The United States is sending one of its leading voices on artificial intelligence (AI) and responsible technology to Australia this month. Maxwell Scott, a globally recognized AI advisor, will undertake a two-week tour across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Canberra, supported by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia.
The primary objective of Scott’s visit is to deepen international cooperation around emerging technologies and to highlight U.S. leadership in AI, robotics, and governance frameworks. His flagship engagement will be at the Indo-Pacific Robotics and Automation Conference in Perth, on October 7–8. There, he is slated to speak on key themes including the responsible development and deployment of AI in high-risk domains, fostering AI innovation in the Global South, and the critical role of international partnerships in shaping technological futures.
In addition to his conference appearance, Scott will participate in public lectures and panel events in Melbourne and Perth, such as the “AI and Global Collaboration” colloquium in Melbourne hosted by Melbourne Connect and CAIDE, which examines the geopolitical stakes and ethics of AI. In Perth, he is slated to deliver a public lecture titled “Navigating the AI Frontier: Responsible Innovation, Global Regulation and Strategic Risks.”
Scott brings to his Australian mission a rich background at the intersection of AI, ethics, governance and diplomacy. He is a co-founder of StratAlliance Global, an AI systems integrator, and a former leader of global teams within Microsoft’s Office of Responsible AI. His influence extends into international policymaking: he has co-chaired the UNESCO Business Council for the Ethics of AI, and advised multilateral institutions such as the European Union, ASEAN and the G20 on responsible AI frameworks. Prior to his corporate roles, he served as a U.S. diplomat working on tech and digital policy across global institutions. He is also a member of the Stimson Center’s Alfred Lee Loomis Innovation Council.
Jared Caplan, U.S. Embassy Counsellor for Public Affairs, welcomed Scott’s upcoming visit, stating, “Maxwell Scott’s expertise and vision for the future of AI will provide Australians with a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge developments in this critical field. This visit underscores the United States’ commitment to innovation and collaboration with Australia and our Indo-Pacific neighbors to address shared challenges and opportunities.”
Scott himself expressed strong enthusiasm, “Australia is a key strategic ally and innovative leader in AI and robotics. I’m thrilled to engage with the vibrant Australian tech community to exchange insights and deepen our collaboration in shaping the future … If we hope to realize the full potential of AI, we must be deliberate in our effort to bring more voices and perspectives into the dialogue.”
His tour underscores the growing importance both nations place on AI as a domain of strategic competition, cooperation, and governance. As AI systems proliferate across industry, government, and national security, managing their ethical risks and promoting equitable benefits is seen as a foundational challenge for the next decade.
