Unveiling Industry Insights of AI Ethics and Governance in the Digital Landscape

 

Basappa Prabhu Deva

Consultant
Completed Certificate in AI Ethics and Governance

Please share with us your professional life’s journey and at which point in your career did you aspire to pursue this certificate?

My growth journey was predominantly as an intrapreneur/entrepreneur. I have had international business experience in the engineering and technology industry. Later, I moved to the Information Technology field and did business in IT outsourcing and IT talent areas. I kept abreast of the evolving business landscape in Cloud Services, IoT, Blockchain and AI areas. I'm a member of Singapore Computer Society (SCS)'s AI & Robotics interest group, with a keen interest in AI Ethics & Governance. I completed this Certificate in AI Ethics and Governance offered by PaCE@NTU in collaboration with SCS and am continuing self-paced studies through books, seminars, industry events, podcasts etc.


What attracted you to your chosen certificate at PaCE@NTU?

I personally feel that the programme is affordable for everyone who wants to learn about ethics and governance in AI. The course content is carefully curated to cover various topics related to AI ethics and governance that could be applied to real-life scenarios and challenges. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply interested in the subject, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the field.


Which aspect of this programme did you like the most?

Despite the programme being fully online, the professor's assistance during virtual consultations proved invaluable. The Saturday sessions were particularly engaging, as there were a lot of interactions among diverse individuals with industry experience, and we were able to share contrarian perspectives. Collaborating with the group on various projects was also an eye-opening experience. Overall, I found that the shared experiences and group collaboration allowed me to learn more effectively.


What were the challenges you faced when trying to complete this programme?

Synchronous and asynchronous e-learning can be challenging for first-time online learners. While there are many benefits to e-learning, such as the flexibility it offers, there are also certain drawbacks that can hinder the learning experience. Limited networking opportunities and leveraging possibilities can be a drawback. Coping with the online examination format was also a challenge. For business professionals, the challenge is even greater, as they may need to double their learning efforts to fully comprehend the material.


Do you think lifelong learning is important? Please share your thoughts about it.

Absolutely. We are faced with innumerable changes, challenges, and competition as a professional. Lifelong learning is necessary to survive and thrive. The lifelong learning journey is unique to each of us. More wide-ranging learning options related to the depth and breadth of the programme are needed. The relevance and timely updating of the contents of the course is most crucial to benefit the learners. Additionally, professionals and employers are most receptive when the courses are kept affordable.