Xi Addresses Record-Breaking AI Conference in Shanghai
Traffic neared a halt 2 kilometres from the Shanghai Expo Centre on the initial day of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, WAIC. With temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, numerous attendees exited their taxis, choosing to walk to the venue under the intense sun.
This year's conference registered as the warmest and most attended WAIC within six years of coverage. It was also reportedly the most active since its 2018 inception, according to Ann Cao reporting for the South China Morning Post.
President Xi Jinping delivered his inaugural WAIC keynote speech at the expo centre. He stated China would capitalise on the AI driven growth opportunity by promoting open source initiatives, openness, collaboration, and sharing. And his presence, combined with global interest in agentic AI, elevated attendee enthusiasm, particularly at the World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre.
AI research centres globally responded to this directive. The Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Centre announced an LLM Going Global Strategy. This organisation intends to use Hong Kong's position as a superconnector to share mainland China's AI technologies internationally.
Tickets, officially priced at 168 yuan or USD 24.82, were resold for upwards of 1,000 yuan. These tickets were acquired by industry professionals, parents seeking technological exposure for children, and recent graduates pursuing employment.
The exhibition venue spanned over 10 hectares, featuring 4,486 exhibits and 1,117 exhibitors, a one third increase from the previous year. Organisers reported attracting over 400,000 visitors. But a substantial afternoon rainstorm on the third day of the event failed to deter the influx of people, who continued to enter the halls.
Within the expo hall, focus transitioned from weather to internal displays. Hall H2, designated 'supernode hall' by some staff, housed major domestic AI chipmakers. These included tech giant Huawei Technologies, Moore Threads, MetaX, Kunlunxin, and Enflame.
Supernode describes an advanced architectural framework connecting hundreds or thousands of AI chips using ultra high speed networking. This emerged as a new competitive area at WAIC, with chip companies presenting solutions for expanding computing power.
Huawei's Atlas 950 SuperPod, featuring computing cabinets containing 1,024 Ascend AI processors, attracted significant public attention. Its massive footprint required visitors to stand on tiptoes with phones held high to capture the entire display. And the robotics section on the second floor drew the highest visitor concentration.
Two Unitree robots performed a dance at the company's booth during an afternoon presentation. The adjacent aisle immediately filled with mobile phones recording images and video. An exhibitor noted that the visibility and interactive nature of robotics made this section a primary attraction.
Booths and speeches by Big Tech companies, including Alibaba Group Holding and Tencent Holdings, maintained a consistent presence. Their message indicated AI's current application prioritised practical work over conversational interactions.
These companies are now competing on developing enterprise AI agents capable of constructing digital workers for businesses. Even non tech organisations like Luckin Coffee demonstrated AI involvement, promoting its function in supply chain management and store operations. So, the technology's reach is widening.
Luckin Coffee's branded cups were widely visible, and its two pop up locations experienced extensive queues. An attendee reportedly sampled an AI powered iced Americano, finding its taste consistent with other similar beverages.
As notes were collected and LED displays powered down, a return to the conference next year was deemed probable. Individuals who did not attend expressed intentions to participate in future events, highlighting the perceived value.
President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address at the conference.
The event recorded a substantial increase in attendance and exhibitor participation.
Discussions and exhibits focused on enterprise AI agents and supernode chip architecture.
Interest in AI expanded to include general public, parents, and non tech sector organisations.
Source: SCMP
