Indian Railways on the right track

The Indian Railways is the fourth-largest rail networks in the world. It has 67,368 kilometres of tracks and 22,550 trains that carry 22.24 million passengers, and 3.04 million tonnes of freight every day.

Electricity and diesel are primary sources of energy for the country’s trains. At present, around two-thirds of freight and more than half of passenger traffic in Indian Railways are carried by electric traction (engines). However, electric traction accounts for only 37% of the total energy expenses of Indian Railways.

Therefore, to reduce its dependence on imported diesel fuel and carbon emissions, the Indian Railways have launched a programme to speed up the electrification of Railway Lines. It plans for the complete electrification of Indian Railways in the next four years.

The Ministry noted 30,212 route kilometres (RKM) of railways are already electrified. Electrification work is in progress on 33,658 Route kilometres which includes 13,675 route kilometres that were sanctioned in September 2018.

The sanctioned cost of the electrification project is around US $4.2 billion (IN ₹29,486 crores).

With the complete electrification railway routes, the Indian Railway’s energy bill is expected to reduce by about US $1.8 billion per annum (IN ₹13,000 crores per annum). Furthermore, the consumption of fossil fuel (diesel) will reduce by about 2.8 billion litres, which will lessen the country’s import dependency.

Keeping in line the redevelopment of railways, according to another press release, the Ministry is providing Wi-Fi services in 715 railway stations in the country.

The Ministry aims to target the implementation of Wi-Fi services in 5,734 railway stations. RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RCIL), a public sector undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry signed an agreement with a private service provider to deliver free Wi-Fi at 438 stations in the country.

The RCIL has also signed a MoU with the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to provide Wi-Fi services to 200 rural railway stations.

Passengers can book tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) mobile app, through various payment modes enabled by Government or private banks through Multiple Payment Providers. Presently, there are five Multiple Payment Providers available on the IRCTC mobile app.

Government-enabled payment gateways are net-banking, debit cards, credit cards, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

The Government has unveiled new software called the e-Drishti (Hindi for vision) interface. This software provides summary information about the train schedules. It also offers information on current trains running on the Indian Railway network.

Additionally, details of freight earnings, freight loading and passenger earnings for the previous day, month and cumulative for the year, in comparison to the corresponding period of the previous year are all available on the software.

India’s Digital Economy: Tech Transformations Unveiled

Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar shared comprehensive insights into India’s tech landscape at the 26th Edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit.

Minister Chandrasekhar navigated through a spectrum of crucial tech domains, unravelling India’s transformative journey and the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital economy. He shed light on India’s burgeoning semiconductor industry, the transformative potential of AI, and the instrumental role of startups in shaping the nation’s economic future.

Minister Chandrasekhar reflected on the dynamic shift in India’s semiconductor narrative, echoing the sentiments articulated by India’s Prime Minister at the Semicon India 2023 Summit. He underscored the evolving perspective from “why India” to “when in India” and “why not in India.”

This transformation signifies the growing confidence and capabilities within India’s tech ecosystem, a testament to the nation’s progress in diverse domains such as AI, semiconductors, electronics, Web 3, supercomputing, and high-performance computing.

“Pre-2014, India’s semiconductor story was a series of missed opportunities,” reflected Minister Chandrasekhar while tracing the trajectory of the semiconductor industry’s evolution.

Despite lacking a design legacy, Minister Chandrasekhar emphasised India’s strides in the semiconductor sector. Acknowledging the catch-up game after missed opportunities, he highlighted India’s leapfrogging approach, skipping a generation to explore novel opportunities for the next decade.

The focus on talent, design, packaging, and research has propelled India towards becoming a significant player in the global semiconductor ecosystem, marking a definitive trajectory of growth.

Minister Chandrasekhar reiterated India’s emphasis on harnessing AI’s transformative power resonates deeply with India’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for societal betterment and enhanced living standards across diverse segments of the population.

“We believe that AI when harnessed correctly, can transform healthcare, agriculture, governance and language translation”: MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar

By integrating AI technologies into these sectors, the aim is to revolutionise service delivery, streamline operations, and democratise access to advanced services for all citizens. However, he also addressed the inherent risks posed by the potential misuse of AI by bad actors, stressing the need for legislative guardrails to ensure safety and trust in AI applications. Aligning with global sentiments, Chandrasekhar highlighted the necessity for regulatory frameworks to prevent misuse and foster ethical AI deployment.

“The world is now aligning with India’s view that we need guardrails of safety and trust for the Internet,” he said.

In an increasingly tech-dependant world, Mnster Chnadrashekhar believes that innovation and entrepreneurship are vital – startups are the pillars of India’s tech evolution. Elaborating on India’s startup landscape, Minister Chandrasekhar showcased the pivotal role played by startups since 2014, citing the emergence of 102 unicorns and a substantial influx of FDI.

He emphasised how startups are not just economic entities but integral components of India’s tech vision, contributing significantly to the digital economy’s $1 trillion goal. With a focus on nurturing the futureDESIGN DLI startups, Chandrasekhar envisaged their potential to become the unicorns of tomorrow, driving innovation across AI, semiconductors, and next-gen electronic systems.

Minister Chandrasekhar’s insights underscore India’s rapid tech evolution, emphasising the nation’s strides in semiconductors, the transformative impact of AI, and the pivotal role of startups. As India charts its course towards a $1 trillion digital economy, its vision encapsulates the imperative of regulatory frameworks, innovative strides, and collaborative efforts in harnessing technology for inclusive growth and global relevance.

OpenGov Asia reported that Minister Chandrasekhar, who spoke at two influential tech events: the Indian Express Digifraud & Safety Summit 2023 and YourStory Techsparks’23, expressed similar views on India’s technological advancements, regulatory policies, and the nation’s promising future in the global tech landscape.

At these tech summits, Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar outlined India’s ambitious technological trajectory, reinforcing the government’s dedication to fostering innovation, ensuring a safe digital environment, and harnessing the transformative power of technology for the nation’s progress.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong’s Tech Landscape

The Cyberport Entrepreneurship Programmes’ 20th Anniversary Celebration and Graduation Ceremony was a major event attended by notable personalities, distinguished guests and budding innovators.

Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship and incubator for entrepreneurship with over 2,000 members including over 900 onsite and close to 1,100 offsite start-ups and technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

With a vision to become Hong Kong’s digital technology hub and stimulate a fresh economic impetus, Cyberport is dedicated to cultivating a dynamic tech environment. This commitment involves nurturing talent, encouraging youth entrepreneurship, aiding startups, fostering industry growth through strategic partnerships with local and international entities, and driving digital transformation across public and private sectors, bridging new and traditional economies.

Image credits: Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau

Professor Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, Hong Kong highlighted Cyberport’s incredible journey and the achievements of its vibrant community. Expressing his delight in commemorating Cyberport’s two-decade-long legacy, he emphasised the institution’s pivotal role as an ICT powerhouse in Hong Kong.

From its humble beginnings to its present stature, Cyberport has emerged as a catalyst for innovation, nurturing over 2,000 technology companies and startups and showcasing an exponential growth rate over the past five years.

Cyberport’s community has attracted a staggering US$38 billion of investment, marking its significance as an ICT flagship in Hong Kong. The establishment takes pride in its contribution to nurturing numerous innovative ideas and fostering dynamic business ventures, with seven notable unicorns in fintech, smart living, and digital entertainment sectors.

Cyberport excelled at the prestigious Hong Kong ICT Awards, with 25 startups securing 28 accolades, including the esteemed Award of the Year. This achievement showcased the institution’s exceptional calibre and innovation prowess nurtured within its ecosystem.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of startups in Cyberport’s success story, Professor Sun Dong shared how these young enterprises, often starting with a simple idea at a small table, grow in tandem with Cyberport’s support. The institution provides not just financial aid but also a nurturing environment where entrepreneurs can leverage extensive networks, collaborative spaces, and expert guidance to cultivate their ideas into commercial successes.

The graduation of more than 200 startups from the Entrepreneurship Programme stood as a testament to Cyberport’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent. This initiative empowers startups to translate their ideas into tangible commercial solutions and market breakthroughs, laying the foundation for their future success.

Looking ahead, Professor Sun Dong outlined Cyberport’s exciting plans, including the upcoming expansion block slated for completion in two years, aimed at providing additional space for the community’s development. He also highlighted Cyberport’s initiative to establish the Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre, a pioneering endeavour set to commence in 2024, envisioned to be a pioneering and substantial facility in Hong Kong.

Cyberport’s extraordinary journey showcases significant achievements while charting a promising future, embodying the core values of innovation, collaboration, and collective growth.

Professor Sun expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government, acknowledging their hard work and contributions to the tech ecosystem emphasising the importance of collective participation for a better future.

The vibrant success of events like the Cyberport Venture Capital Forum 2023 resonates with Cyberport’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, further cementing its role as a catalyst for technological advancement and entrepreneurial growth in Hong Kong.

The Cyberport Venture Capital Forum (CVCF) 2023 saw a turnout of over 2,500 participants during its two-day hybrid event. Themed “Venture Forward: Game Changing through Innovation,” the forum convened 80 global visionary venture experts, entrepreneurial pioneers, and influential thinkers. With more than 120,000 page views and over 300 fundraising meetings facilitated, it solidified its position as a pivotal platform fostering networking and collaborative opportunities.

India: Technological Pioneering for Sustainability

In a significant stride towards technological innovation and sustainable development, the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have joined forces to revolutionise India’s construction and wastewater treatment sectors.

This pioneering collaboration under the “Access to Knowledge for Technology Development and Dissemination (A2K+) Studies” Scheme of DSIR is aimed at aligning with India’s Smart Cities Mission and its ambitious commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

DSIR’s allocation of two crucial research studies to TERI signifies a pivotal step in bridging the informational gap on advanced building materials, designs for energy efficiency, and the assessment of membrane-based sewage wastewater treatment systems for reuse and recycling.

A significant milestone in this partnership was marked by a high-profile Stakeholder Consultant Meeting held at the prestigious India Habitat Center in New Delhi. Attended by key decision-makers, esteemed experts from academia, industry leaders, and policymakers, this event became a platform for insightful discussions and collaborations.

Dr Sujata Chaklanobis, Scientist ‘G’ and Head of A2K+ Studies at DSIR, emphasised the importance of promoting industrial research for indigenous technology development, utilisation, and transfer in her address. Her words underscored the crucial role of research and innovation in fostering sustainable technological advancements.

Mr Sanjay Seth, Senior Director of TERI’s Sustainable Infrastructure Programme highlighted India’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2070. He stressed the imperative integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative designs in buildings to significantly reduce energy consumption, a key step towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.

The first session of the consultation centred on leveraging emerging technologies and innovative solutions for advanced building design to enhance energy efficiency. Experts from various domains provided insightful suggestions and information, fostering dialogue on energy-efficient building designs and sustainable construction practices.

The second session delved into the current status and prospects of membrane technologies in India for sewage treatment. Insights from academia, including professors from prestigious institutions, shed light on research gaps and opportunities for commercialisation in the domain of membrane-based technologies.

Industry experts also provided valuable perspectives on the current membrane market, innovations, and opportunities, creating a comprehensive understanding of the landscape and paving the way for future developments.

The amalgamation of insights from academia, industry, and end-users enriched the discussions, providing a roadmap for future innovation and development in these critical sectors. The event culminated with a commitment from both DSIR and TERI to embark on an innovation journey, heralding a sustainable and resilient future for India.

The DSIR-TERI collaborative consultation stands as a beacon of transformative progress in advancing sustainable building practices and sewage treatment technologies. It underscores the power of partnership in driving technological evolution for a more sustainable tomorrow.

India’s ambitions intertwine technological progress with a steadffast commitment to sustainability, envisioning a future where innovation not only drives economic growth but also champions environmental stewardship.

Through strategic initiatives and cooperation, India aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies to address pressing global challenges, ensuring a harmonious balance between technological advancement, environmental preservation, and societal well-being.

NITI Aayog, in collaboration with CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, initiated the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) to bolster circular economy startups from both countries, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-Kanpur) and the African-Asian Rural Development Organisation (AARDO) jointly organised an international training programme, focused on exploring the application of nanotechnology in promoting plant growth and crop protection for sustainable agriculture.

According to an IIT-Kanpur statement, the programme served as a forum for experts from diverse fields to discuss and deliberate on solutions to meet the urgent global challenge of achieving food security and promoting sustainability in agriculture.

India’s Tech Evolution and Safe Digital Spaces

Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, spoke at two influential tech events: the Indian Express Digifraud & Safety Summit 2023 and YourStory Techsparks’23. His engagements centred around India’s technological advancements, regulatory policies, and the nation’s promising future in the global tech landscape.

At these tech summits, Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar outlined India’s ambitious technological trajectory, reinforcing the government’s dedication to fostering innovation, ensuring a safe digital environment, and harnessing the transformative power of technology for the nation’s progress.

Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar articulated India’s journey in artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and the startup ecosystem. He expressed the government’s profound interest in further boosting India’s burgeoning startup landscape.

Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar noted India’s transition from an unrestricted, eternally optimistic view of technology and the internet to a more nuanced approach. He highlighted the government’s aim to strike a balance between fostering innovation and growth while guaranteeing distinct rights for digital citizens.

The Minister emphasised the evolution from the phase of transforming India to the concept of ‘New India’ and now envisions witnessing the emergence of ‘Viksit Bharat’. He expanded on India’s transformation which resonated with the Prime Minister’s vision to raise India to a developed nation status, aiming to elevate the nation to the position of the world’s third-largest economy.

Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Minister Chandrasekhar stated, “Our focus is on startups, innovation, and funding, creating a computing infrastructure. In January, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi agreed to establish a significant amount of GPU capacity in India for startups to access and bring forth their innovation and foundational models.”

He advocated for decentralising the startup landscape, encouraging the emergence of successful ventures from various regions across India. “We want unicorns and successful startups to come from Meerut, Ghaziabad, Kohima, Srinagar, Kottayam, Belgaum, Dharwad, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, and beyond,” he asserted, confirming the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation in diverse cities.

Addressing concerns about internet regulation and safety, the Minister explained the government’s evolved approach, focusing on ensuring safety and trust for digital citizens while holding platforms accountable. He clarified that “safety and trust are not for the Government; rather, they are initiatives aimed at safeguarding the vast majority of Digital Nagriks”.

Reflecting on his participation in the UK AI Summit, Minister Chandrasekhar underscored India’s commitment to a safe and trusted internet, aligning with the government’s guiding principles since 2021.

“We want the internet to be safe and trusted; it is an article of faith. We also aim for platforms to be legally accountable,” he reiterated.

He highlighted the need to embrace AI’s potential while managing risks, warning against a narrative that diminishes its innovation. The Minister emphasised that avoiding the overshadowing of AI’s benefits by its perceived risks is crucial for the digital economy and the populace.

“We don’t seek to demonise AI; rather, it’s vital to maintain a balance so that the discourse on its risks doesn’t eclipse its potential advantages,” he explains, clarifying India’s approach to artificial intelligence.

OpenGov Asia provided coverage of India’s expanding global influence, highlighting the country’s leadership roles across diverse international platforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR) and a Social Impact Fund (SIF). The GDPIR will be used for sharing information and best practices and the SIF is designed to advance Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

He unveiled the schemes during the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit. Chaired by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) has played a key role in progressing the global DPI agenda.

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is working to address the anticipated shortage of 85,000 digital workers in the region by 2030. In a collaborative effort, government officials, leaders from the digital industry, and education and training providers are joining forces to bridge the looming digital skills gap. The Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, recently officiated the launch of the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact at NSW Parliament House, marking a significant milestone in the initiative.

Image adapted from 2023-25 NSW Digital Skills – Compact Action Plan

The collaboration involves 37 compact partners, comprising the highest echelons of industry representation. Together, these partners hold a considerable reach, influencing 1.7 million students and representing over 340,000 digital workers in NSW.

The scope of the compact is extensive, aiming to promote digital careers across the state, with a specific focus on encouraging traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, First Nations people, and individuals in regional and remote areas to pursue tech-related professions.

At its core, the compact seeks to transform the perception of digital careers, fostering diversity in the sector and creating welcoming and productive workspaces. Recognising the urgency of the skills shortage, the partnership is committed to developing and implementing new employment pathways, providing on-the-job training experiences for individuals aspiring to embark on a long-term career in the digital industry.

The ambitious goals of the NSW Digital Compact are outlined in a comprehensive set of milestones. Firstly, the compact aims to alter societal perceptions of tech careers, emphasising diversity and inclusivity within the sector. By collaborating with industry partners, the initiative plans to expand and enhance new pathway programs for tech roles, including traineeships and work experiences. Additionally, efforts will be made to extend the reach of mentoring and networking programs to engage a more diverse audience.

Recognising the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, the compact seeks to provide increased opportunities for the people of NSW to reskill or upskill in tech-related roles. This not only addresses the immediate skills shortage but also positions the workforce to meet the evolving demands of the digital industry.

A crucial component of the collaborative effort is the establishment of a Digital Education Forum. This platform, created in collaboration with universities, TAFE institutions, school curriculum providers, and industry experts, is dedicated to enhancing tech education and fostering stronger industry partnerships. The forum serves as a proactive measure to ensure that educational institutions are aligned with industry needs and that students are equipped with the skills required to thrive in the digital workforce.

The Minister Steve Whan underscores the significance of this landmark agreement, emphasising the commitment of the NSW Government to shape a digitally empowered future for the state. Beyond just bridging the skills gap, the NSW Digital Compact is laying the foundation for a resilient and inclusive digital workforce.

The Minister highlights that the compact represents a substantial opportunity for government, industry, and education leaders to work together in changing people’s perceptions of ‘tech’ and expanding the inclusivity of the sector.

The Chair of the NSW Skills Board and CEO of ANZ branch of the partnering tech firm stressed the research commissioned by the NSW Skills Board, projecting a shortfall of 85,000 digital workers by 2030. To address this gap, the compact partners aim to achieve 20% of new hires coming from alternative pathways by the same year. The Chair believes that the compact will play a pivotal role in providing a pipeline of diverse talent to fill high-paying, secure jobs that are being created in NSW’s rapidly growing digital sector.

The NSW Digital Compact Partners include the NSW Government, several major global companies, the Institute of Applied Technology Digital, TAFE NSW, Tech Council of Australia, and all NSW/ACT universities. This diverse coalition reflects a collective commitment to building a robust and inclusive digital workforce, ensuring that NSW remains at the forefront of digital innovation in the years to come.

Low-Carbon and Digital Initiatives in Taiwan

The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP), under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) of Taiwan, is spearheading the University-Research Adoption Programme to propel companies into the field of digital and low-carbon transformation. Recognising the pivotal role of academia-industry collaboration in catalysing this evolution, BIP has enlisted the expertise of the Academia-Industry Consortium of Taichung Software Park in Taiwan (AiCTSP).

The consortium, known for its robust “One School, One Industrial Park” academic adoption programme, brings together technical experts from universities to bolster manufacturers in central industrial parks. Recently, the BIP orchestrated its annual pinnacle event at Hungkuang University, orchestrating a vibrant industry-academia cooperation exchange activity that drew nearly a hundred participants.

Yang Po-Keng, the Director-General of BIP, highlighted the pivotal role played by universities, AiCTSP, and businesses in parks during 2023, underscoring the abundance and diversity of industry-academia services rendered to businesses within the parks.

The range of services offered is impressive, encompassing in-depth technical counselling, talent training programmes, student internships, campus visits, and talent matching meetings. The collaboration also extended to assisting in the submission of ten research proposals to secure government project resources and subsidies.

Noteworthy initiatives such as the “Digital Innovation Award” competition were organised, providing a platform for businesses to showcase groundbreaking innovations. Besides, the BIP actively supported businesses in parks to establish talent development classes, sparking enthusiastic participation and yielding fruitful outcomes.

Cheng Tao-Ming, Chairman of AiCTSP and Principal of Chaoyang University of Technology, emphasised the pivotal role of AiCTSP as an industry-academia platform, acting as a conduit to bring industry and academia closer through various collaborative activities.

This strategic approach enables businesses to engage more profoundly with high schools and universities, fostering effective industry-academia collaboration. Looking ahead, in tandem with the organisational restructuring of industrial parks, the collaboration is set to deepen further as high schools, vocational schools, and colleges align with BIP’s planning to enhance industry-academia ties.

As countries join forces to address climate change and emphasise sustainability, the attention is on digital and low-carbon changes. These developments are critical solutions for mitigating the negative effects of glasshouse gas emissions and reshaping industries and economies.

The global trajectory involves a decisive shift toward cleaner technologies, renewable energy sources, and resource-efficient practices, not only as a response to climate change but also as catalysts for innovation and economic growth.

Businesses are increasingly acknowledging the need to align with environmental goals, integrating sustainability into their operations to meet the expectations of a thorough consumer base and socially responsible investors.

The ongoing global transition towards smart and sustainable urbanisation, coupled with the relentless advancement of digital technologies, is setting the stage for the creation of resilient cities capable of adapting to the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

The digital era facilitates unprecedented international collaboration, allowing nations to exchange best practices and work together toward shared environmental objectives. Governments worldwide are implementing policies and regulations to incentivise sustainable practices, propelling the momentum behind digital and low-carbon transformations.

The collaborative initiatives in Taiwan represent a significant stride towards fostering a more sustainable and resilient future. The multifaceted benefits of this collective effort extend beyond environmental conservation, promising positive impacts on societal well-being and progress.

Through the integration of cutting-edge technology, the advancement of industry-academia partnerships, and the adoption of a low-carbon principle, this deliberate effort not only tackles present issues but also establishes the groundwork for long-lasting positive transformation.

Hong Kong: Tech Innovations and Sustainable Pathways

The StartmeupHK Festival 2023 concluded with a display of tech innovation, sustainability and global collaboration, cementing its status as a catalyst for propelling startups into an era of limitless opportunities. Hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the festival attracted over 12,000 in-person attendees and an additional 16,000 online viewers from 85 countries and territories, encompassing industry leaders, tech enthusiasts, investors, and governmental figures.

Under the banner of “A Future Unlimited,” the festival brought together speakers and facilitated one-to-one meetings, fostering collaborations and exploring growth avenues for startups with potential partners and investors.

The presence of senior government officials highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s commitment to fortifying the city’s ecosystem through proactive measures and established funding schemes.

At Game On! 2023, the Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, applauded Hong Kong’s burgeoning startup community, citing significant growth in startup numbers and employment figures, showcasing the city’s potential to nurture these ventures.

Professor Sun Dong, the HKSAR Government Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, reinforced the government’s dedication to bolstering Hong Kong as an international innovation hub. This commitment was echoed by Ms Alpha Lau, Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, emphasising Hong Kong’s resilience and the government’s strategic initiatives to attract global talent and capital.

While spanning diverse tech domains like web3, healthtech, proptech, greentech, and AI, sustainability emerged as a central theme across the festival’s discourse. Visionaries and experts converged to underscore the need to integrate sustainable practices into business models.

Mr Bernard Chan, Chairman of Our Hong Kong Foundation, stressed the importance of sustainable business practices, advocating for collaboration within the region to achieve this goal. Panel discussions resonated with the unanimous sentiment that sustainability is not just an option but an essential facet of future success.

From the potential of generative AI in healthcare by Dr Frank Pun to insights about the colossal impact of web3 by Mr Jirayut Srupsrisopa, the discussions illuminated the trajectory of technological advancements and their transformative role in shaping Hong Kong’s future.

The festival was not just about discourse; it provided a platform for startups to shine. Pitching competitions like the Startup World Cup Asia Finale showcased innovative ventures like i2cool and Allegrow Biotech, representing Hong Kong’s prowess in green technology and biotech respectively.

Moreover, the festival’s unique events, such as investor-matching sessions on a Ferris Wheel and exclusive business matching at JUMPSTARTER 2023 Tech by The Harbour, underscored the innovative spirit driving connections and collaborations in unprecedented ways.

The StartmeupHK Festival 2023 has left a mark on the global startup landscape, especially in Hong Kong. Its influence resonates strongly, underscoring the city’s status as a vibrant hub where innovation flourishes, fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurial pursuits.

This event played a pivotal role in showcasing ideas and nurturing and sustaining the spirit of innovation. Its momentum is poised to fuel sustained growth, fostering an environment where innovations continue to flourish.

Hong Kong aspires to become a prominent regional digital hub and is dedicated to nurturing both local talent and burgeoning startups. OpenGov Asia reported that the Bright Future Engineering Talent Hub (the Hub) at the City University of Hong Kong held the STEM Challenge and Summer Research Internship Presentation, drawing the participation of approximately 100 secondary students and representatives from educational institutions.

The Hub has been instrumental in organising diverse STEM activities, encompassing a Summer Research Internship, a STEM Carnival, a Student Project Exhibition and the STEM Challenge. These initiatives collectively aim to nurture young talent for the ever-evolving engineering industry and propagate STEM education. Over the past two years, the Hub has successfully engaged more than 1,600 secondary students in these activities. Various distinguished personalities were in attendance.

December 2, 2023

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Indian Railways on the right track

India’s Digital Economy: Tech Transformations Unveiled

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong’s Tech Landscape

India: Technological Pioneering for Sustainability

India’s Tech Evolution and Safe Digital Spaces

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

Low-Carbon and Digital Initiatives in Taiwan

Hong Kong: Tech Innovations and Sustainable Pathways

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