The 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC) Asia-Pacific Summit will be held in Hong Kong from April 14 to 15. Ten research reports will be released during the summit, covering frontier topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), cross-border data flows, smart living and digital finance.

These reports, rich in practical insights and research findings, will serve as valuable references for the global development of the digital economy and AI governance, contributing forward-looking solutions to digital transformation efforts across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

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Two flagship reports at the main forum

To be released at the summit's main forum, two flagship reports will center on inclusive AI and cross-border data flows—core issues in the digital era.

One report on Governing AI for Good and for All—Empowering Global Sustainable Development represents a major outcome of the AI Safety and Governance Advancement Program under the WIC Specialized Committee on AI. It offers a global overview of how AI is advancing sustainable development, including current progress and existing challenges, through explanations from multiple perspectives such as deepening AI governance and international cooperation, expanding international cooperation in AI capacity-building, and bridging the digital divide through inclusive and equitable AI development. It also offers prospective solutions through global case studies to advance the use of AI in achieving global sustainability goals. 

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As global rules on cross-border data flows become increasingly fragmented, compliance costs and operational uncertainties have escalated.

The other report, Comparative Study on Global Cross-Border Data Flow Policies, addresses the growing complexity of international data flows—a crucial component of digital trade. 

Developed by the WIC's data working group with extensive input from its members and industry experts, the report analyzes 194 global policy documents related to cross-border data flows. It identifies three fundamental policy paradigms, compares approaches to data holding, sharing, and reception, and examines international cooperation frameworks. The report concludes with recommendations to facilitate cross-border data flows.

Eight in-depth reports from specialized sub-forums

In addition to the two flagship reports at the main forum, eight in-depth reports will be released at three specialized sub-forums, showcasing the collective output of the WIC Think Tank Cooperation Program.

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At the Large Artificial Intelligence Models forum, China Mobile Research Institute will present a report on Research on AI-Driven Real-Digital Integration and Development. China Unicom Research Institute will release its report on Trend Judgment of Artificial Intelligence in the Future, while China Telecom Research Institute Tianyi Think Tank will introduce a study on The Evolution of the New Unmanned Economy in the Age of LLM as Foundational Infrastructure. Evernote Research Institute will unveil a report on Empowering Global Knowledge Workers: AI, Productivity Tools, and the New Ways of Work.

At the Digital Government and Smart Life forum, the Macao Association for Internet Research will unveil a report on Educational Transformation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Integrating Generative AI and Human Intelligence to Enhance Educational Quality, and BEKE BrainLink will present a report on Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Residential Sector.

At the Digital Finance forum, Renmin University of China and China Everbright Bank will jointly release Research Report on Commercial Banks' Data Element-Based Financial Products and Services. Fudan University's Institute of International Studies will publish a report on FinTech Driving the Implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative: A Case Study of Southeast Asia.

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Victoria Harbour will host a feast of ideas and innovation next week. These reports promise to deepen the global discourse on digital governance and AI development, offering forward-looking insights and actionable strategies for navigating a complex digital future.