Thursday, March 9, 2023

Establishing an AI Ministry in Thailand: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Lessons from UAE and Other Countries

 

Establishing an AI Ministry in Thailand: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Lessons from UAE and Other Countries

DRAFT ONLY

Janpha Thadphoothon

In recent years, the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly significant in various sectors, ranging from healthcare and transportation to finance and education. Some expert call the new wave of AI "the new electricity" (e.g. Kai Fu Lee).

In fact, AI is here to stay. It is already everywhere. Like it or not. AI is already becoming increasingly prevalent in many areas of society, including healthcare, transportation, finance, and more. It is likely that AI will continue to grow in importance and become even more ubiquitous in the future. However, the extent to which AI will be "everywhere" depends on many factors, including the rate of technological advancement, the development of regulations and ethical frameworks, and societal acceptance and adoption of AI technologies. While it is difficult to predict the future with certainty, it is clear that AI is a rapidly evolving field with significant potential for impact on many aspects of our lives.

Being Proactive

Due to the potential benefits of AI technology, many countries have established dedicated government bodies focused on AI policy and regulation. However, there are concerns, e.g. the costs and  of establishing and maintaining such ministries and the potential for government oversight and control over AI technologies. 

How about Thailand?

For Thailand, the National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy of Thailand was set up about 20 years ago. It is a comprehensive plan outlining the Thai government's vision, goals, and strategies for promoting the development and use of ICT in the country. The policy covers a wide range of areas, including infrastructure development, human resource development, e-government, e-commerce, and ICT research and innovation. The overall goal of the policy is to leverage ICT to support economic growth, improve quality of life, and promote social development in Thailand. The policy is divided into specific sections, with detailed action plans and timelines for implementation (Thuvasethakul and Koanantakool, 2002).

This essay will explore whether Thailand should set up a Ministry for AI by analyzing the case of the UAE and other countries that have established similar ministries.

The Draft Approved

The Cabinet of Thailand has approved a national AI strategy to promote the development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the country. The strategy aims to position Thailand as a leader in the development and use of AI technologies in Southeast Asia and promote sustainable economic growth.

The national AI strategy consists of three pillars: promoting research and development in AI technologies, building a skilled workforce, and creating a supportive ecosystem for AI adoption. The government plans to invest in AI research and development, with a focus on deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. It will also establish AI research centers and support the development of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the AI sector.

To build a skilled workforce, the government will promote AI education and training programs and offer scholarships and grants to students and researchers in AI-related fields. It will also collaborate with universities and the private sector to develop AI curricula and provide training for professionals.

The government plans to create a supportive ecosystem for AI adoption by establishing regulations and standards for AI technologies and promoting the use of AI in various sectors, such as healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. It will also establish a national AI center to coordinate AI research and development and facilitate partnerships between government agencies, the private sector, and academia.




Lessons from the UAE

The UAE established the first dedicated Ministry of AI in 2017, with the goal of developing comprehensive strategies for the adoption and use of AI technology. The Ministry of AI in the UAE has several objectives, including developing AI regulations, promoting research and innovation, and ensuring the effective integration of AI technology into various sectors of the economy. The Ministry's focus on training and educating the next generation of AI experts is also a crucial aspect of its initiatives. The UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is a comprehensive plan that outlines the development and integration of AI technology into different sectors of the economy. This strategy includes initiatives such as the establishment of an AI research center, an AI ethics framework, and the creation of a regulatory sandbox to test new AI applications.

The UAE has emerged as a leading player in the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into its economy and society, as discussed in the article "AI in UAE: How Artificial Intelligence will Shape UAE's Future". With a focus on making AI a vital component of the country's economic growth strategy, the UAE government is actively investing in AI and has established policies and regulations to support its development, including a national AI strategy and the creation of the UAE AI Council.


The article highlights specific use cases of AI in the UAE, including healthcare, transportation, and education. For instance, AI is being utilized to analyze vast amounts of healthcare data to enhance patient outcomes and to develop intelligent transportation systems that can optimize traffic flow and decrease congestion. Moreover, AI is being used to personalize education and provide students with more effective learning experiences.

While the UAE is committed to establishing itself as a frontrunner in the field of AI, it faces some obstacles, such as ensuring that AI systems are transparent, ethical, and secure. Nonetheless, the article underscores the potential advantages that AI could bring to the UAE's economy and society, making it a key player in the development and implementation of AI technologies.

Closer to Home

The Smart Nation initiative in Singapore aims to harness the power of technology to create a better society. As part of this effort, the government has established a national AI program to develop and implement AI technologies across various sectors. The program focuses on research and development, building up local talent in AI, and creating a supportive ecosystem for AI adoption.

To support the development of AI, Singapore is investing in research and development, with a particular focus on deep tech and AI-related disciplines. The government is also offering funding and other forms of support to encourage startups and businesses to develop and implement AI technologies. To ensure that the country has the necessary talent for AI development and adoption, Singapore is investing in AI education and training programs and is also encouraging professionals to upskill in AI-related areas.

The national AI program also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnership to develop and implement AI solutions. The government is working with industry partners and international organizations to co-create and deploy AI applications. In addition, the government is promoting ethical and responsible AI use and is engaging with the public to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a transparent and accountable manner.

The Challenges

The establishment of a Ministry for AI in Thailand could also have numerous benefits. Coordinating efforts in different sectors and developing a comprehensive strategy for the adoption and use of AI technology could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity. Furthermore, establishing a Ministry for AI could help to promote research and development in the field, as well as provide training and education opportunities for students and workers. Building a skilled workforce that is capable of creating and using AI technologies effectively could boost the country's economic growth and competitiveness.

However, there are potential drawbacks to setting up a Ministry for AI in Thailand. One of the primary concerns is the cost of establishing and maintaining such a ministry. Additionally, critics argue that the focus on AI may overshadow other important areas of development in the country. Furthermore, there are concerns about government oversight and control over AI technologies. While a Ministry for AI can promote innovation and integration, it is crucial to ensure that the government does not have complete control over AI technologies, as it may limit the scope of innovation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, establishing a Ministry for AI in Thailand could have significant benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, enhanced research and development, and a skilled workforce. However, the costs of establishing and maintaining such a ministry should be carefully considered, and measures should be in place to ensure that the government does not have complete control over AI technologies. To make an informed decision about whether to establish a Ministry for AI, it may be helpful to consult with experts in the field and consider the experiences of other countries that have established similar ministries.

References

AI in UAE: How Artificial Intelligence will Shape UAE's Future by Great LearningLink: https://medium.com/@mygreatlearning/ai-in-uae-how-artificial-intelligence-will-shape-uaes-future-5bc4a8a35940

Chadamas Thuvasethakul and Thaweesak Koanantakool (2002).  National ICT Policy of Thailand. Retrieved from http://www.nectec.or.th/users/htk/publish/20020302-National-ICT-Policy-v16-word.pdf

Smart Nation Singapore Link: https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/initiatives/artificial-intelligence/

National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), Thailand Link: https://www.nectec.or.th/en/about/news/cabinet-national-ai-strategy.html

Note: This article is an AI-assisted text.

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Monday, December 26, 2022

Thursday, December 22, 2022

How to Learn English Better

 How to Learn English Better

There are many ways to improve your English skills. Here are a few tips to get you started:



Practice speaking and listening regularly: The more you practice speaking and listening to English, the more comfortable you will become with the language. Find opportunities to converse with native speakers or use online resources such as language exchange websites or podcasts.


Read a variety of texts: Reading is a great way to improve your vocabulary and understand grammar structures. Start with materials that are at your level and gradually work your way up to more challenging texts.

Write in English: Writing in English can help you improve your grammar and spelling. Try keeping a journal, writing emails or letters, or composing short essays or stories.

Learn new vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary by learning new words and phrases. You can use a dictionary or thesaurus, play word games, or try using flashcards to help you remember new words.

Get feedback: It's important to get feedback on your progress to help you identify areas where you need to improve. Consider working with a tutor or teacher, or seek out feedback from native speakers or other proficient English speakers.

Remember to be patient with yourself and have fun as you learn! With consistent practice and dedication, you will see improvement in your English skills.

Note

The article and the picture are generated by the Computer (ChatGPT and DALL·E 2 - OpenAI)



Sunday, November 27, 2022

What is the Metaverse?

What is Metaverse? 


One may wonder what the Metaverse is. According to Srupsresopa 92022), the Metaverse is:


What is Metaverse? Metaverse is a 3D virtual world platform that helps people living in another world to meet, talk through characters in the virtual world (Avatar) and do other activities with people who are not in the same place.

Although in the present, we are able to connect with people all over the world through the internet.
already, but in the following stages of development, every interaction will have more realism, for example, instead of talking to friends or collaborating through the Zoom application (Zoom) or (Google Meet), we can walk to find colleagues at a desk in the virtual world and sit down next to each other and talk more naturally.

Or instead of looking at the picture or artwork on the website, you can also wear 3D glasses
and can walk around the museum as if we had traveled to see it by ourselves. 

This is the Metaverse that many companies are developing.

(p. 99)




Reference: 

Srupsrisopa, J. (2022) Into the Metaverse. Bangkok: Se-Ed. (in Thai)

Establishing an AI Ministry in Thailand: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Lessons from UAE and Other Countries

  Establishing an AI Ministry in Thailand: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Lessons from UAE and Other Countries DRAFT ONLY Janpha Thadphoothon In r...