The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The recent Bhutan Innovation Forum brought together thought leaders and industry experts to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) in Bhutan’s economy. Focusing on education, tourism, and regulatory frameworks, speakers emphasized the potential for these technologies to revolutionize various sectors while aligning with Bhutan’s core values.
CEO of Global AI, Richard Rothenberg, highlighted the prospects of integrating AI into Bhutan’s educational system. “We can incorporate AI into the curriculum, basically teaching students to leverage AI to process information faster.”
Rothenberg emphasized the need for educational institutions in Bhutan to embrace AI tools that enable students to visualize and comprehend complex information across various disciplines.
He also stressed the importance of physical infrastructure to support AI and AR integration. “We need to remember the critical role of clean energy, especially hydropower, to support the energy demands of AI technologies.”
Rothenberg pointed out that Bhutan’s unique position, with its abundant hydropower resources, creates an opportunity to develop energy-efficient systems that can power AI innovations.
He emphasized the need for supportive policies and frameworks that will allow Bhutan to leverage its infrastructure and energy resources effectively. “The combination of clean energy and innovative policies can position Bhutan uniquely in the tech landscape,” he asserted.
He also noted the importance of cultural sensors and technologies, suggesting that these innovations could enhance Bhutan’s tourism sector by providing immersive experiences that resonate with visitors.
Richard Rothenberg suggested that Bhutan has the potential to become a hub for ethical AI, given its unique cultural values and commitment to sustainability. He emphasized the need for a proactive approach to policy-making that reflects Bhutanese traditions and the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
Tying these innovations to Bhutan’s unique philosophy, Rothenberg stated, “Mindfulness, the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, is critical here because it’s a differentiator from everything else in the world.”
Richard says, that by integrating GNH into the tourism experience, Bhutan can offer a distinctive narrative that sets it apart in the global market, drawing visitors who seek more than just a scenic destination.
Nesma Bensalem, Founder and CEO of Wecare Impact expanded the discussion to agriculture, an essential sector for Bhutan’s economy and food security. “In agriculture, with precision AI, you’re able to allocate data-driven insights that allow you to optimize your crop yields.”
Utilizing AI to predict weather patterns and manage resources could significantly boost agricultural productivity while maintaining sustainability. “Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country,” Bensalem noted, asserting that AI could enhance resource management in a way that aligns with Bhutan’s environmental ethos.
In the healthcare sector, Bensalem highlighted AI’s ability to facilitate personalized medicine. “It can help with precision medicine, moving away from general healthcare practices,” she said.
By leveraging AI, Bhutan can enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve access to healthcare, particularly in remote communities.
Additionally, she noted the potential for augmented reality to create more engaging training and educational experiences for healthcare professionals, which is essential for addressing the country’s healthcare needs.
Audrey Low, President of GCIT introduced the concept of “gamification” as a pivotal method for integrating AI and AR into education. “If you look at one-dimensional and two-dimensional learning, it’s probably not so easy to educate in that kind of form,” she stated.
Audrey highlighted the shift towards three-dimensional and even four-dimensional learning experiences, made possible by the abundance of data and advancements in technology.
She illustrated this by discussing complex subjects like space, marine studies, and ecology, emphasizing that traditional classroom settings may not suffice for such topics. “AI and AR come in handy with this,” she explained, suggesting that immersive learning experiences can enhance understanding and engagement.
She proposed that tourism could benefit from these technologies by allowing visitors to experience Bhutanese culture and festivals, even before arriving.
She further shared a vision for tourism, particularly with events like the Royal Highland Festival. “What if you could immerse yourself in this festival experience at Paro Airport before you fly?” she proposed, emphasizing the potential for AI and AR to create immersive environments that allow visitors to engage with Bhutanese culture and festivals, even if they cannot physically attend.
