Empowering Youth for a Digital Future: Asia-Pacific Digital Talent Summit 2024

TL;DR:

• The Asia-Pacific Digital Talent Summit 2024, co-hosted by Huawei, ASEAN Foundation, and SEAMEO, aimed to foster digital talent development in the region.
• Government leaders, industry experts, and young talents from across the Asia-Pacific region participated in the summit.
• The summit emphasized the importance of investing in youth to unlock the digital potential of the region.
• Huawei launched the “PSU ICT TALENT DEVELOPMENT and INNOVATION CENTER” in collaboration with Prince of Songkla University.

A Gathering of Minds for Digital Transformation

The 2024 Asia-Pacific Digital Talent Summit, held in Nanning, China, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to address the critical issue of digital talent development in the region. Government officials, industry experts, academics, and young talents from 18 countries convened to discuss strategies for fostering innovation, collaboration, and digital growth.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, highlighted the pivotal role of digital talent in driving economic growth and competitiveness. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing digital skills among youth and expressed ASEAN’s commitment to facilitating digital talent mobility and collaboration.

Mr. Simon Lin, President of Huawei Asia-Pacific, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Huawei’s dedication to nurturing digital talent through initiatives such as the Huawei ICT Academy and Tech4City competition. He underscored the company’s commitment to empowering young people to become future leaders of the digital economy.

Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Secretariat, and H.E. Ambassador M.I. Derry Aman, Chair of the ASEAN Foundation Board of Trustees, also shared their perspectives on the significance of investing in youth to unlock the digital potential of the region.

Key Highlights of the Summit:

• Government Commitment: Government representatives from various ASEAN countries discussed their efforts to cultivate digital talent and shared best practices.
• Launch of PSU ICT Talent Development and Innovation Center: Huawei and Prince of Songkla University (PSU) launched a new center to drive digital transformation in education.
• Panel Discussion: Experts from ITU APAC, PSU, and Huawei Seeds Global Ambassadors discussed the importance of bridging digital gaps and promoting digital inclusivity.
• Cultural Exchange and Learning: Participants engaged in cultural exchange activities and learned about ICT technologies and applications.
• Tech4Good Competition: Students competed in the Tech4Good Regional Semi-Final, with the winners advancing to the Global Final.

The Asia-Pacific Digital Talent Summit 2024 was a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and driving digital talent development in the region. By empowering young people with the necessary skills and knowledge, the summit contributed to a more connected, digital, and intelligent future.