The Top10 gathering, organised by the ICT Academy of Kerala (ICTAK), aimed to inspire curiosity and innovation among individuals navigating the intersection of academia and industry. Held in south and north regions of Kerala, the event served as a platform for technological exploration and network, and attracted students from different regions and backgrounds.

Navigating strategies for future career paths

On a day marked by the crisp caress of a February breeze, the southern event unfurled its wings at the Tagore Theatre in Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, on 20th Feb, 2024. A congregation of over 800 students from 65 institutions converged, each a vessel brimming with potential and thirsting for enlightenment.

Under the adept orchestration of Ms. Meera S. Rajan (Legal Associate, ICTAK) and with a heartfelt welcome by Dr. Deepa V.T., Manager of Academic Operations at ICTAK, the stage blossomed into a hub for groundbreaking ideas. Mr. Muraleedharan Manningal, the CEO of ICTAK, articulated the day’s theme: ‘AI & Beyond: Shaping the Future of Work and Employability’, revealing plans for additional industrial collaboration programs in the near future.

The stage was set for Mr. Sai Krishnamurthy, the Technology Assurance Leader from EY, for delivering the keynote address. He elucidated how, even as AI threatens to displace jobs in some industries, it simultaneously promises to unlock a plethora of opportunities in other realms. He emphasised a crucial caveat; the golden key to these burgeoning opportunities lies in the realm of re-skilling.

The pinnacle of the gathering was the panel discussion, where industry leaders and thought leaders gathered. Moderated by Mr. Jithin Chakkalakkal, Manager of HR at Reflections Info Systems, the discussion included a live survey revealing the preferences of student attendees. The survey showed that 41% of students used three to five AI tools, while 39% used one or two. 11% of them used over ten AI tools, and 1% didn’t use any. The conversation shifted to AI’s impact on job paradigms, with 44% optimistic about new job opportunities and 38% recognizing the need for acquiring new skills in the evolving technological landscape.

Discussing the future of jobs

The panel discussion had Mr. George Oommen (IBM), Ms. Kaamna Jain (Nasscom), Mr. Sreekumar V. (Tata Elxsi), and Ms. Suja Chandy (Zafin). The experts convened with a shared vision of the future workforce, highlighting the critical need for candidates to possess a combination of communication skills, teamwork, and domain expertise. They envisaged a landscape where companies would prioritize individuals adept at navigating industry demands through this triad, heralding Artificial Intelligence (AI) as not only a technological marvel but also a gateway to a transformative shift in global employment dynamics. Contrary to fears of job loss, they portrayed AI as a catalyst for the creation of new opportunities, envisioning a future marked by evolving job profiles and the emergence of sectors deeply rooted in AI-driven advancements such as data science, robotics, and natural language processing.

However, amidst the enthusiasm for the opportunities AI presents, the panel didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges it poses. They acknowledged concerns regarding ethical dilemmas, job displacement, and socioeconomic disparities, emphasizing the need for careful navigation of AI integration into societal frameworks. Despite these challenges, the panel concluded with a sense of cautious optimism, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement between students and industries, the cultivation of adaptable skills, and the imperative for individuals to embrace AI as a tool for skill advancement rather than a threat to their employability. While adaptation to AI presents challenges, failure to engage with this evolution risks displacement from future roles, addressing the importance of collaboration and ongoing dialogue to shape a prosperous and equitable future amidst the AI revolution.

Nurturing excellence

In the bustling city of Kozhikode, nestled amidst the vibrant energy of the Nalanda Auditorium at Mananchira, a transformative event unfolded on February 22nd, 2024. Following the success of the earlier event in Thiruvananthapuram just two days prior, the auditorium buzzed with anticipation, drawing in nearly 600 students from a multitude of esteemed colleges spread across the northern expanse of the state. Mr. Sajan M., Head of Academic Relations at ICTAK, extended a warm welcome to all in attendance, echoing with a sense of excitement and purpose.

Mr. Muraleedharan Manningal, CEO of ICTAK, set the stage for the event, outlining its purpose and theme. Then introduced Ms. Madhuri D.M., Program Director of Data and AI at IBM India Pvt. Ltd., Kochi, who delivered the keynote address focusing on essential skills for success in the AI industry. Her words inspired the audience, emphasizing the importance of dedication and resilience in navigating the industry’s dynamic landscape. In the world of AI, where innovation is constant, these skills are essential for unlocking new opportunities and driving progress.

Evolving landscape of job opportunities

The panel discussion in the north region was enriched with industry experts such as Mr. Sharath M. Nair (Tata Elxsi), renowned for his keen insights into technology trends. Alongside him, Ms. Kaamna Jain (Nasscom), a leading figure in AI ethics, exuded an air of authority as she took her place. Completing the trio was Mr. Sajith V.K. (QBurst), known for his expertise in workforce development, with the moderation of Dr. Manoj A.S. (ICTAK). In the discussion, experts dissected the evolving landscape of job opportunities in the wake of AI. They highlighted how certain roles might undergo transformation while new positions emerge, showcasing the adaptive nature of the job market. The discussion also delved into the ethical considerations of AI integration, focusing on the importance of responsible implementation and the need for ethical frameworks to guide its development and deployment.

Furthermore, practical strategies and initiatives for upskilling and reskilling the workforce in the era of AI were shared. The importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of technological disruption was underscored, with AI seen as a catalyst for creating a more versatile workforce. The conversation, expertly moderated, transitioned seamlessly between discussions of job displacement and the creation of new opportunities, fostering a nuanced understanding of AI’s role in shaping the future job market. Overall, the discussion offered a holistic view of the multifaceted impact of AI on the professional landscape, encouraging a proactive and strategic approach to navigating the evolving terrain.

Exchange of multiple MoUs

The events featured the exchange of separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). In the south region event, MoUs were exchanged between ICTAK and C-DAC as well as Celonis, highlighting ICTAK’s dedication to fostering collaborations and driving technological progress. The agreements were exchanged by representatives including Ms. Deepa R.S. (Associate Director, Thiruvananthapuram) from C-DAC, Mr. Sreekumar K.V. (Head, Retail Operations) from ICTAK, Mr. Manjunath Gorur Chandrashekar (Senior Academic Alliance Manager, India) from Celonis, and Mr. Sajan M. (Head, Academic Operations) from ICTAK. Additionally, an MoU was exchanged during the north region event, with NIELIT and ICTAK, marking the beginning of a new era of collaboration aimed at providing students with extensive opportunities for growth, including training, certification, workshops, internships, and placement avenues. Ms. Sheela V.S. (Scientist ‘F’ from NIELIT Calicut) represented NIELIT during the exchange.

For both the events, Mr. Thomas Joseph, the Lead of Corporate Operations at ICTAK, stepped forward to propose a vote of thanks. The event came to a close marking not just an end, but a promising start, highlighting the potential of collaboration between industry and academia for a better tomorrow.