MORE than 20 countries, including China, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Singapore and Thailand, will take part in the inaugural AI Horizon Summit in Penang.
Represented by 120 companies, universities and organisations, the countries will gather at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) from Oct 6 to 7 to explore practical, real-world applications of AI.
The first day will feature exhibitions and displays, while the second day will host a conference with global experts, along with workshops and AI exhibitions showcasing the latest technological advancements.
Speaking at a press conference at PWCC today, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo explained the importance of holding the summit.
“We know that AI can benefit us. In fact, it’s being used throughout our lives now, and some people say it might take over our lives.
“But I don’t think we want that to happen, so that is the reason why we are having this Horizon Summit,” Jagdeep said.
He added that the conference would feature practical case studies and applications of AI in various industries.
Jagdeep, who is expecting more than 30,000 people to attend the event, said it was important to ensure that humans remained in control of AI, rather than allowing it to take over the workplace.
“You know they (MNCs) use AI, and in order to use AI, you have to have the talent to control how it works,” he said.
Also present were Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi, Jagdeep’s special adviser J. Phillip Vincent, Penang Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) chief executive officer Richard Chung and ET Partners managing director ET Tan.
Tan said they had invited more than 300 multinational companies (MNCs) and 5,000 local companies to showcase their AI implementations and discuss their challenges and achievements.
“We have applications from highway, agriculture, healthcare, customer service and other sectors, not just from factories or offices,” Tan said.
Chung re-emphasised the event’s focus on showcasing AI applications from different sectors and its broad reach.
“We are going to showcase AI from different perspectives and across the globe. This is an important platform not only for the industry, but also for students as well,” Chung said.
Khoo also highlighted Jagdeep’s contribution to connecting the organisers with partners and bringing humanoid robots to the event, giving visitors an opportunity to see their capabilities and learn more about their potential applications in the future.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Alissala Thian