Electronics Disrupt

DBS Bank recently held yet another successful DBS BusinessClass Electronics Disrupt event, marking both DBS BusinessClass Hong Kong’s 3rd anniversary and the 10th such event focused on driving technological innovation. Among honoured guests were Mr. Sebastian Paredes, Chief Executive Officer, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited; Mr. Alex Cheung, Managing Director, Head of Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited; Ms. Lirranna Sun, Managing Director, Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank (HK) Limited and Mr. Patrick Lau, Managing Director, Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, who kicked off the event and presented commemorative DBS BusinessClass coins as thanks to all participating partners and guests in attendance.

Electronic technology is constantly evolving and not only helps with creating innovative new products, but also plays an important role in Hong Kong's import and export trade, accounting for 68.3% of total exports in 2018. However, the industry is likewise faced with many challenges such as accelerating innovation, addressing rising costs and shrinking margins, and meeting competition in the global market. For this edition of Disrupt, DBS BusinessClass adopted "Switch^on for Impact" as its theme, welcoming the most partners and start-ups in the event’s history. We also invited seven industry leaders and experts to discuss some of the industry's pain points and prospects for future development. With the aim of collaboratively identifying new applications and business opportunities for emerging technologies, the discussion also looked at the ongoing China-US tech war, artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as 5G networks and its applications.

Over 190,000 members across Asia and Counting

As an event of key importance to DBS Bank, CEO Sebastian Paredes personally lead a management group to support the gathering. "DBS BusinessClass has more than 190,000 members in Asia and 20,000 in Hong Kong. Through various industry events over the past few years, we have conducted a macro-level analysis of various industries to gain unique perspectives and reach new solutions that enhance the competitiveness of local companies and push the industry forward," Sebastian said in his opening address.

Mr. Sebastian Paredes, Chief Executive Officer, DBS Bank (Hong Kong)

Among other expert opinions shared, Mr. Tsz-Wang Tam, who is a Hong Kong and Mainland Telecom and Technology Analyst, Group Research at the DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, gave his take on the ongoing China-US Tech War including the developments and competitive strengths of both countries. He believes this face-off between the two nations will direct the future of science and technology, with technology becoming an important GDP pillar. ”We estimate that 5G will contribute 10-15% to China’s GDP in 2030. This represents the potential risk exposure to China, if the Tech War is focused on 5G.”

Dr. Crystal Fok, Associate Director, MPE Cluster & Robotics Platform, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, is tasked with promoting innovation in artificial intelligence and robotics. "The integration of machinery and artificial intelligence will greatly improve workflow accuracy, cost control and efficiency,” she said. “At the same time, however, management models also need to be aligned: management at SMEs and start-ups needs to be prepared for both the opportunities and challenges brought by artificial intelligence and robotics."

Honoured guests at DBS BusinessClass Electronics Disrupt 2019: (from left) Ms. Dorothy Ho, Senior Manager, Enterprise Business, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd; Dr. Crystal Fok, Associate Director, MPE Cluster & Robotics Platform, HKSTP; Ms. Lirranna Sun, Managing Director, Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Mr. Sebastian Paredes, Chief Executive Officer, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited; Mr. Alex Cheung, Managing Director, Head of Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited; Mr. Patrick Lau, Managing Director, Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Mr. Tsz-Wang Tam, Hong Kong and Mainland China Telecom and Technology Analyst, Group Research, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.

When it comes to serious discussion of innovation and electronic technology, 5G networks have been on everyone’s mind. Ms. Dorothy Ho, Senior Manager, Enterprise Business at Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, offered her insights for 5G technologies in the local market. She believes that although there is no concrete commercial deployment plan on 5G networks in 2019, telecommunications operators will look to push a "5G-Ready" product solution during the year with anticipated coverage for the technology’s 3.5Ghz frequency band to include Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. As for the monthly fee for 5G-Ready services, Ms. Ho believes that operators may charge for the current LTE plan before switching to a true 5G commercial plan charge after Q2 2020.

Showcasing the Industry’s Newest Technologies

With 10 consulting partners and 17 exhibitors, this year’s event was the largest ever in terms of scale. In addition to the sharing sessions given by industry experts, other highlights from the afternoon included several product demonstrations. For one, humanoid GANKER EX robots can “feel” what they are handling, allowing controllers to experience the tactile integration of man and machine. Temi, another renowned humanized service robot with military-grade auto-navigation, is mainly used in the retail industry. Favored by Amazon, Temi functions as the "body" that houses the retail giant’s trademark Alexa AI as its “soul”. HandyRehab comes from Zunosaki, a Hong Kong start-up specialising in mechanical rehabilitation technology. Their robot uses advanced sensors to assist injured patients through their rehabilitation process.

That said, it’s important to note that electronic technology isn’t always so impersonal. ChocoQuill, developed by IHP, is a series of chocolate extrusion machines. Through its patented technology, customers can recreate personalised designs with using the sweet treat including on irregular surfaces.

To celebrate its 3rd anniversary and this 10th gathering of technology and innovation, DBS BusinessClass presented participants with a commemorative coin.

New Possibilities with Flexible Online Banking Services

In his closing remarks, Mr. Alex Cheung reflected on how attending partners were able to connect with business leaders, expand their network and stay up to date with industry business models, all within just a few hours. What’s more, DBS BusinessClass showcased DBS' innovative banking solutions for SMEs, which include targeted support at various points along the entire chain such as opening online business accounts. These services in turn act as a crucial “25th hour” for busy corporate management, saving them time while helping them achieve their goals.

If you don’t want to miss out on the next DBS BusinessClass Disrupt event, immediately subscribe to DBS BusinessClass, and become a member. You will join a network of industry experts, SMEs, and start-ups, and receive current market updates.

If you want to learn more about the event details, you can click here to download the event guide.