The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) has taken a significant step towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its academic and administrative systems through its initiative, “UNP Towards AI-Driven Education and Management: A Futures Thinking Capacity Building Project.” The inaugural session was held at the UNP Tadena Hall with live projection at the UNP Auditorium on December 2, 2024.

The project is spearheaded by the University Research and Development Office (URDO), led by its director, Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna, in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) and AI Labs, a leading AI application developer and education provider based in Malaysia. This partnership combines regional expertise and technological innovation to advance UNP’s goal of becoming a leader in technology-driven education and management.

With the theme “Leveraging AI for a Future-Ready University,” the project is a series of workshops aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of AI in various areas. It also seeks to address ethical and social concerns related to AI adoption and build collaboration with AI experts to encourage innovation and best practices.

In his welcome message, Vice President for Finance and Administration Albert Tejero highlighted the power of AI in transforming education and operations. He emphasized how AI-powered tools can personalize learning, accelerate research by analyzing large datasets, and streamline management processes, thus enabling the institution to gain a competitive edge.

Dr. Edelyn A Cadorna, who oversees the initiative, described the project’s rationale and emphasized its alignment with UNP’s goal for innovation and internationalization. She highlighted how AI would not only strengthen academic programs but also position UNP as a regional leader in technology-driven education, preparing the University for global challenges in the digital age.

University President Erwin F. Cadorna underscored the boarder vision of positioning UNP as a hub for AI education support services in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. He emphasized the transformative potential of AI in education and institutional development, highlighting its role in reshaping UNP into a model of education excellence for the 21^st century.

The inaugural session featured Professor Ir. Dr. Lim meng Hee, a renowned AI expert from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and a technical advisor for AI Labs. With over 15 years of experience, Prof. Lim delivered a comprehensive discussion on the essentials of AI in education, emphasizing its transformative role in enhancing teaching, learning, and workforce readiness. He explained how AI can create personalized learning environments, improve instructional delivery, and equip students with critical skills for the future.

Addressing concerns about AI’s impact on jobs, Prof. Lim emphasized that AI will not replace humans but empower those who effectively integrate it into work to outpace others. He underscored the critical need for educators and students to adopt AI to stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. His presentation provided actionable insights into leveraging AI tools in education, driving innovation, and equipping participants to navigate the challenges of an AI-driven future.

Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, concluded the session by stressing the importance of balancing AI’s potential with ethical considerations, transparency, and inclusivity. He urged the UNP community to adopt AI responsibly, ensuring its development aligns with human values and institutional goals.

Approximately 600 participants, including faculty and staff from various colleges and offices, attended the inaugural session.

Future sessions will delve into AI application across key areas, research methodologies on December 17-18, practical uses in education and support services on December 22-23, and integration into educational management on December 27-28.

Through this initiative, UNP is strengthening its academic and operational capabilities, setting a benchmark for higher education, and preparing its community for the challenges of the digital age while driving innovation and regional development.

Article by Bernardo Oliber Arde, Jr., Photo by Noelle Jnyx Tacas.