The AI Engineering Institute (AIEI), in collaboration with DELL Technologies, proudly announces the AI Engineering & Innovation Summit 2024, took place on 13 December 2024.
The AIEI is a collaborative initiative that brings together several prestigious Thai universities, including CMKL University, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Mahidol University, Khon Kaen University, Prince of Songkla University, and Chiang Mai University.
This annual summit served as a platform for academia, government, industry, and public-sector groups to collaborate on pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence, driving Thailand toward becoming a global AI leader.
As our honored guest, Suchada Thaensap, Secretary to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, stated: "As we embrace this ambitious agenda, we must recognize that AI is more than a technological tool—it is a means to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future." She also highlighted the coalition's goal of producing 15,000 AI graduates within five years to support Thailand's AI strategy, thereby equipping the country with the human capital needed to drive innovation and excel on the global AI stage.
Bridging Academia, Industry, and Government for AI Innovation
At the heart of the AIEI lies a mission to build a national AI ecosystem that fosters education, innovation, and collaboration. Established as a center to coordinate university networks and connect learners with professionals, AIEI plays a pivotal role in advancing Thailand's national AI strategy. This includes Sovereign AI, a visionary initiative ensuring the country’s self-reliance in AI through homegrown infrastructure, data, and workforce.
Today, we are delighted to announce the expansion of the AIEI network with the addition of three new partners: Chulalongkorn University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, and the Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology. This strengthened coalition of Thailand’s leading academic institutions reinforces AIEI’s mission and enhances our collective efforts to shape the future of AI in Thailand.
This year’s summit featured discussions on several key initiatives shaping Thailand's AI future:
Driving AI Sovereignty: Computing Infrastructure and Data Innovation
One of the pillars of the summit is the AI Computing Infrastructure Initiative, which seeks to empower research, startups, and innovation through affordable, cutting-edge resources. From providing cloud credits to supporting R&D for AI use cases, this initiative lowers barriers to entry and accelerates AI-driven solutions across various industries.
Complementing this is a focus on data innovation, highlighted by efforts like the development of a national corpus tailored to Thailand's unique needs. Projects like CMKL University’s "Porjai", an advanced AI virtual voice assistant capable of understanding regional Thai dialects, exemplify the transformative potential of localized data.
AI in Digital Health: Federated Learning for Smarter Healthcare
Thailand is making significant strides in the healthcare sector with initiatives like the AI Federated Learning for Medical Imaging project, a collaboration between Mahidol University and Khon Kaen University. This innovative approach leverages federated learning to train AI models without compromising data privacy, enabling more advanced diagnostic tools while safeguarding sensitive patient information.
The vision for digital health innovation reflects Thailand’s commitment to harnessing AI for a smarter, more inclusive healthcare ecosystem that prioritizes both patient outcomes and data security.
Discussions also explored the use of agentic AI for 24/7 patient monitoring and the concept of creating digital doppelgangers in the "online world." These virtual models allow medical professionals to simulate and compare surgical outcomes digitally before performing operations on real patients, enhancing precision and safety in healthcare.
Smart Cities: Building the Future with AI
The discussion began with a focus on Phuket Island, where the term "smart city" was first introduced in Thailand. A key issue highlighted was Thailand's growing challenge with waste management. As of 2023, the country generates an astonishing 26.9 million tons of household waste annually. Major contributing factors include low recycling rates, weak law enforcement, and limited public awareness. The development of smart cities is seen as a crucial solution to address and mitigate these pressing challenges.
Another key topic was the role of AI-powered innovations in smart city development. Universities like Prince of Songkla University and Khon Kaen University are leading projects that utilize real-time data analysis to enhance urban living. Notable advancements include:
These technologies showcase how AI can optimize resource management, strengthen disaster response, and significantly improve the quality of life in urban areas.
Revolutionizing Media and Entertainment
The summit will also explore the transformative role of AI in media and entertainment. From content generation to immersive experiences like virtual tourism, AI is reshaping how audiences engage with media. A prime example is Harty, CMKL University’s AI-powered virtual receptionist, showcasing the potential of natural language processing and voice recognition to enhance user interaction.
Transforming Robotics and Manufacturing
AI’s influence on robotics and manufacturing takes center stage through groundbreaking advancements in embodied AI and factory automation. By enabling robots to adapt and collaborate seamlessly, AI is driving unprecedented levels of efficiency and safety in industrial processes.
“By integrating AI with robotics, we’re not just automating tasks—we’re redefining engineering and creating a future where technology amplifies human creativity to solve complex challenges sustainably,” says Dr. Pitikhate Sooraksa, a leading expert in robotics.
Adding to the conversation, Dr. Allan E. Goodman shared a memorable encounter with Sophia—the world’s first robot citizen and the Innovation Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Sophia has become a household name, with appearances on The Tonight Show and Good Morning Britain, along with speaking engagements at hundreds of global conferences.
Dr. Goodman recalled asking Sophia where students should study in the world. Her response was unexpected: “Come back tomorrow, and I’ll have an answer for you.” Unfortunately, he couldn’t return the next day, leaving the question unanswered.
This interaction raises a profound question: What are the limits of AI?
As we continue to push boundaries, how far can we truly go with AI and innovation? If the future is limitless, then what comes next?
Conclusion
The discussions and innovations presented at the summit not only underscore Thailand’s ambition to lead in the AI landscape but also spark a broader conversation: What comes next? As AI continues to evolve, it invites us to imagine a world where the boundaries between technology and human potential dissolve, paving the way for limitless possibilities.
The AI Engineering Institute (AIEI) and its partners remain committed to advancing this vision—transforming Thailand into a hub of innovation, creativity, and sustainable progress through the power of AI.
