Middlesex Mauritius – ShiftXchange 2024

“Innovate with a clear moral compass that ensures technology works for everyone”

Middlesex University Mauritius played host to a landmark international conference from August 27-30, 2024, titled ‘ShiftXchange 2024’, centered on “A Practice-Based Approach to Rethinking Leadership in the Digital Era.” This three-day event brought together thought leaders, innovators, academics, and professionals from around the world to explore the evolving landscape of leadership amidst rapid technological advancements. The conference addressed the critical role leaders play in navigating the ethical, social, and organizational challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other disruptive technologies.

The conference began with a keynote address by Zaahira Ebramjee, Head of National Economic Collaboration at Business Mauritius, who highlighted the necessity for leadership to not only adopt new technologies, but also foster sustainable and responsible practices. “In the fast-paced world of technology, it’s no longer enough for leaders to adapt; they must anticipate and lead the charge towards ethical, people-centered digital transformation,” Ms Ebramjee emphasized

The first plenary session, titled “Innovative Leadership: Navigating the Digital Frontier,” featured Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd, Research Associate at Contact North, Canada, who provided insights into the intersection of leadership and digital innovation. Dr Murgatroyd noted that “the real challenge of digital leadership is not just mastering the tools but ensuring that these tools are used to benefit society as a whole.” 

His talk set the tone for a series of conversations that spanned industries, exploring how leaders can drive innovation while maintaining ethical oversight.

One of the key sessions on day two – “Responsible Technology Use and Deployment” – facilitated by Assoc. Prof. Girish Bekaroo, focussed on the ethical implications of AI and robotics in the workplace. The keynote speaker, Avani Singh, a renowned digital rights lawyer and certified mediator in South Africa, presented a compelling talk on “Ethical Leadership in the Digital Age.” She argued that leadership in this era is fundamentally about ensuring that technology serves humanity, rather than widening the inequality gap.

Avani Singh asked a thought-provoking question to the audience: “Will technology be the great equalizer or a magnifier of inequality?” She emphasized that ethical leadership is about embedding responsibility by design, rather than as an afterthought. “It’s not enough to innovate,” she stressed. “We must innovate with a clear moral compass that ensures technology works for everyone, not just the few.”

It’s no longer enough for leaders to adapt; they must anticipate and lead the charge towards ethical, people-centered digital transformation

In an interactive segment, participants were encouraged to engage in a “table buzz” discussion on the role of ethics in technology, considering scenarios such as the use of AI in decision-making, and the ethical dilemmas posed by autonomous vehicles. The overarching sentiment was clear: leadership in the digital age must go beyond technological expertise and focus on accountability and ethical stewardship.

Throughout the conference, various parallel sessions catered to sector-specific discussions. A particularly well-attended session was “Leading in the Financial Sector,” where experts discussed the impact of AI on financial services. Boodeo Nem, a speaker from Middlesex University Mauritius, addressed how AI is reshaping leadership in the financial sector, particularly in developing countries. He stated that “AI allows financial institutions to make faster, data-driven decisions, but it also places enormous responsibility on leaders to ensure that these systems are used transparently and ethically”.

Another highlight was the session on “Leadership in Education,” which explored the role of AI in transforming educational practices. John Luis, CEO of IVA Global School, shared his vision of how the metaverse and AI can revolutionize teaching and learning. “The metaverse is not just a tool for entertainment,” he argued. “It’s an immersive environment where students can learn, collaborate, and innovate in ways that traditional classrooms simply cannot facilitate.”

Sustainability was a recurring theme throughout ShiftXchange 2024, with multiple sessions addressing how digital transformation can contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ann Taukoordass, Chief Transformation Officer at Medine, spoke passionately about the role of technology in creating sustainable cities. “AI and digital technologies hold the potential to make our cities more efficient, more inclusive, and more resilient, but only if leaders commit to responsible governance,” she remarked.

This was further echoed in the session on “Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship,” where discussions centered on how companies can leverage technology to meet their environmental and social commitments. Denisha Seedoyal Seereekissoon, from Middlesex University Mauritius, pointed out the role of leadership in aligning corporate goals with societal needs, emphasizing that “CSR is no longer optional in the digital age. It’s integral to how businesses are perceived, and how they can truly make a difference.”

The conference also served as a hub for networking and collaboration. The ‘Industry Speed Dating’ session allowed participants to engage with thought leaders and industry experts in a series of rapid one-on-one discussions, fostering meaningful connections that could lead to future partnerships. 

Indeed, the closing ceremony emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and action. In her closing remarks, Prof. Divya Singh, Chief Academic Officer of STADIO Higher Education, summed up the key takeaways: “Leadership in the digital age is not just about mastering new technologies. It’s about mastering ourselves, our ethics, and our responsibilities as stewards of the future.”