THE University of the Philippines (UP) is set to host a two-day conference, “AI Horizons PH ‘24: Conference on AI-Powered Research and Innovation,” on October 24 and 25, 2024, at the UP-BGC campus in Taguig City.
This event comes on the heels of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, which recognized the foundational discoveries of John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton in machine learning with artificial neural networks. This recognition underscores the growing significance of AI in scientific advancement and societal progress.
The conference aims to bring together experts from various fields to explore the potential of AI in addressing critical challenges faced by the Philippines. These challenges include ensuring food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, improving education quality, strengthening good governance, optimizing materials and energy use, and enhancing health and wellness.
The recent Nobel Prize highlights the importance of investing in AI research and development. UP President Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez emphasizes that “investing in AI is not just an option but an imperative for our nation’s future.” Recognizing AI’s global impact, UP is taking concrete steps to harness its potential for national progress.
Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion, UP’s Special Adviser to the President on Research and Innovation, draws parallels between the Nobel-winning work and the conference’s objectives. She emphasizes that AI can “accelerate discovery and innovation across all fields.” This conference serves as a crucial step towards positioning the Philippines as a leader in AI innovation within Southeast Asia.
Conference chair Dr. Prospero Naval, Jr. highlights the vision of integrating AI into various aspects of life and making it accessible to all. “AI’s transformative potential hinges on our commitment to digital infrastructure and data-driven strategies across all sectors,” emphasizes Peter Sy, UP Assistant Vice President for Digital Transformation.
The two-day conference will feature keynote speakers and discussions focusing on AI applications in various fields food, agriculture, livestock and fisheries, education and governance, materials and energy, health and wellness (mental, physical, socio-cultural).