The Big Deal About Big Data – 11th SYSU Whampoa Forum

On September 26, the 11th SYSU Whampoa Forum was held successfully at International Conference Hall. Viktor Mayer-Schönberger, professor of Internet Governance and Regulation at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, spoke on the topic of “The Big Deal About the Big Data”.

First, Xiaoping Qi (Party Secretary of SYSBS) briefed about the history of SYSBS and the significance of the SYSU Whampoa Forum in his welcome remark. Later, on behalf of SYSBS, Prof. Zhongfei Li presented the Certificate of Honor to Prof. Mayer-Schönberger for his contribution to the forum.

Xiaoping Qi delivering welcome remark
 

Prof. Zhongfei Li presenting Certificate of Honor to Prof. Mayer-Schönberger

During the speech session, Prof. Schönberger pointed out that data is the driving force of innovation. The emphasis of big data innovation lies on putting creative theories into practical use when we deal with data. Prof. Mayer-Schönberger also highlighted that data is the source of profit, the fountain of innovation, and the future of everything. It is data that pushes the whole world to change and to keep changing. Meantime, what should be done is to maintain a humble attitude towards big data and avoid overuse or misuse.

Prof. Mayer-Schönberger’s passionate speech on “The Big Deal About the Big Data”

At the Q&A session, an enlightened interaction was aroused between Prof. Mayer-Schönberger and the audience. The audience applauded with genuine enthusiasm for the unique opinions about new ideas in the big data era shared by the professor.

Full audience at the forum

The SYSU Whampoa Forum is a newly developed series of academic activities featuring experts and scholars from various social sectors. The events have been established as a high-end platform for cross-cultural management communications for SYSU students and alumni.