Asia’s $78 Billion AI and Quantum Inflection Point Draws Global Tech Leaders to Singapore

Second edition of GITEX AI ASIA convenes global tech enterprises, governments, influential investors and startups from over 110 countries at Marina Bay Sands, from 9-10 April 2026

Singapore, 25 March 2026: Technological tides shaping the next era of artificial intelligence and quantum computing are increasingly gathering force in Asia. Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are home to the world’s largest data centre clusters, projected to account for 40% of the global data capacity by 2030¹ – forming one of the most formidable backbones for next-generation AI infrastructures anywhere in the world. 

At the same time, artificial intelligence investment across Asia-Pacific is moving at extraordinary velocity. Regional AI spending is set to reach US$78 billion by 2026 as per IDC², signalling a decisive shift by enterprises and governments towards deploying AI across critical economic sectors, from healthcare and financial systems to public services.

This convergence of capital, infrastructure and innovation reaches a defining moment next month as GITEX AI ASIA convenes global technology leaders from over 110 countries at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from 9-10 April 2026. Presented by GITEX, the world’s largest tech and AI events network, GITEX AI ASIA brings together over 550 enterprises and startups, 250 global investors managing US$350 billion in funds, and 175-plus speakers, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a high-impact gateway linking Asia’s advancing innovation ecosystems with global capital and markets.

From Semiconductors to Sovereign IP: Singapore’s Computing Edge in Global Spotlight

Singapore has emerged as one of the world’s most strategic computing hubs – producing around 15% of the world’s semiconductors while hosting many of the world’s most advanced AI research centres. The launch of a new quantum research and development centre in March 2026 signals a deeper ambition to accelerate industrial quantum applications and strengthen the region’s growing base of intellectual property.

Reiterating the region’s technical depth and intelligence-led economic progress is a powerful lineup of influential AI architects and stakeholders at GITEX AI ASIA. On stage, Kotaro Tamura, Japan’s Former Senator & Vice Minister for Fiscal & Economic Policy, renowned for spearheading Abenomics and tech-driven national transformations, discusses how Asia can consolidate its AI leadership in a fragmented geo-economic era. Ken Lin, CEO & Co-Founder of Aires Applied Quantum Technologies – developer of Southeast Asia’s first Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) patents – explores the critical balance between rapid commercial deployment and long-term imperatives of trust, governance and resilience. Ken noted: “We have built proprietary deep tech in quantum that reaffirms Singapore’s burgeoning base of intellectual property (IP). GITEX AI ASIA is perfectly positioned to showcase the depth and maturity of this ecosystem to the world.”

On the show floor, Gorilla Technology, a global solution provider in Security Intelligence, Network Intelligence, Business Intelligence, IoT technology, and data centers, presents the foundational architectures required for cyber-resilient, data-driven urban environments and AI infrastructure. Jay Chandan, CEO & Chairman of Gorilla Technology, shared, “It’s crucial for nations to integrate their intelligent infrastructures, security frameworks & smart city platforms to sustain digital growth at scale. Global collaboration platforms like GITEX AI ASIA are pivotal in enabling this scalability.”

Meanwhile, global telecoms leader Ericsson takes part to reinforce its leadership in advancing AI, 5G & cloud solutions. Yasin Khan, CTO, Mission Critical Networks & Enterprise, Ericsson Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, said: “What distinguishes GITEX AI ASIA is its ability to bring together the entire innovation chain, from startups, enterprises and academia to technology partners, solution providers and policymakers, into a single environment where meaningful partnerships can strengthen connectivity in the demanding AI age.”

Underlining the global presence, GITEX AI ASIA hosts a series of country pavilions, with Belgium, Canada and the Philippines making their debut alongside a wide spectrum of global participation. Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, UAE and Vietnam feature the best of national innovation, reflecting the increasingly competitive and collaborative nature of the global technology landscape.

Global Investors Target Asia’s Deep-Tech Breakthroughs

As Asia’s AI capabilities expand, global investors are increasingly turning their attention to the region’s deep-tech ecosystem. The GITEX AI ASIA investor programme hosts venture capital firms, corporate investors and family offices managing over US$350 billion in assets, all seeking exposure to Asia’s fast-scaling economies and intellectual property pipeline. 

Among the participating investors, QAI Ventures, the Switzerland-based venture capital firm, is eyeing incredible opportunities across Asia-Pacific. Alexandra Beckstein, Founder & General Partner, observed, “Singapore’s Quantum and AI ecosystem is gaining serious momentum – fueled by a forward-thinking government, top research, vast IP pool, and a bold entrepreneurial push from universities and innovation hubs. QAI Ventures is excited to announce that we will strengthen our APAC involvement with a focus on helping ideas turn into scalable startups.”

North Star Asia Showcases Startups Redefining the AI Frontier

The event will also host North Star Asia, the regional edition of the world’s largest startup showcase, Expand North Star. More than 300 startups from 50-plus countries – including 65 award-winning and 20-plus unicorns – present intelligent systems spanning sectors from healthcare to manufacturing to mobility. 

Among the breakthroughs on show, UK-based Literal Labs showcases logic-based AI architecture capable of delivering high-performance outputs while using 50 times less energy, directly addressing the escalating resource demands of large-scale computing. China’s Timekettle unveils the world’s first bone-induction interpreter earbuds offering real-time multilingual translations, while Japan’s Lifescapes is propelling non-invasive Brain-Computer Interface rehabilitation for stroke recovery. Ashirase, a venture backed by Honda, introduces the world’s first shoe-mounted navigation system using haptic vibrations to guide visually impaired users to their destination.

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About GITEX AI ASIA

GITEX AI ASIA, Asia’s largest and most global tech, startup, and digital investments event, takes place at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from April 9-10, 2026. Powered by the world’s largest tech and AI show, GITEX GLOBAL, it serves as a global hub for innovation and collaboration, featuring dedicated industry verticals covering artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, data centres, digital health and biotech, industry 4.0-5.0, and deep tech. The 2026 edition brings together over 550 global technology enterprises and startups, 250+ influential investors, 175+ speakers, with participation from more than 110 countries across the exhibition and conferences.     

Media Contact:

Sean Muir, PR Director, GITEX AI ASIA |  [email protected]