Singapore – 24 April, 2025: After weeks of increasing anticipation among the regional and international tech communities, the first-ever GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore began in blistering fashion on Wednesday as capacity crowds enjoyed an action-packed opening day agenda. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in affiliation with GITEX GLOBAL, the Asian inaugural edition of the world’s largest tech show is running at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from April 23-25.
Under the theme ‘Advancing Bold Partnerships in Asia’, the region’s largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments event welcomes 700+ enterprises and award-winning startups from 20+ industry sectors and 70+ countries. Alongside 400+ global expert speakers and 250+ leading investors managing US$200 billion in assets under management (AUM), the event offers unparalleled access to new markets, capital, talent, relationships, and opportunities.
Opening Ceremony Highlights Visionary Collaboration
An opening ceremony launched this unmissable three-day celebration of technological innovation, visionary collaboration, and universal digital ambition. Key figures behind the event elaborated on its inspiration and what audiences can expect.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, said:
“We’re delighted to launch the region’s largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments here in Singapore, but this is not about the size. It’s about our commitment to bringing global ecosystems, countries, and cities together, powering human capital, benchmarking with the world, and forging new alliances, relationships, ideas, and opportunities whilst making the whole global universe of AI much bigger and more competitive.”
The Cybercrime Conundrum: Addressing a Looming US$23 Trillion Threat
Throughout its three-day duration, GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore hosts powerful debates on the most pressing tech topics—featuring renowned tech leaders, founders, investors, and regulators discussing fast-changing competitive developments.
With 180+ hours of content and eight key themes, the event explores AI, cloud, quantum, green tech, health tech & biotech, smart cities, startups, and cybersecurity.
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government, stated:
“Cybercrime does not distinguish between nations, businesses, startups, or people and this is why we must be the first line of defence against malicious actors and build a security culture that transcends across the whole continent and beyond.”
Ahmed AlKetbi, Deputy Ambassador, Head of Economic, Trade and Investment, UAE Embassy in Singapore, reinforced the importance of UAE-Singapore cooperation:
“GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore represents an empowering platform for enhancing bilateral trade and relationships spanning government, business, people, and the private sector.”
With the FBI and IMF projecting cybercrime costs to skyrocket from US $8.4 trillion in 2022 to over 23 trillion by 2027, the GITEX Digital AI Economy Summit spotlighted cybersecurity as a critical challenge.
David Koh, Commissioner of Cybersecurity and Chief Executive, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, added:
“Singapore remains steadfast in our commitment to building a secure, open, resilient, and interoperable digital world… In cyberspace, like-minded countries must work together to strengthen frameworks for responsible state behaviour.”
Unlocking US$5 Trillion Value Potential: Asia’s Healthcare Revolution Assessed
The opening day also presented groundbreaking insights into AI-driven healthcare innovations, with Boston Consulting Group projecting Asia’s healthcare market to reach US$5 trillion by 2030.
Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals, Malaysia, emphasized balancing innovation with ethics:
“Digital health companies should prioritise transparency, ensuring AI-driven diagnostics are explainable and accountable… Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and equitable access, should guide innovation.”
What’s Next at GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore?
The event continues on Thursday, featuring:
- North Star Asia – The world’s largest startup, accelerator, and investor connector event.
- Ai Everything – The region’s most groundbreaking AI showcase.
- GITEX Quantum Expo Asia – Setting the scene for a new computing era.
For more information, visit gitexasia.com.
