Conference Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Professor Gary Rosengarten

ECP Director, Sustainable Technologies and Systems

RMIT University, Melbourne

From discipline specific research to product innovation: the critical role of transdisciplinarity

The integration of diverse disciplines is central to advancing engineering research from specialized studies to innovative product development. Transdisciplinarity plays a critical role in breaking down traditional silos and fostering collaboration, allowing for a seamless exchange of ideas and methodologies. This approach recognizes the interconnected nature of modern challenges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions that draw on insights from various fields.

Transdisciplinarity encourages a holistic understanding of complex problems, prompting researchers to explore beyond the confines of their specific domains. This inclusive perspective accelerates scientific discovery and facilitates transformative product innovation. The synthesis of knowledge from disparate fields provides a diverse range of perspectives, propelling engineering endeavors towards novel solutions and applications that address real-world complexities.

In essence, the significance of transdisciplinarity lies in its capacity to bridge the gap between specialized research and tangible innovations. It acknowledges that impactful solutions often emerge at the intersection of different disciplines, fostering a collaborative mindset essential for navigating the intricacies of contemporary engineering challenges.

Industry Speakers

Mr. Roy Ian

Assistant Vice President - Digital Innovations

Softlogic Life

Application of Big data and Artificial Intelligence in Industry

This industry talk highlights a dynamic professional journey blending academic excellence with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse sectors. With a BSc in engineering, a master’s in data science, and ongoing doctoral studies in artificial intelligence, the speaker has become an expert in AI, big data analytics, and system design. He have made significant contributions in ride-hailing, healthcare, financial markets, retail, and telecommunications, consistently delivering transformative solutions. From architecting expansive data lakes in ride-hailing to developing real-time predictive models in healthcare, the speaker’s impact spans industries, showcasing a commitment to excellence and innovation.

Dr. Waruna Wijesekara

Manager - Technology Entrepreneur

MAS Holdings

Exploring the Intersection of Emerging Technologies and Sustainable Practices

This study delves into contemporary global technology trends with a specific focus on sustainability, recognizing the growing importance of environmentally conscious practices for both customers and brands. The research narrows its scope to examine trends within sustainability, particularly emphasizing the reduction of carbon footprints throughout the entire product lifecycle. A detailed exploration of textile and garment manufacturing trends is provided, offering insights into strategies employed in this sector to enhance sustainability. The work highlights MAS’s specific sustainability initiatives, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable product development and emphasizing methodologies used to measure their effectiveness. Overall, this focused exploration contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on environmentally conscious product development, incorporating MAS’s research initiatives to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of contemporary efforts to promote sustainability in corporate practices.

Mr. Mavidu Iddagoda

Lead - AI and Algorithm team

Twinery - Innovations by MAS

Computer Vision and IOT in Apparel Manufacturing Industry

MAS Holdings, the largest apparel manufacturer in South Asia, strategically utilizes Computer Vision (CV) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic apparel industry. Computer vision facilitates automated inspection throughout the manufacturing process, detecting defects with precision beyond human capability, ensuring consistent product quality and streamlining production. IoT devices, such as smart sensors, connect various components of the manufacturing environment, collecting real-time data on parameters like temperature, humidity, and worker productivity. The integration of CV and IoT enables enhanced quality control, optimized production processes, and real-time insights, meeting consumer expectations for high-quality, ethically produced garments and ensuring competitiveness in the evolving market. This transformative convergence drives sustainable growth and profitability for industry stakeholders.

Ms. Lilani Ruhunage

Regional Engineer / Colombo South

Department of Coast Conservation

Coastline Management through Coastal Engineering Approaches

Coastal engineering, tracing its roots back to the late 19th century, has evolved as a vital discipline within civil engineering. Initially driven by safety and economic considerations, its significance has grown with the increasing population migration to coastal zones, which are now recognized as economically crucial areas. Coastal engineers focus on designing structures to defend against coastal erosion and flooding, supporting the development of coastal infrastructure. The field involves site-specific studies to address diverse coastal processes like hydrodynamics and sediment characteristics. Coastline management, integral to coastal zone management, employs engineering approaches to mitigate flooding and erosion, presenting options like controlled inundation or prevention. The responsibilities of coastal engineering are pivotal in safeguarding the coastal environment and supporting the maritime industry.