Opening Broadcast Asia today, Singapore’s Communications Minister S Iswaran told delegates “it’s an exciting time to be in Asia.”
“Over the last decade there has been an annual growth rate of 6% in the region, which is expected to be sustained through this decade.
“South East Asia has a growing middle class and a population of 630 million people, more than half are under the age of 30 and they are actively contributing to the remarkable growth in this region’s internet economy. 90% of these users spend almost 4 hours a day on teh mobile internet through their smartphones, the highest average in the world.
“These young tech savvy connected citizens are ready to shift ASEAN’s growth engine into a new gear… we see this in such things as online shopping, ride sharing…
“ASEAN’s digital economy has the potential to contribute $1 trillion our regional GPD by 2025. Our population and our people are adapting and learning fast.
“Singapore is at the heart of all this growth and development… we are well positioned to benefit from the opportunities,” he said.
Broadcast Asia has now combined with two other technology shows under the one brand, ConnecTech Asia. This year 67% of exhibitors are from Asia… “a reflection of the region’s rapid digitization,” according to the organizers.
The new umbrella event is a reflection of the converging industries of Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) and the dynamic evolution of a fast-changing digital and business landscape in Asia.
“New emerging technologies such as IoT and AI present significant opportunities for businesses but are at the same time causing disruption across all industries,” said Victor Wong, Event Director, UBM Singapore, organiser of ConnecTechAsia. “Bringing our shows under one brand has allowed us to better serve our core audience and build a new segment amidst the backdrop of converging industries and an increasingly inter-connected landscape brought about by digital transformation.”
ConnecTechAsia is expected to draw over 35,000 attendees who will be able to experience the latest technologies from 1,8000 exhibitors and hear from over 220 thought leaders.
Key topics include emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, cloud, robotics and immersive technologies, set against the convergence of the Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) sector that is driving a fast-evolving digital and business landscape.
After the official opening, the Communications Minister toured the Exhibition.