ai thought — ai thought — Cyprus’ Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides was recently recognised among the “Top 50 What’s Next Champion” thought leaders at GITEX ASIA 2026 in Singapore. His contributions to high-level discussions on ethical artificial intelligence and digital trust underscored Cyprus’ growing influence in global tech dialogues.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- This framework aims to harmonise the EU AI Act with emerging regulatory approaches in the Asia-Pacific region, fostering alignment across different jurisdictions.
At the prestigious Marina Bay Sands venue, Skourides represented Cyprus as an emerging hub for deep-tech innovation, engaging in critical conversations about AI governance, digital identity, and cybersecurity challenges.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
According to a statement released on Thursday, his participation showcased the nation’s evolving role in addressing contemporary issues related to AI implementation and the protection of digital identities.
Ai thought: Engaging Discussions on AI Safety and Ethical Oversight
During the event, Skourides participated in two significant fireside discussions. The first, titled “The AI Safety Paradox: Can Companies Win the Innovation Race Without Creating the Next Global Risk,” featured journalist Norman Goh from Nikkei Asia. Together, they explored the intricacies of scaling artificial intelligence systems in the context of Industry 5.0.
Skourides highlighted the rapid evolution of AI systems into autonomous agents that impact human behaviour and critical infrastructure. He stressed the necessity of the EU AI Act and related regulatory frameworks to ensure that innovation aligns with safety, accountability, and public trust.
Addressing the widening gap between swift AI commercialisation and ethical oversight, he pointed to regulatory tools like the EU AI Act and international standards such as ISO IEC 42001 as vital for compliance and risk mitigation.
Moreover, he called for adaptive national digital strategies to combat emerging threats like the misuse of biometric technologies and systemic financial risks. His insights emphasised the balance between technological progress and societal responsibility across various sectors, including healthcare and manufacturing.
Trust and Identity in the Digital Landscape
The second session, “Who Do You Trust? Rethinking Identity in the Digital Age,” featured Skourides and Jay Gomez, associate director in cyber advisory at BRG. They discussed the evolving nature of trust in a world increasingly shaped by digital interactions.
Skourides elaborated on challenges posed by deepfake technologies and the rise of autonomous AI agents engaging in digital transactions. He advocated for robust mechanisms to verify human identities amid these complexities, asserting the importance of decentralised digital identity systems.
He tackled issues like synthetic identity fraud and cross-border cyber risks, underscoring the need for coordinated international responses. Skourides presented blockchain-based architectures as potential solutions to restore individual control over personal data while reducing dependence on centralised systems.
Recognising Cyprus’ Strategic Positioning
During his visit, Skourides convened with a variety of international stakeholders in government, cybersecurity, and innovation sectors, reinforcing Cyprus’ commitment to global cooperation. His engagement included a workshop with the Global Council for Responsible AI, focusing on the transition from generative to regenerative AI and the introduction of the GRACIE governance framework.
This framework aims to harmonise the EU AI Act with emerging regulatory approaches in the Asia-Pacific region, fostering alignment across different jurisdictions.
He concluded his participation with a strategic meeting with Jupe Tan, managing partner at Plug and Play APAC, to discuss facilitating visits for Cypriot startups to Singapore and Indonesia, thus enhancing international collaboration and market access for Cypriot innovation.
The announcement described Skourides’ presence at GITEX ASIA as a reinforcement of Cyprus’ strategic positioning within the global technology landscape. It stated, “By actively contributing to high-level discussions on AI governance, digital identity, and trust frameworks, Cyprus is emerging not merely as a participant, but as a credible voice aligned with European regulatory leadership and global best practices.”
As the discourse around digital trust, AI regulation, and data sovereignty gains prominence, Cyprus is poised to support secure and scalable digital ecosystems. The office of the chief scientist aims to translate national strategy into global action, enhancing the country’s attractiveness as a destination for technology investment and innovation-driven businesses.
