NSW Monthly Wrap Up - September 24
Welcome to the September 2024 wrap-up from your NSW ACS branch, highlighting the key activities and events that brought our community together and showcasing our shared achievements and memorable moments.
Solomon Island delegation visits ACS Sydney Hub
ACS were honoured to host a Solomon Islands delegation at the Sydney Hub. We were pleased to welcome Commissioner Calvin Ziru, Steve Erhiru of the Solomon Islands SIG, and Glen Buka, CISO of the Solomon Islands Central Bank who were attending the South Pacific Sydney Dialogue as guests of the Australian High Commission in Honiara.
During the meeting, we discussed the opportunities for ACS to support the growth of the Solomon Islands’ technology sector and how we can assist the development of the nation’s digital capabilities and IT workforce.
ACS attends NSW Spark Festival launch
ACS were pleased to again sponsor the annual NSW Spark Festival. Held over the week of 2-9 September, the festival held over a hundred startup and technology events across the state.
Helen McHugh, ACS President, was able to make it along to the launch event along with Harbour City Labs Manager, Andrew Corbett-Jones and a number of the Labs tenants.
NSW Branch Forum – Rise of the robots
As part of the NSW Branch Forum held on the 5 September, ACS members and staff were delighted by not one, but two robot dogs. These dogs are used by Forum panellist, Adrian Tyson, Founder of Neuranext AI Education to educate high school children on the power of robotics and AI. Once they understand the ability of the technology, they can open their imagination to the use cases for application.
Adrian was joined by Dr Sue Keay, Chair Robotics Australia Group and Dr Clyde Webster, CEO Crest Robotics. Facilitated by NSW BEC Vice-Chair, Lucy Lin, the panel covered a range of playful topics including favourite robots and the misleading stereotypes of Hollywood robots as well as more serious topics such as the role that robots can play in the workforce, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and logistics to increase levels of efficiency and safety.
There was discussion about the use of robots for more complex tasks than vacuuming and how it could improve productivity at home including chores such as washing and ironing and at work providing analysis and guidance. Possible applications seem endless. However, it would seem required focus from policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and the public to navigate challenges to harness the full potential.
AI in Human Resources
On Tuesday 25 September, ACS NSW hosted an Insights event for our recruitment partner, Cox Purtell. The event consisted of a panel of experts including Siobhan O’Sullivan, Chief Operating Office at ACS to discuss the applications of AI in the human resources industry.
Siobhan was joined by Pete Murray, Managing Director - Veritas, Vaugh Sheffield, Senior Manager Learning Technology – Deloitte and Kaylee Langbridge, Talent Experience Specialist – Xero and Facilitator, Mike Erlin, Founder of Ability Map.
The panel provided strong test cases for the application of AI in not only in recruitment but also in talent development and staff engagement. Even in the area of recruitment it was identified that AI has more uses than just processing applications and CVs to shortlist preferred candidates for further human analysis and interview.
While optimism was high for the use of AI to increase productivity and provide higher quality outcomes, the discussion was not without inclusion of some of the current challenges which included questions around accountability and liability for poor outcomes and the need for controls and governance of use within organisations.
Overall, it was decided that the only way is up because currently, as quoted from MC Mike Erlin “it is the worst AI right now.”
As we conclude this month’s review, we extend a formal invitation for you to engage more deeply with our upcoming events and community initiatives. As a valued member, your presence enriches our gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. We also recognise the expertise you bring, and we encourage you to share your knowledge and insights to contribute to the growth and success of our community. Your involvement is crucial in shaping the future of our branch, and we look forward to your continued participation in the months ahead.
Explore our upcoming events here.
Until next time,