A Conversation with Joyce Peh and Titus Wong
Among SYFC staffworkers are baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. Some are more ready to embrace technology while some struggle to just keep up. How can we harness technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to reach Gen Zs and Gen Alphas who are digital natives? Let’s listen in as two staffworkers of different generations talk about our use of AI.
Joyce Peh: I’m a Gen X, born in 1976. When I went to university in 1996, the Internet just started getting popular here. Titus, do you remember a time you didn’t turn to Google when you had a question?
Titus Wong: I actually do! I’m born in 1991, so I remember dial up Internet where being on the Internet meant I couldn’t use my home phone and before it was pervasive, playtime involved running around outside playing ‘catching’.
Joyce: Ah…so, you’re not a digital native?
Titus: Not really, I am considered a digital immigrant. But I grew up at a time when technology got more prevalent, so I’m very comfortable and proficient with Internet and smartphones.
Joyce: That’s for sure. You know, a lot of people are talking about AI today and how it helps speed up work processes but I still haven’t tried it. To be honest, I don’t even know where to start and there are the privacy and copyright concerns.
Titus: Yeah, AI is increasingly more integrated into our daily lives. You may have interacted with AI without even knowing. From built-in smartphone features to conversational web apps like ChatGPT and Gemini, natural language integration with AI is now common. And like any tool, it all depends on how it’s being used. I’ve ‘consulted’ AI when I’m uncertain about formulas in spreadsheets or how to use an editing software. Some use AI irresponsibly but we can use it as a tool driven by our own creativity and efficacy.
Joyce: True. But we must not compromise on the hard work that should be put into a task just for the sake of expediency ya. Because it is through the rigour that we build our conviction and character, and gain mastery of a skill.
Titus: Right!
Joyce: So, Titus, how does SYFC use AI responsibly?
Titus: Well, when our colleague, Dmitry, creates content for the Immersive Room, he uses AI for further inspiration of his initial ideas and for additional references. With AI, he quickly creates background visuals and audio, saving him time and resources to produce content within our budget and manpower limitations. At the core of the artistic elements and overall storyline, Dmitry is still the artist in charge of telling the story. He doesn’t leave it all to AI, as it’s just a tool. He makes the final decision, ensuring the content aligns with his intent to point people to Christ.
Joyce: Ah…I can imagine using AI to help me with a tedious task like designing a worksheet, then use the time saved to meet up with a student. And recently, the article you passed me on how YFC International uses AI in translation is another good example of how this tool can aid us in the gospel work, “Imagine a young person in Lebanon hearing the gospel in their native Arabic through a video originally recorded in English. Picture a teenager in Croatia watching a discipleship message delivered in their own language, despite the content being created in another part of the world.”
Titus: In our digitally-savvy landscape, we cannot run away from AI. AI presents a powerful opportunity to revitalise ministry. From AI-powered tools streamlining administrative tasks to AI-facilitated data driven insights, AI frees us up to focus on ministering to youths, understand them better and tailor content specific to their needs. In that same article, the writer phrases it perfectly, “… embrace this technology, not as a replacement for personal connection, but as a tool that amplifies our ability to reach, teach, and disciple the next generation.”
Joyce: Ya, I know I need not fear using AI to help in outreach…but it might take a slightly longer time for me to catch on. You’ll help, right?
Titus: Of course la!
These are a few ways Dmitry has been using AI to generate content for SYFC’s range of productions. King Herod was one of a few AI assisted artworks, seen by many visitors during our CCIS interactive booth.
