Portable People

Sarah Kaur is a distinguished AI strategy and design leader who combines deep expertise in human-centered design with proven experience in implementing responsible AI solutions across government and industry. As the 2024 Women in AI APAC Award winner for Creative Industries, she brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and practical implementation experience to complex technological transformations.

Previously at CSIRO's Data61, Sarah leads the development and implementation of national frameworks for responsible AI adoption. She is the architect of Australia's AI Impact Navigator, recently released by the Department of Industry Science and Resources, and has driven significant AI initiatives including SEEK's AI-enabled recruitment services focusing on diversity and inclusion, and Alphinity Investment Management’s Responsible AI and ESG Guide for Investors. Her recent project working with Department of Home Affairs' Trusted Information Sharing Network and the Resilience Expert Advisory Group mapping interdependencies within Australia's Critical Infrastructure ecosystem has given her deep insight into organisational resilience, particularly in relation to cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

Sarah recently led a project for the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), supporting all Victorian councils by developing best-practice user requirements for AI technologies in statutory planning. The project surfaced real-world use cases and offered practical guidance for aligning AI implementation with complex regulatory, legislative, and data governance obligations.

Sarah's extensive government experience includes developing the Fair Work Commission's Digital Strategy Roadmap and the Australian Bureau of Statistics' Geospatial Strategy, demonstrating her ability to align technological innovation with public sector objectives. She has also led pioneering work in AI applications at Portable, including producing Australia's first machine-learning online dispute resolution system for the Attorney-General's Department with Portable; creating a human-centric data strategy for Bushfire Recovery Victoria, and understanding the role of tacit knowledge in AI systems advancing digital model-based engineering systems for aircraft manufacturing.

With a Master's in Business Analytics and a track record of successful digital transformation initiatives, Sarah specialises in identifying high-impact AI use cases while ensuring ethical implementation and stakeholder engagement. Her portfolio includes strategic projects across transport, science, and government sectors, including work with the Burnet Institute on using AI and emerging technologies for online safety, and developing AI-driven solutions for Australia's research organisations. Her approach consistently demonstrates the ability to bridge the gap between technological innovation and practical, responsible implementation in public sector contexts.