Asian scholars discuss Asia's future with AI

More than 60 academics from the Philippines and other Asian countries are presenting their research and conceptual papers on the theme “Artificial intelligence in Asian societies: Opportunities, challenges and social dynamics” at the 12^th  International Conference on Asian Studies to be convened by the Ateneo Center for Asian Studies (ACAS) on 14 and 15 Nov at Leong Hall and three other venues at the Loyola campus, Ateneo de Manila University.

Prof  Maria Mercedes Rodrigo will open the conference with a keynote speech on the transformative potentials of AI in education in the Asian context.  Prof Rodrigo is faculty member of the Ateneo Department of Information Systems and Computer Science.

Below are excerpts from the abstracts of the talks of plenary speakers.

The Future of Education with AI: A Speculation Based on the “Past” Experiences
Dr Kyungmee Lee, Seoul National University

This presentation explores the future of education with AI by drawing lessons from historical technological shifts in education, such as the rise of different technological mediums that have mediated online distance education experiences.

Queering AI in Asia
Dr Adam Poulsen, University of Sydney

AI needs to be inclusive by design. To that end, this work presents the ‘queering’ method as a way forward. It explores challenges and solutions to addressing diversity and inclusion in AI in Asia, reflecting on Asian attitudes towards gender and sexual diversity.

A Grand Challenge for Humanity: General Artificial Companions in Pursuit of Global Harwell
Prof Tak wai Chan, National Central University, Taiwan

As AI technologies continue to advance, intelligent, caring, and patient, artificial companions — whether virtual or robotic — will emerge to provide around-the-clock companionship to human beings. The General Artificial Companions Hypothesis posits that . . . these companions will significantly assist humans in achieving Global 'Harwell' (a term combining 'harmony' and 'wellbeing').

Challenges in Deploying AI-Based Solutions for Improved Services in ASEAN Countries
Prof Dr Rayner Alfred, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)

The deployment of AI-based solutions in these regions faces several key challenges including the lack of standardized data infrastructure, limited access to high-quality datasets, regulatory barriers, and talent shortages.

Also a highlight of the conference is a presentation of AI tools by Aaron Vicencio, faculty member of the Ateneo Department of Communication. 

The conference likewise features the Philippines-Malaysia Forum on the theme “Meeting the challenges of ecological and societal sustainability through the participation of business, government, civil society and local communities,” convened by the Ateneo Initiative for Southeast Asian Studies (AISEAS).  The forum will be capped by the opening of the Malaysian Borneo Exhibit “Nama Saya, Sabah”, a project of students of Southeast Asian studies.

Around 200 participants are expected including senior and junior scholars from around the Philippines and other Asian countries including Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea.

ACAS ICAS 12 is primarily an in-person conference to be held at the Loyola Campus of Ateneo de Manila University.  Selected sessions will be conducted using a hybrid, interactive format. All sessions will be recorded for the extended conference on 21 Nov-21 Dec.

Ateneo students and faculty members are welcome to attend the presentations. Please register at https://go.ateneo.edu/ICAS12Reg to ensure a slot.  To learn more about the conference, please visit https://ateneo.edu/icas12