#Hong Kong #AI Innovations #World Internet Conference

WIC Asia-Pacific Summit 2025

The World Internet Conference (WIC) is set to host its Asia-Pacific Summit from April 14 to 15, 2025, in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. This significant event aims to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies under the theme "Integration of AI and Digital Technologies Shaping the Future – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace."

The announcement arrived during a press briefing in Beijing on March 17, led by Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the WIC, alongside Sun Dong, the secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. They discussed the event's key highlights and preparations, emphasizing the summit's importance in setting the stage for productive dialogues around AI and digital innovations.

Objectives and Focus Areas

The Asia-Pacific Summit's agenda includes various forums aiming to drive collaboration and exchange of ideas. Participants can expect sessions on large AI models, digital finance, and smart living initiatives. By uniting industry leaders, experts, and representatives from different sectors, the event hopes to foster innovative dialogues that will propel digital and intelligent transformation across the region.

Ren highlighted Hong Kong's strategic position as a global hub for finance, trade, and shipping, noting that its culture and technological prowess align well with the summit's objectives. The city’s open and innovative spirit makes it a perfect venue for such a preeminent gathering.

Hong Kong's Role in Technological Advancements

Sun remarked on Hong Kong's essential role as a bridge between China and the global community, underlining its active steps toward technological progress in accordance with national priorities. The city has recently introduced a range of initiatives to stimulate technological development, aiming to harness its unique strengths effectively.

Highlighting recent advancements, Sun pointed out the establishment of the Hong Kong AI Supercomputing Centre in late 2024 and the upcoming Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute. These initiatives aim to elevate AI research, commercialization, and practical applications, shaping a robust framework for further discussions during the summit.

Noteworthy Attendees

The summit boasts a remarkable lineup of attendees that includes representatives from international organizations, leading enterprises, and academic institutions. Notable participants feature experts such as Kilnam Chon, hailed as the "Father of the Internet in South Korea," and Nii Narku Quaynor, recognized as the "Father of the Internet in Africa." Executives from globally renowned tech companies such as IBM, Ant Group, and others are expected to engage in future-oriented discussions.

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