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In the heart of Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is spearheading a transformative initiative poised to revolutionise the landscape of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Soccsksargen region. Through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Programme (SETUP), DOST emphasises the pivotal role of technology and innovation in enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of local businesses.

Image credits: DOST-Cotabato

In a significant stride towards bolstering the operational efficiency and competitiveness of products and services for MSMEs in Cotabato, DOST recently greenlit the implementation of the SETUP programme. This strategic move aims to empower local enterprises through innovation funds allocated for machinery upgrades, setting the stage for transformative growth and development.

Michael Ty Mayo, the Provincial Director of DOST in Cotabato, underscores the programme’s fundamental mission: to leverage science and technology as catalysts for the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide.

“It helps increase production, improve product quality, and encourage innovation to make local industries more competitive in the global market,” explains Mayo, highlighting the programme’s multifaceted benefits for MSMEs.

Among the esteemed recipients of the SETUP programme’s innovation funds are trailblazing enterprises. These visionary entrepreneurs represent the vanguard of technological advancement, poised to harness the power of science and technology to drive business growth and innovation.

For the visionary owner of communications, networking and data solutions, the SETUP programme heralds a new era of opportunity and growth for local SMEs. Pagaduan’s enterprise specialises in systems integration, connectivity, and public safety solutions, offering a diverse range of services encompassing telecommunications, network design, structured cabling systems, and more. With the infusion of innovation funds, he is optimistic about the transformative impact on his business and the broader local economy.

Similarly, the proprietor of a bakery and catering services company lauds DOST’s programme as a vital mechanism for enhancing operational capability and productivity. As an accredited partner of the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, the outlet plays a pivotal role in producing nutribuns and supplying the feeding programme of the Department of Education.

The owner Serag recognises the pivotal role of technology and innovation in driving business growth and sustainability, underscoring the importance of the SETUP programme in fostering a conducive environment for MSMEs to thrive.

The decisive support for DOST’s initiative extends beyond the entrepreneurial sphere, with the provincial government of Cotabato expressing unwavering support for the intensified implementation of the programme. Moreover, DOST has garnered staunch backing from the congressional offices of the second and third districts of the province, underscoring the collaborative efforts to drive technological innovation and economic growth.

As DOST Regional Director Sammy Malawan reaffirms, the SETUP programme represents a beacon of hope and opportunity for MSMEs, offering unwavering support and guidance in navigating the complexities of technological advancement. With a steadfast commitment to promoting science, technology, and innovation as driving agents of success, DOST stands poised to propel MSMEs towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

At the forefront of the Philippines’ digital transformation, the Department of Science and Technology drives progress and innovation. Through its dedication to technology and digital literacy, DOST empowers businesses, cities, and citizens, enabling them to excel in today’s tech-driven world. A case in point is the impactful work of a DOST scholar, whose innovative applications are propelling Borongan’s evolution into Eastern Visayas’ smart city.

Through various initiatives, DOST plays a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology and digital resources across the nation. By promoting digital literacy courses and providing training opportunities, DOST equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to harness the power of technology for personal and professional advancement.

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) in Vietnam has recently put forward a series of proposed regulations aimed at managing internet resources, notably the national domain name “.vn”.

These regulations, outlined in a draft decree detailing provisions of the Telecommunications Law, seek to streamline processes related to the transfer of ownership, including donations, contributions of capital, and inheritance of usage rights for the “.vn” domain. By aligning these procedures with existing property rights laws and relevant regulations, the MIC aims to ensure transparency and legal compliance in the management of digital assets.

Under the proposed regulations, individuals and organisations must promptly update “.vn” domain registration details in cases of ownership changes due to donations, capital contributions, or inheritance rights. Entities involved in activities like restructuring or capital transactions leading to domain ownership changes must also adjust registrant details accordingly.

A crucial component of these regulations involves enforcing the revision of registrant information for domain names when undergoing changes such as organisational restructuring, name adjustments, or modifications in functions and responsibilities.

These stipulations are designed to uphold the accuracy and currency of records concerning domain ownership and utilisation rights.

The proposed regulations also address the circumstances under which “.vn” domain names may be revoked, including instances where they are used against the state, pose national security risks, violate laws, or fail to meet maintenance fee obligations.

To ensure transparency and provide adequate notice, the MIC will notify affected parties of impending revocations through various channels, including direct communication, mass media, text messages, and websites, with a minimum three-month advance notice period.

In cases of resource revocation, the MIC pledges to compensate affected individuals and organisations using funds from the State Budget. Compensation levels are determined based on factors such as the remaining maintenance fees for directly allocated or granted resources and the auction-winning amount for resources acquired through auctions.

According to statistics from the Vietnam Internet Network Information Centre (VNNIC), Vietnam currently hosts ten domestic and six foreign domain name registrars. The country boasts over 604,000 registered “.vn” domain names, with nearly 19,000 domain name transfers recorded by the end of last December.

The MIC’s proposed regulations signal a proactive approach to internet resource management, aiming to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability in Vietnam’s digital landscape.

Furthermore, the proposed regulations prioritise the protection of Internet resources related to national sovereignty and security, ensuring that agencies, organisations, and socio-political entities receive preferential treatment in resource allocation and management. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to safeguarding national interests in cyberspace.

In addition to the regulations governing Internet resources, the MIC is also considering proposals for managing and utilising telecommunications number warehouses. These regulations cover various aspects such as the allocation, leasing, and exchange of subscriber numbers, aiming to optimise the management of telecommunications resources and improve service delivery in the telecommunications sector.

Vietnam is undertaking efforts to streamline its regulations, rationalise laws, and establish uniformity within its legal framework to create a more conducive and attractive cyber environment. By harmonising regulations and ensuring the coherence of laws, the nation seeks to promote innovation, facilitate business operations, and enhance cybersecurity standards.

OpenGov Asia reported that the Ministry of Public Security is proposing a Data Law aimed at establishing a unified national data centre to address the country’s fragmented data management infrastructure. This legislation seeks to overcome challenges stemming from inadequate infrastructure and disjointed databases across various ministries, ultimately promoting standardised and secure data management through a centralised repository

These initiatives aim to instil confidence among stakeholders, foster a dynamic digital ecosystem, and position Vietnam as a preferred destination for investment and technological advancement in the global digital landscape.

In a concerted effort to revolutionise India’s skill ecosystem, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, unveiled a series of strategic partnerships aimed at leveraging cutting-edge technology.

Image credits: Press Information Bureau

These initiatives, announced in collaboration with industry leaders, academia, and government departments, are poised to enhance the nation’s workforce preparedness for the dynamic and technology-driven landscape of the 21st century.

Highlighting the urgency and importance of these initiatives, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised their role in preparing the population for 21st-century job markets, nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth. Through strategic collaborations with industry partners, academia, and government departments, the aim is to bridge the gap between industry requirements and skill development initiatives, ensuring that India’s young workforce remains competitive and adaptable to emerging technological trends.

Among the key announcements was the inauguration of two Centers of Excellence (CoE) in the media and electronics sector at the Skill Development Institute (SDI) in Bhubaneshwar. These CoEs, equipped with state-of-the-art technology infrastructure including workstations and digital cameras, are poised to deliver cutting-edge training programmes in courses such as Graphic Design, Social Media Management, and Digital Marketing. By aligning training programmes with industry demands, the CoEs aim to elevate the capabilities of India’s youth population, making them industry-ready and globally competitive.

Furthermore, the event witnessed the launch of Mock Test 2.0 by NIMI in 12 languages and the introduction of four new-age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security. These courses, meticulously designed to address the evolving needs of the technology-driven market, are set to equip India’s youth with the requisite skills to excel in the digital era.

In addition to these initiatives, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed 19 MoUs with various government departments, industry players, and academic institutions. These collaborations aim to foster synergy and cooperation in skill development, laying the foundation for a robust and future-ready workforce.

The partnerships, spanning diverse sectors such as handicrafts, aviation services, and technology application, underscore the holistic approach towards skill development and innovation.

The government’s commitment to adapting to the evolving job landscape was further exemplified by the proactive introduction of new-age trades and the establishment of ITIs dedicated to emerging technologies. Initiatives such as the PM Mudra Yojana provide entrepreneurial support, empowering individuals to harness their skills and contribute to economic growth.

Moreover, the launch of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) reaffirms the ministry’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive skilling. The SIDH aims to offer personalised learning opportunities and enhance accessibility to skill development programmes, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have access to quality education and training.

The event also witnessed the release of the Skill Gap Assessment Report on Green Hydrogen, a collaborative effort between the Skill Council for Green Jobs and USAID. This comprehensive report aims to address the evolving demands of the green hydrogen industry by proposing tailored training programmes and practical recommendations to cultivate a skilled workforce.

The event, attended by Dr Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Chairman of NCVET and Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), among others, marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards skill development and innovation.

These tech-driven partnerships and initiatives mark a significant step towards building a skilled and future-ready workforce, contributing to India’s economic growth and global competitiveness. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and adaptability, India is poised to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital era.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) unveiled the Provincial Innovation Index (PII), a key milestone in Vietnam’s digital transformation. This index provides valuable insights into the socio-economic development models of provincial-level localities, guiding policy-making and investment decisions.

Image credits: Vietnam Plus

Leveraging data from the Global Innovation Index (GII) and collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the PII was piloted in 20 localities in 2022 before its nationwide rollout in 2023, in line with Vietnam’s digital transformation goals.

The index’s results, which include rankings of top-performing localities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, reflect their favourable conditions for technological advancement and innovation, highlighting the correlation between socio-economic development and digital readiness.

Minister Huynh Thanh Dat stressed the PII’s role in guiding informed decision-making, enabling authorities and investors to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in innovation ecosystems, thus facilitating targeted policy formulation for science, technology, and innovation-led development.

Since 2017, Vietnam has relied on the Global Innovation Index (GII) to shape innovation policies, but to better understand local innovation ecosystems, the MST partnered with WIPO to create the PII. This index assesses factors like research spending and collaboration between academia and industry at the provincial level, providing insights into regional innovation capacity and guiding resource allocation for inclusive development.

The PII 2023 results reveal a clear correlation between socio-economic development and innovation performance. Top-ranking localities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City benefit from favourable geographical conditions, robust infrastructure, and a vibrant ecosystem of research institutions, universities, and technology companies.

These regions have emerged as hubs for innovation, attracting talent and investment from both domestic and international sources. In contrast, provinces with limited resources and infrastructure face challenges in promoting innovation and technology adoption, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to narrow the digital divide and promote inclusive growth.

In parallel with the efforts to assess and enhance innovation capacity at the provincial level, Ho Chi Minh City has embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation journey to modernise governance and improve public service delivery. At a recent conference, the Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai commended various agencies for their proactive approach to administrative reforms and digitalisation initiatives.

By deploying tools like the Public Administration Reform Index (PAR INDEX) and the Department and District Competitiveness Index (DDCI), Ho Chi Minh City has made significant strides in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance.

The city’s commitment to digital transformation is evident in its efforts to streamline administrative procedures, digitise records, and leverage emerging technologies to improve service delivery. Agencies like the HCM City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA) and the Department of Tourism have emerged as leaders in embracing digital innovation, setting benchmarks for excellence in administrative efficiency and customer service. The successful implementation of the Digital Transformation Index (DTI) reflects the city’s progress in adopting digital technologies to drive economic growth and enhance competitiveness.

Looking ahead, Ho Chi Minh City remains committed to accelerating its digital transformation agenda, with a focus on promoting innovation, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the resilience of its digital infrastructure. By harnessing the power of technology to address key challenges and seize opportunities, the city aims to create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, driving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its residents.

As Vietnam continues its journey towards becoming a digital economy, initiatives like the Provincial Innovation Index and Ho Chi Minh City’s digital transformation efforts will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future success in the digital era.

Singapore’s tech landscape is set for a new trajectory with the appointment of Mr Russell Tham, Head of Emerging Technologies at Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd, as the Chairman of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) Board. Effective from March 15, 2024, Mr Tham succeeds Mr Chan Yeng Kit, who served as Chairman for nine years.

Mr Tham, an IMDA Board Member since October 2020 and Chairperson of the Technology Sub-Committee since April 2023, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His expertise in advising IMDA on digital technologies and policy implications positions him well to lead IMDA into the next phase of Singapore’s tech journey.

The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and IMDA expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Chan’s leadership. As Mr. Tham assumes the chairmanship, there is anticipation of continued guidance and leadership in shaping Singapore’s tech landscape in the years ahead.

Mr Chan, also the Permanent Secretary (Health), has had a profound impact on Singapore’s tech evolution. His tenure saw the merger of Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and the Media Development Authority (MDA) into IMDA in 2016, aligning with Singapore’s Smart Nation vision. Under his stewardship, initiatives like the Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015) Masterplan and the Infocomm Media 2025 (ICM 2025) Masterplan laid the groundwork for Singapore’s digital future.

IMDA continued to shape Singapore’s Digital Future. From deploying 5G standalone wireless networks to upgrading the Nationwide Broadband Network for 10Gbps access, the agency has spearheaded future-ready digital infrastructure. Initiatives like SMEs Go Digital, CTO-as-a-Service, and TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) have propelled digitalisation across enterprises while fostering a globally competitive digital workforce.

Mr Chan’s leadership extended IMDA’s influence globally, showcasing Singaporean creations on various platforms. Domestically, he championed a safe and inclusive Digital Society, engaging seniors and collaborating with the private sector through the Digital for Life national movement.

Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) is ramping up efforts to expand and elevate the nation’s tech talent pool while prioritising the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). With a focus on pre-employment training and mid-career upskilling programs, IMDA aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving AI innovation across industries.

IMDA is investing $20 million over three years to bolster AI-related SG Digital Scholarships and overseas internships, providing students with invaluable industry exposure and hands-on experience. These efforts align with IMDA’s commitment to scale up the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) program and offer over 180 AI-related courses under the Information and Communications (I&C) Jobs Transformation Map (JTM).

IMDA’s collaboration with industry partners and associations aims to create job opportunities and foster skills-based hiring practices. The TeSA for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance (TIP Alliance) has secured 800 good tech job opportunities for graduates, while over 200 companies have pledged support for skills-based hiring, doubling since its launch.

To enhance students’ industry readiness, ITE and Polytechnic students now undergo year-long internships, providing them with immersive experiences and valuable skill development opportunities. IMDA’s co-funding support for stipends facilitates companies in offering these extended internships, ensuring students gain practical insights into tech roles.

IMDA’s comprehensive approach to talent development and AI adoption underscores Singapore’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of tech innovation. By nurturing a robust talent pipeline and fostering industry collaboration, IMDA aims to propel Singapore’s tech ecosystem towards sustained growth and competitiveness in the global arena.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has announced the establishment of 10 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a significant stride in fostering innovation and skill development among students. The announcement came during his address at the inauguration ceremony of the Net Zero Emission Project at NIMS Medicity in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Atal Innovation Mission aims to nurture the innovation potential of one million children in India through the establishment of Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools nationwide. This initiative aims to ignite curiosity, spark creativity, and cultivate essential skills like design thinking, computational proficiency, adaptive learning, and physical computing among young minds.

ATL serves as a dynamic workspace where young minds can bring their ideas to life through hands-on, do-it-yourself projects, fostering innovation skills among students. Equipped with tools and resources, students explore STEM concepts -Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – by engaging with educational kits, electronics, robotics, microcontroller boards, sensors, 3D printers, and computers. Additionally, ATLs provide essential facilities such as meeting rooms and video conferencing capabilities.

To cultivate inventiveness, ATLs organise a variety of activities including regional and national competitions, exhibitions, workshops focused on problem-solving, product design, and fabrication, as well as lecture series. These activities occur periodically, offering students opportunities to showcase their creativity and refine their innovation skills in a collaborative environment.

During his speech, Minister Chandrasekhar underscored the transformative potential of initiatives like Digital India and Skill India, stressing their role in shaping the future careers of Indian youth. He highlighted how these initiatives not only cater to the present needs but also open up vast opportunities for the future workforce. He emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the youth are poised to benefit from India’s digital advancements.

Reflecting on the past, the Minister highlighted the considerable shift in opportunities available to young Indians today compared to a decade ago. He noted how the landscape has evolved, enabling talent from diverse backgrounds to succeed in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Minister Chandrasekhar attributed this change to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, who has spearheaded transformative reforms to ensure equitable access to opportunities for all.

Interacting with students, Minister Chandrasekhar stressed the importance of innovative and experiential learning, particularly through initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs. These labs provide students with a platform to explore creativity, problem-solving, and innovation beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Minister Chandrasekhar highlighted their role in nurturing lifelong learning and preparing students for future challenges.

Furthermore, Minister Chandrasekhar lauded India’s progress in electronics manufacturing, citing it as a testament to the nation’s capabilities. Despite initial scepticism, India has emerged as a major player in electronics production and semiconductor development, showcasing its prowess in technological innovation.

Recently, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) joined forces to introduce Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs) aimed at democratising future technologies and empowering youth across India to innovate. These labs, an advanced version of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure to students, enabling them to engage with cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented & Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Internet of Things.

With a focus on fostering curiosity and creativity, FTLs will offer engaging workshops and project-based learning experiences, equipping students with digital skills essential for success in today’s technology-driven world.

Minister Chandrasekhar’s announcement builds upon his earlier efforts in establishing ATLs, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and innovation among young minds through experiential learning initiatives like the Atal Tinkering Mission.

AIM aims to ensure equal opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to learn and innovate, contributing to India’s digital transformation and global competitiveness in the technology landscape.

Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling economic hub of Vietnam, is poised to strengthen its ties with Sweden in the realm of digital transformation, aiming to harness Swedish expertise and technology to propel its development agenda towards a green and sustainable future.

Image credits: Vietnam Plus

Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, reiterated the city’s commitment to facilitating Swedish enterprises’ exploration of investment and business opportunities, particularly in cutting-edge fields like digital transformation and sustainable development initiatives.

Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden, as part of the Sweden – Vietnam business roundtable meeting on innovation and sustainable development, Hoan underscored Ho Chi Minh City’s strategic vision to drive digital transformation and transition towards environmentally friendly, sustainable growth models.

He urged Sweden to step up cooperation in sharing expertise, knowledge, and technology in crucial areas such as digitalisation, energy transition, climate change adaptation, and green development strategies.

Hoan emphasised the city’s readiness to collaborate with Swedish enterprises in fostering bilateral trade and advancing innovation initiatives that align with Sweden’s strengths and Vietnam’s developmental goals. Recognising the significance of embracing green and renewable energy solutions in production processes, Hoan expressed his desire for deeper coordination in organising exchange programmes and business meetings between Swedish and Vietnamese companies, with a particular focus on human resource development to nurture talent capable of driving forward these initiatives.

Furthermore, Hoan stressed the shared responsibility of enterprises from both sides in producing goods that meet Swedish and EU standards, thereby not only bolstering bilateral economic ties but also contributing to mutual benefits and sustainable growth. In response, Håkan Jevrell highlighted Sweden’s wealth of experience, technology, and resources, affirming Sweden’s commitment to partnering with Ho Chi Minh City in vital areas like digital transformation, green growth, and sustainable development.

Impressed by the city’s dynamic development trajectory and commitment to innovation, Jevrell expressed his eagerness to unlock collaboration potential between Swedish partners and Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in areas such as innovation, small and medium enterprise (SME) development, digital infrastructure, energy efficiency, and water management.

He emphasised Sweden’s willingness to share insights on increasing the use of green energy in production, ensuring products meet European export standards, and maximising the benefits of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) for trade expansion and economic prosperity.

Moreover, Sweden aims to foster people-to-people diplomacy and facilitate student exchanges while extending invitations to Vietnamese businesses, including those from Ho Chi Minh City, to explore investment opportunities in Sweden. The day culminated in the co-chairing of the Sweden – Vietnam business roundtable meeting on innovation and sustainable development by Hoan and Jevrell, signalling a significant step towards deeper collaboration between the two nations in key strategic areas that promise mutual benefits and sustainable growth.

Ho Chi Minh City is on track to boost its digital economy significantly, aiming to contribute 20% to the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2025, rising to 40% by 2030. The city conducted its first scientific assessment of the digital economy’s contribution to the GRDP in 2021, revealing a figure of 15.38%, which increased to 18.66% in 2022 and is projected to reach 22% by 2024.

The Director of the municipal Department of Information and Communications, Lam Dinh Thang, emphasised the city’s pivotal role in leading Vietnam’s transition to a digital economy by 2030, as mandated by the Politburo’s Resolution 31/2022.

To achieve this, the city has integrated digital economic development targets into key resolutions and programmes, focusing on initiatives such as developing digital infrastructure and promoting non-cash payments across various sectors. However, challenges such as awareness gaps, inconsistent measurement methods, and inadequate policies and resources for small and medium-sized enterprises remain to be addressed.

In a move aimed at advancing digital connectivity and accessibility in rural India, the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati, under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

The primary objective of this MoU is to integrate broadband services with over-the-top (OTT) platforms and e-commerce solutions, leveraging the BharatNet infrastructure facilitated by USOF. The collaboration, rooted in the vision of the national vision to foster digital innovation, brings together connectivity, content, and commerce to empower rural India.

The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders including Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom); Shri Niraj Verma, Administrator, USOF; Shri T Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC; Shri A K Jha, ADG, Platforms, Prasar Bharati; and Shri Sunil Kumar Verma, Joint Secretary, DoT, marks a significant milestone in advancing digital inclusivity.

USOF’s pivotal role in facilitating high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity across Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages sets the stage for the implementation of bundled services. Prasar Bharati’s vast content repository, encompassing linear channels, live TV, and on-demand content, will be made available to end consumers through its OTT platform, while USOF ensures the delivery of efficient broadband services to rural and remote areas.

ONDC’s expertise in digital infrastructure will play a crucial role in enabling e-commerce solutions, thereby expanding access to essential services such as education, healthcare, training, credit, insurance, and agriculture. This holistic approach aims to leverage technology for socio-economic development, ensuring that all segments of society can participate in the digital transformation.

The vision of the Digital India Programme is to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The Digital India programme is centred on three key vision areas: Digital Infrastructure as a core utility to Every Citizen, Governance & Services on Demand and Digital Empowerment of Citizens

India is committed to advancing technology, science, and digital learning by enhancing the skills and methodologies of its educators. Recognising the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the future generation, India has undertaken various initiatives to empower educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively integrate technology and innovative teaching methods into the classroom.

Image credits: Press Information Bureau

OpenGov Asia reported that the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML) has collaborated with the Knowledge and Awareness Mapping Platform (KAMP) for an online teacher training programme focused on revolutionising science education through technology.

With over 150 educators from various schools across India participating, the programme, themed ‘Fostering Experiential Learning in Science Education, Beyond the Textbook’, emphasised innovative teaching methodologies and practical demonstrations to enhance educators’ understanding and implementation of scientific concepts.

Beyond domestic initiatives, India is also committed to sharing its expertise and collaborating internationally to foster digital inclusivity. In this vein, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) of India and the Information Technology Institute (ITI) of Egypt.

The agreement, formalised in Cairo, Egypt, aims to enhance workforce skills, promote employment opportunities, address skills gaps, and foster international cooperation in the Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology (IECT) domain.

The collaboration covers curriculum development, expert exchanges, mutual certification recognition, virtual lab sharing, and offering postgraduate diplomas to ITI Egypt interns, with Egyptian students also able to enrol in B.Tech and M.Tech programmes by NIELIT, fostering bilateral knowledge exchange in the digital domain.

Through such strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, India is poised to accelerate its digital transformation journey while extending support and expertise to partner nations, contributing to a more inclusive and digitally empowered global community.

OpenGov TV Speaker Panel – Know Your Customers

Part 3 of our OpenGov TV Speaker Panel series with OneConnect. Listen to experts talk about the importance of KYC (Knowing Your Customers)!

PARTNER

Qlik’s vision is a data-literate world, where everyone can use data and analytics to improve decision-making and solve their most challenging problems. A private company, Qlik offers real-time data integration and analytics solutions, powered by Qlik Cloud, to close the gaps between data, insights and action. By transforming data into Active Intelligence, businesses can drive better decisions, improve revenue and profitability, and optimize customer relationships. Qlik serves more than 38,000 active customers in over 100 countries.

PARTNER

CTC Global Singapore, a premier end-to-end IT solutions provider, is a fully owned subsidiary of ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC) and ITOCHU Corporation.

Since 1972, CTC has established itself as one of the country’s top IT solutions providers. With 50 years of experience, headed by an experienced management team and staffed by over 200 qualified IT professionals, we support organizations with integrated IT solutions expertise in Autonomous IT, Cyber Security, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure, Workplace Modernization and Professional Services.

Well-known for our strengths in system integration and consultation, CTC Global proves to be the preferred IT outsourcing destination for organizations all over Singapore today.

PARTNER

Planview has one mission: to build the future of connected work. Our solutions enable organizations to connect the business from ideas to impact, empowering companies to accelerate the achievement of what matters most. Planview’s full spectrum of Portfolio Management and Work Management solutions creates an organizational focus on the strategic outcomes that matter and empowers teams to deliver their best work, no matter how they work. The comprehensive Planview platform and enterprise success model enables customers to deliver innovative, competitive products, services, and customer experiences. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with locations around the world, Planview has more than 1,300 employees supporting 4,500 customers and 2.6 million users worldwide. For more information, visit www.planview.com.

SUPPORTING ORGANISATION

SIRIM is a premier industrial research and technology organisation in Malaysia, wholly-owned by the Minister​ of Finance Incorporated. With over forty years of experience and expertise, SIRIM is mandated as the machinery for research and technology development, and the national champion of quality. SIRIM has always played a major role in the development of the country’s private sector. By tapping into our expertise and knowledge base, we focus on developing new technologies and improvements in the manufacturing, technology and services sectors. We nurture Small Medium Enterprises (SME) growth with solutions for technology penetration and upgrading, making it an ideal technology partner for SMEs.

PARTNER

HashiCorp provides infrastructure automation software for multi-cloud environments, enabling enterprises to unlock a common cloud operating model to provision, secure, connect, and run any application on any infrastructure. HashiCorp tools allow organizations to deliver applications faster by helping enterprises transition from manual processes and ITIL practices to self-service automation and DevOps practices. 

PARTNER

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 3,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.