ConnecTechAsia Puts Spotlight on Digital Convergence, Rise of Emerging Tech

ConnecTechAsia, the new mega technology event comprising CommunicAsia, BroadcastAsia, and the inaugural NXTAsia opened today at Marina Bay Sands and Suntec Singapore.

The three-day event presents the only business platform in Asia that covers the whole ecosystem of info-communications, broadcasting and emerging technologies.

The new umbrella event is a reflection of the converging industries of Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) and the dynamic evolution of a fast-changing digital and business landscape in Asia.

“New emerging technologies such as IoT and AI present significant opportunities for businesses but are at the same time causing disruption across all industries,” said Victor Wong, Event Director, UBM Singapore, organiser of ConnecTechAsia. “Bringing our shows under one brand has allowed us to better serve our core audience and build a new segment amidst the backdrop of converging industries and an increasingly inter-connected landscape brought about by digital transformation.”

Under this new brand, ConnecTechAsia covers a holistic view of infrastructure, innovation, services, and thought-leadership, enabling businesses and governments in Asia to navigate and adapt to this new era of digital convergence and Industry 4.0. The event will see more than 900 product launches, 1,800 exhibitors from 52 countries/regions and 40 group pavilions.

Over at ConnecTechAsia Summit, 220 thought leaders including industry heavyweights such as Alibaba Cloud International, Google Cloud, Huawei and Netflix will examine the latest business strategies, trends and issues dominating digital convergence across three key tracks – NetworkComms, EmergingTech and BroadcastMedia.

NXTAsia: Transform the Future

This year marks the debut of NXTAsia, dedicated to spotlighting how emerging technologies – such as AI, robotics, blockchain, VR/AR, IoT and Cloud – are impacting industries and businesses across Asia.

Basement 2 of Marina Bay Sands plays host to the PlayGround - an interactive zone for visitors looking to experience the future of Smart Cities. Attendees can test-drive the Hyundai IONIQ Electric, a zero-emissions, all-electric car, catch OTSAW’s OR-3 outdoor autonomous security robot in action as it uses AI and self-driving technologies to patrol the streets, and also witness the potential of smart residences and offices at Habitap’s showcase area.

Also on display are the latest smart city innovations from ST Engineering Electronics, including IoT-enabled Smart Lamp Posts and the Virtual Reality Incident Response Trainer, which delivers realistic scenario-based training for defence and frontline officers. Such innovations are fast gaining traction, with global smart cities initiatives projected to reach $80 billion in 2018 and expand to $135 billion in 2021.

“Smart cities are emerging as an important priority for governments, businesses and also citizens,” said Yao Shih Jih, General Manager, Info-Comm Systems, ST Engineering Electronics. “Beyond the benefits of efficiency, smart cities increase the quality of life and through technology forge a connected and liveable society,” he added.

Situated next to the PlayGround is Big Bang at NXTAsia, a brand new one-day unconference style experience, spotlighting disruptive solutions and new ideas from leading minds in AI, robotics, Industry 4.0 and future industries. Speakers include key leaders from UBTech, University of Tokyo and Siemens Digital Factory among others.

CommunicAsia: Experience the Future

With the telecommunications sector fast evolving, coupled with demand for greater speed and connectivity, CommunicAsia showcases the latest developments in 5G, SatComm, fibre communications and broadband technologies.

The three-day Huawei eco-Connect 2018 held in conjunction with CommunicAsia will highlight Huawei’s innovative solutions and present successful case studies alongside strategic business partners, such as SAP, Accenture, Microsoft and Honeywell, covering various solutions for different vertical such as 5G, Smart and Safe City, Smart Transportation, Digital Banking, Smart Education, ISP, Cloud Data Center, Smart Campus and more.

“The world we know today is closer than ever, with more than half of the global population now connected to the internet,” said Lim Chee Siong, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Huawei Southern Pacific Region. “Next-generation networks such as 5G will be pivotal to realising a fully connected, intelligent world, Huawei strives to build an open and collaborative ecosystem founded on shared success to provide the best products, services, and solutions to customers.”

Also new at CommunicAsia is the Thailand Connect seminar, co-organised with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa). The session will focus on the opportunities arising from the country’s latest developments and key announcements on new projects like the IoT institute in Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second largest economy, is fast becoming a draw for investors as the government embarks on a renewed approach towards an innovation-led economy with its Thailand 4.0 initiative.

BroadcastAsia: Capture the Future

BroadcastAsia highlights the evolving broadcast and production industries with the emergence of technologies such as OTT platforms, Live Production, UHD content, and the latest cinematography and film production equipment, including 4K and 8K cameras from exhibitors such as Arri, Canon, Panasonic, RED and Sony.

Attendees can also look forward to insightful sessions from industry leaders from Netflix, BBC, Mediacorp, Ooyala, ZengaTV and more, who will discuss the role of social media and new technologies such as blockchain and how AI is redefining business models.

The first-ever live esports tournament – the Southeast Asian League (SEAL) – is staged at the Esports Arena Studio within BroadcastAsia. The three-day live streamed Hearthstone tournament provides an immersive experience, with guided tours and behind-the-scenes look at the production and technology that is core to the game. Hearthstone Global Games 2018 Singapore anchor, Samuel 'Sequinox' Chan, and Asian Games 2018 Singapore representative, Gerald 'Khaius' Chew, are among the esports stars that attendees can get up close with.

Another new feature area is Radio’s New Wave, which highlights the future of radio broadcasting and discusses shifts in audience behaviour impacted by streaming services such as Spotify and Amazon.