Q-CTRL digest

Singapore Summit 2018

September 20, 2018
Written by
Marcus Strom

Q-CTRL's chief executive and founder, Professor Michael Biercuk, this week was a guest at one of Asia's most important leadership conferences, the Singapore Summit 2018.

Now in its seventh year, the conference aims to be an engine room for political, trade and business leadership as we enter further into the 'Asian Century'.

The Singapore Summit bills itself as "one of the foremost events for business and thought leaders from Asia and the world to come together and discuss opportunities and challenges that could impact regional and global growth, prosperity and stability."

Attendance is by invitation only, so it was a great honour for Professor Biercuk to attend.

Q-CTRL was the only quantum technology company represented.

Keynote speakers included Malaysian politician Anwar Ibrahim, Singapore's Education Minister Ong Ye Kung and conference chair Ho Kwon Ping from Banyan Tree Holdings. The conference patron is Singapore's former Prime Minister, Goh Chok Tong.

Pax sinica is rising as China moves to inexorably overtake the US in #defense spending. Ho Kwon Ping, #singaporesummit pic.twitter.com/2feXwVw4Vd

— Michael J. Biercuk (@MJBiercuk) September 15, 2018

Most attendees were 'C-suite' – leading executives from some of the world's biggest companies and investors, including VISA's chief executive Alfred Kelly, UBS Chairman Axel Weber, McKinsey's Global Managing Partner Kevin Sneady, and Neil Shen, founding and Managing Partner at Sequoia Capital China, one of Q-CTRL's investors.

Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard was in the mix of attendees.

Serious heavy hitters on the future of #digital in the SE Asian market. #SingaporeSummit pic.twitter.com/vOhEUSaJTu

— Michael J. Biercuk (@MJBiercuk) September 15, 2018

The Singapore Summit is organised by Temasek Foundation Connects, with the support of the Singapore Economic Development Board, the Singapore Government, and Temasek.

"We are excited to build a positive and deep relationship with Temasek and appreciate their enthusiasm for Q-CTRL's work," Professor Biercuk said.

As well as intensive networking and hearing from panels discussing issues ranging from navigating geopolitical risks in the Asia-Pacific to the rise of the digital economy, there was time for guests to attend the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix racing event.

The starting line at the #SingaporeGP in the @Temasek hospitality suite (Paddock club). #F1! pic.twitter.com/IGwHMkTYGF

— Michael J. Biercuk (@MJBiercuk) September 16, 2018