From July 17 to 20, the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance were held in Shanghai, drawing global attention in the artificial intelligence sector to this innovation hub. Leveraging this international event, the Pudong New Area Digital Global Expansion Initiative, together with DO-Port, organized the 3rd international matchmaking event for data sector cooperation (ASEAN Series). Representatives from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and other countries were invited to participate in the conference. The event was featured prominently at the 2026 International AI City Ecosystem Forum to facilitate practical collaboration between Shanghai enterprises and ASEAN governments and businesses in data circulation, smart cities and AI applications.

Following six months of frequent and regular matchmaking sessions for digital overseas expansion, a set of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on international digital cooperation were signed at the forum, covering three dimensions: market linkage, technology export and platform empowerment. Shanghai Zhengxian Electronics and Shanghai Digital Development Technology signed agreements with Singapore Smart City Network (SCN). The parties aim to leverage ASEAN cooperation networks to expand regional deployment of urban intelligent terminals and trusted data spaces. Krishnamoorthy Kuppusamy, Senior Vice President of Iskandar Investment Berhad (Malaysia), and Mohd Bashir bin Sulaiman, Director of Planning and Development at Penang City Council, witnessed the signing. Kuai Technology and Mojiang Technology inked deals with Singapore’s SKYLAB Group and Babbobox respectively, exploring overseas use cases for AI workflow technology and 3D digital human capabilities. Paio Cloud and Shanghai Astronomy Museum, together with the Shanghai Smart City Development Research Institute, seek to extend local strengths in AI computing infrastructure and AI-powered science popularization solutions into global markets. Song Weihua, Party Secretary and Director of Pudong New Area Data Bureau, attended the forum and witnessed the signing ceremony.

During the event, ASEAN delegation members delivered keynote speeches. Mohd Bashir bin Sulaiman, Director of Planning and Development at Penang City Council, shared Penang’s digital practices in smart city governance, including AI-enabled road capacity analysis, disaster monitoring and electronic submission systems for urban administration. Stephen Ho, CEO of Singapore’s SkyLab Group, offered an industry perspective on practical frameworks for cross-border data flows and AI implementation across ASEAN, covering repeatable decision-making methodologies, diverse deployment models and pathways to build trusted data corridors.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN delegation carried out an extensive study tour in Shanghai. They visited the WAIC Expo Pavilion and West Bund exhibition area to keep abreast of cutting-edge global AI technologies and industry trends. Delegates viewed on-site demonstrations of deployed solutions in smart transportation, digital cultural tourism, cross-border data trading and service robots, gaining first-hand insights into Shanghai’s integration of digital technologies and urban governance. At closed-door seminars, Chinese and foreign enterprises engaged in in-depth discussions on ASEAN market access requirements and technical adaptation pathways for cross-border data, clarifying key milestones and priorities for cooperation.

The ASEAN visit also unlocked new cooperation opportunities in AI RaaS, AI-native film and television, intelligent operation and maintenance and other fields. Follow-up activities including return visits and one-on-one business matchmaking will be arranged to turn preliminary cooperation intentions into tangible projects.