MANILA  — The University of the Philippines is set to host a two-day forum next week on the uses of artificial intelligence and the technology's impact on society, modern science, and the research community 

The country’s premier state university said the conference is timely as it comes on the heels of the 2024 Nobel Prize being awarded to researchers on machine learning and neural networks.

“The university-organized “AI Horizons PH '24: Conference on AI-Powered Research and Innovation” on October 24 and 25 at the UP-BGC campus in Taguig City will also highlight AI-driven solutions that can potentially transform the Philippines’ unique challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, quality education, good governance, materials and energy, and health and wellness,” UP said in a statement.

The university noted that the Nobel Prize for physics, which was jointly awarded to physicist John Hopfield and computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton underscores “AI's revolutionary capabilities.”

UP President Angelo Jimenez said the Nobel showed how important it is to invest in AI for the country’s future.  

“As one of the world’s most prestigious science awards recognized AI's global significance, UP has been taking concrete steps to harness its power for national progress,” Jimenez said.

UP said it aims to be at the forefront of AI innovation in Southeast Asia, advocating for comprehensive AI integration in national development.

The two-day conference will delve into AI's role in sectors such as food security, education, governance, materials and energy, and health and wellness, featuring prominent experts and thought leaders.

UP said that among those who will speak at the event are Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Agriculture Undersecretary Allan Umali, Health Undersecretary Glenn Matthew Baggao, and Executive Director Enrico Paringit of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy.