China Mobile and SCCCI host 2026 Southeast Asia Cooperation Conference

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

China Mobile and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) have jointly convened the 2026 Southeast Asia Cooperation Conference in Singapore, bringing together government officials, industry leaders and technology ecosystem partners to advance regional collaboration in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure development.

Held under the theme “Boundless Intelligence, Igniting a New Era Together,” the conference focused on building an AI+ ecosystem and exploring new opportunities within the emerging intelligent digital economy across Southeast Asia.

The event featured participation from senior representatives including H.E. Cao Zhongming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Singapore; Jasmin Lau, Minister of State at Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information and Ministry of Education; Li Huidi, Executive Vice President of China Mobile; and Kho Choon Keng, President of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Approximately 300 delegates from governments, intergovernmental organisations, telecom operators, AI firms, academia and media attended the conference.

In his address, Li Huidi said Southeast Asia is entering a new phase of intelligent economic development, driven by rapid AI adoption and strengthened policy frameworks. He highlighted regional momentum in digital transformation, including increasing investment in data infrastructure and AI-related innovation, as well as growing alignment under ASEAN digital policy initiatives.

He outlined China Mobile’s strategy to support regional digital transformation through three pillars: enhanced digital connectivity, expanded intelligent computing infrastructure, and AI-driven industrial applications. He cited ongoing investments in 5G-A networks, submarine cable systems and cross-border connectivity infrastructure designed to improve latency and support regional data exchange.

Li also noted the company’s development of AI computing platforms and distributed computing nodes across multiple Asian markets, alongside industrial AI solutions deployed across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transportation and smart city development. He added that China Mobile has implemented thousands of 5G and AI projects across the region, supporting digital transformation in both public and private sectors.

The conference also featured remarks from Kho Choon Keng, who emphasized the importance of trusted digital connectivity and cross-border cooperation in enabling sustainable economic growth. He noted that enterprises must strengthen digital capabilities and cybersecurity readiness to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.

Several agreements were signed during the event, including memoranda of understanding between China Mobile International and SCCCI on AI project collaboration, as well as partnerships with Singtel and Axiata Group Berhad to advance cooperation in AI, IoT, autonomous networks and smart home solutions. A regional initiative titled the Southeast Asia AI+ Full-Stack Capability Upgrade and Ecosystem Cooperation Initiative was also launched.

The conference further included panel discussions involving telecom operators, technology firms and academic experts from institutions such as Nanyang Technological University and Deloitte China, focusing on opportunities and challenges in scaling AI adoption across industries.

China Mobile also showcased its digital infrastructure and AI capabilities at an exhibition space, highlighting developments in computing power systems, AI platforms, intelligent customer services and industry-specific digital solutions aimed at accelerating enterprise transformation across Southeast Asia.