Scholarship / AAS Master of Computer Science - Proposed course and Institution Essay [4]

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN GOVERNANCE

As one of the emerging technologies, Artificial Intelligence has the potential to not only advance fields ranging from medicine, agriculture to governance but also bridge the technical and expertise gap in these fields. This is especially true in Aceh where this technology is not commonplace but will greatly benefit from greater adoption of AI systems. Expertise in this field would allow me to contribute to solving problems in Aceh and provide opportunities to engage with the local government to proliferate the use of AI.

As one of the poorer regencies in Indonesia, Aceh has been struggling with high unemployment and low economic growth which results in socioeconomic stagnation. I presume 4 major usage of AI that tackles the challenges in terms of public administration, law enforcement and medicine. Firstly, Automated filing systems for licenses and permits, will reduce the administrative burden on the citizens and government employees, thus improving administrative capacity. Secondly, AI system to summarize research and technical documents for law makers to create more effective public policy based on data. Thirdly, monitoring systems for law enforcement for better response and policing. Lastly, AI systems that can bridge preparedness gap in managing public health crises, through early warnings, tracking and social control.

I am certain that implementations of AI systems, with human-in-the-loop approach, will help in alleviating the conditions in Aceh. Ranking first among Australian universities, the University of Melbourne hosts experienced professors and cutting-edge research laboratory in AI and Robotics, with a research focus on human-agent collaboration and explainable AI. I believe that the University of Melbourne will afford me the technical expertise required for advanced research in human-AI collaboration and access to technical resources to implement the aforementioned AI systems and their supporting infrastructure.