New and disruptive technologies are rapidly transforming how people live, work, and connect, how organisations operate and perform, and how communities, societies and their interactions are managed and governed. For individuals, such technologies offer unprecedented access to information, new forms of communications, greater convenience in everyday life and new career opportunities, just to name some, but also raise concerns such as privacy, digital fatigue and job displacement. Organizations benefit from increased efficiency and opportunities for innovation but face pressure to adapt rapidly, retrain and reskill employees, and address more complicated ethical responsibilities. At a societal level, these technologies stimulate economic growth and enable inclusion, yet inappropriate deployments also risk deepening inequalities and widening social divides if access remains unequal. From a governance perspective, rapid technological changes challenge existing legal and regulatory frameworks. Policymakers need to balance innovation with public safety, privacy rights, and ethical standards. Issues such as surveillance, misinformation, and AI bias demand transparent, inclusive governance. Furthermore, the integration of technology shapes cultural norms, public discourse, and power dynamics. Ultimately, managing the impact of these innovative, disruptive and emerging technologies requires collaboration across sectors to ensure equitable and sustainable progress.
The conference provides a platform and interactive forum for social science researchers, technologists, innovators, strategists and policymakers to explore how to maximize benefits while minimising harm and risks in the adaption and deployment of the technologies. To achieve this optimal goal, proactive measures are essential. These include but not restricted to investing in digital literacy and education to prepare individuals for evolving job markets, establishing ethical AI and data standards, and enforcing strong privacy regulations. Encouraging innovation with responsibility, fostering equitable access, and engaging diverse voices in technology development can ensure these tools serve humanity fairly and sustainably.