Latest news with #GITEXASIA
New Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Asean step up AI security amid rising cyber threats
SINGAPORE: Malaysia and Asean member states are ramping up efforts to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) security initiatives and standards, including exploring cross-border talent-sharing proposals, in a bid to counter the growing threat of global cybercrime. CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab, emphasised the need for Asean countries to build regional trust around cross-border data exchanges to tackle cybersecurity threats in a more integrated manner. Cyber threats are largely similar across countries, and addressing these risks requires joint efforts among nations, he said while speaking at the recent GITEX ASIA x AI Everything Singapore Exhibition. Amirudin highlighted that while Asean countries already collaborate through the Asean Regional CERT—a platform for sharing cyber incident information—additional measures are needed, particularly as AI technologies evolve rapidly. "Initiatives to strengthen AI security are very important; for example, we in Malaysia are working on something called regional standards related to AI security. This matter was also decided and agreed upon in the Asean Digital Senior Officials' Meeting (ADGSOM) earlier this year. "However, at the same time, we need to build a form of regional trust in cross-border data exchange that includes participation in simulation training and the development of our own platforms and various other things," he said. He highlighted that while Asean already has the Asean Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) for sharing cyber incident information, there is now an urgent need to fortify frameworks in line with AI's rapid evolution. Amirudin also called for greater mobility of cybersecurity and AI talent across Asean to address skills shortages and enhance regional cooperation. Talent in cybersecurity and AI remains scarce. Facilitating cross-border talent movement could significantly strengthen regional collaboration, particularly amid increasing globalisation challenges, he added. He also shared Malaysia's national efforts to ensure the ethical and secure development and deployment of AI technologies. Malaysia's National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) has developed seven frameworks focused on areas including AI security, cybersecurity for AI, and AI sovereignty. "These seven frameworks cover areas such as AI security, cybersecurity for AI, and sovereignty in AI, in addition to various other areas, which also involve the participation of stakeholders in cybersecurity. "It does not only involve the government, but also players in the public, private and academic industries play a role," he said. Adding to the discussion, senior officer of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) Justin Ang emphasised that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and that Asean nations must enhance international and regional cooperation urgently. He said that as a country, Singapore is certainly small compared to the influence of the Asean coalition to strengthen cybersecurity. "Basically, we want to exchange information faster because it is urgent given that AI technology is moving so fast," he said. Similarly, Panupong Thanutong, head of IT security and acting director of the IT office at Thailand's National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), stressed the immediate need to build robust regional resilience against cyber threats. "We have a lot of regional cooperation and the risks of AI are burdensome and need to be assessed together. We need to have a platform to share newly received (threat) information," he said. Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla-Taborlupa, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, cautioned that the AI landscape is evolving rapidly. She said that although each country has established laws and policies, the technology is always moving fast and making it difficult to adapt existing legislation and frameworks to address the threats of the technology. "In the Philippines, we are advocating for stronger policies to address this evolving technology landscape, but there are many aspects that need attention, especially in terms of ethics. For example, AI and robotics integrated into military systems without proper control can lead to unintended consequences. "However, the main role of the military is to protect the people and maintain national security, so we must establish cooperation and coordination with other government agencies, non-government agencies, and also the public sector as a whole," she said.
Tahawul Tech
28-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
AI dominates discussions at GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore
Following a critically acclaimed opening day where capacity crowds examined Asia's tech revolution and innovation leadership, GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore again showcased the region's digital transformation trajectory on an action-packed event programme where AI dominated the in-depth discussions. 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. With PwC projecting AI could potentially contribute as much as US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 and IDC anticipating the technology will yield an Asia-Pacific (APAC) economic impact exceeding US$1.6 trillion by 2028, the day two proceedings thrust the region's AI revolution into the spotlight. Across a series of high-profile panels and debates, various industry-specific conversations enforced the view that AI is a launchpad for transformative, cross-sector AI-powered progress. Revolutionising a US$107 Billion Regional Industry Valued at US$107 billion by Inkwood Research, the APAC gaming sector today reigns supreme as the world's largest and fastest-growing gaming market. Alongside digital penetration, a tech-savvy population, and the rise of esports, AI has emerged as a primary catalyst revolutionising the sector while cementing APACs status as a global innovation hub for AI-driven gaming advancements. Michael Spanger, President of SONY AI in Japan, discussed how AI is propelling Sony's mission to elevate and unleash human imagination and creativity. Addressing audiences, he revealed: 'When it comes to AI in gaming, we want to support creators. Entertainment is ultimately about humans selling stories to other humans through technology – and the consumer-creator connection will always remain. AI is enhancing creativity, accelerating industry progression, and opening up new ways of thinking about what's possible. We are recreating immersive, engaging, and extremely realistic gaming experiences – and we're working with groundbreaking technology that empowers creators and is accessible globally'. 'A Unique Opportunity to Redesign Financial Services' Alongside gaming, another of Asia's most prominent industries undergoing profound digital transformation is financial services as AI broadens horizons to enhanced efficiency, innovation, and customer-centric services. Boston Consulting Group recently revealed that APAC region's financial wealth could rise by almost 30% by 2028 – with GenAI identified as a primary enabler for improved operational efficiencies and client experiences. Discussing AI-related possibilities and potential in financial services, Shayan Hazir, Chief Digital Officer, Asia (xHK) & MENAT, HSBC Singapore, said: 'Each revolution has added significantly to the global GDP and driven new business models. We must be open to what's coming because there's a unique opportunity to redesign financial services. We're a regulated industry, and we've built our protocols on the back of strong governance and perhaps a lack of creativity. If we start taking new technology and applying it to redesign, the human transformation – embracing change and how we work – is key. AI is a part of this dimensional shift alongside blockchain, digital assets, and quantum computing'. GenAI: A US$110 Billion Game-changer With International Data Corporation forecasting that APAC AI and Gen AI investments could reach US$110 billion by 2028 alone, world-renowned AI experts also converged to discuss the technology and its influence and impact across the business world in due course. Among the most pressing discussion topics was whether AI is an unavoidable transformation of business models. Patrick Tammer, Senior Investment Director at SCALE AI, the Canadian Government's AI investment fund overseeing a US$125 million-plus AI innovation projects portfolio, shared his opinions, revealing: 'GenAI changed the landscape by making AI mainstream and unlocking the power of unstructured data for advanced analytics and prediction. Many business processes, especially in the service sector, rely heavily on unstructured data, making GenAI a game-changer. This trend will accelerate in the coming years. Virtually every industry will experience significant AI-driven disruption and transformation in the next decade with GenAI – and particularly AI agents – fundamentally reshaping service-based business models, such as consulting, marketing, and legal services'. Charting a Course to a Smart & Sustainable Future Elsewhere across GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore's highly lauded second day programme, numerous discussions centred around sustainability and humanity's path toward a greener future, including through smart city development and seamless emerging technologies integration. Amongst the many high-profile visitors who shared fascinating insights, projections, and perspectives was Peter Kmec, Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic for EU Recovery Plan and Knowledge Economy. During his address, Mr Kmec stressed the importance of maintaining human control over emerging technologies and ensuring no communities are left behind in the smart city era of tomorrow. He said: 'When it comes to smart cities, those we see in 2035 will be entirely different to those we see today because technological development is so fast and smart city structures and sustainability models are evolving. While combining physical infrastructure with the new technologies we need, it's most important to ensure that AI, IoT, and all other technologies are good servants – not good masters. It's the role of governments to bring the necessary pieces together and build smart societies alongside smart cities so that we don't create gaps between our urban and rural areas'. Tony Verb, Founding Partner & CEO of Carbonless Asia – an investment, innovation and knowledge platform launched to support the decarbonisation of Asia – also joined the discussions, adding: 'We remain behind from a Net Zero targets and achievements perspective. In this global economic and trade policy climate, we must unite to build on momentum and realise our intent to identify technology solutions that can deliver desired decarbonisation impact in a meaningful and commercially viable manner'. GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore presents a thrilling journey into technology's new frontiers through a world-class event and exhibition programme spanning 180+ hours of content and eight key themes, from AI, biotech, cloud, and cybersecurity to quantum, green tech, health tech, and smart cities. While hosting powerful debates surrounding the most pressing topics in tech, it stands as a three-day celebration of technological innovation, visionary collaboration, and universal digital ambition – welcoming renowned tech leaders, founders, investors, national digital agency officials, and regulators to examine first-hand the latest tech solutions revolutionising societies and industries. For more information, please visit Image Credit: GITEX ASIA
Channel Post MEA
24-04-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
GITEX Expands to Vietnam
Vietnam is poised to become a key player in the global tech sector as GITEX Vietnam 2026 makes its debut in Hanoi from October 1 to 2, 2026. The move marks a major expansion of the world-renowned GITEX brand, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, in partnership with Vietnam's National Innovation Center (NIC). Facilitated by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, this strategic partnership aligns with Vietnam's vision of building a US$200 billion digital economy by 2030. GITEX Vietnam will serve as a headline event during Vietnam's National Innovation Week, attracting global attention to its thriving innovation ecosystem. The announcement, made during GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore, follows a significant declaration between Vietnam and the UAE to strengthen economic ties through a potential CEPA agreement. Trixie LohMirmand, DWTC Executive VP and KAOUN International CEO, called the launch 'a watershed moment' in Vietnam's digital journey. She emphasised GITEX's role in connecting Vietnam's talent, policy, and innovation with global markets, unlocking new public-private collaborations. Kim Ngoc Thanh Nga, Deputy Director of NIC, echoed this sentiment, calling it a defining moment for Southeast Asia. She noted that GITEX's expansion will help Vietnam bridge digital divides, foster global partnerships, and advance socio-economic development. Jalil Rasheed, TBI Managing Director for Asia Pacific, highlighted the partnership's role in strengthening innovation ecosystems and bilateral relations between Vietnam and the UAE. Vietnam is quickly emerging as a vital regional tech hub. It ranks second globally in smartphone exports and fifth in computer exports. Its semiconductor industry exceeded US$18 billion in 2024, and the manufacturing sector employs over 17 million people. The country's digital strategy aims to position Vietnam as a regional leader in AI, cybersecurity, green data centers, and smart infrastructure by 2030. GITEX Vietnam will help propel this vision, offering a global stage for startups, tech companies, and investors to connect. 'GITEX Vietnam will be a platform where innovation meets opportunity,' said Kim Ngoc Thanh Nga. 'We look forward to shaping a digital future with global partners.' For more updates, visit 0 0
TECHx
12-04-2025
- Business
- TECHx
GITEX ASIA Singapore to Accelerate Southeast Asia's Digital Growth
GITEX ASIA Singapore to Accelerate Southeast Asia's Digital Growth Share GITEX ASIA 2025 debuts in Singapore, uniting global tech leaders, startups, and investors to accelerate Southeast Asia's digital economy and AI innovation. Southeast Asia's digital economy continues to grow rapidly, driven by strong digital adoption and government-led investments. With the World Economic Forum projecting a US$1 trillion gross merchandise value (GMV) by 2030, the region's potential is becoming more realistic. Amplifying this momentum is the debut of GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore, marking a new chapter in Asia's digital evolution. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in partnership with GITEX GLOBAL, the event will be held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from April 23-25, 2025. This first Asian edition will host over 700 global tech companies and startups. More than 70% of them will exhibit in Singapore for the first time. It will also attract over 250 international investors from more than 70 countries. Under the theme 'Advancing Bold Partnerships in Asia,' the event will open doors to collaboration, market entry, and access to new capital. Industry leaders, government entities, and investors will come together to shape the future of the digital economy in Southeast Asia. Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, said GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore will not be just another tech event. Rather, it aims to be a global benchmark for digital and AI progress. She highlighted the region's culture of innovation as a key factor in creating new markets and opportunities. The event will explore eight major themes across 180 hours of content. Key topics include AI, cybersecurity, cloud, quantum computing, healthcare, biotech, green tech, and smart cities. More than 330 international speakers will share insights on the latest AI developments, telecom advances, intelligent healthcare, and cyber resilience. Countries such as the Netherlands, France, South Korea, China, India, Pakistan, and the UAE will showcase their technologies. Newcomers Vietnam and Serbia will participate for the first time, supported by the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. Global companies like Ericsson, Kaspersky, Oracle, Nvidia, Fortinet, and Lenovo will also join. These firms continue to shape tech innovation across Asia and beyond. Vu Quoc Huy, Director General of Vietnam NIC, expressed excitement about participating. He sees the event as a platform to drive partnerships and push the next wave of innovation in Asia. The event is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, SGTech, and Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE). It also partners with regional digital authorities such as UAE Cybersecurity Council, India's MEDEPC, CyberSecurity Malaysia, and the Philippines' DICT. Zhihan Yeo, Senior Director at SGTech, stated that GITEX's presence in Singapore will unlock new opportunities and support digital growth in the region. Startups will play a central role through North Star Asia. This startup-focused segment will feature 400+ companies from over 20 sectors, including AI, SaaS, green tech, and telecom. It aims to be Asia's most international startup event. The AI 100 programme, powered by Nebius, will spotlight award-winning AI startups from over 30 countries. Singapore 100 will showcase the top 100 local ventures poised for global expansion. The Supernova Challenge will highlight the world's most promising startups in a high-stakes pitch competition. Investors managing over US$200 billion in assets, including Cisco Investments, SGInnovate, Lightrock, and Rallycap, will also participate. For the first time, the event will introduce GITEX Cyber Valley Asia. This dedicated conference and showcase will unite top cybersecurity companies, national security agencies, and over 200 global CISOs. As the regional cybersecurity market is expected to exceed US$7 billion by 2029 (Statista), GITEX Cyber Valley Asia will address the increasing need for resilience. One of the key sessions, the Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) – Crystal Ball, will bring together public and private leaders to tackle ransomware threats. GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore is set to become a major milestone in the region's digital journey. For more details, visit
