Tech Talk BFM Media

In today’s green hued instalment, Rich and Matt delve into the exciting world of superconductors and the ongoing quest for room-temperature superconductivity, which could pave the way for a future of limitless clean energy.

Matt gets particularly fired up by a groundbreaking alternative to pesticides, inspired by the ingenious traps of carnivorous plants. Yes. Spraying plants with glue.

AI forces its way onto the agenda as they examine the controversy surrounding Scarlett Johansson’s beef with OpenAI over alleged copyright infringement, and examine the industry’s approach to protecting copyright owners and content creators. And finally, they put on their data heads to look at a new New York Times' report comparing Taylor Swift's popularity to that of music legends like The Beatles and Michael Jackson.
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The Amazon Web Services “Finance Forward Series: Data, AI & Agility - Thriving In The New Insurance Landscape” event concluded on 14 May 2024, with a panel session featuring Gianluca Bernacchia, Senior Partner, Consulting & Analytics Asia, and Global C&A Insurance Community Lead with DXC Technology; and Nipun Grover, ASEAN Insurance Specialist with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The conversation explored the growing adoption of Generative AI (Gen AI) among insurers, the critical role of data quality, and strategies for managing personal identifiable information (PII). Key insights highlighted the importance of a human-in-the-loop approach to mitigate AI risks, effective execution and change management practices, and the complementary use of AI technologies to drive innovation and improve business outcomes in the insurance industry.
This event was sponsored by Amazon Web Services.
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We speak with Dr. Ian Tan, an Associate Professor in Computer Science and the Head of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. We discuss the profound changes artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing to the world of programming and computer science. From Jensen Huang’s vision of a future where traditional programming languages are no longer necessary to the rise of low-code and no-code platforms, we explore how these advancements are reshaping educational curricula and the skill sets required for future software developers.

We also touch on the concept of digital twins, the democratisation of programming, and the importance of ethical considerations in AI development. Dr. Tan shares his thoughts on how computer science education should evolve to prepare students for a world where AI plays an increasingly central role.
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Join us as Dr. Mohammad Sherafatmand from Hydroleap discusses innovative solutions to Malaysia's critical water challenges. With the nation's ageing infrastructure and rising water demand set to increase by over 100% by 2050, the need for sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever.

Dr. Sherafatmand explains how his company's proprietary electrochemical engineering technology offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to treat wastewater, which could play a crucial role in addressing Malaysia's water scarcity issues.

We also explore successful models from Singapore, like the NEWater project, and discuss how Malaysia could adapt these practices to meet its unique water needs.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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Rich and Matt dive into the complex intersection of technology, security, and information warfare. Starting with TikTok's recent controversies and the US government's push to force its sale, the discussion explores the challenges of regulating social media platforms amidst geopolitical tensions.

Moving to the battle against misinformation, an MIT study is using AI chatbots to counter conspiracy theories through factual, non-judgmental conversations - potentially reshaping deeply held beliefs. However, concerns arise about the potential misuse of AI models to spread tailored disinformation.

The pair also covers a novel hacking technique that exploits processor speed fluctuations to extract sensitive data from air-gapped systems, highlighting the ever-evolving cat-and-mouse game between attackers and defenders.


Image credit: This is an AI generated image.
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We sit down with Sanjay Sarma, the newly appointed CEO and Dean of the Asia School of Business, to explore the transformative impact of AI on education. With AI technologies like ChatGPT on the rise, tertiary education is at a pivotal moment of change. Sarma will share his insights into how AI will influence educational practices, and the challenges and opportunities these technologies pose for future graduates. He brings a wealth of experience in open learning and academia to shed light on the future of learning in an AI-driven world. Discover how technology is reshaping education and redefining the roles of educators and students alike.
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