Seven Masters: Pioneers of the World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award

David J Farber

David J Farber, an internet pioneer, is a distinguished career professor of computer science and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University. He is also a distinguished professor at Keio University in Japan. Farber has made immense contributions to programming languages and computer networks, laying the technical groundwork for the development of the internet. He has been instrumental in advancing distributed computing systems and establishing the Computer Science Network (CSNet), which facilitates the global spread and adoption of internet technology.

Hu Qiheng

Hu Qiheng, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the founding chairperson of the Internet Society of China, led the development of the National Computing and Networking Facility of China (NCFC). In 1994, she visited the US National Science Foundation, which oversees the internet development, and facilitated the connection of the NCFC project to the internet via a 64K international connection through the Sprint Corporation, achieving China's full access to the global internet. She founded the China Internet Network Information Center and the Internet Society of China, playing a pivotal role in promoting the development of the internet in China.

Chon Kilnam

Chon Kilnam, known as the father of the internet in South Korea, is an honorary professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. In 1982, Chon successfully connected computers at the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute with computer system of Seoul National University, making South Korea the second country in the world to connect to the internet. This groundbreaking achievement laid the foundation for internet development across Asia. He has long been involved in global internet governance and was instrumental in founding several regional internet organizations, including the Asia Pacific Networking Group and the Asia Pacific Advanced Network.

Zhao Houlin

Zhao Houlin, former secretary-general of International Telecommunication Union, was honored with the World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award at the 2024 WIC Wuzhen Summit for his dedication to the innovation and inclusive development of the information and communication industry.  

Looking back on the past decade of China's internet industry, he noted its transformation from focusing on the domestic market to engaging global consumers. He highlighted that many people in developing countries have reaped significant benefits from China's internet advancements, and stressed the crucial role of the younger generation in continuing China's internet development. 

John Hoffman

John Hoffman, CEO of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), has been awarded the World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award for his outstanding contributions to the global internet sector. 

While AI is already a familiar concept worldwide, the discussion around the ethical use of AI is relatively recent. Hoffman emphasized that this year's WIC Wuzhen Summit is perfectly timed and located, focusing on the right topic. The summit provides an excellent platform for industry leaders from diverse backgrounds to exchange insights on how to harness AI for the greater good of humanity, he said. 

Wu Hequan

Wu Hequan, a winner of the 2024 World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award, has pioneered the development of telecommunication devices and systems, and made asignificant contributions to the development of next-generation internet and the large-scale deployment of IPv6, charting the technological future of the information age.

Nii Narku Quaynor

Nii Narku Quaynor, a Ghanaian scientist and engineer who is known as the "father of the iIinternet in Africa", is among theseven exceptional individuals honored with the World Internet Conference Distinguished Contribution Award.

A pioneer in advancing Africa's internet connectivity, Quaynor views this recognition as a catalyst for inspiring youth in the Global South to contribute to the iIinternet's growth. While Africa faces challenges like technical capacity and operational limitations, these hurdles also present opportunities for global collaboration to foster a more inclusive and connected digital future, according to Quaynor.