This September, Singapore is gathering the best of innovation and tech in China and ASEAN countries at the SWITCH 2018 event. Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t miss it.

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As ASEAN Chair this year, Singapore will gather the best of innovation and tech in ASEAN countries and China at Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH) 2018, and encourage the mutual sharing of experiences and best practices by players from both ecosystems.

Organized by National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF) and Enterprise Singapore along themes such as deep technology, entrepreneurship, venture funding and tech in lifestyle, SWITCH builds on its past two runs to establish itself as a flagship tech and innovation gathering in Asia. This year, SWITCH will be launched by Minister for Finance and Chairman of the NRF Mr. Heng Swee Keat on September 17, 2018, at Marina Bay Sands (Sands Expo and Convention Centre).

Here are 5 reasons why you should go this year.

Marvel at the showcase of innovation and tech ecosystem in ASEAN and China.
SWITCH will bring together the tech and innovation ecosystems in ASEAN countries and China so that players – researchers, startups, corporates, venture capitalists – can connect globally, collaborate and learn from one another’s approaches to innovation and tech.

This year, deep tech will take center stage.
Continuing its tradition of connecting researchers, innovators and industry in deep tech, SWITCH will examine global trends in areas including biotech, advanced manufacturing techniques, food technology, medical technology, sustainable urban design, and engineering, among others.

Don’t miss the special showcase on tech in lifestyle.
SWITCH will feature a special showcase on technology and how it defines the future of lifestyle. The SWITCH opening show by homegrown design curator and fashion director, Mira Sianipar, will feature fashion elements, amidst hi-tech 3D projection mapping and motion-activated music and lights. It explores how technology influences and transforms our lives, providing consciousness on parallel issues such as sustainability and social impact.

Watch startups battle it out at the pitching competition.
SLINGSHOT@SWITCH powered by Startup SG, and organized by Enterprise Singapore, will bring promising global startups to Singapore and provide them with a platform to showcase their technology and business ideas to investors, companies, industry leaders, media and tech-savvy early adopters so that they can get a hand to accelerate into markets. SLINGSHOT@SWITCH has attracted over 1,000 startups from more than 80 countries.

Get inspired at the Women in Tech (WIT) Asia event.
WIT is the biggest tech event fronted by women. The goal is to change the attitude of young women in APAC towards STEM. This year, WIT (Asia) will highlight inspiring local and international role models, achievements in technology, and creating a marketplace of tangible opportunities and hands-on learnings to transform the world.

SWITCH main events will be held from September 17 – 19, 2018 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands, with offsite visits to the heart of Singapore’s innovation and technology ecosystems on September 20, 2018. This year’s four-day line-up is expected to attract over 11,000 participants, including tech startups, investors, corporations and innovation agencies from Singapore and abroad.

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About the Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH)

The Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (SWITCH) is a leading “plug and play” platform where complementing international events in tech, innovation and lifestyle operate side by side in an extraordinary concept week. It is here that tech ecosystems from around the world connect and interact in one place over one week. SWITCH features exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and activities revolving around topics such as open innovation, technology transfer, tech entrepreneurship, venture investments, and talent development.

Visit www.switchsg.org for more information.