AI opportunities for UK, China explored at forum
The forum featured two panel discussions on key challenges and opportunities in smart tech.
The first session, Smart Systems for a Smart World, explored the infrastructure needed for intelligent technologies.
When asked whether smaller, faster companies can outpace the giants, Su Hong, director of industries at Alibaba Cloud (UK, Ireland, and Nordics), said: "Smaller companies can still lead in specific industries, like translation. From our perspective, we're committed to long-term investments in AI and cloud infrastructure, with 380 billion RMB ($52.73 billion) slated for the next three years. With this level of investment, we believe we can maintain our leadership position in the industry."
Bono Ge, BYD's country manager for the UK and Ireland, praised the UK for being an open market for Chinese automakers, which he contrasted with the EU and its decision to impose tariffs on Chinese carmakers. He described the UK government's decision not to impose tariffs as "brave" and also the right approach.
Ge recalled that when BYD entered the market in 2013, London quickly embraced its electric buses, valuing the technology above any bias. He said the UK's openness to innovation without discrimination was key to the company's success.
