MORE than 80 students from six of Georgetown’s secondary schools had a firsthand view of emerging technologies, sustainable agriculture and future career possibilities, during an educational visit to STARR Computer Inc recently.
President of the company, Mike Mohan, challenged young people to prepare for the rapidly changing world being shaped by artificial intelligence and innovation.
Students from Grade 10 classes at Cummings Lodge Secondary, Brickdam Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary (Science and Business streams), South Ruimveldt Secondary, The Bishops’ High School and New Campbellville Secondary took part in an interactive programme at the company’s headquarters on Wednesday.
During the session, Mohan took the history of STARR Computer and its contribution to the development of technology in Guyana over the last three decades.
He said the company was founded with the mission to help Guyanese gain the skills and tools to compete in an increasingly technology-driven world.
STARR brought computers to Guyana in 1991, moved to its current location in 1998, and expanded its educational focus in 2016 with robotics and technology training initiatives, Mohan said.
He said the world is now entering what many experts call the next industrial revolution, powered by artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, big data and advanced analytics.
Mohan told the students about some of the global challenges facing the future, such as population growth, climate change, food insecurity, health issues, crime and conflict and the possible disruption of jobs by artificial intelligence.
He said technology should not only be seen as a challenge, but also a solution. Topics included surveillance technologies for public safety, renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power, water conservation technologies, and the growing use of artificial intelligence and robotics in health care.
The presentation centred on the issue of food security, which is becoming an increasingly important issue in Guyana and the world. Mohan introduced students to aquaponics, a sustainable farming system that combines aquaculture, the raising of fish, with hydroponics, the growing of plants without soil.
The closed-loop system, he said, allows fish waste to be converted by good bacteria into nutrients for plants, and the plants filter and clean the water before it returns to the fish tanks. Water consumption is greatly reduced and production efficiency is increased.
According to the presentation, aquaponics uses about 90 per cent less water than traditional farming in soil, allows crops to grow up to twice as fast, eliminates the need for weeding and chemical fertilisers, and can produce higher yields in smaller spaces.
The technology is increasingly seen as a potential answer to global food security concerns with the world’s population projected to be around 10 billion by 2050. Advocates say aquaponics can help communities grow fresh food locally, while easing pressure on land and water resources.
Mohan also encouraged students to look into scholarships and training available through the agricultural sector, saying farming and food production innovation is an emerging career path for the next generation.
In addition to its educational outreach efforts, STARR Computer recently announced two new customer appreciation programmes to support key groups in the community. Now, the company offers a Senior Citizens Discount Day every Tuesday and an Educators Discount Day every Thursday, giving retirees and members of the teaching profession special savings opportunities.
The students’ visit was part of ongoing efforts by STARR Computer to expose young Guyanese to emerging technologies and practical solutions that can help address future economic, environmental and social challenges, while preparing them for careers in a rapidly evolving global economy.
