Singapore, April 27: After weeks of increasing anticipation among the regional and international tech communities, the first-ever GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore began in blistering fashion on Tuesday as capacity crowds enjoyed an action-packed opening day agenda. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in affiliation with GITEX GLOBAL, the Asian inaugural edition of the world's largest show is running at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from April 23-25.
Under the theme 'Advancing Bold Partnerships in Asia', the region's largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments event welcomes 700+ enterprises and award-winning startups from 20+ industry sectors and 70+ countries. Alongside 400+ global expert speakers and 250+ leading investors managing US$200 billion in assets under management (AUM), it stands to present unparalleled access to new markets, capital, talent, relationships, and opportunities.
An opening ceremony launched this unmissable three-day celebration of technological innovation, visionary collaboration, and universal digital ambition, where those who helped bring the event to life elaborated on its inspiration and what audiences can expect.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, said: "We're delighted to launch the region's largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments here in Singapore, but this is not about the size. It's about our commitment to bringing global ecosystems, countries, and cities together, powering human capital, benchmarking with the world, and forging new alliances, relationships, ideas, and opportunities whilst making the whole global universe of AI much bigger and more competitive. Whether from established markets or rising emerging economies, our responsibility is ensuring we connect and provide the chance to collaborate and compete. It's about driving public-private partnerships and cross-industry, cross-continental collaboration because that's the only way to go even faster and further in the new AI economy. This is the mission of GITEX."
The Cybercrime Conundrum: Addressing A Looming US$23 Trillion Threat
Throughout its three-day duration, GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore hosts powerful debates surrounding the most pressing topics in tech - welcoming renowned tech leaders, founders, investors, national digital agency officials and regulators to discuss the fastest-changing competitive developments as formidable companies showcase the latest tech solutions revolutionising societies and industries.
Across 180+ hours of content and eight key themes, a thrilling journey into technology's new frontiers awaits visitors through a world-class event and exhibition programme - one with cybersecurity at its core alongside AI, cloud, quantum, green tech, health tech & biotech, smart cities, startups and more.
Addressing audiences during the event inauguration, Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government, stated: "Cybercrime does not distinguish between nations, businesses, startups, or people - and this is why we must be the first line of defence against malicious actors and build a security culture that transcends across the whole continent and beyond. This culture is a pillar of societal prosperity, security, and success. Being here in Singapore alongside so many great ecosystem partners, national security agencies, and cyber security companies amplifies our message that cyber security is paramount and integral to everything we do in a transforming digital world. We are gathered here to make this happen and forge a safe, secure, and resilient future through which digital ecosystems and economies thrive."
For his part, Ahmed AlKetbi, Deputy Ambassador, Head of Economic, Trade and Investment, UAE Embassy in Singapore, elaborated on the robust ties between Singapore and the UAE, further enforcing H.E. Dr. Al Kuwaiti's message that cooperation is a prerequisite to nations overcoming common obstacles and realising shared objectives.
During his inauguration address, AlKetbi added: "GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore represents a dynamic platform for enhancing bilateral trade relationships and fostering collaboration across government, business, society, and the private sector. The UAE and Singapore already share a robust SGD24 billion bilateral trade partnership, with the UAE proudly positioned as Singapore's main partner in the MENA region. In 2019, both our nations formalized a commitment to greater cooperation through the UAE-Singapore Comprehensive Partnership, a strategic framework aimed at deepening existing ties and exploring new avenues of mutual growth. We remain open and eager to expand relationships with progressive communities, countries, and regions - and we look forward to meaningful and fruitful dialogue throughout this week and beyond."
With FBI and IMF projecting that average annual cybercrime costs could skyrocket from US$8.4 trillion in 2022 to over US$23 trillion by 2027, the cybercrime conundrum engulfing business communities worldwide headlined day one discussions during the GITEX Digital AI Economy Summit.
David Koh, Commissioner of Cybersecurity and Chief Executive, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, revealed: "Singapore remains steadfast in our commitment to building a secure, open, resilient, and interoperable digital world. Even as we jostle with geopolitical tensions and transnational technological change unconstrained by geography, we should always remember that the future is in our hands. In the cyberspace, like-minded countries must work together to strengthen frameworks for responsible state behaviour, establish common security challenges solutions, develop common technical standards to safeguard digital devices, and invest in our people. Amidst uncertainties around us, there is no better place to come together to respond to, and seize, the opportunities ahead of us."
Unlocking US$5 Trillion Value Potential: Asia's Healthcare Revolution Assessed
Across the opening day programming, GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore presented invaluable opportunities to gain eye-opening market development forecasts and disruptive deep tech projections from leading visionaries in their respective fields.
Various feature events co-located across the show floor presented the most potent debates and thought-provoking perspectives surrounding the AI phenomenon transcending increasingly digitalisation industries, including healthcare through GITEX Digi Health & Biotech.
According to Boston Consulting Group, Asia's healthcare market could reach a whopping US$5 trillion by 2030, illustrating technology's vast potential to completely redefine industries and fuel economic growth.
With the rise of AI-driven diagnostics, Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals, Malaysia, shared his perspective on how digital health companies should balance technological innovation with ethical considerations and patient safety. He said: "Digital health companies should prioritise transparency, ensuring AI-driven diagnostics are explainable and accountable. They must engage in robust testing to uphold patient safety while fostering collaboration with healthcare professionals. Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and equitable access, should guide innovation, aligning technological advancements with patient-centric care and societal well-being."
GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore continues on Thursday. North Star Asia, the world's largest startup, accelerator, and investor connector event, is set to star alongside Ai Everything, the region's most groundbreaking AI showcase, and the GITEX Quantum Expo Asia, destined to set the scene for a new computing era regionally and beyond.
Source: Emirates News Agency
