By Alistina Shrestha, School of Engineering and Technology
30 November 2023: The 1st International Conference on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS&AI), held from November 27 to 29, 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand, was a resounding success, organized by the Department of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) of the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to the growth of knowledge in data science and artificial intelligence, particularly in developing countries. The conference featured many research presentations focusing on driving progress in data science and artificial intelligence. The conference attracted participants worldwide, creating a platform for AI researchers and practitioners to share experiences and expertise.
In his opening remarks, Professor Sangam Shrestha, Dean of SET, highlighted the rapid evolution of technology and underscored the crucial role of collaboration in advancing the fields of data science and artificial intelligence. He commended the sustainable partnership forged through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the field of Higher Education Project, which led to the successful development of a new master’s Program in ‘Data Science and AI.’ Professor Shrestha congratulated the program committee chairs, Dr. Chutiporn Anutariya and Dr. Marcello M. Bonsangue. He expressed his wishes for a productive conference and a delightful stay in Bangkok for all participants. He thanked the sponsors for their significant contribution in organizing this event.
The DSAI 2023 conference displayed esteemed speakers who delivered insightful keynotes and invited talks, shedding light on the latest trends and innovations in data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Prof. Peter Flach from the University of Bristol, UK contributed a keynote addressing Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI). His presentation provided insights into the behavior of AI models, contributing to understanding this crucial aspect of AI development. Noteworthy presentations included Dr. Sakriani Sakti’s exploration of a machine speech chain framework based on deep learning. Dr. Sakti, an Associate Professor at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), delved into the training mechanism that enables machines to learn to listen or speak.
Additionally, Dr. Patcharin Panjaburee, an Associate Professor at Khon Kaen University, Thailand presented an invited talk focusing on pedagogy-infused AI for precision education. Dr. Panjaburee discussed the challenges and emphasized the importance of considering individual students in designing AI for educational purposes.
Students worldwide and in various fields displayed remarkable innovation in presenting their ideas on artificial intelligence through research papers and posters. The event provided a platform for students to delve into diverse aspects of AI, conducting thorough investigations into its roles and applications. The creativity and depth of these presentations demonstrated the students commitment to advancing the field and exploring the potential of AI in solving real-world challenges. The combination of detailed research papers and visually engaging posters highlighted the multifaceted nature of their work, contributing significantly to the discourse on AI advancements. This dynamic showcase underscored the students enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of AI knowledge and their commitment to sharing insights with the broader academic community.
The academic contributions presented at DSAI 2023 were subjected to rigorous evaluation. Each paper submission underwent review by at least three members of the Program Committee. The conference acknowledged outstanding papers and posters with awards, showcasing exceptional research contributions. Srijan Ghimire, from the Internet of Things (IoT) Systems Engineering program, secured the Best Poster Award, while the first runner-up for the Best Poster was Faye Simon from the Information & Communications Technologies program. The Best Paper Award was presented to Jeff Wong and Po Chai Wong from The Chinese University of Hongkong.
As we reflect on the success of DSAI 2023, the collaborative spirit and knowledge exchange during the conference undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing advancements in the dynamic fields of data science and artificial intelligence. This event not only underscored the advancements in AI but also highlighted the crucial role played by SET and AIT in shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence.
