ASEAN Urged to Develop Comprehensive AI Education Policy
deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology stella Christie has called for ASEAN member states to establish a comprehensive education policy addressing the use of artificial intelligence (AI). She emphasized this need during the 1st Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN in Jakarta on Wednesday.
“Responding to the growth of artificial intelligence, ASEAN needs to design an education policy related to the aspects of readiness and obligation in the implementation of AI,” Christie stated.
christie stressed the importance of fostering public literacy regarding AI, going beyond simply knowing its existence. She outlined three key aspects of AI literacy:
- The ability to assess whether a problem can be solved with AI or requires human intervention.
- The ability to articulate why AI is not suitable for solving certain problems.
- The capacity to develop plans that effectively integrate AI and human capabilities to address challenges.
As a professor of cognitive psychology, Christie underscored the importance of understanding the human-AI interaction in problem-solving.
The Indonesian Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology actively supports the AI Ready ASEAN program, spearheaded by the ASEAN foundation. This program aims to empower academics in Indonesian higher education, notably talented individuals in STEM fields, through the responsible implementation of AI.
The 1st Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN brought together policymakers, AI experts, and representatives from ASEAN nations to discuss the multifaceted implications of AI.
AI Ready ASEAN, backed by Google, is dedicated to increasing public awareness of AI’s importance as a critical skill for the future. Through regional campaigns, the program strives to enhance basic AI literacy among a wider audience, paving the way for a responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem in the region.
By proactively addressing the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI, ASEAN can harness its transformative potential to drive innovation, improve quality of life, and ensure a sustainable future for all.
In your opinion, what is the most critical aspect of AI literacy for individuals in today’s world?
ASEAN Needs a Roadmap for AI Education: interview with Dr. Stella christie
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Stella Christie, recently called for ASEAN member states to establish a comprehensive AI education policy. we sat down with Dr. Christie to discuss her vision for AI literacy in the region.
Archyde: Dr. Christie, thank you for joining us. You’ve been a vocal advocate for AI education in ASEAN. Why is this such a pressing issue right now?
Dr. Christie:
thank you for having me. The rise of artificial intelligence is accelerating rapidly, and preparing our workforce for this new era is crucial. Beyond simply knowing “AI exists,” we need to cultivate a new kind of literacy – the ability to understand how AI works, its limitations, and its potential impact on our lives.
Archyde: Can you elaborate on what you mean by AI literacy? People often associate it with technical skills, but it seems you’re suggesting somthing broader.
Dr. Christie:
Indeed, AI literacy is multi-faceted. It’s about being able to assess whether a problem is even suitable for AI solutions. It’s about understanding when human intervention is essential and why AI might not be the answer. it’s about developing strategies that effectively combine human and artificial intelligence to tackle complex challenges.
Archyde: You mentioned the importance of human-AI interaction. As a professor of cognitive psychology, what are your insights into how humans and AI can work best together?
Dr. Christie:
From my research, I see that the most accomplished human-AI partnerships arise when we leverage each other’s strengths. AI excels at processing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns, while humans bring creativity, critical thinking, and empathy to the table. Understanding these complementary capabilities is key to designing truly effective AI-driven solutions.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of AI education in ASEAN?
Dr. Christie:
My vision is for ASEAN to become a leader in responsible and inclusive AI growth. We need to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge to not only participate in this exciting field but also to shape its ethical and societal implications. By fostering a culture of AI literacy, we can empower our people to use AI for good, driving innovation and progress across all sectors.
Think about it: In your opinion, what is the most critical aspect of AI literacy for individuals in today’s world?
