- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
On 7 June 2018, over 80 senior technology executives from various Victorian Government agencies gathered at the Victoria OpenGov Leadership Forum 2018 to exchange ideas on enabling digital transformation with the Victorian Government to leverage new digital technology to quality public services to citizens. The exclusive full-day Forum took place at Pullman Melbourne Albert Park.
Chairman’s Opening Remarks
Mr Mohit Sagar, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of OpenGov Asia, kickstarted the Forum by highlighting the importance of digital transformation in the public sector.
In his Chairman’s Opening Remarks, Mr Sagar remarked that digital transformation is more than just the technology – it is about understanding citizens’ needs and driving desirable outcomes. According to him, government officials need to understand citizens’ needs, how they use technology and, more importantly, what
their agencies are trying to achieve, in order to make the best use of technology to improve public services delivery.
Gamification
The Forum then moved on to its first gamification session. Throughout the full-day event, the Forum hosted a total of four gamification sessions which engaged the senior technology executives in a series of open discussions and interactive gamification exercises through OpenGov’s signature Open Dialogue Table format.
Each table featured a different topic and was hosted by a senior government official and an industry leader to facilitate meaningful conversations and give an all-round perspective of the topic. A wide range of topics were covered at the gamification sessions, including artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud utilisation, cybersecurity, data privacy, digital identity, smart cities etc.
In between the gamification sessions, OpenGov invited a few distinguished international speakers to present case studies on various governments’ experience in their digital transformation journeys.
New Zealand’s Integrated Data Infrastructure
The first to share an international case study was Mr Chris Buxton, Chief Digital Officer of Stats NZ, who spoke about New Zealand’s integrated data infrastructure. According to him, New Zealand’s Integrated Data Infrastructure is an enabler for research, which allows various government agencies to draw valuable insights into complex issues and better understand the needs of the citizens.
He shared how Stats NZ integrated microdata from two large integrated databases – Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) database and the Longitudinal Business Database (LBD) – for research about issues pertinent to New Zealand’s population. To ensure that the IDI and LBD data is kept safe, Mr Buxton explained that Stats NZ adopts the “Five Safes Framework” under which only authorised researchers working on approved statistical projects of public interest can access de-identified data at the Data Lab through which Stats NZ staff will ensure that no person nor business are identifiable in the data.
The Digitisation of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Mr Mark Bowry, the Radio and Regional Business Lead, ABC Technology at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), then discussed the digitisation of the ABC. He shared that the vision of the organisation is to be the independent source of Australian conversations, culture and stories.
In the organisation’s ongoing efforts to remain a trusted and relevant part of Australians lives, the ABC went from doing a one-way broadcast through AM radio to fully interacting with the audience on social media. To reach a larger audience, the ABC has went beyond using only one-way broadcast and expanded into other channels and medium including podcasts and iView.
Delivering on the Data Democratisation through Data Science as a Service
To give an industry perspective, Mr Mitch Robinson, Senior Data Scientist at Leidos Australia delved into the topic of data science as a service. According to him, we are on a journey to citizen data science in which the emergence of big data and analytics improve accuracy. Such technological advancement thus created a need for the modern enterprise to shift strategic direction from process based to data driven.
However, for most businesses, this transformation is still in its infancy. Typical analytical challenges that businesses face include capability establishment, data engineering, data discovery and insights productisation.
In his sharing on how Leidos expedites customers’ digital transformation journeys, Mr Robinson highlighted the importance of using the right tools that allow rapid and secure data access for the organisation to develop trusted and actionable insights.
The Netherland’s Experience in Digital Identity
Mr Frans Rijkers is the Strategic Advisor Innovation and Identity, National Office for Identity Data at the Ministry for the Interior and Kingdom Relations, the Netherlands. His sharing focused on the Dutch journey in creating a self-sovereign digital identity.
To start, Mr Rijkers shared that the vision of the Dutch Government is to leverage technology to provide citizen-centric public services and create a network society. He then spoke about the Dutch Blockchain Coalition and how the blockchain platform allows the government to implement citizen identification whilst protecting and preserving the privacy.
In his sharing, Mr Rijkers emphasised the role of international collaboration in creating self-sovereign digital identity and the importance of empowering citizens to control their digital identities to build trust with distributed ledgers.
Leveraging Technology to Unleash the Power of Human Collaboration
Mr Tony Simonsen, Vice President – ANZ, Japan and Korea, Polycom gave insights on how the government can unleash the power of teams. Technology changes the way we live, work, and play. With technological advancements, business communication today is also vastly different from what it was in the past.
To unleash the power of human collaborations, Mr Simonsen highlighted the importance of empowering seamless collaboration across different platforms, ensuring interoperability of technology solutions and emphasising on the ease of use of these technologies.
Hong Kong: AI and the Future of Education
Dr Andy Chun, Associate Professor and former Chief Information Officer of City University of Hong Kong, spoke on the topic of AI and its implication on the future of education. His sharing covered the sustainable development goals of the United Nations (UN) with regards to education and how emerging technologies including AI can help to achieve such goals. His insightful session highlighted the importance of inclusive and quality education for all and lifelong learning, and how technology can serve as an enabler to the provision of affordable education.
Malaysia’s Approach to Cybersecurity
Dato’ Dr Haji Amirudin bin Abdul Wahab, Chief Executive Officer of CyberSecurity Malaysia, shared Malaysia’s holistic approach to cybersecurity. Such an approach contributed to Malaysia high global ranking on the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) by the International Telecommunication Union(ITU) which is a multi-stakeholder initiative to measure the commitment of countries to cybersecurity based on 5 pillars of governance, legal capacity, technical capacity, capacity building and international cooperation.
According to Dato’ Dr Abdul Wahab, having a holistic approach means capabilities in both identifying potential cybersecurity threats and its impact on national security and public well-being as well as developing cyber resilience to resist, respond, and recover from cybersecurity threats. In the case of Malaysia, the holistic approach has helped the country to see cybersecurity as more than just a technical issue. Instead, it addresses cybersecurity through implementing relevant policies, training a quality cybersecurity workforce, and developing cybersecurity processes and procedures to cope with cybersecurity challenges.
Other than international case studies, the Forum also featured panel discussions to deep dive into two major topics of interest include AI, big data analytics and cybersecurity.
Moderated by Mr Mohit Sagar, the two panel discussions explored how government agencies can harness the power of big data analytics and AI for better governance and improve citizens’ lives, as well as how public sector agencies can enhance their cybersecurity defence in the digital age.
Polling results
The Victoria OpenGov Leadership Forum also aimed to better understand the needs of the public sector agencies in their digital transformation journey through interactive polling sessions.
According to the polling results, 52% of the delegates came from agencies with total head count of over 1,000. 40% of them said their organisation have an IT head count of over 50 people. Around 30% of the attendees said their organisation has an annual budget of over $501 million and another 20% claimed to have an annual budget between $121 million to $240 million. 47% of the attendees indicated that their organisation’s annual IT budget ranges from $1 to $15 million.
In terms of the IT budget allocation, 24% said that less than 10% of the annual IT the budget is allocated to outsourced services. The top 3 outsourced area of IT services are in IT infrastructure management (41%), enterprise IT system (28%) and data centre (8%).
In terms of their IT and Information Management Strategy, 35% said their organisations are behind schedule for the implementation of the strategy while 28% are updating the existing strategy. A quarter said the implementation is as scheduled and only 6% claimed that the implementation is ahead of schedule. 6% of the delegates said their organisations do not have an IT and Information Management Strategy.
While 42% of the attendees said their organisation are in the process of updating their Information Security Infrastructure, 11% are undergoing policy review and problem definition process, while 9% are planning to update the infrastructure.
Regarding the organisation’s priorities, 43% named citizen-centric services their top priority, followed by cloud adoption and data management (34%), predictive analytics and AI (9%), cybersecurity (8%) and data sharing and privacy (6%)
At the same time, delegates also shared the top 5 major challenges their organisations face in implementing IT projects, which are: the lack of clearly defined goals and requirements (26%), lack of foundational IT infrastructure (20%), the lack of funding (18%), lack of in-house skills (14%), and lack of ownership by the business (14%). Only 1% of them are struggling to find the right technology partners.
Results also showed that the online transaction portal (40%), non-interactive websites (23%), and mobile application (14%) are the major digital public services that these public sector agencies offer. On the use of emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain, a majority (51%) of the attendees said they are currently not using or evaluating any form of AI and nearly half of them also said they need more information on blockchain to determine if there is a relevant application of the technology for the organisation. 32% of them also shared that data accessibility and sharing is the biggest pain point in big data value chain while 23% named data quality as the major challenge.
In terms of their biggest challenge in 2018, 38% are facing difficulties in creating the culture and openness to innovation, 27% of them are struggling with legacy infrastructure, and another 17% found cross-agency collaboration a challenge.
In terms of cybersecurity risks, employee negligence or malfeasance (32%), outdated systems and software (30%), and oversight of basic security practices (24%) were also named the biggest cybersecurity risks, highlighting the need to raise cybersecurity awareness among employees.
36% of the organisations are using or planning to use hybrid clouds while 25% preferred private clouds. In adopting cloud solutions, the lack of skills to manage cloud security (26%) is the main challenge, followed by the budget and procurement (24%) and security concerns (21%).
To their top strategy to achieve policy objectives, 52% of the attendees named a change in organisational culture to create a conducive environment to promote innovation, followed by upskilling internal resource (15%).
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, recently organised a Workshop on “Cultivating Tomorrow: Advancing Digital Agriculture through IoT and AI.”
Held at the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, this event aimed to explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies in agriculture.
Participation was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates, ITU Academia, and individuals from countries that are members of the ITU, as well as members of international, regional, and national organisations in hybrid mode. The event drew around 200 delegates, including international participants, who shared their experiences in the emerging field of Agriculture 4.0.
In light of the challenges posed by a growing world population and climate change to traditional farming practices, the workshop underscored the importance of leveraging technology for sustainable food production. It delved into the application of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and other cutting-edge technologies across the agricultural value chain, from production to consumption, including post-harvest management and marketing.
The discussions focused on how these technologies can empower farmers with real-time data, predictive analytics, and actionable insights to optimise their operations and enhance productivity.
A highlight of the workshop was the release of the Technical Report on “Revolutionising Agriculture: The Digital Transformation of Farming.” This report serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders in the agricultural sector, providing guidance on harnessing the power of technology to drive sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in food production. Overall, the event emphasised the critical role of digital innovations in shaping the future of agriculture and fostering global food security.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in India is pioneering the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance farmers’ productivity and well-being. Championing the India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (InDEA) 2.0’s network approach, the Ministry has achieved significant milestones.
According to Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India has leveraged AI to tackle various challenges in the agricultural sector, aiming to support farmers.
Key initiatives include the implementation of ‘Kisan e-Mitra,’ an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist farmers with inquiries regarding the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which supports multiple languages and is expanding to cover other government programmes.
The National Pest Surveillance System employs AI and Machine Learning to detect crop issues caused by climate change, enabling timely interventions for healthier crops. Furthermore, AI-based analytics are utilised for crop health assessment using field photographs, along with crop health monitoring through the integration of Satellite, weather, and soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crops.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed, paving the way for collaborative efforts between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI, and a foundation to establish India as a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture transformation. This partnership signifies a crucial step forward in leveraging AI to revolutionise digital agriculture, ensuring a prosperous and food-secure future for India.
Following the workshop, the 9th meeting of the ITU/FAO Focus Group on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) for Digital Agriculture” (FG-AI4A) will take place on March 19, 2024, at the same venue.
The Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things for Digital Agriculture (FG-AI4A) has extensively explored the potential of emerging technologies such as AI and IoT. These technologies offer promising avenues for data management, model enhancement, and effective communication, thereby optimising agricultural production processes.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated all aspects of human life, including its crucial role in defence and security, which has become a focal point, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The integration of AI in defence has sparked extensive debates on its implications for national security, military strategies, and ethical considerations, indicating the depth of its impact and the need for careful evaluation.
One of the primary concerns revolves around how AI could revolutionise military, security, and defence operations. This revolution introduces concepts like autonomous weapons systems, unmanned vehicles, and cyber warfare capabilities, marking a significant shift in how AI is adopted in these fields.
Moreover, there is a growing interest in understanding how AI will shape defence strategies and operations by 2035, potentially altering the balance of power in the region and leading to new alliances and strategic rivalries.
While AI advancements promise strategic advantages, they also raise ethical dilemmas, especially regarding the use of AI in making life-or-death decisions, highlighting the need for robust ethical frameworks and guidelines. The evolving nature of AI and its rapid advancements necessitate continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure its responsible and ethical use in defence and security contexts.
Anto Satriyo Nugroho, former Head of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security (PRKAKS) at the Indonesian Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN), emphasised the pivotal role of various AI technologies in advancing research in defence and security. He highlighted technologies like Computer Vision, Machine Learning (ML), Cyber Security, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and others, underlining their importance in enhancing defence and security systems’ capabilities.
Further, Achmad Farid Wadjdi, an Associate Expert Engineer at PRKAKS-BRIN, discussed the importance of understanding the concept of national defence, particularly in the context of the Internet of Battlefield Things (IoT) and its applications in modern combat operations and smart warfare. He emphasised the need to ensure security in military operations when deploying IoT technologies, indicating the complexity and critical nature of AI integration in defence systems.
Conversely, Eddy Maruli Tua Sianturi explained the conceptualisation of measuring the State Defence Index (IBN) to understand better citizens’ sense of pride, patriotism, nationalism, and willingness to defend the country. The IBN measurement provides a nuanced approach to grasping current socio-political dynamics. Still, it also requires addressing challenges such as data bias, privacy concerns, and security issues, highlighting the multidimensional nature of AI’s impact on defence and security.
PRKAKS-BRIN Associate Engineer Jemie Muliadi introduced the Intelligent Control System method for law enforcement and state sovereignty applications in a related context. This method effectively manages complex systems that are challenging to simplify, those with cross-coupling that are difficult to separate, and systems with significant parameter changes over time. Jemie emphasised that this method ensures precise control in fast-moving and uncertain situations, particularly in law enforcement and state sovereignty contexts, showcasing the versatility and potential of AI in enhancing national defence and security operations.
Integrating AI in defence and security represents a significant advancement with far-reaching implications. While AI offers numerous benefits in enhancing defence capabilities, it also poses ethical, legal, and security challenges that must be addressed through collaborative efforts between governments, researchers, and industry stakeholders.
By fostering responsible AI development and deployment practices, the Asia-Pacific region can harness AI’s transformative power while ensuring its citizens’ safety, security, and well-being. This approach involves developing robust AI governance frameworks, ensuring transparency and accountability in AI systems, and promoting international cooperation to address common AI-related challenges.
“In advancing the defence and security with AI, Indonesia’s security will benefit from the strategic integration of AI technologies. These advancements can enhance Indonesia’s military capabilities, improve situational awareness, and strengthen its ability to respond to security threats effectively,” Jemie concluded.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has spearheaded a groundbreaking achievement in clean energy by establishing a new efficiency benchmark for fully roll-to-roll printed solar cells. Collaborating with an international team, CSIRO scientists have successfully printed these solar cells onto thin plastic films, unlocking a lightweight and flexible solar technology that extends the application scope of solar cells.
This breakthrough promises to address the escalating demand for renewable energy by broadening the horizons of solar cell utilisation. Unlike conventional silicon solar panels known for their rigidity and weight, these printed solar cells offer high flexibility and portability, paving the way for innovative applications across various sectors including urban construction, mining, emergency management, space exploration, and personal electronics.
Dr Anthony Chesman, the Group Leader of CSIRO’s Renewable Energy Systems, highlighted the culmination of over a decade’s worth of research and development efforts leading to this milestone. He emphasised the transition of CSIRO’s thin and lightweight solar cells from lab prototypes to practical clean energy solutions, citing their record-breaking performance achieved across interconnected modules.
One of the key enablers of this achievement is roll-to-roll printing, a technique that allows solar cells to be manufactured on continuous rolls of plastic, significantly enhancing production efficiency. Dr Chesman emphasised the accessibility of this manufacturing method, particularly for Australian manufacturers, given its widespread adoption in the printing industry.
The collaboration involved researchers from leading institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Monash University, the University of Sydney, and the University of New South Wales, showcasing a collective effort towards advancing solar technology. Their findings have been published in the esteemed journal Nature Communications.
Dr Doojin Vak, a Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO, highlighted the integration of automation in producing and testing thousands of solar cells daily, a feat unattainable through manual methods. This automation facilitated the identification of optimal parameters for the roll-to-roll process, accelerating the optimisation journey.
These printed solar cells incorporate an advanced material known as perovskite, which distinguishes them from traditional silicon solar panels. Dr Vak underscored the versatility of perovskite, which can be formulated into inks and printed using industrial printers. Additionally, the substitution of expensive metals with specialised carbon inks has significantly reduced production costs.
Perovskite, a novel class of solar cell materials, presents a novel alternative to conventional silicon-based solar panels. Unlike traditional silicon cells, perovskite can be formulated into inks and printed using industrial printers, offering a cheaper and more energy-efficient manufacturing process. Its lightweight and flexible properties make it highly adaptable for various applications, ranging from portable device charging to integrated building materials.
The roll-to-roll printing technique employed in perovskite solar cell production enables continuous and large-scale manufacturing, akin to newspaper printing. Although roll-to-roll production of perovskite solar cells has been previously explored, limitations in efficiency and scalability have hindered widespread adoption. However, recent advancements have resulted in significant efficiency improvements, making commercially viable production of perovskite solar cells at scale increasingly feasible.
While perovskite solar cells may currently lag behind silicon panels in efficiency and longevity at scale, Dr Chesman emphasised the unique advantages of flexible panels. Their lightweight and flexibility enable easy transportation and deployment, even in challenging environments like space, where CSIRO recently conducted tests to evaluate their performance.
Looking ahead, CSIRO is actively seeking industry partnerships to further refine and commercialise this technology. The agency’s efforts have received funding from ARENA as part of its Research and Development Program – Solar PV Research.
CSIRO’s achievement in printed solar technology represents a significant step towards realising the potential of clean energy. By pushing the boundaries of solar technology, CSIRO is driving the transition towards a sustainable energy future, both in Australia and worldwide.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Dr Sylwia Kolenderska, a Senior Research Investigator in Physics at the University of Canterbury, spearheads a pioneering project to transform the ophthalmology landscape. Her innovative work harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise the accessibility and affordability of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a pivotal imaging technique in assessing eye health. This endeavour holds immense promise for advancing ophthalmic care and underscores AI’s profound impact in pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.
OCT is often described as a light-based counterpart to ultrasound imaging and generates three-dimensional internal images of the eyes. These images are invaluable for ophthalmologists in diagnosing and monitoring various eye conditions. However, the high cost of traditional OCT equipment has limited its accessibility, particularly for researchers and clinicians in resource-constrained environments.
Dr Kolenderska’s research addresses this issue by leveraging AI to improve the data processing capabilities of OCT machines. She identified a key bottleneck in current expensive machines: the time-consuming process of calculating high-resolution images from raw signals. She aims to enhance the image quality of cheaper, lower-resolution OCT machines to match or surpass that of expensive models by developing a neural network algorithm akin to a sophisticated software update.
“The potential impact of this technology is enormous,” said Dr Kolenderska. “Not only will it make high-quality OCT imaging more affordable and accessible, but it could also lead to significant improvements in early detection and treatment of eye conditions.”
The application of AI in OCT data processing offers several advantages. AI algorithms identify complex patterns in data, enabling them to produce sharper and more detailed images than traditional algorithms. Dr Kolenderska estimates that the images generated by AI-enhanced OCT machines could be up to six times better than current images.
Moreover, the scalability of AI technology opens up possibilities for future hardware integration. Dr Kolenderska envisions a future where AI modules could be seamlessly attached to existing OCT machines, much like a USB stick, further democratising access to high-quality imaging capabilities.
In Asia Pacific, eye healthcare technology is making significant strides globally. According to a report by OpenGov Asia, in 2022, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) announced a partnership with the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) to develop at least two projects aimed at treating patients of different ages suffering from lazy eye and other eye conditions. CEVR, established under the Innovation and Technology Commission’s platform for research and innovation, InnoHK, is at the forefront of innovative research in eye health care.
Amblyopia, a common visual impairment that reduces vision and 3D perception, requires retraining the brain to use information from both eyes. This is particularly challenging in adults due to reduced neuroplasticity and the brain’s full maturation with age.
In 2023, Hong Kong continued its innovative efforts in eye health care. A partnership between CEVR and DEFTA Partners was announced to advance technology transfer and commercialise eye and vision health research. Celebrated at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), this partnership will leverage DEFTA’s business network and CEVR’s research achievements to translate research outcomes into globally impactful products. The collaboration is expected to drive innovation in the eye and vision health field, addressing critical issues in the industry.
Dr Sylwia Kolenderska’s work in eye health care represents a significant advancement in the intersection of AI and medical imaging.
In the future, Dr Sylwia Kolenderska’s work is poised to have an even greater impact on the field of ophthalmology in New Zealand and beyond. As AI continues to evolve in this rapid technology landscape, its integration with medical imaging technologies like OCT holds immense promise for improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient outcomes.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) successfully conducted a trial application of the first-generation prototype of the ITS Al-Air Battery on a motorbike at the ITS Research Centre Building. This achievement, supported by Pertamina and the ITS Kedaireka Matching Fund, marks a pivotal step towards accelerating the use of Battery-Based Electric Vehicles (KLBB) in Indonesia.
Prof Dr Ir Heru Setyawan MEng, the head of the research team, described the metal-air battery in his research as a metal fuel engine that utilises aluminium.
This technology promises to expedite Indonesia’s energy and technological independence. One of the key advantages of these metal-air batteries is their ability to prevent dendrites or lithium metal crystallisation, a common issue in batteries that can lead to critical problems. The collaboration between Prof Heru and undergraduate (S1), master (S2), and doctoral (S3) students from the ITS Chemical Engineering Department underscores the interdisciplinary nature of this research effort.
The research team’s innovative approach involved the electrodeposition of a Zn and Mn metal alloy to address dendrite formation. The specially designed air battery features a slim and three-dimensional surface, enabling the uniform extraction of aluminium ions and resulting in a longer battery life, lasting up to 140 hours. Additionally, the battery is environmentally friendly, using an aqueous electrolyte with the addition of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) salt, a common household item that poses no harm to humans. Furthermore, concerns such as leakage and thermal runaway are mitigated, making the battery a safe and sustainable choice.
Despite the substantial electrical current requirements for motorbikes, Indonesia’s abundant aluminium resources have motivated the ITS research team to adopt this battery for KLBB. Moreover, aluminium batteries are more cost-effective than lithium-ion batteries, making them a viable option for widespread adoption.
The development of the ITS Al-Air Battery has been ongoing since 2013. However, the battery still requires further development to become a viable option for KLBB. Currently, the battery is primary, meaning it can only be disposed of after use. Plans include developing a secondary battery, making it rechargeable, and reducing its size for easier integration into vehicles.
Bambang Pramujati, ST MScEng PhD, ITS Vice Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Alumni, expressed his appreciation for the support from Pertamina and Kedaireka, highlighting the importance of industry collaboration in advancing KLBB development. He emphasised the potential of the ITS Al-Air Battery to contribute to Indonesia’s energy independence and expressed hope for further advancements in this field.
In conclusion, the ITS Al-Air Battery represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, with the potential to revolutionise the use of Battery-Based Electric Vehicles in Indonesia. With ongoing research and industry collaboration, ITS aims to further refine this technology, paving the way for a more sustainable and energy-independent future.
This innovative breakthrough in battery technology underscores the importance of research and development in advancing Indonesia’s digital economy. As the country strives to achieve energy independence and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, initiatives like the ITS Al-Air Battery play a crucial role in driving technological innovation and sustainable development.
The successful trial of the ITS Al-Air Battery on a motorcycle demonstrates the feasibility and potential of this technology for powering electric vehicles. The ability to prevent dendrite formation and ensure a longer battery life addresses key challenges in battery technology, making it a promising solution for Indonesia’s transportation sector.
Furthermore, the environmentally friendly nature of the battery, using an aqueous electrolyte and common household salt, highlights its potential for widespread adoption without posing harm to humans or the environment. This aspect aligns with global efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
The collaboration between Prof Heru and students from the ITS Chemical Engineering Department also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in tackling complex challenges. By combining expertise from various fields, the research team was able to develop a novel solution that could have far-reaching impacts on Indonesia’s energy landscape.
Looking ahead, the development of a secondary battery that is rechargeable and smaller in size will further enhance the usability and practicality of the ITS Al-Air Battery for electric vehicles. This, coupled with the ongoing support from industry partners like Pertamina and Kedaireka, bodes well for the future commercialisation and implementation of this technology.
In conclusion, the trial application of the ITS Al-Air Battery represents a significant milestone in Indonesia’s quest for energy independence and technological advancement. With continued research and collaboration, innovations like this battery have the potential to reshape the country’s energy landscape and contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
The SolarWinds Transform Partner Program at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Nusa Dua Bali on 4-6 March 2024 emerged as a crucial forum for it’s business partners and the whole APJ team to explore the dynamic digital landscape, particularly amidst ongoing global disruptions. The event attracted senior executives from the SolarWinds global team to complement the APJ’s team.
The event provided an opportunity for OpenGov Asia to share invaluable insights on “Digital Terraforming: Reshaping APJ’s Landscape in the Digital Age”.
Mohit Sagar, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of OpenGov Asia delivered a keynote address that set the tone for the event. Recognising the transformative potential of technology, particularly in reshaping the economic terrain of APJ, he elaborated on crucial concepts such as digital terraforming socio-cultural transformation, environmental resilience in the digital age and navigating ethical and regulatory frontiers.
In recent years, the transformative power of technology has transcended geographical boundaries, democratising access to information, resources, and opportunities on a global scale. This digital revolution has become a stimulus for innovation and growth, empowering nations to leverage their talents and resources in unprecedented ways.
As a result, more nations are increasingly better positioned to thrive in the digital era, with technology playing a pivotal role in reshaping the global landscape and levelling the playing field for all.
Mohit acknowledged the disruptive impact of COVID-19, emphasising how it accelerated the adoption of digital technologies across industries. The pandemic served as a catalyst, compelling businesses to swiftly embrace digital solutions to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate unprecedented challenges, thereby restructuring traditional business models and practices.
“COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation across sectors and industries. Citizen services, healthcare, remote work tools, e-commerce platforms and video conferencing witnessed significant adoption and transformed life and work,” Mohit acknowledges. “Companies that embraced digital technologies were able to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic more effectively, showcasing the power and potential of the technology.”
The APJ region, like other parts of the world, boasts numerous positive factors, ranging from burgeoning internet penetration and widespread mobile adoption to the emergence of tech hubs and government initiatives driving AI and automation. Of course, alongside these prospects come pressing concerns such as data privacy and security, influenced by the shift to cloud computing, remote work and rapid urbanisation.
In the face of these challenges, the evolution of technology emerges as a pivotal factor, driving tech innovation, enhancing infrastructure, and facilitating skill upgrades that collectively shape the digital landscape.
Be that as it may, the world continues to grapple with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Escalating geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions emanating from ongoing conflicts mean there are unprecedented challenges compounded by political confusion and an ever-shifting global landscape.
In fact, Mohit is strongly convinced that 2024 and the following years are poised for the Asia-Pacific-Japan region to lead the charge in the upcoming economic resurgence. While other parts of the globe may be struggling, the region is not.
“America may sneeze and Europe have a cold, but the Asia-Pacific-Japan region remains robust. Despite the S&P500 hitting record highs, its ascent has been largely driven by the prowess of seven tech giants – Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple Tesla, and Nvidia. Now is the time for APJ to shine, and we must be prepared to seize the opportunity.”
However, there was a hint of concern in his tone. While high connectivity and growth hold immense promise, they may also carry a price tag, and it’s imperative for the world to remain vigilant and mindful of this reality.
“Beyond a doubt, the next cyber phase of the Russia-Ukraine war will echo in Asia[i],” he says, “The impact will be profound, but only 49% of organisations globally have a business continuity plan[ii].”
The growth in the region can be credited to most businesses being focused on customer needs. Personalisation, using a vast amount of digital tools at speed, has seen growth in the region. But who is monitoring all these tools? Have businesses bolted too many without having visibility across their entire network?
In this milieu, technologies such as AI, robotics, blockchain, and IoT devices are playing pivotal roles in reshaping industries, enhancing efficiency, and adapting to new challenges, illustrating the profound impact of technology on our response to global crises.
AI continues to revolutionise enterprises with applications like chatbots, disrupting traditional workplace dynamics and significantly enhancing customer service. Moreover, in healthcare, AI-powered disease prediction systems are transforming early diagnosis and treatment strategies, significantly impacting patient outcomes and public health.
Additionally, AI’s integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) is turning homes and cities into smart hubs, offering residents improved efficiency and convenience. This interconnectedness enables seamless communication and data sharing among devices, fostering a connected ecosystem for enhanced living experiences.
Similarly, in the finance industry, Mohit observes, the pivotal role of blockchain technology is revolutionising finance and supply chain management, “Blockchain’s decentralised and secure nature is streamlining transactions, reducing fraud, and improving transparency in these sectors.”
While acknowledging the transformative potential of AI and blockchain, Mohit also highlights the sustainability and regulatory challenges intertwined with these innovations. Expressing concerns about the environmental impact of AI and IoT devices, he emphasises the imperative for robust regulations to safeguard user data and ensure ethical AI development.
Mohit advocates for a comprehensive approach to technological advancement, emphasising sustainability and ethical considerations alongside accessibility and inclusivity. This mindset encompasses ethical expansion, equal access, and risk management in the development and implementation of new technologies. In this context, collaboration and awareness are crucial in ensuring the equitable distribution of the benefits of technological progress across society
“External factors like global conflicts, natural calamities and supply chain disruptions have a significant impact on businesses worldwide, leading to an increased demand for advanced observability solutions,” Mohit asserts. “Improved visibility enables companies to effectively mitigate risks and navigate these challenges.”
In this precarious landscape, the pivotal role of cutting-edge is evident, offering vast potential for innovation and efficiency, yet also presenting significant risks, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.
He pointed out eight crucial factors that will help leapfrog APJ. These are the rise of AI and Automation, Internet Penetration and Mobile Adoption, E-Commerce Boom, Rapid Urbanisation and Infrastructure Development, Shift to Cloud Computing, Data Privacy and Security Concerns, Changing Consumer Behaviour, Remote work and Digital Collaboration, and Government Initiatives. Each one of these pillars is accelerating change in the region.
He cautioned that this surge in growth will inevitably breed regional competition. As an illustration, he pointed to Taylor Swift’s exclusivity to Singapore, leaving neighbouring countries in dismay, showcasing how the nation effectively ring-fenced her presence within its borders.
The boom in internet connectivity also designates the region as the next target. While it’s true that everyone is getting connected, with billions of regional openings, it undoubtedly carries a price. The lingering question is: who is responsible for educating these billions that cybersecurity begins at home?
Mohit remarked that the region is undergoing a Terraforming phase, shaping APJ to exemplify the future in both physical and virtual dimensions, with a focus on sustainable development technological advancement, inclusivity and safety at its core.
Mohit urges policymakers and organisational leaders to harness the capabilities of Generative AI effectively in countering cyber threats, stressing the importance of ethical AI development. He suggests a balanced approach that not only enhances cybersecurity measures but also upholds ethical principles, ensuring the responsible use of AI technologies to safeguard digital ecosystems and protect user privacy.
Maximising the deployment of security tools offers a solution to the shortage of staff, enhancing the overall cybersecurity posture. These tools not only empower existing professionals but also promote a more proactive and effective security stance.
Concerns regarding AI in cybersecurity encompass potential privacy breaches, undetectable phishing attempts, and an overall surge in attack volume and velocity. To leverage AI technologies more efficiently, Mohit proposed consolidating AI tools to streamline integration and deployment for businesses.
He recommends implementing advanced observability solutions for all systems to optimise their performance, identify issues, and support continuous improvement. Observability platforms offer elevated visibility and flexibility, substantially strengthening the organisation’s working posture. By leveraging these platforms, businesses can promptly identify and address potential threats with enhanced accuracy and effectiveness, thus enhancing their overall cybersecurity resilience.
“We are fine but vulnerable,” is Mohit’s caveat. “The future of technology lies in the hands of those who prioritise ethical growth, equitable access, and risk mitigation in their endeavours.”
Despite the adverse effects of technology, including job displacement and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, organisations can respond by investing in upskilling their workforce, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and promoting ethical AI development to mitigate risks effectively. By prioritising these initiatives, all sectors can navigate the challenges posed by technological advancements while ensuring responsible and sustainable integration of technology into their operations.
Mohit also advocates strongly for partnerships, urging each partner to become a change agent, spreading awareness and explaining technology as it remains misunderstood by many. He urges them to actively disseminate knowledge and demystify technology, recognising that its complexities are often difficult to embrace and adopt by a significant portion of the population.
Mohit believes that platforms, like the SolarWinds Transform Partner Summit, underscore the imperative of responsible and ethical technology use, echoing his advocacy for harnessing technological advancements for societal betterment. It acknowledges the importance of collaboratively tackling sustainability and regulatory hurdles, stressing the necessity of proactive measures to address potential adverse effects.
The significance of fostering collaboration among governments, industries, and civil society cannot be overstated when it comes to establishing environments that both encourage innovation and mitigate potential risks associated with emerging technologies.
By working together, these stakeholders can develop comprehensive regulatory frameworks that strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding against potential harm. This collaborative approach not only builds trust in AI technologies but also lays the foundation for their long-term success by ensuring they are deployed ethically and responsibly.
“Innovation and regulation must work together hand-in-hand to guarantee that technologies are not only developed but also utilised responsibly,” Mohit is convinced. “This symbiotic relationship ensures that advancements in technology are guided by ethical principles and legal frameworks, fostering a safer and more equitable digital landscape for all stakeholders involved.”
As APJ embraces digital terraforming to reshape its economic terrain, collaboration, and strategic partnerships emerge as key drivers in charting a sustainable and secure future in the digital age. Through collective action and forward-thinking strategies, APJ stands poised to harness the power of technology for societal betterment and economic prosperity in the years to come.
The SolarWinds Transform Partner Summit APJ serves as a beacon of hope amidst global uncertainties, providing an opportunity for industry leaders to navigate the complex digital landscape with resilience and innovation.
[i] The Diplomat, Feb 2023
[ii] invenioIT, July 2023
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Indonesia’s digital economy is on a path of acceleration, with projections indicating a substantial economic contribution of up to US$366 billion by 2030. This growth is intricately intertwined with the widespread adoption and effective utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology across various industries. However, this rapid expansion also underscores the urgent need for more robust regulatory frameworks governing AI’s ethical and responsible use to mitigate potential societal harm.
This imperative was underscored in a Public Discussion titled “The Need to Develop Regulations for Artificial Intelligence Governance. The Faculty of Philosophy UGM organised them in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) and the policy research and advocacy.
Key speakers such as Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology Nezar Patria, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM, Dr Siti Murtiningsih, Director of Government Relations Microsoft Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam Ajar Edi, Executive Director of the Policy Research and Advocacy, Wahyudi Djafar, and Head of the Artificial Intelligence Master’s Programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences UGM, Afiahayati, PhD offered insights.
Deputy Minister, Nezar Patria, highlighted that the current contribution of the digital economy to the GDP still needs to be 10%. He emphasised the significant influence of AI technology adoption on the growth of the digital economy.
Consequently, Kominfo issued guidelines in December 2023 for the ethical use of AI, targeting AI developers and industrial sectors. Given AI’s impacts on society, economy, and culture, these guidelines aim to address ethical considerations.
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has advocated for using cutting-edge technology to enhance Indonesia’s global competitiveness. Nezar stressed the importance of aligning AI policies with international trends to ensure Indonesia’s optimal position in AI development and utilisation. This focus will directly impact the growth of domestic sectors.
Nezar acknowledged that the current AI guidelines lack legal enforceability as they need to be integrated into legislation. However, the government is actively monitoring AI’s growth in Indonesian industries. Nezar explained that they are moving towards soft regulation by observing the industry’s growth, aiming to maximise benefits while mitigating risks.
Some potential risks associated with AI use, as highlighted by Nezar, include the significant likelihood of AI misuse leading to social discrimination and the emergence of disinformation products that could disrupt social harmony.
In addition to providing ethical guidelines for AI usage in industries, Kominfo is also actively fostering digital talent development to support the digital economy’s growth over the next five to six years. “We require 9 million digital talents,” Nezar emphasised.
Dr Siti Murtiningsih emphasised that in an era of rapidly advancing information and communication technology, the emergence of AI poses ethical challenges. Consequently, AI’s development must align with moral and ethical values in society without compromising humanitarian principles.
She stressed the need for more robust legal frameworks to address societal and industrial interests related to AI usage. “We need to formulate laws that uphold the ethical principles of AI from a multidisciplinary perspective,” she asserted.
Ajar Edi noted that there are many misconceptions about AI in society. However, for executives and staff in companies, AI is primarily used to support tasks and work, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. “Although there is potential for bias, human decision-makers are still the most appropriate to ensure sound decision-making,” he concluded.
Indonesia’s digital economy holds immense promise for growth, contingent on responsible AI governance and digital talent development. Establishing clear ethical guidelines and legal frameworks for AI usage will be pivotal in maximising its benefits while mitigating potential risks. Successfully regulated AI usage will result in organised outputs, ensuring the necessary values, ethics, and controls are observed for national interests.