“AI in Australia: Meeting the moment or seeing it pass by”
Dr Sue Keay FTSE
Director, UNSW AI Institute
UNSW Sydney
Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Time: In-person: 12.00–2.00 pm AEST); Online: 12.30–2.00 pm AEST
Venue: Union, University & Schools Club Sydney (UUSC) 25 Bent St, Sydney — in-person and online
Registration: Registration through ATSE
Cost: In-person: $60; Online: no charge
Dress: Smart business casual (jacket preferred)
The Chaikin Oration is presented by the NSW Division of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)
Summary: Australia has a once-in-a-generation chance to turn its natural strengths into sovereign, sustainable AI capability. Our abundant renewables, world-class datasets, strong research and geopolitical stability give Australia a unique edge for low-emissions (sustainable) compute. However, without public leadership, we risk “renting” our digital future from offshore providers amid record foreign data-centre spend. To own our future will require bold public investment in nation-building digital infrastructure that secures productivity, resilience, and strategic autonomy, keeping value and standards onshore while partnering globally where it serves the public interest.
| Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) | |
| Date: | Thursday, 25 September 2025, 12:51 AM |
| Venue: | Union University and Schools Club, 25 Bent Street, Sydney (corner of Bent and Philip Streets) |
| Entry: | In-person: $60; online: no charge |
In Person Event
All are Welcome
11 February 2026
Michael Crouch Room, Mitchell Building, State Library of NSW, Shakespeare Place, Sydney 
