The School of Informatics at Walailak University, in collaboration with the Center of Excellence in Informatics Innovation, successfully hosted The 5th Informatics International Seminar 2026 (INFOCON 2026) on June 24, 2026. Held online via Zoom under the theme “AI-Driven Innovation for Digital Transformation,” the seminar served as a premier platform for experts, researchers, students, and tech enthusiasts worldwide to exchange knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
The conference received an overwhelming response, drawing participants from over 10 countries, including Uzbekistan, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Nigeria, Cameroon, Pakistan, Malaysia, Austria, and Germany, alongside faculty members, researchers, and postgraduate students from various Thai universities. This diverse participation reflects a shared global interest in AI and digital transformation, both of which are pivotal to the development of modern education, research, organizations, and society.
INFOCON 2026 aimed to create an international academic space to discuss the transformative role of AI across multiple sectors. Key areas of discussion included business and industry, public services and governance, education and research, as well as the crucial ethical and responsible deployment of AI in today’s world.
The event featured distinguished international keynote speakers who delivered insights on timely and cutting-edge topics:
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarana Nutanong from the Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Thailand, presented on “Near-Application Evaluation as Reality Probing for Applied AI Research,” offering innovative approaches to evaluating applied AI research in real-world contexts.
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Dr. Habee Bullah Affandy from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Malaysia, spoke on “AI as a Creative Partner: Reinventing Media, Communication, and Digital Content,” highlighting AI’s role in augmenting human capabilities to reshape digital media and creativity.
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Prof. Dr. Dirk Voelz from Hochschule RheinMain (HSRM), Germany, delivered a talk titled “Digital Transformation and AI: From Economic Theory to Technical Applications,” bridging the gap between economic theory, technology, and practical AI applications driving digital organizations and societies.
The seminar concluded with engaging and dynamic interactions. Participants actively engaged with the speakers through Q&A sessions, discussions, and shared experiences on AI applications in research, teaching, and real-world deployment. The event also sparked conversations regarding future joint research initiatives, marking a significant milestone in expanding the School of Informatics’ academic network globally.
Ultimately, INFOCON 2026 was not just a stage for expert knowledge sharing, but a foundational space for building academic alliances. It empowered students, researchers, and informatics professionals to keep pace with world-changing AI trends while fostering digital innovations that prioritize human values, ethics, and social benefit.
The School of Informatics, Walailak University, remains firmly committed to advancing education, research, and academic services to match the fast-evolving digital landscape. The school continues to strengthen local and international partnerships to produce future-ready graduates, impactful research, and sustainable innovations for the era of Artificial Intelligence.
