Latest news with #UniversityofLondon
India Today
6 days ago
- Business
- India Today
University of London, Chartered Certified Accountants introduce new BSc degree
The University of London and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) have taken a major step further in providing education to Indian students internationally. They have launched a new combined BSc in Applied Accounting course. This new course enables students to earn an internationally recognised degree and study towards a professional ACCA qualification step is an extension of the current partnership between the two institutions. Under the partnership, ACCA members and affiliates already enjoyed the privilege of gaining access to an MSc in Professional this step, the partnership aims to give students a simpler and more convenient way of gaining global accounting and finance qualifications. In India, increasingly students have been opting for the ACCA qualification over the past few years, particularly commerce and accountancy students who seek international DEMAND IN INDIAIt is a recognised international option to conventional courses such as Chartered Accountancy (CA). The new BSc course makes it more attractive in the sense that it allows the students to pursue academic and professional objectives at the same time within one of the greatest features of the programme is that students will not need to enroll in another course at a they can pursue their degree while finishing ACCA, which is more convenient and affordable for the next generation of professionals to acquire two is a major breakthrough in professional development. It enables Indian and international students to learn academic and professional skills at the same time, which enables them to get jobs and migrate to other countries," said an ACCA University of London is particularly renowned for its emphasis on distance learning and quality education. Synergy with ACCA ensures that students benefit from both sound academic education and professional course is a demonstration of the growing demand for qualifications that offer theory in addition to practice. Most Indian students will be keen on enrolling in it since they want to develop global careers in accounting and finance.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
University of London, ACCA announces launch of joint BSc degree with professional accountancy qualification
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the University of London have announced the launch of a new integrated BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy programme. The initiative will allow students to simultaneously pursue an academic degree and a globally recognised professional accountancy qualification through a single structured coursework. The programme, set to open for applications in December 2025, merges the ACCA qualification, widely regarded as one of the leading global certifications for accountants, with the academic credentials of the University of London. The move is aimed at addressing the long-standing dilemma many students face in choosing between an academic or a professional path in accountancy. According to the official statement, the new BSc programme is tailored to align with the progression of the ACCA qualification. Students undertaking ACCA will have the opportunity to work toward the degree as part of their professional studies, offering a streamlined route toward becoming a qualified accountant with both academic and professional credentials. Alan Hatfield, Executive Director of Content, Quality and Innovation at ACCA, described the programme as a 'career launchpad,' especially beneficial for students seeking a comprehensive education in accountancy. 'Choosing between a professional and an academic qualification is a significant dilemma for many students,' he said. 'This new route supports our efforts to increase inclusion and opportunity in the accountancy profession and to bridge the accountancy skills gap that exists in many countries.' The structure of the BSc (Hons) Professional Accountancy allows for complete online learning, consistent with the flexible format of the ACCA qualification. Students can opt for supported online instruction or attend face-to-face sessions through the University of London's recognised teaching centres, subject to availability. Dr Sky Zheng, Executive Director of University of London Worldwide, emphasised the institution's ongoing mission to make quality education accessible. 'This BSc programme, delivered in collaboration with ACCA, gives students the best of both worlds – gaining both credentials simultaneously to improve their career prospects in global accountancy,' he said. The programme builds on an existing collaboration between the two institutions, under which ACCA members and affiliates already have the opportunity to pursue an MSc in Professional Accountancy. Notably, in India, the ACCA qualification has seen a rise in interest among commerce and accounting students, offering a global alternative to traditional domestic pathways such as CA (Chartered Accountancy). With the launch of this integrated BSc programme, Indian students now have an additional route that blends global academic recognition with a professional designation, all without the need to enrol separately in a university course.
Coin Geek
7 days ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
Studies highlight AI's similarity with humans, impact on hiring
Homepage > News > Business > Studies highlight AI's similarity with humans, impact on hiring Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... A new research has revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) can develop social conventions and norms akin to human societies without guidance from creators or users. The research, a collaboration between the University of London and the IT University of Copenhagen, indicates similarities between AI agents and human societies. The study indicates that AI agents in groups exhibit patterns of language and social norms similar to those of humans. Lead researcher Ariel Ashery notes that the study viewed AI via the lenses of social interactions rather than the conventional approach as a lone entity. The researchers paired large language models (LLMs) in groups and prompted the AI agents to select a name. The researchers issued a reward each time the paired LLMs selected the same names, while a penalty was given for each dissimilar choice. Experts limited the memory of the AI agents and did not disclose that the tests were part of a broader study. Despite a limited memory and not being aware of the existence of a larger group, the AI agents adopted new naming conventions without any prior prompting. Across the larger group, the researchers reported similar naming conventions resembling human societies. 'The agents are not copying a leader. They are all actively trying to coordinate, and always in pairs,' said a researcher. 'Each interaction is a one-on-one attempt to agree on a label, without any global view.' Apart from uniform naming conventions exhibited by the AI agents, the researchers revealed that collective biases were occurring, but identifying the source of the bias proved impossible for the team. The researchers probed even further, identifying instances of a small group of AI agents working together to introduce new naming conventions for the larger group. The paper noted that the latest research will guide AI companies and regulators in designing safe models for commercial applications. 'Understanding how they operate is key to leading our coexistence with AI, rather than being subject to it,' read the paper, dubbed Emergent Social Conventions and Collective Bias In Populations. As AI chatbots continue to rack impressive adoption metrics, researchers are uncovering new insights into their operations. For instance, researchers from Austria's University of Innsbruck are exploring the upsides of using temporal validity to improve AI chatbot performance. Another study by a group of Belgian scientists revealed that blockchain technology can enable autonomous AI agents to learn. Furthermore, new research indicates that AI chatbots are more inclined to sycophancy over truthful answers. Risks of using AI in hiring processes In separate research, experts from Australia highlighted a streak of discriminatory practices by AI recruiters toward job applicants, sparking worry over their use by HR professionals. Given the lack of diversity of training data, experts are warning against the widespread use of AI hiring systems for candidate screening and shortlisting. Lead researcher Natalie Sheard revealed that AI recruitment systems appear to favor certain demographics, discriminating against candidates from certain regions not included in the training data. Given the lack of diversity of training data, experts are warning against the widespread use of AI hiring systems for candidate screening and shortlisting. Lead researcher Natalie Sheard revealed that AI recruitment systems appear to favor certain demographics, discriminating against candidates from certain regions not included in the training data. In a comparative analysis, Sheard notes that training data sets for AI recruitment software skew the scale in favor of United States-based residents over an international demographic. In the study, the developer of one AI recruiter revealed that only 6% of its training data came from Australia, while 36% of the data came from white job applicants. 'The training data will come from the country where they're built—a lot of them are built in the US, so they don't reflect the demographic groups we have in Australia,' remarked Sheard. The fallout from the pattern of U.S.-based training data from AI hiring systems is far-reaching, as it puts candidates outside the U.S. at an immediate disadvantage, even if they meet the hiring criteria. Non-native English speakers with an accent also face an uphill climb with AI recruiters, with the software failing to transcribe their answers accurately. Despite service providers claiming that AI recruiters can transcribe a broad range of accents with minimal error, Sheard's research highlighted an absence of evidence to back the claim. Sheard's research criticized the use of AI in the hiring process, noting the dire lack of transparency in decisions. She notes that job applicants can easily obtain feedback in human-based processes, unlike AI hiring-based processes. However, the use of blockchain technology can improve transparency in the hiring process, leveling the playing field for all applicants. The research predicts an avalanche of AI discrimination cases in courts by job applicants in outlier demographics rejected by software. From hiring to internal operational processes, AI is revolutionizing the landscape of work worldwide. An International Monetary Fund (IMF) report notes that generative AI applications in the workplace will supercharge productivity, but fears of AI-based job losses remain palpable. On the positive side, upskilling can increase staff salaries by up to 40%, while an International Labour Organization (ILO) report notes that job losses from AI are unfairly exaggerated. Southeast Asia is leading the charge for AI integration in the workplace, outpacing North America and Europe in adoption metrics. In order for artificial intelligence (AI) to work right within the law and thrive in the face of growing challenges, it needs to integrate an enterprise blockchain system that ensures data input quality and ownership—allowing it to keep data safe while also guaranteeing the immutability of data. Check out CoinGeek's coverage on this emerging tech to learn more why Enterprise blockchain will be the backbone of AI. Watch: Demonstrating the potential of blockchain's fusion with AI
See - Sada Elbalad
27-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
106 Years Since Tolkowsky Invented The "Round" Diamond Cut
Waleed Farouk Today, Antwerp, Belgium, known as the "Diamond Capital of the World," celebrates 106 years since Belgian engineer Marcel Tolkowsky invented the ideal round brilliant cut for diamonds. In 1919, Tolkowsky published his famous book, "Diamond Design," in which he first presented precise mathematical calculations that determined the ideal dimensions and angles for cutting round diamonds to maximize their brilliance and sparkle. Tolkowsky is a name best known for the round brilliant cut, the most sought-after diamond shape in the world. A pioneer in diamond design, Tolkowsky established the ideal proportions for round brilliant diamonds in 1919 to maximize their brilliance and sparkle. What is a round brilliant diamond? It is the most popular diamond shape, consisting of 57-58 facets and offering a distinctive brilliance and sparkle. This design, which consists of 57 facets, is considered the gold standard in the diamond industry, ensuring maximum light reflection within the stone, giving it an exceptional brilliance. Many gemological institutes, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), have adopted it as the basis for evaluating cut quality. Marcel Tolkowsky? Marcel Tolkowsky was born on December 25, 1899, in Antwerp, Belgium, to a Jewish family of Polish origin known for their expertise in diamond cutting. He studied engineering at the University of London, where he completed his postgraduate studies in the field of light and reflection. In 1919, he published his famous book, Diamond Design, in which he presented the first mathematical model for perfect diamond cutting. Significance of His Invention: The Ideal Brilliant Cut Tolkowski is considered the founder of the "Ideal Round Brilliant Cut," also known as the American Cut or the Tolkowski Cut. His design was based on precise mathematical calculations of the diamond's dimensions and angles, with the goal of maximizing light reflection within the stone for maximum brilliance and radiance. The key specifications of his ideal cut include: Total Depth: 59.3% Crown Angle (Apex): 34.5° Pavilion Angle (Bottom): 40.75° Table Diameter: 53% Girdle Limit: 0 (in the original design, although this is impractical in practice). In 2019, the Antwerp Diamond Exchange (AWDC) held a special celebration on the city streets to mark the centenary of the invention. Fifty-seven Antwerp residents, from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, were invited to participate in the polishing of a single diamond, with each person polishing one facet. The project was named "100 Years of Brilliance," marking a century since Tolkowsky's creation. The polished stone was displayed at the Deva Diamond Museum in Antwerp, a testament to Tolkowsky's legacy and ongoing influence on the diamond industry. Gabi Tolkowsky, one of the world's most renowned diamond cutters, who polished the first facet of the stone, participated in the celebration. Gabi Tolkowsky passed away in May 2023, at the age of 84. These celebrations affirm Antwerp's continued leadership in the global diamond industry and the importance of innovation and diversity in preserving this precious legacy. Marcel Tolkowsky died on February 10, 1991, at the age of 91. His design for the perfect brilliant cut remains a recognized standard in the diamond industry, used as a basis for evaluating cut quality in laboratories and factories around the world. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Gulf Insider
25-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE to Introduce Mandatory AI Subject in Schools From 2025: What Does This Mean for Teachers
Teachers in the UAE could face challenges explaining artificial intelligence (AI) to kindergarteners if they are not equipped with the right tools and training, education experts warn, as the nation prepares to introduce AI as a mandatory subject from the 2025–2026 academic year. 'Yes, and that's why it's crucial we support teachers with the right tools and training,' Alistair Jarvis CBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of London in Dubai told Arabian Business. 'Explaining AI to very young learners requires age-appropriate language and resources, as well as confidence in how to relate these concepts meaningfully to the classroom and to everyday life,' Jarvis added. Earlier this month, the UAE announced artificial intelligence will become a mandatory subject across all public schools, positioning the nation among the first countries to integrate AI into its national curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 12. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the move will prepare 'children for a time unlike ours, with conditions different from ours.' 'As part of the UAE's long-term plans to prepare future generations for a different future, a new world, and advanced skills, the UAE government today approved the final curriculum to introduce 'Artificial Intelligence' as a subject across all stages of government education in the UAE, from kindergarten to grade 12, starting from the next academic year,' Sheikh Mohammed said on X. 'Our goal is to teach our children a deep understanding of AI from a technical perspective, while also fostering their awareness of the ethics of this new technology, enhancing their understanding of its data, algorithms, applications, risks, and its connection to society and life,' Sheikh Mohammed added. The UAE's AI curriculum will focus on seven key areas: foundational concepts, data and algorithms, software use, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, and policies and community engagement. The curriculum offers tailored units for each age group. In kindergarten, children engage in visual and interactive activities to discover AI and digital technologies through stories and play. Cycle 1 students compare machines to humans, develop digital thinking skills, and explore AI applications. Cycle 2 students design and evaluate AI systems, learn about bias and algorithms, and focus on ethical AI use. Cycle 3 prepares students for higher education and careers by teaching command engineering and simulating real-world scenarios. The new curriculum will be integrated within existing school schedules without requiring additional teaching hours. It will be taught by designated teachers as part of the Computing, Creative Design, and Innovation subject. The Ministry of Education will provide guides, including activities, models, and lesson plans adaptable to various classroom settings. What UAE educators need for AI education success Education leaders acknowledge the initiative presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in preparing teachers and ensuring age-appropriate delivery. 'Teachers need structured training on the effective and ethical use of AI; understanding its capabilities, limitations, and how to integrate it meaningfully into learning, rather than defaulting to its use. Ensuring they are comfortable with AI is key to helping students use it as a positive learning tool,' Jarvis said, further highlighting concerns about over-reliance among young learners. 'One concern is over-reliance; children may trust AI outputs without question. There's also the issue of misinformation or unverified content. That said, if introduced early and thoughtfully, AI can become a natural part of the learning process, with students learning to engage critically with it from the outset,' he added. Echoing the sentiment, Kathryn Booth, Director of the School of Qualifications at Pearson MENA, noted the developmental considerations for younger students. 'At this developmental stage, children often attribute human-like qualities to AI technologies such as smart assistants or chatbots. This can lead to a heightened trust in what machines say, even over their teachers,' Booth said. However, she viewed this as an opportunity. 'This natural curiosity presents an ideal opportunity for educators to begin fostering digital literacy. Rather than shielding young learners from AI, teachers can introduce them to age-appropriate concepts, encouraging them to explore how these tools work and what makes them tick.' Professional development requirements for UAE AI teaching programme Booth further stressed the need for comprehensive professional development. 'For teachers to deliver AI education effectively, comprehensive professional development is key. They need more than just technical knowledge—they require a deep understanding of pedagogy, ethical frameworks, and real-world applications of AI to confidently guide students across all age groups.' She outlined specific training requirements, which should include 'hands-on exposure to AI tools, instructional resources tailored by grade level, and clear guidelines on responsible use. Ongoing support is just as important, whether through digital platforms, peer collaboration, or partnerships with edtech leaders.' In addition, Rami Abu Arja, Senior Innovation Marketing Manager at Yasmina, emphasised the importance of cross-disciplinary integration. 'UNESCO's AI and Education: Guidance for Policy-Makers highlights that successful AI programs like those in China and Finland treat AI not as a standalone subject, but as a cross-disciplinary tool integrated into science, math, the arts, and more,' Abu Arja said. 'Additionally, topics like data privacy, fairness, and responsible use need to be part of the conversation from the start. Crucially, the study underscores that teacher training is a make-or-break factor; without it, even well-designed initiatives often fall short. To truly prepare a future-ready generation, students must learn to work with AI, not just learn about it,' he added. UAE AI skills prepare students for $46 billion market by 2030 The initiative aims to prepare students for a job market where AI literacy is increasingly essential. 'Early exposure to AI can significantly help UAE students secure better job opportunities in the future,' Abu Arja explained, adding that as AI continues to be adopted across industries such as healthcare, finance, and logistics, students who develop AI skills early on will be better prepared for the demands of a digital-first job market. 'According to Microsoft and LinkedIn's 2024 Work Trend Index, 66 per cent of business leaders say they would not hire someone without AI skills,' Booth said. 'Pearson's research shows that generative AI can save workers 78 million hours per week on routine tasks, highlighting just how deeply integrated these tools are becoming in everyday roles,' she added. Moreover, the economic implications extend beyond individual career prospects. 'Considering that the country's AI market is expected to reach $46.33 billion by 2030, by embedding AI into the national curriculum, the UAE is equipping its youth with the tools to thrive in a knowledge-based economy. This initiative isn't just about staying relevant—it's about empowering students to create, innovate, and lead in an increasingly digital world,' Booth said. How UAE AI education compares to Singapore, South Korea and China The UAE's initiative places it among countries already incorporating AI education. 'Several leading education systems are already incorporating AI, including Singapore, South Korea, and China. The UAE is positioning itself among global leaders in recognising AI's importance early on,' Jarvis said. 'In the United States, nearly nine in ten educators support teaching AI in a developmentally appropriate way before high school graduation. Countries across Europe and Asia are also developing AI curricula, often emphasising ethics, critical thinking, and real-world application,' Booth added, further explaining that the UAE has a 'proactive' approach because of its 'bold, integrated approach across all grade levels, starting from kindergarten. This proactive strategy aligns with its long-term visions, such as the UAE Centennial 2071 and its commitment to becoming a global hub for innovation.' Data protection and equal access among key challenges in AI school implementation Nevertheless, these UAE experts have also identified several challenges requiring attention. 'While these challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. With thoughtful implementation, the right tools, and clear ethical frameworks, we can ensure that AI in classrooms empowers learners and enhances their education in meaningful ways,' Booth said. She also emphasised the importance of equal access, noting that successful AI education implementation requires careful planning and resource allocation to address disparities in home technology access, making school-based provision of AI tools essential. In addition, 'parents may have concerns around things like increased screen time, which schools will need to address openly and responsibly,' Abu Arja added. There is a need for ethical AI education All experts emphasised the importance of ethical AI education, with Jarvis advocating for early ethical discussions. 'We must show students that AI is a tool to enhance – not replace – thinking. Teaching them how and when to use AI effectively builds digital literacy and encourages critical analysis. Conversations around ethics, fairness, data privacy, and bias in AI systems should start young, helping children become informed and responsible users,' he said. Another way to boost ethical AI education is through the use and support of interactive learning methods, according to Abu Arja. 'Real-world examples showing how AI can solve meaningful problems, while also highlighting its risks, encourage thoughtful use from an early age. Interactive learning methods can make these lessons more engaging and effective,' he said. 'For instance, a case study from Sweden showed that role-playing games focused on AI fairness led to deeper student engagement than traditional lectures. Activities like these allow children to experience responsible AI in action. Sharing stories of individuals using AI ethically and for good can further inspire students, helping them see how they, too, can make a positive impact with the tools they're learning to use,' he added. Moreover, the UAE's AI initiative will influence broader regional educational shifts 'The UAE's move to integrate AI into education has the potential to inspire broader changes across the region. As a recognised leader in technological innovation, the UAE often sets the pace for others in the Middle East, and its success could encourage neighboring countries to explore similar approaches,' Abu Arja said. Booth projected wider economic implications, suggesting that the potential $320 billion contribution AI could make to the regional economy by 2030 will likely prompt other education systems in the region to follow suit, particularly those seeking economic diversification and high-skill talent development. The UAE has partnered with Presight (a G42 company), AI71, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and Emirates College for Advanced Education to accelerate technology adoption in education, supporting the country's vision to invest in people and create a future-ready education system driving sustainable national development. 'The UAE's initiative is more than a curriculum change—it's a generational investment in human capital. By embedding AI across the school system, the country is building the foundations for a future-ready workforce,' Booth concluded.
