Keynote Speakers

Dr. Kiat Seng Yeo, Professor, Advisor (Global Partnerships) at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore

Title: Can Modern Electronics Keep Pace with Moore’s Law?
Abstract: The invention of the transistor in 1948 at Bell Laboratories was a turning point in the history of electronics. The transistor promises to revolutionize electronics; indeed, it has become an integral and essential part of our lives. This talk begins with an introduction to early computers, the invention of integrated circuits, and how it changed the electronics industry. As integrated circuits evolve, it is essential to know the forces that have driven it along its historical trajectory and to discover how much further it could go. Can the electronic revolution keep pace with Moore’s Law? What are the embedded system design and technology challenges? Is electronics still evolving, or has it come to an end? What is the next big thing? How is it going to affect us? This keynote will attempt to answer these questions. In conclusion, the other trends to watch for the next revolution will be presented.
Biography: Professor Kiat Seng YEO (M’00–SM’09–F’16) received his B.Eng. (EE) in 1993 and Ph.D. (EE) in 1996, both from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Currently, he is a full professor and Advisor (Global Partnerships) at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and a distinguished professor at Tianjin University. He was Chairman of the University Research Board, Member of the Academic Council, Associate Provost for Research, and Founding Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and International Relations at SUTD. He has over 30 years of experience in industry, academia, and consultancy. Before joining SUTD, he was a full professor at NTU; and spent 13 years in management positions as Associate Chair (Research), Head of Circuits and Systems, and Sub-Dean (Students Affairs). Professor Yeo was also a Fellow of the Renaissance Engineering Programme (REP) and was a Senator and Advisory Board Member at NTU. He has made many outstanding contributions to advance Singapore’s education and research ambitions throughout his career. As the Founding Director of VIRTUS, a S$52 million IC Design Centre of Excellence jointly set up by NTU and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), he contributed extensively to the economic development of integrated circuit design in Singapore by leading multidisciplinary research, with a focus on industry collaboration. In 2016, he initiated the FIRST (Fostering Industrial Research Success Together) Industry Workshop at SUTD. Today, it is a flagship event with an attendance of over 1,000 professionals from the industry. Since 1996, Professor Yeo has been providing consultancy services to statutory boards, local SMEs, and multinational corporations in the areas of electronics and IC design. As Principal Investigator, he secured over SGD70 million in research funding from various funding agencies and industry. He is the author of 13 books and 7 book chapters and has published over 600 top-tier refereed journal and conference papers in his area of research and holds 39 patents, including 2 patents for the world’s smallest integrated transformer, a patent for the world’s smallest integrated filter for 60GHz standard, the inventor of several high Q-factor RF spiral inductors and co-inventor of quite a few novel circuit techniques for 5G/6G wireless communication and RF/mm-wave IC applications. Professor Yeo is a world-renowned expert in low-power RF/mm-wave integrated circuit design and a recognized expert in CMOS technology. He holds/held positions such as advisor, chair, co-chair, and technical chair at many international conferences. He was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Bronze Award) by the President of the Republic of Singapore on National Day 2009 and was awarded the Nanyang Alumni Achievement Award in 2009 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the University and society. Professor Yeo is an academician of the Singapore Academy of Engineering, an academician of the Singapore National Academy of Science, a Fellow of IEEE, and a Fellow of the Asia-Pacific Association for Artificial Intelligence (AAIA). He is the principal author of the Integrated Circuit Design Research Ranking for Worldwide Universities 2008 and World University Research Rankings (WURR) 2020. Professor Yeo was ranked among the World’s top 2% of scientists by Stanford University from 2020 to 2023.


Dr. Yuichi Nakamura, Senior Executive Professional, NEC Corp, Japan / Guest Professor, Waseda University, Japan

Title: Quantum Computing: New Frontier or Nightmare?
Abstract:
Quantum computers would be able to perform calculations in a few seconds which would take conventional computers millions of years, and there are great expectations regarding their high speed. For example, a Quantum Computer has the potential to discover new medicine and the composition of new catalysts that contribute to carbon neutrality by its high-speed calculation. Quantum computers have also the potential to generate up to trillions of dollars in value through efficiency improvements in finance, transportation, factory automation, and machine learning. In this talk. the basics and calculation principles of quantum computer calculations are presented, and then the technical issues facing the practical application of quantum computers, and the possibilities for solving the causes are explained.
Biography: Dr. Yuichi Nakamura received his B.E. in information engineering and M.E. in electrical engineering from the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1986 and 1988, respectively. He received his Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Information, Production and Systems, Waseda University, in 2007. He joined NEC Corp. in 1988 and led NEC’s research about embedded system design and quantum technologies as a general manager and a vice president at NEC research and development. Currently, he is a senior executive professional at NEC Corp. He is also a guest professor at Kyushu University, Waseda University, and Tokyo University and an invited professor at Osaka University. He has over 30 years of professional experience
in electronic design automation, signal processing, supercomputer design, combinational optimization, and quantum computing. Dr. Yuichi Nakamura contributed to managing and leading several innovative signal processing and computing projects. He has published over 25 journal articles and 40 international conference papers and has had many keynote talks at major conferences. He is a board member of the Japanese government quantum innovation meeting, a program officer of the Japanese Quantum sensing project, and an evaluation committee of several Japanese government grant meetings.


Dr. Ahmed Fakhfakh, General Director of the Digital Research Center of Sfax (CRNS) / Professor, National School of Electronics and Telecommunications of Sfax (ENET’Com), Sfax, Tunisia

Title: Real-Time High-Precision Indoor Mobile Target Localization Using Energy-Efficient Wireless Sensor Networks
Abstract: Indoor localization of a mobile target represents a prominent application within a wireless sensor network (WSN), showcasing significant values and scientific interest. Interference, obstacles, and energy consumption are critical challenges for indoor applications and battery replacements. A proposed tracking system deals with several factors, such as latency, energy consumption, and accuracy, presenting an innovative solution for the mobile localization application. This study investigates various methods and algorithms for real-time localization of a mobile object within a confined indoor environment, aiming to achieve the highest possible accuracy while minimizing energy consumption. We utilized a wireless sensor network (WSN) to gather and process localization data. Our comprehensive evaluation encompassed state-of-the-art signal processing techniques, machine learning algorithms, and hybrid approaches integrating multiple data sources. The primary focus was optimizing the trade-off between localization precision and energy efficiency, addressing challenges such as signal interference, environmental variability, and computational constraints. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed methods significantly enhance real-time localization accuracy and reduce power consumption, providing valuable insights for developing energy-efficient indoor positioning systems utilizing WSNs.
Biography: Ahmed Fakhfakh has been a full professor at the National School of Electronics and Telecommunications of Sfax (ENET’Com) at the University of Sfax in Tunisia since 2015 and the General Director of the Digital Research Center of Sfax (CRNS) since 2023. He obtained his HDR diploma from Sfax University in 2009, his PhD from Bordeaux University, France, in 2002, and his electrical engineering diploma in 1997 from Sfax National School of Engineering (ENIS), Tunisia. He is the head of the Intelligent Systems: Design and Implementation research group at the Laboratory of Signals, SysteMs, aRtificial Intelligence and neTworkS (SM@RTS) in the digital research centre of Sfax in Tunisia. His research interests include developing smart solutions for energy management in a smart grid, designing and implementing IoT solutions, designing wake-up solutions for Wireless sensor network applications, and designing energy harvesting solutions.


Dr. Hiroki Nakahara, CEO, Tokyo Artisan Intelligence Co., Ltd. / Professor, Tohoku University, Japan

Title: An FPGA-based Accelerator Platform for an Edge AI
Abstract: With the development of deep learning, the “edge AI” market, including embedded systems, tends to expand. Since edge AI requires
large operations under limited computational resources, data structures, and architectures are being researched and developed. The importance of edge AI is increasing due to security and communication speed considerations, and its applications are expanding. However, edge AI requires lightweight models and hardware innovations to process in real-time due to limited computational resources. We will introduce technologies suitable for edge AI. Prof. Hiroki Nakahara established Tokyo Artisan Intelligence (TAI) Co., Ltd., which develops edge AI for business. We will introduce the edge AI business conducted at TAI and the SEASIDE (A Specified Edge AI SoM for Intelligence Design and Embedding) platform, an edge AI solution by TAI. SEASIDE is an FPGA-based computation platform, enabling the efficient implementation of AI solutions that customize models by leveraging the
flexibility of the FPGA. This presentation will explain TAI FPGA implementation technology and introduce the roadmap for the SEASIDE platform.
Biography: Hiroki Nakahara is a founder and CEO at Tokyo Artisan Intelligence Co., Ltd., a professor at Tohoku University, and a specific professor at
Tokyo Insitute of Technology. His research interests include logic synthesis, reconfigurable architecture, embedded systems, and machine learning. He received a Ph.D. degree in computer science from the Kyushu Institute of Technology in 2007. Prof. Nakahara received the 8th IEEE/ACM MEMOCODE Design Contest 1st Place Award in 2010, the SASIMI Outstanding Paper Award in 2010, the IPSJ Yamashita SIG Research Award in 2011, the 11th FIT Funai Best Paper Award in 2012, the 7th IEEE MCSoC-13 Best Paper Award in 2013, and the ISMVL2013 Kenneth C. Smith Early Career Award in 2014. He was the Workshop Chairman for the ULSIWS from 2014 to 2017; as the Program Chairman for the HEART in 2017. In addition, due to his academic contributions, he was selected as the general chair of the FPT’23. In 2022, the National Institute for Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP) awarded him the title of “Nice Step Researchers 2022” for his outstanding contributions to the development of science, technology, and innovation.


Dr. Yong Kai Ping, Chief Executive Officer of the Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec), Malaysia

Title: Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park Development: Pioneering Southeast Asia’s Semiconductor Future
Abstract: As Southeast Asia rises to prominence in the global semiconductor industry, Malaysia stands at the forefront with its groundbreaking initiative, the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park. This keynote session, delivered by Yong Kai Ping, CEO of SIDEC, will explore the strategic vision behind this transformative project, its role in positioning Malaysia as a regional leader, and its impact on the global semiconductor landscape. The session will delve into how the IC Design Park, supported by the collaboration of federal and state governments, global technology firms, and venture capitalists, is creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth. The park is designed to attract cutting-edge IC design companies, offering advanced infrastructure, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, and critical industry partnerships. Yong Kai Ping will highlight key milestones of the initiative, including the role of the Malaysia Advance Semiconductor and AI Academy in training the next generation of engineers, and the establishment of the RM100 million Semiconductor Venture Fund, which aims to fuel the growth of high-potential semiconductor companies in Malaysia. Join this keynote to gain insight into how Malaysia is pioneering the future of semiconductors in Southeast Asia and laying the groundwork for a new era of technological leadership in the region.
Biography: Yong Kai Ping is the esteemed Chief Executive Officer of the Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec). With a robust background in digital transformation and media, Yong has been instrumental in positioning Selangor as ASEAN’s leading digital hub. His strategic leadership at Sidec focuses on accelerating digitalization across e-commerce, startups, and SMEs, fostering an ecosystem of innovation and growth. Yong’s journey in the digital economy is marked by his notable tenure as CEO of Sidec since 2021 and as CEO of SITEC from 2015 to 2020. Under his guidance, SITEC significantly contributed over RM334 million to the Selangor economy and nurtured 90 startups through the Selangor Accelerator Programme. Yong’s visionary efforts have facilitated the digital education of 650 e-commerce merchants and successfully promoted SME digitalization. Before leading Sidec and SITEC, Yong was at the helm of KiniTV as its CEO, where he propelled the platform to achieve 150 million views in 2015, establishing it as one of Southeast Asia’s largest online TV channels. His extensive experience includes a pivotal role as the Chinese Editor for Malaysiakini, Malaysia’s most influential online news portal, where he served for nearly 12 years. A British Chevening Scholar, Yong holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Birmingham, UK. He has further enriched his expertise through participation in the Senior Journalist Programme at the East West Centre in Hawaii, USA. He has organized prominent media conferences, including the Asia Chinese New Media Conference and the Southeast Asia Internet TV Conference. Yong’s accolades include the Digital Hub Status award by MDEC and Silicon Valley Pitching & Industrial Visit. His dedication to the digital economy and media has propelled his professional success and significantly impacted Selangor’s economic landscape, making him a distinguished leader in the field.


Page updated on 2024/09/14
Keynotes are uploaded to this page by confirmation order. The order of the KNs in the final program will depend on the KN’s availability, etc.