Insights from GITEX Asia Singapore 2025

I had the chance to attend GITEX Asia Singapore 2025 as a delegate, and it was an awesome experience. While AI, Quantum Computing (explored further in my blog Quantum Computing Leap: What to Expect Next?), and business transformation were the main topics, just like at the previous ones I’ve attended, the way they were discussed this time felt really fresh. It was all about tech brainstorming and meaningful conversations, with less of the usual clutter. Here’s a quick rundown of the key takeaways I gathered from the sessions: 
 

AI in Action: 

1. The development of Intelligent Healthcare Systems and the rapidly advancing concept of Smart Hospitals raised several key questions: How can IoT, AI, and robotics revolutionize healthcare systems, creating fully integrated, intelligent ecosystems that surpass institutional and geographical limits? What strategies can be employed to streamline operations, reduce wait times, and optimize resource management for greater cost-efficiency? Moreover, as these advancements continue reshaping the healthcare industry, can the vision of smart hospitals successfully balance cutting-edge innovation with the demands of value-conscious patients? 
    
2. Luxury brands like Prada are using Artificial Intelligence to transform their supply chain management, demand forecasting, and even customer segmentation. Imagine AI determining how many shoes have pink heels using image vision!  
    
3. The AI workforce disruption is real. AI is shifting not just low-level tasks but cognitive jobs we thought were safe. From data analysis to content generation, AI is changing how professionals work—AI augments, it doesn't replace. The challenge is to upskill for a future where human judgment, creativity, and ethics remain central. 
    
4. University 4.0: Universities are evolving to focus on digital literacy, critical thinking, and lifelong learning... yes, you heard it right, it is lifelong learning...brace yourselves to survive. As AI enhances education, the goal is for students to learn how to think, not just absorb information. 
    

Quantum Computing: The Reality Check 

The 3rd day was all about QC, the hype around Quantum Computing suggests it could solve all problems, but the reality is more complex: 

• Qubit limitations and engineering challenges mean QC is still far from solving real-world issues. 
• One QC System supplied to a university cost $950,000... ! 
• Use cases are still PoC-level, and noise/error correction is a major hurdle. 
• For investors: a clear roadmap, access to high-computing resources, and a focus on practical use cases will be key to navigating this space. 
   

Investment Insights: 

For investors looking into AI and Quantum Computing, the recommendations from all panellists were clear: 

• Build the tech and find real use cases that solve pressing problems. 
• Have a clear roadmap and access to high-computing resources. 
• Ensure a strong team with the ability to deliver on the roadmap and focus on infrastructure supply chains for scalability. 
   

The Future? 

• Quantum Computing has the potential to transform industries like pharma, with over 80 machines deployed and 300 corporates already using QC. 
• The integration of Quantum and AI is expected to bring in advancements in AI algorithms, optimization problems, and more. 

Asia, with its dynamic talent pool, forward-thinking regulations, and growing infrastructure, is poised to be at the forefront of AI and Quantum innovation. The key to success will be ensuring these technologies are accessible and inclusive, ensuring their benefits are shared across all sectors.  

One question that wasn't fully addressed, or that I wish had been given more clarity, was how the end user, whether patients or retail buyers, will benefit in terms of cost or other aspects from AI or Quantum Computing enhanced services. I believe the experience these technologies offer to the end user needs more discussion, and that should help evolve the entire ecosystem.