AI opportunities for UK, China explored at forum

The forum featured two panel discussions on key challenges and opportunities in smart tech.

The first session, Smart Systems for a Smart World, explored the infrastructure needed for intelligent technologies.

During the session, Alibaba representative mentioned that the Group plans to invest at least RMB 380 billion ($53 billion) over the next three years to advance its cloud computing and Al infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to long-term technological innovation. The investment, which exceeds Alibaba's total Al and cloud spending over the past decade, underscores the company's focus on Al-driven growth and its role as a leading global cloud provider.

Bono Ge, BYD's country manager for the UK and Ireland, praised the UK for being an open market for Chinese automakers, which he contrasted with the EU and its decision to impose tariffs on Chinese carmakers. He described the UK government's decision not to impose tariffs as "brave" and also the right approach.

Ge recalled that when BYD entered the market in 2013, London quickly embraced its electric buses, valuing the technology above any bias. He said the UK's openness to innovation without discrimination was key to the company's success.