Learn from the Testing Experts

23rd May, 2025

Melbourne

>> Home

>> Register

>> Programme Schedule

Keynote Speakers

Tariq King

CEO
Test IO

Tariq King is a recognized thought-leader in software testing, engineering, DevOps, and AI/ML. He is currently the CEO and Head of Test IO, an EPAM company. Tariq has over fifteen years’ professional experience in the software industry. He has published over 40 research articles in peer-reviewed IEEE and ACM journals, conferences, and workshops, and has written book chapters and technical reports for Springer, O’Reilly, Capgemini, Sogeti, IGI Global, and more. Tariq has been an international keynote speaker and trainer at leading software conferences in industry and academia, and serves on multiple conference boards and program committees.

Talk: The Rise of Generative AI: Judgment Day

It’s been over 70 years since Alan Turing defined what many still consider to be the ultimate test for a computer system — Can a machine exhibit intelligent behavior that is indistinguishable from that of a human? Originally coined the imitation game, the Turing test involves having someone evaluate text conversations between a human and a machine designed to respond like a human. The machine passes the test if the evaluator cannot reliably tell the difference between the human versus machine-generated text. Although the Turing test generally serves as a starting point for discussing AI advances, some question its validity as a test of intelligence. After all, the results do not require the machine to be correct, only for its answers to resemble those of a human.

Whether it’s due to artificial “intelligence” or imitation, we live in an age where machines are capable of generating convincingly realistic content. Generative AI does more than answer questions, it writes articles and poetry, synthesizes human faces and voices, creates music and artwork, and even develops and tests software. But what are the implications of these machine-based imitation games? Are they a glimpse into a future where AI reaches general or super intelligence? Or is it simply a matter of revisiting or redefining the Turing test? Join Tariq King as he leverages a live audience of software testing professionals to probe everything from generative adversarial networks (GANs) to generative pre-trained transformers (GPT). Let’s critically examine the Turing test and more because it’s judgment day — and this time, we are the judges!

Tutorial: An Introduction to AI-Driven Test Automation

Conventional test automation approaches are time-consuming and can produce scripts that are fragile and overly sensitive to change. The rise of AI-driven test automation tools is promising more robust and resilient test scripts that are able to self-heal as the application evolves. But what exactly is this technology all about and how do you get started? Does it require learning new skills and technologies? What tools are immediately available for beginners? Join Tariq King as he introduces you to the world of AI-driven test automation. Learn the fundamentals of AI and ML and how you can apply it to software testing problems. Discover where you can find freely available, open-source tools to support AI-driven test automation. Using a step-by-step approach, Tariq guides you through the basics of what is needed to help you get started with AI-driven testing. No prior programming or AI/ML experience needed!

Panel Discussion Speakers

Sakshee Kohli

Head of Engineering & Site Infrastructure Head of Engineering & Site Infrastructure
Coles Group

Sakshee Kohli

Experienced transformation executive with 20+ years in IT and business transformation. Passionate about delivering business value, uplifting delivery quality, and recovering at-risk programs. Expertise spans banking, insurance, healthcare, and logistics, with a focus on measurable outcomes and inspiring high-performing teams. Strengths: Ideation, Adaptability, Positivity.

sharada priya ramesh

Sharada Priya Ramesh

Software Engineering Chapter Lead
Telstra

Sharada Priya Ramesh

  • Experienced Leader in Quality Assurance and Engineering, successfully leading big QA teams, shaping testing strategies, and collaborating closely with cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Proven ability in delivering to customer priorities, engaging, guiding, and influencing senior stakeholders / Leaders on strategic initiatives.
  • By combining process optimization with innovative testing methodologies, I strive to make quality engineering a driver of productivity and customer satisfaction. I firmly believe that technology can enhance efficiency and create opportunities that can lead to a more inclusive workplace.
  • I’m driven by the belief that exceptional quality isn’t a destination—it’s a journey that requires dedication, collaboration, and a keen eye for detail.

>> Home

>> Register

>> Programme Schedule