Accelerating drive towards cashless society in Singapore – A snapshot of recent initiatives

Above image: PM Lee Hsien Loong delivering the National Day Rally speech on 20 August 2017 at the Institute of Technical Education College Central/ Credit: Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore

In this year’s National Day Rally Speech in Singapore, one of the key themes of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s speech was the ongoing Smart Nation initiative. Within Smart Nation, achieving a cashless economy is one of the current focus areas.

PM Lee spoke about how China has gone the furthest with e-payments, so much so that even roadside hawkers are accepting mobile payments.

He said, “Indeed, in major Chinese cities, cash has become obsolete. Even debit and credit cards are becoming rare. Everyone is using WeChat Pay or AliPay and these apps are linked to your bank account. To pay someone money, just pick up the phone, scan his QR Code. And you can use these apps for nearly all payments.”

But in Singapore 6 in 10 transactions are still cash or cheques. The PM said that though there are e-payments available, there are too many different schemes and systems that do not talk to one another. People have to carry multiple cards, and businesses have to install multiple readers, which is inconvenient for consumers and costly for businesses. So, the systems must be simplified and integrated.

Here, OpenGov looks at the multiple related initiatives launched in Singapore over the past few months, as the city-state goes into overdrive to realise the vision of a cashless economy.

Payments Council

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced the establishment of a Payments Council, comprising 20 leaders from banks, payment service providers, businesses, and trade associations. The Payments Council aims to formally bring together both the providers and users of payment services in Singapore. It is expected to encourage collaboration within the payments industry, promote interoperability among e-payments solutions, develop strategies to drive the pervasive adoption of e-payments, and advise and make recommendations to MAS on payments related policies. It is part of a series of initiatives by MAS towards realising the vision of an e-payments society in Singapore.

PayNow

In July, the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) launched a new peer-to-peer funds transfer service called PayNow, which links mobile numbers to bank accounts (Singapore National Registration Identity Card/ Foreign Identification Number can also be used).

PayNow enables users to pay and receive money using their mobile banking app, without any need to know bank names or account numbers. As PM Lee described it, “You can pay money to somebody’s mobile number, if he is on PayNow. And if you are on PayNow, other people can pay you just using your mobile number.”

Once the mobile number is linked to PayNow, customers of the seven participating banks[1] can send and receive Singapore Dollar funds from one bank to another through FAST (Fast and Secure Transfers), almost instantly.

The QR code payment method, which is convenient, safe and does not have a credit card fee, will soon be made available for PayNow, which will facilitate payments at retail outlets, such as hawker centres.

(Update: The National Environment Agency (NEA), Housing & Development Board (HDB), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) jointly issued a Request for Information for electronic payment (e-payment) solutions to support micro-payments at hawker centres and other small shops on August 25. In view of the low-value transactions in these places, the solution must be affordable for the merchants, for payments between them and their customers and between them and their suppliers.)

Unified Point-of-Sale terminals

The MAS was working on developing an Unified Point-of-Sale (UPOS) terminal that would allow a merchant to accept all major card brands, including those that are contactless or embedded in smartphones.

In May, it was revealed in a joint media release that Dairy Farm Singapore Group (DFSG), in partnership with Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS) and United Overseas Bank (UOB) will be installing 2,000 Unified POS payment terminals over 650 stores in 2017. DFSG will implement these Unified POS terminals across its Cold Storage, Market Place, Jasons, Giant, 7-Eleven and Guardian Health and Beauty stores. The Unified POS system supports a comprehensive range of payment modes – NETS, NETS FlashPay, Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, UOB Mighty Pay, EZ-Link in addition to credit and debit cards.

Convenience store chain, Cheers, opened its first unmanned store at Nanyang Polytechnic in July, featuring self-checkout counters with a unified cashless payment system, among a variety of retail technologies being used in the pilot store.

In May, Today newspaper reported that the MAS and other agencies are working on to achieve a government aim for half the food and beverage (F&B) establishments to adopt digital services by 2020.

Cashless public transport

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore and TransitLink, a subsidiary of LTA, announced in a joint press release earlier this month that they are working towards a fully cashless vision for public transport by 2020. Steps being taken include extending the ongoing Account-Based Ticketing pilot, wherein commuters holding Singapore-issued Mastercard contactless credit or debit cards can simply tap theircard on the bus or MRT fare readers and they are charged for their rides in their credit or debit card bill.

Since January this year, the option of topping up stored-value cards using personal bank cards, as well as mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay and Android Pay, has been added to all General Ticketing Machines (GTMs) at all train stations. As a result, cashless top-up transactions via GTMs have increased by more than 70 per cent over the first six months.

LTA and TransitLink are working with rail operators to remove cash top-up services at Passenger Service Centres (PSCs). To minimise inconvenience for commuters, this process will be carried out gradually, starting with PSCs at 11 train stations from September 1, 2017. Over the next few years, LTA and TransitLink plan to progressively remove cash payment options for public transport transactions, including for fare payment on buses and for stored-value card services at train stations.

Some of the steps taken by local banks

DBS introduced QR code payments on its mobile wallet, PayLah!, which has around 500,000 users in April, while OCBC Bank launched its first standalone mobile payments app, Pay Anyone, which makes QR code cashless payments available at close to 2,500 NETS terminals in May. In July OCBC announced that its Pay Anyone app no longer requires even mobile or NRIC numbers. PayNow-registered customers can create and send personalised QR codes to other OCBC Pay Anyone users via social networking apps or email when requesting payment.

DBS announced in May that it would recruit up to 1000 ambassadors for its Smart Nation Ambassador Programme (SNAP) who would travel island-wide to encourage small cash-based merchants, such as hawker centres, to adopt the QR code option as a payment method.

Just last week, POSB launched the Smart Buddy Programme, which uses wearable tech (a free watch) to teach students how to save and spend wisely by helping them track their savings and spending habits digitally. Since the programme’s pilot a year ago, some 6,000 free POSB Smart Buddy watches have been issued to students. The watch helps children take an early step towards digital payments and also monitors their activity levels. Parents can in turn remotely pre-set their child’s daily allowance, send them emergency money, and monitor their kids’ spending, savings, eating habits and activity levels – all with an accompanying app.

[1]Citibank Singapore Limited, DBS Bank/POSB, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and United Overseas Bank.

Singapore’s Commitment to Global Collaboration and Ethical AI

Singapore’s Minister Josephine Teo recently addressed the Singapore Conference on Artificial Intelligence, emphasising the nation’s commitment to learning, contributing, and posing critical questions in the realm of AI. Drawing parallels to Singapore’s historical challenges, the Minister highlighted the significance of seeking answers collaboratively.

Minister Josephine reflected on Singapore’s journey as an independent nation, underscoring the importance of seeking wise counsel from international experts. Notably, she mentioned Dr Albert Winsemius, who played a pivotal role as Singapore’s Chief Economic Advisor, advising the nation to focus on attracting foreign investments—a decision that propelled Singapore into an industrial powerhouse.

While acknowledging the value of global advice, Minister Josephine stressed a crucial difference in Singapore’s approach to AI. The nation aims not only to learn from the world but also to contribute significantly. The Singapore Conference on Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) serves as a platform to foster international collaboration—a brain trust where experts and thought leaders can share knowledge and ideas.

Minister Josephine drew attention to Singapore’s water story, highlighting the nation’s innovative solutions to address its existential water challenge. Through technologies like membrane filtration and desalination, Singapore transformed from heavily relying on imported water to producing “NEWater,” now supplying 40% of the country’s water needs.

Besides, Singapore freely shares its water management expertise through events like the Singapore International Water Week, showcasing the nation’s commitment to addressing global challenges collaboratively.

While acknowledging AI as a general-purpose technology, Minister Josephine recognised its potential for both positive and negative impacts. She outlined the commendable applications of AI, such as drug discovery and personalised learning, but also stressed the risks, including biases, cybercrime, and potential societal disruptions. Minister Josephine reiterated Singapore’s commitment to embracing AI innovations while confronting associated risks.

Drawing inspiration from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Minister Josephine proposed a holistic, system-oriented approach to addressing AI’s challenges and opportunities. Much like TCM practitioners aim for holistic health, SCAI adopts a systems-oriented perspective to identify strategic points for focused efforts in the AI landscape.

Minister Josephine also highlighted SCAI’s goal of identifying critical questions in AI that, if systematically answered, can enable AI to serve the global good. She drew parallels to a talk by Dr Lydia Liu, emphasising the need to move beyond theoretical fairness criteria in AI to consider system dynamics and interaction effects for practical impact.

In its pursuit of AI development, Singapore aims to create a new equilibrium by focusing on specific outcomes, measuring progress, and addressing both risks and opportunities. The SCAI conference serves as an experiment, bringing together diverse perspectives from 16 countries and various sectors to form an international brain trust for AI.

Minister Josephine expressed hope that SCAI would contribute to international cooperation on AI, forging connections and friendships to address complex AI issues collectively. Singapore’s unique approach and diverse participation underscore its dedication to fostering a global brain trust to navigate the intricate landscape of AI for the global good.

As AI technologies continue to advance, their potential to address global challenges, such as healthcare, poverty, and climate change, becomes increasingly evident. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding is essential to leverage AI for the betterment of humanity while mitigating potential negative consequences.

The ethical dimensions of AI development and deployment are significant considerations. An understanding of AI for the global good facilitates the creation of ethical frameworks and guidelines, ensuring responsible and fair use of these technologies. This approach emphasises the importance of ethical considerations in harnessing the power of AI to benefit societies worldwide.

Hong Kong Advancing Tech for Eye Health

The Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) and DEFTA Partners (DEFTA) announced a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing technology transfer and the commercialisation of advanced research in eye and vision health. This collaborative initiative, marked by a signing ceremony at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) campus, brings together the expertise of CEVR and the extensive business network of DEFTA, with the goal of fostering innovation and translating research outcomes into globally impactful products.

Under the leadership of the Chairman of the CEVR Board of Directors and Deputy President/Provost of PolyU, and the Director of Investment Research and Deputy Head of DEFTA, the collaboration is set to leverage DEFTA’s track record in identifying and nurturing technology-based startups.

The partnership envisions a seamless integration of DEFTA’s business network with CEVR’s research achievements to facilitate the commercialisation of university-originated research. Through strategic alliances with Japanese companies, facilitated by DEFTA, CEVR aims to propel the translation and commercialisation of groundbreaking research outcomes, contributing to the advancement of eye and vision health solutions on a global scale.

The Chairman of the CEVR Board of Directors expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the significant opportunities it presents for CEVR. He emphasised DEFTA’s crucial role in driving the commercialisation of research projects and enabling global expansion. The Chairman said he looks forward to a close working relationship with the DEFTA team to achieve shared goals, bringing innovation to fruition and enhancing eye health worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Director of Investment Research and Deputy Head of DEFTA underscored the synergy between The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Waterloo in Canada, along with the strong support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, as key factors contributing to CEVR’s research capabilities. She noted that DEFTA’s robust network with industrial corporates and extensive experience will secure more collaboration opportunities and resources for CEVR’s projects. The Director expressed confidence in DEFTA’s ability to foster innovation and create opportunities in the field of eye and vision research.

The signing ceremony, witnessed by PolyU’s President; the Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong; and the Group Chairman and CEO at DEFTA Partners, symbolised the formalisation of the collaboration. This strategic partnership marks a milestone in the efforts to address urgent needs and challenges in global eye and vision health.

In embracing this collaboration, CEVR anticipates an expansion of its partner network, enabling the research centre to undertake more innovative and cutting-edge projects. The collaboration is poised to create a platform for CEVR to address critical issues in the field, ultimately contributing to advancements in global eye and vision health. As CEVR and DEFTA embark on this collaborative journey, the combined expertise and resources are expected to drive impactful changes in the landscape of eye and vision research.

The strategic collaboration between the Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) and DEFTA Partners marks a significant step forward in advancing the translation of cutting-edge research in eye and vision health into tangible, real-world solutions.

The formalised partnership, celebrated at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), brings together the academic prowess of CEVR and the business acumen of DEFTA, setting the stage for innovative advancements in the field. With a shared vision of promoting technology transfer and commercialisation, this collaboration holds the promise of not only addressing urgent global needs in eye health but also fostering a collaborative environment that can lead to groundbreaking developments.

As CEVR and DEFTA combine their strengths, we anticipate witnessing transformative changes that will positively impact eye and vision health on a global scale. This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia and industry, showcasing a commitment to driving positive change and improving lives through cutting-edge research and innovation.

Vietnam’s Strategic Semiconductor Partnerships

To fulfil the collaboration agreement outlined in the joint statement between Vietnam and the United States from earlier this year to develop the semiconductor industry, Vietnam has been refining a one-stop-shop mechanism, formulating a human resources development plan, and setting up the National Innovation Centre (NIC) in the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), in collaboration with NIC and the US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), organised a roundtable in Hanoi to assess Vietnam’s infrastructure readiness for the semiconductor industry.

According to the Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung, Vietnam is prepared to engage in investment cooperation projects in the semiconductor industry with foreign companies, offering the most favourable terms for collaboration.

Participants were briefed on cooperation activities between the US and Vietnam to promote the semiconductor industry. Several member companies of the association have made significant investments in Vietnam. Many businesses have doubled their investment in the country, highlighting Vietnam’s escalating significance in the global semiconductor supply chain. The country possesses remarkable opportunities to make an impact on the global semiconductor supply chain.

Vietnam has set clear directions, goals, and actions, laying a solid foundation for the semiconductor industry. With a dynamic and innovative ecosystem driven by rapid advancements in the digital economy and robust growth in the high-tech sector, the country is gaining recognition. It has emerged as a burgeoning economic hub in Asia with a robust position in the global supply chain as it consistently attracts investments from multinational corporations.

The Deputy Minister of Education and Training, Nguyen Van Phuc, noted that Vietnam possesses abundant human resources, with one-third of students studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) methods—an increase of about 10% over the last three years.

Vietnam excels in training mathematics and chemistry, providing a solid foundation for the development of other industries, including semiconductors and information technology. The Deputy Minister expressed optimism about close cooperation and support from US firms in building training programmes and establishing laboratories at Vietnamese universities.

In September, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh participated in a meeting with chief executive officers of prominent United States enterprises in the semiconductor industry. During the meeting, he encouraged increased investment in Vietnam across all stages of the semiconductor industry, including infrastructure development, technology transfer, design, production, distribution, and manpower training.

The development of Vietnam’s semiconductor industry aligns with the prevailing global trend, leveraging the country’s potential and resources. Additionally, it offers tangible benefits for citizens, prompting active participation and contributions to the process, as highlighted by the Minister.

Three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed by NIC under MPI with American partners, striving to enhance design capabilities, product development, and the training of human resources in the semiconductor industry.

The first MoU was with an electronic design automation company, geared towards providing support for the establishment of a chip design incubation centre. Under the second agreement, NIC will offer Vietnamese universities, training centres, and startups the necessary technology and training programmes to design and develop semiconductor products, aiming to stimulate the growth of Vietnam’s semiconductor and electronics sector.

Through the third MoU, NIC and an American university will work with Vietnamese research institutes and educational organisations to develop training programmes and share research in the domains of semiconductors and related fields. They will also seek and leverage appropriate sources of funding to enhance the capacity of the workforce in the semiconductor industry.

Collaborative Strategies for Thailand’s Smart Cities

Creating a smart city for the nation requires a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including government bodies, private enterprises, technology innovators, and, most importantly, citizens. The development and implementation of smart city initiatives demand a synchronised approach to urban planning, technology integration, and sustainable practices.

To achieve this, Thailand should emphasise enhancing intelligent public infrastructure, encompassing transportation, energy, and water systems. Additionally, efforts would be directed towards improving the workforce’s skills through digital training and establishing connections between Thai cities and global innovation networks to encourage investments and attract skilled individuals. Thailand has been making noteworthy progress in its cooperative initiatives to advance its smart city aspirations, propelled by a unified dedication among diverse stakeholders.

Thailand serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing strategies and insights to drive urban space transformation. Dr Kitti Satjawattana, Director of the Capital Administration and Management Unit (BMTA), shared insights into the collaborative approach, emphasising the crucial role of coordination among network partners at various levels.

One of the telecommunications companies in Thailand has also joined forces with network partners to establish the “Thailand Smart City Network Partners,” marking a significant stride in advancing the development of livable and smart cities in Thailand. This collaborative initiative is poised to align with the distinct needs and aspirations outlined in the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan.

Further, Dr Kitti highlighted the strategic coordination with network partners at various levels, including policy influencers such as the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDB), Office of the Science Promotion Board Research and Innovation (NRCT), Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), and the World Bank. The collaboration extends to university networks, such as Mahasarakham University, Prince of Songkla University, Khon Kaen University, Naresuan University, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, Burapha University, Chiang Mai University, and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Ladkrabang. It also encompasses several private sector partners to foster this initiative.

The approach involves creating tangible cooperation to propel livable cities’ strategy from formulation to practical implementation, aptly termed “Policy in Action.” To institutionalise this effort, network partners across various levels have collaboratively established the “Smart City Alliance Thailand.” The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMTA) role within this alliance is pivotal, offering support for the academic processes essential for driving research plans focused on developing livable central and smart cities. The ultimate goal is to elevate the economic landscape while addressing issues of inequality within the country.

The alliance is committed to supporting the knowledge base and tools essential for managing entire city systems, bringing together academics, experts, and relevant organisations. Dr Kitti emphasised the importance of involving stakeholders from academic institutions, government agencies, civil society, the community sector, the private sector, and other related partners in the development process. They aim to create and promote policy proposals related to the research-driven development of livable central and smart cities.

Dr Poon Thiangburanatham, Deputy Director of Organisational Planning and Strategy at BMTA, provided further insights into the initiative. The datasets generated through research and innovation will form a robust foundation for developing a comprehensive smart city across seven dimensions. These include smart energy management, smart environmental management, smart mobility, smart economic opportunities, smart people development, smart living convenience and safety, and smart governance with transparent management. The collaborative approach ensures that the smart city’s holistic development addresses diverse urban living and governance aspects.

This collaboration will impact Thailand’s smart city initiatives, integrating research, innovation, and multi-stakeholder cooperation. The alliance aims to enhance citizens’ quality of life and happiness by fostering sustainable and technology-driven urban environments, keeping with the objectives outlined in the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027).

China’s Digital Roadmap for Economic Recovery

A Digital Roadmap for Economic Recovery is pivotal in the contemporary landscape, offering multifaceted benefits. It ensures technological resilience by equipping nations with advanced tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT, fostering efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing global competitiveness.

Experts and business executives believe that the digital economy’s revitalisation and the merging of digital and physical industries will be crucial factors in propelling China’s economic recovery. Hailed as the leading edge of industrial development, the digital economy is now a crucial component of China’s development plan.

Tech companies are being strongly advised to invest in cutting-edge technology, conduct fundamental research, and investigate strategically important but future-focused areas. The main goal is obvious: strengthen technical innovation capacities to bring in a new phase of development and modernise established sectors.

The need to foster new momentum and advance traditional sectors is at the top of China’s development agenda. This need highlights the significance of the Central Economic Work Conference, which is coming up soon. This important gathering usually establishes the priorities for economic development and sets the tone for macroeconomic policy for the coming year.

Wu Hequan, an academic at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, notes that “innovative digital technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the internet of things are weaving their magic across diverse industries, from manufacturing to agriculture, and hastening integration with the tangible economy.”

He highlights that fostering the digital economy is essential to gain a competitive edge, accelerate digital transformation, modernise established sectors, and efficiently support the tangible economy.

China’s digital economy soared to 50.2 trillion yuan (S$7.01 trillion) in 2022, securing its position as the world’s second-largest digital economy, constituting 41.5% of its GDP, as the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology reported.

China has outlined a strategic plan that includes concrete measures for building data resource systems and digital infrastructure. The State Council and the Central Committee of China jointly announced a plan that highlights the commitment to further integrating digital technology into the country’s politics, economy, society, culture, and ecology.

The head of the China Society of Industrial Economics, Jiang Xiaojuan, emphasised that traditional industries will be the primary arena for the emergence of the digital economy. She stressed how important it is to build a market system for data elements and discover hidden value in large data sets.

Further, platform enterprises are the pivotal figures in this digital transformation. Given China’s position as the world’s largest online consumer market and its extensive digital infrastructure, capitalising on these platforms has become critical for economic growth.

The National Data Administration pledges to share notable investment cases with other government agencies, bolstering support for these businesses to play a more dynamic role in propelling the digital economy.

This strategic approach generates employment opportunities in emerging fields, necessitates skill development, and encourages economic diversification by fostering the growth of digital industries alongside traditional sectors.

Additionally, the digital roadmap facilitates informed decision-making through a data-driven approach, enhances connectivity domestically and internationally, and promotes sustainable development practices. As consumer behaviours evolve, the strategy adapts businesses to changing preferences, making e-commerce and digital services essential components.

From a governance perspective, digitalisation streamlines processes, contributing to a business-friendly environment and fostering economic growth. In essence, this comprehensive approach not only addresses current challenges but positions nations to thrive in the evolving digital age.

HKSTP’s Collaborative Leap in Smart Vehicle Tech

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and a leading provider of energy-efficient computing solutions for smart vehicles have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a ‘Technology Innovation R&D Center’ at the Hong Kong Science Park.

The partnering company plans to invest around HK$3 billion by the end of 2028 and aims to expand its research and development team to approximately 100 personnel. The collaboration, overseen by the ITIB and the OASES, is dedicated to advancing Hong Kong’s microelectronics and intelligent driving ecosystem.

The MoU signing ceremony involved the Chief Corporate Development Officer of HKSTP and the Co-founder and Chief Operation Officer of the technology firm. The event was witnessed by key figures such as the Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry; the Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises; the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry; the Chairman of HKSTP; and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the partnering firm.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry highlighted the influx of new energy and intelligent vehicle enterprises in Hong Kong, emphasising the positive impact on relevant ecosystems. He acknowledged the partner firm’s establishment of an international R&D centre at Hong Kong Science Park as leveraging the city as a platform for globalisation. The Chairman of HKSTP, expressed the significance of the partner firm’s presence, contributing to the long-term diversification of Hong Kong’s economy.

The Founder and CEO of the partnering company, expressed delight in collaborating with HKSTP, emphasising the ideal business and R&D environment provided by the Hong Kong Science Park. The partnering company aims to use the Technology Innovation R&D Center to accelerate the development of automated driving computing solutions, benefiting Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area’s smart vehicle ecosystem.

The “Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint” supports Hong Kong’s goal to become an international I&T centre, with a focus on the microelectronics industry. The establishment of the “Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute” was announced in the 2023 Policy Address to drive collaboration and create an enabling environment for microelectronics industry advancement.

The partnering company is a leading provider of energy-efficient computing solutions for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving (AD), is committed to enhancing next-generation driving experiences. The company collaborates with a wide network of partners, offering products and services to accelerate the transformation of smart electric vehicles. Their Founder and CEO is a renowned expert in machine learning, with the company holding nearly 2,000 patents and collaborating with major automobile companies globally.

HKSTP remains dedicated to advancing Hong Kong’s new industrialisation mission, boasting a microelectronics ecosystem with nearly 250 companies. Five Hong Kong universities rank among the top 100 globally, with over 100 researchers engaged in microelectronics research. HKSTP provides comprehensive microelectronics hardware infrastructure to support design, prototyping, and pilot production processes.

The collaborative efforts between the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the partnering firm signify a pivotal step towards advancing Hong Kong’s standing in the global microelectronics and intelligent driving landscape.

With the establishment of the ‘Technology Innovation R&D Center’ at the Hong Kong Science Park, the partnering firm brings substantial investment and expertise to fuel the city’s economic diversification. The commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and leveraging the international I&T centre status reflects a strategic alignment with Hong Kong’s broader goals.

As the microelectronics ecosystem at HKSTP continues to flourish, this collaboration sets the stage for groundbreaking developments in automated driving computing solutions, contributing significantly to the smart vehicle ecosystem in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Together, HKSTP and their partnering company exemplify the synergy necessary for propelling Hong Kong’s technological prowess into a new era of growth and global competitiveness.

India: Digital Innovation in Coal Mine Surveillance

To accelerate digitalisation in coal mines, a group of robotics researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee) conducted tests in the open-cast mines of the Chhattisgarh-based Coal India subsidiary, South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL). The team is working on developing drones for coal mines under its project, titled “Design and development of an intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle applied to open-cast minefield surveillance for real-time monitoring, hazards, and vulnerability assessment”.

Under the project, the team is creating a drone to address challenges associated with stock measurement in open-cast mines. Once developed, the drone will assist surveyors in measuring stocks of coal or overburden by sending it to various sections of the mine. At present, 3D TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) technology is employed for measuring overburden and coal stock, but its scope is limited.

SECL mines will serve as the primary testing and development ground for drones, with SECL providing essential technical expertise on coal mines to support the research team in obtaining crucial data for the project. The I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT-Delhi, will act as the funding agency for this undertaking.

The IIT-Roorkee team recently conducted drone tests in the Rajnagar coal mine in the Hasdeo area and visited the Amadand mine in the Jamuna Kotma area of SECL. The team successfully tested a drone produced in their institute’s laboratory.

Integrating drones into mining operations is poised to enhance both production and productivity while offering crucial logistics support. Drones can play a pivotal role in improving mine safety by monitoring slopes and assisting in blast observation.

They can help in accurately monitoring the movement of rocks and other materials during blasting in open-cast mines, allowing workers to take proactive measures to mitigate accidents. It also helps address false claims related to such incidents more effectively.

Furthermore, drones can also be employed to deliver goods to face machinery in mining operations. Additionally, in the event of accidents, drones can facilitate the delivery of essential items such as medicines or food to the personnel working on the face, ensuring timely support and aid.

As part of Coal India’s “Project Digicoal,” SECL is actively implementing various measures to digitise its mines. The deployment of numerous digital solutions in major projects like Gevra, Dipka, and Kusmunda is a key aspect of this initiative. The focus of these solutions is to improve worker safety, optimise mine surveys, enhance learning, and streamline management processes. They include:

An emergency SOS device named “Suraksha Kavach” enables mine workers to call for assistance in the event of an emergency. It uses real-time location detection to enhance rescue operations.
It uses drones for conducting surveys of mines and analysing mine topography, eliminating the need to physically enter risk-prone zones and enhancing safety measures.
A technology-driven learning platform accessible to all, featuring modules covering the latest industry trends.
The Land Acquisition Management System (LAMS), which is comprehensive digital solution designed for end-to-end workflow management. It includes features such as digital verification of land records, process mapping, and the generation of resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) and compensation plans.

Last year, the government announced its plans to make India a hub for drone technology. It has been working to boost the demand for drone technology and services by implementing effective policies, for example, the Drone Rules, 2021, providing incentives through the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for drones and drone components, and creating indigenous demand.

December 11, 2023

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Accelerating drive towards cashless society in Singapore – A snapshot of recent initiatives

Singapore’s Commitment to Global Collaboration and Ethical AI

Hong Kong Advancing Tech for Eye Health

Vietnam’s Strategic Semiconductor Partnerships

Collaborative Strategies for Thailand’s Smart Cities

China’s Digital Roadmap for Economic Recovery

HKSTP’s Collaborative Leap in Smart Vehicle Tech

India: Digital Innovation in Coal Mine Surveillance

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Singapore’s Commitment to Global Collaboration and Ethical AI

Hong Kong Advancing Tech for Eye Health

Vietnam’s Strategic Semiconductor Partnerships

Collaborative Strategies for Thailand’s Smart Cities

China’s Digital Roadmap for Economic Recovery

HKSTP’s Collaborative Leap in Smart Vehicle Tech

Hong Kong Advancing Tech for Eye Health

Vietnam’s Strategic Semiconductor Partnerships

Collaborative Strategies for Thailand’s Smart Cities

China’s Digital Roadmap for Economic Recovery

HKSTP’s Collaborative Leap in Smart Vehicle Tech

India: Digital Innovation in Coal Mine Surveillance

Indonesia Building a Fair Digital Economy

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