Singapore companies upbeat about expanding in China after meeting many Chinese companies at Smart China Expo in Chongqing
SINGAPORE/CHONGQING – 5 September, 2018: More than 40 infocomm technology (ICT) companies from Singapore created a buzz at the inaugural Smart China Expo held in Chongqing from 23 to 26 August. Participating in a business delegation led by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to Chongqing, the companies showcased their ICT solutions at the 1,400 sq m Singapore Pavilion, the largest country booth at Smart China Expo. The companies also participated in business networking activities to explore potential partnership opportunities with Chinese ICT companies.
Organised by the Chinese government, Smart China Expo is one of the largest ICT events in China, and featured more than 500 local and international companies. The event attracted more than 500,000 visitors from over 28 countries.
Visitors to the Singapore Pavilion were treated to a pop-up Ya Kun Kaya Toast, which served up freshly prepared local favourites including coffee and kaya toast. Visitors were also drawn to the Pavilion’s centrepiece: a model of the iconic SuperTree structure, as found in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.
Nine partnerships between Singapore and Chinese companies operating in blockchain, cloud technology and smart logistics were formalised during the event. These will strengthen collaboration in new innovation ecosystems and tap international growth opportunities in West China and South-east Asia. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed by Singapore-based veriTAG, as well as by China-based iSoftStone and Rizon Technologies.
Singapore-based app developer Fooyo and Chongqing Tourism Investment Group (CTIG) launched their “Ai Chongqing” tourist exploration app, which provides smart tourism solutions for the Chongqing tourism market, at the event. More than 3,000 people have since downloaded the app.
IMDA and the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government also jointly hosted the Singapore-Chongqing Digital Economy High-Level Seminar and a Business Matching and Networking Session during the expo.
Mr Zen Chin, co-founder of Singapore-based Overdrive IOT, said: “We had a very positive experience at the expo, and the business-matching session provided a beneficial platform for Singapore and Chinese companies to explore various collaboration opportunities in big data, IoT, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.”
Mr Chen Te-Bin, general manager at Rizon Technologies — a joint venture between Y3 Technologies and Chongqing Transportation Group — said: “Through the networking session, we met a number of local companies, and we are now exploring collaborations in areas such as Smart Cities.”
Mr Jarryl Hong, director of Singapore-based tech company FreshTurf, said: “I believe the Smart China Expo has been really fruitful, in terms of being able to showcase Singapore companies’ offerings to a wide audience. Segments such as the business-matching session gave much exposure to both Chinese and Singaporean businesses.”
As one of two countries-of-honour at Smart China Expo, Singapore was represented by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who also presided over the virtual launch of ST Engineering Electronics’ Chongqing office at the Singapore Pavilion.
Mr Tan Kiat How, Chief Executive, IMDA, said: “It is heartening to see our efforts to support Singapore businesses and Chongqing companies looking to tap into the booming growth of South-East Asia’s digital economy through Singapore pay off, and IMDA will continue to explore ways to support these collaborations.”
Following the IMDA-led business delegation to Chongqing, IMDA and Enterprise Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chongqing Economy and Information Technology Commission on a series of initiatives under the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative (CCI). The initiatives include the setting up of a China-Singapore ICM Joint Innovation Development Fund, and the establishment of a Chongqing innovation centre for ICM small and medium enterprises, which will provide a landing point for Singapore firms entering Chongqing.
ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation with infocomm media. To do this, IMDA will develop a dynamic digital economy and a cohesive digital society, driven by an exceptional infocomm media (ICM) ecosystem – by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICM infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment, and enhances Singapore’s data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission.
For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Gerald LIM (Mr)
Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing, IMDA
DID: 6751-2769
Email: gerald_lim@imda.gov.sg
Andy CHEN (Mr)
Assistant Director, Communications & Marketing, IMDA
DID: 6751-2786
Email: andy_chen@imda.gov.sg
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