The world is changing at a pace hitherto unknown to humanity, with new software applications and gadgets appearing so fast that some of the dream ideas of the near past have already become stale realities.

The chief harbinger of change is the digital revolution through concepts like digital health, digital ecology, big data, the Internet of things and smart societies. 

Anyone interested in viewing the grand fusion of digital concepts and reality under one roof should carry out an Internet search for Fuzhou city, located in southeast China's Fujian province. 

Typing "Digital China Summit" will take you to a world where fantasies are transformed into living reality, meaning the second version of the summit being held on May 6-8.

With the theme of "New Dynamics, New Development, New Achievements Empowered by Informatization," the conference is showcasing the latest trends and ideas about the digital revolution sweeping across many nations. 

China is showing it is not just a stakeholder in the digital revolution, but also a leader in the related technologies. Its changing business landscape and technical prowess – some of it displayed at the second digital summit – is a testimony of its commitment to a digital transformation. 

China is promoting all-round digital development at the highest level. That is why Cyberspace Administration of China, the National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and Fujian Provincial People's Government are collaborating to stage the summit. 

The State Council Information Office says the summit contains seven parts, including the opening and closing ceremonies, main forums, sub-forums, Digital China Exhibition, release of various reports and an innovation contest. 

As reported by domestic media, 1,500 guests from across the world have been invited to attend, taking part in dynamic themes like E-governance, Digital Economy, Digital Fujian, Digital Maritime Silk Road, Industrial Internet, Satellite Application, Network Technology that are a feature of the various sub-forums. 

One of the main attractions is the Digital China Exhibition showcasing the latest achievements. The exhibition also provides a glimpse of the future that China is targeting with the help of various digital developments. 

The Digital China Contest is also part of the summit. It is promoting use of the latest technologies and scientific ideas to address various problems faced by individuals and nations overall. 

Technology indeed has become the most powerful tool of development. As it forges ahead, new challenges are emerging that need collective responses. Big conferences and summits provide a platform to bring together the best brains to gain common advantages.

For example, driverless cars are considered as the way forward for personalized travel. China is showing various driverless vendor vehicles at the summit to show that the concept is not a myth, but part of digital reality.  

Similarly, facial recognition technology is a great advancement to safeguard the life and property of people in an age of increasing threats by cybercrime. This technology is also being used at the summit through facial recognition security checks. 

China is also pushing ahead with 5G networks, which are being used at the event. The participants can discuss the implications of these technical advancements and their impact on the lives of end users.  

Digital revolution opens new vistas for all. It is a great equalizer as even poor and backward people and communities can use it to leverage their talent and promote their interests. 

China's keen interest in promotion of digitalization is a welcome sign. It is reported that the scale of China's digital economy stood at 31 trillion yuan (US$4.6 trillion) at the end of 2018, accounting for one-third of the national GDP. 

It is time to embrace the digital future. The rest of the world can learn from the Chinese experience and the Digital China Summit offers great opportunities for it. 

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. 

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