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In a speech by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Finance and Chairman of the National Research Foundation, at the Closing Ceremony of the France Singapore Year of Innovation on 15 March 2019 at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, he highlighted how Singapore and France have partnered in innovation and the initiatives that were rolled out over ‘the France-Singapore year of innovation’ 2018.
Singapore and France are natural partners in innovation
Former President Hollande and Prime Minister Lee issued the Joint Declaration on Innovation between France and Singapore in 2017 and designated 2018 as the France-Singapore Year of Innovation.
Over 60 have been were organised, with the support of our respective embassies. By bringing together our businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers, students and officials, new areas for cooperation have been created.
To support the cross-border exchange of start-ups, we launched the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) activities in Paris, the first in Europe, making the city a gateway for our start-ups in Europe.
We also launched French Tech Singapore. It brings together French entrepreneurs in Singapore, and supports their ventures into the Southeast Asia markets. This complements the GIA activities in Paris said Mr Heng Swee Keat
Singapore also made a debut appearance at the French tech convention, Viva Technology, in May 2018, with a large presence. A few months later, Secretary of State Mahjoubi led a delegation of French start-ups to the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH).
To support further collaborations, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and Bpifrance launched the first France-Singapore Call for Innovation Projects. Applications for the first call will close on 31 March, and I strongly encourage French and Singapore companies to apply for this.
Following the Year of Innovation, France and Singapore have agreed to further our innovation partnership by setting up the FranceSingapore Joint Committee on Science and Innovation.
This initiative will support France’s ambition to establish a dynamic innovation hub in Europe and globally, and Singapore’s drive to position Singapore as a GlobalAsia Node of Technology, Innovation and Enterprise.
Strengthening Ties with France and the EU
In 2018, France is Singapore’s second largest EU trading partner in goods, while we are France’s top trading partner in ASEAN, with total trade in goods amounting to about 21.3 billion Singapore dollars (or 14.0 billion Euros).
More than 2,000 French companies are in Singapore, the second highest from a EU Member State. Leading French companies in different sectors, such as Airbus, Bolloré Group, Engie, Roquette, Schneider Electric, and Thales have operations in Singapore, and also use Singapore as a base for their Asian operations.
Singapore companies such as Ascott Limited, City Developments Limited, Interplex, and ST Engineering also have presence in France. The strong bilateral relations between Singapore and France demonstrate our openness to international partnerships.
Last month, the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) and the EUSingapore Investment Protection Agreement (EUSIPA) received the European Parliament’s consent with a strong majority. This marks a significant milestone in Singapore and the EU’s long standing relationship, and our shared commitment towards a rules-based multilateral trading system.
The EU is Singapore’s largest partner in services, third largest trading partner in goods, and our largest foreign investor. Over 10,000 EU companies are based in Singapore, making Singapore the top location for European investments in ASEAN. Similarly, Singapore is the EU’s largest trading partner in both goods and services in ASEAN.
A new phase in innovation partnerships.
The minister concluded that the Year of Innovation marks a new phase in innovation partnerships. The establishment of the France-Singapore Joint Committee on Science and Innovation will help research institutions, universities, businesses and start-ups to produce better results and outcomes to benefit the two countries and peoples, and to contribute to the broader global development.
I am also glad that the Rencontres Economiques, the final event in the France Singapore Year of Innovation, has brought together leading academics, government officials and business leaders, to have a frank dialogue on the challenges of Industry 4.0 and Globalisation 4.0. concluded the Chairman of NRF
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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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In microelectronics, a semiconductor is a substance with specific electrical properties, enabling it to be the foundation for computers and other electronic devices. Typically, a semiconductor is a solid chemical element or compound that can conduct electricity under certain conditions but not others, making it an ideal medium for controlling electrical current in everyday electrical appliances.
In this context, researchers have made a significant breakthrough in microelectronics, where the pursuit of creating increasingly compact yet more potent integrated circuits remains relentless. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have made significant strides in developing a new microelectronic material that could potentially revolutionise the field.
Microelectronics is the branch of electronics engineering focused on creating and producing miniature electronic components, like microprocessors, utilising methods such as photolithography. These components are commonly made using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS).
Their pioneering research has been published in Advanced Materials, introducing an innovative technique known as “redox gating.” This technique shows promising potential in controlling the movement of electrons within semiconducting materials, thereby enabling highly efficient and low-power operation.
This technique can improve the performance and capabilities of microelectronic devices, addressing the challenges of miniaturisation and energy efficiency in today’s supercomputers.
The challenge facing microelectronics is to maintain peak performance while consuming only a fraction of the electricity of conventional electronics, all within the confines of shrinking chip sizes. This is crucial to prevent overheating and ensure the reliability of electronic devices. Redox gating involves using a chemical reaction to transfer electrons, offering a new way to control the flow of electrons within a semiconductor.
In the experiment conducted by the Argonne team, a device was designed to regulate electron flow by applying a voltage across a material, essentially creating an electron gate. When the voltage reached a specific threshold, electrons would be injected through the gate from a source redox material into a channel material. This process allowed the semiconducting device to act like a transistor, switching between more conducting and insulating states.
One of the key advantages of the redox gating strategy is its ability to modulate electron flow by a significant amount, even at low voltages, resulting in much greater power efficiency. This enhances performance and prevents damage to the system, as the materials can be cycled repeatedly with almost no degradation in performance.
Moreover, this technique opens up possibilities for creating new quantum materials whose phases could be manipulated at low power, potentially leading to the development of innovative quantum devices.
The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond just improving the efficiency of electronic devices. It could also pave the way for circuits that mimic the energy-efficient operation of the human brain. This is particularly significant as researchers seek to develop emergent properties in materials that go beyond the capabilities of conventional devices.
The research conducted at Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source and Centre for Nanoscale Materials, both DOE Office of Science user facilities, played a crucial role in characterising the redox gating behaviour and synthesising the materials used in the experiment. The collaborative effort of researchers from various disciplines, including materials science, physics, and chemistry, underscores the interdisciplinary nature of this cutting-edge work.
The development of redox gating represents a significant advancement in microelectronics, offering a pathway to creating more efficient, low-power semiconductors and quantum devices. This breakthrough addresses the challenges facing microelectronics and opens up exciting possibilities for future technological innovations.
The integration of redox gating into microelectronic devices could lead to substantial improvements in their efficiency and power consumption. This advancement has the potential to reshape the landscape of microelectronics, paving the way for the development of smaller, more energy-efficient semiconductors and quantum devices.
With continued research and innovation in this area, researchers anticipate a future where microelectronics will be more integral in advancing technology across various industries
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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.