Artificial Intelligence is the next current big thing, period! No wonder that every website, app, or product is mentioning Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) as the secret ingredient in their recipe for success. At a glance, it looks like everything is becoming fueled by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms.
If you’ve been following the news, you’ve probably came across the hot debate between the two bold-faced Silicon Valley names, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg on whether or not we should be careful of where this is taking us. The thing that no matter on which side you are, no one can deny the fact that this hot trend has already drastically changed the job market and is continuing to make a splash in the hiring world.
That’s not surprising, considering A.I. is influencing all sorts of areas, from web search results to phone security and even our response to climate change. In a recent report, IBM estimated that the number of of positions for data science in the United States will rise to reach 2.7 million by 2020.
Data Science Academy, building the A.I. talent !
We, at IntilaQ, believe in the potential of data science and the importance of creating a generation of data scientists ready to tackle and solve tomorrow’s challenges.
In a Live Q&A session, the team behind the Data Science Academy Training Program answered the question on how it started. The idea came following a survey launched by IntilaQ for insights about the IT industry in Tunisia in attempt to identify the most needed technical skills. Results out, ‘Data Science’ came in first beating other highly-demanded IT-related skills in Tunisia.
Bassem Bouguerra, IntilaQ’s CEO, mentioned that this was not surprising considering that Data Science and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning techniques are trending world-wide.
A Data Science Traning Program was then put together in order to mold and train the next generation of Tunisian Data Scientists.
Data Science Academy, what is ?
IntilaQ Data Science Academy is an intensive free-of-charge 4 months training program. The program combines both theory and practical knowledge in Data Science-related skills with the goal of creating a junior Data Science profile by the end of the training period.
The program is put together in collaboration with Tunisian-based IT companies partnering with IntilaQ, and is designed to outline and include the needed skills to start a professional career in Data Science.
A typical training day includes a morning session that starts at 9am and last 3 to 4 hours in which participants will learn statistical, machine learning and deep learning methods, optimization and computing. An afternoon session will then offer the chance to apply classroom examples using real data and answering concrete business questions from the perspectives of different industries.
Modules covered by the program include :
Introduction to A.I and Data Science,
Prerequisites to cover the fundamental mathematical concepts (such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, etc.) as well as programming skills,
Data Preparation,
Machine Learning, and
Deep Learning.
There will be a mentor for each module and 2 full time teacher assistants ready to answer the students’ questions.
By the end of the training, students will be working on a final project in which they will get the chance to combine all the knowledge they gained during the program in order to solve real world cases projects using real data.
Details about the program content as well as mentors and partners collaborating to design the course can be found on the official program website: http://intilaqacademy.tn.
Another online MOOC degree ?
IntilaQ Data Science Academy is not an online program. It is an on-campus course and presence is mandatory during the program period taking place from May 21st, 2018 to September 7th, 2018.
The program will take place at LEVEL 1, a coworking space located in Lac 1, Tunis. The aim is to encourage collaborative learning process, interacting with each other and to benefit from the physical presence of mentors and teacher assistants to answer questions and guide students through the program.
Who can apply for IntilaQ Data Science Academy?
When asked about who can apply for this program, IntilaQ’s team mentioned that the ideal profile is someone with a good mathematical background. However, the program is open to anyone who’s interested, to further include IT engineers and developers.
The program is set with the aim to assist those who are still looking for a job as well as those already in position but are aiming for a career shift towards Data Science.
As for concerning current university students; though the program does not exclude them but the timeline might make it impossible for them to participate.
Application process and key dates ?
To apply for the program, a candidate needs to :
1. Fill and submit an application form on the program official website.
2. Take 4 evaluation tests that are to be found on the program’s website. The program provides online material to well prepare for the evaluation tests.
The deadline to complete the two above-mentioned actions is May 2nd, 2018. An initial selection will take place and pre-selected students will be invited for an interview to further demonstrate motivation about joining the program.
Finalists will then be reached out and the program will start on May 21st, 2018.
Further details about the program as well as the application process can be found on the official website : http://intilaqacademy.tn.
What is going on ? What is happening ? Where are we ?
Are we moving towards a world where peace is an illusion , where the rights of the oppressed are systematically ignored and where forced displacement becomes an acceptable strategy ? The latest news from the Middle East paints a grim picture. Israel has openly backed Donald Trump’s plan and ordered its military to prepare for the mass departure of Palestinians from Gaza → a move that raises pressing humanitarian , legal and geopolitical concerns.
How does this go against international law and human rights ?
The Fourth Geneva Convention’s Article 49 forbids « individual or mass forcible transfers » of protected persons from occupied territories, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) upholds the right to freedom of movement and the right not to be arbitrarily deprived of one’s home. If carried out, the forced displacement of Palestinians would be a blatant violation of international law undermining the Palestinian people’s sovereignty and making their decades-long struggle pointless.
The decision is seen by many as part of a larger geopolitical plot to undermine Palestinian resistance , portraying it as a lost cause rather than a legitimate struggle for sovereignty and human rights and it has the potential to erase the sacrifices made by generations of Palestinians who have fought for self-determination.
What does Trump see? Is it political gain or strategic intentions ?
According to Trump , this approach is in line with his strategic goals and ideological position. His administration , which has its roots in his « America First » philosophy , has frequently supported close ties with Israel in the name of maintaining regional stability. He would contend that by dividing warring factions and eliminating conflict zones, moving Palestinians would open the door to lasting peace. Critics , however , believe that this is only a front for more fundamental political goals, such bolstering American power in the Middle East and winning over pro-Israel lobbyists before the next election.
– In addition, Trump has a history of making decisions on his own without holding meaningful diplomatic talks. Although he frames his plan as a peace initiative , its unilaterality and disdain for Palestinian opinions raise questions about whether it actually seeks to ease tensions or imposes a predetermined solution that benefits Israel and the United States.
Why did Egypt’s Sisi resist the plan ?
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi rejected any proposal that would involve the depopulation of Gaza , reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to Palestinian self-determination and territorial integrity. Egypt has historically played a crucial role in mediating Israeli-Palestinian tensions and has consistently opposed any solution that undermines Palestinian sovereignty. In a significant regional response to the Trump-backed plan , Sisi refused to meet with Trump if discussions included the exploitation of Palestinian territories.
→ This rejection demonstrates the growing uneasiness among Arab leaders who perceive Trump’s proposal as a grave danger to the stability of the region. Egypt , which is already dealing with economic difficulties and internal security issues , sees forced relocation as a trigger for additional instability that could lead to regional turmoil.
Global reactions : a divided international response Countries like France and Germany have reiterated their support for a two-state solution , warning that such a move could fuel extremism and destabilize the region. Europe and human rights organizations have strongly condemned the policy , calling it an outright violation of Palestinian sovereignty and an obstacle to peace. The wide range of reactions to the plan reflects deep global divisions.
While some U.S. politicians criticize Trump’s approach, others, especially those with strong pro-Israel affiliations , defend it as a strategic move to ensure regional stability.
Meanwhile, Arab countries remain at a crossroads, with some such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan cautiously expressing opposition to any forced displacement while others have yet to take a firm stance. The potential consequences of their decisions will have a significant impact on future diplomatic relations with Israel. On the other hand , Israel’s Western allies, especially the United States, have tried to frame the plan as a necessary security measure.
Conclusion: a precarious turning point !
Netanyahu’s support of Trump’s Gaza plan marks a dramatic change in Israeli policy with far-reaching effects on the region. Although it has the potential to change the geopolitical landscape, it is still unclear how this bold move will affect Palestinians and international relations in general. As reactions from around the world develop , it will be difficult to predict whether it will lead to a lasting peace or further entrench divisions and spark conflict. The fate of Palestine cannot be decided unilaterally and any attempt to do so runs the risk of escalating tensions rather than resolving them.
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