The 6th International Conference on Advancements in Computing (ICAC 2024) was successfully held on December 12–13, 2024, at Waters Edge Hotel, Battaramulla, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Technically co-sponsored by IEEE and several IEEE communities, the conference provided a dynamic platform for academic scholars and industry professionals to present their latest research findings, innovations, and practical applications in Computing. With a strong focus on bridging the horizons in Artificial Intelligence to drive the future of computing, ICAC 2024 fostered invaluable knowledge exchange and collaboration, elevating the research culture and promoting impactful discussions on advancements in the field.
The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers who shared groundbreaking insights into various domains of computing. Prof. William Wong, Professor of Human-Computer Interaction Engineering at Auckland University of Technology, delivered a keynote on visibility and cognitive engineering in user interfaces, highlighting its critical role in system profitability, safety, integrity, security, accountability, and auditability. Assoc. Prof. Nalin Arachchilage from RMIT University, Australia, explored the importance of privacy engineering in software applications, emphasizing its significance in modern digital ecosystems. Dr. Nickson M. Karie from Curtin University, Australia, discussed the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in driving innovation and human potential, shedding light on AI’s profound impact across industries.
Complementing the keynote sessions, ICAC 2024 hosted five specialized workshops, led by experts in various computing domains. Prof. William Wong and Assoc. Prof. Danielle Lottridge conducted a session on “Assessing Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) at Scale,” exploring strategies for evaluating complex cognitive abilities in digital learning environments. Dr. Dinuka Sahabandu led a hands-on workshop on “TinyML in Action,” demonstrating the integration of machine learning in resource-constrained edge devices. Dr. Mahima Weerasinghe provided insights into “Exploring Spiking Neural Networks,” offering a deeper understanding of biologically inspired neural computation. Dr. Pasan Fernando conducted a session on “Exploring Biological Data with Bioinformatics,” guiding participants through the exploration of biological data using computational techniques. Prof. Nuwan Kodagoda and Prof. Roshan Ragel delivered an engaging workshop on “Unleashing the Power of Generative AI in Research,” illustrating how AI-driven models can revolutionize knowledge discovery and innovation. Additionally, a one-day summer school program, “HCI Master Class,” led by Prof. William Wong, provided in-depth training on designing interactive and visual tools to enhance decision-making, fostering the development of more intuitive and efficient user interfaces.
Concluding another successful edition, ICAC 2024 saw 99 local and international researchers present and publish their research findings, with all accepted papers included in IEEE Xplore. The conference reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for advancing computing research, strengthening global collaborations, and shaping the future of the field.