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Smart Cities

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In the pursuit of transforming Borongan into Eastern Visayas’ pioneer smart city, Shane Francis Javier, a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholar and computer engineering student, has taken a pioneering role in developing innovative applications aimed at streamlining the city government’s diverse services.

Image credits: Department of Science and Technology, Region 8, PIA

Collaborating with a team of computer engineering students from Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), including Tristan Ehron Tumbaga, Rommel Alidon, and Armand Ralph Anacta, Javier spearheaded the creation of various technological solutions, marking significant progress towards the city’s smart city aspirations.

One of the flagship projects in Borongan’s smart city initiative is the Libre Sakay system, a brainchild of Javier and his team. This system revolutionises free transport services by providing recipients with QR-generated IDs and advanced bus tracking features, thereby offering seamless access to the city’s transportation network.

Through a dedicated mobile application, passengers can effortlessly monitor bus locations and arrival times, generate QR codes for authentication purposes, and access a host of other user-friendly functionalities. At the heart of the system lies a sophisticated infrastructure installed on the buses, enabling real-time tracking of their movements and facilitating efficient passenger management.

By harnessing smart technologies, the Libre Sakay system not only enhances the commuting experience for Borongan residents but also represents a significant leap forward in the city’s journey towards digital transformation.

In addition to the Libre Sakay system, Javier and his team have been instrumental in developing the Legislative Tracking System, a centralised platform aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and public engagement in the legislative process. This groundbreaking system enables seamless tracking of legislative documents, streamlining document management procedures, and providing constituents with easy access to public documents such as city ordinances.

With its user-friendly interface and robust features, the Legislative Tracking System underscores Borongan’s commitment to embracing technology-driven solutions to address governance challenges and foster greater civic participation.

The remarkable progress achieved by Javier and his fellow students has garnered recognition and support from key stakeholders, including DOST officials and Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda. During the launch of the Libre Sakay app on March 4, DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang lauded the students’ ingenuity and pledged continued collaboration to further enhance the city’s technological infrastructure.

Mayor Agda echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the transformative impact of technology on transportation, emergency response, and overall city governance. He reiterated the city’s commitment to leveraging technology to build a sustainable and efficient smart city that caters to the needs of its residents.

Furthermore, under the guidance of Prof. Charito Sabate, Director of the Smart Technologies, Research, Development, and Innovation Center of ESSU, other computer engineering students are actively involved in developing innovative solutions to address various societal challenges.

From a rescue app and a registry of inhabitants and migrants to Systems for Medical Access and Resourceful Technologies (SMART) aimed at enhancing healthcare services, these initiatives underscore Borongan’s holistic approach to embracing technology for the betterment of its residents’ lives.

Earlier in March, representatives from DOST-PSTO Eastern Samar, ESSU Smart Technologies Research Development and Innovation Center, and key figures from the Diocese of Borongan convened in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, to deliberate on SMART STI interventions aimed at digitising the Diocese’s records management system.

The meeting centred on crafting a digital platform leveraging ICT solutions to optimise administrative workflows and bolster data security. This collaborative effort underscores a shared dedication to harnessing technology for the betterment of the community and sets a precedent for other NGOs and institutions across the province to follow suit.

As Borongan continues its journey towards becoming a fully-fledged smart city, the contributions of Javier and his peers stand as a testament to the power of innovation in driving positive change and shaping the future of urban living.

In response to the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology and its pervasive influence across industries, Bac Giang province, situated in the northern region of Vietnam, has embarked on an ambitious agenda to fortify its information networks and propel digital transformation until the year 2025. In alignment with national directives, the province is poised to usher in a new era of socioeconomic development driven by digital innovation.

Image credits: Vietnam Plus

At the heart of Bac Giang’s strategy lies a commitment to bolstering the safety and security of its information networks. Recognising the critical role of cyberspace in enabling economic growth and societal progress, the province is intensifying efforts to implement Prime Ministerial Directive No. 14/CT-TTG, which delineates measures to enhance cyberspace safety and security.

By adhering to a comprehensive four-layer model for information network supervision and protection, Bac Giang aims to proactively identify and mitigate risks while safeguarding against potential threats to information security.

By leveraging advanced monitoring tools and early warning systems, Bac Giang seeks to bolster its ability to detect and respond to cyber threats promptly, thereby ensuring the resilience of its digital ecosystem.

To fortify its cybersecurity infrastructure, Bac Giang is embarking on an expansion of its Security Operations Centre (SOC) system. This initiative entails the integration of SOC capabilities with the national e-government support infrastructure, enabling seamless coordination and real-time monitoring of information networks.

The dedicated SOC will be tailored to the needs of local networks. Through strategic alignment with the national SOC system, the province aims to enhance its capacity to assess risks, identify legal violations, and intervene proactively in cyberspace. This proactive stance underscores Bac Giang’s resolve to stay ahead of emerging cybersecurity challenges and uphold the integrity of its digital infrastructure.

In tandem with its cybersecurity initiatives, Bac Giang is ramping up investments in equipment, software, and monitoring systems to fortify information safety and security. This includes safeguarding the information systems and databases of government agencies, a crucial step in preserving the integrity of public sector data and bolstering trust in governmental institutions.

In a proactive move to preemptively address future cybersecurity threats, Bac Giang’s provincial leadership has formulated a comprehensive action plan aligned with the national cybersecurity strategy. This forward-looking approach encompasses measures to bolster cybersecurity resilience until 2025, with a long-term vision extending to 2030.

Additionally, security levels for third-level information systems under the jurisdiction of the provincial People’s Committee have been delineated, further enhancing Bac Giang’s cybersecurity posture.

Despite these proactive measures, Bac Giang has not been immune to the scourge of cybercrime. The provincial public security department has reported 22 high-tech crimes, including a notable online fraud case involving substantial financial losses. Swift and decisive action by law enforcement agencies led to the apprehension of perpetrators, underscoring Bac Giang’s commitment to combating cyber threats and ensuring a secure digital environment for its residents.

In tandem with its cybersecurity endeavours, Bac Giang is leveraging the power of positive online engagement to counter harmful misinformation and foster community resilience. Initiatives include disseminating accurate information through official channels, promoting responsible social media usage, and cultivating a culture of digital citizenship among residents.

Looking ahead, Bac Giang is poised to further amplify its cybersecurity measures and digital transformation initiatives, positioning the province as a beacon of technological innovation and socioeconomic advancement in the digital age. By safeguarding its information networks and promoting responsible online behavior, Bac Giang is laying the groundwork for a prosperous and resilient digital future.

Digital technology is increasingly vital for governments to deliver satisfactory public services. As technology advances, governments must innovate continuously to provide more efficient and effective services to the public. Many governments worldwide, including Indonesia, offer digital training to local leaders and public servants to ensure they can tackle challenges and leverage digital opportunities to enhance public services.

Image credits: kominfo.go.id

Indonesia is accelerating smart city transformation, with digital technology as a key pillar of this change. Smart cities utilise information and communication technology to improve citizens’ quality of life, enhance public service efficiency, and boost economic competitiveness. By embracing the smart city concept, Indonesia aims to enhance public service efficiency, create a more sustainable environment, and promote eco-friendliness.

However, achieving this smart city vision requires ensuring that all local leaders and public servants possess the understanding and skills to utilise digital technology effectively. Digital training is crucial in preparing them for the demands of this increasingly digital era. Therefore, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has taken steps to organise a workshop aimed at enhancing the digital competencies of talent in the government of Aceh Province.

The workshop not only aims to improve understanding and skills in digital technology but also to create synergy between the central and regional governments in addressing digital challenges. Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Nezar Patria, has committed to implementing the Digital Leadership Academy (DLA) programme to equip leaders in the government of Aceh Province with the necessary digital skills.

In a meeting with the Acting Governor of Aceh, Achmad Marzuki, at the Office of the Governor of Aceh Province, Nezar Patria explained his plans to organise workshops that will introduce and deepen the concept of DLA. This initiative is expected to provide Echelon II-level leaders in the government of Aceh Province with crucial and relevant education. Nezar Patria emphasised the significance of this opportunity for the government of Aceh Province, given Aceh’s inclusion in the priority development map.

Through the DLA Programme, it is envisioned that the regional government in Aceh will be well-equipped to utilise digital technology to solve governance problems. This was revealed by Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Nezar Patria, in a meeting with Acting Governor of Aceh, Achmad Marzuki. He explained that the DLA Programme will change the mindset of leaders at the Echelon II level in the Government of Aceh Province regarding the use of digital technology.

In addition to the DLA Programme, the Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology also offers various training programmes included in the Digital Talent Scholarship Programme. These include the Vocational School Graduate Academy (VSGA), Talent Scouting Academy (TSA), Fresh Graduate Academy (FGA), Professional Academy (FGA), Digital Entrepreneurship Academy (DEA), Thematic Academy (TA), and Government Transformation Academy (GTA). Nezar Patria emphasised that these trainings aims to support the development of digital talents for the people of Aceh, including young people, the general public, and professionals.

Previously, the Acting Governor of Aceh Province, Achmad Marzuki, had requested the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) to facilitate a workshop on the development of digital talent in Aceh Province. He believes this activity will increase the understanding of the Aceh community about the digital world. Marzuki also expressed his support for the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology’s efforts to strengthen digital talent in Aceh Province, with the aim of forming a solid community for Kominfo activities in Aceh.

“Digital talent is needed to face challenges and take advantage of opportunities in this digital era,” said Acting Governor of Aceh, Achmad Marzuki. “This workshop is expected to provide a better understanding to the Aceh community about the importance of digital technology and how to use it effectively in daily life and in the workplace.”

While Indonesia has not yet fully become a digital country, its steps and optimism towards a digital society are growing stronger. Despite many challenges, such as the need for more evenly distributed digital infrastructure and improved data protection, Indonesia’s commitment to becoming a digital country is becoming more evident. With solid cooperation between the government, private sector, and society, Indonesia has great potential to become a leader in digital transformation in the Southeast Asian region.

Since 2023, Indonesia has begun discussing the landscape of smart cities to be developed in the coming years. In this context, collaboration is vital in developing smart cities in Indonesia. With collaboration between the government, private sector, and society, smart cities can become more effective and sustainable. This collaboration can cover various fields, from information and communication technology to transportation and the environment.

The School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Bandung Institute of Technology (STEI ITB), is involved in developing smart cities in Indonesia through various research and innovations conducted by students and lecturers. This year, based on the OpenGov Asia previous report, the Smart City and Community Innovation Centre at the Bandung Institute of Technology (SCCIC ITB), in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) – an organisation founded by 57 Muslim-majority countries in 1979 – has embarked on an event aimed at propelling the digital transformation and circular economy to new heights.

ITB continues to actively participate in the sustainability of implementing this Smart City. Through a recent seminar titled “Milestones Shaping AI: Ethical Considerations and AI in Smart Cities & Innovation” at the Science and Techno Park (STP) ITB, this educational institution has proven its commitment to promoting digital transformation and sustainable economics. In the seminar, ITB discussed ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in smart cities and innovation.

The seminar was attended by experts and practitioners in the field of AI, including the Director of AI Development at Search Engine company, Alexander Krainov; VP Strategy at Search Engine company, Alexander Popovskiy; ITB Lecturer and SCCIC Researcher, Dr Fadhil Hidayat, ST, MT; and Director of Application Control, Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo), Teguh Arifiadi, SH, MH. The speakers discussed various essential aspects of the development and application of AI, especially in Indonesia.

Dr Fadhil Hidayat explained that generative AI is currently the latest trend in AI, and the Search Engine company has successfully implemented this technology in Russia. This success inspires the Indonesian nation to create similar developments in artificial intelligence in the homeland.

In the seminar, one of the speakers emphasised the importance of a deeper understanding of AI, not only as users but also as developers of the technology. This aligns with the challenges faced in applying AI, such as ethical issues and regulations.

Ethical considerations in the development and use of AI include principles and values that must be considered to ensure this technology’s responsible and safe use. This is important to ensure that AI does not harm its users.

Teguh Arifiadi, SH, MH, also provided insights regarding AI regulations in Indonesia and the challenges that must be addressed. Responsible and ethical AI development is crucial, including data privacy protection.

Dr Fadhil Hidayat also shared insights on the application of AI in smart cities, where this technology can be used to improve the quality of life for communities. Its application is sometimes complex but can start with simple things that can positively impact communities in smart cities. “AI-based services don’t have to be autonomous. For example, the scheduling is already AI-based when going to the hospital. When riding in a vehicle, the mirror is AI-based to see if we are sleepy. So, it doesn’t have to intervene with the steering wheel, but provide simple yet impactful responses,” he said.

Similarly, he said that the application of AI in city services can start with simple things but significantly impact smart city services.

However, this is not without risks, costs incurred, regulations, and cities’ readiness to operate sophisticated systems. “Another risk is that AI can give wrong responses. These are challenges. Therefore, we need to measure AI,” he said.

He envisions there will be follow-ups from the seminar. “Our target, of course, is to master this technology and have our products to make Indonesia smarter,” he said.

The application of AI in city services can also start with simple yet impactful steps towards the progress of innovative city services. However, the sustainability of AI implementation in the future will depend on various factors, such as the associated risks, costs to be incurred, applicable regulations, and the readiness of cities to operate advanced AI systems.

One of the risks that must be faced is the possibility of AI giving wrong responses, which can be a severe challenge to its implementation. Therefore, we need to be able to measure and manage these risks well when applying AI technology. “The goal is for Indonesia to master AI technology and develop local products that can enhance the smart cities in Indonesia,” Dr Fadhil concluded.

In the digital landscape of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the introduction of Social Beat heralds a significant milestone in the city’s approach to managing public sentiment and navigating the complexities of online content. Developed by the Department of Information and Communications, this AI-powered software aims to revolutionise how organisations engage with social media data, offering insights that can inform policy decisions, counter misinformation, and shape public opinion.

Image credits: Vietnam.vn

Mr Lam Dinh Thang, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications, introduced Social Beat as a pioneering platform designed to dissect and understand the vast ocean of social media data. This innovative technology represents a transformative leap in the city’s digital infrastructure, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to extract actionable insights from the ever-expanding realm of online discourse.

In a city teeming with over 10 million residents and boasting 22 million social media accounts across 350 platforms, managing online content and sentiment has become increasingly challenging. Mr Thang emphasised the need for a sophisticated tool capable of efficiently collecting, evaluating, and categorising public opinion data to facilitate informed decision-making.

Social Beat offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges, enabling organisations to monitor trends, gauge public sentiment, and identify emerging issues in real-time. By harnessing the power of AI and machine learning, the software can analyse vast volumes of social media data, providing valuable insights into community attitudes, preferences, and concerns.

During its initial test run over the Tet holidays from February 8-14, Social Beat demonstrated its efficacy by analysing city-related content and categorising sentiments as 65% positive, 25% neutral, and 10% negative. This data not only provided valuable feedback on public opinion but also highlighted areas where the city could make informed adjustments to its policies and initiatives.

The versatility of Social Beat extends beyond sentiment analysis, offering users the ability to create flexible and diverse reports tailored to their specific needs. From quick overviews to in-depth analyses, organisations can customise their reports to focus on topics of interest and extract meaningful insights from the data.

Furthermore, Social Beat serves as a vital tool for monitoring and countering misinformation, particularly in an era where online platforms can be exploited to spread false or misleading information. By identifying and categorising content according to its accuracy and relevance, the software empowers organisations to address misinformation proactively and safeguard the integrity of public discourse.

In addition to its role in monitoring public sentiment and countering misinformation, Social Beat also serves as a platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. By providing city leaders with timely insights into the concerns and priorities of the community, the software facilitates more responsive and citizen-centric decision-making.

Looking ahead, the Department of Information and Communications plans to further integrate Social Beat into its operations, ensuring that the software remains a valuable resource for policymakers, public officials, and community leaders. By leveraging AI and machine learning technologies, HCMC aims to stay at the forefront of digital innovation, harnessing the power of data to drive positive change and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Social Beat represents a transformative leap forward in Ho Chi Minh City’s approach to managing public sentiment and navigating the complexities of online discourse. With its advanced AI capabilities and real-time analytics, the software promises to revolutionise how organisations engage with social media data, offering valuable insights that can inform policy decisions, counter misinformation, and shape public opinion in the digital age.

In a bid to harness the power of big data for social and economic progress, the Thai government, led by Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), has unveiled the Big Data Institute’s (BDI) new role in shaping the future through data. The initiative, titled “Power the Future with Data – The Next Chapter of BDI,” aims to harness the power of big data and AI to drive economic and societal growth in the digital era.

Image credits: mdes.go.th

Thailand has long recognised the importance of data in its growth trajectory. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa), operating under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), has actively promoted the use of big data for national progress, including during the tenure of the GBDi. The previous institute successfully streamlined over 100 projects undertaken by 67 state agencies and was crucial in developing platforms to support these initiatives.

At the meeting, key figures attended, including Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Mr Suthikiat Veerakijpanich, Advisor to the Minister, Mr Wanlop Rujirakorn, Secretary to the Minister, and Associate Professor Dr Theeranee Ajalakul, Director of the Big Data Institute, highlighting the institute’s collaborative efforts with government agencies.

In his address, Mr Prasert highlighted the pivotal role of the Big Data Institute in leveraging big data to propel the country forward. He emphasised the institute’s role in bridging the gap between government agencies, enabling them to utilise various information sources for maximum benefit. This approach, he noted, is crucial for accelerating national development and enhancing the quality of life for citizens in a sustainable manner.

“Big data is critical because it provides valuable insights, patterns, and trends from vast amounts of structured and unstructured data. By leveraging big data, organisations and societies can enhance decision-making, optimise operations, and drive innovation across various sectors,” Mr Prasert explained.

Further, Mr Prasert underscored the importance of the Thai Large Language Model (ThaiLLM) project, led by the Big Data Institute, as a key component of Thailand’s artificial intelligence infrastructure. The project aligns with the Ministry of DE’s focus on leveraging data technology and AI to enhance Thailand’s digital and innovation competitiveness on a global scale.

According to a previous OpenGov Asia report, developing the Thai Large Language Model (Thai LLM) is a significant step towards enhancing Thailand’s natural language processing capabilities. Large language models, like the Thai LLM, can process and generate human language, enabling a wide range of applications such as machine translation, text summarisation, and chatbots in the Thai language.

Following the discussion on the ThaiLLM project, Professor Phiphisit Wisit Wisitsaratha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, delivered a lecture on the policy direction of using data technology and AI to drive Thailand forward. He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to promoting public benefit and readiness to adapt to modern challenges, particularly in big data technology.

Associate Professor Dr Theeranee Ajalakul, Director of the Big Data Institute, highlighted BDI’s role in promoting the use of analytical data for decision-making and service delivery. The institute serves as a hub for connecting and analysing data across various sectors, fostering an ecosystem that supports data entrepreneurs and meets the demands of the Thai industrial sector.

An important aspect of BDI’s work is its focus on developing a skilled workforce in big data. The institute has trained over 100 new-generation information professionals, equipping them with the skills to drive Thailand’s competitive advantage and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

In this context, the efforts of the Big Data Institute underscore Thailand’s commitment to becoming a Data-Driven Nation. It is believed that by leveraging data and AI technologies, Thailand aims to achieve concrete national reforms to propel the country towards stable, sustainable, and transparent economic development.

“Thailand is laying the foundation for a more competitive digital economy. This could lead to significant improvements in efficiency, innovation, and overall quality of life for its citizens in the future,” Mr Prasert concluded.

Ho Chi Minh City is gearing up to propel its digital economy, with ambitious targets set to significantly boost its contribution to the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP). By 2025, the goal is for the digital economy to constitute 20% of the GRDP, increasing to 40% by 2030.

In a groundbreaking move, Ho Chi Minh City conducted a scientific assessment of the digital economy’s contribution to its GRDP for the first time in 2021, revealing a notable figure of 15.38% (excluding e-commerce and sharing economy). Building on this momentum, the estimated contribution surged to 18.66% in 2022 and is projected to reach 22% by 2024.

Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the municipal Department of Information and Communications, emphasized that the city has been entrusted with a pivotal role by the Politburo’s Resolution 31/2022, tasked with spearheading the nation’s transition to a digital economy by 2030.

To fulfil this mandate, Ho Chi Minh City has been proactive in implementing measures to foster the digital economy, integrating digital economic development targets into key municipal Party Committee resolutions and the city’s annual socio-economic development program.

Key initiatives include the development of digital infrastructure and the promotion of non-cash payments across various sectors, particularly in administrative procedures, education, healthcare, and transportation. However, Thang highlighted challenges such as insufficient awareness, inconsistent measurement methods, and a lack of policies and resources to support small and medium-sized enterprises.

Ha Than, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Association, suggested prioritising economic sectors for digital transformation and establishing a clear roadmap to enhance public familiarity with digital economic and administrative processes.

Meanwhile, Professor-Dr. Tran Minh Tuan, Director of the Department of Digital Economy and Digital Society under the Ministry of Information and Communications, advised focusing on digital economic development in key sectors such as processing, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and services.

In line with these recommendations, the municipal Department of Information and Communications has rolled out measures and policies since the beginning of 2024 to support small and medium-sized enterprises, business households, and individuals. This includes training and consulting activities, as well as facilitating access to digital platforms at affordable prices.

Furthermore, the city is keen on nurturing and incentivising digital technology businesses to drive innovation and accelerate digital transformation across various economic sectors. Improving the investment environment and operations at the hi-tech park are also kept at the fore to create an ecosystem conducive to digital innovation and growth.

In an effort to drive digital transformation and meet the objectives outlined in the resolution of the 11th Congress of the Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Party Organisation, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Communications, Vo Minh Thanh, unveiled the city’s ambitious roadmap comprising nine pivotal tasks during a meeting held on February 22nd.

The outlined tasks encompass various aspects of digitalisation, including the enhancement of information technology infrastructure, the implementation of an integrated information system for administrative procedures, and the promotion of a mobile app for streamlined communication between citizens and local authorities. Additionally, the city plans to establish a shared digital platform, digitise sector-specific data, and provide training for members of the community digital technology team.

A significant focus lies on the effective utilisation of the Quang Trung Software Park in District 12 while exploring opportunities for the creation of additional concentrated information technology zones. These endeavours are aimed at fostering regional connectivity and bolstering the growth of the IT industry within the city.

By concentrating on these initiatives, Ho Chi Minh City aims to leverage digital transformation as a fundamental solution to propel economic development and enhance overall efficiency in governance and service delivery.

In a major move towards realising Universal Health Care (UHC) in Pampanga, local leaders and health experts are pioneering a tech-focused integration of the province-wide health system. This innovative approach aims not only to expedite the implementation of UHC but also to revolutionise healthcare accessibility and delivery through the strategic utilisation of technology.

The pivotal moment came as 21 mayors ceremoniously signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with health professionals, officially inaugurating the “Pampanga United for Streamlining Health towards UHC” initiative. At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to harnessing technology as a catalyst for healthcare transformation.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire lauded the provincial government’s proactive stance in leveraging technology to bring healthcare services closer to every household. She emphasised the indispensable role of technology-enabled primary healthcare in paving the way for UHC, underscoring its potential to bridge gaps and enhance healthcare access.

Renely Tungol, the UHC Provincial Focal Person, elucidated the significance of the MOA, highlighting its role in galvanising local leaders towards a shared vision of technological integration for improved health outcomes. She stressed the power of data-driven decision-making and digital innovation in optimising healthcare delivery across Pampanga’s diverse municipalities and cities.

Pampanga’s remarkable progress in health system maturity, boasting an impressive 83% attainment level, positions it as a frontrunner among the seven Central Luzon provinces. This milestone underscores the province’s readiness to embrace technological advancements and drive meaningful change in the healthcare landscape.

Corazon Flores, Regional Director of the Department of Health Central Luzon Center for Health Development, underscored the transformative potential of technology in delivering patient-centric healthcare services. She underscored the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration to maximise the impact of technological interventions on health outcomes.

Vice Governor Lilia Pineda echoed the sentiment, highlighting the pivotal role of technology in ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents, as mandated by Republic Act No. 11223, the UHC Act of 2019. She underscored the need for sustained support and investment in technological infrastructure to realise the full potential of UHC in Pampanga.

Pineda also pledged to prioritise preventive healthcare initiatives by leveraging technology for early disease detection and intervention. This includes the provision of cutting-edge diagnostic equipment for the timely detection of conditions such as pneumonia and tumours, bolstering the province’s capacity for proactive healthcare delivery.

In addition to legislative support, the provincial government has earmarked a substantial budget of P100 million for its provincial health expenditure in 2024. This investment underscores a commitment to leveraging technology as a cornerstone of Pampanga’s healthcare strategy, with a focus on enhancing digital infrastructure and expanding access to telemedicine services.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s announcement of an increased case rates coverage to 30% further augments Pampanga’s tech-driven healthcare ecosystem. This expansion, coupled with the automatic enrollment of citizens into the National Health Insurance Program under the UHC law, promises to significantly enhance healthcare affordability and accessibility for all residents.

The collaborative efforts of local leaders and health professionals underscore a shared commitment to harnessing technology as a force multiplier in the journey towards Universal Health Care in Pampanga. Through strategic investments in digital innovation and data-driven decision-making, the province is poised to emerge as a beacon of technological excellence in healthcare delivery, setting a precedent for others to follow.

Change Makers of Tomorrow - Anzene

Meet the Change Makers of Tomorrow and hear them share their stories.

PARTNER

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

PARTNER

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

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

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

PARTNER

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

SUPPORTING ORGANISATION

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

PARTNER

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

PARTNER

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