Huge congratulations to our Chair, Dr Sue Keay, Founding Director of Robotics Australia Group and Director of the UNSW AI Institute, on receiving The Malcolm Chaikin Oration Medal at the 2025 Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Chaikin Oration, held at the Union University & Schools Club in Sydney on 25 September 2025.
The Chaikin Oration, named in honour of the late Professor Malcolm Chaikin AO OBE FTSE, recognises the transformative impact of academia, learning, and education on society.
In her oration, “AI in Australia: Meeting the moment or seeing it pass by?”, Dr Keay called on Australia to seize its once-in-a-generation opportunity to build sovereign and sustainable AI capability. She highlighted the nation’s unique advantages—abundant renewables, world-class datasets, strong research, and geopolitical stability—while warning that without bold public investment, Australia risks “renting” its digital future from offshore providers.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to Dr Keay’s leadership and ongoing contribution to advancing Australia’s AI and robotics capability.
