Webinar 2: Societal impact of AI

The session will explore the societal impact of AI, emphasizing ethical considerations in various applications like hiring, self-driving cars, and facial recognition technology. It will highlight the potential biases in AI systems, the importance of inclusive model design, human oversight, and transparent criteria to mitigate discrimination. Case studies include gender disparity in car crash safety, child welfare screening, and the ethical dilemmas faced by AI in healthcare and law enforcement. The session will underscore that AI’s fairness and equity depend on the motives and regulations set by humans, highlighting the sociological challenges over technical ones.

Dr. Ehsan Hoque is a professor of Computer Science at the University of Rochester (on-leave) and currently, serves as the Chief Scientist at the National Center for AI (NCAI) at the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA). He is known for his pioneering work in human-centered AI and health technologies. He has published over 100 papers in top AI journals and conferences. Dr. Hoque, a senior member of AAAI and a distinguished member of ACM, has received prestigious awards including the ACM UbiComp 10-year Impact Award and MIT TR35 Award. He earned his Ph.D. from MIT.

Webinar 1: Introduction to AI

Join us for an engaging webinar that demystifies Artificial Intelligence (AI). This session will provide a comprehensive introduction to AI, perfect for beginners and those looking to solidify their foundational knowledge. The webinar will define what constitutes AI and explain how it differs from related fields. We will explore the key milestones and significant breakthroughs in AI development, tracing its evolution from the early days to current advancements.

Participants will learn about the different types of AI, including Narrow AI and General AI. Real-world applications of AI in various industries such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment will be discussed, showcasing how AI is transforming these sectors. The session will also examine the latest advancements and innovations in AI technology, including natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Ethical considerations and challenges, such as issues related to bias, privacy, and job displacement, will be addressed to provide a balanced perspective on AI’s impact.

Finally, we will speculate on potential future developments in AI and their societal implications. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A segment, offering an opportunity for attendees to engage with the speaker and discuss topics of interest. This session aims to equip participants with a solid understanding of AI, setting the stage for deeper exploration in subsequent webinars. Embark on this exciting journey into the world of AI.

Naif Alharbi is a Senior AI Engineer at the National Center for AI (NCAI) under the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA). He is interested in cutting-edge applications in computer vision and robotics. Naif has gained experience from working in start-ups and government organizations, where he has built, developed, and deployed numerous computer vision applications for commercial and industrial sectors.