CQU insights at PNG's first AI Summit

CQUniversity information and communication technology experts have taken centre stage in Papua New Guinea, as the emerging tech hub hosted its first artificial intelligence roundtable. 

The Artificial Intelligence Summit 2025: Shaping the Future with Intelligence was hosted by the International Training Institute (ITI) and the Centre for Advancement of Internet Technology (ICIT) on 7 April 2025 in Port Moresby. 

The event brought together more than 200 local and international participants, to share insights into the evolving role of AI across various sectors.

Representing CQUniversity Australia, Associate Professor Ritesh Chugh and Dr Sangeetha Kutty from the College of ICT, School of Engineering and Technology, were speakers and panel chairs. 

Assoc Prof Chugh delivered the keynote address, with thought-provoking insights into the diverse and emerging applications of AI within the Papua New Guinean context.

Both experts also chaired panel sessions, with Assoc Prof Chugh hosting AI in Education, while Dr Kutty facilitated the panel on Generative AI. 

They also participated in broader expert discussions, bringing academic and research-informed perspectives to the fore.

The summit also featured the presentation of CQU's newly-launched toolkit, AI-Powered Pedagogy: Generative AI as a Learning Assistant in the ICT Discipline. 

This resource, developed from a study involving students, offers evidence-based guidance for educators and learners on integrating generative AI into teaching and learning practices.

The Hon Timothy Masiu, PNG Minister for Information and Communications Technology, attended the summit, highlighting the national significance of AI in Papua New Guinea’s development agenda.

Alongside the summit, Assoc Prof Chugh conducted a professional development workshop for ITI academics, Beginning Your Research Journey: A Practical Guide for New Researchers. 

The workshop, delivered across multiple ITI campuses and attended both in person and online, was tailored to support teaching-focused staff and early-career researchers interested in building their research capacity and engaging in scholarly activity.

The ITI visit also provided an opportunity to reconnect with Jerome Kris Semos, a CQUniversity alumnus who now holds the position of Assistant IT Manager. 

Dr Kutty said Mr Semos' professional journey reflects the meaningful global footprint of CQUniversity alumni.

"The summit was more than an exchange of ideas; it reflected the energy, curiosity and commitment of diverse stakeholders working to harness the power of AI for inclusive development, especially in education," Dr Kutty said. 

"These early yet meaningful conversations signal Papua New Guinea’s thoughtful and strategic engagement with AI’s future, and I'm proud that CQUniversity can contribute to this important and evolving journey."

Assoc Prof Chugh said the experience of engaging with participants was both meaningful and professionally rewarding.

“What stays with me from the AI Summit is not just the honour of delivering the keynote, but the strong sense of shared purpose," he said. 

"I was also proud to share our Generative AI Toolkit, confident that it will support the PNG academic community in its commitment to responsible, contextually grounded teaching and learning practices.”

Explore CQUniversity's information systems and technology courses at the College of Information and Communications Technology website.