Innovators shape smart city at Siemens Innovation Day 2019

In cooperation with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Siemens Limited (Siemens) today hosted its annual Innovation Day under the theme "Shaping smart city Hong Kong together" at Science Park. Highlighting the growing calls to action to turn the city’s aspirations into reality, 250 business leaders, technological experts and startups gathered to exchange ideas and explore how technology can enable Hong Kong’s transformation into a world-class smart city.

Shaping smart city Hong Kong together

“Since the establishment of the city’s first Smart City Digital Hub in collaboration with HKSTP in 2017, Siemens has been dedicated to building Hong Kong into a smart city, from ideation to realization through value co-creation,” said Mr. Eric Chong, President and CEO of Siemens Limited. “Riding on the growing momentum of innovation, Siemens earlier this year unveiled the Smart City Developer Community, an ecosystem that aims to foster co-creation between startups, SMEs, business partners and key customers. At today’s Innovation Day, we are bringing our partners together for substantive discussions on mobility, building, energy, and manufacturing, and to identify the best technologies to power Hong Kong’s smart future.”

Mr. Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “Serving as a smart campus and living laboratory, Hong Kong Science Park pilots applications of innovations. We are pleased to collaborate with Siemens to realize smart city solutions, like smart lamppost and green buildings, to accelerate the development of a smart city. The set up of Smart City Digital Hub at Science Park further encourages the co-creation of smart city solutions and strengthens the innovation and technology ecosystem in the Park.” He continued, “Today’s event provides a valuable platform for our partner companies to demonstrate their technologies and connect with the industry partners.”

Embracing the IoT from Hong Kong to the Greater Bay Area

“We believe that digitalization can effectively address many of the challenges faced by urban cities,” said Dr. Roland Busch, Chief Operation Officer, Chief Technology Officer and member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, during his keynote speech. “Siemens intends to keep expanding its investments in the IoT space and partnering with local partners on the journey to digitalization. In Hong Kong, innovation at our Smart City Digital Hub is already having a meaningful impact on the city’s economy. By leveraging our unique IoT platform, comprising the advanced technology stack, domain know-how and inclusive innovation ecosystem, as well as Hong Kong’s strategic location, we aspire to play a key role in accelerating digital transformation and bringing next-generation innovations to the Greater Bay Area.”

Value co-creation in building a smart city

In a series of presentations dedicated to value co-creation, Ir. Dr. Tony Lee from MTR, Mr. Michael Ng from Karin Holdings, Mr. Ki On Ng from CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, Mr. Zhu Xiang from Siemens China and Mr. Khaled Nabil from Siemens Digital Logistics demonstrated how Siemens is successfully collaborating with key industry players to drive digitalization. Topics covered addressed a number of opportunities in smart mobility, smart building, power generation, re-industrialization and logistics, echoing the Hong Kong Government’s Innovation policy.

Advancing the city’s competencies through technology

The event also featured international experts who discussed latest technological advances made in various areas, including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, geographic information systems and the Internet of Things. They offered a holistic view of the disruptive technologies that are changing the smart city landscape, paving the way for a human-centered smart city.

Today’s event also offered participants a chance to experience the power of MindSphere in the MindSphere Lounge, and get a preview of what could become the next “big thing” by Science Park companies with focus on smart city and AI in the Startup Village.