Overview
As a component of the Professional Skills module, we attended the Annual Research Conference of SLIIT City Uni (ARCSCU 2025), where we listened to several keynote speeches. Our task was to pay close attention to the speakers, identify the key ideas, and prepare concise summaries of their presentations. This activity was highly valuable as it strengthened my academic listening, enhanced my ability to summarize complex information, and improved my critical thinking skills.
Keynote Speaker 1: Prof. Mahesha Kapurubandara
In her keynote, Prof. Kapurubandara highlighted how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping both global and local futures. She emphasized that students from any discipline can make use of AI in a responsible way.
- Global Challenges: climate change, inequality, limited resources, and waste management.
- AI as a Solutions: agricultural innovations, forest monitoring through AI and sensors, and improving education and mental health through AI-powered tools.
- Main Takeaway: AI is not only about machines, but about people using technology to create a sustainable and fairer future.
Keynote Speaker 2: Dr. Edward Braund
Dr. Braund introduced the fascinating concept of unconventional computing, with a focus on biological systems like Physarum polycephalum (slime mold).
- Highlights: Biological systems can solve problems, adapt to environments, and even act as logic circuits.
- Applications: bio-hybrid processors, robotics, and sensing systems.
- Challenges: growth time, sensitivity, and variability of biological samples.
- Main Takeaway: Unconventional computing shows how sustainability and creativity can open new possibilities beyond traditional silicon-based systems.
Keynote Speaker 3: Mr. Kalana Muthumuni
Mr. Muthumuni, CEO of Hyperglade, presented on “Capitalism with a Conscience” , emphasizing how innovation should balance profitability with sustainability.
- Case Studies: sustainable fintech startups like Hyperglade and PayDM vs. failures such as WeWork.
- Key Idea: ethical values and community contributions make businesses stronger in the long term.
- Main Takeaway: The future of business lies in mission-driven capitalism, where growth is aligned with social and environmental responsibility
What I Learned
Through this activity, I learned the importance of active listening, where the focus is on identifying key points rather than trying to capture every word. I also developed my ability to summarize, turning complex information into clear and concise notes. The task strengthened my critical thinking skills by encouraging me to reflect on how concepts such as AI, unconventional computing, and sustainable capitalism relate to real-world challenges. In terms of professional development, listening to global leaders discuss innovation and responsibility inspired me to consider how I can apply similar principles in my own career.
Overall, this assignment was valuable because it exposed me to diverse perspectives technology for sustainability, creativity in research, and ethical business practices while also improving my academic listening and reporting skills. The keynote sessions not only broadened my knowledge but also motivated me to work towards becoming a responsible, innovative, and ethical professional in the future.