Microsoft Advances AI Education Programs Nationwide
7.10.25
Microsoft's recent philanthropic efforts have taken a significant step forward with the launch of several initiatives aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) education and training nationwide. As part of its Tech for Social Impact team, Microsoft is committing over $4 billion in cash and AI/cloud technology to K-12 schools and nonprofits over the next five years.
A key component of this effort is the National Academy for AI Instruction, a joint initiative between the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), OpenAI, and Microsoft. This program will provide free training in AI to over 400,000 K-12 educators across the country, with a focus on developing their skills in harnessing AI tools safely and ethically.
Gerry Petrella, Microsoft's general manager for public policy, emphasized that this initiative provides a "place" and "home" for educators to co-create and develop their skills in AI. AFT President Randi Weingarten noted the need for teachers to develop these skills as they navigate the complexities of AI instruction.
The National Academy will be based at the UFT's downtown Manhattan headquarters and offer workshops, online courses, and hands-on training sessions.
The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) has partnered with OpenAI and Microsoft to launch the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative aimed at providing free training in AI to over 400,000 K-12 educators across the country. The program is designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate AI safely and ethically in their classrooms.
The academy will offer a range of training options, including workshops, online courses, and hands-on sessions, based at the UFT's downtown Manhattan headquarters. AFT President Randi Weingarten emphasized the need for this program, highlighting the difficulties teachers face in integrating technology into their classrooms.
By providing specialized training, educators can better prepare students for a future where technology is increasingly prevalent. The initiative reflects growing recognition that teachers require support to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices.
China's AI Surge Fuels Renewable Energy Growth
China's ambitious plans to expand its renewable energy capacity, particularly wind power, are being driven by the country's rapid growth in artificial intelligence (AI). A significant portion of China's installed wind turbine capacity is operational, debunking claims that the country does not use wind turbines. As a result, China is now facing a pressing need to develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy that prioritizes clean energy production and modernization of power grids.
This is particularly crucial for supporting AI growth, as it requires stable and reliable power supply to ensure technological innovation can continue to advance. PS Miner, a company specializing in blockchain and sustainable technology, has secured funding from several investment institutions to expand its network of renewable energy data centers and develop AI-powered mining systems. These new systems aim to optimize computing resources, predict optimal mining intervals, and reduce energy consumption.
The growth of AI is driving increasing demand for electricity to power computing centers, with PS Miner's 50 data centers serving over 7 million users in China. The company's focus on wind and solar energy highlights the importance of diverse energy sources in supporting this growth.
The rapid expansion of cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure is transforming the industry, with recent developments highlighting the growing demand for cutting-edge AI solutions. Oracle's $30 billion deal to support OpenAI's Project Stargate is a significant milestone in this shift, as it underscores the increasing importance of robust and scalable infrastructure for next-generation AI applications.
This investment is part of a broader trend where companies are investing heavily in cloud-based AI infrastructure to stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Oracle's deal with OpenAI is expected to more than double Oracle's cloud revenue by FY2028, demonstrating the immense potential of cloud-based AI infrastructure in driving business growth.
The project, codenamed Project Stargate, aims to harness the power of large language models to drive innovation across various industries, further solidifying the importance of robust and scalable infrastructure. The collaboration between Oracle and OpenAI is a testament to the growing recognition of the need for specialized infrastructure that can handle the complex computational demands of AI workloads.
As companies continue to push the boundaries of cloud-based AI solutions, it is clear that the industry is poised for significant growth and innovation in the coming years.
AI Displacement Threatens US Workforce Stability: Experts Warn of Up to 20% Unemployment by 2028
7.8.25
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is having a profound impact on the US job market, with major tech companies warning of significant job losses. According to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, up to 20% of Americans could be unemployed within five years due to AI displacement.
The impact is particularly felt by college graduates with white-collar jobs in tech, finance, law, and consulting, who are more likely to be unemployed than others. Ford CEO Jim Farley has warned that artificial intelligence will replace half of all white-collar workers in the US, while Amazon's Andy Jassy has expressed concerns about AI leading to job cuts.
Companies like Microsoft have already begun cutting jobs as they invest in AI development, with around 9,000 positions eliminated. Procter & Gamble is also announcing a 7,000-job cut, primarily affecting non-manufacturing roles. These job losses are expected to be far-reaching and affect various industries.
As companies prepare for a smaller corporate workforce due to AI, policymakers will need to address this issue and mitigate its impact on American workers.
The increasing sophistication of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation has sparked concerns among experts, who warn that these technologies can be exploited by hostile actors to spread disinformation on a massive scale.
Experts at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) have identified Russia as a key player in this arena, using AI to spread disinformation online and blur the lines between fact and fiction. Researchers claim that Russian-linked groups are mobilized to seed disinformation on an industrial scale, leveraging custom-built automated propaganda tools.
Meta's $100M investment in OpenAI talent highlights the industry's reliance on human expertise in developing AI models that can be used for malicious purposes. Dr. Roman Yampolsky, a computer scientist and AI safety researcher at the University of Louisville, has sounded the alarm on the risks of advanced AI systems posing an existential threat to humanity.
The need for proactive prevention strategies is clear: media literacy and enhanced content verification tools are essential in safeguarding truth in the AI era. As Dr. Yampolsky emphasized, human intelligence remains crucial for progress, and it is imperative that we prioritize the development of responsible AI technologies that promote transparency and accountability.
Alibaba's investment in BetterYeah AI marks a significant milestone in the development of enterprise AI optimization. The e-commerce giant's cloud unit has led a US$14 million funding round for the Hangzhou-based start-up, which specializes in creating AI agents that can automate business processes and improve efficiency.
This investment is notable not only because of its size - it is reportedly the largest single investment deal in the AI agent market to date. It also highlights Alibaba's commitment to leveraging AI technology to drive business growth and innovation.
The funding round will enable BetterYeah AI to expand its product offerings and further develop its AI agents, which can be integrated with existing business systems to automate tasks such as customer service, data analysis, and supply chain management. This could have significant implications for businesses looking to streamline their operations and improve productivity.
BetterYeah AI has strong ties to the e-commerce industry, having been founded by former Alibaba executives, making it well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for enterprise AI solutions.
BBVA Implements Responsible AI Education Initiative
7.8.25
The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector has led to a growing need for employees to be equipped with the skills necessary to effectively and ethically utilize these tools. BBVA, a leading Spanish bank, is taking steps to address this challenge by launching an AI training program called 'AI Express' in partnership with Google Cloud.
The program is designed to educate employees on responsible AI adoption, aligning with the European Union's AI Act and BBVA's data protection policies. This move reflects the growing importance of ensuring that AI systems are used ethically and transparently, particularly in industries handling sensitive customer information.
Employees who complete the training will gain access to Google Workspace tools, including Gemini, the Gemini app, and NotebookLM, allowing them to effectively utilize these technologies. The 'AI Express' program is a mandatory initiative for BBVA employees, demonstrating the bank's commitment to responsible AI adoption. This move not only enhances employee skills but also underscores the need for financial institutions to prioritize ethical considerations in their use of AI.
Malaysia Upskills Public Sector in Cybersecurity, AI
7.8.25
Malaysia's government officials are undergoing a significant transformation as they upskill in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. This development is part of an initiative launched by ZTE Corporation in collaboration with Multimedia University (MMU) in Malaysia, titled "Shaping the Future-Fit Public Services with Cybersecurity in AI Landscape". The programme aims to equip 20 senior government officers from 14 ministries across Malaysia with advanced competencies in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
The two-phase training programme began in May 2025 and will conclude in November 2025. The first phase focuses on cybersecurity fundamentals, providing a solid foundation for participants to build upon. This collaboration between ZTE Corporation and MMU highlights the growing recognition of the need for governments to stay ahead of emerging technologies. As Malaysia's government officials navigate this complex landscape, they will be better equipped to address the increasing threats to national security in the digital age.
The initiative is supported by the Public Service Department (JPA), which underscores its importance for developing future-ready public sector talent.