- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
1. Restricted Community Mobility (Best chance to beat COVID-19)
Keeping people at home is noticeably slowing the spread of the virus. The rates of infection in locked-down areas have slowed albeit not as quickly as desired in some places.
To help public health officials better understand the movement of people, Silicon Valley giants Apple and Google have begun releasing reports documenting relative changes in community mobility. These reports use anonymous locational data from their maps services to track daily changes in the movement of users against a baseline value.
Specifically, Google is using the average number of visits to places for each day of the week over a five-week period in January as its baseline. Crucially, visits to these places are aggregated by the type of establishment.
These tags present a key aspect of the dataset as they allow users to identify mobility trends by the category that a place belongs to. The data shows percentage deviations from the baseline in January, back when things were largely normal.
Things are hardly normal now. In almost every society, schools and workplaces are shut, while only essential services are allowed to carry on.
The World Economic Forum reported that nearly 3 billion people—close to half of the world’s population—have come under COVID-19 lockdowns. This number is likely higher now as the outbreak worsens and governments take even more stringent measures.
The dust appears to be settling in Western Europe however which was one of the first few regions outside China to be impacted by the virus.
As Spain and neighbouring countries begin to ease their lockdowns, it is worthwhile to take stock of the effectiveness of their safe distancing measures. A second wave of infections is upon us, as evidenced by ongoing events in Beijing.
In the above visualisation, it is not surprising that visits to grocery shops and pharmacies peaked before lockdowns came into effect, probably due to bouts of panic buying.
Potential uses of this data could include restocking supermarkets in advance to cope with a surge in demand or developing internet infrastructure to cope with higher demand from residential areas.
The right use of actionable data will help policymakers gauge the efficacy of their regulations. It can aid in the enforcement of lockdowns, as well as enable a targeted and phased reopening of the economy.
Both Apple and Google should be commended for their efforts in making anonymised data transparent and available for policymakers to gain valuable insights. We hope to see more such public interest initiatives in the future.
2. Costly Miss Explosion of cases in New York
If the state of New York were a country, it would have more COVID-19 cases (as at Mar 29, 2020) than any country other than the US. Such is the scale of the coronavirus situation in New York. T
he state has become the epicentre of the pandemic in America. Notably, the crisis and the ensuing lockdown caused a tussle between New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and US President Donald Trump.
Trump asserted that he has the ultimate authority to reopen the economy and Cuomo has refuted this claim.
Speaking in a CNN interview, he said, “If he ordered me to reopen in a way that would endanger the public health of the people of my state, I wouldn’t do it.”, referring to Trump.
The governor is looking for a phased reopening which may take months to complete.
The lighter colours in the visualisation above show forecasts that were made in mid-April using data available then. Unfortunately, New York’s recovery has not been as smooth as predicted here. A fresh spike of cases on April 25 has cast uncertainty on its future. This proves the difficulty of predicting the number of cases by fitting a simple model due to the numerous complexities involved in the spread of viruses.
Analysing the timeline of cases, as we go from each day to the next, the number of infections is multiplied by some constant. The spread of viruses is a textbook example of exponential growth because what causes the new cases are the existing ones. This is why we have put the y-axis on a logarithmic scale—each step of a fixed distance corresponds to multiplying by a certain factor. On this scale, exponential growth should look like a straight line. This straight line does not go on forever. It has to start slowing down at some point. The key question is when.
Owing to rigorous social distancing, it looks like New York has passed the peak, and the line of cumulative cases is slowly flattening. Now, governments worldwide are mulling over when to reopen their economy. Too early, and we could see another spike in infections. Too late, and the impact on the economy may be irreparable.
3. No Job – The New Normal
The impact of the pandemic on employment in unmistakable. As with recessions of the past, job losses were expected. What differentiates this downturn from any other is the enormity of these job losses. Instead of a gradual decline in economic activity as seen in business cycle depressions, business operations have ground to a halt, creating shockwaves in the national and global economy.
The current economic situation has been dubbed The Great Lockdown. A shutdown so fast and job losses so many have never been experienced before.
The above visualisation looks at the worst US job losses on record. These are measured over a four-week period. To account for population growth, the number of jobless claims as a percentage of the US population is also shown.
In case the true scale of this crisis not been emphasised enough, the number of job losses is about ten times higher than the average number of job losses in recessions since 1975. The number stands at a staggering 22.03 million, which is almost equal to the populations of middle powers such as Taiwan and Australia.
The recovery of jobs from the last recession was very slow. It took roughly ten years for the US economy to return to an unemployment rate similar to pre-recession levels.
Like other recessions, The Great Recession took many months to culminate. The current crisis is different in that businesses have been suddenly forced to pause operations. One can hope that businesses are able to stay afloat during this shutdown and rehire workers once normalcy resumes.
Besides temporary shocks, the pandemic will result in structural changes in the global economy. In the microeconomic context, it will expedite the adoption of technologies like e-learning and e-commerce.
Telecommuting will be normalised, and more firms will provide the option to work from home. Politically, this pandemic will test the effectiveness of various institutions and it could determine upcoming elections.
4. World Economy at Risk
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published an interim economic assessment in March 2020.
Importantly, it has revised its growth projections from November last year. In most countries, the growth adjustment is negative for 2020 but positive for 2021.
Mature economies like the US will take a slight hit in 2020 but will recoup their losses in the following year. Emerging economies on the other hand like India will be badly hit economically.
India has negative GDP revisions in both 2020 and 2021 and, as such, its recovery is likely to be slow. China, being the earliest to recover from the pandemic, will have the greatest jump in growth in 2021 at 0.9 percentage points.
Argentina’s economy was already shrinking and shocks from this pandemic will not do it any good. It is clear from this economic outlook that the timing of economic effects will vary across countries.
The GDP growth forecasts have been adjusted because the world economy is being buffeted by both demand and supply-side shocks.
Authors Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Martin Reeves and Paul Swartz (2020) summarised three main shocks in an article for Harvard Business Review (HBR).
The first demand shock is an indirect hit to consumer confidence. Turmoil in financial markets has lowered household wealth.
Macroeconomics fundamentals tell us that this must result in higher household savings and less consumption. Advanced economies are more predisposed to this as their household exposure to the equity asset class is high.
Secondly, there will be a direct hit to consumer confidence. As consumers are forced to isolate themselves, they may reduce their discretionary spending and be less optimistic about the future.
Lastly, a supply-side shock results as the pandemic causes production to cease and disrupts key components of supply chains. This would lead to greater unemployment, but the effects would differ across industries. The crisis may not last long enough for this shock to be significant.
While the above data is useful, the authors of the HBR article warn against becoming too dependent on projections. Instead, leaders should look past the crisis, scanning for opportunities and challenges, and considering how they would address the post-crisis world.
Reference
What coronavirus could mean for the global economy. (2020, March 3). Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2020/03/what-coronavirus-could-mean-for-the-global-economy
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a significant stride towards enhancing cybersecurity in the realm of consumer Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the Connectivity Standards Alliance (Alliance) recently signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). This milestone agreement underscores a shared commitment to bolstering international cooperation and coordination in cybersecurity, with a specific focus on advancing the security standards of consumer IoT devices.
The MRA, signed by Mr Chua Kuan Seah, Deputy Chief Executive of CSA, and Mr Tobin Richardson, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, facilitates the mutual recognition of cybersecurity labels for consumer IoT devices.
By harmonising standards and procedures, the arrangement aims to reduce duplication in testing and costs for manufacturers, thereby fostering a more robust cybersecurity environment for consumer IoT devices globally.
Central to the MRA is the exchange and alignment of information related to relevant standards, requirements, and practices concerning the cybersecurity labeling of consumer IoT. This collaboration lays the groundwork for future developments in cybersecurity certification and labeling schemes, ensuring that evolving threats and technological advancements are adequately addressed.
Mr Chua Kuan Seah emphasised the significance of achieving global alignment for consumer IoT cybersecurity, citing it as a key objective since the launch of Singapore’s Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme in 2020. The agreement with the Alliance represents a significant step forward in this endeavor, bringing Singapore closer to its goal of establishing internationally recognised cybersecurity standards for IoT devices.
By promoting Cybersecurity-by-Design and Cybersecurity-by-Default principles, the MRA incentivises manufacturers to embed robust security measures into their IoT devices, ultimately enhancing cybersecurity for consumers worldwide.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance, formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance, is a consortium of companies devoted to developing standards envisioning seamless interaction to enhance daily experiences. With a membership of over 500 companies, the alliance collaboratively creates application profiles for interoperable products, thereby advancing IoT connectivity and fostering innovation in the industry.
Singapore remains deeply committed to bolstering cybersecurity measures both domestically and internationally. At the national level, initiatives are aimed at fortifying the nation’s digital defences, safeguarding critical infrastructure and protecting citizens and businesses from cyber threats. These efforts include the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks, regular cybersecurity exercises and drills, and the promotion of cybersecurity awareness among the populace.
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Singapore’s cyberspace to bolster national security, support the digital economy, and protect the digital way of life. Through initiatives like the Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team (SingCERT), CSA swiftly responds to cybersecurity incidents, ensuring the detection, resolution, and prevention of cyber threats.
As part of the Prime Minister’s Office and managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information, CSA oversees national cybersecurity functions, collaborates with sector leads to protect critical information infrastructure, and engages stakeholders to raise cybersecurity awareness.
OpenGov Asia reported that Singapore, represented by CSA, collaborates closely with ASEAN Member States (AMS) to establish the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), facilitating information-sharing and enhancing cybersecurity incident response coordination across the region.
Despite a significant increase in scam cases by nearly 50% to 50,376 in 2023 from 33,669 in 2022, proactive cybersecurity measures have led to a positive outcome. These positive trends are attributed to collaborative efforts among various agencies and stakeholders, including the Singapore Police Force, Infocomm Media Development Authority, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, Smart Nation Group, Monetary Authority of Singapore, and private sector partners.
Singapore’s proactive efforts, including the proposal to host and fund the ASEAN Regional CERT’s physical activities, demonstrate its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and safeguarding critical information infrastructure on a transnational scale.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Vietnam has emerged as a promising market in the global data centre landscape, with significant growth projected in the coming decade. According to the latest report from Viettel IDC, the country’s data centre market is forecast to reach a value of US$1.26 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%. This projection underscores Vietnam’s increasing importance in the digital economy and its potential to become a key player in the data centre industry.
Despite its promising outlook, Vietnam’s data centre market currently lags behind its regional counterparts in terms of size. Compared to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Vietnam’s data centre market is relatively small. However, this is expected to change in the coming years as the country experiences rapid economic growth and invests heavily in digital infrastructure.
One of the key drivers of growth in Vietnam’s data centre market is the increasing demand for digital services and cloud computing. With the rise of e-commerce, digital banking, and other online services, there is a growing need for secure and reliable data storage and processing facilities. Data centres play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing the infrastructure necessary to support these services.
Another factor contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s data centre market is the government’s support for digital transformation initiatives. In recent years, the Vietnamese government has prioritised the development of the digital economy as part of its broader economic strategy. This has included investments in digital infrastructure, as well as policies aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector.
Furthermore, Vietnam benefits from a skilled workforce and relatively low construction costs compared to other countries in the region. This makes it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish data centre operations in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the government has implemented supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage investment in the sector, further stimulating growth.
Domestically, the data centre market in Vietnam is dominated by a few major players, including Viettel, VNPT, FPT, and CMC. These companies collectively hold approximately 97% of the market share, indicating a high level of concentration in the industry. However, there are still opportunities for new entrants, particularly in niche segments or specialised services.
Looking ahead, Viettel IDC predicts a significant expansion of Vietnam’s data centre market in the coming years. Plans are underway to build megacentres in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with an estimated total capacity of up to 450 MW. This represents a substantial increase from the current capacity and reflects the growing demand for data centre services in the country.
In addition to data centres, Vietnam’s cloud computing market is also experiencing rapid growth. While the market size is currently smaller than that of neighboring countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, Vietnam has the highest growth rate in the Southeast Asia region and ranks third in Asia overall. The projected growth rate of Vietnam’s cloud market over the next 5-10 years is expected to be around 19-20%, driven by increased adoption of cloud services by businesses and consumers.
Vietnam’s data centre market presents significant opportunities for growth and investment in the coming years. With supportive government policies, a skilled workforce, and increasing demand for digital services, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a major player in the global data centre industry. As the country continues to invest in digital infrastructure and technology, it is poised to emerge as a leading hub for data centre operations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam is rapidly becoming a key player in the global data center market, driven by factors like increasing digitalisation among SMEs, a tech-savvy young population, the rollout of 5G technology, and a rising demand for independent digital infrastructure and data sovereignty.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a landmark collaboration aimed at advancing healthcare through digital innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and the Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University (SMU) have forged a strategic cooperation framework agreement. Signed on March 20th, 2024, this agreement signifies a pivotal step towards fostering joint scientific research, technology transformation, and talent cultivation, with a particular emphasis on cutting-edge fields such as digital medicine, computer science, and biomedical engineering.
The signing ceremony, held at CityUHK and attended by esteemed dignitaries including Professor Liu Shuwen, Vice-President of SMU, and Professor Freddy Boey, President of CityUHK, underscored the commitment of both institutions to collaborative innovation in healthcare. President Boey expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the potential for joint development and cooperation in life sciences and technological advancements.
He emphasised the establishment of the Institute of Digital Medicine at CityUHK as a key initiative that will leverage clinical resources from Shenzhen Hospital of SMU to drive research and projects, particularly in areas such as cell therapy and gene therapy.
Professor Liu echoed President Boey’s sentiments, noting CityUHK’s distinguished reputation and expertise across various research domains. He underscored the significance of the collaboration in deepening cooperation between the affiliated hospital of SMU and a leading university in Hong Kong. By pooling resources and expertise, the partnership aims to advance medical services in Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen, and beyond. Through joint efforts, both institutions aspire to provide international standard medical services, enhancing healthcare outcomes and fostering academic excellence in the region.
The strategic cooperation framework extends beyond research collaboration to encompass platform and resource sharing, joint academic programs, and the promotion of scientific research initiatives. These efforts are geared towards enhancing healthcare delivery, facilitating knowledge exchange, and driving innovation in medical practice. By leveraging digital health technologies and AI-driven solutions, the collaboration seeks to revolutionise healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and address the evolving challenges of modern medicine.
Furthermore, the agreement aims to promote internationalisation and cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, aligning with broader efforts to strengthen ties and foster innovation in the Greater Bay Area. Through joint initiatives, such as the establishment of science and technological innovation platforms at the provincial and municipal levels, the collaboration aims to create synergies and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. By harnessing the collective strengths of both institutions, the partnership aims to position Shenzhen and Hong Kong as hubs for scientific research, technological innovation, and healthcare excellence.
In addition to fostering academic collaboration, the partnership emphasises practical outcomes and real-world impact. Through technology transfer and collaborative research projects, both CityUHK and Shenzhen Hospital of SMU seek to translate scientific discoveries into tangible solutions that benefit patients and communities. The agreement also facilitates academic exchanges, enabling researchers and healthcare professionals to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices.
Overall, the strategic cooperation framework agreement between CityUHK and Shenzhen Hospital of SMU represents a significant milestone in advancing healthcare innovation in the Greater Bay Area and beyond. By harnessing digital health, technology, and AI-driven solutions, the collaboration aims to address the complex challenges facing modern healthcare and pave the way for a more sustainable, resilient, and patient-centric healthcare system.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a significant advancement in health technology, scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), have unveiled a revolutionary device capable of rapidly isolating blood plasma with unparalleled precision. Named ExoArc, this coin-sized chip offers a transformative alternative to the cumbersome and time-consuming multi-step centrifugation process currently used in diagnostics and precision medicine.
ExoArc’s innovation lies in its ability to directly isolate blood plasma from a tube of blood in just 30 minutes, eliminating the need for labour-intensive centrifugation. By leveraging unique flow phenomena in tiny channels within the chip, ExoArc achieves high plasma purity, removing over 99.9% of blood cells and platelets precisely and gently.
This breakthrough technology accelerates the clinical analysis of cell-free DNA, RNA molecules, and extracellular vesicles, which are vital for screening biomarkers indicative of various cancers and diseases.
Traditionally, blood plasma isolation has relied solely on centrifugation, a method prone to residual cell contamination and time-sensitive processing constraints. Even after multiple centrifugation rounds, lingering biological cells can compromise the accuracy of diagnostic tests, prolonging waiting times for results and exacerbating patient anxiety.
ExoArc’s streamlined process significantly reduces contamination risks, enabling quicker and more precise diagnoses, particularly crucial in cancer treatment and disease management.
To validate ExoArc’s efficacy, a portable prototype device was developed in collaboration with clinician-scientists from the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Clinical validation demonstrated ExoArc’s ability to diagnose non-small cell lung cancer with a sensitivity of 90%, highlighting its potential for real-world applications.
Furthermore, ExoArc’s versatility extends beyond cancer diagnostics, as demonstrated in studies involving microRNA analysis in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. By identifying distinct microRNA profiles, ExoArc holds promise in identifying disease-related biomarkers and driving precision medicine initiatives, offering tailored treatments and improving patient outcomes.
In contrast to conventional centrifugation methods, ExoArc’s compact size and scalability present a transformative approach to blood plasma isolation. Its one-step process reduces processing time and operator variability, paving the way for automated and standardised diagnostic procedures. Moreover, ExoArc’s potential for scaling up through multiple channels ensures faster and more consistent plasma isolation, with future automation promising further efficiency gains and cost reductions.
Supported by a Proof-of-Concept and Proof-of-Value grant from the NTUitive Gap Fund, ExoArc epitomises NTU’s commitment to translating research into practical innovations with societal impact. With contributions from esteemed institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston), ExoArc’s development underscores collaborative efforts in advancing healthcare technology.
ExoArc represents a significant leap forward in health technology, offering a paradigm shift in blood plasma isolation for diagnostics and precision medicine. As ExoArc continues to evolve, its potential to enhance patient care and drive medical advancements holds promise for a healthier future globally.
NTU Singapore has positioned itself at the vanguard of deploying cutting-edge technology within the healthcare sector, striving relentlessly to pioneer advancements that not only enhance patient outcomes but also revolutionise the overall healthcare experience.
OpenGov Asia reported that a team of researchers from NTU Singapore developed WellFeet, a mobile application designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals living with diabetes. WellFeet educates patients and caregivers about the disease while assisting them in monitoring medication adherence, physical activity, and dietary habits, addressing the myriad challenges associated with diabetes management.
WellFeet offers tech-enabled support for individuals with diabetes and their caregivers, serving as a vital source of empowerment and assistance. As Singapore tackles its diabetes epidemic, initiatives like WellFeet pave the way for transformative healthcare solutions with the potential to change lives.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Recognising exemplary projects that harness ICTs for sustainable development goals, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes celebrate outstanding achievements in leveraging information and communication technology.
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), a United Nations initiative co-hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Swiss Confederation, stands as a pivotal platform focusing on the transformative power of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in society. With a mission to bridge the digital divide and harness ICTs for inclusive social and economic development, the WSIS process underscores a structured, inclusive approach at global, regional, and national levels.
Among the exceptional entrants in the WSIS Prizes 2024 is the “Mobile-enabled Disaster Resilience through Cell Broadcast Emergency Alerting” project developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a premier Telecom R&D centre under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
C-DOT’s solution has qualified in the category of “Benefits in all aspects of life – E-environment,” amidst a competitive field of over 1000 global entries. The “Mobile-enabled Disaster Resilience through Cell Broadcast Emergency Alerting” system represents a state-of-the-art, indigenous solution designed to deliver critical, life-saving emergency information instantly to mobile phones via cellular telecom networks in a broadcast mode. Through distinct tones and pop-up notifications, the system ensures effective alerting, capturing user attention in real-time during critical situations.
This end-to-end solution facilitates geo-targeted emergency alerts to citizens’ mobile phones, seamlessly integrating government emergency alert dissemination platforms with the country’s telecom networks for rapid information delivery to a large population within seconds. With ITU Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) X.1303 interfaces, the solution enables connectivity with CAP-based alert dissemination platforms and offers interworking connectors for seamless integration with the unique network architectures of any telecom operator.
Beyond disaster and emergency scenarios, C-DOT’s solution finds applicability across various sectors, including government directives, law enforcement, defence, industrial and advertising domains. Its capacity to disseminate timely alerts proves invaluable in situations requiring immediate attention, such as earthquakes, lightning, tsunamis, and more.
Accompanying C-DOT’s solution in the competition are other qualified products and solutions within the same category. Through a voting process, projects garnering significant support will progress to the next round. Given the life-saving potential of this indigenous “Make in India” solution, C-DOT urges support through casting votes, thereby advancing its innovative solution to the forefront of global recognition.
India’s position as a frontrunner in the international telecommunications arena has been validated as Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, spearheaded a prestigious delegation to the headquarters of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva.
Dr Neeraj Mittal’s appointment as Co-chair of the Digital Innovation Board at the ITU marks a pivotal moment, signifying India’s pivotal leadership role in fostering digital innovation on a global scale. This significant designation not only acknowledges India’s profound expertise and contributions within the telecommunications sphere but also underscores its steadfast commitment to propelling transformative endeavours that harness technology for widespread socio-economic progress and inclusive growth worldwide.
Participation in the Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC24) highlights India’s dedication to technological progress and international cooperation in the telecommunications sector. The conference, themed “Future First” and hosted by GSMA, stressed industry unity and innovation to unlock future potential, aligning with India’s vision for digital transformation and socio-economic advancement.
Led by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, India’s representation at MWC24 showcased the nation’s telecom advancements and global partnerships. Secretary Mittal reaffirmed India’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology as a driver for socio-economic development. He emphasized that India’s unwavering focus on innovation not only fuels economic growth but also addresses critical social issues and enhances citizens’ well-being.
Through strategic initiatives and collaborative endeavours, India actively integrates advanced technologies into its developmental agenda, fostering inclusive growth and laying the groundwork for a more prosperous future for all.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
As the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continues to reshape the world, the need for responsible governance and oversight has become increasingly evident. In a landmark decision, the United Nations General Assembly has taken a pivotal step forward in the regulation and promotion of artificial intelligence technologies with the adoption of a groundbreaking resolution.
Led by the United States and co-sponsored by over 120 Member States, this resolution underscores the imperative of developing and utilising AI systems that are not only technologically advanced but also safe, secure, and trustworthy. At its core, the resolution seeks to harness the transformative potential of AI while upholding fundamental human rights and advancing sustainable development goals on a global scale.
The adoption of this resolution represents a significant milestone in international efforts to navigate the complex landscape of AI governance. For the first time in its history, the General Assembly has formally recognised the need to regulate the burgeoning field of AI, acknowledging its profound impact on societies worldwide. The resolution serves as a testament to the growing recognition of AI’s potential to drive progress across various sectors, from healthcare and education to economic development and environmental sustainability.
Central to the resolution’s principles is the paramount importance of upholding human rights in the development and deployment of AI systems. It emphasises the need to respect, protect, and promote human rights throughout all stages of the AI lifecycle, including design, development, deployment, and usage. By affirming the principle that the same rights enjoyed offline must also be safeguarded online, the resolution underscores the necessity of accountability and ethical governance in the realm of AI.
Furthermore, the resolution highlights AI’s role in advancing sustainable development goals, recognising its potential to accelerate progress towards achieving the ambitious targets set forth by the United Nations. By harnessing the power of AI-driven innovation, Member States can unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth, enhance access to essential services, and address pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
A key aspect of the resolution is its call for collaboration and cooperation among Member States and stakeholders to bridge the technological divide and ensure equitable access to AI technologies. Recognising the varying levels of technological development between and within countries, the resolution urges support for developing nations to help them leverage AI for inclusive and sustainable development. By closing the digital divide and enhancing digital literacy, Member States can empower individuals and communities to fully participate in the digital economy and society.
Speaking before the adoption of the resolution, US Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, underscored the importance of governing AI technology responsibly. She emphasised the opportunity and responsibility of the international community to shape the future of AI, ensuring that it aligns with principles of humanity, dignity, safety, and security. Thomas-Greenfield called for a collective commitment to using AI as a tool for advancing shared priorities and closing digital disparities, thereby fostering a more equitable and inclusive world.
The adoption of this historic resolution by the UN General Assembly marks a significant milestone in the global dialogue on AI governance. By promoting the development and use of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems, Member States are laying the groundwork for a future where AI serves as a force for positive change, driving sustainable development and advancing human well-being. As we embark on this transformative journey, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in safeguarding human rights, promoting ethical AI governance, and ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared by all.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a bid to tackle the growing menace of digital crime and leverage technological advancements to bolster law enforcement efforts, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has unveiled plans to establish a new department dedicated to cyber technology. The announcement was made by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain during the 217th Police Day Commemoration Celebration 2024 held in Kuala Lumpur.
In his address, Tan Sri Razarudin highlighted the need for PDRM to adapt to the changing landscape of crime, which has become increasingly complex due to rapid advancements in digital technology. He emphasized that the proliferation of digital crime poses significant challenges to law enforcement agencies worldwide and requires proactive measures to mitigate its impact on society.
The proposed cyber technology-based department aims to address these challenges by focusing on the investigation and prevention of digital crime, as well as the development of strategies to combat emerging threats in the cyber domain. By harnessing the power of technology, PDRM seeks to enhance its capabilities in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting cybercriminals while safeguarding the digital infrastructure of the nation.
Tan Sri Razarudin underscored the importance of government support for this initiative, emphasising that the establishment of the new department would enable PDRM to operate at its maximum potential in combating digital crime. He expressed hope that the government would consider the proposal favourably, recognising the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring the safety and security of the country’s digital ecosystem.
The decision to create a specialised department reflects PDRM’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the fight against cybercrime. With the rise of digital technology revolutionising various aspects of daily life, including communication, commerce, and entertainment, criminals have also capitalised on these advancements to perpetrate a wide range of illicit activities online.
From cyber fraud and identity theft to hacking and online harassment, the spectrum of digital crimes continues to evolve, presenting new challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide. In response, PDRM aims to equip its officers with the necessary skills and tools to effectively combat these threats and protect the interests of the public in the digital age.
The establishment of the cyber technology-based department underscores PDRM’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by digital crime. By investing in specialised training and resources, the police force aims to build a team of experts capable of navigating the complexities of the cyber domain and staying abreast of emerging trends and tactics employed by cybercriminals.
Moreover, the initiative reflects PDRM’s recognition of the interconnected nature of modern crime, where traditional and digital forms of criminal activity often intersect. By integrating cyber technology into its law enforcement strategies, PDRM seeks to foster a holistic approach to crime prevention and detection, ensuring that no avenue for criminal exploitation goes unchecked.
The establishment of a new department focused on cyber technology represents a significant step forward for PDRM in its efforts to combat digital crime. With the support of the government and a dedicated team of professionals, PDRM is poised to harness the power of technology to safeguard the digital well-being of the nation and uphold the rule of law in the digital age.
Malaysia is taking proactive steps to ensure cyber resilience amidst the evolving digital landscape, with a focus on combating rising threats like fraud and ransomware. The government has enacted legislation to promote cybersecurity, including laws governing data protection and electronic transactions.
The Legal Affairs Division, led by Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, is drafting the Digital Safety Bill 2023, aligning with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision and highlighting the importance of proactive legislation to address cyber threats effectively.