Media Release
Deakin University and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) explore closing the AI skills gap
Melbourne roundtable discovers the skills needed in today’s economy
March 27, 2025
What are the skills needed for graduates and workers in the age of AI? Deakin Business School and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) will be exploring this with Victorian industry leaders at an upcoming event in Melbourne.
Scheduled for April 1, 2025, from 5.30 to 8pm at Deakin Downtown (Tower 2, Level 12, 727 Collins Street, Docklands), the panel will provide a unique platform for industry experts and stakeholders to discuss how to equip the next generation of workers with the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven world.
The event will feature IBM Corporate Social Responsibility Leader, Yean Feng Yue, as keynote speaker and IBM Consulting Senior Partner Russell Ives will lead a roundtable discussion about an IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) report into Industries in the AI Era.
Featuring experts from the technology, consulting and legal industries, the panel will provide industry leaders with the opportunity to share their insights on trends, challenges, and opportunities associated with AI adoption and how universities can align their educational programs with the future needs of employers.
ACS’s most recent Digital Pulse report highlighted the urgent need for Australia to build a digitally skilled workforce for the nation to remain globally competitive and secure long-term prosperity. It also revealed gaps in AI adoption between Australia and other developed nations, particularly regarding AI talent and workforce integration.
One key recommendation from the report is the need to better integrate AI into the curriculum of tertiary education programs in fields such as finance, education, and other sectors highly impacted by AI.
“As AI continues to transform industries, universities must adapt their programs to ensure graduates are equipped to thrive in the evolving workforce,” said Helen McHugh, ACS President. “This roundtable will help shape how Universities and other education institutions can better prepare students for a future dominated by AI.”
Deakin Business School Dean, Professor Amanda Pyman, said the University is committed to fostering AI-ready graduates who can drive innovation across industries.
“At Deakin, we recognise that AI is reshaping the workforce, and we are committed to ensuring our graduates have the technical expertise and critical thinking skills required to navigate these global changes and unprecedented technological progress,” Professor Pyman said.
“University-industry collaborations like this roundtable are essential to bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring our programs remain relevant and forward-focused, and contribute to shaping the future workforce.”
Industry leaders will be including their perspectives on how AI is transforming their sectors and to provide input on how Australian universities can ensure their graduates are AI-ready and able to meet the emerging needs of employers.
-ENDS-
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 47,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation.
Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow.
ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community.
Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.
About Deakin Business School
DBS is ranked in the top 1% of business schools globally. We are accredited by both the AACSB and EQUIS accreditations that are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.