Keynotes
Pioneering Intelligent Connectivity for the Future of Generative AI
Mérouane Debbah is Professor at Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi and founding Director of the KU 6G Research Center. He is a frequent keynote speaker at international events in the field of telecommunications and AI. His research has been lying at the interface of fundamental mathematics, algorithms, statistics, information and communication sciences with a special focus on random matrix theory and learning algorithms. In the Communication field, he has been at the heat of the development of small cells (4G), Massive MIMO (5G) and Large Intelligent Surfaces (6G) technologies. In the AI field, he is known for his work on Large Language in the AI field, distributed AI systems for networks and semantic communications. He received multiple prestigious distinctions, prizes and best paper award (more than 50 IEEE best paper awards) for his contributions to both fields and according to research.com is ranked as the best scientist in France in the field of Electronics and Electrical Engineering. He is IEEE Fellow, a WWRF Fellow, a Eurasip Fellow, an AAIA Fellow, an Institut Louis Bachelier Fellow, and AIIA Fellow and Membre emerite SEE. He is actually chair of IEEE Large Generative AI Models in Telecom (GenAINet) Emerging Technology Initiative and a member of the Marconi Prize Selection Advisory Committee.
Abstract
As telecommunications evolves into the backbone of global digital transformation, the integration of Generative AI stands at the forefront of this revolution. In this talk, we will explore how TelecomGPT redefines the way we approach intelligent connectivity. From enhancing customer service to optimizing network performance, Generative AI is bridging the gap between vast datasets and actionable insights. We will address in particular the broader applications of Generative AI in telecommunications, from transforming operational efficiency to enabling the 6G era of distributed, lot-latency AI.
Prof. Mérouane Debbah
Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
AI Future Insights and Smart Life: Coexistence of Humanity and Technology, and the Blueprint for Prosperity
Dr. Yosik Kang is a distinguished futurist and expert in AI Future Convergence, standing at the crossroads of political science, public administration, and advanced technology. With a Ph.D. in Political Science and an extensive career in South Korea’s National Assembly, Ministry of National Defense, and Seoul Metropolitan Government, he focuses on navigating the societal impacts of AI and crafting future-oriented strategies. As a pioneer in AI convergence, Dr. Kang has authored 17 books, including three specialized titles on AI: Digital Innovation Leadership, AI New Leadership, and AI Future Insights, exploring the profound coexistence of technology and humanity. His expertise spans AI governance, Smart Cities, and AI-driven innovation in education and business. A practitioner as much as a theorist, he actively promotes AI democratization through digital platforms and high-level lectures, leveraging his unique skills in AI video production and new media. Combining his literary background as an acclaimed poet and essayist with scientific rigor, Dr. Kang possesses the rare ability to translate complex AI discourses into clear social and policy insights. Most recently, as the President of the Seoul AI Foundation, he spearheaded Seoul’s digital transformation and the integration of AI into public administration. A global leader in the field, he has delivered keynote speeches at the World Government Summit (UAE), the Global AI Summit & Global Smart City Forum (Saudi Arabia), and the Qatar Leadership Forum. He has also played a pivotal role in fostering international cooperation for smart cities with the UK, France, and Spain. Notably, in 2024, he successfully orchestrated the inaugural Smart Life Week (SLW) in Seoul as the General Director. Currently, he serves as a Visiting Professor at the Graduate School of Information and Convergence Technology at Dankook University, where he continues his research and teaching on AI Future Insights.
Abstract
While past industrial revolutions were “mechanical extensions” to overcome
physical limitations, the current AI revolution is a “cognitive extension” that
transcends our intellectual boundaries. I propose the “Dual Brain” as the core
model for future humanity. This concept combines Human Intelligence (HI) —characterized by intuition, empathy, and creativity—with the vast data-
processing and computational power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In the AGI era, the optimal survivor is not the one who competes with AI, but
the one who equips AI as their “second brain.” This necessitates a higher level
of “AI Literacy.” Beyond simply asking questions to a chatbot, one must discern
the truth of AI-generated outputs and integrate them into their professional
expertise to achieve exponential productivity. Individuals with “Dual Brains” will
be liberated from repetitive tasks and will focus on creating higher-order
values.
Dr. Yosik Kang
Visiting Professor at Dankook University, Former President of Seoul AI Foundation
Ahmed Awaad
Smart City, Digital Transformation, and AI strategy leader
Short bio
Ahmed Awaad is a Smart City, Digital Transformation, and AI strategy leader with over 15 years of hands-on experience delivering large-scale urban and enterprise
transformation programs across the UAE and the wider GCC. His work sits at the
crossroads of smart cities, command and control centers, IoT, cloud platforms, and AI-driven decision systems, helping governments and large organizations turn complex technology environments into practical, measurable outcomes.
Over the years, Ahmed has been directly involved in a number of flagship initiatives, including multi-modal transport command centers, city-scale IoT and mobility platforms, AI-powered GIS systems, smart buildings, and mission-critical command and control environments. He has worked closely with Dubai Government entities, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Government, and major airports in the region, covering everything from early strategy and system architecture to vendor coordination, governance, and the delivery of multi-million-dollar transformation portfolios. Ahmed’s strength lies in bringing hardware, software, cloud, and data together into unified operational platforms. His experience spans smart mobility, intelligent buildings, energy and facility systems, robotics monitoring, and real-time situational awareness. In recent years, his focus has increasingly shifted toward enterprise AI adoption, data platforms, and “AI factory” models that help organizations move beyond pilots and scale AI in a practical and responsible way. He regularly advises C-level executives on digital transformation, business continuity, and AI-led operating models, and is known for bridging the gap between strategy and execution to deliver outcomes that truly matter for cities, governments, and critical infrastructure operators.
