Tencent Cloud marked its debut at LEAP 2024, showcasing its conviction that Saudi Arabia is poised to become a dominant player in the consumption and development of premier digital media services. As a prominent cloud provider, Tencent Cloud offers a suite of industry-leading products and services, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and network security.
During LEAP, Tencent Cloud not only made key announcements but also laid out its growth blueprint for the region. The tech behemoth collaborates with a wide array of sectors, including gaming, media, entertainment, finance, healthcare, real estate, retail, travel, and transportation.
Executives Dowson Tong, Senior Executive Vice President and CEO of Tencent Cloud and Smart Industries Group (CSIG), along with Dan Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud International for MENA, discussed the company’s regional growth strategies and objectives at the event.
In an interview, Dan Hu detailed Tencent Cloud’s ambitions for Saudi Arabia.
What are Tencent Cloud’s strategic plans for the KSA region and why?
Having expanded into the Middle East market in 2022 following robust growth in other priority markets, Tencent Cloud is now focusing on Saudi Arabia. The nation’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification, aligns perfectly with digital transformation initiatives that can leverage technological innovations.
What key tech products is Tencent Cloud developing in KSA and why?
Tencent Cloud envisions supporting Saudi Arabia’s digital economic goals with its leadership in the cloud services domain, particularly in the video, audio, and media sectors. The aim is to bolster the kingdom’s digital transformation across vital economic sectors such as media, streaming, retail, tourism, and telecommunications.
For instance, Tencent’s Real-Time Communications (TRTC) platform, an AI-fueled, cloud-based service, enables events to reach a global audience through high-quality, low-latency live streams. In the realm of gaming, Tencent AI Lab has revolutionized game development with tools that expedite the creation of 3D virtual environments, significantly reducing development time.
Furthermore, Tencent Cloud’s Digital Human Creation Platform addresses the growing need for digital avatars in customer service, sales, marketing, and tourism, allowing for enhanced customer engagement.
What are the prominent technological trends in the region?
Digital initiatives have propelled sectors like media, entertainment, retail, and international tourism to the forefront in Saudi Arabia. The digitalization of these industries not only provides unique user experiences but also opens up new revenue streams within the digital economy. Technologies such as real-time engagement, digital twins, and advanced audio/video compression are making immersive experiences more accessible and prevalent.
What AI innovations is Tencent focusing on and why?
Tencent’s extensive AI expertise has enriched many business domains. Integrating AI functions, such as those in Tencent Meeting and other products, enhances efficiency and customer interactions. For example, Tencent Cloud’s AI innovations have been instrumental in events like the Beijing Winter Olympics, where a virtual sign language interpreter was deployed.
Tencent also released its large language model, Hunyuan, to enterprise users, highlighting the company’s commitment to balancing AI utility with operational efficiency and data privacy.
What is Tencent’s role in KSA-China partnerships, and how will it evolve?
Tencent is focused on fostering digital ecosystem growth and supporting cross-border connectivity between KSA and China. Collaborations in digital content, gaming, cloud, and AI technology are crucial for creating a dynamic digital and talent ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
What are the expectations for AI’s future growth in KSA?
The Middle East is rapidly growing for Tencent Cloud, with significant regional interest in AI products. Tencent Cloud aims to continue exploring opportunities in focus sectors such as public institutions, telecom, retail, tourism, media, live-streaming, e-commerce, and gaming.
What are the future plans for Tencent Cloud in the region?
Identifying the Middle East as a key market, Tencent Cloud is enthusiastic about contributing to the region’s digital transformation and economic aspirations. The focus will be on innovative AI applications that can foster a sustainable digital ecosystem and enhance user experiences.