Yesterday marked the opening of the International Conference on Science, Engineering and Technology (ICSciEnTec), a two-day gathering designed to close the gap between theoretical research and real-world application. Hosted by Construction Development Corporation Limited in partnership with the College of Science and Technology (CST), the event brought together students, lecturers, industry practitioners and government representatives under one roof to exchange ideas and chart a path forward for collaborative innovation.
In his opening remarks, Namgay Tshering of the conference organising committee emphasised the importance of uniting diverse stakeholders. “We’re here to foster a shared understanding of the challenges each sector faces, so that we can agree on solutions that are both effective and socially acceptable,” he said. He went on to highlight the value of linking academic study with industrial practice: “By collaborating with companies in the field, CST and other institutions can ensure classroom learning stays relevant to what’s happening on the ground.”
Dr Cheki Dorji, President of CST, echoed those sentiments, pointing out that academic work often remains confined to theory. “Through events like this, we gain insight into government projects and student research alike, helping us transform abstract ideas into practical applications that benefit society,” he noted.
A central feature of the conference was a series of presentations on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and deep learning—fields poised to revolutionise everything from energy management to national economic planning.
Jigme Namgyal, lead author of a study on electricity load forecasting, explained how traditional methods rely heavily on historical demand data and variables such as weather. “While useful, those approaches can fall short when predicting demand for the next hour—or even the next three days,” he said. “Machine learning and deep learning, by contrast, uncover hidden patterns and optimize their own parameters, offering significantly improved accuracy for short- and medium-term forecasts.”
Dr Dorji added that their literature review found minimal research on these advanced techniques within Bhutan. “Though statistical forecasting methods are in place, there’s almost no work on applying AI or machine learning locally. Our study aims to fill that gap and pave the way for smarter energy management here.”
From Malaysia, researcher Shazin Mat Taib brought an international perspective on AI’s economic impact. She reported that the technology contributes 10–15 percent of Malaysia’s GDP and forecasted that the country could capture nearly 14 percent of AI’s value chain across key sectors. “As we develop AI governance frameworks,” she said, “we must focus on global collaboration, robust data governance, investment in human capital, regulatory oversight and clear accountability.”
Shazin also highlighted Malaysia’s proactive stance on workforce transition: “Upskilling and reskilling initiatives are underway for those whose roles are affected by AI’s rise.” She noted that the nation has already enacted AI regulations with specific timelines, recognizing that policy must keep pace with rapid technological change.
As ICSciEnTec continues today, attendees will have further opportunities to engage in panel discussions and workshops aimed at translating research insights into actionable industry and policy solutions. With bridges being built between academia, industry and government, the conference promises to accelerate the practical application of cutting-edge technologies across the region.
