Hosted by the Shanghai government, the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) is a global platform for innovative AI startups and corporates to exchange ideas in pursuit of humankind’s greatest technological achievements.
See: World AI Conference 2020 goes live on July 9 – 11
WAIC will host its first-ever Singapore-focused session in partnership with TechNode Global this Friday. The WAIC Singapore stage will be broadcast on July 10, 2020, from 2 p.m.–4 p.m. (GMT +8) on its official website.
TechNode Global is honored to organize WAIC’s first Singapore-focused session. With an aim to deepen cross-border commercial ties between China and the Southeast Asia market, TechNode Global was set up with the commitment to better serve the Asia tech community and forge a closer bond between the different regions.
The city-state is known for being a trailblazer when it comes to embracing emerging technologies. AI is one of four frontier technologies essential to the country’s push for “digitally readiness,” and Singaporean institutions and companies are already putting AI into daily use. The adoption of AI promises powerful capabilities in fields ranging from retail to healthcare, education, and financial services.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to listen to a series of presentations and panel discussion delivered by industry thought leaders and policy makers. Here’s what you can expect.
Singapore’s national AI strategy
The Singapore stage will kick off with a presentation by Dr. Chng Zhenzhi, director of the National AI Office at the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office. She will discuss Singapore’s plans to harnesses AI to create social and economic value in its Smart Nation journey. Also, the nation’s plans to deploy scalable and impactful AI solutions in key sectors such as transport and logistics, smart cities and estates, healthcare, education, and safety and security.
AI research meets reality
Partnerships between the research community, industry, and government are key to the deployment and commercialization of AI solutions. Dr. Li Xiaoli, head of machine intellection, principal scientist at Institute for Infocomm Research, A*STAR, will talk about how A*STAR’s researchers collaborate with government agencies and industry such as Singapore Airlines and KMPG to deploy AI solutions to address real-world challenges.
Accelerating the adoption of AI in Singapore
While the benefits of AI are clear, its implementation is not simple and there are several major challenges limiting the adoption. Laurence Liew, director of AI Innovation at AI Singapore, will speak about how AISG tackles challenges such as talent shortages and resource constraints through its 100 Experiments (100E) and AI Apprenticeship Program (AIAP).
Data sharing as a virtue for smart city AI
With the increased use of AI, data has become increasingly important as well. However, data silos limit the abilities of AI. Data sharing is more important than ever. Hear from Prof. Ng See-Kiong, Professor at National University of Singapore on what more can be done to address data silo problems as he explores the challenges and opportunities of data sharing in a smart city.
Data and AI for smart cities
On the topic of the smart city, Renee Lo, GM of data and AI at Microsoft will share the work its researchers are doing in an effort to shape the direction for the next generation of AI following its threefold approach: meaningful innovation, empowering people, and responsible AI.
AI and cross-border data flows
The Singapore stage will conclude with a panel discussion on the topic of AI and cross-border data flows. Dr. Li Xiaoli from Institute for Infocomm Research, A*STAR, Yang Kan, regional head of data intelligence solutions at Alibaba Cloud, Prof. Ng See-Kiong from National University of Singapore (NUS), and Prof. Zhu Feida, associate professor at Singapore Management University (SMU) will discuss their experiences partnering with industry, academia, and government. They will also offer their perspective on open-sourced AI technology.
Singapore stage agenda
| Time | Agenda | Speaker |
| 2:00pm – 2:05pm | WAIC Singapore Stage Introduction | |
| 2:05pm – 2:20pm | Singapore’s National AI Strategy | Dr. Chng Zhenzhi, Director, National AI Office, Smart Nation and Digital Government Office |
| 2:20pm – 2:35pm | AI Research Meets Reality | Dr. Li Xiaoli, Head of Machine Intellection, Principal Scientist, Institute for Infocomm Research, A*STAR |
| 2:35pm – 2:50pm | Accelerating the adoption of AI in Singapore | Laurence Liew, Director, AI Innovation, AI Singapore |
| 2:50pm – 3:05pm | Data Sharing as a Virtue for Smart City AI | Prof. Ng See-Kiong, Institute of Data Science and Department of Computer Science, School of Computing, National University of Singapore (NUS) |
| 3.05pm – 3.20pm | Data and AI for Smart Cities | Renee Lo, GM, Data & AI, Microsoft Corporation |
| 3.20pm – 4.00pm | Panel Discussion: AI and Cross-border Data Flows | – Dr. Li Xiaoli, Head of Machine Intellection, Principal Scientist, Institute for Infocomm Research, – A*STAR Yang Kan, Regional Head of Data Intelligence Solutions, Alibaba Cloud – Prof. Ng See-Kiong, Professor at Institute of Data Science and Department of Computer Science, School of Computing, National University of Singapore (NUS) – Moderated by Prof. Zhu Feida, Associate Professor, School of Information Systems, Singapore Management University (SMU) |
In addition to the Singapore-focused session, this year’s online WAIC consists of one exhibition platform that will showcase products and services from more than 100 exhibitors, an opening ceremony, two plenary sessions, 10 thematic side stages, and many industrial side stages, all including both live and recorded content.
Get your tickets here to watch three days’ worth of live and recorded content. For more information, visit the official website of WAIC.