The development of artificial intelligence is moving at a breakneck pace, but global governance is not. As the world's major economic powers—the United States, the European Union, and Japan—each pursue distinct approaches to AI policy, the path for technology companies, startups, and civil society has become a complex maze. The U.S. is largely adopting a state-by-state, innovation-driven model with a focus on national security. The EU has pioneered a comprehensive, risk-based regulatory framework with the AI Act, prioritizing human rights and safety. Meanwhile, Japan is embracing a "soft law" approach, focusing on voluntary guidelines and international interoperability to foster an "AI-friendly" ecosystem.
This panel will bring together leading experts to demystify these competing frameworks. We will explore how these policies are shaping the global AI landscape, what compliance and innovation challenges they present for startups and enterprises, and what the long-term societal implications might be. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the strategic decisions being made in each region and learn how to anticipate and navigate the future of AI governance.
SPEAKERS:
Aaron Rose: Angel Investor, Lyman Communications CEO
Angel investor since 1993; formed a tax lien investment company in Colorado; acquired by U.S. publicly-traded company in 1995
First investment in Internet sector (U.S.) and mobile tech (South Africa) in 1995
Investing in renewable energy and climate tech since 2005
Currently serve as Chief Strategy Officer of Lyman Communications, a global communications company
Founder of several companies including:
President and CEO of ROI3, Inc. from 2010-2019 (developed localized mobile SaaS solutions in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America)
Board Chair of Yeeko Inc. from 2016-2022 (media company and publisher of Yeeko Magazine, a Chinese-language periodical focused on culture, arts, and literature)
Careerlight, LLC (provided customized career training for international students to help prepare them for a successful career)
Philanthropy: Co-founder of Silicon Valley Forum, a California nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and innovation in Silicon Valley and throughout the world
Experience working in high-growth markets worldwide including Japan, China and Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea
Board Chair of Silicon Valley Forum
Sebastien Torre: Enrichers CEO
- Programs Lead at Temple University, San Jose State University, & Arizona State University
CEO of GiiiX, inc dba Enrichers - fostering Global Innovation for Impact and investment.
- SaaS for collaborative ecosystems supporting underserved tech entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs while accelerating access to capital (Funds of funds, Family offices, PEs, and Network of angels - SPVs)
- Supported 500+ tech companies. Achieved 5 company exits.
- Holds influential University roles designing and implementing global entrepreneurship support programs and curriculums (soft launching and soft landing).
- Facilitates global startups and funds participation in major trade shows and side events.
Travis Gomez: Uzabase CFA
Over a decade of experience in company, sector, economy, and thematic research.
Currently serves as an Associate Director at Uzabase Inc. engaging in high-impact research focusing on emerging technologies; GenAI, Drone Tech, Market technologies, and Smart Cities.
Leadership roles: led Uzabases’ custom research function (2022-2025) ; led sector research(2015-2018), and information services (2018-2021) at Frontier Research.
Volunteerism: Over a decade serving the CFA Society Sri Lanka; a Director and office bearer since 2020; chairperson of the Candidate Outreach Initiatives since 2018.
- Became the first Sri Lankan to win the CFA Institute’s ‘Outstanding Young Leader’ award
(2022); Awarded the CFA Institute’s ‘Impact and Innovations’ award (2021) for Candidate
Outreach initiatives under his leadership
Lecturing: Over a decade of experience as a visiting lecturer; University of London International Programme (UOLIP), CIMA, CFA, and ACCA.
- Has frequently appeared on business programmes on live television, panel discussions, and inter-government policy dialogues; featured in leading Sri Lankan business publications.
Qualifications: CFA charterholder; MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE)
Porter Wong: CleanLeap Founder & Executive Director
Porter Wong is the founder of CleanLeap and an investor with extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur. He is an active angel investor and member of Network VC, DraperX, a mentor at Plug and Play Tech Center, US National Lab Entrepreneurship Academy, USC Viterbi Startup Garage and UC Mentor. In addition to being a mentor at the Plug and Play Tech Center, the US National Lab Entrepreneur Academy, and the USC Viterbi Startup Garage, he is a mentor program co-chair (Western Region) of the US Cleantech Open, and an advisor to the Google SFSD program, contributing to startup support and development in the cleantech and Climate tech field.
CleanLeap is a climate-focused accelerator based in Silicon Valley. We have a US delegation program last May with major Japanese organizations.
