ATxSG Renewal Cements Singapore's Role in Asia's Digital Future
- S$106 billion: Singapore's digital economy contribution in 2022 (17% of GDP)
- US$2.2 billion: National Productivity Fund top-up for AI and quantum tech investments
- 84%: Young Singaporeans already using AI tools
Experts view the ATxSG renewal as a strategic reinforcement of Singapore's leadership in Asia's digital transformation, combining policy, innovation, and commercial collaboration to shape the region's tech future.
ATxSG Renewal Cements Singapore's Role in Asia's Digital Future
SINGAPORE β January 14, 2026 β Informa Festivals and Singaporeβs Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have renewed their strategic partnership for another three years, a decisive move that solidifies Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) as the region's premier technology festival. The agreement ensures the event, scheduled for May 20-22, 2026, will continue to serve as a critical nexus for global technology leaders, policymakers, and innovators, reinforcing Singapore's ambition to architect Asia's digital destiny.
This multi-year commitment is more than a simple extension; it represents a deepening of a five-year relationship aimed at expanding the event's international footprint and sharpening its focus on the frontier technologies set to redefine the global economy. As Asia continues its rapid digital ascent, the partnership between a global events powerhouse and a forward-thinking government agency signals a concerted effort to create a platform that not only showcases innovation but actively shapes policy and fosters responsible development.
Singapore's Strategic Anchor in a Digital World
The renewed pact is a cornerstone of Singapore's broader national strategy to lead in the digital age. The IMDA, as the architect of the nation's digital future, views ATxSG as a vital instrument for achieving its ambitious goals. These goals are outlined in frameworks like the Digital Connectivity Blueprint, which aims to deliver 10Gbps domestic connectivity and double submarine cable landings, future-proofing the island-state's infrastructure for the demands of technologies like 6G and quantum computing.
Singapore's digital economy is already a formidable force, contributing S$106 billion, or 17% of its GDP, in 2022. The government is fueling this growth with substantial capital, including a US$2.2 billion top-up to its National Productivity Fund specifically targeting high-value investments in AI and quantum technologies. ATxSG acts as a global stage to attract this investment and talent, aligning with national initiatives like the "Digital for Life" movement, which promotes digital inclusion and literacy across society.
Ms Yvonne Lim, Cluster Director at IMDA, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration. "The formalising of our continued partnership for the next three years marks a new chapter in the growth of the ATx brand," she stated. "Through the ATxSummit and ATxEnterprise, we plan to continue engaging the whole tech ecosystem across governments, enterprises and innovators from Asia and beyond. This is an exciting time to be on the pulse of technology β and the ATx umbrella of platforms will bring the best Digital Ministers and thought-leaders here, for unparalleled conversations anywhere else in the world."
Frontier Technologies Take Center Stage
The 2026 edition of ATxSG is set to delve deeper than ever into the technologies poised for the greatest impact: artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space technology, and next-generation connectivity. This focus reflects a global shift towards deep tech and mirrors significant regional investment trends.
AI, particularly generative AI, is a key priority. With 84% of young Singaporeans already using AI tools and major local enterprises like DBS Bank reporting hundreds of millions in value from AI implementation, the appetite for advanced discussion is immense. ATxSG 2026 will feature discussions on agentic AI, governance, and enterprise adoption, with insights from global figures such as Lambert Hogenhout, Chief of Data and AI at the United Nations, who brings a crucial perspective on ethics and responsible implementation.
Beyond AI, the event will explore the burgeoning fields of quantum and space technology. Singapore is nurturing its own capabilities with a S$300 million National Quantum Strategy, attracting specialized venture firms like QAI Ventures. Simultaneously, the Asia-Pacific space technology market, valued at USD 94 billion, is booming, driven by government and commercial investment. ATxSG provides a platform to connect these nascent industries with capital and cross-sector applications.
Next-generation connectivity, or 6G, will also be a major theme. With Asia leading the global race and 6G promising speeds exceeding 100 Gbps and near-instantaneous latency, the implications for autonomous systems, holographic communication, and smart cities are profound. The discussions at ATxSG will help regional players chart a course for this complex but transformative technological leap.
A Global Marketplace for Ideas and Commerce
While high-level strategy is a core component, ATxSG remains a powerful engine for business and commercial collaboration, a role that Informa Festivals is keen to expand. The event is structured into two distinct but interconnected segments to cater to the entire tech ecosystem.
The exclusive ATxSummit, held at Capella Singapore, is an invitation-only event convening over 4,000 senior government officials, corporate leaders, and tech visionaries from 50 countries. It is here that the agenda for Asia's digital policy and governance will be debated and defined.
Concurrently, the sprawling ATxEnterprise at the Singapore Expo will serve as the region's flagship B2B technology marketplace. It hosts several co-located anchor events, including BroadcastAsia, CommunicAsia, SatelliteAsia, and TechXLR8 Asia, which features The AI Summit Singapore. This format allows exhibitors and delegates to explore new solutions, forge critical partnerships, and accelerate innovation across a vast range of industries, from telecommunications and media to cybersecurity and cloud computing.
Tom Cuthell, VP of Future Tech at Informa Festivals, emphasized this dual focus on policy and commerce. "ATxSG has become a critical meeting point for the global tech community, and this renewed partnership reflects our shared ambition to take the event to even greater heights," he said. "Over the next three years, we will continue expanding the breadth of international participation, elevating discussions on emerging technologies, and creating spaces where industry leaders, innovators and policymakers can engage on the issues that truly matter. We're excited to work alongside IMDA to shape a festival that not only showcases the future of tech, but actively helps build it."
As the global tech landscape becomes increasingly competitive, with major events in Europe, the US, and the Middle East vying for attention, the tight integration of policy, deep technology, and enterprise solutions gives ATxSG a unique and compelling value proposition. The renewed commitment from its organizers ensures it will remain a vital and influential fixture on the international technology calendar for years to come.
π This article is still being updated
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