Speakers

Session: Live one-on-one fireside chat with Dr Liming Zhu

Dr Leila Alem has 25+ years of experience in helping businesses transform for the Digital Future. Her expertise includes designing awards winning digital products and new customer experiences leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, Wearables, AR/ VR and MR and using Design Thinking, Lean Start-up and Agile methodologies. Her clients include Boeing, Rio Tinto, Thomson, 3M and many more , as well as Government Departments at both state and federal level. She won the 2013 NSW State innovation Award in R&D for her work with Boeing and was finalist of The Women Infotech outstanding Career Achievements Award in 2015.

Leila has 10 years of experience in entrepreneurship, building new innovation programs and practices to drive client engagement. Her corporate entrepreneurship experience include government and consulting sector. Currently Leila is the co-founder of ArcSense, a wearable tech start-up in health and wellbeing. She teaches Product Design, Innovation & Entrepreneurship  in MBAs in Australia and France and mentors tech start-ups and social enterprises.
Leila is an Adjunct Professor in Human Computer Interaction at UTS and holds a PhD in AI. She was Principal consultant at Thoughtworks, a global innovation consulting firm, for 2 years and Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO for 23 years.

She is a sought after keynote at international conferences on emerging technologies and innovation. Leila has 100+ publications and is the editor of books & international journals in the next frontiers of Human Computer Interaction.

Session: Panel Discussion: Addressing the complexities of scaling AI for business profitability and competitive success

Dr. Artak Amirbekyan heads up Enterprise Data, AI and ML function at Transurban. He previously led AI Labs team in Commonwealth Bank as an Executive Manager. Transurban is an Australian-owned company. We build and operate toll roads in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, as well as in Greater Washington, United States and Montreal, Canada. We’re also a technology company – we research and develop innovative tolling and transport technology that makes travel easier and safer for everyone. My team help Transurban to achieve its vision by providing data analytics and machine learning solutions that ranges from simple analytics to more complex deep learning solutions in our road infrastructure.  He has a PhD in Data Mining and worked in both industry and academia for more than 15 years in machine learning field.

Session: Forecasting profitability with AI; It doesn’t break the law

Keynote speaker, tech evangelist and podcast host Dave Anderson is a unique talent with a refreshing perspective. With expertise running marketing in Europe and the US, including successfully leading NYSE listed DT to an IPO in 2019, he has returned home to Australia to evangelise AI disrupter DataRobot. He is passionate about software development and regularly consults to the world's leading organizations on their AI, cloud transformation, DevOps and CX strategies. His media commentary has featured across major broadcasters including the BBC, Bloomberg, Mashable, Fox News and Sky News. His interviews, and most recent podcast, have included legends of sports and tech including Earvin "Magic" Johnson (NBA Hall of Famer), Marc Randolph (Co-founding CEO of Netflix), Adam Cheyer (Co-founder of Siri), Max Tegmark (International Best Selling Author), and Hannah Fry (Author, Podcaster and Media Presenter).

Session: Panel Discussion: Addressing the complications in merging IoT and AI and doing so to support decision making with minimal human interference

Professor Fang Chen is a prominent leader in AI/data science with international reputation and industrial recognition. She is the winner the Oscars of Australian science, 2018 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Excellence in Data Science. She has created many innovative research and solutions, transforming industries that utilise AI/data science. She has helped industries worldwide advance towards excellence in increasing their productivity, innovation, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

The transformations to industry with practical impact won her many industrial recognitions including being named as "Water Professional of The Year" in 2016. She has actively led in developing new strategies, which prioritise the organisation's objectives, and capitalise on any growth opportunities. She has built up a career in creating research and business plans, and executing with leadership and passion. In science and engineering, Professor Chen has 300+ refereed publications, including several books. She has filed 30+ patents in Australia, US, Canada, Europe, Japan, Korea, Mexico and China.

Session: How do you prepare your business for an AI future?

Jeff holds an honours chartered accountancy degree from the University of Waterloo, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto, Canada and was granted the Global Distinguished Talent Visa for Intelligent Automation in May 2020 by the Australian Government. Jeff brings extensive international experience in technology services, digital transformation, robotic process automation, IT automation, cognitive and AI technologies, financial analysis, financial governance, business process and IT transformation.

He has assisted organisations around the globe in efforts to transform business operations using various automation technologies including Robotic Process Automation (RPA), cognitive and artificial intelligence technologies.

Session: Preparing your workforce for AI integration

Session: How do you prepare your business for an AI future?

Dan brings extensive international experience in business transformation consulting, advising organisations on digital transformation and enabling technologies. Dan is an AI enthusiast and is passionate about the positive impact it can have for businesses and the wider society, he has particular interest in helping organisations prepare for future AI impacts.

Session: Panel Discussion: Addressing the complexities of scaling AI for business profitability and competitive success

Jo Gurry is a commercially focused Chief Data Officer with an outstanding track-record in banking, insurance and telecommunications sectors. She has 25 years’ experience in information technology, finance and business intelligence. Jo has held leadership roles in IT Strategy, analytics, IT Operations, program management and IT consulting at Commonwealth Bank and KPMG in London, New York and Australia.

Jo has led the adoption of machine learning and AI methods in large companies such as IAG and nbn, building teams of several hundred experts, and driven successful transformations of data culture and capability. Jo aims to balance risk and compliance activity with strong commercial outcomes and an innovation agenda.

Session: Panel Discussion: The impacts of AI on the customer experience

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Session: Panel Discussion: Addressing the complications in merging IoT and AI and doing so to support decision making with minimal human interference

Session: Workshop A: Integrated intelligence. How to effectively integrate your people with intelligent technology

Session: The top 5 things you can do with your leaders to avoid failure of AI projects

Leisa Hart has led large change programs across international and domestic markets in the climate change and finance industries.

Leisa is passionate about improving organisational effectiveness by building change adaptive leaders who are ready for increased human-digital interactions.

As an accredited ChangeFirst practitioner and brain based executive coach (NeuroLeadership Institute & IECL Level 3) she uses science-based strategies to help harness the potential of individuals and teams to deliver for organisations.

Session: Transforming utilities industry into intelligent, digital enterprises using AI

A solution and data insight behaviorist / evangelist / strategist; with over 25 years expertise in applying data science to tackle and solve real world problems. Experience in multi-verticals including retail, financial service, insurance, government, utilities and mining.

He has applied these skills to solving problems working on client side and delivering these solutions whilst working for some of the world's largest consultancies. These solutions have been applied in both B2B and B2C environments. He has led the development and implementation (in the UK, Australia and Asia Pacific), for multi-national/regional companies across all the major cloud providers.

Session: Preventing unsafe, illegal and unethical uses of AI

Aurélie advises ASX 20 Companies on the responsible implementation of AI. She also works as Principal Research Consultant on Responsible AI for CSIRO-DATA61.

She works on leading global initiatives for the implementation of Responsible AI. To cite a few, she is

• The chair of the standards committee representing Australia at the international standards on AI; and
• the co-chair of the first accredited global certification program for AI developed under the Global AI Action Alliance for the World Economic Forum; and
• Last year she was also appointed by the European Commission as an expert as part of their international outreach initiative, which helps promote the EU’s vision on sustainable and trustworthy AI.

She is also a member of the NSW Government AI Committee and of the Co-chair of the Australian Computer Society’s AI Ethics Committee.

In 2021, she won the Australia-New Zealand Women in AI and the law award, she was recognised by Women in AI Ethics (WAIE) as one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics globally, and the Responsible AI Institute Leadership Award.

Session: Panel Discussion: Addressing the complications in merging IoT and AI and doing so to support decision making with minimal human interference

Session: Transforming utilities industry into intelligent, digital enterprises using AI

Michael is a Digital Strategy Practice and Customer Experience Director, APAC Principal Consultant/Lead with a career in Design of Digital B2C, B2B experience is APPS, Web and ECOSYSTEMS for over 18 years.

Michael specializes in helping organisations develop and innovate end to end Business and Customer Expereince programs and related service lines. Michael's teams deliver in the world of fast paced Business Intelligence, scaled Web and Apps Design, AIML and Omni channel product management and Customer Service via a fundamental approach of Design Thinking as it applies to digital activations. This has quickly become the primary tool for business programs evolving with the technical and Agile innovations required by audiences across omni channel engagements. 'Learn fast and stay lean', is the mantra of modern digital business. Michael's Agile Enterprise and Digital Delivery and Transformation experience brings with its foundations in evolving Organisational Agility, Data cultures, insights and outcomes driven user research, anthropology/psychology of digital cultures at scale, platform development, technical leadership, rapid testing, digital project management, agile delivery data value, user experience innovation strategies, evolving meaningful Data strategies for Digital 3.0 era of AIML.

Session: Transforming the oil and gas sector through the use of Big Data and AI

Session: Why leverage data virtualization for machine learning and AI projects?

Felix Liao is the Director of Product Management for Denodo in Asia Pacific and has 15+ years of experience in the analytics market. He has worked with global organisations such as HP, IBM, and SAS across multiple roles including customer advisory, marketing, and alliance. Felix leverages his unique blend of technology and business background to help clients solve some of their most complex problems. In his current role, he is responsible for product evangelising and innovations that serve the needs of Denodo customers in the APAC region. Felix holds an undergraduate degree in computer engineering, an MBA from MGSM, and is also a certified data scientist and a published author.

Session: Outlining how the NSW Government is using AI to enhance government services

Dr. Ian Oppermann is the NSW Government’s Chief Data Scientist working within the Department of Customer Service. He is also an Industry Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).  From 2015 to 2019, Ian was also the CEO of the NSW Data Analytics Centre (DAC). Ian has nearly 30 years’ experience in the ICT sector and, has led organizations with more than 300 people, delivering products and outcomes that have impacted hundreds of millions of people globally. He has held senior management roles in Europe and Australia as Director for Radio Access Performance at Nokia, Global Head of Sales Partnering (network software) at Nokia Siemens Networks, and then Divisional Chief and Flagship Director at CSIRO.

Ian is considered a thought leader in the area of the Digital Economy and is a regular speaker on “Big Data”, broadband enabled services and the impact of technology on society. He has contributed to 6 books and co-authored more than 120 papers which have been cited more than 4000 times. Ian has an MBA from the University of London and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Telecommunications from Sydney University. Ian is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia, a Fellow of the IEEE, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, is a Fellow and President of the Australian Computer Society, and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ian is also president of the Australia National Committee of the IEC and president of the JTC1 strategic advisory committee in Australia.

Session: Workshop A: Integrated intelligence. How to effectively integrate your people with intelligent technology

Session: The top 5 things you can do with your leaders to avoid failure of AI projects

Dr Debra Panipucci has been helping organisations translate changes to their strategy, structure, process and people into successful outcomes across industries such as finance, insurance, FMCG manufacturing, and superannuation.

With a Ph.D in decision-making, Debra has a deep understanding of behaviour change which she uses to identify risks and issues holding back change, as well as how to maximise business agility and resilience.

She has a strong focus on governance and effective processes that are needed to deliver the transition of your transformation and project without erosion of benefits.

Debra is accredited in the Human Synergistics LSI, both Prosci and ChangeFirst methodologies, as well as a certified Executive Coach (IECL Level 2) and Graduate of the AICD.

Session: Panel Discussion: Addressing the complexities of scaling AI for business profitability and competitive success

Aruna Pattam heads the AI & Data Science practice at HCL Technologies managing the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Japan region.

Aruna has been recognized recently for her contribution to AI including “AI Global Ambassador 2022” by Swiss Cognitive World-Leading AI Network, “AI Changemaker Leader 2022″ by 3AI a leading AI & Analytics community, “The Most Admired Global Indians 2021” by Passion Vista - Global Magazine.

Aruna has spent the last 22+ years delivering analytics platforms, decision support systems and analytics solutions using data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Aruna has held many technical and executive leadership roles in Commonwealth bank of Australia, Westpac, AMP financial services, SAS Australia and had implemented solutions covering fraud detection, anti-money laundering, credit risk, privacy, and compliance and so on.

Aruna current focus is on how to use AI and Data Science at scale in order to solve business challenges across a variety of domains including financial services, insurance, retail, utilities, telco, among others.

An area she is highly passionate about are Women's role in AI, Responsible AI and how AI is helping organisations meet ESG expectations.

Aruna is a thought leader, speaker, mentor, blogger, vlogger with the goal of educating and providing awareness on AI to the business and wider community. She regularly shares informative blogs, storytelling videos etc. aimed at demystifying AI and detailing the ever-expanding AI scope for business transformation.

Refer to her YouTube Channel, Website, and LinkedIn for more information.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Trained as a Materials Scientist, Geoff moved into business and then data, leading the marketing data team at Salesforce, the data and analytics function at Jayride, and now Customer Analytics projects within Atlassian. Some of Geoff's work has been featured by Google as the first Australian use case for geospatial analytics and machine learning on a global transport dataset.

Geoff has experience in geospatial, marketing, product, and customer data science, and supports a production natural language processing and recommendation system at Atlassian.

In his free time, Geoff loves hiking through Random Forests, and donating his skills to charities on pro-bono projects.

Session: Examining how Australian businesses are using data to predict consumer choices

Session: Panel Discussion: The impacts of AI on the customer experience

Kshira Saagar (the K is silent like in a Knight) is currently the Chief Data Officer of Latitude Financial Services and has spent 21.3% of his life helping key decision-makers and CxOs make smarter decisions using data, and strongly believes that every organisation can become truly data-driven.

He has been consecutively recognised among the Top 10 Analytics Leaders in Australia, for 2019 and 2020. At every place he has worked, working and will work - he likes to go back to the fundamentals, asking people to ask more questions of data and being a tough taskmaster on getting actionable outcomes from data, on all possible occasions. Outside work, Kshira spends a lot of time on advancing data literacy initiatives for high school and undergrad students.

Session: Developing an ethical AI future

Dr Mahendra Samarawickrama is a leader in the data science and analytics sector with rich experience across a wide range of people, cultures, technologies and governance. He is extremely passionate about empowering people, innovations, and creativity to enhance the businesses and customer experience. His experience spans across conceptualising, building and managing a variety of data science and analytics teams, systems and processes. He holds a PhD in computer science with masters of business administration (MBA) and project management (MPM). His technical skills specialised in machine learning, deep learning, telecommunication and high-performance computing. He is a graduate of the AICD (GAICD), an ACS certified professional (CP), a senior member of IEEE (SMIEEE) and an honorary visiting scholar at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). In the Australian Red Cross, he leads the data-science strategy and capability build component for social innovation, transformation and sustainability by mobilising the power of humanity.

Session: Panel Discussion: Addressing the complexities of scaling AI for business profitability and competitive success

Dr Nandita Sharma is a Director in Artificial Intelligence and Automation at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). She is experienced in leading data science initiatives in government, banking, private and research industries. She has considerable understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in industry and deeply interested in educating organisations to embrace analytics and AI for enhanced success.

She is a strong engineering professional with a PhD in AI (Australian National University) and holds numerous International publications. Her research interests are in Deep Learning, Computational Intelligence, Optimisation, Machine Learning and Natural Language Understanding.

Session: Panel Discussion: Addressing the complexities of scaling AI for business profitability and competitive success

Session: Developing long-term growth through unlocking the value in your legacy data systems

Stela Solar is passionate about removing barriers to positive technology adoption and engagement. Over the past 15 years, Stela has cultivated expertise in capturing new revenue opportunities presented by emerging technologies, particularly through business model transformation. With most recent experience as Global Director of AI Solutions Sales and Strategy at Microsoft, Stela's experiences across business development, strategy, ecosystem development, marketing and product management inform her insights surrounding cross-organisational factors affecting an organisation’s ability to capture an advantage.

Stela is returning to Australia after seven years in the US to lead the National AI Centre.

Session: Panel Discussion: The impacts of AI on the customer experience

Session: Forecasting profitability with AI; It doesn’t break the law

Session: Live one-on-one fireside chat with Dr Liming Zhu

Dr/Prof. Liming Zhu is a Research Director at CSIRO’s Data61. He is also a conjoint full professor at University of New South Wales (UNSW). He is the chairperson of Standards Australia's blockchain and distributed ledger committee. His research program has more than 300 people innovating in the area of big data platforms, computational science, blockchain, regulation technology, privacy and cybersecurity. He has published more than 200 academic papers on software architecture, secure systems and data analytics infrastructure and blockchain.