Background

In today's rapidly changing world, it's crucial to equip young people with the skills they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. The AI for Good Bootcamp, organised by Help & Grow Community, is designed to bridge the gap between Singapore's youth and the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative is a response to the growing need to prepare a socially conscious, AI-ready workforce. Help & Grow is a company that has been leading tech sharing since 2022, helping 500+ Singapore youth, and has partnered with the Singapore National Youth Council (NYC) to deliver this program. The bootcamp aims to transform learning into an engaging and rewarding process, by emphasising motivation and positive feedback through hands-on learning.

Objective

The primary objective of the AI for Good Bootcamp is to empower youth with AI skills to solve real-world problems and create positive social impact. This is achieved by:

* Connecting youth with cutting-edge AI technology.

* Providing project-based learning for practical AI experience.

* Encouraging the development of "dreamers" and globally minded individuals, who can propose creative solutions, and use AI tools to build impactful products.

* Aligning with Singapore's National AI Strategy to promote AI for public good.

* Fostering a culture of collaboration and empathy, and preparing youth for a tech-driven future.

* Nurturing youth to become responsible AI innovators.

The bootcamp also seeks to help youth find purpose and passion as they navigate the intersection of AI and social responsibility. It emphasises the importance of empathy and imagination in shaping a better future. By working on real-world business cases, participants are encouraged to develop impactful solutions for social good, contributing to a better future in Asia and beyond.

Methodology

The AI for Good Bootcamp is structured as a 1-month intensive program, combining online learning & building with an in-person showcase:

* Online Collaborative Learning (1 week): This phase involves weekly expert-led sessions on AI, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and AI's creative potential. Instructors include senior tech professionals, university professors, and social enterprise leaders. The content includes how AI enhances learning and work, SDGs, and AI’s creative potential.

* Problem Definition and Solution Brainstorming (1 weeks): Participants work in small groups, utilising AI tools to research, define problems, and brainstorm solutions.

* Product Design and MVP Building (2 weeks): Participants define the product requirement, design prototype, and develop Minimum Viable Product (MVP) using AI. This phase hones their practical skills within real-world applications.

* Offline Results Showcase (3 days): The program culminates in an in-person showcase in Singapore, where participants present their projects to industry experts. They also have the opportunity to visit tech companies and receive mentorship. Outstanding participants can earn internship certificates.

Throughout the bootcamp, participants engage in a continuous AI-driven learning cycle, focusing on skill acquisition, leadership development, and social impact. By providing faster feedback, the bootcamp aims to make learning engaging and rewarding, helping participants to experience the joy of creation. The program also emphasises the use of AI tools for problem-solving and the development of innovative solutions.

In essence, the AI for Good Bootcamp is a transformative experience, empowering youth to not only understand AI but also to use it as a force for good in the world.

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In this episode, we explore why AI-enabled services are a more realistic and viable option for ordinary people in Singapore compared to building products or platforms.

We discuss the challenges of pursuing To B and To C markets in Singapore, highlighting the high costs and intense competition from established players.

We examine the advantages of focusing on AI-powered services in Singapore, including:

* High demand for quality services due to the high cost of labor

* Relatively low competition from large corporations and "air force" teams (those who excel in digital marketing and user acquisition)

* Increased accessibility and affordability of AI tools, particularly large language models (LLMs) and multimodal technologies, that enable individuals to provide services more efficiently

We provide examples of specific service areas where AI can be effectively utilized, such as real estate brokerage, insurance consulting, coaching, and outsourcing.

We emphasize the potential for AI-enabled services to empower individuals, reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and create profitable businesses in Singapore.

HELP AND GROW is a Singapore-based Public Company Limited by Guarantee dedicated to empowering youth through technology and innovation. Our mission is to bridge the gap between Singapore’s youth and the latest technological advancements, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), by facilitating meaningful interactions with industry experts.

Since August 2022, we have organized over 20 offline tech-sharing sessions covering topics like e-commerce, fintech, blockchain, and AI. These initiatives have helped connect more than 500 professionals and students across Singapore, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and enabling individuals to better prepare for future challenges.

In 2024, HELP AND GROW began a strategic partnership with the Singapore National Youth Council (NYC) to introduce a multifaceted AI program aimed at engaging Singaporean youth. The program encompasses keynote sharing sessions (Jun-Oct), a guided tour to the Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (Oct) and the Singapore Fintech Festival (Nov), as well as an AI for Good Workshop (Dec). The initiative aims to involve at least 67 youth participants, develop 7 youth leaders, and cultivate 10 youth volunteers by the end of 2024.

Our future vision focuses on the AI for Good bootcamp, a hands-on project-based learning platform where youths engage in real-world business cases, utilizing AI tools to analyze challenges and develop prototype solutions. Through this, we aim to inspire impactful ideas and purposeful action, helping young people gain practical skills, explore their passions, and make meaningful contributions to society.