OCTAI Workshop 1.1 – Listening to Practitioners (Asia and Europe): A Global Dialogue on Theology and Artificial Intelligence

On February 12, 2025, leading minds from across Asia and Europe gathered for the OCTAI Workshop 1.1 – Listening to Practitioners, an event organized as part of the Oxford Collaboration on Theology and Intelligence. This dynamic workshop served as a global platform where experts in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and healthcare innovation came together to share their insights and experiences.

The workshop aimed to bridge interdisciplinary perspectives by fostering dialogue between practitioners, academics, and researchers. With a special focus on how AI intersects with human values, ethics, and theology, the event spotlighted groundbreaking applications of AI across industries—particularly in healthcare and public services.

The event featured an impressive lineup of thought leaders and innovators from various sectors and regions:

• Dr. Nunung Nurul Qomariyah
  An Assistant Professor at Bina Nusantara University International in Jakarta, Dr. Qomariyah specializes in Artificial Intelligence and Explainable AI (XAI) in healthcare. Her presentation focused on how AI systems can be designed to be transparent and trustworthy, particularly when making critical decisions in medical contexts. Her research highlights the need for clarity and fairness in AI, ensuring that technological advancements genuinely benefit patients and healthcare providers alike.

• Kane Wu
  The founder of ThinkCol, a leading AI and machine learning consultancy based in Hong Kong, Kane Wu brought valuable industry insights to the discussion. With over eight years of experience working across various industries and government projects, Wu shared real-world applications of AI-driven solutions, showcasing how businesses can effectively harness machine learning to drive innovation, streamline operations, and solve complex challenges.

• Jianyang Lum
  Leading the Machine Learning team at BotMD, a Singapore-based Y Combinator (YC) startup, Jianyang Lum presented on the transformative role of AI-powered chatbots in healthcare. BotMD focuses on providing healthcare professionals with quick access to information, enhancing doctor-patient communication, and streamlining administrative processes—ultimately improving healthcare outcomes through technology.

• Prof. Nigel Crook
  A renowned academic from Oxford University, Prof. Crook shared his expertise on the ethical dimensions of AI and how theological reflections can inform responsible AI development. His research often examines the moral implications of intelligent systems and how they align with human values.

• Dr. Jakob Zeitler
  Also from Oxford University, Dr. Zeitler’s research focuses on making machine learning, causal inference, and Bayesian optimization applicable in real-world settings. His presentation delved into how these advanced AI methods can drive innovation in fields such as healthcare, drug development, and chemistry. Additionally, Dr. Zeitler emphasized the importance of simplifying and explaining AI systems, ensuring their benefits are accessible and understandable to all.

The OCTAI Workshop 1.1 was not just about technological advancement—it was also a space for critical reflection on the ethical, theological, and societal implications of AI. By connecting thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and regions, the event underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of AI responsibly and inclusively.

The discussions explored how AI can be integrated thoughtfully into areas like healthcare, public services, and ethical governance, ensuring that technology serves humanity’s best interests.