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This year, in conjunction with the Canberra OpenGov Leadership Forum, 7 government agencies were recognised for using technology to improve
citizen engagement and public service delivery.
Recipients of this year’s
Recognition of Excellence awards were:
(1) Australian Digital Health Agency
OpenGov recognised
the Australian Digital Health Agency (the Agency) for driving the nationwide
rollout of My Health Record across Australia to provide potentially lifesaving
access to clinical reports of medications, allergies, laboratory tests, and
chronic conditions.
The Australian
government allocated A$374.2 million in its 2017-18 Budget to be invested over
two years, for the nationwide rollout of an opt-out model of My Health Record
and to ensure every Australian is a part of it, unless they choose not to be.
Since then significant progress has been made towards achieving this vision.
In June 2017,
the Agency released a Request for Tender (RFT) to develop a Strategic
Interoperability Framework for Australia, with the objective of contributing to
the deployment of a seamless digital health eco-system. The Agency is working
with clinical information systems (CIS) vendors to develop nationally-scalable,
secure electronic messaging between healthcare providers.
The Agency has
also initiated a pilot project for the use of My Health Record in hospital
emergency departments, in partnership with the Australian Commission on Safety
and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC).
In August
2017, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council approved
Australia’s National Digital Health strategy (2018-2022). The delivery of a My
Health Record for every Australian underpin several of the priorities in the
Strategy.
In March 2018, the Agency released drafted a
Framework for Action to support the strategy’s implementation. The Framework
for Action sets out priority activities for co-development for the period
2018-2022 and defines the roles of participants, including healthcare
consumers, healthcare providers, the industry and technology sector, peak
organisations, the Agency, the Commonwealth Government and the State and
territory governments.
As part of the Action Plan, My Health Record will be
continuously improved, with scoping, building, testing and executing system
releases planned over the life of the Strategy to provide additional
functionality and health information.
The usability of clinical information
systems will be improved to ensure the My Health Record integrates more
intuitively, based on the development of an evidence-based design research
framework. Another priority action in the area is to establish a framework to
govern the safe and secure use of My Health Record system data.
(2) Data61 and (3) Defence Science and Technology Group
OpenGov recognised
Data61 and the Defence Science and Technology Group for the Cross-Domain
Desktop Compositor (CDDC) which gives users access to multiple computer
networks through a single interface, streamlining workflow without compromising
security or usability.
Currently,
government and defence staff use multiple segregated computer networks to
maintain and protect classified data. Complications arise as staff need to
access multiple networks concurrently to view and transfer data between
systems. Market solutions usually provide a trade-off between security and
usability. Those that favour usability over security are generally vulnerable
to cyber-attacks. In contrast, those that favour security over usability
prohibit simultaneous access to data from multiple domains on the same screen.
Powered by
Data61’s seL4 microkernel operating system and DSTG’s hardware security
innovation, the CDDC provides a seamless, fully integrated, secure system to
fulfil the needs of usability and security and allows for additional
functionality like controlled data transfer and copy-and-paste using intuitive
design. It will also be interoperable with existing desktop infrastructure, and
cheaper than traditional low- to medium assurance products.
While defence is
the first focus market for the CDDC, it has broad applications across
government and enterprise, as well critical infrastructure, banking, health and
autonomous systems.
(4) Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
OpenGov recognised
the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet for the National Cities
Performance Framework Dashboard.
Since late 2017,
the National Cities Performance Framework supports the Australian Government's
Smart Cities Plan by providing a snapshot of the productivity and progress of
Australia’s largest 21 cities plus Western Sydney, by key indicators like Jobs
and Skills; Infrastructure and Investment; Liveability and Sustainability;
Innovation and Digital Opportunities; Governance, Planning and Regulation; and
Housing.
It is the first
official framework of its kind in Australia and brings together critical data
on Australian cities in an easily accessible online format. The Performance
Framework also assists all levels of government, industry and the community to
better target, monitor and evaluate cities policy and investments, including
through City Deals.
This Framework
is in line with the Australian Government’s commitment to open and accessible
data sharing. The Performance Framework is a living resource to be improved
over time through annual updates and three yearly reviews. This will ensure it
continues to reflect best available information and provides a strong evidence
base to guide new investments and reforms in Australian cities."
(5) National Blood Authority
OpenGov recognised
the National Blood Authority (NBA) for the transformation of its digital
platform for ordering and receiving blood and blood products.
The NBA manages
the ordering of blood and blood products around Australia. It operates a
24-hour service to ensure that essential life-saving blood and blood products
get to where they’re needed. Approximately 28,000 litres of blood are ordered
and tracked through its platform each month.
An online system
for ordering and tracking blood products called ORBS (Ordering, Receipting
Blood System) was developed by the Queensland Department of Health first
developed in 2009. This was proposed to the NBA as a national system in 2010. A
bespoke application called BloodNet was developed.
The BloodNet
version 5 was developed to not only upgrade the technology and platforms, but
also create a new look user interface. The NBA relied on the DTA’s Digital
Service Standard to ensure its services are simple, clear, and in line with
user’s needs. During the development process, it brought a multi-disciplinary
team in-house and upskilled internal staff. The team adapted to agile
principles, tools and techniques, and held fortnightly sprints, daily
stand-ups, regular walk-throughs and responded to feedback. A total of 187
hours of user research was conducted during the discovery and alpha stages,
which included visiting 138 people across 39 hospitals/laboratories in 9
different cities.
Through this
process, the team designed a simpler platform that makes it faster and easier
for hospitals to order and receive life-saving blood products. It became the
first agency — that is required to use the Digital Service Standard — to pass
its alpha assessment independently. The product is in Beta and the team is
working on ensuring the system is built for longevity and ease of maintenance;
setting up release process and transition plans for users; identifying
appropriate metrics and KPIs for the performance dashboard; and continuing user
research and testing to make sure we are on the right track.
(6) National Library of
Australia
OpenGov recognised
the National Library of Australia (the Library) for its Digital Library
Infrastructure Replacement (DLIR) Program.
The Program
which concluded in July 2017, laid strong foundations for the Library to deal
with the requirements of a digital era. The Library simplified and streamlined
the way it collects, manages, preserves and delivers its collections as part of
the transformation.
An increasing
number of publishers today are producing content electronically, either
producing just electronic copy or both print and electronic. Now the Library
provides a system for them to deposit content in electronic format, easily and
automatically as they are published. The system also provides batch deposit
functionality, allowing publishers to deposit multiple items at once. The
new system saves time for everyone and leads to easier preservation and
management.
DLIR also
exceeded expectations in workflow efficiency improvement through automation and
systems integration. In some cases, the Library has achieved 100 times increase
in productivity. The time it takes between receiving an item from a journal or
a creator to when is actually published by the Library, has been reduced from
weeks or months to hours in some cases.
Now the Library
to looking to build on this foundation. The Library is also exploring emerging
technologies such as machine learning for content description and improving
accessibility. It is also looking to improve the Library’s online presence by
making services easier to use and more attractive.
(7) National Transport Commission
OpenGov recognised
the National Transport Commission (NTC) for reforming the regulatory
environment to promote the testing and development of automated vehicles in
Australia.
In late 2016,
Australian transport ministers agreed to a phased reform program at the federal
level to allow conditionally automated vehicles to operate safely and legally
on roads before 2020, and highly and fully automated vehicles from 2020. Since
then, the NTC is delivering this roadmap of reform through a phased approach.
Last year, in
May, NTC has developed national guidelines governing conditions for trials of
automated vehicles. In November 2017, national enforcement guidelines were
developed to clarify regulatory concepts of control and proper control for
different levels of driving automation.
This year, NTC
is supporting jurisdictions in reviewing injury insurance schemes to identify
any eligibility barriers for occupants of an automated vehicle, or those
involved in a crash with an automated vehicle. It aims to develop legislative
reform options to clarify the application of current driver and driving laws to
automated vehicles, and to establish legal obligations for automated driving
system (ADS) entities. NTC will design and develop a safety assurance regime
for automated road vehicles by November 2018.
NTC will also
work with jurisdictions to review current exemption powers to ensure
legislation can support on-road trials, so that all Australian jurisdictions
are able to support automated vehicle trials. Such efforts by the NTC is
expected to encourage national and international industry leaders to develop
this emerging technology in Victoria – which means more jobs and opportunities
for Australians.
Feature image: JJ Harrison / CC BY-SA 3.0
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In her address at the LIA Annual Luncheon, Ms Ho Hern Shin, Deputy Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the pivotal role of technology in elevating customer experience within the life insurance sector could be seen. Under the theme of “Treating Customers Right,” Ms Ho outlined key pillars for insurers to build and enhance engagement, trust and sustainability.
The LIA Management Committee were commended for their adept utilisation of available tools and technology, amidst industry challenges, from the transformation spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic for targeted customer solutions. She reiterated MAS’ commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the tech-driven landscape.
Central to customer satisfaction is product design harnessing digital innovations to align with evolving preferences. AI-powered wellness programmes, tech-enabled co-payment initiatives, and user-friendly mobile apps for bite-size insurance products are great examples. These tech-driven solutions not only cater to diverse customer needs but also optimise operational efficiency for insurers.
The pivotal role of data analytics in enabling fair and inclusive underwriting practices is also clear. Insurers can leverage advanced algorithms and predictive modelling to objectively assess applications, ensuring equitable coverage for individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. Collaboration with data professionals and research communities is essential to harnessing data for actionable insights.
Insurers can leverage digital platforms such as SGFinDex and AI-driven chatbots to offer personalised financial advice. SGFinDex, the pioneering digital infrastructure in Singapore, stands as the world’s first to integrate a national digital identity with a centrally managed online consent system. This innovative platform empowers individuals by granting them seamless access to their financial data dispersed across various government agencies and financial institutions.
Tech-enabled strategies can streamline the fact-finding process, empowering customers to make informed decisions aligned with their financial goals. Such platforms can leverage machine learning algorithms to tailor product recommendations based on customer profiles and life stages.
Continued investments in digital infrastructure are essential for delivering seamless post-sales experiences. MAS’ regulatory amendments facilitate secure online transactions, including beneficiary nomination and claims processing. Insurers were urged to embrace emerging technologies such as blockchain for immutable record-keeping and smart contracts to automate claims settlements, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
OpenGov Asia reported that in response to growing concerns voiced by Members of Parliament and citizens regarding customer protection from scams, MAS and other government agencies are intensifying collaborative efforts with the industry to combat fraudulent activities.
MAS and IMDA have introduced a consultation paper outlining the Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) to address phishing scams, assigning responsibilities to financial institutions (FIs) and telecommunication companies (Telcos) to mitigate scam risks and ensure compensation for affected victims.
This framework expands upon previous initiatives by the Payments Council, recognising the crucial roles of both FIs and Telcos in preventing fund outflows resulting from digitally enabled scams that undermine confidence in digital banking systems.
Outlined duties for FIs and Telcos include sending transaction notifications and implementing scam filters, with breaches triggering a “waterfall approach” in which FIs and Telcos are held accountable for losses, with FIs bearing primary responsibility followed by Telcos as custodians of consumers’ money
The importance of fostering an ethical culture, where data fairness is paramount and values supersede profits is vital. The board and senior management must champion ethical principles, ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making.
Insurance, as indeed all other sectors, would greatly benefit if they embrace technology as a catalyst for delivering superior customer outcomes. By leveraging digital innovations across all facets of their operations, organisations can enhance customer engagement, streamline processes, and foster trust in the digital age.
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In a bid to enhance brand visibility and tap into broader consumer markets, Vietnamese wood, furniture, and handicraft enterprises are urged to prioritise and systematically invest in online sales initiatives, diversifying their sales channels within their business frameworks.
Vice Chairwoman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Minh Tue, emphasised this crucial strategy during a workshop themed “Cross-border e-commerce – global growth opportunity for Vietnam’s furniture export” held in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tue highlighted Vietnam’s stature as one of the world’s leading wood exporting nations, noting its expanding market reach across key territories such as the US, the European Union (EU), the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Japan, as well as its growing presence in emerging markets like the UAE and India.
She underscored the significant success of Vietnam’s wood and wooden product exports in the global market, buoyed by favourable factors such as forestry development strengths, business incentives, and advantageous free trade agreements with foreign counterparts.
However, traditional export markets have encountered challenges in recent times due to sluggish global consumption demand, escalating protectionist measures, and the persistence of tight monetary policies in certain countries. Against this backdrop, Tue highlighted the rising prominence of e-commerce channels in driving sales growth for furniture and handicrafts, presenting a new avenue for Vietnamese wood businesses to explore.
A global e-commerce giant echoed this sentiment, highlighting the resilient growth trajectory of global e-commerce despite the lingering impact of global trade disruptions. The executive underscored cross-border e-commerce as a pivotal trend enabling small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to achieve robust expansion.
Looking ahead, strong growth in e-commerce has been projected within the furniture industry, particularly in the US, Vietnam’s largest export market. By 2027, e-commerce in this sector could soar to an estimated US$118.6 billion, presenting a lucrative opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises.
Another organisation stressed the direct access to a diverse global customer base facilitated by e-commerce platforms, noting the missed opportunity for Vietnamese manufacturers to harness cross-border e-commerce to market their products.
Crucial factors for effective online sales include focusing on customer comfort and actively addressing concerns related to product quality, customer service, and delivery. Recognising these challenges, e-commerce platforms now offer comprehensive business support services spanning product listing, packaging, shipping, and returns to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
The imperative for Vietnam’s wood and furniture industry to embrace e-commerce as a strategic growth driver is clear. By leveraging online platforms, Vietnamese enterprises can not only expand their market reach but also enhance brand visibility and tap into the burgeoning global e-commerce landscape, thus ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness in the digital era.
Vietnam is strategically leveraging digital technology, online platforms, and e-commerce to propel its wood and furniture industry into international markets. By embracing these digital tools, Vietnamese enterprises seek to amplify their global presence, reach new customers, and capitalise on the boundless opportunities offered by the digital marketplace.
In line with Vietnam’s thrust towards global market penetration through digital platforms and e-commerce, a new initiative is underway to establish clusters of IT parks and software chains.
Led by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), aims to boost Vietnam’s digital ecosystem and competitiveness in the production value chain. Despite progress, challenges persist, such as connectivity gaps and limited collaboration among IT parks.
The MIC stresses strategic capital investment to integrate the initiative into national ICT infrastructure, advancing Vietnam’s digital transformation agenda. Informed by the Institute of Information and Communications Strategy, the plan focuses on creating ICT parks in vital economic zones, nurturing technical infrastructure and a conducive business environment, thereby enhancing the growth of the digital technology sector.
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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.
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The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) is dedicated to securing Singapore’s cyberspace to support national security, power the digital economy, and protect the digital way of life. To reinforce national security, CSA continually monitors cyber threats, defends critical information infrastructure (CII), and implements mitigation measures to safeguard essential services.
The Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team (SingCERT) responds to cybersecurity incidents for its Singapore constituents. It was set up to facilitate the detection, resolution and prevention of cybersecurity-related incidents on the Internet.
Singapore, represented by the CSA has been working closely with ASEAN Member States (AMS) to establish the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to promote and facilitate information-sharing related to cyber incident response, and to complement the operational efforts by individual national CERTs in each AMS.
Singapore had made the recommendation for a single AMS to host the ASEAN Regional CERT and proposed to host and fund its physical activities in Singapore at the 14th ASEAN Network Security Action Council in August 2023.
The ASEAN Regional CERT will enable stronger regional cybersecurity incident response coordination and critical information infrastructure (CII) protection cooperation, including for cross-border CII such as banking and finance, communications, aviation and maritime.
The 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) convened in Singapore in February, to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in the digital realm, particularly amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting recognised advancements in implementing the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM 2025) despite the pandemic and stressed the need for a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem. The ADM 2025 Mid-Term Review (MTR) assessed progress in key areas including trusted digital services, consumer protection, and broadband infrastructure
The meeting highlighted the need to set governance standards for emerging technologies like AI, based on recommendations from the ADM 2025 MTR. It also emphasised the importance of collaborating on digital infrastructure and fostering trust among users for secure data sharing.
The endorsement of the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics marked a significant milestone, reflecting the region’s commitment to harnessing AI technologies responsibly. The guide, which includes practical use cases for trustworthy AI deployment, is poised to serve as a valuable tool for promoting the responsible and ethical utilisation of AI solutions across ASEAN.
Additionally, the meeting welcomed initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cybersecurity capabilities, such as the establishment of the ASEAN Regional CERT. This initiative is expected to bolster incident response capabilities and facilitate timely information sharing and best practice exchange among ASEAN member states.
Moreover, the meeting acknowledged the importance of data governance and privacy protection in fostering digital trust. Efforts to promote the adoption of the ASEAN Model Contractual Clauses and facilitate seamless data transfers between ASEAN and the European Union were commended as significant steps towards enhancing regional data governance frameworks.
The meeting also highlighted the significance of digital infrastructure development, including the advancement of 5G networks and the establishment of frameworks to facilitate cross-border data flows, particularly in areas such as disaster management and logistics for rural areas.
In the realm of international cooperation, the meeting affirmed ASEAN’s commitment to deepening collaboration with dialogue and development partners, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, the United States, the European Union, ITU, and APT. These partnerships are crucial for advancing digital transformation, cybersecurity, and capacity-building efforts across the region.
Overall, the 4th ADGMIN underscored the collective resolve of ASEAN member states to navigate the evolving digital landscape, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and resilience to realise the full potential of the digital economy for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Following the endorsement of the financial model, Singapore will continue to work closely with AMS to operationalise the ASEAN Regional CERT to enhance collective cybersecurity within the region.
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In a significant stride towards fostering digital innovation within in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, the Technology Development Board (TDB) has joined hands with a Delhi-based company in a strategic agreement. Under this collaboration, TDB has approved a Conditional Grant of ₹1.22 crores (approximately US$162,000) to support its groundbreaking project titled “Digital Financial Solutions for Last Mile FMCG Value Chains in Emerging Markets”.
The initiative has been facilitated through the ‘INDIA-ISRAEL INDUSTRIAL R&D AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION FUND (I4F)’. Spearheaded by a company from Israel, the project sets out to revolutionise last-mile FMCG value chains in emerging markets through the implementation of cutting-edge digital finance solutions.
This partnership underscores the robust technological cooperation between India and Israel, highlighting their joint commitment to driving innovation in industrial research and development.
At its core, the project focuses on developing an integrated digital finance platform tailored specifically for last-mile FMCG value chains. Leveraging the Delhi company’s expertise in human-centred design, the project places a strong emphasis on enhancing user experience and ensuring alignment with diverse consumer needs. With a prestigious client portfolio that includes industry giants, the company brings invaluable insight and innovation to the project.
Upon completion, the platform is poised to seamlessly embed financial services across FMCG value chains, with particular attention to enhancing last-mile distribution networks. Drawing from the Delhi company’s extensive experience in managing branchless banking networks and B2B commerce platforms, the project aims to empower businesses and consumers alike, driving financial inclusion and fostering sustainable economic growth in emerging markets.
Speaking on the significance of this partnership, the Secretary of the Technology Development Board, stressed its pivotal role in addressing real-world challenges through innovation-driven solutions. As the inaugural agreement signed under the Bilateral India-Israel call, the initiative lays the groundwork for future collaborations.
Moreover, it signifies a commitment to transformative agreements that will drive progress and innovation in the near future. This partnership stands as evidence of technological advancement and cooperation between India and Israel, poised to deliver tangible benefits to both nations and beyond.
India is recognised as a burgeoning powerhouse in the global technology and digital space, with a commitment to innovation and leadership that extends beyond its borders. As the world witnesses an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, India is keen to leverage its expertise and resources to collaborate internationally.
OpenGov Asia highlighted the Indo-French Joint Committee of Science and Technology’s (JCST) recent meeting, emphasizing the efficacy of the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) in boosting collaboration. Talks centred on advancing research in key areas such as Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS), health, clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, and advanced materials.
Emphasising the significance of fostering connections among innovators and entrepreneurs from both nations, the meeting underscored the importance of leveraging collaborative efforts for mutual benefit. Dr Claire Giry, Director General for Research and Innovation at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research echoed these sentiments, stressing the need to reinforce ties between researchers from India and France, with a specific focus on sustainable technologies, applied mathematics, health, and ocean research.
With a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, India’s endeavours in the tech and digital space aim not only to drive economic growth but also to empower communities worldwide, cementing its position as a beacon of technological leadership and cooperation on the international stage.
Through partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives, India seeks to not only showcase its technological prowess but also to extend a helping hand internationally. By fostering innovation, promoting digital inclusion, and championing technological solutions to global challenges, India aims to demonstrate leadership in the tech arena while making meaningful contributions to the international community.
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A collaboration between the Postgraduate School of Geological Engineering at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the Geological Engineering Student Association “GEA” (HMTG “GEA”), and the Indonesian Association of Geologists (IAGI) recently showcased the advancements in sensing technology at a seminar entitled “Remote Sensing Technology for Exploration, Inventory, and Management of Natural Resources in Indonesia”.
Led by Professor Dr Ir. Indroyono Soesilo, M.Sc., the seminar highlighted remote sensing’s pivotal role in a data-driven and tech-enabled world. It has become an indispensable tool in the scientific field, providing researchers and practitioners with valuable data and previously unattainable insights.
As humanity transitions into the “imagination society” of era 5.0, remote sensing emerges as a crucial tool in providing information and knowledge to address contemporary and future challenges, underlining its significance in digital transformation and problem-solving endeavours. Its continued development and integration into various industries promise to revolutionise further how humans interact with and understand the world.
According to Prof Indroyono, remote sensing is observing an object without direct contact using specialised sensors mounted on various platforms such as drones, aircraft, satellites, etc. Multiple sensors used for remote sensing operate at different wavelengths, ranging from visible light, infrared, and radar to seismic waves, providing flexibility in obtaining data needed for geology.
Since its inception in 1960 with NASA’s TIROS-1 project, remote sensing technology has undergone significant evolution, transitioning into a service-oriented industry in Indonesia by 1993. This transformation has been propelled by government support and infrastructure development efforts. The trajectory of remote sensing underscores its vital role in facilitating Indonesia’s exploration, inventorying, and management of natural resources.
The evolution of remote sensing technology is evident from the launch of the first satellite platform in 1960 to the subsequent deployment of Landsat-1, an earth monitoring satellite, 12 years later. Prof. Indroyono and other professionals have played a pivotal role in Indonesia’s remote sensing advancement, leveraging their international educational backgrounds. Initially, their focus was on fostering Indonesia’s remote sensing service sector, encompassing data providers, information service providers, knowledge service providers, and initiatives for market expansion.
Currently, many high-resolution satellites are used for commercial purposes. The images of the earth produced by these satellites are also real-time and directly collected in the extensive data system for inventory, monitoring, analysis, and prediction purposes.
In a previous article, OpenGovAsia reported that Indonesia was deploying remote sensing to estimate oil palm productivity using satellite imagery from Sentinel-2. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) established a collaborative remote sensing research project with Lamandau Polytechnic from Lamandau Regency, Central Kalimantan.
Through remote sensing data, this research collaboration aims to establish a comprehensive understanding and accurate prediction of oil palm productivity in Bulik District, Lamandau Regency. Furthermore, remote sensing has also been used for conservation, explicitly focusing on monitoring water quality and addressing marine waste. Plastic and other waste materials discharged into the oceans pose severe global challenges.
Prof. Indroyono stresses the necessity of strengthening regulations to ensure the ethical use of remote sensing technology, despite its industry’s current robustness in adhering to rules. He advocates for continuous research and development efforts to maintain competitiveness, stressing the importance of exploring new sensor technologies and refining data processing techniques. Additionally, he underscores the pivotal role of collaboration between government, industry, and academia in driving innovation and addressing challenges in remote sensing technology and applications.
While significant progress has been made, Prof. Indroyono believes there is still untapped potential in the remote sensing industry. By bolstering regulatory frameworks, investing in R&D, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the industry can continue its growth trajectory and realise its full potential in the years ahead.
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In a strategic move to bolster innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystems, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) recently concluded an impactful visit to the Middle East, solidifying various strategic partnerships across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. This landmark initiative aimed to reinforce the world-class I&T ecosystems of both Hong Kong and the Middle East, leveraging digital advancements to propel global progress and collaboration.
Led by Professor Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, the delegation comprised representatives from eight park companies, showcasing Hong Kong’s prowess in innovation at the prestigious LEAP 2024 event.
These partnerships mark significant milestones in HKSTP’s mission to cultivate a truly global innovation community, seizing opportunities for multilateral technology collaborations and fostering cross-border innovation networks.
Among the standout achievements was Halo Energy Limited (Halo), a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, securing two major partnerships in the UAE and Qatar. These strategic collaborations aim to explore opportunities for EV charging deployment and investment in the Middle East, laying the groundwork for sustainable transportation solutions in the region and driving the adoption of clean energy technologies.
A biotech company, a subsidiary of an HKSTP park company, inked a trilateral agreement with the Dubai Economic Development Corporation and another HK business. This partnership will expand the biotech research and development (R&D) footprint in the UAE, focusing on advancements in human and veterinary diagnostics and lab testing.
The collaboration underscores the commitment to technology exchange and innovation-driven solutions, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for biotech and green tech investments in the Middle East.
Furthermore, a pioneer in smart building solutions forged a strategic partnership with a Dubai-based company. This collaboration aims to promote energy-saving and green building solutions, with plans to implement its innovative platform in 100 commercial buildings across the region over the next 18 months. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, the partnership seeks to drive sustainable urban development and enhance the efficiency of built environments in the Middle East.
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, emphasised the transformative potential of these partnerships in propelling both regions into a new era of innovation and collaboration. The strategic MoU signed with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, represents a pivotal step towards technology exchange and startup support between the two ecosystems, fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking initiatives in technology and industry practices.
The delegation also explored strategic partnerships with another group, facilitating startups’ market expansion efforts in the Middle East, and engaged with leading innovation hubs such as Masdar City, Hub 71 in Abu Dhabi, and the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). These interactions fostered discussions on fostering innovative ecosystems and promoting collaboration across government, industry, and academia to drive research and development initiatives in key sectors.
HKSTP was optimistic after showcasing its vibrant I&T ecosystem at the Hong Kong Pavilion during LEAP 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With meaningful synergies anticipated between the two regions, the event provided a platform for HKSTP to highlight Hong Kong’s technological strengths and solidify its position as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area. T
Through demonstrations by eight Science Park tech ventures and a panel discussion moderated by CEO Mr Albert Wong, the event aimed to uncover new commercial opportunities and foster international partnerships for a prosperous I&T future.
The HKSTP’s Middle East delegation exemplifies the power of international collaboration in driving digital transformation and innovation. By forging strategic partnerships and fostering cross-border innovation networks, HKSTP is at the forefront of propelling global progress and shaping a future where technology transcends borders to address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for all.