Private 5G & IoT: The Power Duet Fuelling Hong Kong's Smart City Revolution
Abstract from NTT Innovation Summit’s panel discussion
“Orchestrating a New Era of Machine Interaction: The Duet of Private 5G & IoT”
30th October 2024
Don't just hear from human leaders,
challenge your mind with the perspectives of a social humanoid. Sophia, the HK-grown sensation, shares her unique insights on what truly fuels innovation.
Humans & Humanoids
The Dawn of a New Workplace
Imagine a workplace where your colleague isn’t just someone you grab coffee with but a humanoid robot capable of analysing data, engaging in conversations, and even offering emotional support. This isn’t science fiction, but the rapidly approaching reality of the modern workplace.
As AI and robotics advance at an unprecedented pace, we stand at the cusp of a revolution that will redefine productivity, enhance efficiency, and reshape our understanding of collaboration.
Redefining roles: The human-humanoid partnership
The integration of humanoids necessitates a reimagining of traditional roles. We must ask ourselves: what unique skills and qualities do humans bring to the table? How can we leverage our strengths in a world where robots outperform us in many areas?
The answer, according to the panellists, lies in embracing our humanity. Emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving are skills that remain uniquely human. Focusing on these areas allows us to forge a powerful partnership with our humanoid colleagues, where each complements the other’s strengths.
Navigating the challenges: Bias, ethics, and the human factor
The integration of humanoids presents challenges. One concern is the potential for bias in AI algorithms. These biases could perpetuate existing inequalities and create a less inclusive workplace if left unchecked.
Another challenge is ensuring the ethical use of humanoid robots. We must establish clear guidelines for their deployment, ensuring they are used in a way that respects human dignity and privacy.
Finally, we must address the human factor. How can we ensure a smooth transition for employees apprehensive about working alongside robots? How can we create a workplace culture that embraces change and fosters collaboration between humans and humanoids?
Abstract from NTT Innovation Summit’s panel discussion “Humans & Humanoids: Transforming the Future Workplace and Workforce” (30 October 2024)
Moderated by:
- Diana Wu David, Advisor, The Future Proof Lab
Panellists:
- Sophia, Social Humanoid, Hanson Robotics
- Gabriel Kung, Chief Commercial Officer, Bowtie
- John Mullally, Managing Director, Robert Walters
- Michael Chan, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Asia, Mayer Brown
Listen to the full discussion:
Finding the right human-humanoid balance
Expert voices from the forefront
Diana Wu David
Advisor, The Future Proof Lab
Be open minded as the technology will make the future more open-ended — anything is possible. “We must be open-minded about how our people combine our most human skills with emerging technology for exponential success,” says Diana Wu David, advisor for The Future Proof Lab.
Sophia
Social Humanoid, Hanson Robotics
Envision a future where humans and humanoids work together seamlessly, with open dialogue playing a pivotal role in building trust and understanding. “As a colleague, I aim to bridge the understanding gap and alleviate workplace anxiety by fostering open communication and collaboration,” says Sophia, the social humanoid from Hanson Robotics.
Gabriel Kung
Chief Commercial Officer, Bowtie
Understand the importance of human connection and relatability, particularly in customer-facing roles. “We prefer to work with people who look like us; when customers [are] presented with advice purely from AI or robot, they actually would hesitate to take that advice,” says Gabriel Kung, chief commercial officer at insurance technology firm Bowtie.
John Mullally
Managing Director, Robert Walters
Instead of solely focusing on STEM skills, encourage individuals to identify and cultivate their uniquely human strengths. “A lot of the times what we need to be looking at...is, ‘What do I bring to the job market that a robot cannot do…?’” says John Mullally, managing director of recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.
Michael Chan
Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Asia, Mayer Brown
Support and upskill experienced workers in the face of technological advancements. “We need to make sure that those [experienced workers] … got the opportunity to get up skilled,” says Michael Chan, head of diversity, equity & inclusion for Asia at law firm Mayer Brown.
Special Mention
Stephen Tsang
Chief Revenue Officer, NTT Com Asia
Any workforce experience still needs to be rooted on basic building blocks. “The human-humanoid experience needs to be supported by an agile and robust architecture, including the right connectivity and data architecture. This allows seamless engagement and for human workers to work with their humanoid counterparts as colleagues. It’s important to get the basic infrastructure right before we enable this,” observes Stephen, chief revenue officer, NTT Com Asia.
Other Insights
-
The Ghost in the Machine: How AI Infrastructure Is Shaping Tomorrow's Humanoids
Moderated by:
- Calum Murray, Founder, Jabel Consulting Limited
Panellists:
- Steven So, SVP Data Center, NTT Com Asia
- Alan Cheung, Chief Director, Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies, ASTRI
- William Hui, Head of Innovations, Research and Development, Manulife International Limited
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Private 5G & IoT: The Power Duet Fuelling Hong Kong's Smart City Revolution
Moderated by:
- Jolly Wong, Policy Fellow, Center of Science and Policy, University of Cambridge
Panellists:
- Phil McManus, Director of Innovations, NTT Com Asia
- Bryan Fung, Executive Director, WSP
- Sankar .S. Villupuram, Director, Advanced Digital Engineering, Arup
- Teddy Lo, Managing Director, Boldyn Networks
- Terence Wong, Head of APAC 5G Industry & IoT Community, GSMA
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Beyond Boundaries: Forging a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem through Dynamic Partnerships
Abstract from NTT Innovation Summit’s panel discussion “Beyond Boundaries: Forging a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem through Dynamic Partnerships” (30 October 2024)
Moderated by:
- Ir Prof Alan Lam, JP, CEO, Gravity Capital Partners Co. Ltd
Panellists:
- Takashi Hara, General Manager, New Business Development, NTT DOCOMO
- Simon Wong, CEO, Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, LSCM
- Ricky Chong, Managing Director, Ricoh Hong Kong