Huawei unveils centre for the acceleration of technological innovation in the Asia Pacific

Huawei’s newly-unveiled OpenLab 3.0’s whitewashed and sleek interiors present a blank slate brimming with possibilities. Located in eastern Singapore, the lab will serve as their base for ecosystem cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. 

“We all know that digital transformation is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of the latest technologies,” said Foo Fang Yong, CEO of Huawei International Pte Ltd during the launch event held on 31 March. 

"To accelerate the digitalisation of industries, a more open and diversified industry ecosystem is required,” added Nicholas Ma, President of Huawei APAC Enterprise Business Group, during the launch. 

The aim of OpenLab 3.0 is to provide easy access to state-of-the-art technologies to allow for experimentation and enable further innovation, Foo said. He added that the lab will feature some of Huawei’s latest connectivity technologies like Wi-Fi 7, and potentially even a 5G testbed in the future.The lab also houses cloud and AI capabilities. 

Additionally, the lab provides end-to-end integration enablement, ranging from requirements gathering and product design to development and interoperability verification testing, supporting the build-up of an ecosystem for partners to synergise, share, and incubate new solutions.

The OpenLab 3.0 joins a global network of other OpenLabs worldwide, including in locations like Suzhou, Munich, Istanbul, and Dubai. It will bring industry best practices from across the world to customers and partners in the region. 

“Our goal is to help [our partners] leverage Huawei's technologies and capabilities to develop competitive solutions that target a wide range of industries,” said Rotating Chairman Eric Xu about the OpenLab, when asked by GovInsider about Huawei’s investments in the Asia Pacific at Huawei’s annual business results announcement. 

Scenario-based solutions 

The OpenLab 3.0 features four Enablement Labs housing cutting-edge technologies that can contribute to the most commonly encountered and essential scenario-based solutions in Asia Pacific. 

First, the Smart Campus Lab enables the construction of green, efficient and smart campuses through technologies like the cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. The Lab will partner with campus management to improve the campus experience for managers, employees and visitors. 

Next, the Intelligent Collaboration Lab is focused on the education sector as well as offices. It hopes to foster innovation in these two areas through remote and hybrid learning and working environments, allowing educators and employees to explore new ways of teaching and working. 

Its smart classroom environment, for instance, is equipped with functions like the digital classroom, hybrid classroom, collaborative classroom and on-demand recording. Meanwhile, the lab also houses smart office features designed to improve the efficiency of online and offline office meetings. 

Third, the Intelligent Sensing Lab seeks to improve sensing technology. Specifically, it’s focused on video, fibre and wireless sensing. For instance, the lab uses advanced optimal communication technology to improve fibre sensing applications in perimeter security.

Finally, the Converge Command, Control & Communication (C4) Lab seeks to improve the situational awareness, responsiveness and efficiency of first responders and security operators. To do so, it employs ICT technologies like 5G to combine voice, video, data communication, computer vision and AI capabilities. 

Talent cultivation

Beyond technological innovation, OpenLab 3.0 will also serve as a platform for talent cultivation. Jun Zhang, President of Public Affairs and Communications of Huawei Asia Pacific, shared about Huawei’s talent development model, PIPES, during the launch of the OpenLab 3.0.

"Standing for Platforms, Innovation, Professionalism, Experience, and Skills, PIPES delivers targeted talent programs for individuals from all walks of life, in order to foster an inclusive talent ecosystem in the Asia Pacific region,” he said. 

“Open Lab 3.0, a platform for innovation, experience and know-how sharing, exemplifies our talent-centric commitment, and is set to emerge as a pivotal hub for talent cultivation across the region.”

This will join Huawei’s other talent cultivation initiatives in the region, such as its Seeds for the Future programme which was first launched in Bangkok, Thailand. The programme brings together youths from top universities to participate in a free exchange programme where they explore advanced ICT, work in a cross-cultural team, and hone their leadership and communication skills.

Meanwhile, Huawei’s ICT Academy works with local universities across the region to deliver courses on different types of emerging technologies like 5G, AI and cloud computing to equip students with an understanding of how these technologies can be applied in their respective industries.

“Innovation has always been Huawei's DNA,” said Ma during the launch. The OpenLab 3.0 is indicative of Huawei’s continued commitment towards this.

Last week, the ICT giant held their annual business conference, announcing an investment of CNY161.5 billion in R&D worldwide in 2022. This accounts for 25.1 per cent of its annual revenue. 

“Huawei will remain committed to countries, customers, and partners in Asia Pacific. We will continue to increase our investment in R&D and other domains in the region,” Xu said.