Invited Speakers

Invited Speakers

 


Prof. Maricar S. Prudente

De La Salle University, Philippines

 

Dr. Maricar S. Prudente is presently a Full Professor 10 of the Science Education Department of De La Salle University-Manila. Professor Prudente completed her Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology at Ehime University as a Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Ronpaku Fellow. As an educator, Dr. Prudente has served as administrator in various capacities at De La Salle University and as resource person and coordinator in various training programs dealing with research, environmental issues, science education, technology integration, and educational action research. In the field of science education, Dr. Prudente’s research work is focused on action research and the integration of technology and development of 21st century skills in the teaching of science. Dr. Prudente is currently involved in an international collaborative project with Erasmus+ Foundation on Action Research To Innovate Science Teaching (ARTiST). Prof. Prudente is a recipient of the 2015 Lifetime National Achievement Award given by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). Recently, Prof. Prudente was recognized as the 2018 Outstanding Filipino JSPS Fellow in the field of Education by Department of Science and Technology of the Philippine government.

 

Title: Adaptive, Innovative and Effective Practices in Teaching Science: Experiences from the Philippines

 

Abstract: The talk will showcase adaptive, innovative and effective experiences on technology integration in teaching Science in the Philippines. The relevant roles of educators and the components of the Community of Inquiry model will be underscored within the context of online distance education. Specifically, the effective use of Metacognitive Argument Driven Inquiry (MADI) approach will be described. Likewise, enticing and innovative instructional practices for online education in science using micro lectures and learning modules will be presented. Finally, how to use action research as a means of examining the effectiveness of these adaptive pedagogies using home-based experiments and web-based technologies will also be discussed.

 

 

 

 

Prof. Shan Wang

University of Saskatchewan, Canada

 

Shan Wang is a Professor at the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. Prior to joining the Edwards School of Business, she has worked as an Associate Professor for Renmin University of China. She received her Ph.D in Management Information Systems from McMaster University and Master Degree in Economics from Queen’s University, Canada. Her research interests include electronic commerce, social commerce, online communities, social network analysis, IT business value and IT in education. Her work has been published in several peer reviewed journals, such as Information and Management, Decision Support Systems and Journal of Business Research.

 

Title: Storytelling Short Video Advertising and Narrative Transportation: A Systematic Study of Story Design Elements

Abstract:
Short video story marketing is becoming a more and more common marketing strategy in today's competitive market. Users also join the competitive arena due to the popularity of social media, either individually or by forming a small team. However, grassroots users may lack the expertise to create an effective storytelling short video ad. This research systematically studies what are important story design elements contribute to an effective storytelling short video ad. Based on the theory of narrative transportation, this research proposes a framework suggesting that story attributes, including story integrity, reversal, humor, authenticity, familiarity, and connection, affect narrative transportation, which in turn affects consumer attitudes towards the short video ad and the product. Mixed research methods combining in-depth interviews and a survey were used to validate the framework. The interviews with 16 audiences confirm our selection of the story attributes. A dataset of 402 samples was further collected to statistically verify the framework. The data analysis confirms that story integrity, reversal, humor, authenticity, and connection play positive roles in product attitude and advertising attitude through narrative transportation, while story familiarity is negatively related to narrative transportation. This research contributes to the theory of narrative transportation by systematically studying how story design elements contribute to narrative transportation in the context of storytelling short video ads on social media. The findings also provide guidance to users to optimize their storytelling strategy when creating short video ads. The short video platform can also benefit from this research by providing resources to cultivate users’ capability of creating storytelling short video ads.
 

 

 

Senior Lecturer Dr. Qingqing Xing

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), China

 

Dr. Qingqing Xing is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Education Sciences, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). She holds a PhD in Education from Peking University and has more than 23 years of teaching experience in science and technology-oriented universities. She is committed to promoting research ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration, including as a Project Manager in the Bureau of International Cooperation at the National Science Foundation of China and as the Associate Director of the International Office at the Beijing Institute of Technology. These experiences have given her insights into promoting research-oriented education internationally, especially for the world's first interdisciplinary university as HKUST(GZ).
As an education practitioner, Dr. Xing actively explores the pedagogy of Project-Based Learning. In addition to her efforts to teach Interdisciplinary Design Thinking and Effective Academic Communication, she collaborates with interdisciplinary research teams in computational media and arts, metaverse research, and health care. As part of this collaboration, it uses educational technologies and artificial intelligence generated content tools to help students present their research ideas in engaging ways to facilitate their “niche” exploration process, with a focus on developing Self-Organized Maker Education. Within just one year of its inception, HKUST(GZ) research students have actively contributed insights and examples of project-based learning in higher education.

 

Title: Using AIGC Tools to Facilitate Academic Communication: Experiences from An Interdisciplinary University

 

Abstract:The widespread use of AI content generation tools such as ChatGPT in education, particularly in the field of language teaching at university level, represents a new frontier whose significant potential has not yet been fully explored. This presentation highlights a case study of an interdisciplinary university where AIGC tools have been integrated into various areas of academic communication, including critically reviewing the structure of a research article, transforming implicit ideas into explicit ideas, and engaging audiences in public speaking. The speaker addresses the improvements observed in the efficiency and effectiveness of information dissemination, the promotion of innovative ideas, and the increase in just-in-time student learning engagement through personalized learning experiences. The presentation also addresses the challenges that arise when implementing these tools, such as ethical considerations, data protection and the necessary digital literacy of users. It concludes with a reflection on the potential of AIGC tools to revolutionize academic communication and promote a more integrated, dynamic, and inclusive educational environment.

 

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Fatima Azmi

Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia


Fatima M. Azmi is an associate professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Sciences at Prince Sultan University. She received her B.S. degree in Mathematics from King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA, and her M. A. and Ph.D. degrees in Mathematics from the University of Colorado, Boulder, USA. She has over 20 years of teaching and research experience in the field of Mathematics. She taught graduate and undergraduate courses and supervised graduate students. She has also trained high school students in Saudi Arabia and prepared them for the International Math Olympiad Competition. She is a reviewer of many ISI and Scopus journals and has extensive publications in reputed journals in various areas of mathematics, and she received many grants for her research. She was an Asia Chair and invited speaker at the 6th International Conference on Education and Multimedia Technology in Guangzhou, China, 2022. Her current research interest includes Fixed point theorem on metric type spaces, Mathematics Education, Education and Technology, C*-algebras, Fréchet*-algebras, and Noncommutative Geometry.

 

Title: Mathematics and Science Communication

 

Abstract: Mathematics and Science Communication encompasses a diverse array of endeavors aimed at bridging the realms of mathematics, science, and society. This discipline involves the art of both informing and inspiring the general public with insights into mathematical and scientific knowledge. Manifesting through various mediums, such as long-form journalism, podcasts, social media engagement, seminars, and interactive events, it seeks to establish meaningful connections between the intricacies of Math and Science and their relevance to our daily lives.
The fundamental aim underpinning these communicative endeavors is the outreach to communities, particularly targeting individuals without a specialized background in mathematics. By shedding light on the pervasive role of mathematics in our existence—be it in the fabric of daily routines, the intricacies of nature, or the vast expanse of the universe—communicators aim to convey the profound impact of mathematical concepts on our understanding of the world.
In this presentation, we explore some examples of Math communication. Additionally, we explore the responses and reactions elicited from the public, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of these communication strategies. Through this exploration, we aim to underscore the significance of fostering a deeper understanding of mathematics and science within broader society.

 

 

Dr. Shahid Anjum

Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), Brunei

 

Dr Anjum has been teaching business, digital and finance based modules for bachelor and master programs at School of Business, Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) for up to nine years and has completed three 3-years contracts this year. He has also served as a Deputy Head of Brunei’s Crown Prince Creative, Innovative Products and Technological Advancement (CIPTA) Award’s Seminar Committee, a Deputy Director of ‘Digital and Creativity Research Thrust’ at School of Computing and Informatics, a member and coordinator at ‘Center for Innovative Engineering’ at Universiti Teknologi Brunei. Dr. Anjum is a Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer from Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), a Certified Investment Manager from Moody’s Canadian Securities Institute and Certified in Banking Financial Risks and Regulations from Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). He has appeared on National or local TVs in different countries. Dr. Anjum has earned his Ph. D. from Nagoya University, Japan for research topic of Early Warning System for Financial Risk using Data Mining Approach as well as an M. Phil. Economics degree. Dr Anjum has also studied in the “Master of Computer Science program” at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, School of Engineering, University of Detroit in Michigan, USA. Dr. Anjum has accumulated experience at various educational and financial institutions in Canada, Japan, USA, Pakistan, Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam.

Dr. Anjum has served as a Program Chair for the International Conference on Database and Data Mining) held in Chicago, USA in 2015, a moderator to keynote speeches and expert forums, has served as Session Chairs to over ten conferences and as a technical committee member to over 20 conferences. Dr Anjum’s research has received various Best Paper Awards in Tokyo and ASEAN countries. Dr. Anjum is a senior member of various Computer and Information Technology, Finance, Management and Development Economics related associations and societies. Dr. Anjum is a widely published author and his publications have appeared in reputable journals including in IEEE. Series and Springer as well as chapters in book series. Dr. Anjum is currently editing three books for Taylor and Francis Group and IGI Global on fintech & digital start-ups, Digital Banking & Digital Finance as well “Cracking the Code: Cyber Security Technology Enhancement of Digital Ecosystem”.

Dr. Anjum has conducted and has led various consultancy projects as well as training workshops and mentorship for Entrepreneurs’ bootcamp. As Principal Researcher, Dr. Anjum has been a part of team for a project submitted to Brunei Research Council to implement technology transfer from Malaysia and Switzerland to Brunei regarding setting up of Islamic Fintech Lab, gold and silver-based mobile wallet applications, embedded with secured blockchain and Ethereum technology. In a recently completed consultancy project on Brunei’s Information and Communication Technology reports for Individuals and households as well as for Business 2022-2023 for Authority for Info-communications technology Industry (AITI), Dr Anjum has been the team leader for report writing and quality assurance.

 

Title: Generative AI and its Applications in Education & research: A Discussion in Digital Ecosystem Transformation

Abstract: The speech covers broader issues and concepts regarding the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI), generative AI and their types, development of enabling technologies and their plausible applications. The digital ecosystem around AI and generative AI has four key themes which are: the smart world, productivity revolution, ubiquitous and transparent security as well as critical enablers to bring the emerging technologies and trends together, and heighten the benefits by reshaping business practices, processes, methods, models and/or functions in markets where they are applied.

The speech will also touch upon specific aspects of the applications of AI and Generative AI in academic environments especially related to the activities of Educating and Research as well as Ethical considerations. The potential of AI / generative AI in education has interesting implications regarding Personalized and customized support and instructions based on individual student’s needs, learning style and pre-existing knowledge, assessment-based grading, feedback on course quality and potential of targeted improvements in materials and methods as well as providing of meaningful and immediate feedback to students. Last but not the least, it covers the ethical use policies related to plagiarism, inappropriate content, and bias, robust privacy and security around students data and transparency in processes.