On November 14, 2024, the AI Convergence Summit, organized by Cygnis, brought together a diverse group of experts from various industries, including fintech, e-commerce, product design, gaming, and edtech. Among the esteemed panelists was Sadaf Rehman, co-founder of Code School, who shared valuable insights on the role of coding education in the era of artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways from the AI Summit
The summit highlighted the transformative potential of AI, with Muhammad Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, emphasizing the global impact of AI and the UN's efforts to regulate its use for peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development.
Practical Use Cases of AI relevant to Pakistan
Several speakers illustrated the practical applications of AI in various sectors. Ahmed Hashim, CEO and co-founder of Cygnis, used their work with New Jersey’s public transportation company, NJ Transit as a successful case study for how organizations can use AI to streamline repair works and enhance customer satisfaction in public services. Muntaqa Peracha, CEO of Foodpanda Pakistan, spoke about the AI use cases for his organizations work, which included piloting drone deliveries and personalized UI-UX-CX, among many other global examples from the parent company.
Panel Discussion: The Next 24 Months – Pragmatic AI Adoption in Pakistan through Coding Education
During the panel discussion titled "The Next 24 Months – Pragmatic AI Adoption in Pakistan," Code School cofounder Sadaf Rehman highlighted that while AI tools democratize access to specialized skills, they cannot replace the foundational need for coding literacy. She explained that effective AI adoption requires bridging the skills gap—the disconnect between technical expertise and domain knowledge—and emphasized that coding education is essential to equip individuals with the problem-solving and adaptability needed to leverage AI effectively.
Rehman also addressed the evolution of education, stating that schools must shift from outdated models to preparing students for 21st-century challenges. With 65% of future jobs yet to be invented, coding education should focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than teaching specific programming languages. She outlined a multi-step approach for Pakistan to lead in AI, emphasizing teacher training, curriculum development, and inclusive implementation strategies involving low-cost schools and underserved communities.
Conclusion
The AI Convergence Summit underscored the critical role of AI in transforming various sectors and the need for robust infrastructure and skilled human resources to harness its full potential. Rehman's insights emphasized that coding education is not only relevant but essential in the AI era, as it equips individuals with the problem-solving skills and technical literacy necessary to leverage AI tools effectively. As Pakistan navigates the complexities of AI adoption, a focus on coding education and addressing the skills gap will be pivotal in driving sustainable progress and innovation.
Media mentions of the conference:
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