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The Australian Digital Health Agency has recently announced an incentive to accelerate clinical software provider adoption of standards.
According to a recent press release, this initiative will deliver enhanced secure messaging functionality into their systems by 2020.
Brief Background
The National Digital Health Strategy, which was approved in 2017 by all states and territories through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council, prioritises eliminating paper-based messaging in healthcare.
The Agency has been working with the software industry and healthcare providers in developing standards that will improve the secure exchange of healthcare information.
They are encouraging widespread adoption as part of the program after the successful trialling of the co-designed standards in 2018.
Why adopt a secure messaging system?
Having a secure messaging system is beneficial as it allows healthcare professionals to quickly and securely send important health information to other healthcare professionals providing their patients care.
This information includes referrals, specialist letters and hospital discharge summaries.
Consumers may benefit too as they can avoid the frustration of repeatedly explaining their condition to five different people in order for professionals to stay on top of their health.
A system enabling healthcare professionals to share information quickly and securely would be more convenient.
In addition, it will also eliminate the risk of miscommunicating the advice received from one healthcare professional to the next.
Several healthcare professionals are already using secure messaging platforms.
However, many of these platforms are incompatible with one another. Healthcare professionals resort to using unreliable fax machines or the post in order to send information to one another.
Modern communication technologies are required by modern and connected health systems.
A secure, robust and interoperable messaging is fundamental to creating the patient-centred health system Australia needs and deserves.
Health professionals, who are using different platforms, will be able to securely send information to their patients and other health professionals.
This is essential as secure communications will provide more efficient, safer and direct transfer of clinical information between healthcare providers.
Providing patient care in collaboration with other clinicians requires the safe and timely sharing of their health information.
The inability of healthcare providers to share information quickly can lead to communication breakdowns, which can contribute to poor health outcomes and unnecessary duplication of care.
Manila folders of paper records and fax machines are not good enough in the 21st century.
Who are involved?
The Agency, through an agreement, will provide A$ 30,000 for software vendors to integrate new standards into their existing clinical information and secure messaging systems.
In 2018, the software industry, the clinical community and the Agency agreed on new interoperability standards for secure messaging that will ensure different systems can talk to each other.
This initiative has been put in place to accelerate the adoption of these new standards by software developers following two successful proof-of-concept projects in 2018.
All private vendors that are currently operating clinical information or secure messaging systems, having secure messaging capabilities, on two or more different sites, are eligible.
The project is now moving from a proof of concept and standards development stage to one of national scaling.
The Agency is working closely with governments and the health sector to accelerate take up of software that meets the standards.
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Departing from one of the busiest airports in the world is about to become a remarkably hassle-free experience. Singaporean ministers have just unveiled plans for an automated immigration clearance system that promises to revolutionise travel with no passport required. This groundbreaking development at Singapore’s Changi Airport is set to launch in 2024.
According to Communications Minister Josephine Teo, this ambitious project intends to eliminate the need for tourists to “repeatedly present their travel documents.” Instead, biometric data gathered from fingerprint scans and facial recognition technology will take the central stage.
While Changi Airport already employs biometric technology in its automated immigration lanes, these upcoming enhancements will take convenience to a whole new level. The goal is to make the entire airport experience smoother and more streamlined for passengers.
Singapore’s Communications Minister, Josephine Teo, proudly announced that Singapore is set to be among “the first few countries in the world” to implement such a groundbreaking system. The first phase of this transformative scheme is expected to roll out early next year, featuring QR code scanning points that will pave the way for the biometric revolution.
These innovations are made possible by recent amendments to Singapore’s immigration laws, which facilitate the widespread adoption of biometric clearance at airports and various other checkpoints. The result will be a travel experience where your personal information seamlessly verifies your identity at every stage, from check-in to boarding.
This monumental shift in travel procedures brings with it a multitude of benefits. Firstly, it eliminates the stress and anxiety associated with keeping track of physical documents throughout the journey. No more worrying about losing the passport or having it stolen, hence, the identity is in the hands, quite literally.
Additionally, using biometric data enhances security measures, making it even more challenging for unauthorised individuals to access restricted areas. It’s a win-win situation for both passengers and airport authorities.
Singapore’s Changi Airport is on the cusp of transforming the way of travelling. The introduction of an automated immigration clearance system powered by biometric data promises a future where passports and boarding passes become relics of the past.
Instead, a simple fingerprint scan or facial recognition will grant access to a seamless, stress-free journey. Singapore is leading the charge into this new era of travel, and the world will be watching closely as the innovation unfolds.
The New Clearance Concept (NCC) and Services Centre Next Generation (SCNG) are two initiatives that the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) implemented to enhance border clearance and registration services, as well as automated immigration clearance and digitalisation.
The Automated Clearance Initiative (ACI), which takes effect in May 2022, allows passport holders from 51 countries to use designated automated immigration lanes without prior enrolment. Over four million international visitors have been enrolled through ACI to date. The electronic visit pass (ePass) contains information on eligible foreign visitors’ enrolment.
During the pandemic-induced slowdown, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), in collaboration with Changi Airport Group and ground handling partners, has accelerated trials of autonomous vehicles (AVs) at Changi Airport’s airside. This time period was used to direct resources and capabilities towards technological and innovative developments.
Advanced robotic systems and adaptive platforms are also being developed to resist varied weather conditions and work well outside. These developments are intended to make aircraft turnaround operations and baggage handling easier, especially in inclement weather. CAAS is committed to strengthening its capabilities in order to manage the anticipated increase in air traffic, with a focus on both safety and efficiency in its operational approach.
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A representative of the country’s think tank, the National Institute of Transforming India (NITI Aayog), Ramesh Chand, formally introduced the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg Portal). This marks a significant step in tackling the complex governance issues in India’s agricultural sector. It is designed to optimise and elevate data management within the agricultural sphere. It will contribute to a more efficient and responsive agricultural policy framework.
The portal standardises data related to prices, production, area, yield, and trade, consolidating it in a single location. This eliminates the necessity to compile data from multiple sources. The portal can also conduct advanced analytics, providing insights into production trends, trade correlations, and consumption patterns.
Furthermore, the portal will produce granular production estimates with increased frequency, improving the government’s capacity to respond swiftly to agricultural crises. Commodity profile reports will be generated using algorithms, reducing subjectivity and providing users with comprehensive insights. Users also have the flexibility to use the portal’s data for crafting their own reports, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making.
The portal was developed by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW). During his speech, Chand hailed the platform as an investment and a monumental leap forward in the field of agricultural data management. He encouraged the audience to embrace a shift in mindset within agriculture, aimed at bringing about transformative changes. Research suggests that US$ 1 invested in data generated a US$ 32 impact, he said.
The portal empowers stakeholders with real-time, reliable, and standardised information, laying the foundation for more effective agricultural policies. He also asserted that when data is more objective, the room for subjective judgment in policy-making diminishes, resulting in more stable, transparent, and well-informed decisions. He advised that the portal should prioritise data credibility to maximise its effectiveness.
Secretary of the DA&FW, Manoj Ahuja, underscored the various ongoing initiatives by the department, such as the Krishi Decision Support System, the farmer registry, and crop surveys. He articulated that the UPAg Portal is envisioned as a public good, aiming to provide users with reduced search costs, minimised obstacles, and access to trustworthy, detailed, and impartial data. According to a press release, the UPAg portal tackles the following challenges:
Lack of Standardised Data: At present, agricultural data is scattered across multiple sources, often presented in diverse formats and units. The UPAg Portal’s objective is to centralise this data into a standardised format, making it easily accessible and understandable for users.
Lack of Verified Data: Reliable data is crucial for accurate policy decisions. UPAg Portal ensures that data from sources like Agmarknet is vetted and updated regularly, ensuring policymakers receive accurate information on agricultural prices.
Fragmented Data Sources: To construct a comprehensive understanding of any crop, it is necessary to consider multiple variables such as production, trade, and prices. The portal consolidates data from various sources, enabling a holistic assessment of agricultural commodities.
Inconsistent Frequency Variables: Data updates at different times, causing delays and inefficiencies. The portal offers real-time connectivity with data sources, reducing the time and effort required for monitoring and analysis.
The UPAg Portal is expected to play a pivotal role within the Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture, focusing on harnessing the diversity of the agriculture sector and leveraging data as a catalyst for growth.
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The University of Michigan has developed machine-learning algorithms technology. This new technology can identify problematic areas in antibodies, making them less susceptible to binding non-target molecules. This innovative development, led by Peter Tessier, the Albert Mattocks Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at U-M and the study’s corresponding author in Nature Biomedical Engineering, presents a ground-breaking solution to enhance the effectiveness of antibodies in fighting diseases.
“Antibodies play a crucial role in our immune system’s defence mechanism by binding to specific molecules known as antigens on disease-causing agents, such as the spike protein on the COVID-19 virus,” Tessier expressed, “Once bound, antibodies either directly neutralise harmful viruses or cells or signal the body’s immune cells to take action.”
However, there’s a challenge associated with antibodies designed to bind strongly and rapidly to their specific antigens. These antibodies may also bind to non-antigen molecules, leading to their premature removal from the body. Moreover, they can interact with other antibodies of the same type, forming dense solutions that do not easily flow through the needles used for delivering antibody drugs.
Tessier highlighted the importance of antibodies that can simultaneously perform three critical tasks: tightly binding to their intended target, repelling each other, and disregarding other substances within the body. Antibodies failing to meet all three criteria are unlikely to be successful drugs. Unfortunately, a significant number of clinical-stage antibodies fall short in this regard.
In their recent study, Tessier’s team assessed the activity of 80 clinical-stage antibodies in the laboratory. It made a startling discovery – 75% of these antibodies interacted with the wrong molecules, with each other, or both. To address this issue, the team turned to machine learning.
By making subtle changes to the amino acids that make up an antibody, they can alter the antibody’s three-dimensional structure. This modification helps prevent antibodies from behaving improperly, as an antibody’s structure determines the substances it can bind to. However, making changes without careful consideration can introduce more problems than they solve, and the typical antibody contains hundreds of amino acid positions that could be altered.
Fortunately, machine learning offers a streamlined solution. Tessier’s team created models that are trained using experimental data collected from clinical-stage antibodies. These models can precisely identify how to modify antibodies to ensure they meet all three criteria mentioned earlier, with an impressive accuracy rate of 78% to 88%. This approach significantly reduces the number of antibody modifications that chemical and biomedical engineers need to produce and test in the lab.
Tiexin Wang, a doctoral student in chemical engineering and a co-author of the study, emphasised the pivotal role of machine learning in accelerating drug development. This advanced technology is already attracting attention from biotech companies, which recognise its potential for optimising the development of next-generation therapeutic antibodies.
Tessier concluded by mentioning that some companies have developed antibodies with desirable biological activity but are aware of potential challenges when using these antibodies as drugs. In such cases, Tessier’s team steps in to identify specific areas within the antibodies that require modification, offering valuable assistance to these companies.
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The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) participated in the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) on September 19th at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris.
HKSTP, Hong Kong’s largest innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem and incubator, will led a group of leaders in the health and biotech sectors to discuss how Hong Kong can support biotech startups and major pharmaceutical companies in France to expand successfully and tap into the vast potential of Asia’s healthcare markets. In turn, French expertise and talent will contribute to Hong Kong’s aspiration to become a global hub for biotech and innovation technology.
Key figures like France’s Minister for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness, and French Nationals Abroad, and the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will join prominent business leaders at the event, including the Chairman of HKTDC, and the CEO of HKSTP to explore collaborative opportunities between the French and Hong Kong I&T ecosystems.
The Asia Pacific region is poised to be the world’s fastest-growing biotech hub, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 16.9% from 2022 to 2030, according to Vision Research. This region is witnessing improvements in healthcare infrastructure, supportive government policies, and the increasing challenge of an aging population. Hong Kong’s strategic location makes it an ideal gateway to both the substantial North Asian markets and the rapidly expanding Southeast Asian economies.
To address these opportunities and challenges, HKSTP is hosting a biotech-focused session and pavilion at the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” symposium. Four prominent executives from thriving Hong Kong-based biotech companies will showcase the city’s capacity to drive innovation on a global scale.
In parallel, French startups, fuelled by record funding in 2022, are seeking expansion opportunities, aligning with the French government’s Healthcare Innovation 2030 plan. This plan, with a substantial budget, aims to position France as a leader in biotech innovation in Europe.
The CEO of HKSTP emphasised that Asia, and Hong Kong in particular, provides diverse opportunities for French biotech companies to scale up and venture into global markets. French expertise will also play a crucial role in Hong Kong’s ambition to become an international innovation hub.
Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading biotech funding hub is reinforced by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s biotech-friendly Chapter 18A listing policy. Additionally, it ranks 12th in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation, surpassing countries like the United Kingdom and Canada. The government’s support includes the InnoHK initiative, featuring 14 research clusters dedicated to biomedical and health tech, situated at Hong Kong Science Park.
HKSTP has established a thriving, fully integrated biotech ecosystem that guides ventures through every stage of the startup-to-scale-up journey. It hosts around 250 biotech ventures, benefiting from incubation programs such as the dedicated Incu-Bio program, subsidies, and supportive government policies. Hong Kong boasts world-class talent, with five universities ranked in the top 100 globally, and China’s projected annual output of 77,000 STEM PhDs per year by 2025, surpassing the US.
Moreover, HKSTP has fostered significant collaborations with global pharmaceutical leaders and healthcare institutions, facilitating expansion into the Greater Bay Area (GBA), China, the Asia Pacific, and global markets.
Hong Kong already boasts a substantial French presence, with 800 French businesses, including subsidiaries and regional headquarters, according to the French Embassy. Interested parties can participate in the HKTSP biotech pavilion and hear from leaders in biotech innovation, as well as other experts in the innovation ecosystem, at the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” symposium.
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In Singapore’s healthcare landscape, Prof Kenneth Mak, Director-General of Health at the Ministry of Health, emphasised the significance of the theme “Reimagining Possibilities – The Pharmacist’s DNA” at this year’s congress which underscores the adaptability and crucial role of pharmacists in healthcare.
Prof Kenneth stated that like DNA’s unchanging core, pharmacists must uphold their fundamental values while adapting to challenges like an ageing population and increasing healthcare expenses. Telemedicine emerges as a pivotal avenue through which pharmacists are driving the transformation of patient-centred care.
“As we journey towards Healthier SG and beyond, pharmacists are at the forefront of digital innovation in healthcare,” said Prof Kenneth. They are embracing telemedicine, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and continually evolving to meet the challenges of a changing healthcare landscape. The pharmacist’s DNA remains rooted in patient-centred care, but it also incorporates innovation and adaptability, making pharmacists an essential part of the future of healthcare.
Telemedicine, the remote delivery of healthcare services using digital technology, has gained momentum globally, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has revolutionised the way patients access medical care, allowing them to consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes. The integration of pharmacists into telemedicine initiatives holds immense promise in improving healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
One significant step towards this future is the Healthier SG campaign, launched by the Ministry of Health in July 2023. This campaign underscores the importance of preventive care in the communities, emphasising healthier lifestyles and overall well-being.
Pharmacists, deeply embedded in their communities, play a crucial role in educating the public on medication management, health screenings, and vaccinations. They also collaborate with family doctors, supporting patients in their journey towards healthier lives, including smoking cessation and adopting healthier behaviours.
Innovations like Pharmaceutical Care Services (PCS) exemplify how pharmacists are empowering patients. PCS, initiated in senior care centres, equips patients and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to manage medications independently. Feedback indicates increased patient confidence in medication management, aligning with the goals of Healthier SG. Expanding PCS to primary care settings like general practitioner clinics and retail pharmacies will make this service even more accessible.
The collaboration between community pharmacies and telemedicine providers represents another leap in healthcare innovation. Pharmacies partnering with telemedicine providers enable them to triage patients, conduct history-taking, and refer them to teleconsultations with doctors. This seamless integration of services ensures patients receive comprehensive care at their convenience, bridging the gap between pharmacy and telemedicine.
The role of digital technology in telemedicine is pivotal, as it enables the delivery of healthcare services remotely, bridging geographical barriers and improving access to care.
Telemedicine platforms serve as comprehensive digital ecosystems that support various aspects of virtual care. They offer features like appointment scheduling, secure video conferencing, electronic health records (EHR) integration, and billing. These platforms streamline the telemedicine workflow for both patients and healthcare providers.
Additionally, digital technology plays a crucial role in the development and use of specialised telemedicine devices, such as telemedicine carts equipped with cameras and medical instruments. These devices are used for remote examinations and diagnostics.
AI-driven algorithms and machine learning models assist healthcare providers in diagnosing conditions, predicting outcomes, and personalising treatment plans. AI can analyse large datasets to identify patterns and trends that might not be readily apparent to humans.
In partnership with the Ministry of Manpower, the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore (PSS) is contributing to healthcare workforce development. Customised training programmes are being developed to upskill healthcare associates, enabling them to play essential roles in areas like medication management and patient inquiries, particularly in caring for migrant workers.
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The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on Digital Inclusion in the Era of Emerging Technologies. It aims to explore and address the challenges and opportunities that come with the rapid development of emerging technologies. The paper emphasises inclusivity for all segments of society and industries, specifically micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
According to a press release, TRAI acknowledges the importance of digital inclusion as a means to empower every citizen at an opportune time. Without this, there’s a risk that disparities in accessing digital services could continue to expand, further excluding significant portions of society from experiencing inclusive growth. In its consultation paper, TRAI underscores the importance of establishing a strong policy framework and fostering cooperation among various stakeholders to guarantee that individuals can actively engage in digital economic activities.
The paper underscores the importance of establishing a strong policy framework and fostering cooperation among various stakeholders to guarantee that individuals can actively participate in digital economic activities.
The release said that the success of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in establishing an inclusive financial society has garnered recognition on a global scale. The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity has been important in facilitating transparent direct benefit transfers of welfare subsidies. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system has empowered users to easily send money from one bank account to another in real time.
Despite these accomplishments, it remains evident that disparities in both internet broadband penetration and its effective usage persist among various segments of society and across different geographical regions.
There are concerns regarding the accessibility, affordability, and safe and effective use of services and applications that rely on broadband connections, particularly among marginalised communities, women, and girls. Additionally, there is a need to ensure the participation of micro or small entrepreneurs operating in remote and difficult terrains or rural areas. These concerns must be addressed promptly, the release noted.
TRAI analysed various gaps in digital inclusion that exist within the country presently, including disparities in mobile internet usage, discrepancies in rural and urban internet penetration, gender-based disparities in internet access, and gaps identified through reference to various global indices.
The rapid progression of technological advancements, including the rollout of 5G-enabled services and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)-based services, brings with it increased costs to adopting and implementing these technologies on a large scale. This could further exacerbate the digital divide, particularly for marginalised communities and underserved regions.
Furthermore, unequal access to infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and affordability issues could hinder the equitable distribution and use of emerging technologies, intensifying pre-existing disparities in digital inclusion.
The consultation paper, aimed at gathering input from the stakeholders, has been made available on TRAI’s website. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their written comments on the consultation topics by 16 October and counter comments by 31 October.
India has achieved remarkable advancements in its digital transformation journey, emerging as the world’s second-largest telecom market in terms of subscribers. The nation has witnessed substantial growth in mobile broadband subscriptions and internet usage, coupled with a significant decrease in data costs.
Government initiatives, including Digital India, National Digital Communications Policy 2018, National Broadband Mission 2019, BharatNet, Common Service Centres (CSCs), and Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), have been instrumental in extending connectivity and fostering digital inclusion throughout the country.
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The National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) acknowledges that technological advancements will trigger increasingly massive and diverse cybersecurity risks and threats. These threats focus on social, psychological, and behavioural aspects and activities aimed at influencing or manipulating individuals, groups, or communities, which can disrupt mindsets, behaviours, and human interactions.
Instances of these social cybersecurity threats include disseminating false electronic information, also known as information disruption. Information disruption is divided into misinformation, disinformation, and misinformation, real threats that can spread fear or provoke and lead to the widespread dissemination of false news and even propaganda.
One of BSSN’s steps in anticipating social cyberattacks is to strengthen the culture of information security by collaborating with the Directorate General of Public Information and Communication (Ditjen IKP) of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology through the joint creation of content in Komik Komunika with the theme “Digital Deception.”
Acting Director of Security and Information Control Operations at BSSN, Satryo Suryantoro, welcomed the cooperation and collaboration established by publishing Komik Komunika edition 48. The introduction of the character Cody in this comic edition strengthens the connection between the world of cybersecurity literacy and a more engaging visual approach.
Previously, Cody was introduced in the cybersecurity literacy series titled “Cybernaut Generation 1.0.” Cody’s presence in the comic provides continuity in delivering crucial messages about cybersecurity to various audiences, especially the younger generation, who may be more connected to visual forms of communication.
There is also the Latest Social Cyber Education News (BESTI), which has successfully published 8 editions in 2 languages. The presence of bilingual versions is an effort to ensure that as many people can receive messages related to cybersecurity as possible. Using two languages, BESTI strives to embrace diverse audiences, including those who may be more comfortable with one language. It also makes the cybersecurity education approach more inclusive and far-reaching.
In other words, this comic is part of a broader strategy to educate the public about the importance of cybersecurity and how they can protect themselves online. Through various communication tools such as comics, literacy materials, and educational news, this effort aims to reach a wider audience and create a better understanding of the challenges and solutions in the ever-evolving cyber world. The more people receive this message, the better the community’s ability to face existing cybersecurity threats.
Satryo is optimistic that cybersecurity literacy in Indonesia can be strengthened through ongoing cooperation and collaboration. He plans to collaborate even in Remote, Frontier, and Outermost Areas (Daerah 3T).
“I am optimistic that the results of the collaboration, such as Komik Komunika, can be accessible to the younger generation, both in urban areas and in Daerah 3T,” Satryo adds.
Nursodik Gunarjo, Director of Media Management at the Directorate General of IKP Kemenkominfo, stated that cybersecurity awareness is conveyed through various media, including comics. According to Gunarjo, comics are deliberately chosen because images and visual presentations appeal more strongly to the younger generation. Moreover, the fact that Indonesia is the largest consumer of comics in the world.
He also expressed his optimism that cybersecurity literacy through comics can increase the younger generation’s understanding, awareness, and participation in efforts to maintain Indonesia’s cyber sovereignty.
“Without active participation from the younger generation in applying cybersecurity, the risks to our country in the digital world will increase,” he said.