Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) will be hosting the nation's inaugural panel and reception event alongside the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland this month.
Focusing on the theme "Globalisation 4.0: Technology & Innovation for Humanity", the panel will be headlined by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Singapore's Minister for Finance and Mr Lim Chow Kiat, Chief Executive Officer of sovereign wealth fund GIC, as well as Professor Suzanne Fortier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Canada’s McGill University, and Mr Dion Weisler, President & Chief Executive Officer of HP Inc.
Professor Subra Suresh, President of NTU Singapore, will moderate the discussion.
Some 200 World Economic Forum delegates, including global thought leaders and key influencers, are expected to attend the exclusive event. It will be held on 23 January 2019 at the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère in Davos.
In a joint press release, the two universities said the session comes at a significant time as the Fourth Industrial Revolution comes to bear worldwide. The shift will create new avenues for growth, while also posing serious challenges to the global socio-economic order. The disruptions arising from Industry 4.0 are already causing a sharp reaction against globalisation in many parts of the world.
The panel will discuss how Singapore is addressing the challenges of Industry 4.0. It will also touch on how the nation is promoting a new “Globalisation 4.0” that will shape the growth of ASEAN, Asia and beyond.
“I commend NTU and NUS for coming together to host this first-ever Singapore panel discussion at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos,” said Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat. “This year’s meeting is taking place at a significant moment when a new and more complex era of globalisation is taking shape. The panel session brings together experts on major technological advances to discuss how we can collaborate to ride the waves of change to benefit our people and peoples around the world.”
NTU’s Professor Subra Suresh said, "Singapore is a small yet forward-looking city-state that is fast-tracking to become Asia’s digital capital and a global leader in embracing Industry 4.0 technologies. The panel discussion will amplify Singapore's voice on the global stage and contribute to international discussion about the impact of technology from a Smart City’s perspective.”
NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye added that, “Singapore – with its high education levels, digital savvy workforce and strong technology base – is well-positioned to play a key role in helping to reshape the global landscape. This panel discussion provides an excellent opportunity for Singapore to share our experiences, and at the same time, address key challenges and opportunities brought about by the globalisation of innovation. NUS is proud to host this unique event, and we look forward to a stimulating discussion.”
The 2019 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos runs from January 22 to 25.