Ashhar Alam | Bengaluru (Karnataka)

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes classrooms, workplaces and daily life, a growing concern remains: many children use AI tools without understanding how they work or how to use them responsibly. Bridging this gap, Microsoft, in collaboration with Enabling Leadership, hosted an immersive “Hour of AI” session at its Singapore office to introduce young students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence.

The hands-on learning experience brought together 20 students from Naval Base Primary School, giving them an age-appropriate introduction to AI concepts through interactive activities and real-world examples. The session formed part of Microsoft’s global Hour of AI initiative, which aims to build AI literacy among 25 million students, educators and families’ worldwide, encouraging responsible and creative use of the technology.

Using tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, students explored not just what AI can do, but how it works and why ethics and responsibility matter in the digital age. Microsoft volunteers guided the session, helping spark curiosity and confidence among the young learners, many of whom were engaging with AI beyond basic applications for the first time.

Ravi Sonnad, Founder and CEO of Enabling Leadership Global, said the initiative aligns with the organisation’s mission to build confidence, character and leadership among children from underserved communities. He stressed that alongside technical skills, students must develop empathy, ethical thinking and leadership to thrive in a technology-driven future.

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Mike Yeh, Vice President and Director of Corporate, External and Legal Affairs at Microsoft Asia, said initiatives like Hour of AI ensure young people are not just users of AI, but informed and responsible participants in shaping its impact.

Teachers accompanying the students said the session made AI feel accessible and exciting, helping children understand the technology rather than simply consume it a crucial step in preparing the next generation for an AI-powered world.