Investing in AI: Shaping Future Smart Societies

Published Date : 5/9/2025 

The rise of advanced AI technologies, such as generative AI and autonomous systems, is revolutionizing industries and posing new governance challenges. This session explores strategic investments to foster an inclusive and resilient AI ecosystem. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as the defining feature of global technological innovation and the transformation of production paradigms. The advent of next-generation intelligent technologies, including generative AI, embodied intelligence, and autonomous systems, is reshaping value creation mechanisms and frameworks for industrial coordination. These technologies also pose governance challenges and risk exacerbating technological divides within societies and across borders.

This session aims to explore how strategic investments, in the context of evolving international policy environments and technological deployments, can advance AI infrastructure development, data governance structures, cross-border connectivity, and the intelligent transformation of key industries. By fostering a more inclusive and resilient AI investment ecosystem, these efforts can lead to significant advancements in various sectors.

In the context of accelerating global industrial systemic upgrades, several sectors hold the most transformative potential for AI-driven investment. Manufacturing, energy, and transportation are among the industries that stand to benefit the most. New models of capital allocation, such as venture capital and public-private partnerships, are currently emerging to support these transformations.

As AI systems increasingly demand substantial computational resources and robust technical infrastructures, strategic investments in high-performance data centers and other digital infrastructure are crucial. These investments can ensure that the necessary hardware and software are in place to support the growing demands of AI applications.

Regional cooperation, such as joint R&D centers and regional data standards, can strengthen AI-enabled industrial transformation and foster inclusive growth in developing economies. By collaborating on research and development, countries can share knowledge and resources, leading to more efficient and effective AI solutions.

Developing economies can employ various policy tools to channel capital into digital infrastructure development while advancing social inclusion and systemic resilience. These tools include fiscal incentives, regulatory frameworks, and public investment in AI education and training programs.

The session will be moderated by Zhu Gang, Deputy Director-General of the International Cooperation Center, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), P.R. China. Speakers include:

- Meleket Sahlu Denbu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Investment Holdings

- Jack Knight, Deputy Chief Executive, The Investment Association, United Kingdom

- Chen Leiming, Senior Vice President of Ant International, Hong Kong, China

- Riady Gozali, Managing Director, Golden Vision Capital, Singapore

- Zhang Haibo, Vice Chairman, Automotive and Industrial Products Business Group, C.P. Group

- Wang Peng, Executive Chairman, Global FOF Association

- Wee Meng Thoo, Chief Investment Officer, Golden Hill Asset Management, Singapore

These experts will discuss the opportunities and challenges of investing in AI and how to create an inclusive and resilient AI ecosystem. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What sectors are most likely to benefit from AI-driven investments?

A: Manufacturing, energy, and transportation are among the sectors that stand to benefit the most from AI-driven investments, as they can significantly enhance efficiency and innovation.

Q: What are some new models of capital allocation for AI investments?

A: Venture capital, public-private partnerships, and fiscal incentives are some of the new models of capital allocation emerging to support AI investments.

Q: Why are high-performance data centers important for AI systems?

A: High-performance data centers are crucial for AI systems because they provide the necessary computational resources and robust technical infrastructures to support the growing demands of AI applications.

Q: What policy tools can developing economies use to support AI investments?

A: Developing economies can use fiscal incentives, regulatory frameworks, and public investment in AI education and training programs to support AI investments and foster social inclusion. 

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