Presidential Ponderings
Co- President Gerry McGann (P1) opened the meeting and reflected on the third line of The Four Way Test – “Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?”
Gerry was at the airport to farewell our outbound Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) student Makylni Fitzgerald on her journey to France. Our inbound RYE student will be coming in July, although we don’t know from which country.
Gerry also reflected on Thursday’s National Day of Mourning, to honour the victims of the Bondi massacre.
Today in history:
1556 The biggest earthquake in Chinese history
1975 Darwin was undergoing a massive clean up after Cyclone Tracy
Guest Speaker : Dr Ane Burlinson - What is Artificial Intelligence(AI)?
Anne founded mPW3R (“empower”) because she kept seeing the same pattern everywhere she looked: brilliant, capable people breaking themselves against systems that were never designed for humans to thrive in.
Anne’s journey took her from biology and pre-med in the US (where she thought of becoming a doctor), to community nutrition in Indonesia (studying how culture shapes behavior), to a doctorate in Germany working with the Max Planck Institute on human evolutionary behaviour. She pursued graduate studies in psychology at the University of Western Australia —until life had other plans when she gave birth ten weeks early during her final semester.
Anne is a founding member of the Western Australian AI Hub and Human Evolution Lab, and spoke to the club about demystifying Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI is described as a set of instructions that allows computers to recognize patterns and predict what might come next, without intrinsic understanding or consciousness.
When processing an input (e.g., “the lady went to …”), AI assigns probabilities to possible outputs (cafe, hospital, park, office) and selects the highest probability as the answer. While a crude illustration, it captures the probabilistic prediction nature of AI.
AI underpins widely used services:
- ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini
- Navigation tools like Google Maps and Siri
- Streaming platforms (Netflix, Prime, Stan)
- e-commerce (Amazon Prime, Temu, Shein)
- Social media (Facebook, TikTok, YouTube).
Even users who believe they aren’t using AI are typically interacting with AI-driven systems unless they use basic non-smart devices (e.g., landlines, big-button phones) and have no computers.
Enablers of Modern AI:
Big Data
The internet’s continuous flow of information provides vast datasets that power AI. Human behavior contributes data through searches and interactions (e.g., “consulting Dr. Google”), which AI systems learn from.
Powerful Processors
Both CPUs and GPUs enable near-real-time interaction, such as smooth gameplay and rapid processing in AI applications.
Advanced Machine Learning Models
Compared to the 1950s’ rule-based programming (“if A moves to B then do …”), contemporary machines learn autonomously.
These three ingredients—data, compute, models—must all be fulfilled for AI to advance. Increased compute power also raises environmental impact concerns.
AI is a sophisticated prediction engine, not independent thought. While its processes may mimic aspects of human thinking, AI does not think like humans and lacks consciousness.
Applications of AI Across Domains:
Healthcare Diagnostics
AI assists disease diagnosis by rapidly analyzing medical images (e.g., x-rays), producing possible outcomes (A, B, C) for doctors to review and decide upon.
Automotive Safety and Self-Driving
Self-driving cars use AI for navigation and danger scanning.
Gaming
AI makes in-game opponents smarter and interactions more engaging.
Finance
AI models enhance task efficiency, particularly in fraud detection. Algorithmic trading is reported by some as feasible.
Customer Service
AI-powered phone agents and web chatbots handle billing and support inquiries. Users often face frustration with limited, preordained responses, especially for slightly complex questions. Despite this, chatbots are widely deployed for quick assistance.
Reliance on AI for Companionship:
Observations include trends in Japan where individuals interact primarily with AI (Siri, chatbots), even attempting civil marriage to AI bots via representations.
Today’s larger, less intimate social structures create gaps our brains struggle to bridge, making predictable AI interactions attractive.
Environmental Impact:
The more powerful our computers, the greater the environmental footprint. AI advancement should be considered alongside sustainability.
Practical Use and Limitations:
AI cannot read minds; users must specify exact requirements.
Employers may become more discerning regarding AI-generated reports. Current outputs can miss nuances despite covering discussed outcomes, necessitating human review.
Guardrails in education: In-class handwritten essays can establish baseline capability. Tools exist to detect whether a paper is AI-written, aiding employers and educators.
Workplace pressure (deadlines “due yesterday”) drives reliance on AI to “get things done,” sometimes at the expense of deeper thinking. Training is being organized to address recognition of AI-written content and appropriate use.
Cyber Security and AI:
A “cat-and-mouse” dynamic exists: since attacks have evolved with AI, defense also leverages AI. Ongoing “cyber wars” between countries are reportedly empowered by AI, happening continuously and largely unseen by the public.
Angus F : Australia Day parking roster: 7:00-9:30am Mike C, Wayne D, Scott D, Brian J, John O: 9:30-12:00pm Raelene G, Lorrie G, Ken P, David R, Alison T.
Ian K : Membership committee meeting after breakfast
Wayne M : Sundowner Sat 31 Jan to celebrate the late Reg Willis’s 95th birthday. From 5PM at Reg Willis Seat on the South Perth Foreshore (opposite 49 South Perth Esplanade). Join them if you wish, bring a bottle of wine and a pizza….?
David R : Board meeting Wed 28 Jan at 6PM, John McGrath Hall
Agenda items to Alison please.
Rick S : Request for Perth Inner City Youth Service (PICYS) meals please. Pankind walk/BBQ Sun 8 Mar (we will man BBQ).
Alison T : Global Hand Charity (GHC) looking for someone to do Admin role for a couple of months while Alison is away.
Mike C : Bill Boekeman is recovering well, still has some issues with left arm. Bill turned 89 last Tuesday. Gerry M asked to pass on best wishes from members
Gerry M : Community committee meeting after breakfast.
Conference is coming up, with some excellent speakers and great MC.
Please book now, accommodation still available in Northam and surrounds.
A Plethora of Fine(s) Winners and Losers!
- All - Spicy food lovers – improves circulation, appetite, heart health, cholesterol, antioxidant, improves aging.
- Losers - Grapefruit, or the alternatives of broccoli and brussell sprouts.
- W&L - Chia seed eaters – beneficial, but you need to eat 2-4 tablespoons.
- Winners - Tomato fans, there is a new purple variety with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.
Winner of Heads and Tails
This week's winner - visitor Josh Tedjasaputra (after he and Eunice realized they could double their chances by not picking the same option…)
Attendance
43 attendees in all, including guest speaker Dr Anne Burlinson and visitors Rory Murray (Town Team movement), Josh Tedjasdaputra, Katrina Duke, Jess Murray, Erin Pawle, and Deborah Dyson.
