By Rizal Raoul Reyes
Two young Filipino scientists have urged the government to embrace the benefits of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, machine-to-machine learning, and data science.
Dr. Jerrold Tubay, assistant professor at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics at University of the Philippines Los Ba?os, stressed that the bureaucracy will become more efficient and transparent once it deploys new technologies such as AI.
?I also hope that government use mathematical modeling in their decision-making processes to ensure higher efficiency, accuracy and productivity in their operations for the benefit of the people,? Tubay, a recipient of a special citation in this year?s National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) search for young scientists, said during the press briefing on July 12 held in Manila.
?Researchers must also enlighten the common people that AI will not kill us just like the things we have been seeing in sci-fi movies. If that happens we will be not around anymore,? he quipped.
?On the contrary, AI will also help us a lot especially the government because it can help them serve the people better,? Tubay said
On his part, Dr. Raymond Girard Tan, vice chancellor for research and innovation at De La Salle University (DLSU), said the coming of AI and other technologies in the country is a reality that has to be faced.
?It is a technological revolution we need to face. For example, in many parts of the world people around the world are talking about the Fourth Industrial Revolution figuring out how the Internet can change the way we do business,? Tan said.
I think it is going to be a serious trend that professionals in the future or next generation have to prepare for,? Tan added.
As far as DLSU is concerned, Tan said it is currently working double time to revamp its curriculum to cope with the changes in the technological landscape. ?We want our students to keep pace with these changes so their skills will remain relevant,? Tan pointed out.
Tan said academic institutions must not only rely on textbooks for building up knowledge but also be active in doing research and development projects to keep them updated in their skills.
?To be on the cutting-edge of technology, you just don’t rely on Wikipedia for information but you have to been on the forefront of research,? Tan stressed.
Nevertheless, Tan said the local science community is optimistic as the government has provided funds to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to encourage scientists to pursue research in these technologies.
