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This year, the Government of Singapore has made great strides towards investing in the future of the ICT workforce. With the recent 2016 Budget, it was announced that a top-up of $1.5 billion would be provided to the National Research Fund in 2016 to support RIE 2020 initiatives.
Also, the Government aims to set up TechSkills Accelerator, a new skills development and job placement hub for the ICT sector.
This past Monday, Singapore Government Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) announced they will invest S$120 million in building ICT manpower requirements. This is to meet the expected 30,000 new jobs to be filed in the ICT sector by the year 2020.
In line with these efforts, Cloudera introduced its BASE (Big Analytics Skills Enablement) initiative yesterday, in collaboration with public and private sector partners, which will work towards grooming the future workforce of data professionals.
BASE pulls industry players and academic institutions together to equip more people with necessary skills in the areas of big data and analytics. OpenGov has been invited to be one of the key partners of this initiative. The initiative encompasses elements whereby trained data professionals will be matched to opportunities across sectors where their skills are required.
The Initiative is also complementary to the Cloudera Academic Partnership (CAP) program, where the company partners with accredited, non-profit institutions around the world to help develop the next generation of data professionals.
The BASE initiative matches the work of the Government’s 2016 Budget and MCI towards building the knowledge capacity of the Singapore workforce, in a greater effort to close the growing skills gap in the ICT sector.
During the launch of the BASE initiative, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation programme, explained the idea of ‘data is the new currency’ and how Cloudera’s efforts go hand in hand with the Government’s vision for a more tech-savvy workforce.
“I believe data is the new currency… If you think about Singapore, what comes to mind? Many people think of Singapore as a strategic port, as a hub that for many centuries connected the flow of trade,” said Dr. Balakrishnan, “If you fast forward another 10 or 20 years, what do you think will be traded, distributed, and produced. I think you will see another revolution, we will be trading bits and design.”
Dr. Balakrishnan foresees a lot of transformation will take place within the ‘fourth industrial revolution’. It is believed that Singapore is working to position itself as a digital port, where we are looking at the exchange of bits, data, and information.
“If you accept that paradigm, that data is the new currency, the new basis for trade, the new way in which ideas and designs will be transmitted, then you want to have a share in that data flow throughout the world,” exclaimed Dr. Balakrishnan.
The point is that there is a whole new world in IT. Competitive advantage no longer lies in the ability to haul big data, but the ability to analyse it, use it, gain insights from it, and to deliver services.
That is where the BASE initiative comes in, aiming to support organisations by training the future labour force.
“It is really about jobs, and it is believed that this explosion of data, big data analytics, and real time analysis, is going to put many white collar middle class jobs at risk,” Dr. Balakrishnan stated, “Because the pace of change is so quick now, if our people do not have the skills and we do not have the infrastructure, we are out of the game.”
With this, Dr. Balakrishnan threw his support behind the BASE initiative as it addresses a key pain point in the Government’s ability to deal with the IT skills gap.
After the remarks by Dr. Balakrishnan, we sat down to talk with Doug Cutting, Co-Founder of Hadoop and Cloudera Chief Architect. He explained to us why he believes the Singapore community will be so receptive to the BASE initiative and how the Government’s efforts have work hand in hand with the private sector vision to build IT skills.
“We are working with the public sector to help create a virtuous cycle which will pave the way to build end to end data skills which will pave the way towards a Smart Nation. Right now is a good time to try and build these skills, especially in Singapore as the rate of adoption is so high,” said Mr. Cutting, “When you think of Singapore’s economy, it is a particular set of technologies for these sorts of business, which is a data intensive country given its lack of natural resources and they rely on their people as resources.”
When we asked Mr. Cutting for his opinion on the Minister’s analogy about data being the new ‘currency’, he agreed with the statement and explained how it reflects the way that industries are headed.
“Data is the commodity that people are finding most valuable. What people care about these days, is the data from both their successes and failures,” Mr. Cutting explained.
“We see this in many industries as it helps them grow and be more efficient. It is the common thread that data is the common thread that fuels the growth of their business. When you get people who are skilled in getting value in data, then you can grow faster. I think Singapore is really investing in this seriously as they see the benefits.”
Mr. Cutting’s greater vision for the BASE initiative is to see more folks get involved and building their IT skills. In turn, he hopes the embrace of these technologies will lead to growth in the market and economies.
We later sat with Daniel Ng, Senior Director, APAC, Cloudera, to discuss how Cloudera’s efforts are aligned with the Government’s Smart Nation vision and why the BASE initiative must be seen as a whole unit working together, to drive understanding of the need for collaboration.
“Singapore is one of the most business friendly Governments. We see it as the first place to launch BASE because of the Smart Nation initiative,” said Mr. Ng, “We believe that at the heart of soul of a Smart Nation, is data and big data analytics. Also, there is a lot of alignment with what we are doing with BASE, and what the Singapore Government is trying to achieve.”
The growing skills gap in the IT sector is expected to leave 30,000 jobs unfilled by the year 2020. This is a statistic which resonates with the IT community.
As we discussed the growing skills gap in the IT sector, Mr. Ng mentioned that this challenge is not isolated to the region and the BASE initiative is trying to address this.
“The one common trend, not just in [APAC] but around the world, is that organisations are dealing with where they can hire data professionals,” Mr. Ng stated, “That was why BASE was developed, so that we make sure the parts are bigger than the whole. How do we work with a partner ecosystem to bring forth accelerated adoption of data science as a profession? And by doing so, bridging the gap that everyone is looking to bring together.”
To wrap up our discussion, Mr. Ng emphasised that we look at BASE in its entirety because it is essential that the components of the initiative are integrated. He told us that he looks forward to the day where the efforts of the BASE initiative begin to reflect on the nation’s growth and economy.
“We encourage professionals to look at BASE at a whole… We have to be focused that the value we contribute must be bigger than the value that we contribute. It will leave the world in a better and more positive position. That epitomises what BASE is about, it is about the integration of mind sets that want to contribute to a national agenda,” Mr. Ng told us.
“When BASE is successful, it will create enough data professionals to be hired. With that, the government will incentivise people to come into Singapore, and also, heighten employment in the years to come.”
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The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) recently unveiled the pivotal insights gleaned from its inaugural Singapore Cybersecurity Health Report 2023. Conducted between May and August of the previous year, the survey canvassed the opinions of 2,036 organisations spanning various sises and sectors.
The objective was to gauge the landscape of cybersecurity readiness across local entities and inform CSA’s strategic initiatives. The importance of bolstering cybersecurity resilience within these organisations cannot be overstated, as they play a critical role in shaping the digital experiences of Singaporeans through their services and products.
The findings unveiled a mixed landscape: while the majority of organisations demonstrated an awareness of cybersecurity imperatives, there remains substantial room for improvement in adoption rates. On average, organisations reported implementing around 70% of essential cybersecurity measures across various categories. Additionally, a significant proportion, approximately 75%, acknowledged CSA’s cybersecurity certification programmes, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust, which serve as national standards for prioritising cybersecurity measures.
Despite these positive indicators, CSA sounded a cautionary note, emphasising the inadequacy of partial adoption. Without the full spectrum of essential measures, organisations remain vulnerable to unnecessary cyber risks. Alarmingly, only a third of organisations had fully implemented at least three of the five categories outlined in Cyber Essentials. This underscores the urgency for comprehensive adoption to fortify cybersecurity posture effectively.
A prevalent challenge cited by organisations hindering full adoption was a lack of knowledge and experience, echoed by 59% of businesses and 56% of non-profits. This is compounded by the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, exacerbated by a shortage of skilled cyber professionals. Moreover, a prevailing perception of being unlikely targets of cyber-attacks and resource constraints further impedes progress in bolstering defences.
The consequences of inadequate cybersecurity measures were starkly evident, with over 80% of organisations reporting encountering cybersecurity incidents annually, including prevalent threats like ransomware and social engineering scams. These incidents invariably inflicted a negative business impact, with disruptions, data loss, and reputational damage among the most commonly cited consequences.
While the cost of implementing cyber hygiene measures may seem daunting, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it pales in comparison to the potential financial ramifications of cyber incidents. CSA emphasises the importance of viewing cybersecurity investment as essential insurance against potentially catastrophic losses.
In response to these challenges, CSA has rolled out a comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at bolstering organisational cybersecurity resilience. These include cybersecurity resources to raise awareness, tailored health plans delivered by cybersecurity consultants, and certification programmes such as Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust. Additionally, the collaboration with the Infocomm Media Development Authority has led to the introduction of the Cybersecurity Health Check, providing organisations with a self-assessment tool to benchmark their cyber hygiene and access remedial resources.
Mr. David Koh, Chief Executive of CSA, stressed the imperative for organisations to prioritise cybersecurity and leverage available resources and funding support. Delaying proactive measures until after an incident occurs, he cautioned, would prove significantly more costly in the long run.
The release of the Singapore Cybersecurity Health Report underscores the urgent need for organisations to fortify their cybersecurity posture comprehensively. By embracing a holistic approach to cybersecurity and leveraging available resources and support, organisations can mitigate risks and safeguard against the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats of the digital age.
The Singapore Cybersecurity Health Report 2023 is available at www.csa.gov.sg/cyberhealthreport and the Cybersecurity Health Check can be accessed at https://www.csa.gov.sg/cyberhealthchecktool.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological innovation, promising transformative solutions to complex challenges across various domains. Recognising its potential to revolutionise industries and improve societal well-being, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has inaugurated the NUS AI Institute (NAII). Led by Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, NAII aims to accelerate AI research and its practical applications, fostering collaboration, innovation, and societal impact.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, AI has emerged as a powerful tool with the capacity to reshape diverse sectors, ranging from healthcare to finance, education, logistics, and beyond. The establishment of NAII underscores NUS’s commitment to harnessing AI for the greater good, addressing critical issues facing Singapore and the global community.
At the core of NAII’s mission is the advancement of fundamental AI research, aimed at pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities and exploring novel applications across various domains. Through foundational research initiatives, scientists at NAII will tackle complex AI problems, spanning hardware and software systems, AI theory, responsible AI, reasoning AI, and resource-efficient AI. By delving into these areas, the institute seeks to develop cutting-edge AI technologies that address real-world challenges and drive innovation.
Moreover, NAII will prioritise research into the ethical and societal implications of AI, aiming to develop robust governance frameworks that ensure responsible AI development and deployment. This includes examining issues related to transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in AI systems. By fostering dialogue and research on AI ethics and governance, NAII aims to guide the responsible use of AI technology and mitigate potential risks.
In addition to foundational research, NAII will spearhead applied research initiatives, focusing on developing AI-driven solutions for specific application domains. Collaborating with experts from diverse fields, including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, finance, urban sustainability, and education, the institute will tackle pressing challenges and explore opportunities for AI-driven innovation. From optimising supply chains to improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing urban infrastructure, NAII’s applied research efforts aim to deliver tangible benefits to society.
Furthermore, NAII will serve as a hub for AI talent development, providing comprehensive education and training programs for students, professionals, and policymakers. By offering hands-on learning experiences and internships, the institute seeks to nurture the next generation of AI leaders and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation in AI.
To support its research and educational endeavours, NUS has allocated significant resources to NAII, including external research grants and institutional funding. Moreover, the institute will collaborate closely with government agencies and industry partners to amplify its impact and drive innovation. Strategic partnerships with leading companies such as IBM and Google Cloud will enable NAII to leverage industry expertise and resources, accelerating the translation of research outcomes into real-world applications.
In alignment with Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) strategy, NAII aims to contribute to the nation’s AI ecosystem by fostering collaboration, innovation, and talent development. By positioning NUS as a global leader in AI research and application, the institute seeks to drive positive societal change and economic growth.
The establishment of NAII represents a significant milestone in NUS’s journey towards harnessing the power of AI for societal benefit. Through cutting-edge research, education, and collaboration, the institute aims to unlock the full potential of AI and pave the way for a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive future. With its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to excellence, NAII is poised to make a lasting impact on Singapore and the global AI landscape.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In a world where addressing climate change has emerged as one of the defining challenges, innovation and digital transformation have the potential to combat climate change and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.
Government officials, academics, and business leaders gathered at the SGFIN Sustainability Summit in Singapore to delve into the intersection of technology and finance, aiming to combat climate change and expedite the shift towards a sustainable future.
Deputy Prime Macinaister Heng Swee Keat, in his opening remarks, underscored the urgent need for collective action to address climate change, emphasising its global repercussions. From extreme weather events to rising sea levels, the impacts of climate change are felt across borders, disrupting economies and threatening livelihoods. In Singapore, where temperatures have risen steadily over the past four decades, the imperative for action is particularly acute.
Singapore has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability, committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 outlined in the Singapore Green Plan 2030. This comprehensive roadmap encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including increasing the deployment of solar energy, enhancing green infrastructure, and implementing measures to reduce water consumption and waste generation.
GovTech, as the public sector’s centre of excellence for info-comm technology and smart systems (ICT&SS), is spearheading efforts to decarbonise public sector technology as part of the nation’s commitment under the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
Among GovTech’s initiatives are ensuring environmental consideration throughout the lifecycle of products and services with the GovTech Sustainable Digital Value Chain. This involves assessing and minimising environmental impacts from creation to disposal.
Additionally, GovTech provides energy-efficient data centres and cloud hosting options certified with Green Mark Platinum to meet the consolidated needs of the entire government more efficiently through its Green Government Hosting initiative.
Key initiatives include offering digital alternatives to physical transactions such as tele-conferencing and digital business cards through the Digital Workplace, centralising energy-efficient data centres to support agency server room consolidation, and developing secure government cloud solutions to accelerate the adoption of modern cloud capabilities through Government Hosting Consolidation and Cloud Migration.
GovTech is also actively exploring Green IT tools to augment software development processes and reduce carbon emissions with its Green Software initiative. Furthermore, GovTech is developing an Open Digital Platform for smarter district planning in the Punggol Digital District. This platform is expected to reduce energy and water consumption by up to 30% compared to the national average, showcasing the country’s commitment to driving sustainability through technological innovation.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng highlighted the importance of embedding sustainability across all sectors of the economy, noting the role of initiatives such as mandatory climate-related disclosures for listed companies in driving progress.
Finance plays a pivotal role in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy, serving as a critical enabler of climate action. Deputy Prime Minister Heng outlined Singapore’s efforts to mobilise financial resources for green investments, citing initiatives such as the Finance for Net-Zero (FiNS) Action Plan and the Singapore-Asia Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance.
These initiatives aim to provide investors with clarity and transparency regarding sustainable investments, thereby reducing the risks of greenwashing and facilitating the flow of capital towards climate-friendly projects.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng outlined strategies to mobilise finance for climate action, emphasising talent pool enhancement in sustainable finance, robust regulatory standards, and urging the use of venture capital for innovative climate solutions, aligning with Singapore’s research and innovation focus.
As nations continue to exchange ideas and forge partnerships, collaboration is key, paving the way for transformative change and a more sustainable future powered by innovation and financial ingenuity. It is through such collective efforts that the world can hope to overcome the challenges of climate change and create a better world for future generations.
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Vietnam is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player in the global data centre market, driven by various factors including the increasing digitalisation efforts of its domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the tech-savvy nature of its young population, the rollout of 5G technology, and a rising demand for self-reliant digital infrastructure and data sovereignty.
The Vietnamese data centre market has experienced remarkable growth, surpassing US$1 billion last year, almost doubling the figures recorded in 2022. Notably, the majority of participants in this burgeoning sector are domestic telecommunications companies, indicative of the local industry’s growing capabilities and investment in digital infrastructure.
A leading real estate consultancy firm, reports that there are presently 28 data centre projects spread across the country, boasting a combined capacity of 45 MW and involving 44 service providers. This surge in activity is further underscored by the entry of major global players, one of which announced the establishment of data centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in August 2022.
Despite this rapid expansion, Vietnam’s data centre market remains relatively young compared to more mature markets in the region such as Singapore and Tokyo. While international cloud service providers have yet to make a significant imprint, partnerships between international telecommunications companies and local counterparts have facilitated market entry. Additionally, small and medium-scale projects initiated by domestic firms are underway in key cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, showcasing a diverse ecosystem of data centre development.
The driving forces behind Vietnam’s data centre market expansion are manifold. The CEO of a prominent real estate firm, highlights rapid population growth, urbanisation trends, high internet penetration rates, and active digital adoption in various sectors including banking and business operations. These factors collectively contribute to a conducive environment for data centre investment and growth.
However, despite these promising indicators, Vietnam faces challenges in scaling its data centre infrastructure to meet global standards relative to its population size. Issues such as construction complexities, a shortage of skilled labour, and logistical hurdles in the supply chain pose obstacles to domestic investors.
To navigate these challenges, industry experts recommend a strategic focus on larger-scale data centre projects over smaller, fragmented facilities. Southern provinces, with their ample land reserves, access to reliable electricity within industrial zones, and proximity to major national submarine cable landing stations, emerge as promising locations for future data centre developments. Additionally, the prevalence of renewable energy sources, constituting a quarter of the national energy mix, provides a sustainability advantage for prospective data centre investors.
In the broader context, data centres are poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating Vietnam’s digital transformation journey. While the market is still in its nascent stages, the anticipation of favourable investment policies in the near future signals a growing appetite among foreign investors to capitalise on the country’s burgeoning data centre sector and contribute to its digital evolution.
Vietnam is forging ahead with plans to establish clusters of IT parks and software chains, signalling a concerted effort to bolster its digital ecosystem and elevate global competitiveness within the production value chain. Despite notable strides in IT park development under the 2020 master plan, challenges persist, particularly regarding connectivity and collaboration among these parks and industrial zones, especially in larger urban centres where potential remains largely untapped.
By integrating this initiative into broader national ICT infrastructure development and regional socio-economic planning, Vietnam underscores its commitment to harnessing technology as a driver of economic growth and innovation.