Shaping the future: HKSTP calls for bold and innovative ideas at 2014 APAC Innovation Summit

(Hong Kong, 4 November 2014) - Over 2,000 thought leaders and inspiring influencers from around the world are expected to gather at the APAC Innovation Summit (“AIS”) 2014 (previously known as InnoAsia), to join a dynamic dialogue about how to drive and shape Asia’s innovative future. The week-long flagship event for the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (“HKSTP”) will be held from December 1 – 6 2014 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, AIS 2014 will centre around the core theme ‘Shaping the Future’ and create a platform to connect and interact with industry heavyweights and thought leaders. Partnering with Hong Kong universities, R&D centres and over 80 trade associations, AIS will deliver a high-level conference including the Presidents Forum, in-depth tech forums, investor sessions and technology showcase, among other highlights.

Prominent Speakers

The Main Conference on December 3 will bring together the insights and experience of well-known technology, academic and business leaders, as well as government representatives on innovation policy design, potential economic opportunities and implementation roadmaps, as well as management and commercialisation. Retired National Basketball Association (NBA) player and founder of The Yao Ming Foundation, Dr Yao Ming, will share how his sports career is relevant to big data. Other speakers include:

1. Dr Cao Jianlin, Vice Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology, China
2. Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Mayor for North East District CDC, Singapore
3. Mr Lin Bin, Co-founder and President, Xiaomi Inc.
4. Mr Tomson Dongsheng Li, Chairman and Founder of TCL Corporation
5. Mr Jean- Pascal Tricoire, Chairman and CEO, Schneider Electric
6. Professor Pradeep K Khosla, Chancellor, University of California, San Diego, U.S.
7. Mr Pekka Soini, Director General and CEO, Tekes, Finland
8. Dr Paul Friedli, Head of Advanced Research, Schindler Ltd, Switzerland

Other highlights at AIS include:

Knowledge Transfer Platform (December 1)

President-level academia and leading industry partners will meet at International Knowledge Transfer (“KT”) Conference on December 1 to discuss the evolution and latest trends of KT models. Particularly attention will be levied on the KT for best practices, social innovation and entrepreneurship, identifying ways of accelerating the commercialisation of innovative projects.

New Trends and Technologies (December 2)

A series of Tech Forums will be hosted to explore the mega technology trends and associated market opportunities specific to Advanced Materials, Translational Biomedicine, Green Technology, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Internet of Things (IoT) and Robotics. During the forums, participating speakers will showcase their newest ready-to-market innovations to shed light on the face of our near future.

Discover Young Innovators (December 4 – 6)

This year, HKSTP will also partner with local universities, R&D centres and Hong Kong inventors to hold the first-ever Hong Kong Tech Showcase @ IDT Expo on December 4 to 6. Featuring over 200 local innovation projects and exhibits, this exciting showcase culminates the strongest parade of innovative ideas from Hong Kong’s elite institutions.

Draw Venture Capitalists and Angel Investors’ Attention (December 5)

On December 5 AIS will offer an excellent platform for around 30 speakers and panellists from around the world as well as leading angel investors and venture capitalists from the Asia Pacific region. It is a perfect venue for experience-sharing, investment matching and networking in the field of angel and venture capital investment and innovative technology.

“Innovation is the impetus that drives social benefits and economic growth. Not only does it lead to greater efficiency within the community, it also enhances quality of life. Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation has been a breeding ground for innovators, and we foster the adoption of advanced technologies amongst industries. As we celebrate the 10th year of our conference, the APAC Innovation Summit is the perfect platform for us to connect with industry stakeholders, drive for collaboration, and spark exciting ideas and partnership that will catalyze innovations that bring great benefits to our community,” said HKSTP’s Chairperson, Mrs Fanny Law.

"We are excited to be entering the 10th year of AIS, and are thrilled to see the strong momentum in expanding the innovation and technology ecosystem in Hong Kong," said Allen Ma, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP.

"In October, I presented the latest development of Hong Kong at the '31st IASP (International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation) World Conference' in Doha and led a delegation to the 'Think Asia, Think Hong Kong' conference in Paris where we met with many global industry leaders and potential investors who are keen to explore the exciting innovations from Hong Kong and the business opportunities in Asia. For those who are interested in getting a good grasp of the latest innovations and capture exciting opportunities to shape the future, AIS is the best platform to be in, and a 'must-go' event for movers and shakers."

To register for APAC Innovation Summit 2014, please visit http://www.apacinnosummit.net , where you can also find information on the speakers and a full programme.