Ken Hu, Huawei Chairman: "Facing K-shaped risk upon COVID control... Digital inclusion and innovation needed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] "Once COVID-19 is brought under control, the world will face a real risk of a K-shaped economic recovery. The gap between groups that actively embrace the benefits of digital technology and those that do not will widen further."

Ken Hu, Rotating Chairman of Huawei, stated this during his keynote speech at 'MWC Shanghai 2021' on the 23rd, saying, "If the COVID-19 pandemic situation is controlled, we need to consider how we can 'innovate' to improve quality of life, make businesses smarter, and create a more inclusive world."

First, Ken Hu mentioned the impact COVID-19 has had on countries, companies, and individuals worldwide, evaluating that technology has contributed to overcoming the pandemic. He emphasized that "innovation not only solves the challenges we face but also illuminates the future," highlighting the significant roles technologies such as 5G, cloud, and artificial intelligence (AI) have played in manufacturing and other sectors in recent years.

Specifically, he noted that the aftermath of COVID-19 necessitated new digital infrastructure, during which Huawei has closely collaborated with telecom operators to ensure the stable operation of over 300 networks across more than 170 countries over the past year. In the Ningxia region of China, for example, the deployment of Huawei’s integrated routers enabled local companies to transition to the cloud more quickly and at lower costs. Additionally, he added that through 5G networks, remote ultrasound diagnostics and CT scans became possible even during the pandemic, allowing many people to receive medical services despite scarce healthcare resources.

Ken Hu also introduced Huawei’s cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) application, the Cyberverse App, at the event. This app, which integrates 5G networks, 5G devices, and AR technology, creates immersive virtual environments such as realistic forests or outer space, enabling users to experience engaging virtual simulations. By bridging the virtual world and the physical real world, this app is expected to generate new growth drivers across various industries including education, entertainment, travel, transportation, and logistics.

Ken Hu emphasized, "While aiming for economic recovery, innovation should not be limited to today but should illuminate tomorrow and create greater social value," and suggested that "all industries must enhance their capabilities through digital technology, build ecosystems, and create new value."

He particularly anticipated business opportunities arising from the upcoming digital transformation. It is projected that by 2025, 97% of all large enterprises will use AI, and 60% of global telecom operators’ revenue will come from enterprise and industrial customers rather than individuals. Huawei also explained that it has signed over 1,000 industrial 5G application contracts across more than 20 industries in partnership with various regional telecom operators.

However, Ken Hu pointed out that the digital divide in access to technology is expanding the information gap, and the pandemic has exacerbated this issue. He warned that once COVID-19 is controlled, the world will face a real risk of a K-shaped economic recovery. He stressed, "The gap between groups that actively embrace the benefits of digital technology and those that do not will widen further," and emphasized the need to focus innovation on promoting digital inclusion by building ladders to close this gap.

He also said, "Although many doors have closed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, innovation has created new opportunities of hope," adding, "Through continuous innovation, various industries will achieve digitalization, individuals will lead better lives, companies will become smarter, and the world will achieve more inclusive growth."

Huawei has set up an exhibition hall at MWC Shanghai 2021, which runs until the 25th. It showcases seven new ICT network concepts including Wireless 1+N, Home+, All-Optical Base, and Cloud-Network Smart Connection, as well as nine new products and solutions such as ultra-simplified sites, gigabit home broadband, premium private lines, and intelligent cloud networks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.