Overview
This event seeks to highlight in harnessing quantum technologies to address critical challenges and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the showcase of cutting-edge advancements and the facilitation of collaboration among key stakeholders, the event delves into the intersection of quantum computing, governance, and innovation. It will explore compelling possibilities and use cases, addressing some of humanity’s greatest challenges that quantum technology is poised to solve, alongside initiatives already underway. Aligned with World Quantum Day, the event aims to elevate Singapore’s quantum ecosystem on the global stage, spotlighting opportunities to drive impactful solutions and forge robust international partnerships.
Agenda
5:00 - 5:15: Registration and Opening Remarks
5:15 - 6:15: Panel Discussion on Building a Quantum Future
6:15 - 6:30: Q&A and wrap up
6:30 - 7:00: Networking Session
Schedule
Date: 14 Apr 2025, Monday
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (GMT +8:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Location: 32 Carpenter Street, 059911
Speakers
Moderator's Profile:
Jerry Lui, Assistant Director of Partnerships , SGInnovate Pte Ltd
Jerry Lui is the Assistant Director of Partnerships at SGInnovate, where he plays a pivotal role in nurturing Singapore's deep tech ecosystem. Passionate about technology and innovation, Jerry engages with startups, corporates, investors, and international partners to cultivate a vibrant community centered around AI, quantum tech, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. With an MSc in Management of Technology, he focuses on fostering corporate-startup collaborations and developing strategic initiatives that align with industry needs. An advocate for impactful technology, Jerry enjoys sharing insights on emerging trends and strategies during keynote talks and panel discussions. His mission is to inspire collaboration that drives sustainable solutions and advances the deep tech landscape in Singapore and beyond.
Speaker's Profile:
Alexia Auffèves, First Class Research Director (DR1) , Centre national de la recherche scientifique (French National Centre for Scientific Research)
Alexia Auffèves is a First Class Research Director (DR1) at CNRS. She runs the International Research Lab MajuLab, a.k.a. the French-Singaporean quantum centre. After an experimental PhD under the supervision of Prof. S. Haroche, she is recruited at CNRS in 2005 in Grenoble where she develops a research line around the theory of quantum optics and quantum thermodynamics. She promotes the physics-philosophy interface within the Grenoble centre for quantum science and technologies now known as QuantAlps, which she runs between 2017 and 2022. In 2022, she launches the Quantum Energy Initiative (QEI), an interdisciplinary and international research community to understand the energetic footprint of emerging quantum technologies. Her fields of interest are quantum energetics, quantum optics, and quantum foundations.
Speaker's Profile:
Zi Siang, Desmond Toa, Senior Assistant Director (International Collaboration & Talent Development), National Quantum Office
Dr. Desmond Toa is currently Senior Assistant Director overseeing International Collaboration and Talent Development in National Quantum Office, where he develops and implements international collaboration and talent development strategies for Quantum in Singapore. Prior to his current appointment, he was the Deputy Head of the Quantum Technologies for Engineering department and a research scientist in Quantum Optics and Quantum Sensing at the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) in A*STAR. There, he worked on developing a quantum IR microscope for imaging. He obtained his Ph.D. (Chemistry) from Princeton University in 2019, and B.A. (Physics, with specialization in Biophysics) from University of California, Berkeley in 2011.
Speaker's Profile:
Ujjwal Kumar, Principal Architect , Microsoft
Ujjwal Kumar is a Principal Architect in the Office of the CTO, Microsoft Asia, specializing in AI, ML, Agentic AI, Quantum Computing, and Quantum-Safe technologies. With 22 years of experience across diverse industries, he collaborates with strategic customers to drive digital transformation. Ujjwal co-leads Microsoft’s internal, global Quantum Computing community and is an Azure Quantum ambassador & Quantum Safe ambassador lead. Academically, he holds a master’s degree in IT Leadership from NUS, Singapore, and professional certifications in Quantum Computing from MIT, USA, and Delft University, Netherlands.
Speaker's Profile:
Weijing Ye, Deep Tech and Innovation Analyst, UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development
Weijing currently leads the work on deep tech and innovation at the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development in Singapore. She champions the role of deep tech in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She spearheads initiatives that explore the intersection of deep tech and sustainable development, fostering collaborative partnerships with policymakers, ecosystem builders, academic institutions, innovators, and industry experts worldwide. Before joining UNDP, Weijing worked extensively on emerging technologies, digital transformation, and innovation policies with international organizations including the World Bank, OECD, and UNCTAD.
