In the vibrant metropolis of Hong Kong, the DFINITY Foundation recently embarked on a groundbreaking mission to redefine the landscape of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) technology in Asia.
The ICP Asia Alliance was launched to combine the knowledge of government agencies, universities, investors, entrepreneurs, and developers to propel the region to the fore of blockchain innovation. A $20 million grant fund was also announced to help capitalize on groundbreaking projects.
While the DFINITY team was excited to attend The Edge Global AI and Web3 Investment Summit, the trip was centered around the ICP Asia Alliance launch event on September 28. Some of the brightest minds in the industry converged to explore the limitless potential of Web3 and AI in Asia.
At the heart of this technological transformation stands the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), a secure, cost-effective decentralized blockchain network that provides an alternative to centralized cloud services and data storage.
Here’s what happened during DFINITY’s week in Hong Kong.
Outlining the Importance of ICP in Web3 and AI
Dominic Williams, founder and chief scientist of the DFINITY Foundation, took center stage to kick off the ICP Asia Alliance launch event. He delved into the remarkable journey of the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) that emerged from the Ethereum community in 2015 and underwent years of intensive research and development.
The ICP functions as a groundbreaking cloud infrastructure that can host a wide array of applications and services, with the goal of extending the public internet’s capabilities to create unstoppable, sovereign applications. It simplifies R&D processes, reducing costs in comparison to traditional IT services, and envisions replacing private, closed, and centralized infrastructure with a decentralized Internet Computer.
Key to the ICP’s innovation is its creation of efficient subnet blockchains through node providers worldwide, ensuring a tamper-proof network through deterministic decentralization. The use of canister smart contracts allows for the storage of substantial data, paving the way for full-stack decentralization that eliminates reliance on centralized infrastructure.
The introduction of the Network Nervous System DAO (NNS) and decentralized application-focused Service Nervous System (SNS) provides governance and autonomy, while Internet Identity leverages special chips for enhanced security.
With the ability to interact with other blockchains, the ICP holds vast potential across multiple industries, reducing complexity and offering significant cost-saving opportunities. Governments and organizations are increasingly interested in harnessing the ICP’s power to build sovereign networks, and its integration with AI smart contracts is poised to shape the future of Web3 technology, marking the ICP as a continually evolving force with boundless potential.
Uniting the Brightest Web3 Minds in Asia
The ICP Asia Alliance launch event featured three panels with experts who discussed the intricacies of Web3 and AI development and investment in Asia.
During the panel on Asia’s pivotal role in the future of Web3 and AI, industry leaders highlighted the Hong Kong government’s commitment to funding those technological initiatives, the urgency for adaptable regulations, and the rise of DeFi in Asia.
The panelists, including Lomesh Dutta (VP of growth, DFINITY Foundation) and Victor Yim (head of fintech, Cyberport), Eugene Sun (Blue Rabbit), Matt Haldane (SCMP) and Isaac Tse, (HKSTP) discussed the myriad practical applications for the technologies, spanning from decentralized social networks to supply chain transparency solutions.
In a panel focused on investment trends, the experts underscored the symbiotic relationship between AI and Web3 technology, emphasizing the importance of staying agile in those landscapes.
The investors, including Hashkey Group partner Jupiter Zheng; and SNZ Capital partner Gavin Wang; Poseidon Ho, Founding Partner, Outliers Fund; and Calvin Ng, General Partner, Plutus, discussed potential integrations of AI into Web3 projects, championed long-term commitments to innovation and noted the importance of recognizing the potential applications of AI beyond finance.
The final panel of the day was dedicated to the future of Web3 and AI applications. Experts such as Brutoshi (co-founder and CEO, AstroX), Greg Kuebler (head of UX, SingularityNet),
Kirill Solodskikh (Co-Founder of TheStage.ai) and Tiger Wu (Co-Founder of the Shiku Foundation) underscored Asia’s pivotal role in these dynamic landscapes, offering insights into their projects and the strategic uses of the ICP.
Oisy Wallet Demonstration
DFINITY Foundation CTO Jan Camenisch presented the Oisy Wallet, a browser-based Ethereum wallet that’s secured by the Internet Computer. The user-friendly wallet is compatible with various digital assets, including ERC-20 tokens.
Oisy Wallet uses the Internet Computer’s chain key cryptography for security and authentication, relying on biometric and TPM chip-based security on a user’s device. Through the wallet, users can interact with decentralized applications and smart contracts on the ICP.
A Chat with the ICP Hubs
ICP Hub co-founders from around Asia took the stage to offer a glimpse into their shared enthusiasm for the ICP.
Aaron Ting, from the Singapore hub, praised ICP’s revolutionary potential, while Iana Pugahova from Malaysia sees it as a bridge to mass adoption in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines hub, Nelson Lumbreras envisioned ICP as a tool for empowerment, while Jake Park in South Korea emphasized education and support for developers.
Co-founders Ryan He and Daren Wang in Hong Kong aimed to incubate decentralization projects through collaboration, and Bruno Calabretta in Indonesia celebrated the launch of an incubator promoting genuine decentralization and innovation.
Together, they symbolized their commitment to ICP and its transformative potential in their regions.
Key Takeaways
The ICP Asia Alliance marks a significant milestone in the fusion of blockchain and AI technologies in Asia. This collaborative initiative brings together a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, and at its core is the Internet Computer Protocol.
The launch event in Hong Kong served as a platform for industry leaders to discuss adaptable regulations, the intersection of AI and Web3 technology, and practical innovations like the Oisy Wallet. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, the ICP Asia Alliance launch event underscored Asia’s pivotal role in shaping the future of decentralized technology.
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