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Trials of specialised long-range drones will be conducted by the peak body for aquatic safety in NSW in June 2023 along the far north coast. These drones have been specifically designed to enhance safety, improve emergency responses, and aid in natural disaster situations, both offshore and on our beaches.
Supported by funding from the NSW Government Department of Primary Industries, the Long-Range Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) project seeks to not only extend the existing surveillance programme but also broaden its scope to encompass a more extensive portion of the NSW coastline.
The project’s primary objective is to explore the capabilities of this new generation of drones and their potential applications in enhancing public safety, not only in coastal areas but also in diverse scenarios such as flood and bushfire emergencies, as well as search and rescue operations.
By leveraging these specialised long-range drones, the project aims to assess their effectiveness and determine how they can be integrated into emergency response strategies to provide comprehensive coverage and swift assistance during critical situations.
During the trial, real-life scenarios will be simulated to ensure the safe operation of various types of drones capable of extended flights and operating beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS). Currently, the aquatic safety company boasts the largest coastal UAV surveillance programme in the Southern Hemisphere.
The efficacy of the company’s drone capability was evident during the previous year’s floods when they played a crucial role in providing a comprehensive overview of the unfolding disaster across the state. By using drones, the aquatic safety company assisted the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) in gaining a better understanding of the situation and determining the most effective ways to provide support to affected communities. This demonstrated the potential of drones to enhance emergency response efforts and direct resources more efficiently during challenging situations.
The NSW Minister for Emergency Services expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to revolutionise emergency services’ response in various public safety areas, including shark management, fire and flood emergencies, and search and rescue operations. The Minister emphasised the limitless possibilities that this project could bring.
Recognising the aquatic safety company’s expertise in water safety, the Minister acknowledged that long-range drones would enable the exploration of innovative and cost-effective methods to enhance beach safety. By harnessing the full potential of technology, the project aims to leverage advanced drone capabilities to ensure the utmost safety along the coast.
The CEO of the aquatic safety company acknowledged the significant potential of incorporating long-range drones into their operations. Not only would these drones enhance shark surveillance efforts, but they would also enable emergency services to reduce response times during incidents and enhance situational awareness across a wide range of scenarios.
The expansion of their drone capability would provide an increased aerial perspective, allowing for improved monitoring and potentially saving more lives. The CEO expressed excitement about the upcoming trial, eager to witness the performance of different drone types and the possibilities that lie ahead in using this advanced technology.
As of 2022, the global commercial drone market was valued at approximately US$29.86 billion, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.6% from 2023 to 2030. Drones have found widespread applications across various industries, including emergency response and filming.
Their demand remains particularly high in the construction and real estate sectors due to their ability to conduct property surveys, provide real-time project updates, enhance safety measures, and mitigate potential accidents on construction sites. The use of drones in business settings has experienced substantial expansion in recent years. Manufacturers and providers of drone software solutions continue to invest in research, development, and innovation to cater to the diverse needs of different markets.
The Asia-Pacific region has become a centre of 5G innovations, with China and South Korea leading as global pioneers in 5G technology. Thailand’s 5G progress has greatly benefited from the well-established 5G ecosystem in the region.
Chula Unisearch and a technology company in Thailand have partnered to launch a research project called “Exploring 5G Technology on the 6 GHz Band.” Led by the Department of Electrical Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, the study aims to investigate the real-world applications of 5G technology in the 6 GHz frequency range.
By investigating the use of 5G technology on the 6 GHz band, the research aims to shed light on its feasibility and potential in enhancing wireless communication systems. The study involves an examination of the technical aspects, performance metrics, and data transmission capabilities of the 6 GHz band. This endeavour provides valuable insights into the practical implications and benefits of deploying 5G technology within this frequency range.
Moreover, through this research initiative, Chula Unisearch and its partners aim to contribute to the broader scientific community by generating new knowledge and empirical data on utilising the 6 GHz band for 5G applications. The study’s outcomes can inform policy decisions, shape future technology standards, and pave the way for a more efficient and seamless 5G network infrastructure.
The research team conducted a comprehensive field test encompassing Outdoor to Outdoor (O2O) and Outdoor to Indoor (O2I) scenarios. The trial’s primary focus was to analyse and understand the behaviour and characteristics of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) 6 GHz band and evaluate the quality of IMT data transmission. These tests were conducted in collaboration with various agencies in the Chula Sandbox area.
The study outcomes were highly satisfactory, particularly regarding outdoor usage (O2O), where a download speed exceeding 1Gbps was achieved, covering approximately 72% of the test area. It is important to note that the bandwidth used for testing was set at 80Mbps.
Additionally, even for indoor scenarios (O2I), the average download speed reached 550Mbps. These findings indicate that the 6 GHz band has the potential to support mobile services utilising 5G technology and upcoming advancements such as 5.5G.
Overall, the project is a significant milestone in exploring 5G technology and its practical implementation in Thailand. By leveraging the expertise of academic institutions, research organisations, and industry leaders, this collaborative effort strives to unlock the full potential of 5G technology and its transformative impact on various sectors, ranging from telecommunications to smart cities and beyond. The 5G networks are expected to drive the transformation towards Thailand 4.0 and provide additional advantages for the country’s economic and social progress.
The collaboration signifies a concerted effort to advance the understanding and implementation of 5G technology in Thailand. The project aligns with the country’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies and exploring innovative solutions for enhanced connectivity and communication.
Thailand aspires to become a leading digital hub in Southeast Asia, with Prime Minister Prayut emphasising the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving the commercial development of 5G technology across all industries in the country.
The government has taken proactive steps towards promoting the adoption of 5G technology through the development of an Action Plan. Phase 1 in this plan focuses on driving economic and social development by prioritising key sectors such as industry, transportation and logistics, agriculture, tourism, finance, wholesale and retail, public health, education, and smart cities. These strategic policies aim to foster a favourable environment that encourages the growth of 5G businesses in Thailand.
To accomplish modernisation in the Chinese style, the 20th National Congress of China emphasised the significance of developing new growth engines and establishing a digital industrial cluster. Cloud computing has emerged as an essential technical foundation for the digital economy, fostering innovation and reshaping the global competitive landscape.
As a prominent authority in domestic cloud computing, Trusted Cloud has played a crucial role in the development of China’s cloud computing industry. The 2023 Trusted Cloud Best Practice Collection Activity was launched by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) and the Cloud Computing Open-Source Industry Alliance to further promote technological innovation and improve industry service levels.
The Trusted Cloud Best Practice Collection Activity invites service providers and user companies who have undergone or are undertaking the Trusted Cloud evaluation to participate. Up to four options can be submitted by companies in various categories, divided into technology best practices, industry service best practices, and user case best practices. This all-encompassing strategy promotes innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in the cloud computing industry.
The activity’s technology best practices are geared toward improving cloud services offered by service providers. It includes six categories: fundamental services, cloud-native solutions, hybrid and private clouds, software engineering, cloud management and optimisation, and security.
By emphasising best practices in these areas, Trusted Cloud intends to foster continuous improvement and provide cloud computing solutions that are dependable and secure.
Trusted Cloud also puts best practices for industry services at the top of its list. It focuses on cloud service providers in areas like government affairs, banking, transportation, energy, industry, automobiles, new retail, agriculture, entertainment, and education.
By making solutions fit the needs of certain industries, Trusted Cloud makes it possible for service providers to offer efficient cloud services that meet the specific needs of each field.
The user case best practice area shows how cloud computing has been used successfully in the past. For a cloud computing service or product to qualify, at least one of them must pass the Trusted Cloud Evaluation.
This requirement makes sure that the use cases that are shown off meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, security, and speed. This encourages others to use cloud computing technologies in the same way.
The applicant units are responsible for making sure that their application materials are real and correct. If they give false information, they will be disqualified and face other penalties. The application materials should be filled out exactly as the sponsor’s template says to, with no mistakes or gaps. Writing the materials in an official and standard way makes them clearer and more professional.
The Trusted Cloud Best Practice Collection Activity is a place for China to try new things with cloud computing. It helps Chinese-style modernisation move forward by encouraging people to work together, spreading best practices, and showing successful use cases.
The CAICT and the Cloud Computing Open-Source Industry Alliance have the final say on how this activity should be interpreted. This highlights the importance of the Trusted Cloud as a driving force in shaping the future of the cloud computing industry.
Innovation in cloud computing is essential for Chinese-style modernisation. It drives digital transformation, boosts economic growth, increases global competitiveness, facilitates technological advancements, improves government services, bolsters resilience and security, supports sustainable development, and fosters collaboration.
China can unleash the full potential of the digital age and create a prosperous, inclusive, and technologically advanced society by prioritising cloud computing innovation.
Through a series of newly issued regulations and access to the national population database, banks are preparing to enhance their online money-lending services. According to Deputy Governor Pham Tien Dung of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), the utilisation of the national population database will enable banks to conveniently verify and authenticate the information of new customers, streamlining the process.
Commercial banks will promote lending services on their electronic platforms based on this database. The proposed amendments to the Law on Credit Institutions contain numerous regulations that specifically address banking services conducted through electronic devices.
For quite some time, many banks have been providing online lending services, primarily for small loans. However, the legal status of this lending model has not been explicitly defined in the law. As a result, banks have been engaging in online lending with concerns that the lending contracts may be deemed invalid in the event of a legal dispute.
Furthermore, banks have been hesitant to promote online lending due to the presence of a significant volume of junk data and virtual accounts. With the establishment of the national population database, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has collaborated with the Ministry of Public Security to authenticate 25 million customers in the credit information database. SBV aims to verify the remaining 26 million customers within the coming months.
Possessing such a vast pool of clean customer data presents banks with a valuable opportunity to promote digital services and products, particularly online lending. Granting banks access to the population database, coupled with the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for digital banking, represents a significant opportunity for the banking industry to experience robust growth in the future. A well-defined legal framework and a reliable database serve as the fundamental pillars for enabling all banks to operate effectively within the digital landscape.
Previously, banks exercised caution in engaging in online lending due to the presence of unverified and unreliable information within the customer database. Another problem is the automatic credit appraisal and approval due to data limitations and unclear legal basis. Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive customer information posed difficulties in effectively collecting debts.
Accessing the national population database and implementing an automated appraisal and approval mechanism allow state-owned joint-stock commercial banks to address these issues. It enables individuals to conveniently obtain online banking loans at reasonable interest rates.
The traditional lending process involved multiple steps and consumed significant time and human resources. However, with the extensive customer data available to banks and the national population database, there is a hope to enhance the speed of loan processing procedures and strengthen risk management measures. This advancement allows for more efficient lending operations, reducing delays and streamlining the overall process.
Several banks have coordinated with the Police Department for Administrative Management of Social Order (C06) under the Ministry of Public Security to start testing a citizen credit scoring system based on population data. As an initial step, banks intend to offer unsecured loans for small amounts using the citizen credit scoring system. This approach will promote the retail lending of the banks.
To ensure a seamless integration between the banking system, VNeID (the electronic identification application), and the citizen credit scoring system, it is crucial for the Ministry of Public Security to promptly update the population data. State management agencies must also adjust relevant legal provisions to create favourable conditions for providing loans in the digital environment.
Taking part in an unprecedented expedition to the Southern Ocean, 14 prominent ocean chemistry laboratories hailing from 12 nations will collaborate to gather crucial oceanic information and assess the methods employed in measuring oceanic parameters.
The Australian national science agency, CSIRO, assumes leadership in the ground-breaking International Nutrient Intercomparison Voyage (INIV), a 14-day endeavour aboard their research vessel, the RV Investigator. Departing from Hobart on 5 June 2023, the mission aims to advance the understanding of oceanic dynamics.
The Chief Scientist of the voyage and Principal Research Engineer at CSIRO expressed that this extraordinary expedition presents a valuable chance for international laboratories to join forces and exchange their expertise.
By collecting data crucial for monitoring the well-being and productivity of the oceans, the voyage serves as a unique platform for collaboration and cooperation among global ocean chemistry laboratories. Over the course of 14 days at sea, the participating scientists will work closely together, employing standardised, state-of-the-art technologies and methods in their comprehensive ocean sampling efforts.
The dataset obtained from this expedition holds exceptional value as winter voyages to the Southern Ocean are infrequent due to the challenging oceanic conditions during this season. Furthermore, the data collected during this voyage will play a crucial role in bridging an information gap within existing records. This newfound knowledge will enhance researchers’ understanding of the fluctuations in nutrient levels throughout the Southern Ocean across different seasons of the year.
The Southern Ocean plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of human activities, as it absorbs approximately 40%of carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, its nutrient-rich waters sustain essential food webs and support overall productivity.
To study oceanic properties and nutrients, the participating researchers will utilize the advanced oceanographic instruments and onboard laboratories available on the RV Investigator.
A key technology employed for this purpose is the CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth) instrument, which enables the collection of seawater samples from various depths in the ocean. Capable of being deployed to depths of up to 6000 meters, the CTD instrument can gather up to 36 seawater samples from different points along the water column. The teams anticipate amassing and analysing over 5000 seawater samples throughout the course of the voyage.
A researcher from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) emphasised the significance of the voyage in establishing a worldwide network among laboratories. In light of the swiftly evolving oceanic conditions, comprehending these changes holds the utmost importance.
The expedition is expected to not only enhance the overall quality and consistency of the global database but also offer a distinctive platform for educational networking and fostering future collaborations.
During the voyage, the participants will engage in a series of workshops and presentations aimed at sharing the knowledge acquired with their colleagues on land. Additionally, as part of the World Oceans Day celebrations on 8 June 2023, the voyage participants will deliver presentations to school students.
This remarkable expedition serves as a notable collaboration in the realms of science, education, and training. It plays a pivotal role in nurturing scientific advancements and cultivating skilled scientists necessary for safeguarding the future well-being and prosperity of the world’s oceans.
The participating countries in this voyage encompass Japan, China, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Australia.
President Joko Widodo, as highlighted by the Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB), has placed significant emphasis on the comprehensive digitalization of public services, evident in his signing of the Presidential Regulation on the Architecture of Electronic-Based Government Systems (SPBE) in December 2022, where the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform plays a coordinating role.
This year, Abdullah Azwar Anas, the Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform, reiterated the President’s focus in 2022, stating, “Digital transformation will bring a better digital future for the Indonesian government. The services received by the public will also be fast and accurate.”
With digitalisation, people can access public services online through various devices such as computers, smartphones, or tablets. It allows people to utilise services without being limited by time or geographical location. Furthermore, through digitalisation, it is possible to reduce operational costs in managing and delivering public services. The use of digital technology enables a reduction in physical needs such as paper, printing, and logistics, which has the potential to save government budgets.
Furthermore, to create responsive public services, Anas invites all local governments, particularly Bali, along with other stakeholders, to collectively strengthen the digitalisation of public services. Local governments can learn from various public policies implemented in developed countries, including Singapore, Denmark, South Korea or the United Kingdom (UK).
In enhancing digital-based public services, Anas highly encourages local governments in Indonesia to learn from the United Kingdom’s experience in digitalising public services. He specifically selects the UK because it has pioneered the Electronic Government Architecture (SPBE) since 2005 and has ranked highly in the e-Government Development Index by the United Nations.
Anas has signed a Letter of Intent with one of the government consultant NGOs to share experiences and knowledge in transforming digital-based public services. “We need to reflect on the challenges they face and the solutions they have presented, which can serve as lessons for us,” he said.
The digitalisation of public services has become a significant concern faced by the Indonesian government this year. Previously, the Indonesian government went to Balikpapan to strengthen public policy delivery to prepare for the capital relocation to IKN (Indonesia’s New Capital). The government will integrate their services in the future, allowing users to access all government digital platforms through a single sign-in conveniently.
Additionally, Anas launched the Central Lampung District Public Service Mall before he visited Balikpapan. The facility has become the 111th MPP in the country to be opened and is now open to the public. The Central Lampung MPP has 161 different services provided by 12 Central Lampung Regency Government entities and 17 vertical/external organisations.
Currently, the government is designing the National Digital Service Integration policy by establishing nine priority digital services, including education, healthcare, social assistance, population administration, integrated state financial transactions for payment gateways, integrated civil service services, public service portal, and One Data Indonesia. These efforts are aimed at enhancing public transparency.
With the adoption of digitalisation, the public can access information regarding public services and government policies, creating greater transparency in decision-making and providing opportunities for public participation in policy-making processes.
Digitalisation drives the government to seek new and innovative solutions in delivering public services. Adopting new technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public services. Anas believes that the success of digital transformation and government administration relies on digital leadership to oversee change and rapid utilisation of technology.
Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry launched the Jobs Transformation Map (JTM) for Retail as a guiding resource to help retail companies plan and ensure that their workforce is equipped with the necessary skill sets to meet evolving business needs.
Following the release of the Retail Industry Transformation Map (ITM) 2025 in October last year, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) collaborated with the Ministry of Manpower to create the JTM, which was supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).
Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), in collaboration with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), has been designated as a programme partner for the Jobs Skills Integrator for Retail (JSIT-R).
The JSIT-R is a dedicated intermediary that offers retailers end-to-end solutions for workforce transformation, staff training, and job matching services. When engaging with retailers, the JSIT-R will consult the JTM.
Retail trade associations and chambers (TACs) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SNEF and NTUC to demonstrate their support for the JSIT-R and the implementation of the JTM. TACs are committed to reaching out to and collaborating with over 1,100 member companies and other retailers to accelerate employment transformation for their workforce of about 94,000 employees.
To ensure that the Retail sector can continue to attract and retain talent while also creating quality jobs, a study was conducted to identify future industry trends as well as anticipate how future job roles and required skill sets must change to create new opportunities and meet evolving business needs.
Four major trends and opportunities have been identified:
- Shifts in consumer needs as a result of changes in lifestyle, preferences, and awareness;
- Emergence of new retail models (e.g., omnichannel, customer-centric retail experience, and innovative business model) that enable enhanced brand and shopping experiences;
- Using data analytics and improvements in retail technology to increase productivity and efficiency;
- Create a resilient and agile supply chain to improve inventory management and enable more fulfilling alternatives in an increasingly complicated and turbulent supply chain environment.
The JTM analysis highlighted existing work roles that are likely to change somewhat or significantly, such as sales associates and store managers. Changes such as new technology and shifting consumer needs will transform these jobs.
A fundamental recommendation in the JTM report for adapting to these trends and technology improvements is to transform the workforce through human capital development programmes that include training, job redesign, and skills-based career progression pathways.
Such efforts would allow employees to focus on more value-added work and plan their evolution, which would help the growth of businesses.
Some emerging job roles include Sustainability Specialist, Product Innovator, Customer Experience Manager, Customer Intelligence Analyst, Omni-channel Manager, Digital Marketer, Digital Transformation Manager, UI/UX Designer and Full Stack Developer.
Further, retailers can stay competitive in a continuously changing industry by utilising data analytics and developments in retail technology. It helps them to provide personalised experiences, optimise operations, and boost customer satisfaction, resulting in higher profitability and long-term success.
The utilisation of data analytics and improvements in retail technology is critical for merchants looking to increase productivity and efficiency. Retailers can obtain important insights into customer behaviour, preferences, and market trends by leveraging the power of data analytics.
This data enables them to make data-driven decisions, improve inventory management, personalise marketing efforts, and improve overall operational efficiency.
The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and a driverless vehicle company, established by a Chinese multinational technology corporation, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively advance the implementation of autonomous driving and C-V2X technology in various scenarios within Hong Kong. The partnership also aims to explore opportunities for cooperation in developing High-Definition Maps (HD Maps), thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s smart mobility ecosystem.
The Vice President of Communication Technologies at ASTRI and the Head of Business Development at the driverless vehicle company signed the agreement. The signing was witnessed by the Chief Operating Officer of ASTRI and the Head of the international arm of the company.
As part of this collaboration, the two parties will extend the implementation of C-V2X technology to additional scenarios. The driverless vehicle company will provide support to ASTRI in the research and development of roadside infrastructure. Specifically, the company will deploy its Operating System of Intelligent Road Side (Smart Road Air OS) at the Sha Tin Smart Mobility Public Testing Route, aiding ASTRI in its endeavours.
This partnership capitalises on the tech company’s expertise in developing C-V2X infrastructure, autonomous driving software, and intelligent transportation operations, along with ASTRI’s strong research and development capabilities in 5G communication technology, AI, smart mobility, C-V2X technology, and road-testing experience. By merging these strengths, the collaboration aims to expedite the deployment of C-V2X technology across various scenarios in Hong Kong.
To address the distinctive urban environment of Hong Kong, both parties will additionally explore opportunities for cooperation in the development of High-Definition Maps (HD Maps). These efforts will focus on enhancing the technology and usability of HD maps through experimental projects. By collaborating on this aspect, the aim is to create more accurate and comprehensive mapping solutions that cater to the specific needs of Hong Kong’s urban landscape.
ASTRI has been actively involved in the research and development of C-V2X technology since 2015. With support from the Smart Transportation Fund of the Transport Department, ASTRI launched one of the world’s largest C-V2X public road tests in Hong Kong in 2021. This extensive test covered a 14km route from Hong Kong Science Park to Sha Tin town centre, allowing for the study and testing of C-V2X technology in various real-world scenarios on Hong Kong’s roads. The focus was not only on the technology itself but also on the necessary network and infrastructure.
Currently, the second phase of C-V2X public road tests is underway. The primary objective is to enhance road and pedestrian safety while improving traffic efficiency. This is achieved through the efficient, accurate, and rapid sharing of information leveraging one of ASTRI’s Hero Technologies: a high-speed, reliable, and low-latency 5G network solution.
In addition, the establishment of the “Smart Mobility (C-V2X) Technology Alliance” in April 2023 further enhances Hong Kong’s smart mobility ecosystem. This alliance promotes collaboration among the government, industry, academia, and research institutions, fostering cooperation on smart mobility and related technologies. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the implementation of C-V2X technology and infrastructure in Hong Kong, positioning the city as a model for smart cities.
Meanwhile, the company serves as a pilot unit for the state’s transportation sector. Its intelligent transportation business, along with its affiliated companies, is dedicated to spearheading the modernization of China’s intelligent transportation systems.
Their mission is to develop a world-class, integrated transportation system that aligns with the high-quality standards of being safe, convenient, efficient, green, and economical. Their efforts are in line with the overarching goal of achieving a transportation system that prioritizes people’s satisfaction, provides robust protection, and sets a global benchmark in terms of excellence.
The Association for Operating Systems of Intelligent Road Side was established in Beijing on 17 May 2023. This association introduced the Operating System of Intelligent Road Side (Smart Road Air OS 1.0) to the industry. The company, as one of the key technology contributors, will continue to adhere to the guiding principle of “Open Capabilities, Shared Resources, Accelerating Innovations, Sustainable Success.”
The company aims to foster the development of the smart transportation industry through an efficient, innovative, and mutually beneficial open-source association. By actively participating in this association, the company seeks to promote collaboration, encourage the sharing of resources and capabilities, and drive accelerated innovation within the smart transportation sector.
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