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The COVID-19 Pandemic has dominated 2020 and seems to be poised to take over at least the first half of 2021.
But what have we learnt from the unprecedented health crisis of the past year? Have we gleaned enough to be well prepared for the next pandemic or natural disaster? Have governments and organisations gained adequate insights to be resilient and continue operations during future critical events?
These are some crucial questions that must be answered to know how well prepared you are for the next major critical event. OpenGov Asia delved into these important issues at its recent OpenGovLive! Virtual Insight with delegates from Singapore, Australia, India and Hong Kong.
Keeping with the OpenGov Asia track record, there was 100% attendance from delegates who were fully immersed in the interactive OpenGov Asia experience.
A collective and coordinated effort of different parts of an organisation is key to strengthen resilience
Mohit Sagar, Group Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief at OpenGov Asia gave an overview of the session with the audience with his opening presentation.
Mohit recounted historically countries across the globe have been overcome different kinds of disasters individually or is clusters but never have they encountered such a situation where the whole world has been hit by a crisis of such magnitude.
This is part of the reason organisations and leaders were stopped dead in their tracks when the pandemic initially hit. There was a lot of panic in the general public as well as top leaders as at the most basic of the necessities seemed endangered at the start.
No one was prepared to run entire businesses with people locked up at home. Business continuity management plans did not take into consideration a critical event od such scope and depth.
The world is at a tipping point and will be quite unstable until there are concrete signs of an effective cure and vaccine. So, organisations must put together all their resources in a coordinated manner with sound planning to keep operations running without compromising the safety of people.
Mohit left the audience with advice to partner with experts in Critical Event Management space rather than trying to come up with a solution on their own.
Being prepared in advance is the secret to successful critical event management
After Mohit laid the foundation, Graeme Orsborn, Vice President – International CEM Business Unit, Everbridge shared his insights on the topic.
Graeme began by very simply explaining the meaning of critical event management. When things that people care about like our friends, family, staff, infrastructure, supply chain and reputation intersect with threats like physical disruption, threats, system failures etc., that leads to a critical event.
All organisations are undergoing a fundamental shift in the way they operate our businesses and the key is to be prepared in advance for the impending danger or critical event.
Graeme went on to acknowledge that while being prepared sounds very simple and easy, implementing it can be quite a challenge for organisations. Currently, the process of managing critical events is largely manual, disjointed and takes significantly longer to work through.
He enumerated the challenges to critical event management as follows:
- Problems in locating who and what is impacted
- The criticality of impact on the assets
- Taking the right action to protect endangered business assets
- Analysing the situation to assess the effectiveness of a plan
After highlighting the problems, Graeme proposed the solution or the correct approach for dealing with critical events. He suggested a four-step strategy:
- Assess the context and severity of the critical event
- Locate and identify stakeholders and assets
- Take action to inform, notify, rally, collaborate and recover
- Analyse own performance and improve
He also shared with the audience the wide range of CEM solutions offered by Everbridge to help organisations mitigate risk and accelerate resolution when events become critical.
Graeme concluded his presentation by sharing Everbridge’s strategy to deal with the most recent critical event, i.e. the COVID-19 pandemic. The three broad parts of this solution included: Know your risk, protect your people, recover and protect your operations.
Make resilience a part of organisational culture to tackle critical events effectively
After Graeme’s presentation, Arunabh Mitra, Chief Continuity Officer, HCL technologies spoke on the topic at hand.
Arunabh opined that as a result of globalisation today, organisations are faced with several interconnected challenges. While on one side, processes like globalisation and industrial revolution are indicators of progress, on the other, risks hovering around them also have a cascading impact on all industries and sectors. He alluded to the fact that our world today is no longer a simple linear structure, rather it’s a system of systems highly interdependent.
He then expounded about the shocks and stresses that disrupt the usual operations and test the resilience of governments and organisations time and again. He shared with the delegates the iceberg model of disruptive events: better preparedness for the events we have better visibility of as we can relate to those events better. However, he conceded that the recovery path for the different events in the iceberg model will vary.
Arunabh moved on the COVID- 19 crisis and how it impacted organisations globally. He reiterated that it was an event unprecedented in scale, complexity and velocity.
He talked about the 3R wave or pattern of organisations’ response to the pandemic::
- Response: This was the initial stage of the hit when organisations were occupied with keeping their people safe and continuing business.
- Return and Reimagine: This stage kept organisations busy with envisioning and implementing what the new workspace will look like
- Reform: This is the stage when organisations are contemplating how to enhance productivity in the hybrid workspace.
Arunabh explained that companies that made people a priority, who had invested in resilience and who had made it a part of their culture, did it better than others.
He concluded his presentation by highlighting that the key to being truly resilient is to embed it in the DNA of every layer of the organisation with certain design principles in place.
After the informative presentations, it was now time for the interactive polling session with the delegates.
On the first question regarding an organisation’s preparedness to respond quickly and decisively to critical events, a majority of the delegates voted that they are well prepared but there is room for improvement (72%).
To this, a deputy director from a media company in Singapore reflected that after dealing with the recent pandemic, they are confident that they are prepared to deal with a future crisis but at the same time there is a lot that they still don’t know and can learn, so cannot be complacent.
On the next question about the department/organisational division responsible for leading the response and preparedness efforts during a critical event, a major chunk of the delegates voted for other than operations, human resource, Information and Technology, or the CEO (47%).
On this issue, a delegate from a public sector organisation shared that they have a separate safety division responsible for coordinating actions and preparedness at the advent of a crisis or a critical event.
On the final question of instant access to critical information needed to evaluate risk and take action during emergency events, 57% of delegates voted that they have established systems to spot events that could endanger company assets.
The president of a major healthcare organisation from India shared that since they are responsible for the lives of not just their employees but also their patients, they have made sure that they have the correct systems in place that inform them of an impending disaster.
After the interesting insights and sessions, Graeme once again addressed the audience to conclude the session.
He felt that it would be interesting to see how culture in organisations will undergo a shift to adapt to the new norm of working. He was also convinced that big data and analytics would play a major role in helping organisations to be more predictive and better prepared for future critical events.
Graeme urged delegates and their organisations to move from having a reactive approach to being proactive in their response to managing critical events and to leverage technology in their efforts.
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In her address at the LIA Annual Luncheon, Ms Ho Hern Shin, Deputy Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the pivotal role of technology in elevating customer experience within the life insurance sector could be seen. Under the theme of “Treating Customers Right,” Ms Ho outlined key pillars for insurers to build and enhance engagement, trust and sustainability.
The LIA Management Committee were commended for their adept utilisation of available tools and technology, amidst industry challenges, from the transformation spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic for targeted customer solutions. She reiterated MAS’ commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the tech-driven landscape.
Central to customer satisfaction is product design harnessing digital innovations to align with evolving preferences. AI-powered wellness programmes, tech-enabled co-payment initiatives, and user-friendly mobile apps for bite-size insurance products are great examples. These tech-driven solutions not only cater to diverse customer needs but also optimise operational efficiency for insurers.
The pivotal role of data analytics in enabling fair and inclusive underwriting practices is also clear. Insurers can leverage advanced algorithms and predictive modelling to objectively assess applications, ensuring equitable coverage for individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. Collaboration with data professionals and research communities is essential to harnessing data for actionable insights.
Insurers can leverage digital platforms such as SGFinDex and AI-driven chatbots to offer personalised financial advice. SGFinDex, the pioneering digital infrastructure in Singapore, stands as the world’s first to integrate a national digital identity with a centrally managed online consent system. This innovative platform empowers individuals by granting them seamless access to their financial data dispersed across various government agencies and financial institutions.
Tech-enabled strategies can streamline the fact-finding process, empowering customers to make informed decisions aligned with their financial goals. Such platforms can leverage machine learning algorithms to tailor product recommendations based on customer profiles and life stages.
Continued investments in digital infrastructure are essential for delivering seamless post-sales experiences. MAS’ regulatory amendments facilitate secure online transactions, including beneficiary nomination and claims processing. Insurers were urged to embrace emerging technologies such as blockchain for immutable record-keeping and smart contracts to automate claims settlements, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
OpenGov Asia reported that in response to growing concerns voiced by Members of Parliament and citizens regarding customer protection from scams, MAS and other government agencies are intensifying collaborative efforts with the industry to combat fraudulent activities.
MAS and IMDA have introduced a consultation paper outlining the Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) to address phishing scams, assigning responsibilities to financial institutions (FIs) and telecommunication companies (Telcos) to mitigate scam risks and ensure compensation for affected victims.
This framework expands upon previous initiatives by the Payments Council, recognising the crucial roles of both FIs and Telcos in preventing fund outflows resulting from digitally enabled scams that undermine confidence in digital banking systems.
Outlined duties for FIs and Telcos include sending transaction notifications and implementing scam filters, with breaches triggering a “waterfall approach” in which FIs and Telcos are held accountable for losses, with FIs bearing primary responsibility followed by Telcos as custodians of consumers’ money
The importance of fostering an ethical culture, where data fairness is paramount and values supersede profits is vital. The board and senior management must champion ethical principles, ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making.
Insurance, as indeed all other sectors, would greatly benefit if they embrace technology as a catalyst for delivering superior customer outcomes. By leveraging digital innovations across all facets of their operations, organisations can enhance customer engagement, streamline processes, and foster trust in the digital age.
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In a bid to enhance brand visibility and tap into broader consumer markets, Vietnamese wood, furniture, and handicraft enterprises are urged to prioritise and systematically invest in online sales initiatives, diversifying their sales channels within their business frameworks.
Vice Chairwoman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Minh Tue, emphasised this crucial strategy during a workshop themed “Cross-border e-commerce – global growth opportunity for Vietnam’s furniture export” held in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tue highlighted Vietnam’s stature as one of the world’s leading wood exporting nations, noting its expanding market reach across key territories such as the US, the European Union (EU), the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Japan, as well as its growing presence in emerging markets like the UAE and India.
She underscored the significant success of Vietnam’s wood and wooden product exports in the global market, buoyed by favourable factors such as forestry development strengths, business incentives, and advantageous free trade agreements with foreign counterparts.
However, traditional export markets have encountered challenges in recent times due to sluggish global consumption demand, escalating protectionist measures, and the persistence of tight monetary policies in certain countries. Against this backdrop, Tue highlighted the rising prominence of e-commerce channels in driving sales growth for furniture and handicrafts, presenting a new avenue for Vietnamese wood businesses to explore.
A global e-commerce giant echoed this sentiment, highlighting the resilient growth trajectory of global e-commerce despite the lingering impact of global trade disruptions. The executive underscored cross-border e-commerce as a pivotal trend enabling small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to achieve robust expansion.
Looking ahead, strong growth in e-commerce has been projected within the furniture industry, particularly in the US, Vietnam’s largest export market. By 2027, e-commerce in this sector could soar to an estimated US$118.6 billion, presenting a lucrative opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises.
Another organisation stressed the direct access to a diverse global customer base facilitated by e-commerce platforms, noting the missed opportunity for Vietnamese manufacturers to harness cross-border e-commerce to market their products.
Crucial factors for effective online sales include focusing on customer comfort and actively addressing concerns related to product quality, customer service, and delivery. Recognising these challenges, e-commerce platforms now offer comprehensive business support services spanning product listing, packaging, shipping, and returns to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
The imperative for Vietnam’s wood and furniture industry to embrace e-commerce as a strategic growth driver is clear. By leveraging online platforms, Vietnamese enterprises can not only expand their market reach but also enhance brand visibility and tap into the burgeoning global e-commerce landscape, thus ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness in the digital era.
Vietnam is strategically leveraging digital technology, online platforms, and e-commerce to propel its wood and furniture industry into international markets. By embracing these digital tools, Vietnamese enterprises seek to amplify their global presence, reach new customers, and capitalise on the boundless opportunities offered by the digital marketplace.
In line with Vietnam’s thrust towards global market penetration through digital platforms and e-commerce, a new initiative is underway to establish clusters of IT parks and software chains.
Led by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), aims to boost Vietnam’s digital ecosystem and competitiveness in the production value chain. Despite progress, challenges persist, such as connectivity gaps and limited collaboration among IT parks.
The MIC stresses strategic capital investment to integrate the initiative into national ICT infrastructure, advancing Vietnam’s digital transformation agenda. Informed by the Institute of Information and Communications Strategy, the plan focuses on creating ICT parks in vital economic zones, nurturing technical infrastructure and a conducive business environment, thereby enhancing the growth of the digital technology sector.
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The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, recently organised a Workshop on “Cultivating Tomorrow: Advancing Digital Agriculture through IoT and AI.”
Held at the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, this event aimed to explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies in agriculture.
Participation was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates, ITU Academia, and individuals from countries that are members of the ITU, as well as members of international, regional, and national organisations in hybrid mode. The event drew around 200 delegates, including international participants, who shared their experiences in the emerging field of Agriculture 4.0.
In light of the challenges posed by a growing world population and climate change to traditional farming practices, the workshop underscored the importance of leveraging technology for sustainable food production. It delved into the application of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and other cutting-edge technologies across the agricultural value chain, from production to consumption, including post-harvest management and marketing.
The discussions focused on how these technologies can empower farmers with real-time data, predictive analytics, and actionable insights to optimise their operations and enhance productivity.
A highlight of the workshop was the release of the Technical Report on “Revolutionising Agriculture: The Digital Transformation of Farming.” This report serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders in the agricultural sector, providing guidance on harnessing the power of technology to drive sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in food production. Overall, the event emphasised the critical role of digital innovations in shaping the future of agriculture and fostering global food security.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in India is pioneering the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance farmers’ productivity and well-being. Championing the India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (InDEA) 2.0’s network approach, the Ministry has achieved significant milestones.
According to Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India has leveraged AI to tackle various challenges in the agricultural sector, aiming to support farmers.
Key initiatives include the implementation of ‘Kisan e-Mitra,’ an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist farmers with inquiries regarding the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which supports multiple languages and is expanding to cover other government programmes.
The National Pest Surveillance System employs AI and Machine Learning to detect crop issues caused by climate change, enabling timely interventions for healthier crops. Furthermore, AI-based analytics are utilised for crop health assessment using field photographs, along with crop health monitoring through the integration of Satellite, weather, and soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crops.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed, paving the way for collaborative efforts between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI, and a foundation to establish India as a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture transformation. This partnership signifies a crucial step forward in leveraging AI to revolutionise digital agriculture, ensuring a prosperous and food-secure future for India.
Following the workshop, the 9th meeting of the ITU/FAO Focus Group on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) for Digital Agriculture” (FG-AI4A) will take place on March 19, 2024, at the same venue.
The Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things for Digital Agriculture (FG-AI4A) has extensively explored the potential of emerging technologies such as AI and IoT. These technologies offer promising avenues for data management, model enhancement, and effective communication, thereby optimising agricultural production processes.
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The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) is dedicated to securing Singapore’s cyberspace to support national security, power the digital economy, and protect the digital way of life. To reinforce national security, CSA continually monitors cyber threats, defends critical information infrastructure (CII), and implements mitigation measures to safeguard essential services.
The Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team (SingCERT) responds to cybersecurity incidents for its Singapore constituents. It was set up to facilitate the detection, resolution and prevention of cybersecurity-related incidents on the Internet.
Singapore, represented by the CSA has been working closely with ASEAN Member States (AMS) to establish the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to promote and facilitate information-sharing related to cyber incident response, and to complement the operational efforts by individual national CERTs in each AMS.
Singapore had made the recommendation for a single AMS to host the ASEAN Regional CERT and proposed to host and fund its physical activities in Singapore at the 14th ASEAN Network Security Action Council in August 2023.
The ASEAN Regional CERT will enable stronger regional cybersecurity incident response coordination and critical information infrastructure (CII) protection cooperation, including for cross-border CII such as banking and finance, communications, aviation and maritime.
The 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) convened in Singapore in February, to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in the digital realm, particularly amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting recognised advancements in implementing the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM 2025) despite the pandemic and stressed the need for a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem. The ADM 2025 Mid-Term Review (MTR) assessed progress in key areas including trusted digital services, consumer protection, and broadband infrastructure
The meeting highlighted the need to set governance standards for emerging technologies like AI, based on recommendations from the ADM 2025 MTR. It also emphasised the importance of collaborating on digital infrastructure and fostering trust among users for secure data sharing.
The endorsement of the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics marked a significant milestone, reflecting the region’s commitment to harnessing AI technologies responsibly. The guide, which includes practical use cases for trustworthy AI deployment, is poised to serve as a valuable tool for promoting the responsible and ethical utilisation of AI solutions across ASEAN.
Additionally, the meeting welcomed initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cybersecurity capabilities, such as the establishment of the ASEAN Regional CERT. This initiative is expected to bolster incident response capabilities and facilitate timely information sharing and best practice exchange among ASEAN member states.
Moreover, the meeting acknowledged the importance of data governance and privacy protection in fostering digital trust. Efforts to promote the adoption of the ASEAN Model Contractual Clauses and facilitate seamless data transfers between ASEAN and the European Union were commended as significant steps towards enhancing regional data governance frameworks.
The meeting also highlighted the significance of digital infrastructure development, including the advancement of 5G networks and the establishment of frameworks to facilitate cross-border data flows, particularly in areas such as disaster management and logistics for rural areas.
In the realm of international cooperation, the meeting affirmed ASEAN’s commitment to deepening collaboration with dialogue and development partners, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, the United States, the European Union, ITU, and APT. These partnerships are crucial for advancing digital transformation, cybersecurity, and capacity-building efforts across the region.
Overall, the 4th ADGMIN underscored the collective resolve of ASEAN member states to navigate the evolving digital landscape, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and resilience to realise the full potential of the digital economy for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Following the endorsement of the financial model, Singapore will continue to work closely with AMS to operationalise the ASEAN Regional CERT to enhance collective cybersecurity within the region.
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In a significant stride towards fostering digital innovation within in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, the Technology Development Board (TDB) has joined hands with a Delhi-based company in a strategic agreement. Under this collaboration, TDB has approved a Conditional Grant of ₹1.22 crores (approximately US$162,000) to support its groundbreaking project titled “Digital Financial Solutions for Last Mile FMCG Value Chains in Emerging Markets”.
The initiative has been facilitated through the ‘INDIA-ISRAEL INDUSTRIAL R&D AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION FUND (I4F)’. Spearheaded by a company from Israel, the project sets out to revolutionise last-mile FMCG value chains in emerging markets through the implementation of cutting-edge digital finance solutions.
This partnership underscores the robust technological cooperation between India and Israel, highlighting their joint commitment to driving innovation in industrial research and development.
At its core, the project focuses on developing an integrated digital finance platform tailored specifically for last-mile FMCG value chains. Leveraging the Delhi company’s expertise in human-centred design, the project places a strong emphasis on enhancing user experience and ensuring alignment with diverse consumer needs. With a prestigious client portfolio that includes industry giants, the company brings invaluable insight and innovation to the project.
Upon completion, the platform is poised to seamlessly embed financial services across FMCG value chains, with particular attention to enhancing last-mile distribution networks. Drawing from the Delhi company’s extensive experience in managing branchless banking networks and B2B commerce platforms, the project aims to empower businesses and consumers alike, driving financial inclusion and fostering sustainable economic growth in emerging markets.
Speaking on the significance of this partnership, the Secretary of the Technology Development Board, stressed its pivotal role in addressing real-world challenges through innovation-driven solutions. As the inaugural agreement signed under the Bilateral India-Israel call, the initiative lays the groundwork for future collaborations.
Moreover, it signifies a commitment to transformative agreements that will drive progress and innovation in the near future. This partnership stands as evidence of technological advancement and cooperation between India and Israel, poised to deliver tangible benefits to both nations and beyond.
India is recognised as a burgeoning powerhouse in the global technology and digital space, with a commitment to innovation and leadership that extends beyond its borders. As the world witnesses an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, India is keen to leverage its expertise and resources to collaborate internationally.
OpenGov Asia highlighted the Indo-French Joint Committee of Science and Technology’s (JCST) recent meeting, emphasizing the efficacy of the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) in boosting collaboration. Talks centred on advancing research in key areas such as Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS), health, clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, and advanced materials.
Emphasising the significance of fostering connections among innovators and entrepreneurs from both nations, the meeting underscored the importance of leveraging collaborative efforts for mutual benefit. Dr Claire Giry, Director General for Research and Innovation at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research echoed these sentiments, stressing the need to reinforce ties between researchers from India and France, with a specific focus on sustainable technologies, applied mathematics, health, and ocean research.
With a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, India’s endeavours in the tech and digital space aim not only to drive economic growth but also to empower communities worldwide, cementing its position as a beacon of technological leadership and cooperation on the international stage.
Through partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives, India seeks to not only showcase its technological prowess but also to extend a helping hand internationally. By fostering innovation, promoting digital inclusion, and championing technological solutions to global challenges, India aims to demonstrate leadership in the tech arena while making meaningful contributions to the international community.
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A collaboration between the Postgraduate School of Geological Engineering at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the Geological Engineering Student Association “GEA” (HMTG “GEA”), and the Indonesian Association of Geologists (IAGI) recently showcased the advancements in sensing technology at a seminar entitled “Remote Sensing Technology for Exploration, Inventory, and Management of Natural Resources in Indonesia”.
Led by Professor Dr Ir. Indroyono Soesilo, M.Sc., the seminar highlighted remote sensing’s pivotal role in a data-driven and tech-enabled world. It has become an indispensable tool in the scientific field, providing researchers and practitioners with valuable data and previously unattainable insights.
As humanity transitions into the “imagination society” of era 5.0, remote sensing emerges as a crucial tool in providing information and knowledge to address contemporary and future challenges, underlining its significance in digital transformation and problem-solving endeavours. Its continued development and integration into various industries promise to revolutionise further how humans interact with and understand the world.
According to Prof Indroyono, remote sensing is observing an object without direct contact using specialised sensors mounted on various platforms such as drones, aircraft, satellites, etc. Multiple sensors used for remote sensing operate at different wavelengths, ranging from visible light, infrared, and radar to seismic waves, providing flexibility in obtaining data needed for geology.
Since its inception in 1960 with NASA’s TIROS-1 project, remote sensing technology has undergone significant evolution, transitioning into a service-oriented industry in Indonesia by 1993. This transformation has been propelled by government support and infrastructure development efforts. The trajectory of remote sensing underscores its vital role in facilitating Indonesia’s exploration, inventorying, and management of natural resources.
The evolution of remote sensing technology is evident from the launch of the first satellite platform in 1960 to the subsequent deployment of Landsat-1, an earth monitoring satellite, 12 years later. Prof. Indroyono and other professionals have played a pivotal role in Indonesia’s remote sensing advancement, leveraging their international educational backgrounds. Initially, their focus was on fostering Indonesia’s remote sensing service sector, encompassing data providers, information service providers, knowledge service providers, and initiatives for market expansion.
Currently, many high-resolution satellites are used for commercial purposes. The images of the earth produced by these satellites are also real-time and directly collected in the extensive data system for inventory, monitoring, analysis, and prediction purposes.
In a previous article, OpenGovAsia reported that Indonesia was deploying remote sensing to estimate oil palm productivity using satellite imagery from Sentinel-2. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) established a collaborative remote sensing research project with Lamandau Polytechnic from Lamandau Regency, Central Kalimantan.
Through remote sensing data, this research collaboration aims to establish a comprehensive understanding and accurate prediction of oil palm productivity in Bulik District, Lamandau Regency. Furthermore, remote sensing has also been used for conservation, explicitly focusing on monitoring water quality and addressing marine waste. Plastic and other waste materials discharged into the oceans pose severe global challenges.
Prof. Indroyono stresses the necessity of strengthening regulations to ensure the ethical use of remote sensing technology, despite its industry’s current robustness in adhering to rules. He advocates for continuous research and development efforts to maintain competitiveness, stressing the importance of exploring new sensor technologies and refining data processing techniques. Additionally, he underscores the pivotal role of collaboration between government, industry, and academia in driving innovation and addressing challenges in remote sensing technology and applications.
While significant progress has been made, Prof. Indroyono believes there is still untapped potential in the remote sensing industry. By bolstering regulatory frameworks, investing in R&D, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the industry can continue its growth trajectory and realise its full potential in the years ahead.
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In a strategic move to bolster innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystems, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) recently concluded an impactful visit to the Middle East, solidifying various strategic partnerships across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. This landmark initiative aimed to reinforce the world-class I&T ecosystems of both Hong Kong and the Middle East, leveraging digital advancements to propel global progress and collaboration.
Led by Professor Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, the delegation comprised representatives from eight park companies, showcasing Hong Kong’s prowess in innovation at the prestigious LEAP 2024 event.
These partnerships mark significant milestones in HKSTP’s mission to cultivate a truly global innovation community, seizing opportunities for multilateral technology collaborations and fostering cross-border innovation networks.
Among the standout achievements was Halo Energy Limited (Halo), a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, securing two major partnerships in the UAE and Qatar. These strategic collaborations aim to explore opportunities for EV charging deployment and investment in the Middle East, laying the groundwork for sustainable transportation solutions in the region and driving the adoption of clean energy technologies.
A biotech company, a subsidiary of an HKSTP park company, inked a trilateral agreement with the Dubai Economic Development Corporation and another HK business. This partnership will expand the biotech research and development (R&D) footprint in the UAE, focusing on advancements in human and veterinary diagnostics and lab testing.
The collaboration underscores the commitment to technology exchange and innovation-driven solutions, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for biotech and green tech investments in the Middle East.
Furthermore, a pioneer in smart building solutions forged a strategic partnership with a Dubai-based company. This collaboration aims to promote energy-saving and green building solutions, with plans to implement its innovative platform in 100 commercial buildings across the region over the next 18 months. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, the partnership seeks to drive sustainable urban development and enhance the efficiency of built environments in the Middle East.
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, emphasised the transformative potential of these partnerships in propelling both regions into a new era of innovation and collaboration. The strategic MoU signed with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, represents a pivotal step towards technology exchange and startup support between the two ecosystems, fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking initiatives in technology and industry practices.
The delegation also explored strategic partnerships with another group, facilitating startups’ market expansion efforts in the Middle East, and engaged with leading innovation hubs such as Masdar City, Hub 71 in Abu Dhabi, and the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). These interactions fostered discussions on fostering innovative ecosystems and promoting collaboration across government, industry, and academia to drive research and development initiatives in key sectors.
HKSTP was optimistic after showcasing its vibrant I&T ecosystem at the Hong Kong Pavilion during LEAP 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With meaningful synergies anticipated between the two regions, the event provided a platform for HKSTP to highlight Hong Kong’s technological strengths and solidify its position as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area. T
Through demonstrations by eight Science Park tech ventures and a panel discussion moderated by CEO Mr Albert Wong, the event aimed to uncover new commercial opportunities and foster international partnerships for a prosperous I&T future.
The HKSTP’s Middle East delegation exemplifies the power of international collaboration in driving digital transformation and innovation. By forging strategic partnerships and fostering cross-border innovation networks, HKSTP is at the forefront of propelling global progress and shaping a future where technology transcends borders to address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for all.