Huawei’s AI Immersion learning journey for 15 Singapore youths

Fifteen Singapore youths have been selected to take part in an artificial intelligence (AI) learning journey that will take them to Shenzhen, China. 

On May 11, Huawei, which is supporting the East Coast Youth AI Immersion Learning Journey, announced the names of the participants, selected from 33 candidates representing junior colleges, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), and Institutes of Higher Learning. 

The winners were chosen after each of them demonstrated a strong passion for AI and outlined their plans for initiating community AI projects.  

The week-long learning programme will provide the students, aged between 18 and 24, the opportunity to explore Huawei’s AI capabilities, as well as equip themselves with the necessary skills in AI development to innovate for the community. 

Commencing at Huawei’s AI Lab in Singapore on June 10, the students will learn about the basics of and explore AI tools under the guidance of Huawei experts. 

After that, they will move to Shenzhen to visit Huawei’s global headquarters. There the students will interact with experts, join tech talks, and gain insights into the company’s AI technologies and solutions.  

The programme complements Singapore’s goal of tripling its AI talent pool to 15,000 people over the next three to five years, as part of an update to the national AI strategy announced last December. 

Great learning opportunities 

Huawei International’s Chief Executive Officer, Maxi Wang, said that the learning journey represents “invaluable learning opportunities” that would equip the students with “the skills needed for industrial transformation,” in line with Singapore’s national AI strategy. 

The learning journey will also include a learning tour of Smart Urban Co-Innovation Lab, where participants will witness innovative AI solutions in action by industry partners; the Huawei Cloud Planck Exhibition, which presents the latest advancements in cloud computing technology; and the company’s Digital Power Watt Exhibition about zero-carbon all-scenario solutions, from widely deployed solar PV solutions to fully liquid-cooled ultra-fast EV charging solutions which will be launched in Singapore soon. 

Following the conclusion of the learning journey on June 16, the participants will collaborate with community leaders and Huawei mentors to develop AI projects. 

These would focus on themes such as Sustainable and Green Living, Community Well-being and Care, a Vibrant and Inclusive Community, a Healthier East Coast, and a Better-Connected East coast.  

One of the selected participants, Peh Ming Han, stated his belief that AI can “transform how we approach environmental issues and create a more sustainable future.” 

An aerospace engineering undergraduate at Nanyang Technological University, Peh looked at the upcoming learning journey as a “unique chance for personal development.” 

Another participant, ITE student, Nur Umairah Bte Abd Ghani, said that learning about AI would enable her to delve deeper into her field of study, biotechnology. 

“AI knowledge will be an asset to how I can use it in my studies and future work,” she said, adding that she could “contribute back to the community by teaching others how we can use AI to our advantage. I hope to demonstrate that learning something as beneficial as AI can be useful in real life.”  

Solving real world problems 

Ms Jessica Tan, Adviser to East Coast Group Representation Constituency (GRC) Grassroots Organisations, expressed hope that the selected students would acquire skills and knowledge to develop AI-enabled projects that solve real-world problems in their community. 

“As part of the East Coast Plan, we focus on nurturing young residents and creating opportunities for youth to actively participate in the community they live in, contributing to the creation of a caring, vibrant, and green East Coast,” she said. 

“We are optimistic that the students selected for the [learning journey] will benefit from the learning experience. We look forward to the students leveraging the knowledge and experience [for] initiatives in the community to benefit the East Coast residents.” 

Ms Tan added that partnerships with organisations such as Huawei provide real-life platforms and channels to involve various stakeholders to work together to deliver value to residents.  

“The partnerships also enable us to drive scale and impact,” she said.