Singapore – Amidst weeks of fervent anticipation from the regional and international tech industries, the inaugural GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore grandly commenced last Tuesday, its halls bustling with attendees and a vibrant array of programs from the very first day. Co-hosted by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in partnership with GITEX GLOBAL, this first-ever Asian edition is taking place at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from April 23rd to 25th.

Under the theme ‘Advancing Bold Partnerships in Asia,’ this event, poised to be Asia’s largest technology, startup, and digital investment gathering, has welcomed over 700 companies and innovative startups from more than 20 sectors and 70 countries. Additionally, it anticipates the participation of over 250 prominent investors managing assets worth US$200 billion and more than 400 global expert speakers, promising unprecedented access to new markets, capital, talent, relationships, and opportunities.

The opening ceremony of this three-day celebration of technological innovation, visionary collaboration, and universal digital ambition was graced by key figures instrumental in bringing the event to fruition, who elaborated on its inspiration and what attendees could expect.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, emphasized, “We are incredibly proud to host such a monumental technology, startup, and digital investment event in Singapore for the first time. However, it’s not just about scale. Our aim is to unite the global ecosystem, nations, and cities to empower human capital, benchmark against world-class standards, and forge new alliances, relationships, ideas, and opportunities, all while further expanding and enhancing the competitiveness of the global AI ecosystem.” She further added, “It is our responsibility to provide opportunities for both established markets and emerging economies to collaborate and compete. Facilitating public-private partnerships and inter-industry, intercontinental cooperation is the only way to move faster and further in the new AI economy. This is GITEX’s mission.”

The Cybercrime Conundrum: Addressing a US$23 Trillion Threat

The three-day GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore will host in-depth discussions surrounding the most pressing issues in the technology sector. Renowned tech leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, national digital agency representatives, and regulators will convene to discuss the rapidly evolving competitive landscape, while innovative companies will showcase the latest technological solutions transforming society and industries.

A central theme of the event is the escalating threat of cybercrime and the search for solutions. Cybercrime is causing immense economic losses globally and has emerged as a significant threat to both businesses and individuals. Experts predict that the global cost of cybercrime will reach US$10.5 trillion (approximately 14 quadrillion KRW) by 2025, a significant increase from US$8 trillion in 2023. Notably, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has the potential to further amplify the sophistication and scale of cyberattacks, making the development of countermeasures an urgent priority.

This GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore will feature in-depth discussions on this cybercrime threat. Cybersecurity experts are expected to analyze the latest cyberattack trends, share effective prevention and response strategies, and explore the future direction of AI-based security technologies. Furthermore, government officials and representatives from international organizations are anticipated to discuss strengthening international cooperation for joint responses to cybercrime.

A Showcase of Future Technologies: AI, Fintech, Smart Cities, and More

Beyond cybersecurity, the event will also feature in-depth discussions and demonstrations of innovative technologies in various future-forward fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, smart cities, Web 3.0, and sustainable technology. In particular, technologies and collaborative strategies that can accelerate the digital transformation of the Asian region and create new growth engines will be a key focus.

In the AI sector, the latest technology trends such as natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning will be introduced alongside AI solutions applied to various industries. The fintech sessions will showcase innovative financial technologies such as digital payments, blockchain-based financial services, and personalized financial products, with discussions on expanding financial inclusion and enhancing the efficiency of financial systems.

The smart city sector will present ways to improve urban sustainability and the quality of life for citizens by integrating advanced technologies like AI, IoT (Internet of Things), and big data in various areas such as urban planning, traffic management, energy efficiency, and public safety. Additionally, the Web 3.0 sessions will introduce the latest technologies and business models related to building a blockchain-based decentralized internet environment.

Connecting the Asian Tech Ecosystem and Attracting Investment

GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore is expected to serve as a crucial platform not only for showcasing technology but also for connecting the Asian regional tech ecosystem and providing networking opportunities with global investors. With the participation of over 250 major investors, the event is poised to offer promising startups opportunities to attract investment and provide a venue for tech companies to forge new business partnerships.

Notably, government officials from various countries will participate in the event to introduce their nations' digital transformation policies and investment attraction strategies, as well as explore international cooperation plans. This is expected to play a significant role in promoting technological innovation in the Asian region and strengthening its competitiveness in the global technology market.

Emphasizing the Importance of Continuous Technological Innovation and Collaboration

Trixie LohMirmand concluded, “GITEX is more than just an exhibition; it is a global platform where technology leaders, innovators, and investors from around the world gather to share ideas and explore collaborations. We hope that GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore will accelerate technological innovation in the Asian region and further contribute to the development of the global digital economy.”

This event underscores the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration in a rapidly changing technological landscape and is poised to be a significant milestone for the future of the Asian tech ecosystem. The diverse programs and discussions unfolding over the next three days are expected to generate new growth drivers and collaboration opportunities for the Asian technology industry.