For the first time in its 45-year history, GITEX – the world’s largest tech and startup event, is making its Asian debut in Singapore. From April 23 to 25, 2025, Marina Bay Sands will host the inaugural GITEX Asia x Ai Everything Singapore, a bold expansion of the global event series that originated in Dubai.
The move comes at a pivotal moment. Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to surpass US$1 trillion in gross merchandise value by 2030, driven by rapid digital transformation, a surge in tech talent, and strong government investment across the region. The decision to bring GITEX to Asia reflects the continent’s growing significance in shaping global digital and AI economies.
GITEX Comes To Singapore: A Strategic Expansion
GITEX (short for Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) started in 1981 in Dubai and has grown into the globe’s most influential meeting point for emerging technologies.
In 2024 alone, GITEX Global welcomed over 200.000 tech executives, 6.500 exhibiting companies, and over 1700 startups from 180 countries. Known for fostering public-private collaboration, unveiling world-first tech, and unlocking massive funding opportunities, GITEX has become a barometer for the state of innovation worldwide.
Bringing GITEX to Singapore is a strategic move. The city-state has long been a leader in AI innovation and governance, recently launching its National AI Strategy 2.0, backed by a US$767 million investment. Singapore's reputation for hosting cutting-edge tech events and its central position in Southeast Asia make it an ideal hub for regional and international collaboration.
What To Expect At GITEX Asia 2025
Co-hosted with Ai Everything Singapore, the region’s leading platform for showcasing practical AI applications and policy leadership, the inaugural GITEX Asia will unite the global tech ecosystem under one roof – a convergence of breakthrough innovation, thought leadership, and high-level networking.
At the heart of the event are 8 core themes that reflect the most transformative areas in technology today: Artificial Intelligence & GenAI, Cybersecurity, Cloud & Connectivity, Quantum Computing, Health Tech & Biotech, Green Tech & Smart Cities, Startups & Investors, and SMEs & Deep Tech.
These themes will come to life through over 180 hours of content delivered by more than 320 global speakers, making this the world’s most international speaker lineup for a tech summit in Asia.
Among the headline speakers are Dr. Anna Yip, CEO of Singtel’s International Digital Services; Michael Spranger, President of Sony AI; and H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government. These voices along with many others will address hot-button issues from AI governance and cyber resilience, to quantum disruption and biotech innovation.
The scale of participation further highlights the event’s global weight. Over 700 tech enterprises and startups from more than 70 countries are confirmed, with 250 international investors managing a combined US$200 billion in assets set to attend. Notably, over 70% of these exhibitors are showcasing in Singapore for the very first time, a powerful sign of the city-state’s growing pull as a digital hub.
GITEX Asia will also host the debut of several national showcases, including from Vietnam and Serbia. These nations bring with them rising digital capabilities and bold ambitions to shape the region’s tech future. Another major first is the regional launch of GITEX Cyber Valley Asia, a cybersecurity summit featuring over 200 CISOs and national security agencies, spotlighting Asia-Pacific’s response to mounting digital threats.
Vietnam At GITEX Asia: A Rising Digital Power
Vietnam is stepping into the spotlight with its first official national showcase at GITEX Asia, led by the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC). With its digital economy projected to hit US$36 billion in 2025 and a clear roadmap toward becoming a top 10 semiconductor hub by 2030, Vietnam is proving it's breaking new ground.
As part of the Vietnam Spotlight Day on April 24, key figures such as Kim Ngoc Thanh Nga from NIC and Khanh Tran from Touchstone Ventures will spotlight the nation's deep tech aspirations, startup momentum, and regional partnerships. Vietnam is also among the featured nations in the Supernova Challenge, competing for a share of the US$100,000 prize pool.
As Vietnamese startups and tech talent look to scale beyond domestic markets, GITEX Asia provides a high-impact launchpad. It connects Vietnamese founders with global VCs, opens doors to regional expansion, and positions Vietnam as a central player in Southeast Asia's digital transformation.
Vu Quoc Huy, Director General of NIC, summed it up:
"As Vietnam deepens its presence in the regional tech landscape, NIC is eager to engage at GITEX Asia. This inaugural event will be a catalyst for innovation, bringing together ecosystem stakeholders, visionary enterprises, disruptive startups, and forward-thinking investors."
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to April 23 begins, GITEX Asia x Ai Everything Singapore is shaping up to be more than a tech show. It’s a statement that Asia is no longer just the market of the future, but the heartbeat of the global digital economy.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International and Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, shares her vision:
"Harnessing the region’s culture of innovation and spirit of digital adventure, we shall catalyse collaboration, establishing new marketplaces and diverse opportunities alongside global tech leaders."
For Vietnam, and for the region, this is a chance to lead.