Technology markets are shaped by dynamic processes of convergence and fragmentation driven by the diffusion of advanced technologies into the hands of the "power consumer". The keynote address examines the consumer technology mega-trends that are shaping the converging world looking out to 2020. It examines the implications of the convergence in media, information and communications technologies and the evolution of consumer behavior and business models in an increasingly globalised market environment. The keynote flags out the opportunities and pitfalls that convergence is creating and how city states like Singapore can position themselves to prosper in this new environment.

Falling hardware and network costs, combined with simplified operational models, have opened up a new world of connected devices with the ability to communicate. The resulting 'Internet of Things' will have a profound effect on information networks, promising to create new business models, improve business processes, and reduce costs and risks. This presentation will share examples of how Global 5000 companies are embracing this new smarter, connected world and show what it takes to capitalise on this opportunity.

The convergence of social media, location-based services and mobile technologies will provide businesses with new opportunities to engage and enhance the overall customers' experience. Businesses need to leverage the always-on social network connections on mobile devices and deliver real-time location-based personalised services to meet the changing expectations of next generation mobile consumers. This presentation will feature case studies of successful implementations and show how businesses can ride on the exponential growth of mobile and social media.

The convergence of technologies has resulted in a shift in the way services are delivered and consumed across all sectors. End-users have also become increasingly demanding, expecting immediate, convenient, relevant and real-time services, anytime, anywhere. With the Internet as a level playing field, this opens up new spaces for infocomm start-ups to exploit and develop products and services, and to reach customers across international borders. Find out how start-ups can leverage these new opportunities and navigate effectively through the new borderless world.

Big data refers to datasets in the order of terabytes, exabytes and even zettabytes – datasets that are too huge to work with using conventional database management and business analytics tools, yet too important to ignore for the valuable insights they hold in areas ranging from genomics and meteorology to Internet search, finance and business informatics. Unlocking the potential of big data calls for the convergence of two key trends that are re-shaping the IT world today – business analytics and cloud computing – and the application of MAD (magnetic, agile and deep) principles that could really change the way people analyse data.

The smart city of the future is all about connectedness and collaboration. Information must flow smoothly unhindered by incompatibilities as industries work together. As cities undergo transformation, opportunities lie in the convergence of disparate data as this enables information consumption and innovation. To achieve this, governments must embrace and set standards for businesses to innovate and integrate across platforms, as well as to intelligently leverage information bases and flows. Find out how to leverage these possibilities as a city transforms itself for the future.