Zhao Hejuan, Founder, Chairperson, and CEO of TMTPost Group, and Publisher of Barron's China, Image Source: World Internet Conference

TMTPOST -- Every city thrives due to technological breakthroughs, while technology itself evolves through the concentration of urban resources, creating a virtuous cycle where 'technology shapes cities, and cities nurture technology in return,' said Zhao Hejuan, Founder and CEO of TMTPost Group and Publisher of Barron's China.

Zhao made the remarks on Wednesday while delivering a keynote speech on a comprehensive framework for smart city development at the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit.

The event kicked off in Hong Kong on Monday, marking the first time the conference has held an international summit in the city.

The event brings together hundreds of professionals, industry leaders, and officials from across the world for high-level dialogues on global internet development.

Guests including Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Minister of the Cyberspace Administration of China Zhuang Rongwen, and Vice-Chairman of the World Internet Conference Francis Gurry, attended the event and delivered their keynote speeches.

Zhao's approach examined urban evolution through three key lenses: historical depth, comparing the trajectories of cities in China and the U.S., and the role of technological advancement—particularly in AI governance and digital infrastructure. She highlighted the symbiotic relationship between innovation and urbanization, stating, "Cities thrive on technological breakthroughs, and breakthroughs emerge from the concentration of talent and resources within cities. It's a virtuous cycle—technology shapes cities, and cities nurture technology."  

Reflecting on history, Zhao noted how industrial revolutions transformed urban landscapes—from steam-powered textile hubs to Detroit's automotive dominance and Silicon Valley's tech-driven rise. Hong Kong, she observed, flourished through containerization, finance, and digital connectivity, becoming a critical link between East and West.  

"Technological innovation determines the fate of cities," Zhao said, pointing to the decline of the U.S. Rust Belt as a warning. She cited Hangzhou-based AI firm DeepSeek as a modern example, noting how its rapid global recognition during Chinese New Year elevated the city's profile.  

Quoting Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned by OpenAI researchers, Zhao compared technological progress to navigating foggy marshes—unpredictable, nonlinear, and requiring exploration.  

Turning to Hong Kong's present-day digital transformation, she praised initiatives like 5G deployment and e-payment adoption as foundational steps toward an inclusive, tech-enabled urban future.  

Moving from top-down administration to collaborative governance, Zhao said Zhejiang Province's digital platform, which offers over 3,600 government services and serves more than 3 million daily users—making public services as seamless as online shopping.  

Cities, Zhao noted, must evolve into intelligent ecosystems. She pointed to AI-driven urban analytics and wearable health tech as examples of how technology can bridge gaps and improve quality of life.  

With global data breaches costing over $6 trillion annually, Zhao stressed the urgency of robust AI governance, noting China's proactive role in shaping regulatory frameworks.  

Concluding with a reference to the ancient text Zhou Li, which details meticulous urban planning, Zhao called for a modern digital blueprint—one that prioritizes inclusivity, security, and sustainability. "Just as the ancients designed cities with precision," she said, "we must now craft a future where technology serves humanity."