Critical thinking, right questions essential in AI era
Knowing information alone will not be enough to succeed in the age of artificial intelligence, as the ability to ask the right questions, analyse complex problems and develop creative solutions will become increasingly important, speakers said at a seminar.
MillionX Bangladesh and the IIT Software Engineers' Community jointly organised the seminar, titled "10X Mind in the Age of AI: Are You Ready?", at the University of Dhaka's Institute of Information Technology (IIT) on Monday (24 August), according to a press release.
The seminar examined how AI is transforming education, workplaces and human thinking, as well as whether young people and Bangladesh's education and skills development systems are prepared for those changes.
MillionX Bangladesh Founding Member and DataSoft Limited President M Manjur Mahmud and MillionX Bangladesh Founding Member and EVRCool Inc Founder Anis Rahman spoke at the event.
Student Adviser Professor Dr Jerina Begum and Associate Professor Dr Md Nurul Ahad Tawhid were also present.
Mahmud discussed AI's growing influence on industries and workplaces, including how jobs could change and which skills would become increasingly important.
He stressed that young people should develop the ability to adapt to changing working environments alongside learning to use AI tools.
Rahman discussed the concept of the "10X Mind", its foundations and four core principles.
He explained why identifying problems, thinking creatively, developing new solutions and asking appropriate questions were essential in the AI era.
Rahman also highlighted the importance of human capital development, innovation, skills enhancement, and mindset shifts in building a "10X economy".
Speakers said AI was making it easier to find answers, meaning the human ability to formulate the right questions would become more valuable.
They added that analysing information, generating new ideas and solving complex problems would distinguish individuals in the future job market.
Students asked questions about AI, future employment, education, skills development, the "10X Mind" and the "10X economy" during an interactive session.
IIT Software Engineers' Community Vice-President Mrinmoy Pait described the seminar as lively, engaging and thought-provoking.
"The speakers shared valuable insights and practical lessons from their long professional careers. The session encouraged us to reconsider how we should prepare for the future, particularly the skills and mindset required in a rapidly changing AI era," he said.
The organisers said the seminar aimed to raise awareness among young people about an AI-driven future while underscoring the importance of critical thinking, innovation and problem-solving skills.
The central message was that staying ahead in the AI era would require more than acquiring information. People would need to identify the right problems, challenge conventional assumptions and ask questions that could open new possibilities.
