Students at Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology, GCIT, are using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to solve real-life problems. From land records and voting systems to fish farm monitoring and flight booking platforms, they have developed 40 innovative projects. The college says these efforts aim to support Bhutan’s digital transformation.
The projects were showcased at the GCIT campus in Thimphu today.
The Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)-based National Land Commission Security Project uses AI to simplify land documentation. With this system, land officials can instantly access real-time answers about any land without having to manually search through documents.
“Another problem we are solving is the bulk of land documents, which are sent to NLC every month from the 20 districts. So, without having to send the documents, they can simply upload and monitor all the official works,” said Ngawang Chojey Rai, the lead developer of RAG NLCS.
Another project, CRAW TECH IO, applies AI to monitor and manage the environmental conditions needed to rear crawfish in an aquatic farming system. A sensor collects data such as water and room temperature, humidity, water level and chemical balance. All these can be controlled remotely.
“We can also know the count of fish in that pond. Additionally, we have the data model AI, which, after being trained, shows whether the environment is suitable or not for the fish,” said Jetsun Dema Dorji, a member of the CRAW TECH IO team.
Another group of students developed a blockchain-based voting system called the National Digital Voting. The web-based system allows eligible voters to cast their votes regardless of location. The system ensures inclusivity, transparency and cost efficiency in elections.
“If voters explore, they can see the name of the political party’s leader, pledge, manifestos and acceptance letter. Now to vote, they have to first click on the primary round election option, and they will be provided with the choices. Before submitting the vote, an OTP has to be entered, which would have been sent to a registered email address,” said Kuenza Lhaden, a member of the National Digital Voting developer team.
Next is the Drukair Helicopter Reservation System. The platform allows customers to check flight availability and reserve seats with ease.
“Till now, most of the bookings were done over the phone. With our web application, they can book from the application. Moreover, officials at Drukair can also manage bookings through our web application,” said Tashi Wangyel, a member of the Drukair Heli Reservation System team.
According to the college, while some of the projects require minor refinements, some are already being piloted in government offices and private firms.
Tawmo, an associate lecturer at GCIT said, “I think that is very important, not because it is just a project but also because of how our students can learn from dealing with real clients and solving real problems that are there.”
“The initiative is going well, year by year, with students gaining experiences. That way, we hope that we will also be able to achieve His Majesty’s vision of an advanced digital society in line with globalisation,” said Thubten Zepa Thegchog, an associate lecturer at GCIT.
The student-led innovations, which are a part of their coursework work have the potential to make daily tasks easier. Besides, they are a testament to the abilities of Bhutan’s young minds to drive digital transformation.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Sangay Chezom
