SFF x SWITCH 2019 concludes with record number of speakers, to return November 9-13 next year

Concluding its combined week-long event on November 15, the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) and the Singapore Week of Innovation and TeCHnology (SWITCH) attracted more than 60,000 participants from 140 countries.

The event also saw a record 569 speakers, close to 1,000 exhibitors and 41 international pavilions.

A beautiful opening performance on sustainability and climate change at SFF x SWITCH 2019. Photo courtesy: Switch Singapore Twitter

The convention will return next year from November 9 to 13, said a joint press release by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Enterprise Singapore and National Research Foundation (NRF).

It will build on the energy, ideas and partnerships established this year, to further strengthen the ecosystem for FinTech and deep tech in Singapore and the region.

Sustainability and innovation as key focuses of SFF x SWITCH 2019

In line with the theme of Sustainability and Climate Change at SFF x SWITCH 2019, Singapore’s Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung unveiled MAS’s green finance action plan to strengthen green financing capabilities in the island state.

At the opening of the SFF x SWITCH 2019, Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung outlined Singapore’s vision to be a leading centre for Green Finance in Asia and the world. Photo courtesy: Ong Ye Kung FB

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat unveiled Singapore’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, highlighting a new framework, Veritas, introduced by MAS to promote the responsible adoption of AI in the financial sector.

The Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) network was expanded to include London, and the Open Innovation Network (OIN) launched by Enterprise Singapore and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to promote open innovation across sectors.

The expansion of Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) will plug Singapore technology startups and SMEs into the innovation ecosystem in the UK through London, as well as support UK-based startups to scale up in Asia by using Singapore as a springboard, said DPM Heng Swee Keat. Photo courtesy: MCI Clement

Another highlight of SFF x SWITCH is MAS and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) jointly launching the BIS Innovation Hub Centre in Singapore.

Aimed at fostering innovation and greater collaboration among the central banking community globally, the opening of the BIS Innovation Hub Centre in Singapore also marks the bank’s first expansion of its global footprint in 17 years.