Sunday, January 19, 2025 – Kantipur City College, Kathmandu
Kantipur City College successfully organized the International Conference on AI and Engineering (ICAIE 2025): Challenges and Opportunities today. The event brought together distinguished guests, keynote speakers, presenters, and participants to explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various engineering sectors and its potential impact on sustainable development.
Opening Ceremony
The event began with the Opening Proceedings, led by Mr. Raju Kattel, Principal of Kantipur City College and Program Chair. The distinguished guests included: Chief Guest: Er. Dipesh Bista, CEO/Member Secretary, e-Governance Commission, Government of Nepal, Keynote Speaker: Prof. Dr. Deepak Prasar, Associate Dean, Lovely Professional University, Special Guests: Mr. Anil Dutta, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology, Mr. Suman Katwal, Chairman, Kantipur City College, Guests: Er. Bhanu Bhakta Niroula, Vice Principal, Kantipur City College, Dr. Deepak Bikram Thapa Chhetri, Coordinator, ICAIE 2025.
Keynote Speech
The keynote address by Prof. Dr. Deepak Prasar focused on “Empowering Cyber Defense: The Transformative Role of AI in Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence in Developing Countries.” His insightful presentation emphasized the role of AI in addressing cybersecurity challenges in developing nations, followed by an engaging Q&A session.
Invited Presentations
The conference featured two invited presentations:
1. Prof. Dr. Sudan Jha: “Addressing Digital Infrastructure Gaps, Lack of Skilled Workforce, and Ethical Concerns in AI Adoption.”
2. Dr. Ritu Raj Lamsal: “AI and IoT Integration in Engineering: Use Cases, Challenges, and Opportunities in Nepal.”
Both speakers highlighted the importance of AI in bridging digital divides and integrating emerging technologies in Nepal’s engineering sector.
Presentation Sessions
The first session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Subarna Shakya, included: Dr. Deepak Bikram Thapa Chhetri: “AI for Sustainable Development: Challenges and Solutions in Engineering.” and Mr. Mukesh Ghimire, PhD: “Renewable Energy Promotion and Potential Applications of AI in Nepalese Renewable Energy Sector.” These presentations emphasized the role of AI in addressing challenges related to climate change, disaster resilience, and sustainable energy development in Nepal.
After lunch, the second session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Gajendra Sharma, featured: Mr. Ramesh Parajuli: “An Integrated Framework for Landfill Monitoring Using IoT and AI.” and Mr. Shreedeep Rayamajhi: “AI Perspectives and Challenges of Developing Nations.” The discussions focused on AI applications in waste management and the need for education and resilience in adopting AI technologies.
Panel Discussion
The highlight of the conference was the panel discussion moderated by Mr. Vivek S. Rana, Digital Enterprise Architect at the Center for AI Digital Policy (US). Panelists included: Dr. Suresh Manandhar, CEO, Wiseyak, Mr. Anil Kumar Dutta, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Communications Information Technology and Dr. Manoj Shakya, Assistant Professor, Kathmandu University.
Key topics included
AI development in Nepal, data security, rural inclusion in the AI framework, and the applicability of AI policies from developed nations to Nepal’s context.
Closing Session
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Deepak Bikram Thapa Chhetri, Coordinator of ICAIE 2025, followed by token presentations, certificate distribution, and closing remarks by Er. Bhanu Bhakta Niroula, Vice Principal of Kantipur City College. The event ended with high tea and networking among participants.
Key Takeaways
AI is pivotal for sustainable development, engineering advancements, and addressing societal challenges. Collaboration and contextualized AI policies are essential for Nepal’s development. Educating and empowering individuals, particularly in rural areas, is critical for inclusive AI adoption.
Kantipur City College extends its gratitude to all participants, speakers, and guests for making ICAIE 2025 a resounding success.