Latest news with #Neufeld
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Boosting AI literacy for professional communication
THE British Council is strengthening its corporate training strategy across the Asia-Pacific region to address the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on workplace communication. According to David Neufeld, Corporate English Solutions (CES) Sales Head for the region, professionals are increasingly relying on AI-generated writing without adequate review, which can result in issues with clarity, relevance and factual accuracy. "We are not training people how to use AI. Rather, we are trying to help them with what AI outputs, to be better business communicators," said Neufeld. He noted that many corporate clients, particularly in the banking, financial services and insurance sectors, now have internal AI tools. However, employees often forward AI-generated content without editing, even when it contains grammatical errors or irrelevant details. This overreliance, Neufeld warned, creates a risk of miscommunication in high-stakes situations. The British Council, he explained, trains professionals to assess, refine and apply AI-generated content using structured frameworks designed for the workplace. These frameworks provide support in areas such as business writing, interpersonal communication, influencing, and trust-building techniques. "We want participants to think critically about what AI produces. Is it accurate? Is it appropriate for the audience? Can it stand up to scrutiny?" Neufeld added. He emphasised that professionals must also learn to navigate AI's limitations, including outdated data, hallucinations and factual inaccuracies—particularly when handling sensitive or time-critical communication. At the British Council's Lunch and Learn 2025 session held on 10 July, participants were introduced to three targeted training modules aimed at building communication confidence in AI-assisted environments. The first session taught participants how to use the Point, Reason, Example, Point (PREP) structure to organise AI-generated text into persuasive messages. The second focused on negotiation skills, using frameworks such as Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA), Bottom Line, and Most Desirable Outcome, with AI used to simulate role plays. The final session applied the British Council's six Cs—clear, correct, concise, coherent, complete and courteous—to improve clarity and tone in AI-written content. Neufeld said these frameworks help participants keep human judgement at the centre of communication. "AI is useful for drafting and simulating ideas, but humans must still decide what to say, how to say it, and whether it's appropriate," he said. British Council CES operates on a business-to-organisation model and delivers training to clients in the corporate, government and education sectors. Malaysia and Singapore are currently two of its largest markets in Southeast Asia, although demand in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia is on the rise. Neufeld, who has lived in Malaysia since 2010, began his tenure with the British Council as a corporate trainer and now leads CES across the Asia-Pacific region. He said demand for AI-related training has grown steadily over the past two years, as organisations race to integrate generative tools into their operations. The British Council's observations align with broader trends among learning and development (L&D) teams in the region. AI is increasingly being used to create personalised assessments, enhance learner engagement, automate feedback, and deliver training at scale across multiple locations. However, the British Council cautions that challenges remain. Neufeld said the absence of clear organisational policies, ethical concerns, and a loss of the human touch in communication are among the top risks raised by clients. "Some worry AI might replace certain roles; others are concerned about bias, or using inaccurate data that goes unchallenged," he said. To adapt, the British Council is placing greater emphasis on developing communication fundamentals and soft skills with its corporate clients. According to Neufeld, these include active listening, clarity in messaging, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt tone to suit the audience and situation. The British Council has also identified creativity, time management and conflict resolution as vital skills for navigating increasingly complex and fast-changing workplaces. These areas are integrated into CES training programmes, alongside language competency and task-based communication models. Looking ahead, the British Council anticipates broader workplace transformation over the next five to ten years, with AI serving as a central driver. Shifts in job roles, workforce composition, economic uncertainty, and rising expectations around employee well-being are all contributing to a new approach to learning. Neufeld said the British Council's corporate clients are also becoming more conscious of the reputational risks posed by poor communication. "A bad message can hurt trust. Whether written by a person or a machine, it still reflects your brand," he said. In response, British Council Malaysia has incorporated more digital tools into its delivery model while maintaining interactive and context-based learning. Clients are increasingly requesting hybrid solutions that combine face-to-face workshops with online modules and follow-up coaching. The British Council has stated that its role is not to replace corporate L&D teams, but to support them in ensuring communication remains a core skill in the age of automation. "Even with AI doing the heavy lifting in some areas, we still need people who can lead with empathy, explain ideas clearly, and respond in real time," said Neufeld. The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, providing services in English language education, examinations, arts and cultural exchange. Founded in 1934 and present in over 100 countries, the British Council builds lasting trust and cooperation through language, culture and global partnerships. Now in its 90th year, the organisation continues to evolve, helping individuals and institutions around the world connect, learn and collaborate with the UK to foster peace, prosperity and shared progress.
Calgary Herald
29-06-2025
- Calgary Herald
How are some Canadians in Edmonton feeling about July 1 Canada Day?
Postmedia in Alberta's capital of Edmonton spoke with a cross-section of the community about how they are feeling as Canada Day dawns Tuesday; the range of answers is almost as diverse as Canada itself. Here are a few of those we spoke to prior to Canada's 158th year. Article content Article content Article content Kae Neufeld was getting ready for Canada Day with a group taking part in an incremental walking challenge 'across Canada.' She's trod the Camino in Spain and Portugal, so the walk is right up her alley. Article content Article content 'This morning, I did about 11 kilometers. In May, I did 400 kilometres, and in June, I'll be over 400 again,' she said recently, adding her walking group reached their goal of a compiled 7,000 kilometers in three months, so they were enjoying additional mileage to be done by Canada Day. Article content Article content All her kilometres are accounted for in the Rutherford neighbourhod, where she traces a network of walking trails, taking in neighborhood ponds, duck families and birdsong, armed with walking poles. Article content 'I'm a great lover of nature. To me, Canada is this wonderful land which has these open skies on the prairies … Other countries, of course, have things that are beautiful for them. But to me, Canada is a beautiful, beautiful country.' Article content Neufeld's president of the resident advisory council at Harmony, an Edmonton independent living community, where she lives with husband Don. Article content Article content 'I think if you're truly Canadian and have the Canadian spirit, of sharing, of caring for one another, without getting caught up in a lot of politics and so on, I just can't see us separating or being part of the 51st state,' said Neufeld. Article content Article content Proud but reflective Article content At West Edmonton Mall in time for the Brick Invitational hockey tourney and a Pokemon event, Postmedia encountered Ray Lenes, who is bound for the University of Alberta to study art and design this fall. Article content For Lenes, Canada Day is a time for both cheers and reflection. Article content 'I think it's important to celebrate your country's independence while also recognizing all the mistakes and the things that have been done in the past, like, a lot of the crimes against Indigenous people and minority groups,' Lenes said.
Global News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Winnipeg Blue Bombers guard Patrick Neufeld questionable for season opener
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers could start the campaign without three of their five starting offensive linemen from last season. Liam Dobson is now with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Eric Lofton hasn't practiced in weeks because of a knee injury and won't dress on Thursday, and now Patrick Neufeld is questionable to play in the season opener against the BC Lions. Neufeld collided with quarterback Chris Streveler in Monday's practice and limped to the sidelines favouring his right knee. The Bombers held a closed practice on Tuesday for their final full session of the week, but according to the official injury report, Neufeld did not practice due to a knee injury. Barring a miraculous recovery by Neufeld, the blue and gold appear set to start three Americans on the offensive line for the first time in ages. Micah Vanterpool and Kendall Randolph are expected to be two of their new starters on the O-line, and Canadian Gabe Wallace will join returning veterans Stanley Bryant and Chris Kolankowski up front. But head coach Mike O'Shea still has the utmost confidence in his hoggies. Story continues below advertisement 'Our O-line has always been good,' O'Shea told reporters after Tuesday's practice. 'And that's not going to change. Marty Costello is the best O-line coach in the league. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'He will always have those guys ready and once again, different room, same situation. We got a great corps of veterans that bring young guys along too.' The new-look offensive line should have their hands full with a formidable Lions defence on Thursday. BC had two sacks and forced a pair of turnovers, while holding the Edmonton Elks to just 14 points in the Leos week one victory. O'Shea believes Lions defensive coordinator Mike Benevides will have his front four ready to go. 'It seemed like they had good get-off,' O'Shea said. 'It seemed like they were very active. With Benny as the DC and his knowledge of front play, they seemed pretty active. And once again, they looked fired up to play that first game for sure in the way they were getting off the football.' Running back Peyton Logan, and defensive backs Jake Kelly, Enock Makonzo, and Josh Hagerty have all been ruled out for the week two matchup and will all start the season on the injured list. Kickoff on Thursday is at 7:30 p.m. at Princess Auto Stadium.
Global News
31-05-2025
- Global News
Questions being raised about police response to Halifax university lockdown
One day after an armed robbery prompted a lockdown at Mount Saint Vincent University and a heavy police presence, questions are being raised about whether the response was appropriate. At around 1 p.m. Thursday, Halifax Regional Police, RCMP and EHS responded to second-hand reports of a robbery at the university cafe. Students were told to shelter in place while police arrived on the scene with tactical equipment and drones. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'It didn't seem like the type of thing I would imagine to happen at the Mount,' said student Erika Neufeld. Neufeld had a friend on campus at the time and was growing increasingly worried about her safety. 'She was just leaving so thankfully she wasn't caught up in any of it, but she said it was looking pretty scary and I was obviously concerned about what could be happening,' she said. Story continues below advertisement Halifax Regional Police defend the scale of response. 'It's always good and appropriate to be upfront, just in case, right? Always good. Safety first. Remember, safety always first, we can always draw back and that's exactly what happened yesterday,' said Const. Paul DesRochers. 'Any time that the police received information on any incident that could involve weapons, we're not sure, we would conduct the appropriate response in relation to such an incident.' For more on this story, watch the video above.
Calgary Herald
08-05-2025
- Calgary Herald
'It's not like I'm new here': Calgary's new police Chief Katie McLellan credits experience for landing role
Article content 'It's about what you are doing every day to make a difference' Article content In 2013, she left the CPS as a senior superintendent to work as a security consultant in the oil and gas sector, saying at the time she'd achieved all she could in the ranks of law enforcement. Article content But that was not to be as McLellan joined the Alberta RCMP in 2018 to lead its Federal Policing South, Serious and Organized Crime. Article content The following year, she was back with CPS and was deputy chief, leading the investigative support section. She was chosen as chief quickly following Neufeld's abrupt exit last week. Article content Last year, her contract with the CPS was extended with the support of her predecessor. Article content It's that experience and versatility that's proven key in McLellan becoming the city's top police officer, she said. Article content 'I've been in almost every area (of the CPS) — I've watched the ebbs and flows,' she said earlier this week. Article content Article content McLellan, 57, is also the CPS's second female chief, following in the footsteps of Christine Silverberg, who donned the role from 1995 to 2000. Article content Article content But the new chief said she doesn't view her promotion — and experience within the CPS — through a gender lens. Article content 'It's not about being male or female, it's about being competent,' she said in 2013. Article content 'For me, it's not about rank, it's about what you are doing every day to make a difference. I'm just one of thousands in here, the job doesn't get done by one person.' Article content McLellan could become permanent chief, says criminologist Article content On Wednesday, McLellan said that 'technically' she is an interim chief, but because there's no active search for a permanent one, she's Calgary's top cop indefinitely. Article content It's possible she could eventually be supplanted, but keeping her on a long-term basis would be a good thing, said Mount Royal University criminologist Doug King. Article content 'She's a really, really wise choice — I wouldn't be surprised if she becomes the (permanent) chief,' he said. Article content 'She certainly does have the breadth of experience, she's done virtually everything a police officer can do as she's moved up the ranks.' Article content Article content Her role as head of field operations was so important, given its connections to the CPS's bread and butter front-line policing, meaning 'she was basically a co-chief at that point because of all the responsibility,' said King. Article content And that rap sheet, he said, puts her in good standing with the rank and file, which could mean their support, which is crucial. Article content 'It means she feels very comfortable in the uniform, as did Neufeld, who was always wearing the uniform,' said King. Article content McLellan said her first priority as the new chief is ensuring the security for the G7 summit in Kananaskis, which is expected to generate considerable related activity in Calgary, including protests.
