Why the English language is an important tool for navigating generative AI

Outside ChatGPT, Gemini, Apple Intelligence, and the likes, the topic of Artificial Intelligence, including Generative AI, may seem intimidating to people, especially those who do not have backgrounds in topics such as programming and computer science.

But did you know what experts from the Singaporean edtech company, Straits Interactive, said about starting your Generative AI journey from scratch? It is doable using a tool that many Filipinos have been equipped with since their early years in school -- the English language.

Alvin Toh, the Chief Marketing Officer of Straits Interactive, affirmed this in an exclusive interview with GMA Lifestyle during the National AI Prompt Design Challenge.

“Filipinos speak English well, right? Now, if you actually layer on top of that AI skills -- generative AI skills - you basically have met the rising demand. Because today, while there are a lot of technologies being launched, you need to have the skills to leverage that new technology,” said Alvin.

In a separate statement, Kristine Yu, Marketing and Communications Manager of Straits Interactive said, “Good communication skills is essential also, because maybe you're good at using English, but if you don't communicate well, like, in Tagalog, we always say "ano (something),” -- "yung ano, sa ano" etc. But AI doesn't know what is “ano,” so you have to define everything when you're using AI. Communication skills and clarity matter.”

In Straits Interactive, they are committed to demystifying Gen AI, especially to those who are outside the programming and computer science fields, hence the National AI Prompt Design Challenge (NAIPDC).

Kevin Shepherdson, the founder and CEO of Straits Interactive, shared with GMA Lifestyle and expounded on the goal of NAIPDC to break the norm that AI is for computer scientists only.

Alvin Toh (L) and Kevin Shepherdson (R) at the NAIPDC / SOURCE: Hazel Jane Cruz/(GMA Lifestyle)

“When they walk away, what I want them to feel is empowerment. There is still a prevailing notion that this generative AI is only for computer scientists, for developers, and for very technical people, right? But if you look at this event, there are other programmers, but there are also a lot of participants with zero programming expertise. I want them to walk away feeling empowered,” he explained.

Aside from the NAIPDC, Straits Interactive has launched its innovative initiative, Capabara, a “powerful, no-code AI platform designed to enable businesses, including educational institutions, to thrive in an AI-driven world.”

According to Alvin, “So Capabara is actually created to make AI more friendly, for creating AI assistants so much faster. When we initially brought AI into the classroom [...], we realized that there was no platform that can bring AI into education easily and systematically in a classroom setting. Capabara can help co-teach the class and enable students to build their own AI assistants so they learn by doing.”

After their observation, it was concluded that a simplified platform combined with language literacy helps people outside programming and computer science understand and deploy generative AI better.

While AI is still heavily influenced by programming and computer science, it is never too late to learn and understand what else it can offer outside of ChatGPT, Gemini, and the like.

All it takes is a determined mindset, proper understanding of the technology, and, as mentioned by Straits Interactive experts, English and communication skills.

STRAIGHT FROM THE EXPERT: DIVING INTO THE WORLD OF AI