Keynote Speakers — IEEE Computer Society Malaysia Chapter

Keynote · Day 1

Assoc. Prof. Dr Johari Abdullah

Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, UNIMAS

Generative AI for Sarawak 2030: Governance, Growth, and Human Capital

Keynote overview

Generative AI has rapidly emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of our time, reshaping industries, education, and governance worldwide. For Sarawak, its adoption must be carefully aligned with the state's strategic directions outlined in the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018–2022, the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, and the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030. These initiatives emphasise inclusive digital growth, sustainable development, and a resilient knowledge-based society. This keynote examines how generative AI can support public-service delivery, create value in key industries, and equip the workforce with future-ready skills. It also addresses the governance frameworks, ethical adoption, fairness, accountability, and societal trust required to connect global advances with Sarawak's local aspirations.

Biography

Dr Johari Abdullah is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Computer Science & IT, UNIMAS, Sarawak. He received his PhD in Computing Science from Newcastle University, a Master of IT from Queensland University of Technology, and a Bachelor of Computer Science in Networking from Universiti Putra Malaysia. His interests include deep learning, generative AI, cybersecurity, trusted systems, blockchain technology, web-system design and development, system architecture, TRIZ-based problem solving, and computing education for children and young people through computational thinking, Scratch, and Computer Science Unplugged.

Keynote · Day 2

Mr Mohamed Rawidean Mohd Kassim

Regional Coordinator, IEEE Computer Society Region 10

AI and Data Analytics in Smart Farming: Applications and Future Directions

Keynote overview

Agriculture plays a strategic role in global food security, yet growing demand requires a shift from traditional methods toward smart agricultural practices. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and their convergence with the Internet of Things offer new decision-support capabilities for real-world farming. This keynote examines precision farming, crop-yield prediction, disease detection, optimal harvesting, and the connected systems that help producers use proven technologies to improve yield and interact with the physical world in real time.

Biography

Mr Mohamed Rawidean Mohd Kassim is a leading researcher and innovator at MIMOS Berhad, Malaysia's national applied research and development centre, and was included in Stanford University's World's Top 2% Scientists list for 2025. His work focuses on practical applications of artificial intelligence and data analytics in smart farming and precision agriculture, including paddy-yield prediction and IoT-based systems. He serves as IEEE Computer Society Regional Coordinator for Region 10, previously chaired the Malaysia Chapter from 2002 to 2013, and promotes technology transfer and industry participation as an active Distinguished Visitor Program speaker across Asia.