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Press Release

SuperBridge Summit 2024 first day sessions explore economic growth potential of various regions

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 15 October 2024: The SuperBridge Summit 2024, held in conjunction with GITEX Global,
was inaugurated today. The two-day event held at the One&Only One Za’abeel Hotel in Dubai is organized by the Dubai
World Trade Centre (DWTC) and SuperBridge Council. The first day’s sessions commenced on a high note with eleven
panel discussions, keynote speeches and fireside chats. Thought leaders from a wide array of industries, global
policymakers and decision-makers convened at the event.

On the inaugural day of the Summit, sessions started with the screening of an experiential video highlighting the journey
of The SuperBridge Summit, followed by welcoming remarks by Sarah Cocker, the event emcee and a welcome address
by Hadi Badri, CEO of Economic Development, Dubai Economy and Tourism, UAE. The initial panel discussion titled
‘Ahead of the Curve: The Next-Gen Economic Powerhouses’ Growth and Challenges,’ moderated by Shane Tedjarati,
Chairman of VS Partners and Co-Founder of SuperBridge Council, highlighted the role of strategic investments in
boosting innovation and transforming the country into an economic powerhouse. The speakers, including Takashi
Maruyama, Chief Investment Officer at Asset Management One, Japan and Zsuzsanna Hargitai Managing Director – SME
Finance and Development, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, United Kingdom, shared success
stories of several individuals and organisations rising from humble origins through strategic investments and innovation.
They discussed measures to overcome challenges from inflation, climate crises, and aging demographics in a complex
global economy.

Wang Yi, Founder and CEO at LAIX Inc and a key partner of SuperBridge Summit 2024 said: “SuperBridge Summit 2024
presents a pivotal opportunity to redefine our approach to global cooperation. AI is transforming education in exciting
ways that offer opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds to prosper in a more connected world.”

A keynote speech by Dr. Qing Liu, Director of National Innovation Center par Excellence (NICE), China, on ‘Open
Collaboration with Global Innovation Community to Drive Growth’ envisioned a global collaborative ecosystem, aiming
to turn cutting-edge tech breakthroughs into economic growth engines by uniting innovators, scientists, and industry
leaders, thereby tackling real-world challenges and driving regional development.

Furthermore, during a panel discussion titled ‘Shifting Sands 2.0: The Gulf’s Leap to Global Innovation Epicentre,’
speakers highlighted the transition of the Middle East to becoming a leader in innovation beyond the oil industry. The
session focused on the role of free-trade agreements in defining the economic landscape of Gulf cities, facilitating
innovation and attracting international business. The opening statement was given by Dr. AbdulKhaleq Abdulla,
Professor Emeritus of Political Science, UAE University. Other panel members for the session comprised of – Tarek
Sultan, Chairman of Agility Global, Kuwait; Hans Duisters, Founder and CEO of Sioux Group, the Netherlands; and Ian
Johnston, Chief Executive of Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), UAE. The session was expertly moderated by
Kevin Li, Chairman Mojia Biotech, China.

Zsuzsanna Hargitai, Managing Director – SME Finance and Development, European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) United Kingdomand a Speaker at the Summit said: ‘As we come together at the SuperBridge