Distinguished guests, including the CEO of GSMA Ltd., John Hoffman, and the Head of Greater China at the GSMA, Sihan Bo Chen, were present at the pre-MWC Shanghai press conference held on June, 23.
Hoffman outlined the event’s scope of coverage, emphasizing that Mobile World Congress (MWC) is special because it marks, “the future of mobility and the adjacent industries." He emphasized that MWC Shanghai presents a unique opportunity for innovators, creators, policymakers, and business leaders within the connectivity ecosystem to drive positive change.
Hoffman expressed excitement for the upcoming days and stated that he looks forward to welcoming attendees, exhibitors, and thought leaders to experience the power of connection across the five halls at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
This year marks another milestone for MWC Shanghai, featuring over 8,000 companies from 115 countries and territories. Hoffman noted that Shanghai is the perfect location for the Asia-Pacific edition of MWC.
The ongoing Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2024, currently being held at the SNIEC and Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai, with the overarching theme of “Future First,” unites industries, continents, technologies, and communities to unlock their respective future potential.
5G, AI Economy and Manufacturing DX
The event's agenda focuses on three key sub-themes: 5G and beyond, examining 5G's role in enhancing network edge intelligence; the AI economy, exploring the transformative impact of generative AI (GenAI) on human-computer interactions; and manufacturing DX, delving into digital strategies that enhance factory efficiency and production performance.
Keynotes at MWC Shanghai will include:
- Keynote 1: Future First with Open Gateway (June 26, 9:00-10:30 am)
- Keynote 2: AI First (June 26, 12:00-1:00 pm)
- Keynote 3: Innovation First (June 27, 10:00-11:00 am)
Commitment to the GSMA Open Gateway
Chen then outlined the revolutionary exhibitions that can be found at this year’s MWC Shanghai, including deep dives into new technologies, adaptation strategies, and glimpses into the future with electric vehicles, flying taxis, and self-driving cars. She also highlighted the GSMA Open Gateway initiative as a key feature of this event, announcing the commitment of Chinese operators to the Open Gateway.
The press conference was held ahead of the GSMA-China Telecom Open Gateway Hackathon, which began on June 25, the day before MWC, under the theme of “Infinite Innovation, Connected Convergence.” Leading software developers are competing over 48 hours to transform the capabilities of telecom services into innovative solutions for business and social impact. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Day 3 of MWC Shanghai at the Open Gateway DevCon, which shall showcase the rising potential of network APIs through keynotes, case studies, and demonstrations.
The Partner Programmes began on "Day 0" (June 25) and will continue until the end of the event. Speakers will explore the latest industry insights, launch new products and services, and conduct demonstrations and workshops. Companies hosting sessions include China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, Huawei, GTI, Ruijie Networks, the World Broadband Association, and ZTE.
