SINGAPORE: Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) announced on Wednesday (Nov 15) an upcoming workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially for children. It will be held on Nov 25 (Saturday) from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at Hougang Capeview.
“Hey Aljunied GRC families and kids! We’ve got something exciting coming up just for you! Join us for a hands-on A.I. (artificial intelligence) workshop, perfect for kids aged 7 and older. See how AI can be used to create amazing chatbots, beautiful art and write cool stories. Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek into the future of AI and how you can be part of it!” wrote Mr Giam, who has been representing the residents of Bedok Reservoir–Punggol in Parliament since 2020, in a Facebook post.
He added, however, that spots for the workshop are limited and that residents from Aljunied GRC “get first dibs!” Parents interested in having their kids join in may sign up at https://forms.gle/18fyfSR871LPgGDi9” and “get ready to dive into the world of AI!”
AI has recently become an important topic around the globe, especially with the introduction of ChatGPT last year. Although technology can greatly benefit society, there are risks involved, and therefore, it would be good for everyone, especially children, to learn to use artificial intelligence responsibly.
Artificial intelligence, the ability of a computer to think and learn, is already part of life for children today, who are growing up with Siri, Alexa, and other AI virtual assistants they know from their parents’ smartphones or even their own. Many of them encounter recommendations on streaming services and chatbots and use search engines when doing their homework or research, all of which are examples of AI.
“While there are many uncertainties around Artificial Intelligence, we know that it will impact almost every part of our lives, and that in many cases the impacts will be greatest for children – from how they are conceived and born, to the services they can access and how they learn, to the jobs they will train for. This reality brings with it a tremendous amount of opportunity and risk.
Without specific attention to children, the evolution of this technology could proceed without considering children’s specific needs and rights. The healthy development of children is crucial to the future well being of any society, and the cost to society of failing our children is enormous,” wrote the World Economic Forum, together with UNICEF, last year.
Read also: ‘Promise and Pitfalls of AI’ in focus at Singapore FinTech Festival 2023 /TISG