The 2018 Digital Innovation Forum concluded July 20 in Taipei City, with about 4,000 attendees—including officials and business representatives from all 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies—gathering to discuss the latest opportunities and trends in digital technology.
Organized by Taiwan and Papua New Guinea in cooperation with the APEC Business Advisory Council, the two-day event featured keynote addresses by more than 30 leading international experts in fields spanning artificial intelligence, blockchain and e-governance. Speakers included Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang; former Estonia President Toomas Hendrik Ilves; Skype Inc. cofounder Geoffrey Prentice; and Wikipedia cofounder Jimmy Wales.
In her address, Tang, a noted computer programmer and entrepreneur who helps oversee digital policymaking, spotlighted Taiwan’s progress in integrating the latest technologies, such as the establishment of a cloud-based data network for the National Health Insurance system. In implementing these advances, the government is committed to ensuring that digital solutions promote social development and are available to all people, including those in remote areas, she said.
Described as the architect of one of the world’s most digitally savvy countries, Ilves offered insights into the creation of Estonia’s world-leading e-governance infrastructure. The foundation of such networks is an open, transparent and trusted data protection system, he said, adding that with technological development continuing apace, the challenge today lies in crafting supporting legislation and policies.
In his keynote speech, Wales introduced WikiTribune, a news service enabling professional journalists to collaborate with Wikipedia volunteers in fighting fake news. Technological innovation will become increasingly transparent moving forward, leading to different development processes and requiring more open attitudes, he said.
Another major highlight of the forum was a panel on the future of AI featuring Ethan Tu, founder of Taiwan AI Labs; Phil Libin, former CEO of U.S.-headquartered Evernote; John Wang, editor-in-chief of Taipei-based magazine Business Next; and Sophia, the first robot in the world to receive honorary citizenship after gaining the recognition from Saudi Arabia in 2017.
During the discussion, the AI-enabled android developed by Hong Kong-based Hanson Robotics said “it is only a matter of time when robots have more autonomy and the ability to contribute,” adding that people and machines should join hands in shaping a bright future for the world.
According to event organizers, a report summarizing insights and perspectives shared at the DIF will be delivered to the leaders of APEC member economies. (CPY-E)
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