2023 Pie & AI Ambassador Spotlight: Markey Tan, Shenzhen, China

Pie & AI is a series of events organized by DeepLearning.AI, a global community aimed at fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These events are typically informal gatherings where attendees can network, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for AI, ML, and related technologies.

Why did you join the DeepLearning.AI community as an event ambassador?

Firstly, I’m deeply honored to be featured in the Ambassador Spotlight for Pie & AI. I joined this remarkable community because I see education as a transformative force, particularly in the fast-paced realm of AI. My diverse educational background (spanning social sciences and business, and culminating in a master’s degree in AI) has shown me the power of interdisciplinary learning. The ethos of DeepLearning.AI and Pie & AI greatly encouraged me; it reinforced the idea that regardless of one’s background, anyone can make a meaningful contribution to the field of AI. Andrew Ng serves as an ideal role model in this respect, brilliantly combining technical expertise with a heartfelt commitment to education.

My aim as an ambassador is to make AI learning and dialogue accessible to everyone, irrespective of their educational or professional background. I’m delighted to contribute to a more informed and empowered future through this incredible community. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.

What do you do when you are not hosting events with DeepLearning.AI

I’m fully engaged in various roles that resonate with my passion for leveraging technology for social good. With over 8 years based in China, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, innovation, and international partnerships. Whether it was in AI product management at rct AI or leading international collaborations at Slush Asia Conference, my focus has always been on bridging gaps and fostering impactful relationships.

My educational outreach efforts extend to roles like serving the Global Shapers Community in Shenzhen. These multifaceted experiences not only deepen my insights into the rapidly changing landscape of technology but also ground me in my commitment to education and social innovation. Each role serves as a building block, further solidifying my mission to improve the quality of education and drive social change through technological advancements.

Describe a few highlights from your event ambassador experience.

One of the most gratifying elements of hosting events with Pie & AI has been the heartfelt engagement from the community. There’s something deeply humbling and rewarding about seeing and hearing their insightful questions, and most importantly, learning that they intend to implement the knowledge they’ve gained into their professional or personal lives.

This kind of immediate impact is more than just a measure of the event’s success; it’s a testament to the enduring value and potential of this community. Knowing that I’ve played a part, however small, in empowering others to take actionable steps in their own lives is a profound source of motivation for me. It energizes my commitment as an ambassador and strengthens my belief in the transformative power of education and community.

What have you learned/gained since joining the DeepLearning.AI community?

Serving as an event ambassador for Pie & AI has been as much a learning journey for me as it has been about facilitating learning for others. Each event I organize becomes an educational landscape where I’m not just a guide but also an explorer. The process of curating content and leading discussions often exposes me to new viewpoints that challenge my own understanding of AI, enriching me in unexpected ways. This dual role of teaching and learning keeps me continually engaged and makes my contributions feel deeply meaningful. It’s not just about disseminating knowledge; it’s about evolving alongside a community that is collectively committed to the responsible advancement of AI, a shared mission that continues to inspire and ground me.

What are some predictions you have for the AI community in the next year?

In the next year, I foresee a pivotal shift in the AI community towards greater accessibility, particularly due to the growing trend in AI-generated content (AIGC). This isn’t just a technological evolution; it’s a social one that has the potential to bring AI into everyday interactions. It stands to make AI not just a tool for tech-savvy individuals, but an accessible resource that anyone can interact with. This democratization of technology can serve as an invitation for those who may have felt alienated or intimidated by the complexity of AI, drawing them into a community where their perspectives are not just welcome but needed.

The emphasis on democratizing AI knowledge is something that personally resonates with me. It means that the AI community is likely to become increasingly inclusive, bridging gaps across disciplines, demographics, and skill levels. This vision of an egalitarian AI landscape excites me because it aligns with the ethos of education and inclusivity that initially drew me to this field. It underscores the importance of what we’re all working towards: a future where the power and promise of AI is shared broadly, enhancing lives and solving problems across a wide swath of society.

Additional thoughts?

Being part of the Pie & AI community has been incredibly rewarding for me, especially knowing there are like-minded individuals around the world who are equally passionate about education in AI. This strong sense of shared purpose among ambassadors and team members has been uplifting. While we’ve so far connected mainly online, I’m eager for the opportunity to meet everyone in person. I believe that face-to-face interactions could add a new layer of depth to our collaboration, and open up avenues for us to further innovate and strengthen the community.

Do you want to become a Pie & AI Ambassador?