More than 50 experts and scholars in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, smart city construction, and low-carbon operation and maintenance gathered at the 2024 UrbanLab Innovation Summit, held at the Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian District, on Wednesday.

The summit was held to facilitate discussions about sustainable urban development solutions that use advanced technologies and included presentations, panel discussions, round tables, and a roadshow session.

Bessie Lee, chief executive officer at Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL) Greater China, highlighted the importance of technological innovation as an indispensable driver for sustainable urban development in China, a country strongly promoting an innovation-driven strategy.

“At JLL, we are committed to working together with various sectors to utilize new technologies in the commercial real estate technology ecosystem, promoting environmentally friendly and high-quality urban development, and contributing to China’s goals of peaking carbon emissions and carbon neutrality,” she said.

Geoff Kau, president of JLL Technologies China, urged the younger generation to seize opportunities in emerging industries such as AI, big data modeling, new energy, and digital twins. He encouraged them to engage in relevant research projects, connect with academic and industry experts, and pursue careers in fields they are passionate about, whether through employment or entrepreneurial endeavors.

Shenzhen Daily and the EyeShenzhen multilingual website were the media sponsors of the event, which attracted more than 500 participants from governmental bodies, universities, investment firms, key industries, startups, think tanks, and educational institutions.