Louise Smith
ACS Director Workforce Development & Planning

Abstract

Staff retention and staff development are vital to the success of ICT organisations – especially in the current environment of rapid technological change. Assuring the pipeline of future ICT human capital is critical, and there are clear indicators pointing to future skills needs capability. Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) affords a broad range of business benefits achieved through the use off a consistent definition of professional ICT skills.

Register

Dudley Over
Senior Sales Engineer

Abstract

Machine learning has the potential to radically transform our daily lives. Whether you are trying to predict how likely someone is to purchase a product, or determine when a cellular network will go down, machine learning can deliver predictive analytics based on the patterns seen in machine data. This masterclass will:

Introduce you to the Splunk machine data platform;z
Introduce you to basic searching, creating reports and dashboards;
Introduce the Machine Learning Toolkit;
Walk you through a number of examples and use-cases based on some sample data sets

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Sue Webb

Principal Practitioner, Business Analysis
DDLS Australia

Abstract

Data Science has been called the sexy profession by Harvard Business Review, and is one of the fastest growing, most sought after professions.  Data Science is advancing through the rapid adoption of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in everything from mobile phones to large Line-of-Business applications.  Business Analysis (BA) on the other hand has seen more modest growth and is often seen as more of an art than a science. Are these two professions so different? Are Business Analysts really going to be pushed out in favour of Data Scientists?

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Louise Smith
ACS Director Workforce Development and Planning

Louise is a business capability specialist with over 15+ years experience consulting to individual business and governments on the skill needs within their organisation, undertaking training needs analysis and workforce development strategy development and planning to address current and future skills requirements.

This includes whole of sector approaches through her senior management roles for both HR, vocational education and training sectors and member-based professional associations.

Sue Webb
Principal Practitioner, Business Analysis
DDLS Australia

Abstract

Data Science has been called the sexy profession by Harvard Business Review, and is one of the fastest growing, most sought after professions. Data Science is advancing through the rapid adoption of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in everything from mobile phones to large Line-of-Business applications.  Business Analysis (BA) on the other hand has seen more modest growth and is often seen as more of an art than a science. Are these two professions so different? Are Business Analysts really going to be pushed out in favour of Data Scientists?

Register

Dudley Over
Senior Partner Sales Engineer at Splunk

Machine learning has the potential to radically transform our daily lives. Whether you are trying to predict how likely someone is to purchase a product, or determine when a cellular network will go down, machine learning can deliver predictive analytics based on the patterns seen in machine data. This masterclass will:

Introduce you to the Splunk machine data platform;z
Introduce you to basic searching, creating reports and dashboards;
Introduce the Machine Learning Toolkit;
Walk you through a number of examples and use-cases based on some sample data sets

Register

George Coldham
ACS WA Vice-chair

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is scary.  Consider the smartest person you know. Imagine they didn’t sleep, have any emotions to sway their judgement, didn’t get bored, and could duplicate themselves to learn faster again.  

Machine Learning has the ability to make determinations that seem impossible to humans, with a high level of accuracy.  The thought of being profiled makes us uncomfortable, especially when it can determine deep hidden secrets. Do we want to be profiled by our sexual preference, state of health, or daily routines?

Are we ready for the day when AI and Machine Learning supplement our daily activities, a personal concierge who books our uber before we know we want it, or orders a meal from the local store just as we are thinking of lunch.

Charlie Gunningham
Commercialisation Adviser Department of Industry, Innovation & Science

Abstract

What is the state of the early stage tech and innovation sector in Perth, and why is it important? What components make up the sector, what are its barriers to success, how well funded is it, who are its supporters, who are the emerging tech companies, and what do they need now and into the future? Why and how can businesses help encourage the sector?

Startup advocate Charlie Gunningham has had 20 years experience in the sector, having co-founded his own tech startup here, leading it to a trade sale, before going on to become an active mentor, adviser and writer about the local startup scene.

Marcel Wilson
Managing Director
Human Sparks

Abstract

Research shows that digital transformations are inherently risky! In 2018, approximately 84% of digital transformations are expected to fail. Will yours be one of them? ICT professionals in all disciplines should ask themselves, "what can I do to de-risk my company's transformations"?

Register here.

Professor Andrew Rohl FACS
Director, Curtin Institute for Computation

Abstract

Data science is increasingly seen as an essential tool for all research, regardless of discipline. Furthermore, many problems require multidisciplinary teams that provide a combination of strong computing, statistical and domain expertise. At Curtin, we have formed the Curtin Institute for Computation (CIC) that brings all of our expertise in simulation, modelling, data analytics and visualisation under a single umbrella.

The institute currently employs eight data scientists/computational specialists that work directly with researchers to further their digital transformation. In this session we will look at some of the projects that are transforming the way research is done.

Tele Tan
Professor Tele Tan
B.Eng, PhD, Director of AASQA

Abstract

The Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) is an Australian social innovation initiative with the vision of harnessing the special talents of people with autism for the collective benefit of those with autism, industry and the wider community. The mission of the AASQA is to enable individuals with autism to leverage their unique talents through training, educating and mentoring programs, so as to create pathways to valued, long-term employment; whilst addressing the business needs of the Australian ICT industry facing challenges in attracting and retaining IT staff within the sector. The AASQA provides high-level expertise and services in assessment, training, education and work placements for individuals with autism to meet the industry talent needs.

Jim Elllis
OAM, B.Sc, CF, Hon D.Sc, FACS HLM
Chair of AASQA Advisory Board

Abstract

The Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) is an Australian social innovation initiative with the vision of harnessing the special talents of people with autism for the collective benefit of those with autism, industry and the wider community. The mission of the AASQA is to enable individuals with autism to leverage their unique talents through training, educating and mentoring programs, so as to create pathways to valued, long-term employment; whilst addressing the business needs of the Australian ICT industry facing challenges in attracting and retaining IT staff within the sector. The AASQA provides high-level expertise and services in assessment, training, education and work placements for individuals with autism to meet the industry talent needs.

Jeff Andersen
Director, Office Information Australia

Abstract

First, looking at the origin of documents - While the majority of user’s interaction is still with directories or folders, AI can now intercede on the user’s behalf;  for example instead of asking users to set up their own folders, Policy and context can create structure for them. Byproducts include less arbitrary  filing structures and the dynamic application of metadata to assist with filing away documents. Using an AI engine, users can interact with a smart shell without having to directly access the store at all.

Second, we will look at how AI can liberate data from an existing store - AI can feed back information about usage, unusual behavior (departing employees?), work ethics and work-rates, and possible security breaches; sounds a bit ‘big brother’ but tools are available now which help the user mine for useful data (needle in a haystack?), find relevant knowledge or identify experts; social graphing means connecting data to people and people to data and identifying types of relationships.

Third, the presentation looks at how we can secure our data using AI and machine learning; this includes detection of cyber enemies, predictions of data loss and behavioral modelling.

Dr Ashley Aitken
Principal at Innovately and CEO and Co-Founder at HEDventures 

Abstract

This presentation will review how Lean Startup represents a radical new approach to doing startups.  How it recommends searching for a repeatable, scalable and viable business model rather than executing like an established business.

Within this approach the presentation will suggest that people shouldn’t say they are “doing a startup” or “starting a business” they should say they are "searching for a business."  They are explorers searching rather than starters building.

This is similar to the way the resources sector does exploration before building infrastructure for a mining site and executing on production.  This also insulates the explorer from any failure when they don’t find a viable business right away.  

We don’t expect to find something immediately (or perhaps ever) when we are searching.  Failure is an accepted outcome.  Only if / when one finds and validates a viable startup business model do we become a “founder” and start the business.  

Erica Smyth
MSc FTSE FAICD
Non-Executive Director and Chairman at National Energy Resources Australia

Abstract

It is obvious demand for skilled data scientists, analysts and interpreters is already outstripping supply. Looking forward the gap will widen before balance returns to the skills market. What can we do to understand where the critical gaps will appear and how should we address this when the pace of change makes it difficult to predict future trends. Universities, TAFEs, online educators, in-house courses and on the job training all have a role to play but the balance of short, medium and long term offerings will need to be more fit for purpose.

Matthew O'Leary
Senior Associate at Herbert Smith Freehills

Abstract

Panellists will discuss the social, ethical and legal impacts of the introduction of automated passenger vehicles in Australia. In 2016 the RAC (WA) together with the Government of Western Australia imported a small automated bus, which operates in South Perth. There were legal issues which had to be overcome, and these are still under revision by governments within Australia. In 2017, Curtin University imported another bus, and recently French manufacturer NAVYA decided on Perth as one of the three cities in the world where they will trial up to five automated cars from late this year.

The industry expectation is that by 2030, these cars will be mainstream, so how will they impact our lives? For better or worse?

Anna Sawyer
Road Safety & Member Manager

Abstract

Panellists will discuss the social, ethical and legal impacts of the introduction of automated passenger vehicles in Australia. In 2016 the RAC (WA) together with the Government of Western Australia imported a small automated bus, which operates in South Perth. There were legal issues which had to be overcome, and these are still under revision by governments within Australia. In 2017, Curtin University imported another bus, and recently French manufacturer NAVYA decided on Perth as one of the three cities in the world where they will trial up to five automated cars from late this year.

The industry expectation is that by 2030, these cars will be mainstream, so how will they impact our lives? For better or worse?

Thomas Bräunl
Professor at The University of Western Australia.

Abstract

Panellists will discuss the social, ethical and legal impacts of the introduction of automated passenger vehicles in Australia. In 2016 the RAC (WA) together with the Government of Western Australia imported a small automated bus, which operates in South Perth. There were legal issues which had to be overcome, and these are still under revision by governments within Australia. In 2017, Curtin University imported another bus, and recently French manufacturer NAVYA decided on Perth as one of the three cities in the world where they will trial up to five automated cars from late this year.

The industry expectation is that by 2030, these cars will be mainstream, so how will they impact our lives? For better or worse?

Marcus Ashby
NEC WA
Sales Manager

Abstract

The disruptive trends of Biometrics and AI led to the emergence of millions of digital natives who demand cutting-edge technology and innovative services with pervasive connectivity anytime, anywhere. Against this backdrop, Advanced Recognition Systems are becoming increasingly widespread with the growing implementation of biometric security in a number of sectors, particularly in banking, retail, law enforcement, border control and medical.

NEC Australia is investing substantially in technological innovations to safeguard against integrated cyber-physical attacks using the industry-leading three-pronged approach (People, Places and Patterns). NEC’s Advanced Recognition Systems apply some of the most cutting-edge technologies in the world. NEC has carried out large-scale deployments in border automation, e-passports, law enforcement identification, crowd control, and citizen surveillance in a growing number of Asia-Pacific countries.

Dr Louise Schaper
PhD FACHI CHIA
Chief Executive Officer, Health Informatics Society of Australia (HISA): Australia’s Digital Health Community.

HISA STREAM

Working Towards Delivering Cohesive Integrated Digital Healthcare throughout WA presented by HISA (Health Informatics Society of Australia).

The 90 minute stream will comprise three 20 minute presentations, which will link together to give delegates a realistic and current overview of ‘digital transformation’ imperative for the Australian healthcare sector and how the opportunities and challenges require whole new ways of thinking, along with new skills and expertise form the professional services sectors.

These will be followed by a 30 minute ‘questions and answers’ session with a panel comprising the three presenters, co-ordinated by the session chair. Three high calibre speakers will give their respective perspectives on how their roles and current work is actively contributing towards the digital transformation of the Australian healthcare sector.

Register here.

Dr Felicity Hodder
IT Clinical and Operational Commissioning Lead for Perth Children’s Hospital.

HISA STREAM

Working Towards Delivering Cohesive Integrated Digital Healthcare throughout WA presented by HISA (Health Informatics Society of Australia).

The 90 minute stream will comprise three 20 minute presentations, which will link together to give delegates a realistic and current overview of ‘digital transformation’ imperative for the Australian healthcare sector and how the opportunities and challenges require whole new ways of thinking, along with new skills and expertise form the professional services sectors.

These will be followed by a 30 minute ‘questions and answers’ session with a panel comprising the three presenters, co-ordinated by the session chair. Three high calibre speakers will give their respective perspectives on how their roles and current work is actively contributing towards the digital transformation of the Australian healthcare sector.

Register here.

Joshua Sacks
South Metropolitan Health Services Telehealth Coordinator

HISA STREAM

Working Towards Delivering Cohesive Integrated Digital Healthcare throughout WA presented by HISA (Health Informatics Society of Australia).

The 90 minute stream will comprise three 20 minute presentations, which will link together to give delegates a realistic and current overview of ‘digital transformation’ imperative for the Australian healthcare sector and how the opportunities and challenges require whole new ways of thinking, along with new skills and expertise form the professional services sectors.

These will be followed by a 30 minute ‘questions and answers’ session with a panel comprising the three presenters, co-ordinated by the session chair. Three high calibre speakers will give their respective perspectives on how their roles and current work is actively contributing towards the digital transformation of the Australian healthcare sector.

Register here.

James Cottrill
Principal in charge of IT Audit & Risk Consulting/Internal Audit
Stantons International

Abstract

Stantons International is a second tier Chartered Accountant audit firm that not only does financial audits but also performs IT audits. Even though the organisation strives to align with recognised security standards such as the AS/NZS ISO 27000 series of standards ensuring reasonable IT security controls it was still hit by a ransomware cyberattack that had an impact.

This presentation will discuss what happened, what we did to recover (including cost recovery) and the new remediation measures implemented to ensure we mitigate against future cyberattacks. After more than one year, we have not had any further incidents. Notwithstanding this, our users still complain about our security measures.