5 Inspirational Speakers To Catch At RISE 2017

This month sees the return of RISE, Asia’s largest tech conference, which brings with it some of the world's biggest companies and most successful startups to Hong Kong. Big tech execs, illustrious start-up founders and top investors will be among more than 200 speakers at this year’s conference taking place from July 11 to 13. There's a lot to cover in just three days, so we’ve narrowed down the list to five of the most inspirational speakers you should catch at this year's event.

1. Kevin Ma

Above Kevin Ma (Photo: Courtesy of Web Summit)

Who is he? Founder and CEO of online streetwear bible Hypebeast (as well as a Generation T-lister), Kevin Ma is a poster boy for how to become a successful entrepreneur in Hong Kong. For anyone who’s interested in taking their business from their bedroom to an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (to the tune of HK$65 million), Ma is a man well worth listening to.

Why catch him at RISE? Ma will be lending his opinions on a panel discussing whether technology is killing creativity. As the man behind one of the world’s foremost authorities on street culture and streetwear that regularly amasses more than 46 million page views per month, he clearly knows a thing or two about the importance of creativity.

When and where: Technology is killing creativity, 12.20pm, July 11, Centre Stage

2. Sophia and Han

Above Sophia and Han (Photo: Courtesy of Hanson Robotics)

Who are they? Set to blow your mind at this year’s RISE are Sophia and Han—two of the world’s most humanlike robots created by Hanson Robotics and its visionary founder, Dr David Hanson. Not only can they simulate a full range of facial expressions, track and recognise faces, and look people in the eye—they can also hold natural conversations on any topic of your choosing.

Why catch them at RISE? Robots are clearly on the rise, and this is an opportunity to fully appreciate how far technology has progressed in robotics. At RISE, Sophia and Han will be debating the future of humanity—it may be potentially scary to hear two robots talk about this topic, but there's no doubt it'll be eye-opening.

When and where: Two robots debate the future of humanity, 1.45pm, July 12, Centre Stage

3. Min-Liang Tan

Above Min-Liang Tan (Photo: Courtesy of Razor Inc.)

Who is he? One of our Top 50 Rising Tech Stars in Asia, Min-Liang Tan earned his fortune as co-founder and creative director of Razer. The gaming hardware company, which is now headquartered in California and employs about 500 people in ten cities, was originally started in Singapore and focuses on highly detailed designs.

Why catch him at RISE? Tan is known for his unorthodox approach to entrepreneurship and offers some of the most refreshing advice around. He’s an advocate for not working too hard, and says “It's fine to waste time,” referring to how his gaming hobby became his most valuable asset. We'd love to hear more.

When and where: Razer Sharp, 4.10pm, July 12, Centre Stage

4. Gary Vaynerchuk

Above Gary Vaynerchuk (Photo: Courtesy of Vayner Media)

Who is he? Serial entrepreneur, four-time New York Times bestselling author, social media guru and internationally recognised internet personality… It’s probably easier to list what Gary Vaynerchuk doesn’t do. He got his start using the internet to maximise his family’s wine business and increased its value from US$3 million to US$60 million.

These days he heads up Vayner Media, giving digital marketing and social media advice to Fortune 500 companies as well as being an investor in companies such as Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo and Uber. He’s amassed millions of followers on social media who subscribe to his unique brand of no-holds-barred motivational advice.

Why catch him at RISE? Vaynerchuk is one of the most compelling public speakers around; for no-nonsense, straight talking insider tips and advice on what it really takes to make it as a successful entrepreneur, Gary is your man.

When and where: An audience with Gary Vaynerchuk, 4.30pm, July 11, Centre Stage

5. Dr. Telle Whitney

Above Dr. Telle Whitney (Photo: Courtesy of Web Summit)

Who is she? As president and CEO of the Anita Borg Institute for Women in Technology, Dr. Telle Whitney is on a mission to increase the representation of women technologists in the global workforce.

Whitney has helped pioneer conferences like the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, considered the world’s largest gathering of women in tech. Through her work, she’s empowering women technologists the world over and fighting sexism and other obstacles so that women can realise their potential in an otherwise male-dominated field.

Why catch her at RISE? Dr. Telle will be leading a talk on why it takes courage to succeed in the tech field at this year's RISE—the type of courage that she undoubtedly has in spades. It's certain to be an empowering and insightful sharing for all women with an interest in technology and for men who wish to learn more about how women in tech are changing the game.

When and where: Why it takes courage to succeed, 11.30am, July 13, Startup University

RISE 2017 in Hong Kong will take place from July 11-13 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information and tickets, visit riseconf.com.

Topics

Tech Speakers Entrepreneur Entrepreneurship Generation T Startup RISE Hong Kong Motivational