberal.com/. The board of directors of the Company fully supports the Proposed Resolutions and recommends that shareholders and holders of ordinary shares vote in favor of the Proposed Resolutions.

Holders of record of shares at the close of business in the Cayman Islands on November 7, 2023 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the AGM. Holders of record of shares on the record date are entitled to one vote per share at the AGM on all proposals considered at the meeting. If you own ordinary shares of the Company, you may vote by proxy or in person at the AGM.

The Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F, including its audited financial statements, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company’s Form 20-F can be accessed on its website at http://ir.chinaliberal.com/, as well as on the SEC’s website.

About China Liberal Education Holdings Limited

China Liberal is an educational services provider headquartered in Beijing, China. Currently, China Liberal operates two colleges: Fuzhou Melbourne Polytechnic and Strait College of Minjiang University. It provides a wide range of services, including overseas study consulting and technological consulting for Chinese universities to improve their campus information and data management systems. These services are designed to enhance the teaching, operating, and management environment of the universities, thus establishing a “smart campus.” Additionally, China Liberal offers tailored job readiness training for graduating students. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at http://ir.chinaliberal.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s expectations and projections about future events, which the Company derives from the information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those using terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. When evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can provide no assurance that these expectations will prove to be accurate, and it cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Investors are encouraged to review the risk factors that may affect future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investor Relations Contact

China Liberal Education Holdings Limited
Email: ir@chinaliberal.com

Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Tina Xiao
President
Phone: +1 646-932-7242
Email: investors@ascent-ir.com

PR Newswire

UK-based Global Education Holdings acquires Schiller International University

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LONDON, Nov. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — UK-based educational group Global Education Holdings (GEDU) has acquired the Schiller International University of USA. Schiller is the first American University with multiple campuses in Europe. With this acquisition, GEDU has expanded to the US market, emboldening its global footprints.

GEDU acquires Schiller International University
GEDU acquires Schiller International University

Announcing the acquisition, Chief Executive Officer of GEDU, Dr Vishwajeet Rana, said, “Schiller International University has a great history of creating value through its presence on two continents across the Atlantic. Since we are committed to widening the access to education, having Schiller in our fold will help us extend the same international experience and global perspective to students in newer geographies.”

Founded in 1964, Schiller has campuses in Tampa (Florida), Madrid (Spain), Paris (France), and Heidelberg (Germany), and students can avail of the intercampus transfer facility to get a rich international experience. They also have the flexibility to switch between online and physical campuses.

The university offers UG, PG and other higher-level qualifications predominantly in International Relations and Diplomacy, Business and Economics, Sustainability, and Tech and Data. Students at Schiller can also earn dual degrees (American and European) through an exclusive partnership with the University of Roehampton.

Its unique Challenge-Based Learning helps students acquire knowledge and competencies through solving a real-world challenge. It incorporates teamwork, research, consultation, and presentation aptitudes required for today’s skilled professionals.

About GEDU: The Group offers a range of educational opportunities, including the full range of higher education qualifications, apprenticeships, and language schools. It has operations in 12 countries, including the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Malta, UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. Its portfolio covers a wide range of subject areas and is characterised by a keen focus on both employability and student experience to maximise return on investment for students.

Contact: Vanita Kerai | Chief Marketing Officer | GEDU

Email: vkerai@gedu.global | Phone: +44 (0)204 551 3640 | Website: gedu.global