NIST initiates first call for lightweight cryptography to protect IoT devices

The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) recently
kicked off an effort to strengthen the cryptographic defense of internet of
things (IoT) networked devices against cyberattacks and protect the data
created by those innumerable devices.

Within IoT networks, sensors, actuators and other
micromachines that function as eyes, ears and hands of the network work on
scant electrical power and use circuitry far more limited than the chips found
in even the simplest cell phone. These small electronics include keyless entry
fobs to cars and the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags used to locate
boxes in vast warehouses.

These gadgets are inexpensive to make and will fit nearly
anywhere, but common encryption methods to secure them may demand more
electronic resources than they possess. As such, NIST is launching an effort to
create security solutions to this constraint.

NIST’s lightweight cryptography initiative aims to develop
cryptographic algorithm standards that can work within the confines of a simple
electronic device. The ultimate goal is to develop lightweight encryption
standards that benefit the entire marketplace.

As an initial step, NIST issued the Draft
Submission Requirements and Evaluation Criteria for the Lightweight Cryptography
Standardization Process as the first draft of its request to seek assistance
from the software development community in developing requirements and
guidelines for lightweight cryptography solutions.

According to the NIST document, lightweight cryptography is
a subfield of cryptography that aims to provide solutions tailored for
resource-constrained devices. There has been a significant amount of work done
by the academic community related to lightweight cryptography; this includes
efficient implementations of conventional cryptography standards, and the
design and analysis of new lightweight primitives and protocols.

“The IoT is
exploding, but there are tons of devices that have nothing for security,” said NIST
computer scientist Dr Kerry McKay.

According to Dr McKay, effective standards must bring a
well-defined solution that applies to a wide class of situations—and that made
the wording of the request tricky.

“There’s such a diversity of devices and use cases that it’s
hard to nail them all down. Our thinking had to be broad for that reason.”

To ensure they were getting off to the right start, Dr McKay
and the team members spent four years consulting with industry groups ranging
from smart power grid experts to auto manufacturers.

This has led the team to stipulate that submitted algorithms
must have been published previously and been analysed by a third party. These
solutions typically use symmetric cryptography
in which both the sender and recipient have an advance copy of a digital key
that can encrypt and decrypt messages.

The NIST team specifies that these algorithms should provide
authenticated encryption with
associated data (AEAD) in symmetric crypto applications as it allows a
recipient to check the integrity of both the encrypted and unencrypted
information in a message. It is also stipulated that if a hash function is used to create
a digital fingerprint of the data, the function should share resources with the
AEAD to reduce the cost of implementation.

Dr McKay said that while the AEAD and hash tools should
cover nearly everything that a developer would want to do with symmetric
cryptography, she and the team are looking forward to comments from the public
on whether the draft’s requirements are sufficient.

“We want the entire lightweight crypto standards development
process to be open and transparent, with the public involved at every step, she
said.

A Federal Register Notice will soon announce a public
comment period so that the community can weigh in on the draft submission
guidelines. After the issue of the Federal Register notice, NIST will be
accepting comments on the draft for 45 days, and will consider these
comments before releasing the formal submissions guideline document. Following
its release, NIST anticipates a 6-month submission window for lightweight
cryptographic algorithms.

NIST will then form an internal selection panel composed of
NIST researchers to analyse the submissions and all of its analysis results
will be made publicly available. The initial phase of evaluation will consist
of approximately 12 months of public review of the submitted algorithms.

Digital Dentistry Reshaping Oral Care in Singapore

The Chief Dental Officer of the Ministry of Health (MOH), Associate Prof Chng Chai Kiat highlighted their role in fostering collaboration, exploring innovation and propelling oral health into the future. Digitalisation, a key element of this transformation, takes centre stage providing a vibrant space for scientists to delve into technological advancements shaping the future of oral health.

Over the next few days, 60 local and international speakers will unravel cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), digital dentistry, biomaterials, orofacial devices, therapeutics, and more.

Oral diseases, affecting 3.5 billion globally, not only compromise health but also pose a substantial economic burden. In Singapore, the 2019/2020 National Adult Oral Health Survey revealed high prevalence rates, emphasising the need for effective strategies.

Assoc Prof Chng underlined the significance of oral health surveillance studies, crucial for policymaking and health system planning, while research becomes a driver for innovation in delivering quality oral care.

Population health takes precedence, aligning with Singapore’s healthcare reform through the Healthier SG initiative. The ageing population becomes a focal point, prompting the need for preventive care to ensure good oral health. Population oral health studies become instrumental in understanding responses to interventions across generations, contributing to effective policymaking.

A notable endeavour is the SG70 cohort study, “Towards Healthy Longevity,” integrating oral health research into mainstream public health initiatives. Led by the National University of Singapore, it examines the effects of biological, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors on healthy ageing. A representative sample of 3,000 Singaporeans aged 70 and older will be followed for the next 10 to 15 years.

Digital dentistry solutions take a leap forward with the ongoing development of a clinically integrated workflow to produce removable partial dentures efficiently. Spearheaded by SingHealth-Duke NUS Medical School, this research proposal employs 3D dental prosthesis printing, biomaterials, and regenerative dentistry, catering to the oral needs of an ageing population.

Industry collaboration has become integral, and a noteworthy example is the development of an antiseptic mouth rinse with anti-viral properties. Originating during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study by the National Dental Centre Singapore has successfully partnered with a homegrown oral care brand, showcasing a synergy between oral health research expertise and industry knowledge.

Digital dentistry solutions have revolutionised dental practices by offering precision, efficiency, and enhanced patient experiences. Utilising advanced technologies such as intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM systems, these solutions ensure precise measurements and accurate diagnoses.

Digital workflows streamline traditional processes, significantly reducing chair time and enabling same-day restorations. This benefits practitioners in terms of time efficiency and enhances the overall patient experience, as digital impressions replace traditional materials, providing a more comfortable and less intrusive procedure.

Customisation and aesthetics are paramount in modern dentistry, and digital tools like CAD/CAM systems allow for the creation of highly customised dental prosthetics tailored to individual patient anatomy. The precise colour-matching capabilities of digital technologies contribute to restorations that closely resemble natural teeth, achieving superior aesthetic outcomes.

Additionally, improved communication between dental professionals is facilitated through digital platforms, enabling seamless collaboration on multidisciplinary cases. The ease of sharing digital records with laboratories, specialists, and other team members fosters better coordination in delivering comprehensive patient care.

Beyond the immediate benefits, digital dentistry offers long-term advantages such as cost-effectiveness, as reduced material costs and increased efficiency offset initial investments.

The accessibility and secure storage of digital patient records contribute to better continuity of care, while ongoing technological advancements, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing, ensure that dental practices remain at the forefront of emerging trends.

Hence, digital dentistry has become an essential component of modern dental care, providing practitioners with tools to deliver high-quality, patient-centred services in a technologically advanced environment.

India’s Tech Evolution and Safe Digital Spaces

Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, spoke at two influential tech events: the Indian Express Digifraud & Safety Summit 2023 and YourStory Techsparks’23. His engagements centred around India’s technological advancements, regulatory policies, and the nation’s promising future in the global tech landscape.

At these tech summits, Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar outlined India’s ambitious technological trajectory, reinforcing the government’s dedication to fostering innovation, ensuring a safe digital environment, and harnessing the transformative power of technology for the nation’s progress.

Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar articulated India’s journey in artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and the startup ecosystem. He expressed the government’s profound interest in further boosting India’s burgeoning startup landscape.

Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar noted India’s transition from an unrestricted, eternally optimistic view of technology and the internet to a more nuanced approach. He highlighted the government’s aim to strike a balance between fostering innovation and growth while guaranteeing distinct rights for digital citizens.

The Minister emphasised the evolution from the phase of transforming India to the concept of ‘New India’ and now envisions witnessing the emergence of ‘Viksit Bharat’. He expanded on India’s transformation which resonated with the Prime Minister’s vision to raise India to a developed nation status, aiming to elevate the nation to the position of the world’s third-largest economy.

Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Minister Chandrasekhar stated, “Our focus is on startups, innovation, and funding, creating a computing infrastructure. In January, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi agreed to establish a significant amount of GPU capacity in India for startups to access and bring forth their innovation and foundational models.”

He advocated for decentralising the startup landscape, encouraging the emergence of successful ventures from various regions across India. “We want unicorns and successful startups to come from Meerut, Ghaziabad, Kohima, Srinagar, Kottayam, Belgaum, Dharwad, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, and beyond,” he asserted, confirming the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation in diverse cities.

Addressing concerns about internet regulation and safety, the Minister explained the government’s evolved approach, focusing on ensuring safety and trust for digital citizens while holding platforms accountable. He clarified that “safety and trust are not for the Government; rather, they are initiatives aimed at safeguarding the vast majority of Digital Nagriks”.

Reflecting on his participation in the UK AI Summit, Minister Chandrasekhar underscored India’s commitment to a safe and trusted internet, aligning with the government’s guiding principles since 2021.

“We want the internet to be safe and trusted; it is an article of faith. We also aim for platforms to be legally accountable,” he reiterated.

He highlighted the need to embrace AI’s potential while managing risks, warning against a narrative that diminishes its innovation. The Minister emphasised that avoiding the overshadowing of AI’s benefits by its perceived risks is crucial for the digital economy and the populace.

“We don’t seek to demonise AI; rather, it’s vital to maintain a balance so that the discourse on its risks doesn’t eclipse its potential advantages,” he explains, clarifying India’s approach to artificial intelligence.

OpenGov Asia provided coverage of India’s expanding global influence, highlighting the country’s leadership roles across diverse international platforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR) and a Social Impact Fund (SIF). The GDPIR will be used for sharing information and best practices and the SIF is designed to advance Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

He unveiled the schemes during the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit. Chaired by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) has played a key role in progressing the global DPI agenda.

Indonesia’s Approach to Ethical AI Implementation

The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has experienced rapid and widespread growth across various sectors. This phenomenon reflects massive adoption, making it easier for humans to meet their diverse needs. In this context, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) demands the existence of good guidelines and ethics for humans, thus emphasising the importance of responsible and ethical practices in harnessing this technology.

In Indonesia alone, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has supported using cutting-edge technology to compete globally. The Vice Minister, Nezar Patria, stated that the Circular Guidelines (SE) for AI Usage would help the innovations of the nation’s youths. According to him, Indonesians have made numerous discoveries in various industries, but only a few of them have integrated AI into their findings.

The Thick Blood Smear Microphotograph CAD Malaria system is an example of such integration. This is a breakthrough in the healthcare industry that focuses on the diagnosis of Malaria, which is prevalent, especially in the eastern part of Indonesia. In this innovative system, artificial intelligence significantly contributes to the efficiency of diagnostic processes, providing more accurate results and enabling faster and more effective treatment for patients infected with Malaria. Using three diagnostic methods to identify plasmodium parasites in the blood facilitates healthcare providers in obtaining comprehensive information and insights into malaria patients.

According to Nezar Patria, the guidelines for using AI represent a strategic step to ensure the continued relevance of this latest technology ecosystem, aligning with global innovation growth. Given its significant impact on international technological and economic development, he emphasised the importance of keeping pace with global developments in AI usage.

Nezar Patria emphasised that AI policies must always align with global dynamics so that Indonesia can ensure its optimal position in developing and utilising this technology. Their main focus is on determining Indonesia’s positioning in the context of AI development and utilisation, which will directly impact the sectors to be developed domestically.

Additionally, Nezar Patria highlighted that aligning with global developments in AI usage can open up broader collaboration opportunities between Indonesia and other countries. This collaboration may involve exchanging knowledge, experiences, and resources that will enrich Indonesia’s perspective in facing the challenges and opportunities arising from the development of AI technology.

At the same time, Nezar Patria discussed issues related to artificial intelligence and ethical values. There, he gathered several suggestions and recommendations from stakeholders regarding the development and use of AI, emphasising that the ecosystem’s regulations should be transparent, accountable, and fair while adhering to human-centric and explainability principles.

Nezar Patria highlighted the need for a comprehensive response to the potential challenges and risks of artificial intelligence (AI). In this framework, the government, developers, and AI providers from the public and private sectors need to support educational efforts to enhance understanding of AI, especially given its significant social implications.

The Circular on AI Ethics is considered a crucial instrument to provide comprehensive guidance in addressing regulatory compliance and responsibility needs among AI developers or providers. Nezar Patria emphasised that appropriate regulations must be implemented to provide clarity and certainty. This is to ensure that the Circular on AI Ethics can be a ready-to-use guide for stakeholders in the AI ecosystem, particularly in responding to the evolving dynamics of AI.

Nezar Patria asserted that the Circular on AI Ethics is not just a normative document but also a concrete step to enforce regulatory compliance and assume social responsibility. With clear regulations, stakeholders in the AI ecosystem can effectively adopt this guide, making it a practical guideline ready for use in developing and utilising AI technology.

“Appropriate regulations will provide legal certainty and a solid foundation for AI industry players. Thus, the Circular on AI Ethics becomes a normative instrument and an effective tool to achieve the compliance and responsibility required in using artificial intelligence,” he concluded.

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is working to address the anticipated shortage of 85,000 digital workers in the region by 2030. In a collaborative effort, government officials, leaders from the digital industry, and education and training providers are joining forces to bridge the looming digital skills gap. The Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, recently officiated the launch of the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact at NSW Parliament House, marking a significant milestone in the initiative.

Image adapted from 2023-25 NSW Digital Skills – Compact Action Plan

The collaboration involves 37 compact partners, comprising the highest echelons of industry representation. Together, these partners hold a considerable reach, influencing 1.7 million students and representing over 340,000 digital workers in NSW.

The scope of the compact is extensive, aiming to promote digital careers across the state, with a specific focus on encouraging traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, First Nations people, and individuals in regional and remote areas to pursue tech-related professions.

At its core, the compact seeks to transform the perception of digital careers, fostering diversity in the sector and creating welcoming and productive workspaces. Recognising the urgency of the skills shortage, the partnership is committed to developing and implementing new employment pathways, providing on-the-job training experiences for individuals aspiring to embark on a long-term career in the digital industry.

The ambitious goals of the NSW Digital Compact are outlined in a comprehensive set of milestones. Firstly, the compact aims to alter societal perceptions of tech careers, emphasising diversity and inclusivity within the sector. By collaborating with industry partners, the initiative plans to expand and enhance new pathway programs for tech roles, including traineeships and work experiences. Additionally, efforts will be made to extend the reach of mentoring and networking programs to engage a more diverse audience.

Recognising the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, the compact seeks to provide increased opportunities for the people of NSW to reskill or upskill in tech-related roles. This not only addresses the immediate skills shortage but also positions the workforce to meet the evolving demands of the digital industry.

A crucial component of the collaborative effort is the establishment of a Digital Education Forum. This platform, created in collaboration with universities, TAFE institutions, school curriculum providers, and industry experts, is dedicated to enhancing tech education and fostering stronger industry partnerships. The forum serves as a proactive measure to ensure that educational institutions are aligned with industry needs and that students are equipped with the skills required to thrive in the digital workforce.

The Minister Steve Whan underscores the significance of this landmark agreement, emphasising the commitment of the NSW Government to shape a digitally empowered future for the state. Beyond just bridging the skills gap, the NSW Digital Compact is laying the foundation for a resilient and inclusive digital workforce.

The Minister highlights that the compact represents a substantial opportunity for government, industry, and education leaders to work together in changing people’s perceptions of ‘tech’ and expanding the inclusivity of the sector.

The Chair of the NSW Skills Board and CEO of ANZ branch of the partnering tech firm stressed the research commissioned by the NSW Skills Board, projecting a shortfall of 85,000 digital workers by 2030. To address this gap, the compact partners aim to achieve 20% of new hires coming from alternative pathways by the same year. The Chair believes that the compact will play a pivotal role in providing a pipeline of diverse talent to fill high-paying, secure jobs that are being created in NSW’s rapidly growing digital sector.

The NSW Digital Compact Partners include the NSW Government, several major global companies, the Institute of Applied Technology Digital, TAFE NSW, Tech Council of Australia, and all NSW/ACT universities. This diverse coalition reflects a collective commitment to building a robust and inclusive digital workforce, ensuring that NSW remains at the forefront of digital innovation in the years to come.

Low-Carbon and Digital Initiatives in Taiwan

The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP), under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) of Taiwan, is spearheading the University-Research Adoption Programme to propel companies into the field of digital and low-carbon transformation. Recognising the pivotal role of academia-industry collaboration in catalysing this evolution, BIP has enlisted the expertise of the Academia-Industry Consortium of Taichung Software Park in Taiwan (AiCTSP).

The consortium, known for its robust “One School, One Industrial Park” academic adoption programme, brings together technical experts from universities to bolster manufacturers in central industrial parks. Recently, the BIP orchestrated its annual pinnacle event at Hungkuang University, orchestrating a vibrant industry-academia cooperation exchange activity that drew nearly a hundred participants.

Yang Po-Keng, the Director-General of BIP, highlighted the pivotal role played by universities, AiCTSP, and businesses in parks during 2023, underscoring the abundance and diversity of industry-academia services rendered to businesses within the parks.

The range of services offered is impressive, encompassing in-depth technical counselling, talent training programmes, student internships, campus visits, and talent matching meetings. The collaboration also extended to assisting in the submission of ten research proposals to secure government project resources and subsidies.

Noteworthy initiatives such as the “Digital Innovation Award” competition were organised, providing a platform for businesses to showcase groundbreaking innovations. Besides, the BIP actively supported businesses in parks to establish talent development classes, sparking enthusiastic participation and yielding fruitful outcomes.

Cheng Tao-Ming, Chairman of AiCTSP and Principal of Chaoyang University of Technology, emphasised the pivotal role of AiCTSP as an industry-academia platform, acting as a conduit to bring industry and academia closer through various collaborative activities.

This strategic approach enables businesses to engage more profoundly with high schools and universities, fostering effective industry-academia collaboration. Looking ahead, in tandem with the organisational restructuring of industrial parks, the collaboration is set to deepen further as high schools, vocational schools, and colleges align with BIP’s planning to enhance industry-academia ties.

As countries join forces to address climate change and emphasise sustainability, the attention is on digital and low-carbon changes. These developments are critical solutions for mitigating the negative effects of glasshouse gas emissions and reshaping industries and economies.

The global trajectory involves a decisive shift toward cleaner technologies, renewable energy sources, and resource-efficient practices, not only as a response to climate change but also as catalysts for innovation and economic growth.

Businesses are increasingly acknowledging the need to align with environmental goals, integrating sustainability into their operations to meet the expectations of a thorough consumer base and socially responsible investors.

The ongoing global transition towards smart and sustainable urbanisation, coupled with the relentless advancement of digital technologies, is setting the stage for the creation of resilient cities capable of adapting to the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

The digital era facilitates unprecedented international collaboration, allowing nations to exchange best practices and work together toward shared environmental objectives. Governments worldwide are implementing policies and regulations to incentivise sustainable practices, propelling the momentum behind digital and low-carbon transformations.

The collaborative initiatives in Taiwan represent a significant stride towards fostering a more sustainable and resilient future. The multifaceted benefits of this collective effort extend beyond environmental conservation, promising positive impacts on societal well-being and progress.

Through the integration of cutting-edge technology, the advancement of industry-academia partnerships, and the adoption of a low-carbon principle, this deliberate effort not only tackles present issues but also establishes the groundwork for long-lasting positive transformation.

Securing Vietnam’s Digital Future

In a significant move aimed at fortifying the nation’s technological landscape, the Vietnam Authority of Information Security (AIS) has underscored the non-negotiable nature of cybersecurity in the current digital landscape.

Emphasising the indispensability of robust cybersecurity measures, the AIS recommended stringent adherence to these protocols across agencies, institutions, and businesses. In today’s digital landscape, the confluence of telecommunications and IT has redefined the contours of security, compelling institutions and businesses to recalibrate their approach to information security.

Image credits: Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications

A workshop dedicated to IT and information security held in Hanoi spotlighted the criticality of information security investment for the digital future. A collaborative effort between AIS, Viettel Cyber Security, and IEC Group, the summit aimed at empowering institutions and businesses to proactively anticipate risks and navigate confidently through the complexities of the digital landscape.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Nguyen Son Hai, CEO of Viettel Cyber Security observes that the digital transformation wave brings a torrent of information security risks. Viettel Threat Intelligence, for instance, reported 12 million hacked accounts within Vietnam, with 48 million data records compromised and traded in the cyberspace market. Moreover, the stark reality is that numerous entities remain unaware of being under cyberattack.

Financial fraud looms large on this precarious horizon. An alarming revelation showcases the exploitation of 5,800 domain names masquerading as commercial banks, e-wallets, manufacturing firms, and retail giants, posing a severe threat to users’ assets through deceitful means.

Ransomware, an escalating menace, presents formidable challenges to organisations and businesses. Its disruptive potential can cripple entire operations, with cybercriminals extorting exorbitant sums, sometimes reaching millions of dollars, from their victims.

Nguyen Son Hai highlighted the 300 GB of encrypted organisational data published on the Internet, indicating that the actual figures are likely higher, underlining the gravity of the situation.

Tran Dang Khoa from AIS stressed the perennial existence of information security risks, underscoring the urgent need for effective solutions. He outlined five pivotal criteria for cybersecurity solutions: legality, effectiveness, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and a crucial emphasis on utilising solutions originating from Vietnam.

The paramount importance of legal compliance within cybersecurity frameworks cannot be overstated. Organisations providing online services bear a heightened responsibility to ensure compliance, as information security is mandated by law. Straying from these regulations can render entities liable in the event of security breaches.

Despite substantial investments in sophisticated protection systems, the efficacy of these measures remains questionable if they cannot detect and avert cyberattacks. The challenge lies in optimising system efficiency while rationalising costs – an arduous task that cybersecurity firms endeavour to address.

Khoa acknowledges the need to address existing vulnerabilities alongside fortifying against new threats. Neglecting existing risks within systems, and waiting for opportune moments for cyber assailants, poses significant dangers. Pre-emptive measures must focus on rectifying known vulnerabilities before investing in additional protective tools.

Khoa highlighted that vulnerabilities often emanate not from direct cyberattacks but from individuals within organisations possessing inadequate technological proficiency. Exploiting these individuals can cascade attacks throughout systems, amplifying vulnerabilities exponentially.

Empowering all personnel within organisations with robust cybersecurity knowledge and skills emerges as a pivotal defence mechanism. Khoa accentuated the criticality of imparting such knowledge to safeguard information systems comprehensively.

Furthermore, advocating for the utilisation of ‘Make in Vietnam’ products, solutions, and services assumes significance. Homegrown solutions tailored to address the specific intricacies of Vietnamese organisations offer unique advantages. These domestic solutions not only offer timely support but also demonstrate a deep understanding of local challenges, aiding in swift problem resolution.

As businesses and institutions navigate this dynamic digital terrain, the proactive integration of these strategies is pivotal in safeguarding against the multifaceted threats that loom large in the era of digital proliferation.

Hong Kong: Tech Innovations and Sustainable Pathways

The StartmeupHK Festival 2023 concluded with a display of tech innovation, sustainability and global collaboration, cementing its status as a catalyst for propelling startups into an era of limitless opportunities. Hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the festival attracted over 12,000 in-person attendees and an additional 16,000 online viewers from 85 countries and territories, encompassing industry leaders, tech enthusiasts, investors, and governmental figures.

Under the banner of “A Future Unlimited,” the festival brought together speakers and facilitated one-to-one meetings, fostering collaborations and exploring growth avenues for startups with potential partners and investors.

The presence of senior government officials highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s commitment to fortifying the city’s ecosystem through proactive measures and established funding schemes.

At Game On! 2023, the Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, applauded Hong Kong’s burgeoning startup community, citing significant growth in startup numbers and employment figures, showcasing the city’s potential to nurture these ventures.

Professor Sun Dong, the HKSAR Government Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, reinforced the government’s dedication to bolstering Hong Kong as an international innovation hub. This commitment was echoed by Ms Alpha Lau, Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, emphasising Hong Kong’s resilience and the government’s strategic initiatives to attract global talent and capital.

While spanning diverse tech domains like web3, healthtech, proptech, greentech, and AI, sustainability emerged as a central theme across the festival’s discourse. Visionaries and experts converged to underscore the need to integrate sustainable practices into business models.

Mr Bernard Chan, Chairman of Our Hong Kong Foundation, stressed the importance of sustainable business practices, advocating for collaboration within the region to achieve this goal. Panel discussions resonated with the unanimous sentiment that sustainability is not just an option but an essential facet of future success.

From the potential of generative AI in healthcare by Dr Frank Pun to insights about the colossal impact of web3 by Mr Jirayut Srupsrisopa, the discussions illuminated the trajectory of technological advancements and their transformative role in shaping Hong Kong’s future.

The festival was not just about discourse; it provided a platform for startups to shine. Pitching competitions like the Startup World Cup Asia Finale showcased innovative ventures like i2cool and Allegrow Biotech, representing Hong Kong’s prowess in green technology and biotech respectively.

Moreover, the festival’s unique events, such as investor-matching sessions on a Ferris Wheel and exclusive business matching at JUMPSTARTER 2023 Tech by The Harbour, underscored the innovative spirit driving connections and collaborations in unprecedented ways.

The StartmeupHK Festival 2023 has left a mark on the global startup landscape, especially in Hong Kong. Its influence resonates strongly, underscoring the city’s status as a vibrant hub where innovation flourishes, fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurial pursuits.

This event played a pivotal role in showcasing ideas and nurturing and sustaining the spirit of innovation. Its momentum is poised to fuel sustained growth, fostering an environment where innovations continue to flourish.

Hong Kong aspires to become a prominent regional digital hub and is dedicated to nurturing both local talent and burgeoning startups. OpenGov Asia reported that the Bright Future Engineering Talent Hub (the Hub) at the City University of Hong Kong held the STEM Challenge and Summer Research Internship Presentation, drawing the participation of approximately 100 secondary students and representatives from educational institutions.

The Hub has been instrumental in organising diverse STEM activities, encompassing a Summer Research Internship, a STEM Carnival, a Student Project Exhibition and the STEM Challenge. These initiatives collectively aim to nurture young talent for the ever-evolving engineering industry and propagate STEM education. Over the past two years, the Hub has successfully engaged more than 1,600 secondary students in these activities. Various distinguished personalities were in attendance.

November 30, 2023

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NIST initiates first call for lightweight cryptography to protect IoT devices

Digital Dentistry Reshaping Oral Care in Singapore

India’s Tech Evolution and Safe Digital Spaces

Indonesia’s Approach to Ethical AI Implementation

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

Low-Carbon and Digital Initiatives in Taiwan

Securing Vietnam’s Digital Future

Hong Kong: Tech Innovations and Sustainable Pathways

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Digital Dentistry Reshaping Oral Care in Singapore

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