UoMSEA in Partnership with IBM & SCS presents “Why Bother About Sustainability in AI?” – 2 Oct 2024

This collaboration is part of The University of Manchester’s Bicentenary Events Series which is a commemorative initiative celebrating 200 years of learning, innovation and research. This series features a variety of events aimed at reflecting on the past, honoring key achievements, and inspiring future generations.

On October 2nd, we had the pleasure of hosting an exclusive panel discussion and networking event titled “Why Bother About Sustainability in AI?” in collaboration with IBM and SCS! It was exciting to see such an amazing turnout, with over 100 participants joining both in-person and online! The evening began with a sharing by Tang Hian Seng, Ashutosh and Toh Keng Hoe on what UoM, IBM and SCS are doing in the realm of AI, highlighting the reasons this topic of discussion is close to all our hearts. 

We then kicked off the discussion with a deep dive into the promise of AI, where our panelists, guided by our alumni and moderator Tang Hian Seng, highlighted how artificial intelligence is driving progress in sustainability. Raju shared a fascinating example on how AI is being used in fish farming—leveraging AI to monitor plankton levels and improve marine resource management, a step toward more sustainable food production.

As the conversation evolved, we explored the perils of AI. Each panelist shared their industry-specific insights on the potential risks and ethical dilemmas posed by AI. From unintended consequences to misuse, the discussion shone a light on the need for caution and responsible AI implementation. The final segment tackled the future of AI governance and the panel discussed critical questions: Is regulation enough? How can governments and corporations work together to ensure that AI is used ethically?

Special thanks to Hian Seng, International Ambassador, The University of Manchester for evoking such insightful responses, and to our brilliant panelists—Raju, Ashutosh and Jean—for sharing their diverse perspectives. A special thank you to Bill Liu, whose closing remarks helped wrap up the fruitful discussion on a high note.

We are thankful to everyone who attended for their presence at the centre and for their thoughtful questions during the Q&A! We hope everyone enjoyed the food and wine, and made the most of the networking opportunities before and after the session. Let’s continue these important conversations and work together to shape a sustainable future with AI!

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