Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

China to Roll out AI

 

China to Roll out AI Courses for Kids

Extract from the article:
China is gearing up to solidify its dominance in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector by introducing AI courses targeted at children starting this September. This strategic move reflects China’s long-term ambitions to become a global AI innovator by cultivating AI literacy and skills from a young age. The government plans to release an official white paper on AI education in 2025, providing a roadmap for integrating AI into the national curriculum and fostering an environment conducive to technological leadership.

This educational initiative signifies a broad vision to embed AI capabilities deeply within the societal and economic fabric. By nurturing next-generation talent early, China aims not only to claim leadership in AI innovation but also to influence how AI transforms various industries, from healthcare to transportation. The rollout of children-focused AI courses is a bold step toward ensuring the country’s future workforce is primed to excel in an increasingly AI-driven world.

My Take:

A. DEAR ASHWINI VAISHNAWJI - I HOPE THIS WILL FIND YOUR SUPPORT
"Looking back at my earlier blog where I proposed the establishment of a United Nations Agency for the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence (UNARAI), the strategic foresight in educating the younger generation about AI aligns perfectly with the spirit of global preparedness I advocated. Years ago, I underscored the necessity of a regulatory and educational framework to ensure AI aligns with societal benefit and ethical standards. China’s proactive step of rolling out AI courses for kids mirrors that vision in a concrete, actionable way.

This initiative not only addresses the technical skill-building aspect but also lays a foundation for responsible AI stewardship. As I had suggested, nurturing AI literacy from the ground up is essential to harnessing AI’s full potential while mitigating risks. Observing this play out on a national scale validates the approach I championed. It’s a clarion call for other nations to similarly integrate structured AI education into their curricula and emphasize regulation alongside innovation.”

B. RE: PIAI - REGULATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
“In my discourse linked to the Principled International AI (PIAI) framework and the call for regulating AI through licensing regimes similar to healthcare products, the Chinese educational policy exemplifies how early-stage interventions can create ecosystems ripe for both innovation and oversight. The idea that AI is not merely a tool but a transformative force that requires careful governance was at the heart of that blog.

By empowering children with AI knowledge, China essentially seeds future policymakers, regulators, developers, and users who understand not only the technology but also the ethical responsibilities it entails. This approach is complementary to my advocacy for audit and regulation frameworks that ensure AI evolves safely. The synergy of education with regulation will ultimately determine how AI serves humanity. Hence, investing in children’s AI education is a pivotal piece of that grand puzzle.”

C. UN AGENCY FOR AI: ARRIVING AS ENVISAGED
“The vision I articulated about a global coordination mechanism for AI innovation and regulation finds practical resonance in China's move to embed AI education early on. While the white paper on AI education slated for 2025 is a domestic policy, it symbolizes the kind of structured, government-led initiative that the United Nations Agency for Regulation of Artificial Intelligence (UNARAI) could support and harmonize internationally.

Education and policy cannot be siloed; the AI ecosystem demands convergence. As my blog highlighted, the rapid growth of AI necessitates a collaborative framework between innovation hubs and regulatory bodies. China's ambition to dominate AI through foundational education is not just about economic leadership but also about shaping global norms from the grassroots. This reinforces my conviction that regulatory agencies must integrate educational strategies, ensuring that future generations are equipped both technically and ethically.”

Call to Action:
To policymakers, education leaders, and global AI regulatory bodies, I urge you to take note of China’s pioneering effort to integrate AI education at the foundational level. It is imperative to develop comprehensive curricula that not only impart AI technical skills but also emphasize ethical frameworks, societal impact, and digital responsibility.

I specifically call on the Indian government, United Nations agencies, and international AI coalitions to prioritize launching similar initiatives with ambitious roadmaps and transparent monitoring mechanisms. Early-stage AI literacy is no longer optional—it is the cornerstone for equitable technological leadership and safeguarding the future of humankind. Let us act decisively to create an international blueprint that marries innovation, education, and regulation cohesively.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

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