The BEYOND International Technology Innovation Expo, known simply as BEYOND Expo, has firmly established itself as Asia’s premier annual technology event since its inception in 2021. The 2024 edition at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo continued this tradition, cementing its reputation as a pivotal event in the global technology innovation landscape. This dynamic platform showcased global technological advancements and fostered innovation across diverse industries and regions.

A Convergence of Global Technological Leaders

BEYOND Expo 2024 attracted an impressive array of participants, including Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, unicorn companies, and emerging startups. This year’s expo was marked by its multifaceted approach, featuring expos, summits, and various activities to cultivate an innovative ecosystem. The goal was to propel collective development in the Asia-Pacific region and the global technology innovation industry. 

Key Themes and Pillars

The key pillars for BEYOND Expo have consistently been healthcare, climate tech, and consumer tech. Consumer tech, in particular, remained a core focus due to its pervasive role in everyday life. This year, BEYOND Expo introduced two new significant themes:

1. Asia-LatAm Forum: This forum aimed to bring Latin American changemakers to the stage, fostering cross-continental collaboration.
2. SheTech Stage: Highlighting the achievements of women entrepreneurs, this stage underscored the growing influence of women in the tech industry.

Prominent Figures and Celebrity Ambassadors

Adding a touch of star power, BEYOND Expo 2024 featured notable figures such as David Beckham, Sands Global Ambassador; Deng Yaping, Chinese Olympic champion and table tennis grand slam winner; and Stephon Marbury, renowned NBA All-Star. Their presence emphasized the intersection of technology, business, and global leadership.

Global Investment Summit

In collaboration with Hengqin In-Depth Cooperation Investment Group, BEYOND Expo 2024 hosted a transformative Global Investment Summit on May 23. This summit drew global investment leaders to Macao, exploring key themes reshaping the future of investment amidst today’s complex financial landscape. It positioned itself as a pivotal platform for groundbreaking discussions and collaborations, highlighting the significant influence of investment and innovation on the future.

ORIGIN: Asia Tech Conference

Held on May 23, 2024, the ORIGIN: Asia Tech Conference was a notable partner event during BEYOND Expo 2024. Co-organized by TNGlobal and the Macau Greater Bay Area Technology Exchange Association, the conference explored the dynamic landscape of technology in Asia and Southeast Asia. With the theme “Unleashing Potential, Reimagine Future,” the conference featured top executives and representatives from venture capital firms, multinational corporations, unicorns, and innovative companies. The discussions revolved around strategies for building a conducive environment for tech growth, capturing the Southeast Asian tech wave, and ensuring sustainable growth beyond achieving unicorn status.

Impactful Panel Discussions – Asia Tech Conference

The ORIGIN: Asia Tech Conference, held in Macao this year as part of the BEYOND Week partner event, featured a series of engaging panel discussions:

• Southeast Asia – The Bright Spot for VC Investing Amidst Global Uncertainties?: This panel featured Thomas G. Tsao of Gobi Partners; Roderick Purwana of East Ventures; Angela Toy of Golden Gate Ventures, and was moderated by James Kwan of Jumpstart Media. The panelists discussed the opportunities and challenges of investing in Southeast Asia.
• Cultivating Innovation: Strategies for Building a Conducive Environment for Tech Growth in Southeast Asia: This session featured Bit Santos of Kickstart Ventures; Rachel Lau of RHL Ventures; and Clarence Tan of Origgin Ventures, moderated by Pabpreng Liengsuk of Techsauce Media. The panel discussed strategies for fostering innovation in the region.
• Outsiders’ Insights: Capturing the Southeast Asian Tech Wave: Panelists Minjun Liang, Founding Partner of ATM Capital; Jung-hee Ryu of FuturePlay; and Adrian Hia, Partner at Kairous Capital, shared their unique perspectives. Moderated by James Jung of beSuccess Media Group, they provided insights on capturing opportunities in the dynamic Southeast Asian market.

  

• Beyond Unicorns: Building Sustainable Growth: This panel included Quek Siu Rui, Co-Founder & CEO of Carousell; Eric Cheng, Co-Founder, Chairman & Group CEO of CARSOME; and Reeve Kwan, Co-Founder of GoGoX. Moderated by Simran Vaswani from DealStreetAsia, the discussion focused on strategies for ensuring long-term, sustainable growth.
• How AI is Sparking Disruptions & Innovations in Southeast Asia’s Various Industries: This panel brought together William Zhou of iFLYTEK; Edwin Loh of Imagine AI; and Khanh P. Ngo of TikTok. Moderated by Tan Shyue Wern of MAVCAP, the panel explored the impact of AI in various sectors in the region.
• Corporate Venture Capital (CVC): Navigating Innovation and Strategic Partnerships in the Digital Era: Panelists Raymond Hor of Sunway ILabs Venture; Josie Lai of Genting Ventures; Jie He of Global Brain; and David Goh of Hyundai Cradle shared their expertise. Moderated by Hao Tran from Vietcetera Media, they discussed how CVCs are fostering innovations through strategic partnerships.
• Impact Investing and Sustainability: This session featured Tan Shyue Wern from MAVCAP and April Ong Vaño of Quest Ventures. Moderated by Hao Tran from Vietcetera Media, the panelists discussed the growing importance of sustainability in investment strategies.

Innovative Platforms and Sessions

This year’s BEYOND Expo introduced the “FUND AT FIRST PITCH,” a rebranded version of its traditional DEMO DAY format. In collaboration with strategic partner CICC Capital, this “Extreme Speed Pitch” event provided a unique platform for startups to connect with multiple investment institutions in a short period. The dynamic stage format and Macao’s distinctive features created an exciting opportunity for startups to showcase their innovative power and secure investments.

BEYOND Expo 2024 has once again proven to be a pivotal event in the global technology landscape. By bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and investors, it continues to drive technological advancements and foster collaborations that transcend borders. As the tech landscape evolves, events like BEYOND Expo play a crucial role in shaping the future, ensuring that innovation remains at the forefront of global development.

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