Expressnews
The topic of discussion was “Are AI, Electronics, Telecom, and e-Governance the key themes to drive Tamil Nadu toward a Trillion Dollar economy by 2030?”
The welcome address was given by Dr. GSK Velu, Chairman, FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council. Mr. GSK Velu is not only the CMD of Trivitron Healthcare and Neuberg Diagnostics Group of Companies but also a philanthropist with a ‘Never say die’ attitude. He welcomed everyone and spoke about Mr. Kumar Jayanth, the chief guest, who was just 5 days into his new assignment as Additional Chief Secretary of the IT and Digital Services Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Despite being new, Mr. Jayanth has been a veteran in driving digitalization in Tamil Nadu for 25 years. Dr. Velu also highlighted Germany’s leadership in IT and the value of collaboration, welcoming Ms. Michaela Kuchler, Consul General of the German Consulate in Chennai. He discussed how India is the “Software Powerhouse” of the world and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s focus on digital transformation. Dr. Velu elaborated on the Naan Mudalvan scheme and how digital transformation has significantly benefited the SME sector, agriculture, and manufacturing, contributing to Tamil Nadu’s impressive 20% CAGR, which he believes will propel the state toward becoming a Trillion Dollar Economy.
The theme address was delivered by Dr. Rajaram Venkatraman, Convener, FICCI TNSC Technology Panel and Member, FICCI National Committee on ICT. Dr. Venkatraman spoke about how digitalization and AI could create more job openings and attract new companies to Tamil Nadu. He outlined FICCI’s role in shaping policies and engaging with the Central and State Governments, industry, and academia to promote the wellness and growth of the industry and the nation. He noted that Tamil Nadu, as the second-largest economy in the country with a GDP of $345 billion and an annual growth rate of 11%, is home to 130 Fortune 500 companies. To achieve its ambition of becoming a Trillion Dollar Economy in 6 years, traditional sequential growth is insufficient; AI and digitalization can provide the necessary non-linearity, inclusivity, productivity, competitiveness, and uniform growth. Dr. Venkatraman emphasized the importance of AI, electronics, telecom, and a robust foundation of infrastructure, human capital, innovation, and e-Governance. Tamil Nadu now ranks 3rd in the country for “ease of doing business,” up from 18th place in 2019. He also highlighted the Bharath Net project, which has linked 12,500 panchayats. Dr. Venkatraman concluded by noting Tamil Nadu’s leadership in technology and the potential of AI to transform work and improve predictions and diagnostics. He mentioned how companies like Apple, Samsung, Micromax, and Oppo have established manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu.
Thiru Kumar Jayanth IAS, the chief guest, entertained the audience with his humor as he spoke about his 25-year career in computerization, digitalization, and e-Governance, humorously noting his record of failed projects. He emphasized that while technology has advanced to the point where AI can determine and deliver our needs, growth occurs across various sectors, not just IT. He highlighted the expansion of IT growth from major cities to smaller towns like Cuddalore and Trichy and stressed the importance of attracting qualified manpower from across India and globally. Mr. Jayanth praised Tamil Nadu’s institutions, such as SIPCOT for industrial development, TIDCO for defense and aerospace, SIDCO for MSMEs, and ELCOT for IT, as well as the recently started ITNT innovation hub. He emphasized the government’s multifaceted role as a facilitator, regulator, and provider of quality education, skilling, social infrastructure, and e-Governance. He concluded by commending Tamil Nadu’s ability to implement schemes effectively, such as “Kalaizhar Magalir Vurimai Thittam” and “Pudumai Pen,” thanks to its extensive database.
When Ms. Michaela Kuchler, Consul General of the German Consulate in Chennai, spoke, she began with a “Vanakkam.” She discussed the role of a consul in finding common ground between countries and working together for mutual growth. Ms. Kuchler provided data on Germany’s investment in AI research and its goal of creating trustworthy AI systems that offer global opportunities.
Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, the Scientific Adviser to the Raksha Mantri (Minister of Defence) Government of India, stressed the need for skill development to meet the demands of new jobs created by digitalization. He also suggested the idea of an AI Park on the outskirts of Chennai, similar to the Tidel Park for the IT sector.
Mr. Patrick Fernandez, Advisor to the Government of India on Semiconductor Manufacturing, joined online from the USA and presented on how semiconductor manufacturing with data could drive Tamil Nadu’s trillion-dollar aspirations.
