Welcome to our final newsletter of the year. In 2017, our first year of establishment, we have been creating connections and learning about global AI developments as part of the Forum’s mission to enable New Zealand to be positioned to maximise our opportunities from AI. Along the way, we have come across numerous useful AI resources. We thought we would share our favourites with you in our Summer Holiday Reading List.
In other developments, we are delighted to announce the first round of partners and speakers for AI-DAY 2018 in partnership with NewZealand.ai. Tickets went on sale last week and at the time of writing, there are still a few early bird discounted tickets available, don’t miss out.
Recently, Canterbury University’s (and AI Forum Executive Council member) Dr Amy Fletcher wrote a thought-provoking piece on how the arts will be key for humanity to thrive in the coming artificial intelligence future.
A friendly reminder, if you haven’t already, please let us know what you want from the AI Forum next year. We are keen to know what you’d like to see from us! There is so much happening in the AI ecosystem right now, but we want to know how we can help deliver important outcomes for you and your organisation. Your feedback will help prioritise our work streams and the AI Forum’s agenda. Please share your views with us by completing our short survey.
Our newsletter will return in the New Year, as we launch into our 2018 programme including the launch of the New Zealand AI Impacts research report and AI-DAY 2018.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the AI Forum’s work during the year! Wishing you a relaxing, restorative summer break, wherever you may be.
Best Regards
Ben Reid
Executive Director
#AIDAY2018 tickets now on sale!
NEWS & EVENTS
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is calling for expressions of interest to join the Land Transport Future Technology Leadership Group. This is a great opportunity to help shape the future and be part of the Kiwi transport revolution.
New research from GenPact finds that Despite Hype, Few Workers Believe Artificial Intelligence Will Threaten Their Jobs. Meanwhile, demand for AI talent is already translating into big payday for graduates.
AI Forum member Xtracta’s CEO, Jonathan Spence, explains why the exponential growth in AI computational requirements means New Zealand can help by being Australia’s data centre hub.
Stanford University’s Tony Seba recently spoke to the National Business Review on the implications of autonomous electric vehicles for New Zealand; 80% less cars on the road by 2030! In other local news, Vend launch Dott the Bot, New Zealand’s first Retail AI Assistant.
Learn more about the Ministry of Education’s new Digital Tech Curricula in schools from next year. Also, the arts will be key for humanity says Amy Fletcher, read the full article here.
Read Forbes AI predictions for 2018. New research from GenPact finds that despite hype, few workers believe AI will threaten their jobs. Google urges ‘fair and responsible’ AI development. Also, check out this fairness benchmarking tool for machine learning.
A special welcome this month to our new member BVT Engineering Professional Services. If you would like to know more about joining the AI Forum, check out our joining page.
Techweek’s nationwide festival promotes New Zealand innovation that’s good for the world. Event submissions are now open for Techweek’18.
Want to know more? Sign up for the AI Forum NZ update, it’s free and will take less than a minute!
