AI is no longer something special only for developers, everyone is excited about its unlimited potential. While ChatGPT has been getting popular since the beginning of this year, a global series event, Global AI Bootcamp, was held in March by local AI communities across the world. More than 70 local events attracted people who were eager to learn about the latest Microsoft AI technologies.
One of the local events, 2023 Global AI Bootcamp - Busan!, was the first in-person Global AI Bootcamp in Korea after the pandemic. More than 100 people including non-developers and students registered for this event and learned about the hottest AI topics from Azure OpenAI Service to how to use AI in collaboration with Microsoft technology, such as Azure, Microsoft 365, and Power Platform.
Korean AI MVP Mijeong Jeon co-organized this event with Azure MVP YoungWook Kim and Azure MCT YoungRok Lee. She looks back on this event, “People from developers to students wanted to understand how the new AI technology would impact their lives and work. Their thoughtful questions were able to confirm a strong interest in AI and its applications. We also learned the benefits of hosting events outside the capital, including fostering local community and promoting knowledge sharing.”
Mijeong told us two upcoming plans of how to engage with community in the future. The first plan is providing technical contents in online channels for anyone who loves to learn the latest AI technical information at any time regardless of their location. “In particular, we are working on topics that will increase people's interest in Microsoft's state-of-the-art technologies, like Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot services.”
In addition, she is planning to have some in-person community engagements to help community members learn further in the era of rapidly evolving technology. She reflects on the benefits of delivering in person opportunities. “Providing online contents is one-way communication which limits community members to ask questions and get answers. We’d love to visit different places and communicate with as many people as possible to support their growth through live conversation,” Mijeong says.
It was the event that provided the latest information of AI technology and also the memorial event of the former Microsoft MVP, the Late MinGyu Ju. Being awarded as an MVP in 2017, MinGyu was actively leading AI community in Korea through hosting community events, delivering presentations, posting the latest information on Facebook group Korea Azure User Group, and so on. The organizers and speakers of this event learned community leadership from him and gave them confidence to grew as community leaders themselves. They invited MinGyu’s son to this event and praised his memorable achievements of how he contributed to the local AI communities.
MinGyu’s community activities impacted the skills of community members, and it will eventually foster the development of AI technology. His spirit is still alive in his family, community, and society. Mijeong is the community leader who continues to inspire community members today, “We will honor and continue his passion for the community.”
A lot of AI-relevant updates were announced at the Microsoft Build last week. Check out the Book of News to explore the overview and watch the session videos to find the details of what you can do with these innovative technologies. Then, join the community-led opportunities, meet community leaders like Mijeong to discuss the latest topics, and share what you learned with other community members. They will support you as an important community member and connect and grow together.