Avinash Meetoo

Let us build a Smart Mauritius together

Computing

Plenary session on the impact of Disruptive Technologies on Public Service Delivery

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On 22 June 2023, I participated in a plenary session on the “Impact of Disruptive Technologies on Public Service Delivery” during an event organised by the Ministry of Public Service, Administrative and Institutional Reforms on the UN Public Service Day 2023.

During the one hour long session, we spoke about how emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain can be useful tools to enhance public sector delivery. We also spoke about some negative aspects such as, first and foremost, the lack of suitably trained people in the country.

At the end, we engaged in a lively discussion with the audience, most notably on the use of the word “disruptive” instead of “emerging”. For me, technology is neutral: it is neither good, nor bad. Hence, I would have preferred to use the more neutral “emerging”. But what’s in a word?

The other panelists were Marc Israel, Vrigesh Futta, Patil Hunma and Maleika Heenaye-Mamode Khan. The panel was moderated by Suraj Ramgolam.

A panel on Emerging Technologies during Brand Magic 2023

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Yesterday, on Thursday 18 May 2023, I participated in a panel on “How Can Brands Embrace Technology to Stay Ahead of the Curve” during Brand Magic 2023 organised by Mind Initiatives.

During the 45 minutes, my fellow presenters, Stéphanie Serret, Jessica Naga and Sandeep Mohapatra, and I as well as the moderator, Rakesh Niraj, discussed about how emerging technologies such as the Internet-of-Things, Blockchains, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence are creating opportunities for brands and businesses to grow and evolve. My take is that it is possible for business to do 10 times more provided that there is a real mastery of emerging technologies and not only superficiality. This starts with proper conversations between business people, marketing people and technologists.

I really liked the event and learned a lot from the other panelists and the international presenters. A big thanks to Ravin Lama for inviting me.

How emerging technologies can contribute to create a Smart Mauritius (and smart jobs) during the National Science Week 2023

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Today, I gave a talk on “How emerging technologies can contribute to create a Smart Mauritius (and smart jobs)” on the last day of the National Science Week 2023 at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre. In the audience were high-school (college), their teachers as well as some university students. It was a great experience for me and (I hope) for the audience too.

I spent 30 minutes explaining how Mauritius aspires to become a green, inclusive and high-income country by 2030 and, for this to happen, we need to fully understand and embrace emerging technologies. A priority is to have a critical mass of trained people in IoT (Internet of Things), Databases and Blockchains, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. This can be achieved both through our education system but, on a shorter term, by attracting foreigners and members of the Mauritian diaspora. Of course, we also need to put in place proper knowledge transfer mechanisms for our young people. I wanted to convey that “If we think big, we’ll achieve big” and also that young productive and innovative people are needed for the country to progress.

I really enjoyed the half-day workshop and the other presenters too (Nishtee Gopee, Dr Kaleem Usmani and Dr Suraj Juddoo).

A big thank you to those who have worked hard to make the National Science Week 2023 a success at the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, starting with Mrs Ellora Mishra-Dhunnoo, Chairperson, Dr Aman Maulloo, Director, Hemraj Ramsurrun, Manager, Ashley Purhooa, Senior Resource Officer, and all the other staff members. Already looking forward to next year.