How public-private collaboration can help create a better future for all: Reflections on the APEC CEO Summit 2023

I was privileged to represent Microsoft ANZ at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit 2023 in San Francisco last week. This annual gathering brings together CEOs, senior political leaders and other stakeholders for two days of robust dialogue on global opportunities and challenges within the Asia-Pacific region.

As well as learning from the dynamic lineup of speakers, I engaged in meetings with world leaders on the summit sidelines that were as productive as they were insightful.

A standout moment came during discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese alongside Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella. We talked about Microsoft’s recent commitment to invest $5 billion in digital infrastructure in Australia, as well as our new skilling initiatives and cybersecurity collaboration with the Australian Signals Directorate.

In a landmark announcement, the Prime Minister also shared that the Australian Government will conduct a six-month trial of Copilot for Microsoft 365 starting January 2024. The Australian Government will be one of the first governments in the world to adopt this cutting-edge AI service, enabling it to boost productivity, drive innovation and enhance government services for Australians.

Similarly, meetings with Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, and Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to supporting the long-term development of these nations. Together with Microsoft Asia President Ahmed Mazhari, we delved into a range of initiatives and projects – including the safe and responsible use of AI – that aim to better serve citizens in Malaysia and Thailand and accelerate economic growth.

At a roundtable convened by the Vietnamese government, I had the honour of listening to President Vo Van Thuong make a compelling case for Vietnam as a prime destination for investments in high technology and chip manufacturing. This aligns with our goals at Microsoft, opening avenues for new partnerships and economic ventures.

A highlight of attending the APEC CEO Summit was hearing from an array of distinguished speakers, including US President Joe Biden. I particularly enjoyed the session by Ian Bremmer, a renowned political scientist, who provided interesting data and candid perspectives on geopolitical tensions during his session, aptly titled ‘Resilience in a World of Crisis’. His expertise offered an invaluable lens through which we could consider the global challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

These speakers, along with insights shared by CEOs such as FedEx’s Raj Subramaniam, Canva’s Melanie Perkins and Microsoft’s own Satya Nadella, brought the summit’s spirit of innovation and leadership to the fore. It was particularly heartening to see the CEO of an Australian-born company like Canva take her place on such a prestigious international stage.

Several key themes emerged during the summit, with AI taking centre stage. It was clear that the demand for AI expertise is global, and the need for rapid, responsible development and deployment is paramount. We cannot wait for global powers to dictate the pace – local innovation must take the lead.

Cloud technology’s transformative potential was another hot topic, particularly for emerging markets eager to harness its power. However, data sovereignty and regulatory changes remain top concerns. The idea of establishing ‘digital embassies’ to facilitate cross-border data collaboration sparked interest among summit attendees.

Supply chains and sustainability were also prominent themes. Discussions at the summit underscored the importance of resilient supply chains, leveraging data and technology to make them more efficient and environmentally friendly. Looking at the global landscape, it’s evident that we can’t simply dismantle 150 years of industrial development. We must focus on reducing consumption through innovation rather than simply limiting supply.

Business leaders at the summit also voiced a common need: certainty in government policies. They called for frameworks that reduce risk and provide clarity, to better enable them to make long-term decisions.

Reflecting on the summit, I am reminded of the indispensable role that collaboration between government and industry plays in shaping our future. My earlier visit to Washington, DC, underscored this, as I witnessed firsthand the strength of the US-Australia alliance and how Microsoft can help deepen ties between the two countries. We are committed to leading such public-private partnerships, using technology to create opportunities for innovation, economic growth and social improvement.

I invite you to share your perspectives in the comments section below. Let’s continue to innovate and collaborate for a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone.