ASIATODAY.ID, TOKYO — The inaugural FII PRIORITY Asia Summit concluded in Tokyo after two days of high-level strategic dialogue, bringing together more than 1,200 global leaders, CEOs, investors, policymakers, and innovators.
The landmark gathering underscored a decisive message: Asia — with Japan at its core — is emerging as the region shaping the future rhythms of the global economy, technology, and geopolitics.
Japan Positions Asia at the Center of Global Economic Architecture
Under the theme “The New Asia”, more than 40 sessions explored the region’s accelerating innovation, evolving geopolitical landscape, and next-generation investment alliances.
FII Institute Acting CEO Richard Attias opened the summit with a bold statement:
“Asia is the gravitational center of the global economy, and Japan stands at its heart — leading with resilience, creativity, and wisdom.”
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike reinforced this message, positioning Tokyo as a premier global investment hub, powered by strong financial institutions, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and sustainable urban development.
Japan’s New Government Unveils a Forward-Looking Vision
In her first FII address, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi outlined a diplomatic and economic strategy rooted in innovation, global engagement, and fiscal credibility.
She reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to raising its growth potential and strengthening international confidence in its public finances.
Minister of Finance Satsuki Katayama detailed Japan’s shift toward an innovation-driven economy, stressing a new investment framework focused on quantum technology, space industries, and advanced strategic sectors.
Leading financial institutions — including SMBC, MUFG, and Mizuho — echoed these ambitions, describing Japan as a nation standing at the frontier of digital transformation, climate response, and demographic transition.
Saudi–Japan Partnership: A Strategic Engine for the Asian Century
A major highlight was the strategic conversation between Public Investment Fund (PIF) Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Mizuho Financial Group President & CEO Masahiro Kihara, who emphasized the deepening economic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Al-Rumayyan stressed:
“Asia is far more than energy and agriculture. It is where many of the world’s major innovations begin. We want stronger ties with Asia and more efficient procurement processes.”
His remarks underscored Saudi Arabia’s rising role as a source of stability and capital at a time when the global economy needs both.
Gaming, AI, and Deep Tech Dominate the Innovation Agenda
A fireside conversation between Saudi Esports Federation Chairman Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan and SEGA SAMMY President & CEO Haruki Satomi highlighted gaming as one of Japan’s most influential cultural and economic exports.
Across the summit, specialized innovation labs brought together scientists, technologists, and venture investors. Key tracks included:
AI, Deep Tech & Venture Vanguard Lab
Health innovation
Asset management
Cross-border finance
These sessions mapped how Asia is rapidly evolving into a global hub for breakthrough innovation.
Geopolitical Dialogue: Entering a New Age of Interdependence
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah Fahad Bin Zarah, former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, and Richard Attias engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on shifting global power centers, new capital flows, and evolving political alliances.
Bin Zarah remarked:
“Saudi Arabia has chosen to turn stability and investment into real global reach. Today’s world needs capital and stability — and Saudi Arabia is providing both.”
A Visionary Closing: Masayoshi Son on the Future of AI
The summit concluded with a highly anticipated dialogue between SoftBank Group Chairman & CEO Masayoshi Son and Richard Attias.
Son expressed profound optimism about the future of artificial intelligence:
“When AI becomes truly intelligent, there is no reason for that super-intelligence to be harmful to humans.”
His perspective captured the central thesis of the summit: the Asian Century will be fueled by AI, hyper-connectivity, and a fast-expanding innovation economy. (AT Network)
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