Covering Disruptive Technology Powering Business in The Digital Age

ConnecTechAsia, the inaugural mega technology event comprising BroadcastAsia, CommunicAsia and the new NXTAsia wrapped up last week after an exciting three days of exhibitions and a summit covering the latest innovations in cloud, blockchain, AI, VR/AR, IoT, robotics, 5G, IP broadcasting, OTT and smart cities, among others.

Under the new brand, ConnecTechAsia this year drew close to 40,000 attendees from 96 countries/regions, and 1,800 exhibitors from 52 countries/regions. Emerging technologies and digital disruption were hot topics, amid the convergence of the Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) industries in an evolving business landscape.

“We are pleased to hold the first edition of ConnecTechAsia, which has a renewed format for a more immersive experience with insightful sessions and displays for our attendees that reflect the latest industry trends and technologies that are impacting governments, cities and businesses. We hope that the many partnerships and friendships forged will serve as a foundation for an even more diverse ecosystem and empower Asia as it evolves digitally,” said Victor Wong, Event Director for ConnecTechAsia, UBM.

Gateway to Asia – a fast growing, digital powerhouse

The Asia-Pacific region today accounts for 44 per cent of global GDP1 and its shift towards digital is powering the region towards a new era of economic growth and redefining the region’s social landscape.

Echoing this, Paul Marriott, Senior Vice President of Digital Core Solutions, SAP and ConnecTechAsia Summit speaker said, “Asia is an exciting region with its rapid digitalisation and growth. Enabling enterprises in their journey towards digital evolution to be at the frontier of their respective industries is a core focus for us at SAP. ConnecTechAsia has been a great platform for us to build key relationships with governments and global businesses to foster greater collaboration and innovation.”

Using ConnecTechAsia as a gateway to the region, the exhibition saw several Asian launches. PepperStack Global, with the support of the Victorian Government of Australia, launched their new NeatStreets Around Me and Micro-compensation feature-sets into the Southeast Asian markets, which allow the public to serve as “human sensors” and report on safety-related matters using their mobile devices, enhancing the uptime and efficiency of public utilities.

Forsway, a Swedish technology provider, announced the launch of the new Odin F-50 hybrid satellite router to the Asian market, which combines mobile networks with satellites to enable operators to provide highly affordable broadband internet to consumers in regions lacking reliable internet access.

AsiaSat, a leading satellite operator in Asia, also announced its collaboration with KBZ to provide OTT satellite video service in Myanmar, enabling audiences across the country to enjoy video content and TV programmes wherever they are, be it in rural areas or while on-the-go on trains or planes.

“There is a pressing need for businesses and the workforce to transform themselves digitally, in order to keep our competitive edge here in a fast-evolving region. Thailand presents huge opportunities for investors with our rapidly expanding economy and skilled workforce,” said Mr. Teeranun Srihong, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa). “Over the next five years we are embarking on new initiatives such as the development of 500,000 skilled digital professionals and the Digital Park Thailand, a new economic zone to drive digital business innovation and investment with global digital players.”

The need to cater to a growing, digital audience are also pushing the boundries of “live” production for broadcasters. Charles Sevior, Chief Technology Officer, Unstructured Data Solutions, Dell EMC, exhibitor and Summit speaker, highlighted the need for traditional broadcasters to evolve in a transforming media landscape and be agile, shifting beyond traditional single-use solutions towards virtualised, flexible IP-based solutions.

LiveU showcased its LiveU Matrix for the first time in Asia, its next generation platform for live contribution over IP, enabling broadcasters to view, manage and distribute live content quickly and efficiently.

London-based Kino-mo showcased its new HYPERVSN solution, a hi-tech retail display that generates holographic 3D visuals of products that are true to life and appear to float in the air. Kino-mo also signed four agreements that were witnessed by trade representatives from the British Embassy, including one with Profoto Digital Services to provide HYPERVSN solutions for events in Singapore.

“In an era where mobile devices are drawing attention from outdoor advertising, brands need to innovate further to engage the digital consumer in an impactful way. We look forward to working with our partners to maximise their brand exposure in Asia, whose fast growing economies are driving growing demand for consumer goods,” said Vadzim Tsitou, Kino-mo Partner in Asia.

Showcasing Singapore’s Innovation – from Smart Cities to Smart Apparel

ST Engineering and SP Group announced Singapore’s first pay-per-use IoT-as-a-service platform trial, which will enable organisations to move into the IoT space and bring their services faster and closer to their customers without costly investment on infrastructure, connectivity and data analytics.

Potential applications include building smart, green buildings to public safety systems, transport, and public amenities such as street lighting, energy and water resource management.

KaHa, an end-to-end smart wearable technology company, unveiled its range of smart body and wellness-monitoring apparel that leverage on smart sensors and IoT monitor one’s heart rate, VO2 Max and ECG via a smart phone application, offering possibilities for applications such as athlete training and sectors such as construction and the military.

“IoT is revolutionising our world and today it is at the favourable intersection of affordability and availability, thus driving innovation. KaHa’s smart apparel range is the first to seamlessly integrate such sensors invisibly within a comfortable, washable fabric and allow people to realise their fitness and health goals through real-time monitoring of their vital stats,” said Pawan Gandhi, Founder & CEO of KaHa and Summit speaker.

ConnecTechAsia will return for its 2019 edition from 18-20 June at Marina Bay Sands and Suntec Singapore. Visit www.ConnecTechAsia.com for more information.

ConnecTechAsia is organised by UBM, which in June 2018 combined with Informa PLC to become a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organiser in the world. Please visit www.ubm.com/singapore for more information about our presence in Singapore.

Download event photos from here.