Shanghai Digital Transformation Experience Hall unveiled

The Shanghai Digital Transformation Experience Hall (SDTEH), which was officially opened on April 7, will aim to become an integrated hub that combines technology demonstration and incubation, Chen Feifei, deputy head of the informatization promotion division of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, said during a media briefing on Thursday.

According to Chen, the hall showcases the impact that Shanghai's digital transformation has had on enhancing overall governance efficiency and improving quality of life.

Located in northeastern Shanghai's Yangpu district, SDTEH spans 7,100 square meters. Some 610 digital transformation projects from 390 Shanghai-based companies and institutions are currently being showcased in the hall.

Artificial intelligence company Wayz Technology is among those currently exhibiting their products at the hall.

Huang Xiaoyuan, strategic development director of Wayz, said that the metaverse technology application on show can create new business opportunities for the real economy and enhance the efficiency of traditional industries. The app can also provide consumers with real time updates about promotions or sales campaigns through virtual reality devices.

This app could soon be made available in the Taikoo Li shopping area in Chengdu and the Wujiaochang area in Shanghai, said Fan Xiao, CEO of PGVerse, the metaverse brand affiliated to Wayz.

"The offline business districts already attract a large number of visitors every day, and this can be effectively translated into online traffic for retailers with the help of state-of-art technologies such as the metaverse," he said.

The municipal government of Shanghai had in March 2022 released a construction and implementation plan to facilitate the city's digital transformation. According to the plan, Shanghai will promote at least 50 digital transformation projects in the city, with the focus being to improve economy, life, and governance.

SDTEH will in the near future also serve as a venue for roadshows where companies can display their latest technological advancements, said Chen.