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As smart meters are rolled out in more and more households
and businesses in different countries, there has been an explosion in the
volume of data that’s being generated in the utilities sector and businesses
and consumers alike can benefit from this. OpenGov had a conversation with Mr. Niall
Gallacher, Director, Industry Solutions – Communications, Energy and Utilities at Qlik, a leader in the data analytics
market, to learn how utilities can derive the maximum potential benefits from
this deluge of data.
Traditionally, it has always been a challenge to deal with exponentially
rising volumes of data. But with the exponential rise in computing power, the
ability of technology now to cope with the volume has improved. At the same
time, millennials coming into the workforce are adept at using apps to find
data and information instantaneously, and they don’t expect any less from the
companies they join.
These two factors, from the technology and the people perspective
is what is affecting the way utilities companies can transform their
businesses.
Mr. Gallacher
explained, “Instead of purely having data pointing backwards at what might have
happened in the past, they are using data to start helping predict the future,
to drive digital transformation and identify what might happen in the future.
We see organisations moving from a focus on historical performance to key
performance predictors about what might happen in the future. This is about the
ability to discover and simulate, rather than purely slicing and dicing numbers.”
Looking forward to
smart meters
It all starts with data collection, and smart meters are a win-win
for both businesses and consumers. Let’s start with energy retailers. As they
sign up for contracts to buy energy, they have to estimate energy consumption
for their customer base to ensure that they buy a sufficient amount to support
their needs. Before smart meters, it was challenging to predict exactly how
much energy consumers were going to use. If the energy retailer didn’t procure
sufficient energy they might end up with brownouts (drop in voltage in an
electrical power supply system) or even a major blackout (power outage).
So, retailers ended up buying more energy than they need.
Going upstream, this also meant that most electricity generators are often
generating more electricity than what would be used. It was costly, wasteful
and damaging from an environmental perspective.
With smart metering data coming in every 5-15 minutes,
retailers can now be significantly more accurate in their ability to forecast usage.
They no longer have to over-invest and buy additional energy. Similarly, generators
don’t have to over-generate to the same extent.
On a macro-level, if the generators could cut the amount of
over generated energy by even a few percentage points over a year, this can
lead to vast savings and the analytics involved generates immediate business
value. As organisations get better and more adept at predicting the amount of
energy they need to generate for the retailers, the fossil fuel footprint of
the power stations can also be diminished.
How analytics is
powering the utilities industry, today
Niall shared the example of how in the UK, the government
aims to have smart meters installed in a majority of households by 2020. To
encourage this, companies like British Gas
(Centrica Plc) are taking the lead. British Gas is UK's leading energy
supplier, serving around 11 million homes. They now offer a HomeEnergy FreeTime
tariff which provides consumers with free electricity every
Saturday or Sunday if they install a smart meter and keep their
consumption within certain thresholds for specific periods.
From a business perspective, British Gas benefits from the
ability to view usage trends more regularly. Customers too benefit from the transparency.
British Gas’ line of Hive smart
home products enables consumers to better control their energy usage.
Through their smartphone, consumers can not only access their electricity usage
and bills, but they can also remotely switch on or switch off high energy
consuming devices such as air-conditioning units or heating systems.
Hive products also allow remote control over
light bulbs and sockets. Through Hive, consumers can get a close to real-time
picture of their consumption from the smart meters and change their consumption
habits.
Niall provided a
behind-the-scenes account of how British Gas is now reaping these benefits. British
Gas Smart Metering (BGSM) was set up in 2010 to roll out smart meters with the
goal to install 16 million smart meters by 2020. To do this, it invested in
business intelligence and data management technologies, including from Qlik.
Initially, BGSM’s
data analysis and management information functions were spread across a variety
of inherited systems generating “multiple versions of the truth”. British Gas
managers were finding that service levels were not matching up to standards and
promises were not being met. To counter this, BGSM decided to go for data
consolidation. After three months' proof of concept, it chose Qlik for
self-service analysis on top of a Hadoop “data lake”. At the time, the data
lake contained more than nine billion records and took in data from sources
including over 150 SAP tables.
On average, the Qlik
dashboards processed files with more than four billion records and fetched
about 45 million records each day. The management team could not only access
business information, but could also drill into it. This single version of the
truth made collaboration easier and it also made it easier to spot “what the
company isn’t doing well and what it can change”.
Benefitting from
Qlik’s associative technology
Qlik’s data analytics platform also has the ability to help
organisations that have the problem of persistent data silos – this may occur
when each department or office has its own business systems and each business
system generates its own report. Mr. Gallacher said, “Instead of joining all
that data together, we can streamline the modelling, and start associating. Our
Associative
Engine allows for that simplification.”
The Qlik Associative Engine combines large numbers of data
sources and indexes them to find the possible associations, without leaving any
data behind. It offers powerful on-the-fly calculation and aggregation that
instantly updates the analysis and highlights associations in the data,
exposing both related and unrelated values after each click. This means users
are free to search, explore, and pivot based on what they see, without
limitations and without having to go back to data analytics teams and wait.
Power in the hands of
the users
Mr. Gallacher shared the example of Horizon Power, a
State Government-owned power company responsible for generating, distributing
and retailing electricity in Western Australia. It provides power to about
100,000 residents and 10,000 businesses across regional and remote Western
Australia.
Horizon Power buys power from independent power providers
and provides it to customers. With such a huge customer base, the company
generates a significant amount of data both internally and externally.
The company originally used a dedicated analytics team with
reports being sourced from the IT department. It often took weeks to generate a
report, which would then require additional edits from the business team.
Horizon Power’s first phase of Qlik implementation was designed to visualise
corporate KPIs and targets and contractor reports to ensure accountability from
external parties.
As a direct result of the deployment, they saw a 45 percent
cost reduction in report production and 60 percent reduction in delivery time.
Data is aggregated into a single, accessible platform to ensure users can see
the whole story in their data and make better strategic decisions. Horizon Power
can now create much of their reporting in near real-time since data
digitisation that used to take weeks to complete now takes only hours. Users can
leverage multiple data streams, many of which are derived from Horizon’s ERP
system. They are able to correct data inaccuracies or address issues in
real-time, often without the need for IT intervention.
Mr. Gallacher said
that at its heart, that’s what Qlik is all about, enabling people to
make better business decisions to start driving profitability and improved
competitiveness.
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The Data Innovation and Governance Institute (DIGI), under the Digital Government Development Agency (Public Organisation) or DGA, has organised the International Open Data Day 2024, a significant event aimed at promoting the use of data systems and highlighting the importance of open data in advancing towards sustainable open government. This forum emphasised the critical role that open data plays in driving technological advancements and digital transformations towards sustainable governance.
Open data serves as a powerful catalyst for positive technological change, offering insights into inequalities and disparities in income, wealth, and access to government services. It also helps measure the impact of development initiatives, establish benchmarks, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. By promoting data systems, the event aimed to underscore the transformative power of open data in advancing sustainable development through digital means.
Puchpong Nodthaisong, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (NDESC), previously highlighted the importance of the open data platform in improving the utilisation of government data accounts. The platform ensures that critical national development issues are adequately analysed and decided upon.
Based on the OpenGov report, Puchpong Nodthaisong emphasised, “data is a valuable asset in the country’s growth process, facilitating data analysis and decision-making in various disciplines, including scenario analysis for project planning, monitoring, and evaluation under the country’s economic and social thrust.”
At the forum, Dr Puangpetch Chunlaid, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, played a central role, presiding over the ceremony and delivering a keynote address that underscored the importance of information disclosure in the transition to a digital government. Dr Chunlaid emphasised the pivotal role of data in modern governance, stating that it is crucial for making informed policy decisions, enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation. He highlighted how data-driven approaches can lead to the development of more effective economic and social policies, ultimately fostering strong and sustainable growth.
Mrs Irada Lueangwilai, Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Digital Government Development Agency reiterated the DGA’s commitment to driving digital government development in Thailand. The agency aims to enhance government efficiency through digital technology, develop online services for the public and various sectors, and facilitate information exchange between government agencies, all essential aspects of a digital government.
International Open Data Day has highlighted the importance of information disclosure. In Thailand, the event, hosted by the DGA under the theme “Data-Driven for Sustainability,” emphasised data’s role in sustainable development. The event included activities organised by the DGA, demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to leveraging data for sustainable development and open government.
DGA has been committed to spurring the development of open data in Thailand. It has been proven since 2015, when the DGA’s establishment of the open government data centre, data.go.th, marked a significant achievement in promoting open government policy and strengthening public participation. With over 11,000 datasets released by government agencies, government data has been transformed into a valuable public resource, driving innovations that benefit the nation.
DGA continues to provide information on using open data in the public sector through DIGI’s social media page, Data Innovation and Governance Institute, showcasing the government’s dedication to harnessing data’s power for sustainable development and open government through digital technologies.
The overarching goal of this gathering was to cultivate a culture of data-driven decision-making, equipping individuals with the capabilities to extract profound insights from data. These insights are pivotal in informing decision-making processes and conducting in-depth analyses across various domains.
Moreover, these forums catalyse robust collaborations within a data community, extending beyond national boundaries. They facilitate the exchange of information at an international level, thereby contributing to the harmonisation and integration of diverse datasets. This effort results in tangible use cases that benefit the public and contribute to the further expansion of the economy.
In the future, DGA will consistently collaborate with other stakeholders, including academia, civil society, and the private sector, to expand the reach and impact of open data initiatives. By building partnerships and sharing best practices, DGA seeks to create a more vibrant and sustainable open data ecosystem in Thailand.
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The Ministry of Public Security is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative with the introduction of a draft proposal for Vietnam’s Data Law. This pivotal legislation addresses the pressing need for a centralised national data centre, marking a significant stride towards cohesive data management infrastructure.
Currently, several ministries grapple with inadequate infrastructure to support vital information technology systems. This deficiency results in disjointed databases plagued by issues of standardisation and uniformity. Moreover, existing data centres suffer from insufficient investment, non-compliance with standards, and lax security measures.
To tackle these challenges head-on, the proposed regulations aim to establish a national data centre. This centre will function as a centralised repository, fostering seamless connectivity among disparate databases and information systems.
The Ministry of Public Security is actively working towards the completion and operation of the inaugural national data centre in Hoa Lac (Hanoi) by the end of 2025. This aligns with the timelines set forth in Resolution No. 175/NQ-CP and the effective date of the Data Law on January 1, 2026.
The impact policy assessment report by the Ministry of Public Security underscores the benefits of the national data centre. It anticipates reduced investment costs for the state in digital transformation infrastructure and resources.
This initiative promises streamlined management and expertise for nationwide data activities, spanning collection, storage, management, exploitation, use, and sharing. Additionally, it ensures cost savings in administering information systems outside the state database of political and socio-political organisations.
Organisations, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to register and utilise services from the government-provided national data centre infrastructure and cloud computing services. This not only optimises investment resources but also mitigates concerns surrounding data leakage.
The Ministry of Public Security forecasts significant cost savings for ministries, departments, and localities in data collection and cleaning related to the population. Leveraging information from the national population database is projected to yield substantial savings.
Furthermore, entities currently leasing data infrastructure space at a considerable cost stand to benefit from transitioning to the national data centre. This shift ensures top-tier security and safety while enabling the state to reduce expenses associated with renting premises, operational costs, and business profits.
The Ministry of Public Security actively seeks input from agencies, organisations, and individuals for the draft Data Law. In recent years, Vietnam has demonstrated its commitment to establishing a robust legal framework for data management. Despite numerous laws regulating databases, the current framework is deemed incomplete, lacking unified standards and efficient deployment mechanisms.
The proposed Data Law aims to bridge this gap by addressing crucial areas such as data building, development, processing, and management. It also encompasses regulations on the national consolidated database, the national data centre, and associated products and services.
Ultimately, the Data Law seeks to bolster Vietnam’s digital government, digital economy, and digital society. By ensuring security, safety, and effective support for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this legislation heralds a new era of data management in Vietnam. The Ministry suggests aligning other relevant laws with the provisions of the Data Law to foster a cohesive legal landscape conducive to digital advancement.
As OpenGov Asia reported, Vietnam’s digitalisation journey is propelled by the recently approved National Data Strategy, envisioning ambitious technological advancements by 2030. Central to this strategy is transitioning all administrative procedures online, bolstering efficiency in government services.
To support this, Vietnam plans to interconnect national and regional data centres and high-performance computing hubs, enabling seamless data sharing nationwide. Intending to digitalise the entire national database, Vietnam aims to establish an e-government framework, promoting accessibility and transparency in governance.
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In a bid to harness the power of big data for social and economic progress, the Thai government, led by Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), has unveiled the Big Data Institute’s (BDI) new role in shaping the future through data. The initiative, titled “Power the Future with Data – The Next Chapter of BDI,” aims to harness the power of big data and AI to drive economic and societal growth in the digital era.
Thailand has long recognised the importance of data in its growth trajectory. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa), operating under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), has actively promoted the use of big data for national progress, including during the tenure of the GBDi. The previous institute successfully streamlined over 100 projects undertaken by 67 state agencies and was crucial in developing platforms to support these initiatives.
At the meeting, key figures attended, including Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Mr Suthikiat Veerakijpanich, Advisor to the Minister, Mr Wanlop Rujirakorn, Secretary to the Minister, and Associate Professor Dr Theeranee Ajalakul, Director of the Big Data Institute, highlighting the institute’s collaborative efforts with government agencies.
In his address, Mr Prasert highlighted the pivotal role of the Big Data Institute in leveraging big data to propel the country forward. He emphasised the institute’s role in bridging the gap between government agencies, enabling them to utilise various information sources for maximum benefit. This approach, he noted, is crucial for accelerating national development and enhancing the quality of life for citizens in a sustainable manner.
“Big data is critical because it provides valuable insights, patterns, and trends from vast amounts of structured and unstructured data. By leveraging big data, organisations and societies can enhance decision-making, optimise operations, and drive innovation across various sectors,” Mr Prasert explained.
Further, Mr Prasert underscored the importance of the Thai Large Language Model (ThaiLLM) project, led by the Big Data Institute, as a key component of Thailand’s artificial intelligence infrastructure. The project aligns with the Ministry of DE’s focus on leveraging data technology and AI to enhance Thailand’s digital and innovation competitiveness on a global scale.
According to a previous OpenGov Asia report, developing the Thai Large Language Model (Thai LLM) is a significant step towards enhancing Thailand’s natural language processing capabilities. Large language models, like the Thai LLM, can process and generate human language, enabling a wide range of applications such as machine translation, text summarisation, and chatbots in the Thai language.
Following the discussion on the ThaiLLM project, Professor Phiphisit Wisit Wisitsaratha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, delivered a lecture on the policy direction of using data technology and AI to drive Thailand forward. He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to promoting public benefit and readiness to adapt to modern challenges, particularly in big data technology.
Associate Professor Dr Theeranee Ajalakul, Director of the Big Data Institute, highlighted BDI’s role in promoting the use of analytical data for decision-making and service delivery. The institute serves as a hub for connecting and analysing data across various sectors, fostering an ecosystem that supports data entrepreneurs and meets the demands of the Thai industrial sector.
An important aspect of BDI’s work is its focus on developing a skilled workforce in big data. The institute has trained over 100 new-generation information professionals, equipping them with the skills to drive Thailand’s competitive advantage and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
In this context, the efforts of the Big Data Institute underscore Thailand’s commitment to becoming a Data-Driven Nation. It is believed that by leveraging data and AI technologies, Thailand aims to achieve concrete national reforms to propel the country towards stable, sustainable, and transparent economic development.
“Thailand is laying the foundation for a more competitive digital economy. This could lead to significant improvements in efficiency, innovation, and overall quality of life for its citizens in the future,” Mr Prasert concluded.
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In response to the rapidly evolving landscape of data collection and analysis driven by advances in artificial intelligence, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have joined forces to establish a Research Coordination Network (RCN) dedicated to advancing privacy research and the development, deployment, and scaling of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs).
This initiative, which fulfils a mandate from the “Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence,” aims to advance the recommendations in the National Strategy to Advance Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing and Analytics. The goal is to move towards a data ecosystem where the beneficial power of data can be unlocked while protecting privacy.
“This crucial investment represents our commitment to advancing the foundations of responsible AI and privacy-enhancing technologies,” said Dilma DaSilva, who serves as an assistant director for NSF’s Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate. “This effort supports research and development that enables individuals and society to benefit equitably from the value derived from privacy-preserving data sharing and analytics.”
Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, director of DOE’s Office of Science, emphasised the increasing importance of privacy-enhancing technologies in today’s data-driven landscape. “Privacy-enhancing technologies allow us to safeguard sensitive datasets and information needed to advance a broad research, development, and demonstration portfolio,” she said. “This Research Coordination Network will help us move toward the shared goal of establishing new data safety and security standards that will allow us to continue to develop the innovations and scientific discoveries we need to achieve our clean energy and industrial goals.”
Through this initiative, RCN also brings together experts from academia, industry, and government to support the development, deployment, and scaling of PETs. These crucial technologies enable data analysis while safeguarding individual privacy and addressing concerns arising from the increasing sophistication of data analysis techniques.
One of the primary goals of the RCN is to address the barriers to the widespread adoption of PETs, including regulatory considerations. By convening multidisciplinary, cross-sector, and international expert groups, the RCN aims to understand the risks of data sharing and analytics for marginalised and vulnerable groups. Central to the RCN’s mission is examining various mechanisms for deploying PETs, including research, technological innovations, regulatory measures, and standards and certifications. The team will prioritise use cases for PETs that support privacy-preserving machine learning and those essential for federal agencies to ensure the equitable use of AI.
With support from NSF and DOE, the RCN will drive meaningful progress in developing and deploying PETs, laying the foundation for a more privacy-conscious approach to data sharing and analytics in an era defined by rapid technological advancement.
The RCN’s work is particularly timely as society grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by the proliferation of AI and data-driven technologies. The ability to harness the power of data for societal benefit while respecting privacy and individual rights is a key focus of the RCN. “By fostering collaboration and innovation in privacy-enhancing technologies, the RCN aims to shape a future where data can be shared and analysed responsibly, unlocking new insights and capabilities while protecting privacy and promoting equity,” Asmeret said.
Moreover, the RCN’s efforts will also contribute to discussions on broader data governance and privacy regulation. As governments and organisations worldwide seek to establish frameworks for responsible AI and data use, the insights and recommendations generated by the RCN will be invaluable in shaping policy and best practices.
Establishing the RCN marks a significant milestone in advancing privacy research and developing PETs in the United States. The RCN is well-positioned to drive substantial progress in this critical area by convening experts from various disciplines and sectors. In an era of rapid technological advancement, society faces challenges and opportunities in the digital age. The work of the RCN will play a crucial role in shaping a future where data can be utilised responsibly and ethically, ultimately benefiting all individuals and communities.
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This pioneering platform serves as a comprehensive resource hub for startups, offering seamless access to vital networks of Venture Capitalists (VCs), investors, government schemes, and various other facets of the startup landscape.
Developed by researchers at the Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing (CREST) of IIT Madras, this platform is poised to greatly benefit startup founders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring innovators across India. Through its integration of information from diverse sources, the platform acts as a centralised repository, enabling entrepreneurs to explore government agencies, incubators, investors, VCs, and banks that actively support startups.
Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar lauded the initiative, emphasising its pivotal role in shedding light on the expansive and diverse startup innovation ecosystem. He underscored the platform’s value as a resource for researchers seeking to delve into the dynamics of the ecosystem, potentially informing policymakers in crafting responsive initiatives. Highlighting the ongoing surge in innovation, the Minister emphasised the need for a holistic understanding to drive further growth, particularly in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, microelectronics, AI, and HPC.
A notable feature of this innovative platform is “StartupGPT,” an AI-driven conversational interface designed to streamline information access for users navigating extensive datasets. Through natural language queries, users can access real-time information effortlessly, enhancing their engagement with the platform. To ensure widespread accessibility, full access to the platform will be available at a nominal cost, maximising its utility for aspiring entrepreneurs.
With a wealth of data encompassing over 200,000 startups, 11,000 angel investors, 5,000 VCs, 1,000 incubators, and numerous government agencies and banks supporting startups, the platform serves as a comprehensive repository of information vital for the startup ecosystem. Leveraging a technical partnership with YNOS Venture Engine, an IIT Madras incubatee startup, the platform remains updated and accessible round the clock, catering to the needs of users.
Underlining the platform’s significance in catalysing innovation and fostering entrepreneurship, Prof. Thillai Rajan A, Head of CREST at IIT Madras, emphasised its role in democratising access to information and capital. By facilitating the convergence of innovators, mentors, founders, investors, and funding agencies, the platform contributes to India’s journey towards becoming an innovation-driven economy, empowering thousands of young entrepreneurs to realise their aspirations.
Prof. Thillai Rajan A also highlighted the platform’s genesis as a testament to India’s prowess in frugal innovation, enabled by the support of institutions like IIT Madras and the Government of India. Through collaborative efforts and leveraging research expertise, the platform exemplifies the potential of academic institutions to drive meaningful contributions towards national development goals.
The launch of the ‘Investor Information and Analytics Platform’ represents a landmark achievement in India’s quest to nurture a vibrant and resilient startup ecosystem. With its user-friendly interface, extensive database, and AI-driven capabilities, the platform promises to revolutionise the way startups access vital resources and networks, paving the way for accelerated growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the country.
OpenGov Asia reported that the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur is set to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for electronics manufacturing and skills development. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia, offering advanced learning opportunities and fostering research and development collaboration. With cutting-edge technology such as a fully automated Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Line, the CoE seeks to advance innovation and skill enhancement in electronics manufacturing. IIT-Kanpur Director, S. Ganesh, emphasized the centre’s pivotal role in fostering collaborations and driving socio-economic development through research and industry collaboration.
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The Department of Agriculture (DA) is in the process of updating its electronic database of farmers and fisherfolk, who constitute the primary stakeholders of the agency. The individual data of these stakeholders is crucial for the effective planning, execution, and monitoring of agricultural projects and targeted interventions, valued at billions of pesos.
Enhancing the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, the official electronic database is in line with the Department’s overarching strategy to digitise operations and reduce costs across the food value chain. The move will expand market access, enhance profitability in agriculture, and ensure a consistent and affordable food supply for consumers.
The Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations, Roger Navarro, announced that the Department will deploy approximately 16,000 personnel across the country to accelerate the collection, updating, and validation of stakeholders’ personal and farm data, which has experienced delays. “We were supposed to finish this update last year but we have so many islands to cover,” said Navarro.
Recent estimates indicate that there are about 10 million farmers and fisherfolk in the country, a significant portion of whom are considered among the poorest. Before the update started, the Department of Agriculture possessed an initial list comprising 1.4 million of these stakeholders. In addition to its internal staff, the Department is collaborating with local government units to aid in the collection and verification of data.
The registration and ongoing updating of records and profiles for farmers, farmworkers, fisherfolk, and agricultural youth are crucial steps in verifying the accuracy of these estimates. Furthermore, this process aids in identifying individuals who genuinely require assistance from the Department.
Navarro emphasised that farmworkers should not be included in the list of beneficiaries under the Department since they do not own the farms or crops. Given that farmworkers are typically employed seasonally on farms, Navarro suggested that they should instead be included in the lists managed by other government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to ensure they receive appropriate support and assistance.
Navarro stressed the importance of distinguishing between farmers and farmworkers, stating that the differentiation is crucial for optimising resource allocation. Labour statistics indicate that agriculture employs one in every four Filipinos, underscoring its significant role in the country’s workforce.
Two years ago, the Department initiated the upgrading of its management information system, aiming to improve project and intervention monitoring while enabling real-time recording of agricultural and fishery data. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., a staunch advocate for the digitalisation of operations, has issued two memoranda delineating the latest guidelines for the registry update.
The agriculture chief has given his full support to the digitalisation project, expressing confidence that it will enhance efficiency across the Department’s operations, as well as project implementation and monitoring. Additionally, he is exploring the establishment of an agricultural statistics office to bolster the department’s capacity to manage food demand and production, with the aim of maximising returns for farmers and reducing the need for importation.
Because of the country’s dependence on agriculture for both food security and livelihoods, the integration of digital technologies is revolutionising agricultural practices. Precision agriculture stands out as a key domain poised to gain from digitisation. Farmers are leveraging GPS technology, drones, and satellite imagery to improve agricultural processes such as planting, irrigation, and pest management. This not only boosts crop yields but also conserves resources and minimises environmental footprint.
Farmers can also get information about market prices and trends through digital platforms. This helps them make smart choices about how to sell their crops, which increases their profits.
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The use of 3D files in various fields has become increasingly popular in the US. Workers increasingly rely on 3D files to assess construction projects, understand natural disaster damage, and map crime scenes. However, the challenges of sharing, analysing, and viewing these files have become more apparent.
Many cloud service providers are not compatible with 3D files, requiring users to download them onto desktop 3D apps to preview. Several cloud service providers also offer support for 3D file formats, enabling users to store, manage, and collaborate on 3D files in the cloud. It makes collaboration easier if everyone is using the same computer.
Further, standardising 3D file compatibility across cloud services could improve workflow efficiency and reduce reliance on specific software or platforms. It would allow users to access and work with 3D files seamlessly from any device, encouraging innovation and the development of new tools and applications that leverage 3D content in cloud environments.
Stitch3D, founded by Clark Yuan, an MBA graduate from the class of 2022, is dedicated to tackling these challenges through its innovative cloud-based platform. This platform empowers users to effortlessly manage, analyse, and seamlessly share 3D files, regardless of their size or format.
At its core, Stitch3D offers a suite of robust tools designed for collaboration, enabling teams to work together seamlessly. Additionally, it provides advanced visualisation capabilities accessible from any browser or mobile device, ensuring flexibility and accessibility. Notably, the platform also features the unique capability of layering 3D scans onto real-world maps, enhancing its utility for various applications. Yuan describes Stitch3D as having three layers of technology:
- A secure file-sharing base layer
- A web browser-based 3D viewer with analysis capabilities
- A forthcoming mobile application revolutionises hones with light detection utilising (lidar) sensors
h3D works with land and aerial surveyors, architects, and construction firms. Yuan believes that as 3D sensors become cheaper and more ubiquitous, new 3D use cases will emerge, making 3D data mainstream within the next few years.
Stitch3D’s inception was sparked by a need highlighted during the investigation of a fire on the U.S. Navy’s USS Bonhomme Richard ship. Yuan, a former U.S. Army member, participated in an accelerator with the Navy in 2020, where he developed the idea for a cloud-based 3D sharing system. He later refined the concept during his time at MIT Sloan School of Management, where he received guidance from the Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) and financial support from MIT Sandbox.
The increasing affordability of 3D sensors, including the introduction of lidar sensors in smartphones like the iPhone 12, has contributed to the growth of 3D data generation. Yuan sees this trend as an opportunity for industries to leverage 3D data for various applications.
Stitch3D’s platform can instantly create 3D models from scans and provide high-end, valuable analytics for different industries. For example, surveyors can use the platform to obtain measurements and angles from their scans, connect 3D data to satellite imagery for context, and visualise feature classes like buildings, vegetation, and water.
Stitch3D has expanded its base beyond land surveyors to include law enforcement agencies, insurers, and construction firms, in addition to its work with the Air Force and the Department of Defence. Yuan envisions that as sharing 3D data becomes more accessible, Stitch3D’s technology will help accelerate the proliferation of 3D data across industries.
Looking ahead, Yuan believes that the possibilities for 3D data are vast. He envisions a future where 3D technology replaces traditional photography and videography, enabling faster and more detailed documentation of events like traffic accidents and crime scenes. This, in turn, would allow emergency responders to focus more on responding to emergencies rather than documenting evidence.