“I think Guangzhou is a very inclusive and diversified city, where traditional culture coexists with high technology. You can feel ancient architecture and modern skyscrapers at the same time in this city. This is very impressive,”Philip Chen, Awardee of IEEE Norbert Wiener Award and IEEE Joseph G. Wohl Outstanding Career Award, said in an interview with GDToday at 2021 Understanding China Conference on December 1.

In Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), each city has their strengths that allow these cities to achieve complementary development. And in Guangdong, every city has different development strategies based on their own situations. “You can find any industries in Guangdong. And this comprehensive industry structure offers a platform for scientific research achievements from other cities to apply. For example, Hong Kong boasts universities that are highly advanced in fundamental science, sound commercial mechanism, and well-developed financial system. But they need more industries to develop applied science. Hong Kong and Guangdong thus  share the possibility to combine with each other. So does Hengqin, a place where you can find four State Key Laboratories within 30 square kilometers. This density is higher than any places in China. And Hengqin also has to combine with industries in other cities in Guangdong,”stressed Chen.

Recent years have witnessed a spurt of progress in AI technology and digital economy in Guangzhou, especially with the setting up of Guangdong Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy Laboratory (Guangzhou) in 2020. “The layout of AI and digital economy is very complete. As Innovation Institutions in Guangdong spring up, now we have AI medical department, AI manufacturing, AI voice and other AI industries. We hope to develop AI medical services in isolated and rural areas and give them the chance to enjoy the benefits of AI development,” noted Chen.

According to Chen, the Laboratory has worked with Guangzhou Automobile Group and iFLYTEK, and will cooperate with XPeng Motors in IOV (Internet of Vehicles) and jointly establish laboratories with enterprises in Guangdong.

Reporter: Rofel

Poster: Mia

Editor: Keane, Jerry