The TechEx Global (Digital Transformation Week) 2025 event, held from February 5th to 6th at Olympia, brought together over 7,000 tech innovators and 200+ industry-leading speakers to discuss cutting-edge developments in digital technology. As a key player in the event, SCSK {digital not only sponsored the DX Track but also hosted a panel discussion with Sumitomo Corporation Europe. Here are the key highlights and takeaways from the conference:
Key Industries
The transformative impact of technology on various industries was a key theme at the conference, with significant attention given to its application in manufacturing, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
Manufacturing
Speakers from companies like Nokia delved into using AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) in a 5G network to connect workers in factories and for predictive maintenance of factory equipment. The discussions focused on opportunities and challenges presented by 5G and AI integration, such as high-precision data transfer, but security risks in the network.
Healthcare
In healthcare, AI and IoT are proving indispensable in improving patient outcomes and resource allocation.
Organisations like the NHS are leveraging AI, 5G, and IoT sensors to create virtual wards in patients’ homes. This approach optimised hospital resources while providing faster access to care for at-home patients. These virtual wards also send data back and forth between the hospital and the patient’s home, with AI automating certain decisions at the patient’s home.
Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity industry was a major theme at the TechEx Global conference, with discussions centred around the use of AI in the offensive and defensive aspects of cybersecurity. Many speakers addressed ethical considerations and challenges in AI and cybersecurity, emphasising the need for collaboration and governance. Another important highlight was the necessity for proactive security strategies and human intervention in AI cyber operations.
SCSK {digital} & Sumitomo Corporation Europe Panel Session: Overcoming 400 Years of Transformation Challenges: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
At the DX track sponsored by SCSK {digital}, the Unit General Manager of the Business Development, Katsuya Otani at Sumitomo Europe, provided an overview of Sumitomo Corporation`s digital transformation journey, sharing valuable lessons learned along the way. Hiroto Mason from SCSK {digital} also provided insights into the common challenges SCSK {digital} customers face when attempting to embrace digital technology. Additionally, they highlighted key digital transformation trends expected for 2025 and beyond.
Key Lessons Learned from DX Journey
At the panel session, Katsuya Otani highlighted how it has been able to adapt and innovate to stay competitive. Throughout Sumitomo’s history, the organisation has effectively leveraged technology to drive its growth and success. By embracing technological advancements, Sumitomo continuously evolved, shaping its current trajectory and solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
Similarly, technology has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of SCSK {digital}. Over time, SCSK {digital} has harnessed the power of technology to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, ultimately transforming into a dynamic and innovative organisation.
Challenges of SCSK {digital} Clients: Hiroto Mason highlighted data silos as one of the most common challenges encountered when working with clients on their digital transformation journeys. Characterised by isolated data systems, data silos hinder seamless data sharing, leading to inefficiencies and missed insights.
Additionally, Mason emphasised how aligning business goals with technological advancements requires in-depth business analysis and technical acumen to ensure that digital transformation directly supports and drives the organisation’s objectives. These interconnected challenges highlight the complexities involved in achieving successful digital transformation.
Key Trends Shaping DX in 2025
Mason discussed several key trends that are shaping the landscape of digital transformation. AI, particularly with advancements like DeepSeek is significantly impacting businesses, driving innovation and efficiency.
Katsuya Otani also highlighted shifts in the energy sector, where digital transformation is leading to more sustainable and efficient practices. However, businesses face various challenges when adapting to these emerging trends, including aligning new technologies with existing systems and overcoming resistance to change.
Sumitomo is adeptly navigating these trends while staying true to its legacy by integrating cutting-edge technologies. It is proactively preparing for future changes through initiatives such as investing in renewable energy projects and enhancing its technological infrastructure.
The Clash between Cybersecurity and AI
The growing intersection of cybersecurity and AI was a focal point of TechEx Global 2025, sparking intense discussions on the dual role of AI as both a security asset and a threat. As businesses increasingly integrate AI-driven solutions, they face new vulnerabilities from adversarial AI attacks, deepfake fraud, and AI-generated phishing schemes. The challenge lies in leveraging AI’s potential for proactive security while mitigating its ability to be exploited for cybercrime.
The Rise of Autonomous Attacks
With AI’s rapid advancement, cybercriminals are deploying AI-generated attacks that are more adaptive, scalable, and difficult to detect. Threat actors now utilise generative AI models to craft highly convincing phishing emails, voice replication scams, and deepfake impersonations. The infamous case of a Hong Kong bank losing $25 million due to an AI-generated deepfake scam highlights the escalating risks of AI-powered fraud.
Cybersecurity experts at TechEx stressed the necessity for early detection mechanisms powered by AI to combat these evolving threats. This involves deploying machine-learning algorithms that analyse behavioural anomalies, detect fraudulent patterns, and flag potential AI-generated attacks before they cause damage.
Zero-Trust Architecture: A Critical Security Framework
As AI-driven threats evolve, organisations are increasingly turning to zero-trust security frameworks. Unlike traditional perimeter-based security, zero-trust assumes no entity—internal or external—can be trusted by default. This security model relies on continuous verification, least privilege access, and AI-powered anomaly detection to protect sensitive systems.
Companies implementing zero-trust architectures must integrate AI-enhanced security layers, such as:
- Automated identity verification to detect unauthorized access attempts.
- AI-driven behavioural analytics to flag suspicious activities.
- Adaptive threat response mechanisms that react in real time to potential intrusions.
TechEx Global 2025 discussions emphasised that while zero-trust security enhances protection, its implementation must be carefully calibrated to avoid excessive friction in user workflows.
Defensive Cybersecurity Strategies
While AI presents new security risks, it also serves as a powerful tool for cybersecurity defense. AI-driven security solutions leverage real-time threat intelligence, automate incident response, and enhance fraud detection. Several key trends emerged in AI-powered cybersecurity at TechEx:
- AI-Powered Intrusion Detection – Machine learning models are increasingly used to detect and mitigate network breaches before they escalate.
- Autonomous Threat Hunting – AI-driven systems continuously scan and analyse security logs to identify potential vulnerabilities.
- Deepfake Detection Algorithms – AI tools designed to analyse facial patterns, speech inconsistencies, and behavioural markers are helping combat synthetic identity fraud.
As organisations integrate AI into their security operations, they must ensure human oversight and governance mechanisms to prevent false positives and maintain ethical security practices.
Internet of Things (IoT)
AI at the Edge
For IoT, the reduction in latency and improved decision-making capabilities are driving a significant shift in industries, moving from the traditional “detect and repair” approach to a more proactive “predict and prevent” model. This evolution enables businesses to anticipate issues before they arise, thereby minimising downtime and increasing operational efficiency.
Additionally, the growing autonomy in IoT devices, fueled by AI-powered predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and automation, is further enhancing industrial operations. These advancements allow for real-time monitoring and swift response to potential issues, ultimately optimising performance and fostering a more resilient industrial environment.
AI-Driven IoT Security Challenges
TAI-enhanced IoT introduces security risks, as insecure devices can compromise entire networks. To mitigate these risks, zero-trust architectures are essential, ensuring that no component is trusted by default.
Additionally, generative AI can create synthetic data, which enhances IoT security models while maintaining privacy and compliance. For example, in port automation, synthetic data can be used to simulate various scenarios, improving security measures without exposing real data to potential threats. These measures collectively strengthen the security framework of IoT ecosystems, enabling safer and more reliable operations.
The Future of AI & IoT Integration
5G and AI are set to accelerate IoT adoption, supporting advancements in real-time analytics, autonomous logistics, and smart cities. In China, these technologies are already enabling widespread port automation, showcasing their transformative potential.
Additionally, AI will optimise resource allocation, improving efficiency across energy grids, supply chains, and connected infrastructure. However, as IoT systems become more integrated and sophisticated, a security-first design will be critical to ensure resilience against AI-powered cyber threats. These developments collectively highlight the potential of 5G and AI to revolutionise IoT applications while underscoring the importance of robust security measures.
Conclusion
TechEx Global 2025 showcased the accelerating pace of digital transformation and the profound impact of AI, cybersecurity, and data-driven strategies on businesses worldwide. The discussions underscored a clear reality: enterprises that fail to embrace these advancements risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven landscape.
TechEx Global 2025 also reinforced the pivotal role of digital transformation in shaping the future of industries, underscoring the importance of agility, innovation, and strategic foresight. The conference reaffirmed the necessity of a proactive approach to digital transformation—one that aligns with its long-standing ability to adapt to technological shifts and leverage innovation for long term success.
The insights shared at TechEx highlighted how AI, cybersecurity, and data-driven strategies are becoming fundamental to maintaining a competitive edge in the global market. The discussions around AI’s role in cybersecurity, in particular, emphasised the urgency for organisations to adopt robust security frameworks such as zero-trust models. As AI-driven cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organisations must respond with equally advanced defensive strategies.
Beyond cybersecurity, the broader conversations around AI and digital transformation at TechEx underscored the need for businesses to build data-driven operational models. As industries increasingly rely on AI, IoT, and automation, the ability to structure, govern, and leverage data effectively will define long-term success.
Ultimately, TechEx Global 2025 made it clear that digital transformation is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing journey—one that requires continuous investment in new technologies, a strong cybersecurity posture, and an adaptable business strategy.
Authors:
Chidi Akurunwa, AI Consultant
Simranjeet Riyat, AI Consultant
