GCIGlobal 2025 Session14 Speech by Prof Matsuo

Summary

In this final speech, Professor Matthew reflects on the completion of the GCF program, celebrating the participants' learning journey. He emphasizes that the skills acquired go beyond technical knowledge, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making, collaboration across cultures, and the ability to initiate positive change. Professor Matthew encourages participants to stay connected, continue applying their skills in various fields, and approach challenges with confidence and curiosity. The speech concludes with a message of pride and well-wishes for their future endeavors, encouraging them to create impactful change.

Takeaways

• 😀 The GCI program marks the end of an intensive learning journey, but also the beginning of new opportunities.
• 😀 Participants have gained not just technical skills but also the ability to apply AI and data in real-world decision-making.
• 😀 The goal of GCI was to nurture AI talent who can influence the world, not just teach technical knowledge.
• 😀 Struggling with new concepts or models that don’t work initially is a sign of genuine learning, not failure.
• 😀 One of the key lessons of GCI is that while data doesn’t give answers on its own, people do.
• 😀 As you move forward, it’s essential to ask not just 'can we analyze this?', but also 'why are we analyzing it and for whom?'.
• 😀 The program emphasizes the importance of understanding the global impact of data and AI, especially across different cultures.
• 😀 Diversity is a core strength of the program, with different perspectives contributing to insightful solutions.
• 😀 The ability to collaborate across cultures and communicate complex ideas clearly is a skill that participants should carry forward.
• 😀 GCI is not a finish line, but a foundation. Participants will continue to deepen their skills, apply what they've learned, and face new challenges.
• 😀 The GCI community provides ongoing support, and participants are encouraged to stay connected and continue learning after the program ends.

Q & A

What is the significance of the final lecture of the GCF program?

The final lecture marks the end of an intensive learning journey but more importantly, it represents the beginning of new opportunities, encouraging participants to apply what they’ve learned and pursue future endeavors.

What skills did participants gain from the GCI program?

Participants learned how to work with data, build AI models, and translate insights into business decisions. These are practical skills that can be applied in a wide range of fields.

What was the core goal behind designing the GCI program?

The core goal was not just to teach AI or data analysis, but to nurture a new generation of AI talent who could both possess technical skills and have the ability to create real-world change.

How are moments of difficulty viewed in the context of the program?

Struggling with unfamiliar concepts, models that don’t work initially, or rethinking ideas when data doesn’t match intuition are seen as signs of real learning and growth, not failure.

What is one key lesson that participants are encouraged to take away from the GCI program?

A key lesson is that data does not provide answers on its own; people do. This emphasizes the importance of human judgment and perspective in analyzing data.

Why is it important to ask 'why are we analyzing this?'

This question is vital because it encourages participants to think critically about the purpose and impact of their work, especially in a global context where data and AI have significant effects on people's lives across borders and cultures.

How does diversity play a role in the success of the GCI program?

Diversity is a strength in the program as it brings together participants from different countries and backgrounds, leading to more insightful ideas and innovative solutions through a variety of perspectives.

What is the lasting impact that GCI aims to have on participants?

The program aims to provide participants with the confidence and tools to approach problems systematically, thoughtfully, and to continue learning and applying their knowledge in various contexts, whether it’s business, policy, or social impact.

What does the GCI program consider its end goal to be?

GCI does not see its completion as a finish line but rather as a foundation for future growth, encouraging participants to apply their skills, pivot when necessary, and stay connected within the GCI community.

How does the GCI program support its participants after the final lecture?

The GCI community continues to offer support even after the program’s conclusion, encouraging participants to stay connected and keep learning as they apply their knowledge in the real world.