The Digital Bridge forum held in Astana on October 13 brought together a panel of experts to delve into the intricate landscape of Central Asia's burgeoning IT sector, Astana Times reported.
This insightful discussion encompassed a wide array of topics, including the unique attributes that characterize the region's IT industry, the pivotal role of nurturing human talent in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) innovations, and the exciting prospects for innovative collaborations among Asian nations.
Chaired by Firuzjon Sodikov, the Chief Operating Officer of Zypl.ai, the panel featured a distinguished lineup, including Azizjon Azimi, the visionary founder and CEO of Zypl.ai, representing Tajikistan; Yersultan Yermanov, Head of the IT Industry Development Department at the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace; Davronbek Parmonov, Deputy Director of Aloqa Ventures from Uzbekistan; and Aslan Sultanov, the astute Managing Partner of White Hill Capital.
Azimi took the spotlight to shed light on AI development in Central Asia, with a particular focus on Tajikistan. He underlined the substantial economic impact that AI could wield on the region and emphasized the importance of investing in technologies that promise sustainable growth while nurturing the essential human capital needed to propel the AI industry forward.
Azimi elucidated Tajikistan's ambitious mission to harness $2bn from the AI sector by 2040. Furthermore, he outlined the four core pillars of their national AI strategy. These pillars encompass the development of talent, the deployment of AI models to introduce use cases across various economic sectors, data enhancement, an area where Kazakhstan has emerged as a global leader in electronic data accessibility, and a steadfast commitment to Ethical AI, ensuring that all AI implementations strictly adhere to ethical principles and standards.
In addition to these insights, Azimi proposed the creation of a unified AI space for Central Asia. This cooperative approach to AI regulation would harmonize investments among nations, facilitate the seamless integration of AI applications, and give rise to fresh employment opportunities, painting a bright future for the region.
Yermanov endorsed the concept of a unified approach to AI regulation while underscoring Kazakhstan's dedication to maintaining liberal regulatory practices. The focus is on promoting development rather than enforcing restrictive controls.
"We are advocates for preserving our technological independence while pushing the boundaries in AI development and education. Regional collaboration offers our region a unique opportunity to experience rapid growth, with the AI sector serving as the catalyst for reaching new heights of development," he highlighted.
The participants, in harmony, agreed that forums like the Digital Bridge not only facilitate the exchange of ideas but also present a promising prospect for potential investors to explore exciting opportunities. Together, they shared a collective vision for a prosperous technological future spanning the entire Central Asian region, filled with innovation and boundless possibilities.
Earlier, Daryo reported that the highly-regarded Digital Bridge Awards for 2023, recognizing exceptional achievements in the field of information and communication technology, honored top achievers from seven prominent IT companies. This prestigious event took place at the Digital Bridge forum in Astana, Kazakhstan, on October 12, and was announced by the Prime Minister's press team.
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