The National University of Science and Technology, Oman, has hosted the first International Conference on Advanced Technology – ICAT 2024 on 30th May and 1st April 2024 with a focus on the application of AI and Cyber solutions for sustainability in engineering and healthcare. This conference was inaugurated on 30th May by the patron and chief guest, His Excellency Dr Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, undersecretary for communication and information technology, Ministry of Transport at the Hormuz Grant Hotel, Muscat, and continues over a second day on the 1st May.
In line with Oman’s Vision 2024, NU is committed to fostering global innovation and technological advancement in engineering and health sciences areas to promote excellence in research. The international conference has brought together experts, scholars, and visionaries to explore groundbreaking research in AI and cyber security. The conference features keynote addresses by eminent speakers from different parts of the world and paper presentation sessions focusing on the theme “Applications of AI and Cyber Solutions for Sustainability in Engineering and Healthcare.”
Dr. Ali Al Bimani , in his inaugural speech, mentioned that we are living in an era of modern technology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, etc., which offers immense opportunities to drive innovation, improve quality of life, and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. On the other hand, it also presents a plethora of challenges across various domains.
He added that in engineering, AI is propelling advances in design optimization, predictive maintenance, and autonomous operations, enhancing everything from supply chains to manufacturing efficiencies and contributing to sustainable urban development. In healthcare, AI is transforming diagnostics, personalizing treatments, and improving patient care management with algorithms that assist in early detection and continuous patient support through an enhanced system.
With an esteemed lineup of 11 keynote speakers, ICAT 2024 promises insightful discussions and collaborations. This conference has brought academia, researchers, industry, and other stakeholders together to share knowledge, encourage research in developing technology, and assist in identifying the future needs of Oman and the region for driving the digital economy. Further, this conference has led to the signing of an MOU between NU & SRM University in India to collaborate and jointly work to explore practical solutions to emerging technology and fostering collaboration, advancing knowledge, addressing some of the challenges, and shaping the future direction of artificial intelligence research and applications
The first keynote speech was on an important topic, monitoring machine learning models, presented by a distinguished personality, Dr K Moidin Mohiuddin. Chief Technology Officer Score Dat Corporation USA. He emphasized that Monitoring machine learning models are essential to ensure they continue to perform optimally over time. He give insights to guidelines on how to monitor machine learning models effectively:
The second keynote speech was on the National Program for Digital Economy, delivered by Dr Nasser Mohammed Al Fannah from the Ministry of Transport. He mentioned that the National Program for Digital Economy outlines a set of pillars, executive programs, and action plans, in addition to medium—and long-term targets aligned to Omani Vision 2040.
Prof Syedali Mirjalili, a senior professor and expert in AI from Torrens University Australia, has outlined various ways and means to overcome the difficulties in optimization for challenging real-world problems.
The event has received an overwhelming response, with over 80 presentations of technical papers from more than 15 countries worldwide. The conference has received generous support and sponsorship from top establishments like ASYAD, Oman LNG, OQGN, Arabian Industries, Huawei, Al Siraj Holdings, and Oman Arab Bank.
The conference is being attended by more than 150 delegates, including 70 international delegates and speakers from more than 12 countries, including Australia, USA, Turkey, Japan, India, and Malaysia. The conference continues today and tomorrow with addresses from keynote and invited speakers and technical sessions, and ends with a plenary session on 1st April 2024
