Cyberport rebrands and expands former Internet Economy Summit to focus on fostering a smarter future through digitalisation

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 30 March 2023 - Asia's flagship innovation and technology (I&T) event is relaunching as Digital Economy Summit (DES) 2023 and returning to Hong Kong on April 13-14, 2023. Jointly organised by the HKSAR Government and Cyberport, DES 2023 will bring together leaders from technology, business, academia, and government sectors to envision how smart city technologies can supercharge economic growth at global and regional levels and accelerate the formation of resilient and futureproof digital societies. Formerly known as the Internet Economy Summit, DES 2023 is inspired by the theme "Emerging with Resilience: Fostering a Smarter Future", at which more than 100 renowned international speakers will share their insights in keynote presentations and panel discussions in eight thematic forums. More than 4,000 industry decision makers, entrepreneurs and investors from 40 countries and regions are expected to attend DES 2023, which will be held for the first time as a hybrid in-person and online event. Mr John Lee, the Chief Executive; Mr Paul Chan, Financial Secretary; and Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, are among HKSAR Government Officials set to address the audience at the two-day event. The Acting Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Tony Wong, said, "With the unwavering support from the Central Government, Hong Kong has resumed full normalcy and the revival of the DES is a strong testament of Hong Kong's return to centre stage. Digitalisation is the mainstream engine for high-quality socioeconomic development and the contribution of innovation and technology (I&T) is indispensable. I am very much looking forward to the insights and significant inspiration to the development of Hong Kong's digital economy that will be shared by the Summit's stellar line-up of technology pioneers and business leaders." Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, Mr Peter Yan, said, "Global challenges in recent years have spurred technology development and adoption in different areas like, AI, Smart City, and many more, generating unprecedented opportunities in Digital Economy. The Government has also made provision of HKD$500 million in the recent Budget announcement to launch a Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme to assist small and medium enterprises to adopt digital solutions. We believe smart applications of I&T induce digital transformation and reinvigorate enterprises and economies, culminating in a smarter future for all. The Government and Cyberport's annual flagship event DES is the place to see all these happening and reinforces Hong Kong's role as an international I&T centre connecting the world to tremendous opportunities in the booming Greater Bay Area." DES 2023 will be showcasing an impressive line-up of industry heavyweights. Attendees will have ample opportunity to spark new connections and find new ways to stay ahead of disruption and future-proof their businesses. Highlights from the eight thematic forums include:

Day 1 Visionary Forum: Re-create Future Sustainable Societies The pandemic supercharged the rise of smart city innovations. Global tech giants and prominent industry experts will exchange insights on how the exponential growth of metaverse, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and smart city technologies is defining the new normal and re-creating more sustainable societies. Key speakers include: o The Hon John Lee, The Chief Executive of the HKSAR Government o Mr Yang Pengfei, Party Secretary; Director-General, Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data o Mr William Xu, Chair of Scientist Advisory Committee, Huawei o Dr Will Cavendish, Global Leader of Digital Services, Arup o Ms Selina Yuan, President for International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence o Dr Luyi Mo, Vice President and Head of Guangzhou-Shenzhen R&D Center, Pony.ai Chambers Forum: Business Transformation for Integrating Traditional &New Economy Tech innovation is critical to growth and success in the digital economy. Business leaders will share how enterprises...