Linking the Asia-Pacific with AI: Building a shared future of growth

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In the APEC China Year, CGTN and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade present "My Vision for APEC," featuring business leaders' insights into industry trends and their visions for the future of Asia-Pacific. Brand Cheng is the chairman of Foxconn Industrial Internet. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global industrial landscape. As technological breakthroughs accelerate and economies increase their investments in AI, an important question emerges: What will define industrial competitiveness in the next stage of development?

I believe the answer goes beyond breakthroughs in individual technologies. In the AI era, competitiveness will increasingly depend on the ability to turn innovation into industrial capabilities at scale – and on how effectively economies work together to strengthen those capabilities.

As Shenzhen prepares to host the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, on November 18 and 19, this question takes on particular significance. Shenzhen's industrial development offers a compelling example of how technological innovation and industrial capabilities reinforce each other, providing valuable insights for deeper innovation cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.

From technological innovation to industrial capability: Key to competitiveness in the AI era

AI is moving rapidly from technological breakthroughs to large-scale deployment. Innovation drives progress, but a strong industrial ecosystem is what enables new technologies to deliver value in the real world.

Consider AI infrastructure. Advances in computing power depend on far more than chip performance. They require coordinated progress in computing systems, networking, cooling, power delivery, system integration and advanced manufacturing.

As AI systems grow in scale and complexity, competitiveness increasingly rests on the strength of the entire industrial ecosystem. This also makes collaboration across industries, regions and economies more important than ever.

With its diverse innovation ecosystems, complementary industrial strengths and extensive markets, the Asia-Pacific has enormous potential to connect technological breakthroughs with practical applications.

Deeper cooperation can help promising innovations reach industrial scale faster, while allowing proven technologies and expertise to create value across a wider range of economies.

From China to the Asia-Pacific: Growing together through industrial cooperation

Realizing this potential requires strong industrial foundations. China's comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem, extensive application scenarios and accumulated engineering expertise can make an important contribution to AI development across the Asia-Pacific.

At Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII), we have seen firsthand how these strengths can translate into practical results.

We contribute to the development of global AI infrastructure while applying AI to our own manufacturing operations. This approach, which we call "AI Makes AI," combines the production of advanced AI technologies with the use of AI to improve manufacturing itself. We also share our digital transformation experience with partners across the region.

Our Lighthouse Factory initiatives illustrate how this approach works in practice.

In China, FII has participated in the development of 20 factories recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as part of its Global Lighthouse Network, a network of companies that deliver exceptional impact across productivity, resilience, sustainability and talent. More importantly, we have translated our smart manufacturing experience into solutions that can be replicated and adapted across different locations.

In 2024, our factory in Bac Ninh became Vietnam's first WEF-recognized Lighthouse Factory. In 2026, it earned another distinction as the country's first Sustainability Lighthouse.

From Shenzhen to Vietnam, we have followed a "build, operate and localize" approach. We invest not only in production capabilities but also in developing local teams, transferring knowledge and strengthening management expertise. Some of our Vietnamese managers have subsequently contributed to projects in Mexico, sharing their experience with colleagues in another part of the world.

This is what makes industrial cooperation meaningful over the long term. Its value extends beyond the movement of products and capital to the development of people, the exchange of knowledge and the growth of shared industrial capabilities.

When different economies bring together their respective strengths, they create opportunities for more resilient and sustainable growth.

Unlocking new opportunities through open cooperation

Looking ahead, I see significant potential for Asia-Pacific economies to deepen cooperation in three areas.

First, bringing innovation closer to industrial application. Stronger connections among research institutions, engineers, manufacturers and supply chain partners can help shorten the journey from laboratory breakthroughs to commercial deployment at scale.

Second, advancing technology and talent development together. Ultimately, the value of AI depends on people. Knowledge sharing, workforce training and local talent development can help more communities build the capabilities needed to innovate and grow.

Third, aligning AI development with sustainability. Beyond improving productivity, AI can support more efficient energy management, resource conservation and responsible industrial development. At FII, our "EPS + ESG" ("earnings per share + environmental, social and governance") approach reflects our commitment to pursuing business growth alongside environmental, social and governance responsibilities.

AI is reshaping the global division of industrial activities and patterns of collaboration. For the Asia-Pacific, this transformation presents an opportunity to build stronger connections and unlock new sources of shared prosperity.

My vision for the region is one where innovation continues to flourish, industrial strengths complement one another, and the benefits of progress are widely shared.

FII looks forward to working with partners across the Asia-Pacific, with AI as a bridge to advance technological innovation, industrial upgrading and talent development. By bringing together our complementary strengths and embracing the opportunities of AI, we can help shape a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific.

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