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With a career spanning 34 years, Daniel Ng has an amazing, panoramic view of the economic landscape in the digital era. His journey, which encompasses experiences in varied sectors and several countries, has afforded him a unique and comprehensive understanding of digital economy.
OpenGov Asia recently spent time with him, to get valuable insights, trends and predictions on the global digital economy scenario.
History
The conversation began with a history of his career, which started with him graduating with a software engineering course from a university in Canada, before heading back to his hometown in Malaysia.
During his presentation of a system he developed for banks, his boss was amazed at Daniel’s ability to speak, to facilitate understanding with listeners and keep his audience genuinely engaged.
The following Monday after that specific roadshow, he was offered a job in marketing and the rest, as they say, is history.
Learning everything about marketing from the ground up and living all over the region such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Beijing helped him gain a deeper understanding of the latest buzzword at the time – Digital Economy.
Daniel describes the state of Digital Economy from when he was starting years ago, “Not many things were called digital 30 years ago. It was very much a phase of computers and hardware.”
Internet was just coming into the world back then, amassing an approximately 15 Gigabyte (GB) per month of global Internet traffic.
Moreover, an average physical computer boasted of 10 Megabyte (MB) hard disk storage and ran on a 486 processor and floppy disks were the rage!
At the time, this infrastructure was very restraining; networks were confined to running on the Local Area Network (LAN), batch processing was scheduled and email access was very limited.
Nobody had even thought of mobile devices or wireless networks.
The available storage on computers back then would definitely cower at the available hundreds of gigabytes, even terabytes (TB), of smartphone storage today.
Daresay, Digital Economy, then, was very much word processing, with spreadsheets and presentation merely making a debut.
The 3 pillars of a Digital Economy
Over the years, uptake and rollout of technology has varied considerably across sectors and regions. Moreover, countries in the region differ in the pace of their digital economic growth based on their vision, resources and capacity for transformation.
Some countries have regions and towns that remain to be disconnected from the internet, while other countries, like Singapore, are already a smart nation.
Daniel credits this difference to three important criteria of a Digital Economy, which are infrastructure, policies and talent.
Criteria of a Digital Economy – Infrastructure
Infrastructure covers bandwidth, storage and processing. Applications need storage for housing, bandwidth for sharing, and processors for speed of execution.
As a genuine, established Smart Nation, Singapore is a leader and benchmark in the region. Most countries seek to emulate Singapore and look to it for expertise and guidance.
Business part, Singapore provides a gigabit of internet speed in every home, which gives the country more opportunities to advance, whether in research, in communication and even in provision of services.
This is an example of how infrastructure boosts a country’s digital economy. An evolving infrastructure, like the advent of the 5G technology, opens unlimited opportunities to leapfrog.
A smart nation uses all of its technological advantages and platforms to serve its people. However, infrastructure is not the only piece that makes up a smart nation.
It has come to the point wherein much of the focus is on what the technology can deliver versus what the people need the technology to deliver.
Daniel reiterated, “Technology plays a role in a smart nation, but it is not the only thing that makes it smart. A digital economy and a smart nation have to be accompanied by the right attitude.”
A big portion of digital economies and smart nations tend to focus on the “what” and the “how”, such as what technology should be used and how to apply that technology, instead of why use that technology.
China, for instance, was perceived to be a ‘backward’ technology country some 20 years ago.
But, it focused on putting a comprehensive plan that answers the “why” of a nation, which led it to take a leadership stance, years later.
Technology should evolve and revolve around this “why”.
Focusing on the reason why a certain technology is being used to improve on a problem had allowed China to leapfrog from the mainframe era into the network era, without the burden of migration.
Criteria of a Digital Economy – Policies
Knowing what is placed on top of these infrastructures is essential to give it control and security. This is where policies come in.
Progressive policies that promote development and transformation while ensuring safety are vital since the digital world has risks of being an exposed world.
Policies that tackle issues on data security, cyber defence, ethical practise and usage of information, are a few of the essential ones.
Having these policies, plus a mindset of thinking beyond one’s own shores, highlight the fact that the digital economy cannot exist in isolation and that nations cannot do it alone.
Criteria of a Digital Economy – Talent
Of the three criteria, talent is always the hardest as technology changes very quickly.
A person’s programming knowledge may be considered obsolete within a few years as newer languages and programmes are birthed. Constant learning, upskilling and awareness are required.
Nations, through their policies and initiatives, can address this by ensuring local education and training programmes for citizens, which should be their first pool of talent.
By providing these, the human resources will benefit in a two-fold manner.
One, human resources will be equipped with the technical knowledge of coding and design.
Two, they can leverage on technology, in an effective and efficient manner, for their social and living comfort while feeling secured doing so.
Measures of Success
Similar to evolution, there are phases to achieving a sound digital economy, to which different metrics apply.
The first would be the adoption of technology through relevant education and awareness.
This phase will provide answers to the “why” of utilising technology as compared to simply answering the “what” and the “how”.
After that, the second phase will be the impact it brings to the economy, in terms of the growth it provided as a new or revamped engine to power the nation’s business.
The next phase would be how it invents new economies, which may be borderless and human-less in its implementations.
This will then be measured in terms of its efficiency and effectiveness as well as its security against cyberattacks.
According to Daniel, the ultimate measurement, however, of any technology, particularly of Digital Economy, is the impact it brings to the lives of the people.
Not all things should be measured by how faster they can connect, but how deep the connections are.
Daniel ended the interview with a reminder that for a Digital Economy to be successful, “We should humanise technology and not mechanise people.”
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In a significant scientific breakthrough in a space sector, Dr Sarah Kessans has developed hardware designed to operate autonomously in orbit, transforming the study of protein crystallisation in microgravity. This technology provides scientists on Earth with unprecedented insights into protein behaviour, with far-reaching implications for developing more effective medicines and vaccines, among other applications.
Minister for Space Dr Megan Collins lauds Dr Kessans’ research as an inspiring example of how space technology can drive innovation on Earth. This achievement follows the recent successful launch of MethaneSAT, a satellite designed to track and monitor global emissions from space, highlighting the significant potential of space technology in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges while bolstering our globally competitive space sector.
The MethaneSAT satellite will be equipped with a highly sensitive spectrometre that can detect concentrations as low as two parts per billion, and it will have high-spatial resolution coupled with a broad, 200-kilometre view path, allowing it to quantify even small emission sources over large areas.
Dr Kessans’ research culminated in successfully launching her hardware on a rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, USA. This mission also included protein experiments from leading New Zealand universities, including Canterbury, Otago, Victoria, and Waikato, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the country’s academic institutions in advancing space science and technology.
The launch of Dr Kessans’ project results from a strategic agreement between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the US commercial space company Axiom Space. This partnership aims to facilitate New Zealand researchers’ advancement in space science and technology, fostering innovation and driving collaboration between academia, government, and private enterprise.
Dr Kessans’ project has also received government funding for further development through the MBIE-administered Endeavour Fund, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge research and innovation in the space sector. This collaborative effort between academia, government, and private enterprise is a testament to New Zealand’s growing presence in the global space economy, positioning the country as a key player in space research and technology development.
Previously, New Zealand had collaborated with several countries, including Australia, to advance space research, as reported by OpenGov. The collaboration between SmartSat and the New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA) is an important development. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities aims to accelerate the growth and technological advancement of the Australian and New Zealand space industries, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of space exploration and innovation in the Australasian region.
This partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to fostering innovation, driving research and development (R&D), and nurturing a skilled workforce capable of propelling technological breakthroughs in the space sector. The MoU, ceremoniously signed at the NZSA headquarters in Wellington, signifies a strategic alignment between SmartSat and NZSA to leverage their combined resources and expertise.
At the core of this collaboration, it is designated to support joint research initiatives in three key technological domains: Earth Observation, Space Situational Awareness, and Optical Communications. These areas represent the forefront of space exploration, offering immense potential to revolutionise humanity’s perception and interaction with the cosmos.
Minister Judith Collins, New Zealand’s Minister for Space, praised the new agreement as a testament to the enduring collaboration between Australia and New Zealand in space exploration. In a statement on her official website, she reiterated her commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, recognising the transformative potential of space technology in addressing global challenges.
Minister Collins reaffirmed the government’s dedication to developing the country’s space sector, promoting innovation, and strengthening partnerships with the New Zealand research community, international space agencies, and commercial collaborators. These collaborative approaches underscore New Zealand’s commitment to advancing space science and technology to benefit society and the economy, paving the way for future breakthroughs in the field.
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Da Nang, a central city in Vietnam, is gearing up to bolster its semiconductor industry with a targeted focus on human resource development. The Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU) recently launched a comprehensive programme aimed at training professionals in integrated circuit (IC) design.
The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to advancing its semiconductor sector. In 2024, Da Nang will concentrate on cultivating a pool of qualified teaching staff through collaborative efforts with the Viet Nam-Korea Information Technology (IT) and Communications University, the Institute of Information Technology under the Viet Nam National University – Ha Noi, and the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Centre for Research and Training (DSAC). Support from Synopsys Vietnam Company will further bolster these endeavours.
The training programme, spanning six months, comprises both theoretical learning and project-based training. It encompasses four modules covering Very-large-scale integration (VLSI) Design, SystemVerilog/Verilog/Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language, basic digital integrated circuits, and basic analog circuit design.
The inaugural training course for lecturers will host 25 participants selected from prestigious institutions including the Viet Nam-Korea Information Technology (IT) and Communications University, Da Nang University of Science and Technology, University of Technical Education, Duy Tan University, and FPT University. A significant highlight of the programme is the access granted to lecturers to Synopsys’ extensive library and teaching materials, enabling them to develop practical IC design curricula upon completion.
Huynh Cong Phap, Principal of VKU, emphasised the programme’s objective of equipping students with practical IC design skills to facilitate training deployment at universities in Da Nang. Additionally, the university plans to offer short-term training courses in semiconductor circuit design for junior and senior students pursuing majors such as computer engineering, technology, embedded systems and IoT, and technology information.
Speaking at the event, Ho Ky Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, hailed the programme as a significant stride in the city’s strategy for high-quality human resource development. He commended the collaborative efforts between DSAC, VKU, Synopsys Group, and the Information Technology Institute under the Vietnam National University in swiftly launching the city’s inaugural IC circuit design instructor training course.
In line with the city’s ambitions, Ho Ky Minh, the Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang, welcomed Susan Burns, the US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, expressing his aspirations for enhanced collaboration with the United States within the semiconductor industry.
Susan Burns lauded the programme as a testament to the robust cooperation between government bodies, private enterprises, and universities in nurturing high-tech talent in Vietnam. This collaboration aims to fortify Vietnam’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The United States acknowledges Vietnam’s pivotal role in fostering flexible semiconductor supply chains and extends strong support for the industry’s development in the country.
In tandem with the programme launch, the university unveiled the VKU – SSTH centre, dedicated to semiconductor circuits and smart technology. Equipped with 30 computers and proprietary circuit design software from Synopsys, the centre is poised to serve as a hub for training and research in semiconductor circuits and smart technology.
OpenGov Asia reported that Da Nang inaugurated the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Training (DSAC) in January this year, marking a significant stride in technological advancement. This initiative underscores Da Nang’s dedication to enhancing its capabilities in integrated circuit (IC) design and artificial intelligence (AI).
The decision to establish DSAC was announced on January 26 by Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, highlighting the centre’s role in realising the city’s strategic objectives. DSAC is poised to engage in research, training, and technology transfer in microchips, semiconductors, and AI development, while also fostering international cooperation in these critical domains.
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Vietnam has emerged as a promising market in the global data centre landscape, with significant growth projected in the coming decade. According to the latest report from Viettel IDC, the country’s data centre market is forecast to reach a value of US$1.26 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%. This projection underscores Vietnam’s increasing importance in the digital economy and its potential to become a key player in the data centre industry.
Despite its promising outlook, Vietnam’s data centre market currently lags behind its regional counterparts in terms of size. Compared to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Vietnam’s data centre market is relatively small. However, this is expected to change in the coming years as the country experiences rapid economic growth and invests heavily in digital infrastructure.
One of the key drivers of growth in Vietnam’s data centre market is the increasing demand for digital services and cloud computing. With the rise of e-commerce, digital banking, and other online services, there is a growing need for secure and reliable data storage and processing facilities. Data centres play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing the infrastructure necessary to support these services.
Another factor contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s data centre market is the government’s support for digital transformation initiatives. In recent years, the Vietnamese government has prioritised the development of the digital economy as part of its broader economic strategy. This has included investments in digital infrastructure, as well as policies aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector.
Furthermore, Vietnam benefits from a skilled workforce and relatively low construction costs compared to other countries in the region. This makes it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish data centre operations in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the government has implemented supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage investment in the sector, further stimulating growth.
Domestically, the data centre market in Vietnam is dominated by a few major players, including Viettel, VNPT, FPT, and CMC. These companies collectively hold approximately 97% of the market share, indicating a high level of concentration in the industry. However, there are still opportunities for new entrants, particularly in niche segments or specialised services.
Looking ahead, Viettel IDC predicts a significant expansion of Vietnam’s data centre market in the coming years. Plans are underway to build megacentres in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with an estimated total capacity of up to 450 MW. This represents a substantial increase from the current capacity and reflects the growing demand for data centre services in the country.
In addition to data centres, Vietnam’s cloud computing market is also experiencing rapid growth. While the market size is currently smaller than that of neighboring countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, Vietnam has the highest growth rate in the Southeast Asia region and ranks third in Asia overall. The projected growth rate of Vietnam’s cloud market over the next 5-10 years is expected to be around 19-20%, driven by increased adoption of cloud services by businesses and consumers.
Vietnam’s data centre market presents significant opportunities for growth and investment in the coming years. With supportive government policies, a skilled workforce, and increasing demand for digital services, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a major player in the global data centre industry. As the country continues to invest in digital infrastructure and technology, it is poised to emerge as a leading hub for data centre operations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam is rapidly becoming a key player in the global data center market, driven by factors like increasing digitalisation among SMEs, a tech-savvy young population, the rollout of 5G technology, and a rising demand for independent digital infrastructure and data sovereignty.
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Digital transformation has become a global imperative, with countries worldwide implementing various strategies to leverage digital technology for societal, economic, and governance improvements. Each country’s approach is tailored to its technological infrastructure, regulatory environment, economic priorities, and societal needs. This global transformation requires smart strategies, smart implementation, and a collaborative, outcome-oriented mindset.
In Thailand, for example, the government has embarked on a joint effort to advance the digital economy and society through initiatives like accreditation of government agencies’ curricula. Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, who serves as a Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, has announced plans to publicise the outcomes of this project for 2023. This reflects Thailand’s commitment to equipping its government agencies with the skills to thrive in the digital age.
Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong, the committee’s secretary-general for Digital for the National Economy and Society, revealed the outcomes of the 2023 curriculum accreditation operations, which aimed to certify 70 courses. The National Curriculum Committee (NCC) reviewed 73 courses from 18 institutions for accreditation, categorising 30 as essential and 43 as moderately important. The 177 courses were considered for certification from 2021 to 2023.
During the meeting, Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong presented guidelines to promote and support government agencies in organising digital skill development training courses among government officials and personnel. These guidelines are designed to be practical and effective, with input from executives representing government agencies, the private sector, the business sector, and academia.
Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha highlighted that besides certifying more than 70 courses from the previous year, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has been following up on the results of course accreditation, with over 104 courses considered for their quality and standards. These courses cater to six groups of civil servants and government personnel: senior executives, division directors, policy and academic workers, service workers, technology operators, and other practitioners. The curriculum development standards include a mechanism for systematic monitoring and evaluation of performance.
Additionally, measures have been implemented to promote and develop the country’s digital workforce, aiming to raise their digital capability and potential. This includes the general public, students, labour groups, entrepreneurs, the business sector, and civil servants, who all require adequate digital skills to drive government agencies towards the digital government.
Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Committee, emphasised that the NBTC has certified digital skills development courses for government agencies. Standards for curriculum development have been set alongside a mechanism for systematically monitoring and evaluating performance.
To support this, the NBTC has taken proactive steps to enhance the quality of these courses. They have established a cooperation network with recognised organisations in related fields. This collaborative effort ensures that the courses are developed and delivered in line with industry best practices and standards.
Additionally, the NBTC works closely with the Office of the Civil Service Commission and associated agencies, enabling them to align their efforts and resources and ensuring that the courses meet the needs and expectations of the civil service sector.
He further stated that the NDC has continuously held focus group meetings in the past to create guidelines for promoting and supporting government agencies in organising training for certified courses. These efforts include measures to promote and develop Thailand’s digital workforce under the project for managing and following up on the curriculum accreditation of government agencies.
These initiatives are integral to Thailand’s comprehensive strategy to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of propelling the nation’s digital transformation and enhancing its competitiveness in the global digital economy. Thailand aims to effectively leverage digital technology to improve its economy and society by equipping civil servants and government personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills.
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An internationally recognised card service company, with a significant presence in the digital payments domain, released insights shedding light on Vietnam’s evolving payment landscape. Through its comprehensive consumer payment attitudes study, the company, highlights a surge in cashless transactions among Vietnamese consumers, signifying a progressive shift towards embracing novel financial technologies.
According to the study’s findings, a staggering 56% of Vietnamese respondents reported carrying less physical cash than they did a year prior, indicative of a growing inclination towards digital payment methods. Notably, the younger demographic is leading the charge in this transition, with a striking 89% having seamlessly adopted cashless payment solutions.
Furthermore, the company delves into the prevailing trends shaping Vietnam’s burgeoning non-cash economy, notably highlighting the ascendancy of mobile wallets. Vietnam stands among the top Southeast Asian markets witnessing rapid mobile wallet adoption, serving as the preferred avenue for payments and substantially contributing to the digital finance sector’s growth. Remarkably, four out of every five Vietnamese consumers utilise mobile wallets, positioning the country as a frontrunner in mobile finance adoption.
In tandem with the surge in mobile wallet usage, real-time payments (RTPs) have gained considerable traction in Vietnam, underscoring the nation’s receptiveness to cutting-edge financial technologies. The unparalleled convenience and efficiency offered by RTPs have fueled further digitisation of the economy, with at least two in five consumers leveraging these services for various transactions, including cross-border transfers, peer-to-peer payments, merchant transactions, and bill settlements.
Additionally, the buy now, pay later (BNPL) service has emerged as a popular choice among Vietnamese consumers, offering flexible payment options and driving increased consumer engagement. The company’s strategic collaborations with leading Vietnamese retailers for its instalment solutions exemplify the transformative impact of such services in fostering financial inclusion and spurring business growth.
While credit cards may witness comparatively lower usage for wallet top-ups and funding, they remain the preferred choice for BNPL plans in Vietnam. The ease of use, coupled with incentives like free vouchers, rewards points, and transparent payment tracking mechanisms, have been instrumental in driving the adoption of BNPL offerings.
Vietnam’s ongoing cashless payment revolution not only presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth but also fosters innovation, unlocking new avenues for both consumers and businesses in the transition towards a cashless society.
The Country Manager for Vietnam and Laos at the card service company emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation and enhancing digital payment experiences for consumers. The findings from their study corroborate the growing trend towards contactless transactions, evidenced by a significant 53% increase in contactless transactions made on their cards, accompanied by a 19% surge in purchases and a substantial rise in the total value of cross-border transactions.
Supporting data from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) further underscores the positive trajectory of non-cash payment and digital banking activities in the country. As of the end of 2023, individual payment accounts surpassed 182.88 million, reflecting a notable 21.8% year-on-year increase. In January 2024, non-cash transactions surged by 63.3% in volume and 41.45% in value compared to the previous year, with transactions through the internet and QR codes witnessing exponential growth rates.
OpenGov Asia reported on Vietnam’s strides towards a cashless society, attributing the momentum to government policies favouring digital payments. Increased online transactions fuel competition among tech firms, advancing Vietnam’s digital economy. A survey showed that 43.8% of sellers accept bank transfers, and 15.3% use VietQR codes, indicating wide digital payment adoption.
Encouraged by these trends, the SBV continues to advocate for digitalisation within credit institutions, fostering collaboration across sectors to expand the digital ecosystem, while concurrently refining the legal framework, mechanisms, and policies governing non-cash payments.
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In a world where addressing climate change has emerged as one of the defining challenges, innovation and digital transformation have the potential to combat climate change and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.
Government officials, academics, and business leaders gathered at the SGFIN Sustainability Summit in Singapore to delve into the intersection of technology and finance, aiming to combat climate change and expedite the shift towards a sustainable future.
Deputy Prime Macinaister Heng Swee Keat, in his opening remarks, underscored the urgent need for collective action to address climate change, emphasising its global repercussions. From extreme weather events to rising sea levels, the impacts of climate change are felt across borders, disrupting economies and threatening livelihoods. In Singapore, where temperatures have risen steadily over the past four decades, the imperative for action is particularly acute.
Singapore has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability, committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 outlined in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. This comprehensive roadmap encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including increasing the deployment of solar energy, enhancing green infrastructure, and implementing measures to reduce water consumption and waste generation.
GovTech, as the public sector’s centre of excellence for info-comm technology and smart systems (ICT&SS), is spearheading efforts to decarbonise public sector technology as part of the nation’s commitment under the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Among GovTech’s initiatives are ensuring environmental consideration throughout the lifecycle of products and services with the GovTech Sustainable Digital Value Chain. This involves assessing and minimising environmental impacts from creation to disposal.
Additionally, GovTech provides energy-efficient data centres and cloud hosting options certified with Green Mark Platinum to meet the consolidated needs of the entire government more efficiently through its Green Government Hosting initiative.
Key initiatives include offering digital alternatives to physical transactions such as tele-conferencing and digital business cards through the Digital Workplace, centralising energy-efficient data centres to support agency server room consolidation, and developing secure government cloud solutions to accelerate the adoption of modern cloud capabilities through Government Hosting Consolidation and Cloud Migration.
GovTech is also actively exploring Green IT tools to augment software development processes and reduce carbon emissions with its Green Software initiative. Furthermore, GovTech is developing an Open Digital Platform for smarter district planning in the Punggol Digital District. This platform is expected to reduce energy and water consumption by up to 30% compared to the national average, showcasing the country’s commitment to driving sustainability through technological innovation.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng highlighted the importance of embedding sustainability across all sectors of the economy, noting the role of initiatives such as mandatory climate-related disclosures for listed companies in driving progress.
Finance plays a pivotal role in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy, serving as a critical enabler of climate action. Deputy Prime Minister Heng outlined Singapore’s efforts to mobilise financial resources for green investments, citing initiatives such as the Finance for Net-Zero (FiNS) Action Plan and the Singapore-Asia Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance.
These initiatives aim to provide investors with clarity and transparency regarding sustainable investments, thereby reducing the risks of greenwashing and facilitating the flow of capital towards climate-friendly projects.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng outlined strategies to mobilise finance for climate action, emphasising talent pool enhancement in sustainable finance, robust regulatory standards, and urging the use of venture capital for innovative climate solutions, aligning with Singapore’s research and innovation focus.
As nations continue to exchange ideas and forge partnerships, collaboration is key, paving the way for transformative change and a more sustainable future powered by innovation and financial ingenuity. It is through such collective efforts that the world can hope to overcome the challenges of climate change and create a better world for future generations.
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India’s prominent role in shaping the global telecommunications landscape was reinforced as Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, led a high-level delegation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquarters in Geneva.
Dr Neeraj Mittal’s election as Co-chair of the Digital Innovation Board of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) represents a significant milestone, underscoring India’s prominent leadership role in fostering digital innovation on the global stage. This appointment not only acknowledges India’s expertise and contributions in the field of telecommunications but also reflects its commitment to driving transformative initiatives that leverage technology for socio-economic development and inclusive growth worldwide
The Digital Innovation Board, formed under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, comprises Ministers and Vice Ministers of Telecom/ICT from 23 ITU member countries. It aims to provide strategic guidance and advocacy for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in digital development, crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable digital future.
The visit, aimed at fostering collaboration and exploring innovative initiatives in the telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors, yielded several significant outcomes.
Discussions during the visit centred on scaling up ITU Area Office India, Digital Innovation Board, Digital Transformation Lab, Acceleration centres, and the Global Innovation Centre in India. Agreements were reached on various initiatives aimed at enhancing collaboration and innovation in the telecommunications sector. These initiatives are poised to play a pivotal role in accelerating the digital transformation journey of India and other member countries.
Furthermore, the visit emphasised India’s increased participation in ITU activities. Efforts to engage academia and industry members from India were discussed, with a focus on enhancing India’s contributions to the global telecommunications agenda. Bilateral meetings with Japan and Bahrain yielded proposals for collaborations on various fronts, including AI, 5G use cases, cybersecurity, and the development of the Data Embassy. These partnerships underscore India’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and leveraging technology for mutual socio-economic benefit.
The bilateral meeting with Japan, co-chaired by Dr. Mittal and Mr. Hiroshi Yoshida, Vice Minister, Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan, reviewed engagements between India and Japan in the telecom and ICT sectors. Both parties proposed active collaboration on AI, 5G use cases, and Quantum Products certification. They stressed the need for collaboration to develop a framework on trusted products and agreed to operationalise sub-working groups on 5G use cases and massive MIMO under the India-Japan Joint Working Group on ICT.
Similarly, the bilateral meeting with Bahrain, co-chaired by Dr Mittal and Mr Mohammed Bin Thamir, Minister of Transport and Telecom of the Kingdom of Bahrain, explored opportunities for collaboration in the ICT sector. Both countries decided to actively collaborate in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, 5G use cases, Cybersecurity, and the development of the Data Embassy. Additionally, discussions revolved around revisiting the MoU on ICT between the two countries that lapsed in 2015. India proposed sharing the TEC standard on Fairness Assessment and Rating of Artificial Intelligence Systems and status notes on the regulatory sandbox with Bahrain.
The visit to the ITU Headquarters and the outcomes achieved therein underscore India’s proactive approach to shaping global telecommunications policies and leveraging innovation for socio-economic progress. Through active engagement and collaboration with international partners, India aims to harness the power of technology for inclusive growth and sustainable development on a global scale.