3D imaging scanner to strengthen NZ’s biosecurity measures

International arrivals into New Zealand will never be the same again as the most sophisticated x-ray technology available was unveiled at the Auckland Airport by the Biosecurity Minister.

This million-dollar scanner will be able to scrutinise the bags of international travellers for any unwanted pests.

According to a recent report, it features a three-dimensional (3D) imaging (real-time tomography) that will make it easier for quarantine officers to pinpoint risky items, which were difficult to detect in the past.

Examples of these items include dried meat, goods hidden behind laptops, and stink bugs.

New Zealand’s dynamic biosecurity environments call for the constant adjustment of the scrutiny capabilities as well as the strengthening of border security in the country as threats emerge.

Moreover, Biosecurity New Zealand is also developing software with Australian counterparts that will allow the scanner to automatically recognise risky items such as fruit that could harbour fruit fly.

This scanner is a game changer for biosecurity. It is considered as the most sophisticated piece of x-ray technology that the country can put in place to support its officers at the Auckland Airport.

In addition, it provides another useful tool in the current multi-layered biosecurity system, sitting alongside 50 detector dog teams, arrival cards, risk assessment and public awareness campaigns.

The scanner works by checking the bags before the passengers pick them up. The images will then be sent to quarantine ahead of any searches, comparable to how security x-ray screening works at many major international airports.

As reported, the staff will be tasked to identify the objects initially. Once they are able to do so, they can single out images of the object and add them to a database of similar images within the computer.

Eventually, the computer will be able to learn how to recognise the risky objects, before people do. The more images that the computer has, the better it will be able to pinpoint problems.

New Zealand and Australia, which also has a machine in Melbourne, will swap images to build a fuller data set.

These two countries rely on biological systems for wealth creation and so they must protect their systems.

Eventually, the machine will be able to differentiate an apple from a tennis ball. It will then stop wasting time looking for non-biosecurity items.

The goal is to ultimately put this technology in place across the passenger, mail and cargo pathways as traveller numbers and trade increases.

It is important that everyone will do their bit for biosecurity as everyone benefits from a country that is relatively free of unwanted pests and diseases and as all suffer the consequences of an incursion.

Biosecurity New Zealand’s focus is on stopping pests and diseases at the border, before they get to New Zealand.

However, if the pests and diseases are already in the country, then it is their job to eradicate or manage the impacts that resulted.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong’s Tech Landscape

The Cyberport Entrepreneurship Programmes’ 20th Anniversary Celebration and Graduation Ceremony was a major event attended by notable personalities, distinguished guests and budding innovators.

Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship and incubator for entrepreneurship with over 2,000 members including over 900 onsite and close to 1,100 offsite start-ups and technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

With a vision to become Hong Kong’s digital technology hub and stimulate a fresh economic impetus, Cyberport is dedicated to cultivating a dynamic tech environment. This commitment involves nurturing talent, encouraging youth entrepreneurship, aiding startups, fostering industry growth through strategic partnerships with local and international entities, and driving digital transformation across public and private sectors, bridging new and traditional economies.

Image credits: Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau

Professor Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, Hong Kong highlighted Cyberport’s incredible journey and the achievements of its vibrant community. Expressing his delight in commemorating Cyberport’s two-decade-long legacy, he emphasised the institution’s pivotal role as an ICT powerhouse in Hong Kong.

From its humble beginnings to its present stature, Cyberport has emerged as a catalyst for innovation, nurturing over 2,000 technology companies and startups and showcasing an exponential growth rate over the past five years.

Cyberport’s community has attracted a staggering US$38 billion of investment, marking its significance as an ICT flagship in Hong Kong. The establishment takes pride in its contribution to nurturing numerous innovative ideas and fostering dynamic business ventures, with seven notable unicorns in fintech, smart living, and digital entertainment sectors.

Cyberport excelled at the prestigious Hong Kong ICT Awards, with 25 startups securing 28 accolades, including the esteemed Award of the Year. This achievement showcased the institution’s exceptional calibre and innovation prowess nurtured within its ecosystem.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of startups in Cyberport’s success story, Professor Sun Dong shared how these young enterprises, often starting with a simple idea at a small table, grow in tandem with Cyberport’s support. The institution provides not just financial aid but also a nurturing environment where entrepreneurs can leverage extensive networks, collaborative spaces, and expert guidance to cultivate their ideas into commercial successes.

The graduation of more than 200 startups from the Entrepreneurship Programme stood as a testament to Cyberport’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent. This initiative empowers startups to translate their ideas into tangible commercial solutions and market breakthroughs, laying the foundation for their future success.

Looking ahead, Professor Sun Dong outlined Cyberport’s exciting plans, including the upcoming expansion block slated for completion in two years, aimed at providing additional space for the community’s development. He also highlighted Cyberport’s initiative to establish the Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre, a pioneering endeavour set to commence in 2024, envisioned to be a pioneering and substantial facility in Hong Kong.

Cyberport’s extraordinary journey showcases significant achievements while charting a promising future, embodying the core values of innovation, collaboration, and collective growth.

Professor Sun expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government, acknowledging their hard work and contributions to the tech ecosystem emphasising the importance of collective participation for a better future.

The vibrant success of events like the Cyberport Venture Capital Forum 2023 resonates with Cyberport’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, further cementing its role as a catalyst for technological advancement and entrepreneurial growth in Hong Kong.

The Cyberport Venture Capital Forum (CVCF) 2023 saw a turnout of over 2,500 participants during its two-day hybrid event. Themed “Venture Forward: Game Changing through Innovation,” the forum convened 80 global visionary venture experts, entrepreneurial pioneers, and influential thinkers. With more than 120,000 page views and over 300 fundraising meetings facilitated, it solidified its position as a pivotal platform fostering networking and collaborative opportunities.

India’s Tech Evolution and Safe Digital Spaces

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Low-Carbon and Digital Initiatives in Taiwan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hong Kong: Tech Innovations and Sustainable Pathways

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vietnam Bridging Laws to Digital Infrastructure

The fusion of telecommunications and IT, coupled with the rapid advancement of digital technology, is erasing the traditional demarcation lines between these sectors. This shift not only blurs boundaries but also brings forth a fresh set of demands necessitating a rethinking of institutional frameworks.

Image credits: Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications

The approval of the amended Law on Telecommunications by the National Assembly, with an overwhelming 468 out of 472 yes votes, marks a pivotal juncture in Vietnam’s legislative journey. This comprehensive law spans 10 chapters and 73 articles, aligning itself with international standards while staying attuned to the evolving trends within the Vietnamese telecommunications sphere, as highlighted by the Authority of Telecommunications (AOT).

One of the law’s notable facets is the introduction of novel regulations governing the management of data centres, cloud computing, and fundamental internet-based telecommunications services. This move synchronises with the developmental trajectory of the telecommunications sector, particularly in response to the fusion of telecommunications with information technology.

The transformative surge in digital technology and its consequential impact on telecommunications infrastructure has redefined the paradigm. What was once conventional telecommunications infrastructure now assumes the mantle of a digital infrastructure underpinning the burgeoning digital economy.

This digital infrastructure encompasses an array of pivotal components, including broadband and universal telecommunication infrastructure, IoT networks, data centres, cloud computing facilities, and digital service and platform infrastructures. Recognising its pivotal role, stakeholders emphasise the multifaceted importance of digital infrastructure, delineating it as universal, sustainable, environmentally conscious, intelligent, and secure.

The trajectory of digital transformation has significantly elevated the stature of data as the most prized asset within the digital economy, rendering data centre infrastructure and cloud computing as indispensable pillars. As a result, stringent regulations and sustainable development policies become imperative to sustain and foster these critical components of digital infrastructure.

The advent of internet-enabled telecommunications services has unveiled new complexities in regulatory oversight. The traditional nexus between telecommunication network infrastructure and service provision has undergone a paradigm shift. Consequently, managing telecommunications services on the Internet and regulating cross-border services have emerged as pressing concerns.

Vietnam’s proactive engagement in next-generation free trade agreements since 2010 has spurred heightened commitments beyond the purview of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This evolution in global trade dynamics necessitates a commensurate evolution in domestic legislative frameworks. Consequently, revisiting and refining the Law on Telecommunications becomes imperative to ensure alignment with contemporary laws and regulations.

The impending enactment of this law is poised to serve as a foundational cornerstone, enabling Vietnam to actualise its ambitions of telecommunications development and fortification of its global standing in the telecommunications realm. This legislative stride not only solidifies Vietnam’s technological footprint but also aligns its regulatory landscape with the exigencies of a rapidly evolving digital era.

Vietnam has been robustly pushing its digital infrastructure agenda and has been putting in place strategies and policies to support this thrust. OpenGov Asia reported that the Ministry of Information and Communications is preparing to launch a strategic plan for international fibre-optic cable development, eyeing robust digital infrastructure growth and emphasising the country’s thriving internet economy. The Ministry is currently designing a strategy for Vietnam’s international fibre-optic cable development that will soon be released.

This initiative aims to guarantee the secure and sustainable advancement of Vietnam’s digital infrastructure, according to Pham Duc Long, the Deputy Minister of MIC. He pointed out that the existing lack of infrastructure presents an opportunity for Vietnam, as there is considerable room to develop it in new innovative and effective ways.

Western Australia’s AI Initiatives to Empower Educators

The Western Australian government has unveiled a comprehensive set of measures aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles, alleviating work burdens, and fostering a conducive environment for educators to focus on teaching. The region’s Education Minister, Dr Tony Buti, spearheading this initiative, took into account the insights from two pivotal reports and explored the potential of AI tools to revamp policies and processes.

In the wake of an in-depth review into bureaucratic complexities earlier this year, Minister Buti carefully considered the outcomes of the Department of Education’s “Understanding and Reducing the Workload of Teachers and Leaders in Western Australian Public Schools” review and the State School Teachers’ Union’s “Facing the Facts” report. Both reports shed light on the escalating intricacies of teaching and the primary factors contributing to workloads for educators, school leaders, and institutions.

Embracing technology as a key driver for change, the government is contemplating the adoption of AI, drawing inspiration from successful trials in other Australian states. The objective is to modernise and enhance the efficiency of professional learning, lesson planning, marking, and assessment development. AI tools also hold promise in automating tasks such as excursion planning, meeting preparations, and general correspondence, thereby mitigating the burden on teachers.

Collaborating with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, as well as the independent and Catholic sectors, the government aims to explore AI applications to streamline curriculum planning and elevate classroom teaching. The integration of AI is envisioned to usher in a new era of educational efficiency.

In consultation with unions, associations, principals, teachers, and administrative staff, the Department of Education has identified a range of strategies to immediately, in the short term, and in the long term, alleviate the workload for public school educators.

Among these strategies, a noteworthy allocation of AU$2.26 million is earmarked for a trial involving 16 Complex Behaviour Support Coordinators. These coordinators will collaborate with public school leaders to tailor educational programs for students with disabilities and learning challenges.

Furthermore, a pioneering pilot project, jointly funded by State and Federal Governments, seeks to digitise paper-based school forms, reducing red tape and providing a consistent, accessible, and efficient method for sharing information online. Each digital submission is anticipated to save 30 minutes of staff time compared to its paper-based counterpart. Additionally, efforts are underway to simplify the process related to the exclusion of public school students while enhancing support to schools.

As part of the broader effort to support schools, the ‘Connect and Respect’ program, outlining expectations for appropriate relationships with teachers, is set to undergo expansion. This expansion includes the creation of out-of-office templates, and establishing boundaries on when it is acceptable to contact staff after working hours. The overarching goal is to minimise misunderstandings and conflicts, fostering a healthier work-life balance for teaching staff.

The Education Minister expressed his commitment to reducing administrative tasks that divert teachers from their core mission of educating students. Acknowledging the pervasive nature of this challenge, the Minister emphasised the government’s determination to create optimal conditions for school staff to focus on their primary roles.

In his remarks, the Minister underscored the significance of these initiatives, emphasising their positive impact in ensuring that teachers can dedicate their time and energy to helping every student succeed. The unveiled measures represent a pivotal step toward realising the government’s vision of a streamlined, technology-enhanced educational landscape that prioritises the well-being of educators and, ultimately, the success of students.

December 1, 2023

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3D imaging scanner to strengthen NZ’s biosecurity measures

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong’s Tech Landscape

India’s Tech Evolution and Safe Digital Spaces

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

Low-Carbon and Digital Initiatives in Taiwan

Hong Kong: Tech Innovations and Sustainable Pathways

Vietnam Bridging Laws to Digital Infrastructure

Western Australia’s AI Initiatives to Empower Educators

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