Agenda

Solly Malatsi is the current South African Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, a position that highlights his extensive leadership and strategic expertise.

With a background as a seasoned communications specialist, he has served in various high-profile government roles, including as the Parliamentary Counselor to the Leader of the Official Opposition.

Minister Malatsi’s career in public service is marked by his exceptional ability to guide and implement communication strategies across multiple government levels, ensuring effective message delivery and organizational cohesion.

His leadership extends to his tenure as a Member of Parliament, where he has contributed to portfolios such as Sports and Recreation, Human Settlements, and Communications and Digital Technologies.

Notably, he completed a full term as a whip for the parliamentary caucus, demonstrating his leadership in managing party discipline and legislative processes. His previous roles also include serving as the spokesperson for the Western Cape MEC of Transport and Public Works, as well as for the Mayor of Cape Town, reflecting his versatility and ability to communicate across diverse political contexts.

Prior to his appointment as Minister, Malatsi was the national spokesperson for the Democratic Alliance (DA), where his skills in public communication were pivotal in shaping the party's public image and outreach.

He continues to hold key leadership positions within the DA, including serving as Provincial Deputy Chairperson in Limpopo and as the elected Deputy Federal Chairperson since 2023.

Minister Malatsi’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Limpopo and an Honours Degree in Political Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand. His academic credentials complement his leadership roles, underlining his commitment to both governance and policy-making at the highest levels of government.

With a career defined by strong leadership, strategic communication, and a deep understanding of digital technologies, Solly Malatsi remains a key figure in shaping South Africa’s future in the digital age.

Mr. Hao is currently Senior Vice President of China United Network Communications Group Co., Ltd..

Mr. Hao Liqian holds a master’s degree in Business Administration. Mr. Hao previously served as General Manager for Human Resource of China Unicom Shandong Branch, General Manager of China Unicom Ji’nan Branch, General Manager of China Unicom Hainan Branch, General Manager of China Unicom Hebei Branch and General Manager of China Unicom Guangdong Branch. Mr. Hao has extensive experience in management and the telecommunications industry.

Melike Yetken Krilla serves as the Head of International Organizations at Google, leading strategic tech policy initiatives and cultivating impactful partnerships with global bodies such as the United Nations, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the World Bank.

Her distinguished career spans 15 years in U.S. public service, including significant roles at the U.S. Department of State and the White House. As Senior Advisor for Corporate Responsibility and U.S. National Contact Point, she directed a team in guiding governments, NGOs, and businesses on responsible international operations. Prior to that, as Director for African Affairs on the National Security Council at The White House, Melike executed the landmark U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. This unprecedented event brought together over 50 heads of state and leading CEOs to Washington, D.C., to foster increased trade and investment with the U.S. and across Africa. Earlier, she spearheaded the Business and Human Rights team and was a lead U.S. negotiator at both the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council.

Melike is an honors graduate of Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs, specializing in public policy. Her influence in global dialogues is further recognized by her designation as a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum and her role as a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has also contributed her expertise to advisory boards for the University of Oklahoma College of Law’s Center for International Business and Human Rights and the Global Reporting Initiative’s Government Advisory Board. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Council for International Business and the International Student House. Melike resides in McLean, VA, with her husband and four children.

Zhiping Chen (Summer) has extensive experience in the telecoms industry for over two decades. She has been engaged in R&D, operation and branding for many years, gaining profound and unique insights into business areas such as industry trend, business model innovation, planning and management of branding strategies in the international telecommunications field. 

Summer joined ZTE in 1999. She currently serves as Vice President and General Manager of Branding & PR Strategies at ZTE. Before that, she successively assumed management positions in charge of wireless system R&D and global marketing.

Summer was rewarded the "Technical Person of the Year 2017" Award issued by China Association of Communication Enterprises (CACE), and was among the members of the "2018 Top 10 Leaders in 5G" list issued by Communications World.