University of Pretoria and MultiChoice have joined forces in South Africa to advance the development of artificial intelligence (AI) skills, specifically in machine learning technology. MultiChoice has generously funded a research chair in machine learning at the University of Pretoria, recognizing the importance of AI, particularly machine and deep learning, in the fourth industrial revolution and the digital future.
The partnership aims to harness the opportunities presented by the fourth industrial revolution, fostering the necessary competencies through education and training. The Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, believes that this collaboration will stimulate interest in AI and machine learning, making significant contributions to research in this field in South Africa.
Both educational and training institutions must prioritize staying ahead of technology developments to produce knowledgeable and competent students. By incorporating the latest technological advancements into the curriculum, institutions can ensure their students are well-prepared for the digital future.
MultiChoice South Africa CEO, Calvo Mawela, believes that the research chair will not only enhance MultiChoice’s engineering talent pool but also contribute to South Africa’s ability to compete on an international scale in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Mawela highlights several areas where AI can add value to MultiChoice’s business, such as content selection, automated editing, customer care platforms, and piracy detection.
The scarcity of AI skills globally, particularly in Africa, is a cause for concern. With just 6,000 doctoral programs worldwide and a limited pool of skilled talent, Mawela emphasizes the urgency of developing AI expertise. MultiChoice’s collaboration with the University of Pretoria aims to bridge this skills gap, guiding projects and research topics while supporting students across all academic levels, from final year projects to Ph.D. degrees in relevant fields.
The projects initiated through this partnership will focus on fields like Engineering, Data Science, and Computer Science. By nurturing young talent and providing the necessary financial support, the research chair will pave the way for groundbreaking research and innovation in these areas.
It is evident that both MultiChoice and the University of Pretoria recognize the immense potential of AI in shaping the future. This partnership serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, practical training, and research collaboration. By embracing this transformative technology, South Africa is poised to make significant strides in the global AI landscape.
In conclusion, the University of Pretoria and MultiChoice South Africa’s partnership to advance AI skills, particularly in machine learning technology, represents a significant step forward for South Africa in embracing the digital future. With MultiChoice’s support, the research chair at the University of Pretoria will facilitate groundbreaking research and innovation, nurturing talented individuals and placing South Africa at the forefront of AI development.
