At the end of February, I attended an exclusive "Breakthrough Technology Dialogue" in Singapore—a gathering of global tech elites. My aim was to capture the essence of the insights shared while blending in my own observations, offering a glimpse into the collective mindset driving Asia's embrace of transformative technologies.
The perspectives at the event came directly from tech startup founders and innovators. Rather than focusing on individual attributions, the goal was to highlight a broader trend: the prevailing optimism and forward-thinking approach among Asian leaders in the tech space.
Hosted by Bank of America, this Asian startup leaders summit was held at the same hotel where Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un stayed during their 2018 meeting. The theme, "Breakthrough Technology Dialogue," set the stage for a full day of exploring transformative tech.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of sessions—including an intimate dinner discussion with a senior official from a prominent sovereign wealth fund—covering topics such as AI-driven disruption, space technology, quantum computing, biotechnology, renewable energy, smart finance, and the journey toward Level 5 autonomous vehicles. AI emerged as the common thread, underscoring its transformative potential across industries.
For instance, one senior executive from a leading Chinese electric vehicle company emphasized that electric vehicles provide an ideal environment for testing AI capabilities. Meanwhile, an expert in the AI robotics field explained how the technology is evolving from two-dimensional to multidimensional applications, opening up a realm of boundless possibilities.
What struck me was not only the push toward technological frontiers but also the emergence of innovative business models. A senior leader from a prominent investment firm noted that China leads not only in technological innovation but also in pioneering new business models, while a senior technology executive from a leading South Korean tech company outlined ambitions to challenge major industry players within the next few years.
The attendees represented a broad spectrum of Asian markets—from China and India to Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Korea. Fluent in English and backed by extensive international experience, they formed a highly qualified, select group where every contribution carried weight.
During the opening remarks, a Singapore government official highlighted that the country dedicates 1 percent of its GDP annually to genuinely funding its startup ecosystem. To put it in perspective, if another economy of similar size followed suit, the real investment would amount to billions of dollars—clearly demonstrating a commitment to fueling innovation rather than merely sponsoring events or research initiatives.
As the host nation, Singapore's influence was evident, with several mid- to senior-level officials contributing informed perspectives on AI, quantum technology, and space exploration. One official pointed out that, given its small population, Singapore cannot generate vast datasets like larger countries and must therefore forge its own innovative path—a lesson that may resonate with many emerging nations.
Article edited by Jack Wu
