The Zenith of Innovation: Shenzhen and Hong Kong's Triumph in Global Tech

Shenzhen, often dubbed the 'Silicon Valley of China', is an epicentre for hardware innovation, digital technologies, and AI-driven solutions. This metropolis boasts an unparalleled ecosystem that has birthed transformative tech giants and innovative startups alike. Adjacently, Hong Kong, one of the world's primary financial hubs, has seamlessly integrated technology with its rich finance legacy, emerging as a hotspot for fintech innovations, digital banking, and startup incubation. Together, these two regions offer a compelling glimpse into Asia's formidable tech and finance convergence.

With industry giants like Tencent pioneering AI solutions, and Huawei leading in cloud and 5G, Shenzhen exemplifies technological triumphs. Hong Kong, with SenseTime pushing the envelope in AI-driven visual recognition and Cyberport fostering a burgeoning startup community, showcases a diverse tech landscape.

Join us in The Banking Academy's Shenzhen Innovation StudyTour 2024. This 2-day experience unveils elite Chinese financial leaders that will dissect the technologies and paradigms altering the financial landscape. Combining immersive site tours with insightful deliberations featuring masterminds behind breakthrough advancements, this tour is poised to offer game-changing revelations for your financial blueprint in the digital age.

Key focus areas:

automation

AI Mastery:
Understand the nuances of AI applications across industries with market leaders.

financial-institutions

Digital Finance:
Witness how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the world of finance

innovative

Visual Recognition:
Delve into the advancements made in image and facial recognition

innovative

Startup Ecosystem:
Explore Hong Kong's vibrant startup scene and innovative solutions to current challenges

Tour Itinerary

8:00 – 9:00

Breakfast and introduction

Our hosts will provide an introduction to the program, site visits, and key innovation trends to be covered during the tour.

9:30 – 10:30

Tencent's Tech Universe: From Digital Ecosystems to Gaming, Fintech, and AI Innovations

Tencent, situated in Shenzhen, offers social media, gaming, digital payments, and more. Innovation and cutting- edge technology underpin its large ecosystem.

  • Digital Ecosystem: Explore Tencent's massive platforms such as WeChat, QQ, and other applications and services.
  • Entertainment: Uncover Tencent’s global influence and investment in gaming, cinema, music.
  • WeChat Pay: Learn how its digital payment mechanisms for fintech solutions revolutionises the banking sector.
11:00 – 12:00

WeBank: Pioneering Digital Banking with Fintech

WeBank, China’s first digital-only bank, sets new standards in banking through AI and blockchain innovation.

While visiting WeBank, we’ll investigate their collaboration effort with fintech firms for innovation and growth as well as addressing the following topics:

  • Digital-Only Banking Model: WeBank’s comprehensive digital banking system revolutionises traditional banking
  • AI in Financial Solutions: Examine the new chatbots and predictive analytics for credit assessment.
  • Blockchain Innovations: Learn how they elevate transaction security, transparency and efficiency.
12:00 – 13:30

Lunch

14:00 – 15:00

PingAn Bank: Steering Through the Fusion of Legacy Infrastructure and Fintech

Embracing digital evolution, PingAn Bank enhances customer service by intertwining fintech with established banking practices.

  • Tech Synergy: Understand how PingAn flawlessly melds modern digital solutions with time-honoured banking infrastructure.
  • Client Interaction: Ascertain how advanced AI platforms elevate customer engagement and streamline operations.
  • Safety Measures: Delve into the tools PingAn Bank utilises to pinpoint threats and safeguard financial activities.
15:30 – 16:30

Banking Redefined: Unleashing Innovation with MYbank's Digital-First Approach

MYbank, part of Alibaba Group, revolutionises Chinese internet banking. This Hangzhou-based digital bank uses cloud computing and AI to provide micro loans for SMEs and customised financial solutions for individuals.

  • Digital Banking: Experience MYbank’s branchless, efficient, and digital-only banking powered by pioneering technology.
  • SME Banking: Learn how MyBank addresses the underserved SME sector using modern tools.
  • Global Access: Investors can access stocks, options, ETFs, and other financial instruments from key worldwide marketplaces
  • Personalised Experience and Client Relations: Understand how AI-centric algorithms improve customer engagement.
16:30

End of the day


08:00 – 09:00

Breakfast

Travel from Shenzhen to Hong Kong

13:00 – 14:30

MoxBank: Pioneering the Digital Banking Revolution

MoxBank, a virtual bank based in Hong Kong, is a joint venture among several global industry giants. Launched in 2020, it represents the forefront of fintech's charge into digital banking, offering a suite of innovative, customer-centric financial services. MoxBank stands out for its user-friendly interface, personalised services, and commitment to security and simplicity.

  • Innovative Banking Model: Explore MoxBank's trailblazing approach to virtual banking, which redefines the financial service landscape.
  • Customer-Centric Design: Learn how it tailors services to individual customer needs through a seamless digital platform.
  • Security and Simplicity: Examine how they balances robust security measures with a straightforward, accessible banking experience.
15:00 – 16:30

HKSTP: Catalysing Innovation in the Heart of Asia

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) stands as a prolific incubator and accelerator of cutting-edge technology and innovation. Founded in 2001, this state-of-the-art hub has been instrumental in propelling Hong Kong forward as a global leader in technology. By providing world-class facilities and resources, HKSTP nurtures a thriving community of tech talents and enterprises, driving forward breakthroughs in biotech, AI, smart city applications, and more.

  • Innovation Ecosystem: Witness the vibrant ecosystem that empowers tech start-ups and enterprises with the tools to innovate and disrupt.
  • Technology Synergies: Gain insights into how HKSTP fosters collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to catalyse technological advancements.
  • Global Impact: Understand the role of HKSTP in positioning Hong Kong as a nexus of global innovation and its contribution to the worldwide tech landscape.
16:00 – 17:30

Feedback and Concluding Session

We will recap the site visits and discussions with experts and exchange personal conclusions, ideas and inspirational thoughts. Delegates will be asked to present their feedback and takeaways from the tour.

17:30

End of program

People you will meet

A programme of this nature can only be presented by highly experienced professionals who have been entrenched in the industry over many years.

Barry Katz
Barry Katz
Professor, California College of the Arts,Consulting Professor,
Stanford University
Chacko Becca
Becca Carroll
Senior Director & Co-Lead, Last Mile Money Initiative,
IDEO

Tour Hosts

Marla Sofer
Marla Sofer
Founder & CEO, knomee

Who should attend?

The China AI Innovation Tour is designed for:

bank

Chairmen, CEOs, and board members of banks in emerging economies seeking to integrate innovation into their organisational business models.

transaction

Senior executives in retail, corporate, transaction banking, and trade finance.

data

C-level executives, including Chief Innovation Officers, Chief Data Officers, and Chief Marketing Officers.

mobile-banking

Decision-makers responsible for mobile banking, online payments, consumer experience, technology, and operations.

channel

Leaders in charge of channels, product innovation, and retail operations.

analytics

Senior executives specialising in business analytics and data management.

The Investment

US$ 15,000
  • Prices stated include all site visits, meetings and activities
  • 5-night accommodation from 6 - 10 November 2023 and local transfers.
  • All breakfast, lunches and selected dinners that are part of the programme are covered for.
  • Fees exclude airfare to/from China, visa fees and airport transfers.
  • It is delegate’s own responsibility to get their visa for the programme. The Asian Banker can assist to issue confirmation letter of participants as supporting document for delegates to apply visa upon request.

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