
Panellists at the South China Morning Post’s GBA-Asean Summit 2026 highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology as key areas for cooperation, while stressing the importance of open data flows and shared digital standards.
Tuesday’s summit brought together government officials, business leaders and institutional investors to discuss emerging areas of cooperation between the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the bay area.
The bay area refers to Beijing’s initiative to turn Hong Kong, Macau and nine mainland Chinese cities into an integrated economic powerhouse.
Gary Wong Chi-him, chief Hong Kong and Macau liaison expert for Shenzhen’s Qianhai Authority, told a morning panel that he was interested in connecting Southeast Asia and Qianhai’s AI and green technology sectors.
He described Qianhai as “a special zone within a special zone” that could act as a gateway for companies looking to tap into the bay area.

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