The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit successfully took place from April 14 to 15 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This marks the first time the World Internet Conference has been held in Hong Kong in its 11-year history. The event attracted nearly a thousand government officials, experts, scholars, and business representatives from over 50 countries and regions.
They focused on the core theme of “Digital Intelligence Integration Leading the Future: Joining Hands to Build a Community of Shared Future in Cyberspace.
The summit was hosted by the World Internet Conference, with Phoenix Media Group providing in-depth coverage from multiple perspectives. High-level forums at the summit addressed cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital governance. Artificial intelligence emerged as one of the key topics, sparking discussions around “technological inclusiveness.” The widespread application of the open-source model DeepSeek was promoted at the conference.
Ren Xianliang, Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference, emphasized in an exclusive interview that DeepSeek, as an open-source project, benefits the entire global community. He stressed that the development of the internet and artificial intelligence should enable more people worldwide to share in the technological dividends. Zhuang Rongwen, Director of the National Internet Information Office and Chairman of the World Internet Conference, noted that new technologies like AI are reshaping economic structures and social forms.
Highlight on AI advancements
He stressed that global cooperation is key to building a community of shared future in cyberspace. Representatives from Africa, Latin America, and other regions shared their experiences of cooperation with China in areas such as communication infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Diaz, Director of the National Telecommunications and Postal Service of Nicaragua, stated that China’s technology and training have greatly enhanced local digital capacity building. Local innovative enterprises in Hong Kong also shone at the summit, with AI startups showcasing achievements in brain-machine interfaces and bionic robots. The SAR government announced several policy initiatives, including the establishment of an AI research institute and the promotion of smart manufacturing.
Wang Yong, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, called for adherence to true multilateralism in his keynote speech, promoting inclusive governance and building a safe and orderly digital space. Zheng Yanxiong, the director of the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, presented a vision for the city’s digital future at the opening of the summit. He emphasized that Hong Kong should leverage the “one country, two systems” governing principle to foster international collaboration.
Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee said, “Hong Kong’s rise as an innovation and technology hub has been fast-tracked by our vibrant economy, which is powered by free trade and boasts the world’s third-largest financial center.”
The summit not only highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a hub for technological exchange in the Asia-Pacific but also sent a clear signal for deepening digital cooperation and promoting high-quality development in the region.
Image Credits: Photo by Manson Yim on Unsplash
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