DBS2024 successfully wraps up

Nearly 40 exhibitors and a thousand visitors have attended ABU's Digital Broadcasting Symposium 2024 (DBS2024), from March 4 to 7, at Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur, making this another successful DBS.

This year's event marks the 20th year the DBS is held. The theme of DBS2024 is 'Navigating AI Horizon', exploring the paradoxical nature of artificial intelligence (AI), which presents almost-limitless possibilities but also certain problems and dilemmas.

DBS2024 was officiated Tuesday morning by Malaysian Deputy Minister of Communication Teo Nie Ching, whom in her address, said that in our pursuit of innovation, we must also use AI responsibly and ethically, before she was led on a tour of the various exhibition booths at the event.

The symposium, through its conference sessions, panel discussions, focused workshops and masterclasses, were presented by an international panel of over 80 eminent experts, who sought to find solutions and share experiences related to digital transition, technology implementation, creative content ideas, and enhancing user experiences.

The main focus of the discussions was on the use of AIin media and entertainment, and how it brings improved efficiency and more personalised content for audiences, not to mention, revolutionising the field of virtual production.

The use of AI for nonprofits was highlighted as well, such as the use of AI technology in digital radios for the purpose of disaster-preparedness.

Discussions got particularly interesting as speakers debated whether AI brings more harm than good, with a few speakers expressing fear that AI might replace workers, or even create a dystopian future where technology dominates humans.

However, Lindsay Cornell, Principal Systems Architect, BBC Digital, the UK, was quick to assure that we have nothing to fear. He said, "People use AI for everything. There is a fear of the unknown, such as what people felt during the radio a hundred years ago, but things keep getting faster. Do we humans run out of capacity to adapt to change? I don't think so."

Speaker Sanjay Das, VP Global Sales & Business Development, Cite' de Memoire, from India, said, "We must see AI as a little child - what do we teach it?" and emphasised the importance of controlling AI, rather than letting it control us.

Satriyo Dharmanto, Director of Technical Operational, TVR1, Indonesia, emphasised the importance of providing a sustainable media ecosystem to support AI governance, including in areas of climate action and social inclusion. He said, "Together we have the power to reset the narrative and create a better world with AI."

Dr Veysel Binbay, Director of ABU Technology and Innovation, in the closing ceremony said, "I hope you all have enjoyed the discussions and deliberations," and thanked the attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, ABU staff, and student volunteers that made the event a success.