On 7th July 2024, on the occasion of the International WIE (Women in Engineering) Day, the IEEE Student Branch of CVV-IST organised a programme on ‘Engaging More Women in AI and 4IR’. The event aimed at encouraging and empowering women to develop their skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Ms. Madhuri D. Madhavanpillai, the Programme Director for AI and ML at IBM India Software Labs, Kochi, highlighted how women can enhance their skills in AI and various industries, emphasising the importance of studying AI as it is poised to be a crucial technology for future generations. Ms. Madhuri introduced IBM’s Watson X AI, a platform designed for AI and data built for business purposes. She also discussed how AI technologies at IBM can aid in skill development and commercial applications. Additionally, she provided valuable tips for cracking interviews at leading companies like IBM.
The discussion covered the vast potential of integrated use cases around Generative AI (GenAI), Quantum Computing, Hybrid Cloud, and the Internet of Things (IoT) during the 4th Industrial Revolution. Topics like Large Language Models (LLMs), prompt engineering, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) were explored, along with insights into IBM’s enterprise-ready AI and data platform, including watsonx.data, watsonx.ai, and watsonx.governance. Ms. Madhuri also emphasised the importance of ethical and responsible AI practices, inspiring future creators of innovative AI solutions. The significance of creating an inclusive workplace was highlighted, particularly celebrating the pivotal role women play in the industry.
Dr. Sunitha Grandhee, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Applied Indian Knowledge Systems and Dean of Life-Long Learning and Wellness, shared her extensive experience and contributions in Organic Chemistry. Prof. Dr. Manjula R. Iyer, Assistant Dean and Head of the School of Contemporary Knowledge Systems, spoke about her academic excellence and commitment to values in education. Prof. Dr. Savitesh Madhulika Sharma, Director of Research and Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication, highlighted advancements in VLSI and Nanoelectronics.
The event was coordinated by Ms. Anupama Jims, the Faculty Advisor of the WIE group, ensuring its smooth execution. Ms. Gummala Sasirekha, the Chair of the IEEE WIE Affinity Group, also played a significant role in organising the event.
The program concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing students the opportunity to engage directly with Ms. Madhuri. Her insights and experiences were highly appreciated leaving the attendees motivated to pursue careers in AI and related fields.