WA Data Science Innovation Hub

Last week’s Indo-Pacific Robotics, Autonomy, AI & Cyber Conference (IPRAAC 2025) brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to explore the future of Robotics, Autonomy, AI, and Cyber.

As the AI Power Partner, we were proud to support this national conversation on responsible and sovereign AI, innovation, and collaboration.

🎤 Highlights across the two days included:
• Mark McDonald (Google DeepMind) on building AI responsibly to benefit humanity
• Alex Jenkins (WADSIH's Director) on Sovereign AI and Australia’s Future
• James Healy (The Behaviour Boutique) on adopting AI as “Your Strangest, Smartest, Dumbest Colleague”
• Maxwell Scott and an expert panel discussing Legal Horizons and Responsible AI: Navigating Regulation, Risk, and Responsibility

At our booth, Curtin University University student Timothy showcased a Raspberry Pi 5 robotic arm powered by generative AI, while Ryan Liebregts and Dre Siwela from Indrus demonstrated their digital twin platform transforming CCTV into real-time asset tracking.

✨ A fantastic event celebrating collaboration, innovation, and the future of AI in Australia.

One More Week to IPRAAC 2025 — Late Release Tickets Available!

As the AI Power Partner for Indo-Pacific Robotics, Autonomy, AI and Cyber Conference and Exhibition 2025, we are proud to announce that the program is now live and includes hands-on workshops led by:

🌐 Google
🚀 NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
🛡️ Office of Defence Industry Support
🎓 Curtin University

Each workshop is included with your registration and capped at just 50 participants, so early booking is essential.

🎟️ Late Release Tickets are available now:
WADSIH members and delegates receive an exclusive 10% discount using the code WADSIH10 at checkout: https://indopacificroboticsconference.com/register/
Late Release ticket sales close 6 October, 11:59PM AWST

📅 7–8 October 2025 | Pan Pacific Perth

🎓 Curious about where a career in digital government could take you?

The WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH) is proud to partner with the Office of Digital Government Western Australia to support an exciting info and networking evening for the Digital Public Sector Graduate Program.

🔗 Register for this event today: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/office-of-digital-government-graduate-program-speed-networking-tickets-1534203015519

This event is a must-attend for students and recent grads interested in making meaningful impact through tech, data, and innovation in government.

🔍 Why attend?
• Discover what it’s like to rotate across three roles in the public sector before choosing your path
• Gain insight into the application process and career opportunities
• Connect with digital representatives from across WA Government
• Enjoy drinks and networking with peers and professionals

Event Details:
📅 Date: 20th August 2025
🕔 Time: 5:15 PM – 7:00 PM AWST
📍 Location: 137 St Georges Terrace Perth

🧭 Event Agenda:
5:15 PM – Registration
5:30 PM – Welcome: Alex Jenkins, Director, WADSIH
5:35 PM – Program Overview: Natasha Williams, Office of Digital Government
5:45 PM – Speed Networking Sessions
6:30 PM – Networking & Refreshments
7:00 PM – Event Close

🔗 Learn more about the Digital Public Sector Graduate Program: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/multi-step-guides/place-of-opportunity/whos-recruiting-now/digital-public-sector-graduate-program

Our Director, Alex Jenkins recently spoke at 's cutting through the hype on AI Ethics and Governance. In this fireside chat, his discussion examined global approaches to AI governance and their implications for Australia's regulatory landscape.

Key themes of this discussion included the need for AI regulations to balance innovation with risk management and the importance of safeguarding data privacy to maintain public trust and confidence. As AI adoption accelerates, regulatory frameworks must evolve to ensure responsible and ethical implementation.

On Monday, WADSIH and joined forces to deliver an inspiring event for WA’s tech students. 🙌

Packed with practical advice on CV building, social media presence, interview techniques, and salary negotiations, attendees left ready to take the next steps in their careers with confidence.

A special thanks to Madelene Kawitzki from Leaders IT and Chathu Jayawardena from Peoplebank for sharing expert insights on what IT recruiters are looking for—your guidance was invaluable!

Stay tuned for more career-boosting opportunities from WADSIH…

Introducing Alex Jenkins as co-curator of TEDxPerth Salon 2024. You might remember Alex as a flagship speaker in 2023 🌐 A trailblazer in the world of Artificial Intelligence, Alex has a knack for making complex technology simple.

Inspired by the belief that generative AI offers amazing opportunities in education, Alex envisions a future where every child has a personal AI tutor, empowering both teachers and students.

As Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub at Curtin University, Alex supports businesses, government, and academia to advance their data science and AI capabilities.

Secure your spot to hear from Alex and other brilliant minds. Tickets are available now https://buff.ly/3YaYobc 🗓️

WADSIH is collaborating with Perth Machine Learning Group and Stirling & Rose to host a workshop designed to prepare expert submissions to the Australian Government's recent Proposals Paper on Mandatory Guardrails for Safe and Responsible AI.

Read about the proposals paper here:
We are inviting a select number of participants for this workshop to ensure deep and focused discussions, and exchange of insights between specialists.

Workshop details:
📅 Date: Wednesday 25th September
🕒 Time: 3-5 pm (Registration from 2:45 pm, Afternoon tea provided.)
📍 Venue: 137 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA

If you are interested in contributing to this important discussion, please express your interest to by this Friday.

🌟 WADSIH is proud to sponsor the West Tech Assemblage 2024 - Digital Citizenship: Navigating an Inclusive Future 🌟

📅 Save the Date: 16 February 2024
📍 Venue: Australian Institute of Management (AIM) WA, Floreat, Perth

WADSIH is thrilled to support this year's West Tech Assemblage, a pivotal event dedicated to advancing digital literacy, diversity, and inclusivity.

Who should attend?

This conference is a must for those in tech, education, policy-making, and community outreach, especially if you’re passionate about leveraging technology for the betterment of society. It’s an opportunity for professionals who are eager to drive change and ensure a harmonious and inclusive digital world.

Program highlights:

🗣️ Keynote speeches from industry leaders (including WADSIH's very own Alex Jenkins hosting a panel)
🎤 Panel discussions on digital inclusivity challenges and solutions
🛠️ Interactive workshops for practical insights
🤝 Networking Sessions with peers and experts

Grab your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/west-tech-assemblage-2024-tickets-710838776917?aff=oddtdtcreator

Let's come together to build a positive and inclusive digital society.

See you there!

West Tech Assemblage 2024 Join us at the West Tech Assemblage as we explore "Digital Citizenship: Navigating an Inclusive Future."