In a significant development towards advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital readiness under the initiative ‘AI for Future Workforce’ programme, the University of Kashmir (KU) and Intel India, signed and formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to train human resource and also to introduce courses based on the ‘AI for Future Workforce’ programme.
KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal signed the MoU at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on Wednesday.
Secretary, Department of Higher Education, GoI, K Sanjay Murthy; Deputy Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Devendra Kumar Sharma; President, Intel India, Gokul V Subramaniam; Vice President, Client Computing Group and General Manager, Client Platform, Veerappan Swaminathan; Founder Director Sustainable Living Labs, Singapore Systems, Intel besides vice chancellors of different universities were present on the occasion, an official statement issued here read.
“The MoU emphasises the commitment of the varsity to equip the students and the faculty for the AI landscape and enhancing their employability in the digital age,” an official spokesperson said in a statement issued here.
KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal and other policymakers present during the event emphasised that any digital transformation first requires capacity building of public sector leaders or the current workforce working on policy development and implementation.
“Therefore, it is important for governments and the universities to upskill their policy leaders including human resource so that they become resilient with the use of intelligent technologies such as AI, that can act as the facilitator of innovation and sustainability,” the statement read.
To further drive AI skilling on a broader scale, University of Kashmir and Intel India are devising strategies for programme scalability.
“The objective is to bring together all stakeholders to seek ways for leveraging AI to improve employability, encourage innovation and support the development of a skilled workforce on a large scale,” read the statement.
During the event, a panel discussion which sought to explore the evolving relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI), education and skilling was held by senior government officials, vice chancellors of reputed universities, industry leaders and eminent experts. The panellists pitched insights into the transformative impact of AI in shaping the future of work.
KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, congratulated the entire team for signing the MoU with Intel India for the overall benefit of the youth especially, university students.
“Such an ecosystem will shape the future of our student community in the AI landscape,” she reiterated.