Nepal should aim to be an AI hub

Dr. Rajan Thapaliya is a Ph.D. in Data Science from the National University of California, USA. As a professor and founder/CEO of Data Jupiter, he has been involved in educating and skilling up computer engineers, data scientists and information technology. His company is rolling out a project to educate and train youth from remote areas of developing countries. He is in course of developing a game based on Nepali mountain in Solukhumbu as well. He has taught and inspired many students in the USA and other countries. Modnath Dhakal of The Rising Nepal caught up with Dr. Thapaliya while he is in a trip to Nepal to talk about the potential of Nepal in AI development and future course the country should take. Excerpts: 

What is your assessment of the global AI scenario? How can common people relate it with data science?

In terms of technological development, the world has gone quite afar. It has been possible with the collective initiatives of multiple scientists and companies around the globe. Data science is about reaching to a conclusion through computer calculation or analysis. It is the foundation of AI (Artificial Intelligence). Data science and AI have interdependent relation. Data science is the heart of any business in this data-driven world.

You are working on a new project to provide technical skills to youths from the countries lagging in information and communication technology and advanced education on it. Could you highlight the project? 

The project is being developed by Data Jupiter company and is in the planning for the past eight months. It is in the final phase of rolling out. We aim to provide free IT education to remotest parts in the world with certification and possible job assurance for the better performers. Students enrolled in Data Jupiter will have an opportunity to forge networks with the experts, professionals and professors from around the world so that they can explore jobs and other opportunities in any part of the world. They can work from where they are and earn a good amount of money while being at their home with their family. Knowledge and skills acquired under this project will not only empower them in their academic pursuits but also serve as valuable tools throughout their lives. It is an initiative that aims to help shaping the future of technology and inspire the next generation of innovators and thinkers. The system has already been tested and we are planning to launch the system within this January. We are approaching various governments and philanthropic organisations for financial support as we aim to provide 'free skill-based education' to the youth from backward areas. So far, we have collected US$80,000 and it should be above $200,000 within a year or so. 

Nepal lacks any policy or guidelines in terms of development and promotion of AI in public or private sector development. What should be the policy initiatives in this regard?

Nepal should set its aim to make it an AI hub in the long run. It has both competitive and comparative advantages. Since Nepali entrepreneurs and professionals are performing fairly well in ICT sector, this can propel the growth of AI if the country comes up with better policies. I am lobbying with the government and ministers, including the former PMs to make Nepal an AI hub. We have multiple IT hubs in India, China and other countries around us but there is no AI hub. Whether you want or not, AI is here and we have to use it. Since Nepal is a small country, AI development is easy and feasible. We should compete in AI sectors such as AI robots, not in IT. However, we have seen policy gap of inefficiency in many sectors.

Nepal is at initial phase in terms of AI development which offers it a luxury to design the project from a scratch and define various dimensions of it including economic, technological, market, education and human resources. Very soon, all sort of technologies including the health care, weather forecast and even ATM machines will be equipped with AI. 

What should be the requisites of such an ambition? 

There should be assurance of quality energy supply and internet service as well as budget and investments in AI development and expansion. Skilled manpower is another basic need but as I said earlier one doesn't need a university degree, trainings will also do. Likewise, the government should facilitate in sending and receiving the payments for the AI professions in and out of the country. Currently, there have been problems even in bringing in the money in foreign currency which has been discouraging the professionals. The government must devise medium-term and long-term policies to make Nepal an AI hub. The country has Digital Nepal Framework 2018 and it can create further steps beginning from the very policy because ICT sector is very dynamic and policies should be revised quite often. 

Could you suggest any interventions for education institutions offering academic or skill-based programmes on AI or data science? 

Youths from the advanced western countries are drawing good salaries from the work they join after a short-term training. So Nepali education institutions including universities need to redesign their courses on IT and ICT so that it can enable their students to have future-oriented skills and help them find better jobs or develop some innovative projects. Students are not finding exclusive courses on Data Sciences or AI in Nepal. This is an opportunity for them which, if untapped, will be wasted very soon. Likewise, machine learning, deep learning, Python, Java and Natural Language Processing should be taught and learnt to compete globally. 

Meanwhile, the private sector companies in should collaborate with large international companies, universities and research institutions to take the stock of latest development in the sector. If development and promoted well, AI tourism can be a demand in future. 

Which areas do you see as the most attractive ones for jobs in data science and AI for Nepali graduates? 

I think, there should be investments in AI in agriculture, health, education and finance. Since these sectors have a level of technological development in Nepal and globally, low-cost investment can yield better return. For example, in agriculture, AI can be applied in measuring the quality of soil, making weather forecast, seed analysis and market finding. Likewise, blockchain has made banking more secure. 

What would you like to suggest Nepali media in terms of investing in new technology and AI? 

Media companies in the USA, Europe and elsewhere are equipping their newsroom and transmission technology with AI. There have been huge investments in AI and data-driven journalism as it helps in analysing big data, distinguishing between facts and opinions. It saves time, reduces cost, enhances the quality of product and ensures timely creation of the content. However, there have been concerns about the plagiarism or intellectual theft and job loss of media people but this shouldn't be a big case as it will open avenues for new categories of jobs in AI in media. It helps to create better content, visualization and graphics, voice overs and filters.