7th Industrial Business Conference 2024: Empowering the Future with AI

Group photography session among speakers and participants

The 7th Industrial Business Conference, themed ‘Empowering the Future with AI: Trends, Technologies, and Ethics’, took place at UTAR Sungai Long Campus from 27 to 29 August 2024. The conference brought together industry leaders and experts to explore the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, focusing on its impact across various sectors and the crucial ethical considerations accompanying these developments.

This annual event, organised by the UTAR Student Development and Alumni Relations (SDAR) team—comprising the Department of Student Affairs (DSA), the Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC), the Department of International Student Services (DISS), the Department of Financial and Student Aid (DFSA), and the Department of Alumni Relations and Placement (DARP)— featured a series of interactive booths managed by DSSC, alongside with three thought-provoking talk sessions held across the three-day event.

From left: DSSC staff Ms Lim, Ms Fook, Ms Chia, Mr Liaw, Mr Low and Ms Choon

One of the key attractions at the conference was the interactive experience provided by Samsung Malaysia. Their booth showcased the latest Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 smartphones and allowed students to interact with Galaxy AI. Through this interaction, students were able to generate a unique Galaxy ID, providing them with firsthand experience of the technology’s capabilities.

Samsung Malaysia booth featuring the Galaxy AI and Galaxy ID

In addition to the Samsung roadshow, the DSSC team set up ten game booths within the multipurpose hall, each representing a different component of soft skills. These booths were strategically designed to promote the importance of comprehensive personal development. Students were invited to navigate through all ten stations, collecting soft skills points for each component. This initiative was part of the broader effort to encourage students to participate actively in the UTAR Soft Skills Development Certificate (USSDC) programme and the UTAR CARE programme. To enhance understanding, an information zone was established, surrounded by detailed insights into the USSDC and UTAR CARE programmes. Students had the opportunity to engage with this information, participate in a quiz based on the provided information, and earn additional DSSC points by successfully completing the quiz.

Fun game booths for students to obtain USSDC points

The conference was marked by a series of insightful talk sessions delivered by esteemed guest speakers, each providing a unique perspective on the future of AI across various fields. The first session, titled Immersive Technology (VR) for Heritage and Culture Preservation: Design & Development, was delivered by UTAR Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) academic Dr Aloysius Yapp. Dr Yapp introduced the session by highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Iban people, including their traditional cuisine, building structure and attire. He discussed how these cultural elements have been incorporated into modern gaming environments, allowing younger generations to connect with and appreciate this long-standing cultural history. He also shared the initiatives taken by the UTAR Centre for Immersive Technology and Creativity, including extensive research into these cultural heritages, and the development of a game, which integrates the Iban culture into its design. He emphasised the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage in the digital age, encouraging the audience not to forget the cultural values that are not physically tangible.

Dr Yapp sharing how the cultural and heritage elements were incorporated into modern gaming environments

On the second day, Samsung Malaysia Field Trainer Mr Seet Ee Jay, delivered a talk titled Work Smart, Play Smart with Galaxy AI. Mr Seet introduced Samsung’s latest smartphones, the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6, highlighting their durability, long-lasting battery life, and Samsung’s commitment to providing seven years of software updates. The main focus of his talk was Galaxy AI, where he demonstrated its various functions, including real-time voice-to-text translation, browsing assistance, and the ability to translate and summarise long texts instantly. Mr Seet emphasised how Galaxy AI can revolutionise everyday life, particularly for the younger generation, advocating for a shift in mindset from “work hard, play hard” to “work smart, play smart.”

Mr Seet demonstrating the functions of Galaxy AI

The final session, AI Technology in Teaching and Learning, was delivered by FCI Head of Department of Modern Languages Mr Maxwell Sim Yik Seng. Mr Sim explored the integration of AI in the education sector, focusing on tools like ChatGPT that are improving both teaching and learning experiences. He discussed the ways in which AI is making life more efficient and productive and addressed the ethical considerations that come with its widespread use. Mr Sim highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between utilising AI and protecting personal privacy, noting that while AI can significantly enhance educational outcomes, it is not infallible and still requires human oversight to ensure accuracy and ethical integrity. He concluded by discussing the potential future applications of AI in higher education, despite the ethical concerns it raises, and expressed optimism about its continued evolution and integration into the academic world.

Mr Sim exploring the use of AI in education nowadays

Overall, the 7th Industrial Business Conference provided an invaluable opportunity for students, academics, and industry professionals to engage in thoughtful discussions about the future of AI, its applications, and the ethical considerations that must guide its development. The event underscored UTAR’s commitment to fostering a learning environment that embraces technological advancements while promoting ethical and responsible practices.