In a significant stride towards advancing technological education and innovation, Thimphu TechPark (TTPL) inaugurated its state-of-the-art Information Access Center (IAC) yesterday, with a dedicated focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. The new facility is equipped with high-performance workstations, interactive smartboards, and advanced video conferencing tools, positioning TTPL as a pivotal hub for AI research and collaboration in Bhutan.
The establishment of the IAC marks TTPL’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can access cutting-edge IT resources. The center aims to enhance IT literacy among the general public and stimulate international collaboration within the ICT sector, thereby contributing to the nation’s technological ecosystem.
At its launch, the IAC commenced with specialized four-day training programs in AI and cloud-based educational platforms, as well as AI training focused on data labeling. These sessions are conducted by esteemed experts from the Republic of Korea, underscoring the collaborative efforts between Bhutan and South Korea in advancing AI capabilities.
The AI and cloud-based educational platform training is tailored for educators and administrators involved in teaching or managing AI and cloud-related courses. This program seeks to equip participants with the skills necessary to effectively deliver and oversee these courses, while also providing insights into integrating AI technologies into comprehensive educational curricula.
Meanwhile, the AI training on Data Labeler is designed to impart essential skills for data labeling—a critical step in preparing datasets for AI model training. Participants will gain hands-on experience with Black Olive, a platform developed by Testworks, which facilitates efficient data management and processing. Emphasizing the importance of accuracy in data labeling, this training ensures that future AI models are built on reliable and well-organized datasets.
The initial batch comprises 36 participants, with 18 attendees in each training session. These participants hail from various sectors, including education, the private and corporate sectors, technology park employees, students, and IT graduates, reflecting the center’s inclusive approach to fostering diverse talent in AI.
While the TTPL official overseeing the center mentioned that service charges are yet to be finalized, the IAC’s establishment is funded by the Korean government through the National Information Society Agency (NIA). The NIA, operating under Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, has been instrumental in setting up 69 IACs across 51 countries since 2002, aimed at enhancing access to information and communication technologies (ICT) in developing nations.
Jigme Tenzing, Secretary of the GovTech Agency, expressed optimism about the new center’s impact. “There’s a growing interest among Bhutanese youth in innovating and developing AI solutions. We are grateful to NIA for their collaborative approach in designing the Information Access Center, which places a strong emphasis on providing AI facilities and developing AI capabilities,” he stated. Tenzing highlighted the importance of such initiatives in overcoming resource and infrastructure limitations that many young innovators currently face.
Bhutan currently boasts two IACs, with the first established in 2015 at the Royal Institute of Management in Thimphu. The newly launched IAC at TTPL distinguishes itself by its specialized focus on AI development, featuring five high-performance workstations equipped with powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) to support advanced computational tasks.
The IAC at TTPL aims to serve multiple objectives, including promoting startups and small-scale businesses, driving ICT growth, providing access to state-of-the-art computing facilities, and acting as a platform for learning and research. Additionally, the center is dedicated to equipping individuals with fundamental ICT skills and IT literacy, further facilitating comprehensive AI training programs.
As Bhutan continues to embrace technological advancements, the inauguration of the AI-focused IAC at Thimphu TechPark stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to nurturing a robust and innovative ICT landscape, poised to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
