Centria strengthens its expertise in Artificial Intelligence

The Centria Robotics and Artificial Intelligence top research group consists of approximately 15 experts, one-third of whom have an international background. One of them is a top AI professional, Dr. Himat Shah, who started working at Centria about five months ago.

– It is a pleasure to be part of the Centria Robotics and Artificial Intelligence top research group and to contribute my expertise. My main goal is to support local companies in developing technologically advanced solutions. In addition, I plan to focus on writing high-quality research papers and contributing to the implementation of the research group’s action plan.

Shah works as an AI expert in the OptiWood project, where the goal is to demonstrate the opportunities for utilizing data in optimizing processes within the wood industry.

– We support local wood products industry in integrating AI solutions into their processes. In our work, we combine advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques to enable real-time quality control and reduce the need for manual labor, explains Shah. Machine learning allows conclusions to be drawn from individual operations, while deep learning leverages more complex neural networks to make broader, data-driven decisions.  

Shah is originally from Pakistan and has lived in Finland for the past eight years, six of which were in Joensuu and one in Turku. He currently lives in Ylivieska with his family. 

– My journey to Finland began with a deep interest in research and machine learning. I was drawn by Finland’s strong research culture in technology and its excellent education system. I came to pursue my doctoral studies at the University of Eastern Finland, where I was given a wonderful opportunity to settle and take part in exciting collaborations. 

Shah was awarded a PhD degree in Computer Science from the University of Eastern Finland, specializing in machine learning and data science. In addition, he holds two master’s degrees: Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree from the United Kingdom (UK) and one in Computer Sciences from Pakistan. He has also several years of experience in teaching and research at different universities. 

 – I worked as an Assistant Professor at a public university in Pakistan. After moving to Finland, my first job was as a database programmer in Joensuu (SiunSote). Later, I joined the University of Turku as a Senior Researcher, where we applied advanced machine learning algorithms to forecast daily customer numbers at a digital self-service restaurant using historical data. 

 Shah feels that he has adapted well and plans to stay in Finland with his family. He is also actively working on improving his Finnish. 

– I study Finnish with my neighbor, who visits us almost daily. Although learning the language has been challenging, it has gradually become a wonderful experience, Shah says, switching seamlessly from English to Finnish. 

Shah’s family includes his wife and two children: a nine-month-old daughter and a four-years-old son. 

– We appreciate the balance between work and private life here, as well as the peaceful living environment. People respect personal space and time, which is different from my home country. In Pakistan, life is more social, people are more spontaneous, and interactions are more intense. 

The openness and independence of Finland’s work culture made a strong impression on Shah.

– There are significant differences between the work cultures in Finland and Pakistan. In Finland, work life is very structured, independent, and employee friendly. People are self-directed, but decisions are made together. In Pakistan, the situation is quite the opposite. There is a more rigid hierarchy, and positions of power are more significant. Senior management often makes decisions alone. In Pakistan, you cannot trust people in the same way as you can in Finland. This is one of the big challenges in our culture. I especially appreciate honesty, trust, and the support provided by employers in Finnish organizations. 

When asked what he would bring from Pakistan to Finland, Shah responds as follows: 

– It would be something related to family life. We used to live in close family ties, where we share our problems with each other and get more support that way. Here in Finland, people are less social and do not share their problems so easily, which can lead to psychological issues. Even though Finland is the happiest country in the world. We also often live with our parents, supporting them as they grow older. 

Shah claims that he finds more things to bring from Finland to Pakistan. 

– At least honesty, the education system, a strong work ethic, and cleanliness. Finland’s education system is excellent. I love clean nature, air quality and drinking water, he adds.  

Shah has lived in several countries across Asia and Europe. 

– The cultures that have impacted me the most are, of course, Pakistani, as well as English and Finnish culture. I spent four years living in England in the past.

When asked about his free time, Shah smiles and says that life with a baby doesn’t leave him with much of it. When he does have time, he enjoys skiing, playing badminton, swimming, or going to the gym. And Shah, too, doesn’t forget to mention the Finnish sauna, where he enjoys good conversations.