Invited Keynote Speakers
Prof Chengqi Zhang
Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence
Department of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
HongKong, CHINA
General Chair, International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) – 2024
Chengqi.zhang@polyu.edu.hk
Title: The Impact of Generative AI (ChatGPT) on AI Research and Societal Development
Abstract: Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, represents a significant leap forward in the field of artificial intelligence, enabling the automatic generation of text, images, and more. It has not only reshaped our understanding of cognitive research in AI, but has also uniquely addressed critical issues in the field of cognitive science through its ‘violent aesthetics.’
Generative AI possesses a high level of intelligence in generating text and has broad application potential across various domains. From automated content creation to online customer support, translation services, and creative content generation, it enhances efficiency, saves time, and conserves resources, providing robust support for societal development.
However, Generative AI is not without limitations. Concerns exist regarding the correctness, authenticity, and reliability of the generated content. Therefore, careful consideration is essential when applying it. We must assess the sensitivity of a particular domain to erroneous results to determine whether the use of Generative AI is safe. In the future, Generative AI will continue to evolve, with more powerful models, expanded application domains, and improved management. It will persistently drive advancements in artificial intelligence technology, positively impacting society. However, prudent management is crucial to harness its potential to the fullest while mitigating potential risks.
Bio: Professor Chengqi Zhang has joined Dept of DS& AI, HK PolyU on 10 September 2024. He served as Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Technology Sydney since December 1, 2017, and was appointed as a Distinguished Professor in Artificial Intelligence at UTS on February 27, 2017.
In 2019, he was named the General Chair of the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) for the year 2024. From 2021 to 2024, he has been invited to serve as a judge for the “TR35 Innovators Under 35” competition in China and the Asia-Pacific region, organized by MIT Technology Review.
Professor Zhang earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Fudan University in March 1982, followed by a Master of Science degree from Jilin University in March 1985. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the University of Queensland in October 1991 and was later awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) in October 2002 from Deakin University. All of his degrees are in the field of Computer Science, specifically in Artificial Intelligence.
To date, Professor Zhang has published over 390 research papers, with more than 100 of them appearing in top international journals such as AIJ, IEEE, and ACM Transactions. In 1992, he became the first author from mainland China to publish a paper in the world’s top-tier AI journal, “Artificial Intelligence.” According to Google Scholar, his papers have been cited more than 35,000 times, with an H-index of 71. He has been invited to deliver keynote speeches at international conferences more than 30 times.
Professor Zhang has also supervised more than 30 doctoral students, with 10 of them achieving the rank of full professor. He was awarded the Engineering and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) category New South Wales Science and Engineering Award in 2011, as well as the Leadership Outstanding Researcher Vice-Chancellor’s Award at the University of Technology Sydney in the same year.
From 2012 to 2014, Professor Zhang served as a part-time expert for the Australian Research Council (ARC). He has also chaired three of the world’s top AI conferences, including ICDM-2010, KDD-2015, and IJCAI-2024.
Prof Shohei Kato
Head, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering,
Vice Director, NITech & UOW Joint Degree Doctoral Program in Informatics,
Director, NITech AI Research Center,
Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan
kato.shohei@nitech.ac.jp
Title: Could an Affective, Intelligent and Interactive Robot/Agent Make Well-Being and Longevity Society?
Abstract: The world is facing a rapid decline in the birthrate and an aging population, which has many challenges, including a decline in the productive workforce, a shortage of medical and welfare personnel for the elderly, and mental stress among people in the prime of their working lives. In this talk, through research and development of emotional conversational robots, affective interactive agents, and speech-analysis based dementia screening agent technology that we have been dedicated for the past 20 years, we will explore the technological possibilities for creating a well-being and longevity society in near future.
Bio: Shohei Kato is a Professor of Nagoya Institute of Technology (NItech), a Head of Computer Science, and a Director of NITech AI Research Center. He received the Doctor of Engineering from NITech, Japan, in 1998. He joined Toyota National College of Technology from 1998, and joined NITech as a Lecturer from 2002, as an Associate Professor from 2003, and as a Professor since 2015 to present. His current research interests include artificial intelligence and affective computing in robotics, machine learning, and computer engineering in medicine and biology.
Prof Shah J Miah
Professor of Business Analytics,
Program Director, Bachelor of Business Analytics,
Director of Alumni Engagement at Newcastle Business School, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
shah.miah@newcastle.edu.au
Title: Balancing Humans and Machines in designing AI-driven Decision-support
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven decision-support offers predictive insights for their decision-making harnessing power of AI techniques. When designing AI driven support, design researchers work with industry experts and managers to identify decision-making problems and design the solutions through prototyping and testing. We develop a new action design research method that provides guidance to ensure balancing human-AI collaboration and interaction in organizations. The keynote talk will demonstrate the method’s application through a case study in the hospitality industry, illustrating its ability to meet emerging demands for human-AI balance demands in managerial decision-support.
Bio: Shah is a distinguished academic in the field of Business Analytics. He holds the position of Professor of Business Analytics at the Newcastle Business School, part of the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. He is an experienced academic in this leading role at this school which is one of the largest schools with almost 3,000 plus students and 200 staff. Prof Shah’s vision is to reshape business leaders with data knowledge and practicality learning for sustainable business future. Building on existing strengths on business information systems, Shah’s skills contribute to lead Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence research, scholarship and educational provision in business higher education.
As the head of Business Analytics, Shah has brought to the role a globally excellent reputation that was evidenced through his team building activities to produce industry-focused high-quality postgraduate and undergraduate curriculum in the university. Shah has also produced world class research in leading academic journals. Shah has led major funding bids and have successfully managed resources to gain, execute and deliver successful research projects in industries. He has gained sufficient experience supervising PhD students and demonstrate understanding of how to attract high quality candidates to the area of business analytics and artificial intelligence. Shah has been serving as a mentor to early-career, junior and mid-career scholars and be willing to act as a leader in a formal capacity in future. Given this, Shah has effective demonstratable leadership skills and experience for academic excellence in higher education, in playing a key leadership role in advancing Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics area in Business.