More than 3,000 experts from over 80 countries and territories are set to descend on Taipei City for the Sept. 10-13 World Congress on Information Technology—one of the most important events in the global IT industry’s calendar.
 
Co-organized by the Industrial Development Bureau under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and U.S.-headquartered World Information Technology and Services Alliance, the 21st WCIT is themed Living the Digital Dream. It will serve as a platform for academics, captains of industry and government officials to discuss economic and political trends, emerging markets and technologies, new business opportunities, and laws and policymaking.
 
Taiwan has made great strides in technology development since first hosting the WCIT in 2000, Acting MOEA Minister Shen Jong-chin said Sept. 5 at the pre-event news conference in Taipei. This year’s congress will allow the country to share some of its most successful homegrown total solutions like the electronic toll collection and public bike rental systems, he added.
 
Many of these accomplishments are detailed in the book “Realization Stories of 50 Digital Dreams.” Published as part of WCIT promotional efforts, the book outlines how Taiwan transformed from a contract manufacturer into one of the world’s top providers of information communication technology applications and services.
 
WITSA Chairwoman Yvonne Chiu, who doubles as head of Taipei-based Information Service Industry Association, said hosting the WCIT will help strengthen Taiwan’s leadership position in the global high-tech race, shape the future of technology development and foster collaboration among industry players.
 
According to the bureau, highlights of the congress include business-to-business matchmaking, a CEO summit on Internet of Things innovation, a high-tech exhibition, keynote speeches, a leaders’ round table on circular economy practices, and a raft of parallel conferences and events.
 
The highly anticipated exhibition features nearly 700 booths set up by government agencies, industry heavyweights and research organizations showcasing Taiwan’s high-tech prowess in such areas as artificial intelligence, next-generation telecommunications technology, smart living and virtual reality.
 
Launched 39 years ago in Barcelona, the congress has taken place annually since 2016. It is the flagship event of WITSA, whose members make up 90 percent of the global ICT market. (SFC-E)