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Since the Coronavirus outbreak, the Singapore Government have worked tirelessly to ensure that the infected are isolated, contained and all contacts they may have made in recent days prior to infection are track and traced.
These efforts seem to be paying off, as Singapore being one of the first three countries to report a confirmed case of Coronavirus, has largely managed to contain the virus and prevent it from becoming a nationwide crisis.
A huge part of this success is down to the contact tracing efforts of the Governments’ Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Singapore Police Force.
What is Contact Tracing and Why is it important?
People who have had close contact with someone who is infected with the virus are at higher risk of becoming infected and potentially infecting those they have had close contact with. Finding and monitoring these contacts after exposure to an infected person will help them to get adequate care and treatment, and aims to prevent further transmission of the virus.
This monitoring process is called contact tracing, which can be broken down into 3 basic steps as explained by the World Health Organisation:
Contact identification: Once someone is confirmed as infected with a virus, contacts are identified by asking about the person’s activities and the activities and roles of the people around them since the onset of illness. Contacts can be anyone who has been in contact with an infected person: family members, work colleagues, friends, or health care providers.
Contact listing: All persons considered to have contact with the infected person should be listed as contacts. Efforts should be made to identify every listed contact and to inform them of their contact status, what it means, the actions that will follow, and the importance of receiving early care if they develop symptoms.
Contacts should also be provided with information about prevention of the disease. In some cases, quarantine or isolation is required for high-risk contacts, either at home or in hospital.
Contact follow-up: Regular follow-up should be conducted with all contacts to monitor for symptoms and test for signs of infection.
Contact Tracing Procedure in Singapore
The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore is overall in charge of contact tracing operations in Singapore and the police are called in to help in some cases. Where the details of activity or movements of a patient is incomplete and/or further verification is required, the police will come then support MOH in these investigative circumstances.
A recent study carried out by Harvard University estimated that Singapore was detecting three times the number of COVID-19 cases as other countries, thanks to its epidemiological surveillance and contact tracing processes.
Contact tracing starts at the hospital where a patient is admitted, with doctors and nurses drawing an activity map – a detailed breakdown of a patient’s movements from 14 days before symptoms appear and until he is isolated.
The MOH carries out what is known as “backward tracing” of the movements and activity of the infected patient for the two weeks prior to them first identifying symptoms. This then will help identify links to other cases and potential sources of transmission.
MOH officers also do “forward tracing” to identify who the infected patient had contact with after getting symptoms. These people may need to be quarantined and tested if unwell.
When there are gaps, the contact tracers might interview patients again or talk to the next-of-kin, or recruit help from third parties such as hotels and taxis to review surveillance footage and collect any other relevant information.
To help identify links between cases, a separate data management team also uses the activity maps, cross-referencing them with other cases to see if there are overlaps in locations. If such overlaps are found, the contact tracing team conducts a follow-up investigation.
Digital Footprint Assists Contact Tracing
Singapore has a huge team of contact tracers and they make use of all resources, including the police.
Another technique the authorities are using to fill in missing information on infected patients’ activities and contacts is to examine their digital footprint.
This could be to trace their steps on days prior to virus confirmation – like ATMs, shopping centres or restaurants where they have used their cards.
ATM or credit card activity is incredibly useful as it leaves digital footprints everywhere people go. It assists authorities to track and find out where the person has been, where and how they have travelled.
Digital footprint can also help those infected recall their activities and places visited better as it is not always easy to recollect when feeling very unwell or perhaps not well enough to describe their movements in detail.
Can Technology fill in the gaps in contact tracing?
The COVID-19 spread in Singapore has allowed both the government and app developers to harness technology as part of the response. Transparent, timely public information also helps allay people’s fears and anxiety.
Integrating data from the national health bodies, immigration and customs databases, generating data to trace people’s travel history and clinical symptoms, using mobile phones to track people or just keep them updated shows how technology is advantageous in efforts to control the outbreak in these unchartered times.
Ms Linda Teo, Assistant Director of the police’s Analytics Research and Technology Development said “tech tools like data visualisation and word clouds can help draw links between patients. This was how the dots were connected leading to the realisation of a cluster at The Life Church and Missions in Paya Lebar.”
Singapore’s COVID-19 tracking site
The Ministry of Health have lunch a COVID-19 live dashboard providing up-to-date information on the ministry’s website. These updates summarise the current situation in the country. This dedicated COVID-19 site gives very transparent information on each confirmed case.
The website shares the age, sex and occupation of each person who has tested positive for the virus. It reveals where they travelled recently, and when they sought medical help. It explains when they were hospitalised and when they were discharged.
The site only includes cases from Singapore, and it has been commended by other countries. It is believed that no other country has recorded such accurate data, and relentlessly tracked and traced every contact possibly linked to infected patients like Singapore has. No country has released as much detailed information about its coronavirus cases as the city-state.
Success absolutely depends on contact tracing
The goal of contact tracing is to try and keep COVID-19 from spreading. And it seems that the Singapore strategy is key to controlling the virus — test, trace, isolate and inform. And with the governments tech savvy agencies, and their resolve to invest in technology to solve current societal problems along with future thinking leadership – they will remain a step ahead of many other countries worldwide throughout this pandemic.
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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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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 the heart of Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is spearheading a transformative initiative poised to revolutionise the landscape of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Soccsksargen region. Through its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Programme (SETUP), DOST emphasises the pivotal role of technology and innovation in enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of local businesses.
In a significant stride towards bolstering the operational efficiency and competitiveness of products and services for MSMEs in Cotabato, DOST recently greenlit the implementation of the SETUP programme. This strategic move aims to empower local enterprises through innovation funds allocated for machinery upgrades, setting the stage for transformative growth and development.
Michael Ty Mayo, the Provincial Director of DOST in Cotabato, underscores the programme’s fundamental mission: to leverage science and technology as catalysts for the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises nationwide.
“It helps increase production, improve product quality, and encourage innovation to make local industries more competitive in the global market,” explains Mayo, highlighting the programme’s multifaceted benefits for MSMEs.
Among the esteemed recipients of the SETUP programme’s innovation funds are trailblazing enterprises. These visionary entrepreneurs represent the vanguard of technological advancement, poised to harness the power of science and technology to drive business growth and innovation.
For the visionary owner of communications, networking and data solutions, the SETUP programme heralds a new era of opportunity and growth for local SMEs. Pagaduan’s enterprise specialises in systems integration, connectivity, and public safety solutions, offering a diverse range of services encompassing telecommunications, network design, structured cabling systems, and more. With the infusion of innovation funds, he is optimistic about the transformative impact on his business and the broader local economy.
Similarly, the proprietor of a bakery and catering services company lauds DOST’s programme as a vital mechanism for enhancing operational capability and productivity. As an accredited partner of the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, the outlet plays a pivotal role in producing nutribuns and supplying the feeding programme of the Department of Education.
The owner Serag recognises the pivotal role of technology and innovation in driving business growth and sustainability, underscoring the importance of the SETUP programme in fostering a conducive environment for MSMEs to thrive.
The decisive support for DOST’s initiative extends beyond the entrepreneurial sphere, with the provincial government of Cotabato expressing unwavering support for the intensified implementation of the programme. Moreover, DOST has garnered staunch backing from the congressional offices of the second and third districts of the province, underscoring the collaborative efforts to drive technological innovation and economic growth.
As DOST Regional Director Sammy Malawan reaffirms, the SETUP programme represents a beacon of hope and opportunity for MSMEs, offering unwavering support and guidance in navigating the complexities of technological advancement. With a steadfast commitment to promoting science, technology, and innovation as driving agents of success, DOST stands poised to propel MSMEs towards a brighter, more prosperous future.
At the forefront of the Philippines’ digital transformation, the Department of Science and Technology drives progress and innovation. Through its dedication to technology and digital literacy, DOST empowers businesses, cities, and citizens, enabling them to excel in today’s tech-driven world. A case in point is the impactful work of a DOST scholar, whose innovative applications are propelling Borongan’s evolution into Eastern Visayas’ smart city.
Through various initiatives, DOST plays a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology and digital resources across the nation. By promoting digital literacy courses and providing training opportunities, DOST equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to harness the power of technology for personal and professional advancement.
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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) spearheaded by Miss Apinphon Ankkakamonset, Deputy Director of the Digital Government Office, that aims to bolster the financial discipline of local government organisations through a transparency and accountability-focused programme, aligning with governmental policies and digital guidelines was signed between the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand, the Department of Local Administration.
It supports the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand in its unwavering commitment to innovation in auditing. Recognising the transformative potential of digital technologies, the DGA actively encourages local administrative organisations nationwide to register their agency’s email addresses to gain easy access to the programme. This initiative is designed to empower local administrative organisations to conduct preliminary self-assessments related to budget setting and disbursement, ultimately bolstering their digital government capabilities.
Mr Montien Charoenphon, Deputy Governor of the Auditor General of Thailand, highlighted the importance of supporting personnel of local government organisations in maintaining fiscal discipline. The Office of the Auditor General’s long-term national audit policy focuses on developing local government organisations to ensure transparent budget spending, which aligns with the national strategy on public administration development and the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand.
The State Audit Office has developed a web application to strengthen fiscal discipline, which can be accessed conveniently from anywhere and on any device. This application allows local administrative organisations to conduct self-assessments related to budget setting and disbursement for various projects, promoting transparency and accountability in financial management.
Mr Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior emphasised the importance of local government organisations in providing public services and solving problems at the regional level. The Department of Local Administration fully supports local government organisations using the financial and fiscal discipline strengthening programme to assess their operations and enhance standards in maintaining fiscal discipline.
The MoU signed between the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand, and the Department of Local Administration represents a collaborative effort to promote good governance and enhance the efficiency of local government organisations through digital technology. This initiative will improve financial discipline and strengthen the overall governance system, benefiting the country and its people.
Further, this partnership reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to improve public administration and service delivery. By encouraging local administrative organisations to register their email addresses for the programme, the DGA is facilitating the adoption of digital tools to streamline operations and enhance accountability.
The web application developed by the State Audit Office represents a significant step forward in state auditing. Its user-friendly interface and accessibility from any device make it a valuable resource for local administrative organisations seeking to improve their financial management practices. By providing a framework for self-assessment, the application empowers these organisations to identify areas for improvement and take proactive measures to enhance their fiscal discipline.
The emphasis on transparency and accountability in financial management is crucial for ensuring the effective use of public funds. By promoting these principles through the MOU and digital tools, the government is working to build trust with the public and demonstrate its commitment to responsible governance.
The Department of Local Administration’s support for the programme further underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies in achieving common goals. By working together, these agencies can leverage their expertise and resources to drive meaningful change and improve the quality of public services.
The signing of the MoU represents a positive development in Thailand’s efforts to enhance its digital government capabilities and promote good governance. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to benefit its citizens and improve public administration’s efficiency and effectiveness.
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The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) in Vietnam has recently put forward a series of proposed regulations aimed at managing internet resources, notably the national domain name “.vn”.
These regulations, outlined in a draft decree detailing provisions of the Telecommunications Law, seek to streamline processes related to the transfer of ownership, including donations, contributions of capital, and inheritance of usage rights for the “.vn” domain. By aligning these procedures with existing property rights laws and relevant regulations, the MIC aims to ensure transparency and legal compliance in the management of digital assets.
Under the proposed regulations, individuals and organisations must promptly update “.vn” domain registration details in cases of ownership changes due to donations, capital contributions, or inheritance rights. Entities involved in activities like restructuring or capital transactions leading to domain ownership changes must also adjust registrant details accordingly.
A crucial component of these regulations involves enforcing the revision of registrant information for domain names when undergoing changes such as organisational restructuring, name adjustments, or modifications in functions and responsibilities.
These stipulations are designed to uphold the accuracy and currency of records concerning domain ownership and utilisation rights.
The proposed regulations also address the circumstances under which “.vn” domain names may be revoked, including instances where they are used against the state, pose national security risks, violate laws, or fail to meet maintenance fee obligations.
To ensure transparency and provide adequate notice, the MIC will notify affected parties of impending revocations through various channels, including direct communication, mass media, text messages, and websites, with a minimum three-month advance notice period.
In cases of resource revocation, the MIC pledges to compensate affected individuals and organisations using funds from the State Budget. Compensation levels are determined based on factors such as the remaining maintenance fees for directly allocated or granted resources and the auction-winning amount for resources acquired through auctions.
According to statistics from the Vietnam Internet Network Information Centre (VNNIC), Vietnam currently hosts ten domestic and six foreign domain name registrars. The country boasts over 604,000 registered “.vn” domain names, with nearly 19,000 domain name transfers recorded by the end of last December.
The MIC’s proposed regulations signal a proactive approach to internet resource management, aiming to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability in Vietnam’s digital landscape.
Furthermore, the proposed regulations prioritise the protection of Internet resources related to national sovereignty and security, ensuring that agencies, organisations, and socio-political entities receive preferential treatment in resource allocation and management. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to safeguarding national interests in cyberspace.
In addition to the regulations governing Internet resources, the MIC is also considering proposals for managing and utilising telecommunications number warehouses. These regulations cover various aspects such as the allocation, leasing, and exchange of subscriber numbers, aiming to optimise the management of telecommunications resources and improve service delivery in the telecommunications sector.
Vietnam is undertaking efforts to streamline its regulations, rationalise laws, and establish uniformity within its legal framework to create a more conducive and attractive cyber environment. By harmonising regulations and ensuring the coherence of laws, the nation seeks to promote innovation, facilitate business operations, and enhance cybersecurity standards.
OpenGov Asia reported that the Ministry of Public Security is proposing a Data Law aimed at establishing a unified national data centre to address the country’s fragmented data management infrastructure. This legislation seeks to overcome challenges stemming from inadequate infrastructure and disjointed databases across various ministries, ultimately promoting standardised and secure data management through a centralised repository
These initiatives aim to instil confidence among stakeholders, foster a dynamic digital ecosystem, and position Vietnam as a preferred destination for investment and technological advancement in the global digital landscape.
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In a groundbreaking development, scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), have engineered ultra-thin semiconductor fibres capable of being seamlessly woven into fabrics, transforming them into wearable electronics. This innovative breakthrough holds immense potential in reshaping the landscape of wearable technology, paving the way for enhanced accessibility and functionality in smart wearable devices.
Overcoming the challenges of stress-induced defects and instability in manufacturing, NTU scientists meticulously analysed stress dynamics using advanced modelling and simulations. Their careful material selection and production sequencing yielded hair-thin, defect-free fibres up to 100 meters in length, demonstrating their scalability for market adoption.
The versatile semiconductor fibres seamlessly integrate into fabrics through conventional methods, showcased by NTU’s prototypes: a smart beanie for visually impaired individuals, a shirt doubling as a museum audio guide, and a smartwatch with a flexible sensor wristband for accurate heart rate monitoring during physical activities.
Associate Professor Wei Lei, lead-principal investigator of the study at NTU, said, “The successful fabrication of our high-quality semiconductor fibres underscores the interdisciplinary collaboration within our team, drawing expertise from materials science, mechanical, and electrical engineering domains. This collaborative effort has enabled us to overcome longstanding challenges in fibre technology, unlocking the door to defect-free threads with remarkable electrical and optoelectronic performance.”
To fabricate these defect-free fibres, the NTU-led team meticulously selected pairs of common semiconductor and synthetic materials, strategically combining silicon semiconductor cores with silica glass tubes and germanium cores with aluminosilicate glass tubes. These materials, chosen for their complementary attributes such as thermal stability and electrical conductivity, played a pivotal role in achieving the desired functionality of the fibres.
The manufacturing process involved heating the selected semiconductor material inside the glass tube until it reached a malleable state, enabling it to be drawn into a continuous, hair-thin strand. This intricate process, characterised by precise control of melting points and thermal expansion rates, ensured the seamless production of defect-free semiconductor fibres.
Dr Wang Zhixun, the First Author of the study, emphasised, “Extensive analysis guided us in identifying the optimal combination of materials and processes required to fabricate our fibres. By exploiting the unique properties of our selected materials, we successfully generated long threads devoid of defects, marking a significant advancement in semiconductor fibre technology.”
In laboratory experiments, the semiconductor fibres exhibited exceptional performance across various metrics. Demonstrating robust responsivity, these fibres effectively detected the entire visible light range, from ultraviolet to infrared, while transmitting signals with a bandwidth of up to 350 kilohertz (kHz), surpassing industry standards. Moreover, these fibres exhibited remarkable durability, proving to be 30 times tougher than conventional fibres.
Furthermore, the semiconductor fibres demonstrated outstanding washability, retaining their performance even after undergoing ten cycles of washing in a conventional washing machine.
Distinguished University Professor Gao Huajian, Co-principal Investigator of the study, noted, “The successful fabrication of ultra-long semiconductor fibres underscores the viability of flexible components using silicon and germanium, offering unprecedented opportunities for the development of wearable devices in various forms.”
To validate the practical applicability of these fibres, the NTU team seamlessly integrated them into everyday wearable items, including beanies, shirts, and smartwatches, showcasing their versatility and ease of adoption. Compatible with existing textile industry machinery, these fibres hold the potential for large-scale production, offering a cost-effective solution for wearable electronics.
Looking ahead, the research team aims to expand the repertoire of materials used for semiconductor fibres, exploring novel configurations to further broaden their applications in wearable technology.
NTU Singapore’s breakthrough in semiconductor fibre technology heralds a new era in wearable electronics, epitomising the transformative potential of interdisciplinary research and innovation in advancing technological frontiers.
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Vietnam is embarking on a new initiative to establish clusters of IT parks and software chains, aiming to foster a robust digital ecosystem and enhance global competitiveness within the production value chain.
Despite notable achievements in IT park development under the 2020 master plan, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) highlights persistent challenges, including insufficient connectivity and collaboration among IT parks and industrial zones, particularly in larger cities where potential remains underutilised.
To address these shortcomings, the MIC emphasises the importance of prioritising capital investment to catalyse resource attraction and facilitate the realisation of key strategies for IT park development. The integration of this initiative into national ICT infrastructure development and regional socio-economic planning underscores its strategic significance.
Incorporating insights from the Institute of Information and Communications Strategy, the plan allocates space for concentrated ICT parks in six key economic zones. These parks are envisioned to serve as catalysts for technical infrastructure development, fostering a conducive business environment for technology firms and bolstering the digital technology industry.
Moreover, these hubs are expected to nurture innovation, facilitate startup activities, and serve as vital centres for human resource development in the digital domain. The comprehensive ICT infrastructure development plan encompasses five interlinked components, ensuring the seamless flow of physical, data, and knowledge networks while safeguarding national sovereignty through robust network information security measures.
Looking ahead, Vietnam aims to establish 12-14 IT parks and software park chains across the country by 2025, with projections to expand this figure to 16-20 by 2030. These parks will strategically position themselves near data centres within six economic zones, with plans to develop two or three concentrated IT parks in major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by 2030.
Building on its digital transformation efforts, Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) sets ambitious targets for the semiconductor industry, projecting a valuation of US$20-30 billion by 2030. Despite this optimistic outlook, the semiconductor landscape currently reflects a gap between potential and reality, with only two local firms FPT and Viettel – venturing into the industry, despite over 50 eligible companies in the country.
While policymakers acknowledge Vietnam’s ample resources for semiconductor development, the nation’s semiconductor ecosystem still lacks essential manufacturing facilities, with only packaging and testing factories established by international giants. Addressing these challenges is crucial, especially concerning talent acquisition.
To secure a significant position in the semiconductor arena, Vietnam must address its shortage of skilled semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) engineers, aiming to reach a workforce of at least 50,000 by 2030, a tenfold increase from current levels.
Minister Nguyen Kim Son highlights universities’ crucial role in training semiconductor engineers, aiming to enrol 1,000 students in chip designing courses next year. Yet, Nguyen Thien Nghia of the MIC stresses the need for expedited engineer training to capitalise on semiconductor industry prospects.
Agreeing on the strategic significance of semiconductor chip development, the government has prioritised quality human resource strategies and tasked relevant ministries with crafting cohesive development policies. Since 2010, semiconductor chip products have been classified as national strategic items, yet substantial investments are still awaited.
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) actively participates in semiconductor chip research, design, and manufacturing ventures, aligning with Vietnam’s broader digital transformation objectives.
As openGov Asia reported, Vietnam is embracing a digital revolution, highlighting collaborative efforts to drive the nation’s digital transformation. The nation’s digital technology industry aims to propel Vietnam towards high-income status by 2045 through technology mastery, innovation, and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
In Vietnam, inclusiveness and collaboration emerge as linchpins for unlocking technology’s transformative potential, propelling economic growth where all sectors of society can participate and contribute to the nation’s growth.