The Australian Government Treasury released a review
report into Open Banking in Australia last week. In the 2017-18 Budget the Australian
government announced that
it will introduce an open banking regime in Australia. On 20 July 2017,
the Hon Scott Morrison MP commissioned
the Open Banking Review, chaired by Mr Scott Farrell who was asked to recommend
the most appropriate model for Open Banking in Australia.
Open Banking would provide customers greater access to and
control over their banking data, and it has the potential to transform the way
in which customers use and benefit from the banking system.
Open Banking will be
the first implementation of the Consumer Data Right (CDR) announced by the
Hon Angus Taylor MP, the then Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital
Transformation in November 2017. The announcement formed part of the
Government’s response to the recommendations of the Productivity
Commission’s Inquiry into Data Availability and Use.
The CDR will give customers the right to access their data in
a machine-readable form. Australian consumers will be able to compare offers,
get access to cheaper products and plans to help them ‘make the switch’ and get
greater value for money.
The CDR will be implemented economy-wide on a
sector-by-sector basis, initially in the banking, energy, and
telecommunications sectors. The Treasurer will be leading the development
of the CDR, with the design of the broader CDR informed by the recommendations
of the Open Banking Review.
The final report makes 50 recommendations, on the regulatory
framework, the type of banking data in scope, privacy and security safeguards
for banking customers, the data transfer mechanism and implementation issues.
Some of the key recommendations are as below.
Context
Allowing for competing approaches: Open Banking should not
be mandated as the only way that banking data may be shared. Allowing competing
approaches will provide an important test of the design quality of Open Banking
and the CDR.
Regulatory framework
Open Banking should be implemented primarily through
amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 that set out the
overarching objectives of the CDR.
Open Banking should be supported by a multiple regulator
model, led by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which
should be primarily responsible for competition and consumer issues and
standards-setting. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
should remain primarily responsible for privacy protection. Australian
Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Australian Prudential Regulation
Authority (APRA), the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), and other
sector-focussed regulators as applicable, should be consulted where necessary.
A Data Standards Body should be established to work with the
Open Banking regulators to develop Standards.
Only accredited parties should be able to receive Open
Banking data. The ACCC should determine the criteria for, and method of,
accreditation. However, the review also recommends that accreditation criteria
should not create an unnecessary barrier to entry by imposing prohibitive costs
or otherwise discouraging parties from participating in Open Banking.
Open Banking should have internal and external dispute
resolution processes to resolve customer complaints. Amendments to the
Competition and Consumer Act 2010 should create powers to address complaints
(to the extent these do not already exist) and give customers standing to seek
remedy for breaches of their rights. There should be a single consumer data
contact point – there should be ‘no wrong door’ for customers. The Rules should
create a right for accredited parties to seek remedy for breaches of the CDR.
Scope
The Review recommends that data holders should be obliged to
share all information that has been provided to them by the customer (or a
former customer) at the customer’s direction. However, the obligation should
only apply where the data holder keeps that information in a digital form. It
should not apply to information supporting an identity verification assessment
(the outcome should be shared).
Data holders should also be obliged to share all transaction
data in a form that facilitates its transfer and use. Transfers of
customer-provided and transaction data should be provided free of charge.
According to the review, data that results from material
enhancement by the application of insights, analysis or transformation by the
data holder should not be included in the scope of Open Banking. Aggregated
data sets should not be included in the scope of Open Banking.
Safeguards
A customer’s consent under Open Banking must be explicit,
fully informed and able to be permitted or constrained according to the
customer’s instructions.
The Review further recommends that a data holder should
notify the customer that their direction has been received and that the future
use of the data by the data recipient will be at the customer’s own risk. That
notification should be limited to a single screen or page. Data recipients
should similarly provide the customer with a single screen or page summarising
the possible uses to which their data could be put and allow customers to
self-select the uses they agree to.
A clear and comprehensive framework for the allocation of
liability between participants in Open Banking should be implemented. To the
extent possible, the liability framework should be consistent with existing
legal frameworks
Data transfer
mechanism
Data holders should be required to allow customers to share
information with eligible parties via a dedicated application programming
interface (API). The Review proposes the UK Open Banking technical specification
as a starting point for the Standards for the data transfer mechanism.
Data holders may not add authorisation requirements beyond
those included in the Standards, while customers should be able to grant
persistent authorisation. They should also be able to limit the authorisation
period at their discretion, revoke authorisation through the third-party
service or via the data holder and be notified periodically they are still
sharing their information. All authorisations should expire after a set period.
The Standards should also allow users who do not use online
banking to authorise the sharing of information through service channels ordinarily
provided by the data holder.
Implementation
According to the Review, a period of approximately 12 months
should be allowed for implementation between the announcement of a final
Government decision on Open Banking and the Commencement Date.
From the Commencement Date, Open Banking should apply to
transaction data and product data. However, this should not be applicable to
transactions before 1 January 2017.
The four major Australian banks should be obliged to comply
with a direction to share data under Open Banking. The remaining Authorised
Deposit-taking Institutions should be obliged to share data from 12 months
after the Commencement Date, unless the ACCC determines that a later date is
more appropriate.
Approximately 12 months after the Commencement Date, the
regulator (or an independent person) should conduct a post-implementation
assessment of Open Banking and report to the Minister with recommendations.
framework for Open Banking/ From Appendix D of Review into Open Banking
The Review consulted extensively in forming its recommendations, including over 100 meetings with banks, firms, industry bodies, consumer groups, regulators, and data specialists and consideration of formal submissions from 41 interested parties.
The Government is seeking any further detailed comments on the recommendations before making final decisions on implementation. Submissions can be sent to data@treasury.gov.au by 23 March 2018.
Access the complete report here.
As a vital arm of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) holds a pivotal role as one of the three sectoral planning councils within the organisation.
Founded on 29 June 2010, PCIEERD is distinguished by its unique commitment to driving research and development initiatives, particularly in the industries, energy, and emerging technology sectors.
Functioning as a pivotal agency, DOST-PCIEERD takes a central role in crafting policies, plans, and programmes, along with implementing strategies in the designated sectors. The execution of these initiatives is facilitated through a spectrum of Science and Technology (S&T) programmes designed to promote innovation and progress.
Encompassing a broad spectrum, DOST-PCIEERD extends research and development (R&D) support across 21 sectors, broadly categorised under industry, energy, emerging technology, and special concerns.
The council plays a crucial role in disseminating and promoting S&T information, undertaking sustained programmes for information dissemination. This proactive approach aims to enhance the accessibility and utilisation of information and research results by the diverse array of customers and stakeholders associated with the sectors.
In its commitment to fostering growth, DOST-PCIEERD dedicates efforts to developing and enhancing R&D and support capabilities. This forward-looking perspective ensures the fulfilment of present and future human resource and institutional requirements.
Moreover, the council actively contributes to technological advancement by adopting, transferring, and commercialising available technologies. In doing so, DOST-PCIEERD plays a vital role in propelling the nation’s scientific and technological landscape towards greater heights.
Driving Innovation and Industry Development
In an exclusive interview with OpenGov Asia, Dr Enrico C. Paringit, Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD, sheds light on compelling projects that underscore the council’s significant influence on research and development in the realms of industry, energy, and emerging technology.
At the forefront of catalysing research and development in the Philippines, DOST-PCIEERD has been a driving force behind diverse programmes and initiatives. Launched in 2015, the Infrastructure Development Programme (IDP) has emerged as a cornerstone, playing a pivotal role in the expansion or modernisation of academic and research institutions.
Under the Infrastructure Development Programme (IDP), DOST-PCIEERD has actively spearheaded initiatives encompassing the acquisition of cutting-edge laboratory facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and specialised software. Between 2015 to 2023, this strategic investment, totalling Php234.4 million (S$6.31 million), has yielded transformative outcomes, facilitating the establishment and enhancement of 49 laboratories across the nation. This concerted effort reflects the commitment to fortify research capabilities and foster innovation within academic and research institutions.
In line with the DOST Halal Policy, the DOST Halal S&T Programme was initiated to support the development of the Halal industry. This programme focuses on research and development, technology transfer, human resource development, and Halal verification through laboratory testing. Additionally, efforts have been directed towards fortifying the Filipino Halal sector to meet global benchmarks, enhance competitiveness, and improve research and development.
Dr Enrico explains that the Food Safety Programme, Food Innovation Centres, and Natural Dyes facilities have been established to strengthen the food industry and improve the living standards of Filipino people. The commitment extends to bolstering the country’s manufacturing industry by providing cutting-edge facilities for specialised testing, designing, and research and development in key sectors like food, electronics, and materials.
Under the OneLab Programme, regional testing facilities have been consolidated into a unified network, providing easy access to a global network of public and private laboratories for analytical and calibration needs. This initiative promotes collaboration among students, researchers, and industry stakeholders, with information accessible through the onelab.ph website.
The National Metrology Laboratory (NML) leads metrology efforts in the Philippines and has achieved international recognition. However, continued support is required for the expansion of Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) to maintain competence globally.
Dr Enrico reveals that the establishment of the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) marks the country’s first electronics design facility, aimed at reinforcing and upgrading failure analysis and materials testing facilities to attract potential investors and promote a conducive business environment.
The Electronics Product Development Centre (EPDC) serves as the national testing facility, providing design, prototyping, and testing facilities for printed circuit boards. The goal is to support companies and schools in developing hardware and software for electronics products.
The Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMCen), on the other hand, has been established as the national centre of excellence in additive manufacturing, focusing on areas like Aerospace and Defense, Pharmaceutical/Healthcare, Novel Electronics, Agriculture, and Automotive.
In addition, the renewable energy projects include a micro-hydro turbine research and testing facility in Morong, Rizal, supporting off-grid electrification for communities. The Mindanao Renewable Energy Centre (MREC) focuses on Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Ocean Renewable Energy (ORE) facilities, aiming to harness energy from solar power and simulate tidal and wave characteristics.
To serve as a bridge between R&D and commercialisation, the Funding Assistance for Spin-off and Translation of Research in Advancing Commercialisation (FASTRAC) Programme supports technologies such as USHER, CharM, FISH_I, Smart Surface, CATCH-ALL, Marine Nanocoat, Monascus Red Colorant, Fruitect, HormoGroe, Gitara ni Juan, X-LIPAD, MapX, Vigormin, and others.
Embedded in the ethos of DOST, a circular economy mindset takes centre stage, underscoring a dedication to initiatives that champion environmental stewardship and optimal resource utilisation. Positioned as a key tenet within the DOST framework, this pledge manifests in the backing of projects geared towards converting waste materials into valuable and sustainable resources.
A notable example is the successful initiative led by the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), wherein an in-depth analysis of dredged material from the Tullahan River was undertaken to investigate alternative applications. This project exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy in tackling environmental issues by repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to waste, showcasing a commitment to sustainable solutions and resourcefulness.
The University of Mindanao is leading another remarkable sustainable initiative, centring on the transformation of durian rinds into 3D printing filaments. This inventive project not only addresses waste reduction but also taps into the potential of agricultural by-products, underscoring a steadfast commitment to sustainability and resource optimisation.
“At the core of our mission, we prioritise environmental sustainability, ensuring that our operations, activities, and programmes are conducted with a steadfast commitment to minimising adverse impacts on the environment,” Dr Enrico states.
Recognising the importance of ecological responsibility, PCIERRD incorporates environmental considerations as a pivotal metric in the assessment of proposals. This approach underscores its unwavering commitment to nurturing initiatives that adhere to the principles of environmental conservation and responsible stewardship.
Dedicated to environmental stewardship, the agency proactively pursues a science and technology roadmap for tackling and mitigating challenges related to waste management. Under the leadership of Dr Enrico, PCIERRD aims to assume a pivotal role in shaping sustainable practices that advocate for the responsible use and disposal of resources.
Demonstrating a responsible use of resources through its life cycle, PCIERRD fulfils its mandate to actively support the Clean Air Act (RA8749). By championing the implementation of this key legislation, the agency contributes significantly to promoting clean air standards and mitigating air pollution, aligning its efforts with broader initiatives that prioritise the health of both the environment and local communities.
“Through these multifaceted approaches, we strive to be proactive stewards of the environment, integrating sustainability principles into the fabric of the industrial operations; thereby promoting responsible practices within the realm of science and technology,” Dr Enrico emphasises.
The success of PCIERRD can be attributed in part to its ability to develop talent and inspire upcoming researchers and innovators to advance the country’s technological frontiers. In 2017, the country witnessed the launch of the Young Innovators Programme (YIP), designed as an inclusive platform for highly talented high school students aspiring to gain research experience.
The programme invites these young minds to gain experience in research under the guidance of mentors, facilitating hands-on learning and fostering a spirit of scientific inquiry. The objective of YIP is to equip and prepare these young researchers to undertake independent research endeavors, supported by funding allocated to innovative research projects.
Since its inception, the Young Innovators Programme has made significant strides in cultivating a new era of scientific exploration and inventive breakthroughs within the country. A total of Php37 million (SG$1 million) in funding has been disbursed across 56 approved projects, providing vital resources for these young innovators to bring their ideas to fruition.
The programme’s impact extends beyond financial support, contributing to the development of a vibrant community of budding scientists and researchers who are poised to make meaningful contributions to the scientific landscape in the years to come.
Nurturing Ingenuity Through Partnerships
According to Dr Enrico, engaging with diverse stakeholders is at the core of their approach as they strive to meet the evolving needs of the 21 sectors under its support. Through focused initiatives such as focus group discussions and consultation, they actively seek input from industry stakeholders, research institutions, and government agencies.
“This collaborative process allows us to gain valuable insights into the specific requirements and challenges faced by each sector, informing the direction of our research and development endeavours,” Dr Enrico explains.
Beyond external engagement, PCIEERD places considerable emphasis on internal feedback mechanisms. Tools such as the Research Fairness Survey and the R&D Customer Preference Survey serve as valuable means to directly collect insights from researchers. This two-way communication approach ensures that the perspectives and experiences of those actively engaged in the research process are taken into account, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and responsiveness within the organisation.
Collaboration remains a cornerstone of their strategy, and they actively cultivate partnerships with industry stakeholders. Through a range of programmes, such as the Expert Intervention for Scientific Engagement (ExperTiSE) programme, Regional Research Institutions (RRI), research attachments and expert visits, PCIEERD creates avenues for meaningful cooperation.
These collaborative initiatives not only enhance the effectiveness of the research but also contribute to the broader goal of fostering innovation and sustainable development across diverse sectors.
Furthermore, DOST-PCIEERD recognises the pivotal role of international alliances and partnerships, strategically emphasising their significance in advancing research and development in the fields of industry, energy, and emerging technology.
This concerted effort is driven by a commitment to contribute to the growth of scientific knowledge, facilitate technology transfer, spur economic development, and enhance the capacity to address global challenges effectively.
International partnerships provide a crucial avenue for knowledge exchange, where foreign counterparts and experts bring expertise that exposes Filipino researchers to cutting-edge technologies, methodologies, and the sharing of best practices.
Such exposure not only enhances the skills of local researchers, rendering them more competitive on the international stage but also unlocks new opportunities for commercialising innovative technologies in the global market. Consequently, it bridges the gap between research and market application, facilitating technology pathways that contribute to economic growth through income and job creation.
Several notable international engagements exemplify the commitment of DOST-PCIEERD to fostering global collaborations. Among them, the e-ASIA initiative stands out – a multilateral international joint effort involving public funding organisations from East Asia Summit (EAS) member countries.
Additionally, the Southeast Asia-Europe Joint Funding Scheme for Research and Innovation (SEA-EU JFS) facilitates joint funding of bi-regional, multi-lateral research and innovation projects, fostering cooperation between Southeast Asia and Europe.
Joint efforts such as the UKRI-NERC initiative address specific challenges, exemplified by the “Sustainable Mineral Resources in the Philippines” programme. This collaborative effort aims to fund research that offers a comprehensive perspective on mineral production in the Philippines and address environmental issues associated with legacy and abandoned mines.
Another noteworthy effort is the UKRI-JST-DOST ‘Science, Technology and Action’ Nexus for Development (STAND) Collaboration, which seeks to foster international research interaction and exchange among researchers in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Southeast Asia. This collaboration focuses on projects contributing to sustainable development in Southeast Asia, aligning with the broader goals of knowledge sharing and capacity building on a global scale.
Public-private partnerships have also contributed to the advancement of industry, energy, and emerging technology in the country. In June 2023, PCIEERD took a significant step forward in fortifying its collaboration with the mining industry by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.
This partnership encompasses three key areas aimed at fostering advancements and sustainability within the mining sector.
Firstly, there is a focus on the collaborative drafting of a nickel roadmap, with active consultation involving both mining industries and key government agencies. This initiative aims to chart a strategic course for the nickel industry, ensuring alignment with industry needs and national development goals.
Another crucial facet of the partnership involves an increased emphasis on research related to green minerals, particularly in anticipation of their translation into components for Electric Vehicles (EVs). This forward-looking approach aligns with the global shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies, positioning the mining industry to play a pivotal role in the emerging green economy.
Additionally, the collaborative efforts extend to the improvement of energy efficiency and the promotion of renewable energy within the mining sector. By addressing these critical aspects, the partnership endeavours to enhance the sustainability and environmental impact of mining operations, aligning with broader goals of responsible resource utilisation and energy conservation.
PCIEERD maintains an ongoing and fruitful partnership with the Philippine Technological Council (PTC), a non-stock, non-profit private organisation. The collaboration with PTC unfolds through its accreditation service, serving as a mechanism to facilitate capstone projects and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiatives.
This sustained partnership underscores PCIEERD’s commitment to advancing technological excellence, education, and innovation within the Philippines, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that transcends industry boundaries for the greater benefit of scientific and technological progress.
Unveiling Key Strategies
Dr Enrico reveals the key strategic priorities and initiatives he is focusing on as the Executive Director of PCIEERD to foster innovation and drive industry development in the Philippines.
“Guided by the Harmonised National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) for the period 2022-2028, our research initiatives are intricately woven into a framework that aligns with the broader vision encapsulated in AmBisyon Natin 2040,” Dr Enrico highlights.
Envisioning a promising future for Filipinos, the HNRDA is anchored in the pillars of Malasakit, Pagbabago, and Kaunlaran, which collectively advocate for inclusive growth, a resilient society, and the cultivation of a competitive knowledge economy.
In pursuit of these aspirations, PCIERRD has embarked on pioneering programmes aimed at revolutionising the local transport systems. Spearheaded by the ELECTROMOBILITY R&D Centre, and R&D Centre for Advanced Batteries, these initiatives focus on the development and implementation of electric vehicles and enhancing advanced battery technology.
These efforts align with the priorities of the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI). Additionally, PCIERRD has several initiatives on maritime transport on the electrification of boats and ferries.
“This strategic move reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in the domain of transportation,” Dr Enrico furthers. “Our commitment extends to the empowerment of local governance through the implementation of the Smart Cities initiative.”
Significant transformations have been realised in cities such as Baguio, Cauayan, Iloilo, and Butuan, where the integration of smart technologies has contributed to improved urban living. The success of these endeavours has prompted an expansion of the programme beyond cities, reaching into various communities as part of our ongoing efforts to create more inclusive and technologically empowered environments.
Recognising the critical role of startups in driving innovation, PCIERRD actively supports the startup ecosystem through the Startup Grant Fund. The comprehensive programmes assist startups throughout their journey, from the initial ideation phase to full commercialisation. By nurturing and facilitating the growth of startups, they contribute to the dynamism of the entrepreneurial landscape and the overall economic development of the region.
Dr Enrico underscores in the domain of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the DOST endeavours are guided by a comprehensive 2019-2029 R&D Programme Framework. This strategic blueprint delineates a path to ensure the Philippines remains a frontrunner in the global evolution of AI technologies.
The primary thrusts of this initiative span across National Infrastructure, where the DOST has distributed nine High-Performance Computing (HPC) machines to higher education institutions, catalysing the commencement of new AI projects.
The groundwork laid in 2014 with the establishment of the Computing and Archiving Research Environment (CoARE) further bolsters these efforts, providing free access to HPC and Cloud services. The overarching goal is to enhance connectivity and expedite digital transformation by 2024, with a specific target of elevating the PH e-government index to 0.85 by 2029.
The DOST’s dedication to AI extends beyond infrastructure to encompass Capacity Building, where initiatives are undertaken to nurture the skills and expertise necessary for meaningful AI contributions. Simultaneously, the focus on Research and Data initiatives accentuates the commitment to advancing the knowledge frontier in AI.
Additionally, the department actively engages in developing Policies and Stakeholder relationships, ensuring a holistic and forward-looking approach to AI development within the country. This multi-faceted strategy underscores the DOST’s commitment to positioning the Philippines as a key player in the dynamic landscape of AI innovation and progress.
“In our pursuit of ensuring the Philippines’ prominence in technological innovation and sustainable development globally, DOST-PCIEERD employs a multifaceted approach encompassing various strategic initiatives. One pivotal effort involves bridging the gap between academic research and industry through the establishment of Technology Business Incubators (TBIs),” Dr Enrico asserts.
With 54 members in the DOST TBI Network, including 32 industry-based and 22 agriculture- and aquaculture-focused TBIs across Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), the investments since 2018 have totalled Php411 million (SG$11.1 million).
These TBIs have incubated 1,359 startups, generated 5,696 jobs, attracted over Php1.87 billion (SG$50.49 million) in private investments, and produced Php907 million (SG$24.49 million) in startup revenue. Additionally, the TBIs themselves have secured Php118.3 million (SG$3.19 million) in private investments from various partners.
To promote science education in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), they fund projects such as the Philippine Science Centrum Travelling Exhibit. This initiative, spanning 26 GIDA districts across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, has reached 300,000 students and instructed 4,000 teachers in basic science experiments, enhancing education in these remote areas.
Acknowledging the vital role of women entrepreneurs, initiatives like Women-Helping-Women: Innovative Social Enterprises (WHWise) aims to support and acknowledge women driving economic growth and sustainable development in their communities.
Strategic planning is another cornerstone of the approach, with formulated roadmaps and sectoral strategies for the 21 supported sectors. These roadmaps not only guide the development of specific research programmes but also contribute to the realisation of sustainable development goals.
Collectively, these strategies underscore the commitment to enhancing the country’s competitiveness and productivity in the global landscape of technological innovation and sustainable development, fostering a comprehensive and impactful approach to propel the nation forward.
Nexus of Innovation by 2040
“Our forward-looking vision is rooted in becoming the Nexus of Innovation by the year 2040,” Dr Enrico shares his vision for PCIEERD’s position in the global context in the next three years. “Positioned as a leader in the country’s competitiveness and productivity, we aim to enable science and technology solutions across the industry, energy, and emerging technology sectors, all while upholding the principles of good governance.”
To realise this vision, global collaboration stands as a cornerstone of this strategy. They envision strengthening international partnerships and collaborations with funding institutions worldwide. By engaging with global counterparts, they seek to foster knowledge-sharing, promote cooperation and teamwork, facilitate mutual learning, and collectively drive innovation in the realms of industry, energy, and emerging technologies.
An essential aspect of their approach involves a dedicated focus on investment in Research and Development (R&D). By prioritising R&D investment, they ensure that PCIEERD remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the Industry, Energy, and Emerging (IEE) sectors. This commitment contributes to global innovation efforts and positions the nation as a key player in addressing pressing global challenges through technological solutions.
Their commitment extends to robust mechanisms for technology transfer and commercialisation. By effectively translating the R&D findings and innovations into practical applications and marketable products, they strive to bridge the gap between research outcomes and real-world impact.
“Knowledge dissemination forms another crucial element of our strategy. We are committed to sharing our S&T outputs, technological advancements, and success stories in technology transfer and commercialisation, both locally and globally,” Dr Enrico says emphatically. “This proactive approach ensures that the benefits of our innovations reach diverse audiences, contributing to the broader global knowledge pool.”
In all aspects of their operations, sustainability is a guiding principle. They are committed to using sustainable practices in everything they do, from research to innovations, technology transfers, and commercialisation.
Through their actions, they actively support the preservation of the environment on a global scale and are consistent with larger sustainability objectives, exemplifying a responsible and comprehensive approach to scientific and technological advancement.
“Embracing the role of a scientist is to willingly confront the mysteries of the unknown, and it is this very challenge that captivates me,” says Dr Enrico, who completed his doctorate at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and served as the principal scientist for DOST Project NOAH and the DOST DREAM LIDAR Programme.
Seeking out interesting and meaningful challenges brought him joy. His work at PCIEERD is similar to a large-scale experiment in which he develops theories and verifies them against reality.
He believes that this dynamic process fosters continuous innovation by pushing boundaries and revealing new possibilities. The core values of high integrity, innovation, and excellence serve as guiding principles, propelling the entire PCIEEED led by him to strive for excellence in all that they do.
“We are committed to exploring new ground in science and are constantly looking for ways to offer significant discoveries and solutions that have a long-term impact for the benefit of the whole nation,” Dr Enrico concludes.
Sebagai lembaga riset di bawah naungan Departemen Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Teknologi di Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Filipina, The Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) terus berkomitmen untuk memajukan penelitian dan pengembangan (R&D) terkait industri, energi, dan teknologi yang sedang berkembang di negara Filipina. Perkembangan ini merupakan langkah Filipina mempersiapkan perubahan yang terus terjadi secara cepat di berbagai industri untuk kemajuan bangsa.
Dr Enrico C. Paringit, yang menjabat sebagai Executive Director di PCIEERD, bagian dari DOST, menggarisbawahi betapa pentingnya kemajuan riset yang sejalan dengan perkembangan teknologi dan inovasi. Dalam sebuah wawancara yang baru-baru ini dilakukan di DOST Compound, yang berlokasi di General Santos Avenue, Brgy. Central Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila, Filipina, Dr Enrico memberikan sudut pandangnya tentang peran riset dalam membentuk masa depan teknologi dan inovasi di negara ini.
Menurut Dr Enrico, kemajuan riset bukan hanya sekadar pencapaian ilmiah semata, tetapi juga merupakan fondasi utama untuk memacu pertumbuhan teknologi dan inovasi di Filipina. Lebih lanjut, Dr Enrico menjelaskan bahwa visi PCIEERD dalam mewujudkan peran Filipina sebagai pemimpin di bidang industri, energi, dan teknologi yang sedang berkembang, sejalan dengan visi DOST.
“PCIEERD telah berhasil mengembangkan lebih dari 21 sektor yang terkait dengan energy dan teknologi di Filipina. Dalam perannya sebagai lembaga riset, PCIEERD bukan hanya menjadi pelopor dalam pengembangan berbagai sektor penting, tetapi juga berperan penuh dalam memenuhi kebutuhan sumber daya manusia dan kelembagaan di masa depan,” ungkap Dr Enrico.
PCIEERD mengambil peran strategis dalam menyusun dan melaksanakan berbagai program riset dan pengembangan yang berkualitas. Hal ini mencakup aspek-aspek vital seperti energi terbarukan, teknologi informasi, dan industri manufaktur. Melalui proyek-proyek ini, PCIEERD berusaha untuk menciptakan pondasi yang kuat untuk pertumbuhan berkelanjutan, daya saing, dan inovasi di berbagai sektor kunci dalam perekonomian Filipina.
Salah satu hal yang menjadi fokus utama PCIEERD adalah mendukung sumber daya penelitian dan pengembangan, termasuk melibatkan para ahli dan peneliti terkemuka di berbagai bidang. Langkah ini bukan hanya tentang menghasilkan pengetahuan baru, tetapi juga tentang memastikan adanya ekosistem penelitian yang dinamis yang mutakhir yang dapat membawa Filipina menuju masa depan teknologi yang canggih.
Sebagai bagian dari komitmennya terhadap sumber daya manusia, PCIEERD tidak hanya berfokus pada penelitian, tetapi juga pada pembangunan kapasitas. Ini termasuk pelibatan aktif dengan lembaga-lembaga pendidikan dan pelatihan untuk memastikan bahwa generasi mendatang memiliki keterampilan dan pengetahuan yang diperlukan untuk bersaing di tingkat global.
“Dengan melakukan ini, PCIEERD bukan hanya menjadi pengelola riset, tetapi juga menjadi katalisator bagi transformasi positif dalam lanskap teknologi Filipina,” pungkas Dr Enrico.
Pencapaian PCIEERD dalam Kemajuan Riset Filipina
Sebagai direktur di lembaga riset terkemuka di Filipina, Dr Enrico mengelaborasikan berbagai inisiatif strategis utama yang telah dilakukan dalam membangun pengembangan industri Filipina. Dr Enrico menjelaskan bahwa semua penelitian yang dilakukan oleh The Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) didasarkan pada Harmonised National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) 2022-2028. Pendekatan ini mencerminkan komitmen PCIEERD untuk secara konsisten bergerak seiring dengan arah pembangunan nasional.
HNRDA 2022-2028 menjadi landasan strategis yang memandu setiap langkah riset dan pengembangan yang diambil oleh PCIEERD. Dengan mengikuti panduan ini, PCIEERD memastikan bahwa setiap proyek risetnya tidak hanya relevan dengan kebutuhan masa kini, tetapi juga terintegrasi dengan visi jangka panjang Filipina, yang tercermin dalam AmBisyon Natin 2040.
AmBisyon Natin 2040 menetapkan landasan untuk pertumbuhan inklusif, masyarakat yang berketahanan, dan menjadi kekuatan berpengetahuan yang kompetitif. Dalam konteks ini, PCIEERD berfungsi sebagai poros utama yang membawa visi ini ke dalam kenyataan melalui kegiatan riset dan pengembangan yang terarah dan berdampak.
Pilar-pilar pertumbuhan inklusif, masyarakat berketahanan, dan kekuatan berpengetahuan kompetitif menjadi panduan utama dalam menentukan fokus penelitian PCIEERD. Dengan memahami kebutuhan dan aspirasi masyarakat Filipina, PCIEERD memastikan bahwa setiap inisiatifnya berkontribusi secara positif terhadap kesejahteraan nasional dan menciptakan peluang bagi semua lapisan masyarakat.
Selain itu, strategi yang diambil oleh PCIEERD juga mencerminkan semangat transformasi yang diperlukan untuk mencapai ambisi ini. Dengan mengintegrasikan prinsip-prinsip inovasi, keberlanjutan, dan inklusivitas dalam setiap langkahnya, “PCIEERD berusaha tidak hanya menjadi lembaga riset yang produktif tetapi, juga menjadi penggerak utama perubahan positif di Filipina,” tegas Dr Enrico.
Lebih jauh, Dr Enrico menyoroti langkah-langkah progresif yang telah diambil oleh PCIEERD untuk mewujudkan transformasi dalam berbagai sektor, termasuk bidang transportasi dan tata kelola perkotaan. Salah satu inisiatif yang menarik perhatian adalah program elektrifikasi sistem transportasi, yang dijalankan melalui Pusat Penelitian dan Pengembangan Transportasi Listrik.
Pada tahap awal, PCIEERD telah berhasil mengembangkan kendaraan listrik dan solusi transportasi air yang berpotensi mengubah paradigma di sektor transportasi Filipina. Ini bukan hanya langkah inovatif untuk mengurangi jejak karbon, tetapi juga upaya konkret untuk mendukung keberlanjutan dan efisiensi dalam sistem transportasi.
Dr Enrico juga menyoroti kontribusi positif PCIEERD dalam menciptakan Smart Cities, yang telah mengubah beberapa kota seperti Baguio, Cauayan, Iloilo, dan Butuan. Inisiatif Smart City membawa perubahan signifikan dalam tata kelola lokal, memanfaatkan teknologi untuk meningkatkan kualitas hidup masyarakat dan efisiensi dalam penyelenggaraan layanan publik.
Selain itu, dalam semangat menciptakan dampak yang lebih luas, PCIEERD juga mengintensifkan kerjasama dengan pemerintah daerah. Perluasan program-program ini ke tingkat lokal menandai komitmen PCIEERD untuk merangkul partisipasi masyarakat secara lebih menyeluruh dan memberikan manfaat nyata kepada lebih banyak orang.
“Melalui penggabungan inovasi dalam transportasi listrik, konsep Smart City, dan kolaborasi erat dengan pemerintah daerah, PCIEERD terus mengambil peran proaktif dalam membentuk masa depan Filipina yang lebih berkelanjutan, efisien, dan berdaya saing,” terangnya. “Inisiatif ini bukan hanya tentang menghasilkan penelitian dan teknologi baru, tetapi juga tentang mengubah cara hidup dan mobilitas masyarakat Filipina secara positif,” lanjut Dr Enrico
Dr Enrico tidak hanya fokus pada inovasi di sektor riset dan pengembangan, tetapi juga membawa semangat kewirausahaan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi melalui inisiatif Startup Grant Fund di lingkungan startup. Dengan keyakinan bahwa mendukung startup adalah langkah krusial menuju pertumbuhan ekonomi yang berkelanjutan, PCIEERD turut ambil bagian dalam menciptakan ekosistem yang mendukung perkembangan bisnis baru.
“Programme Startup Grant Fund bukan hanya memberikan dukungan finansial, tetapi juga memberikan pendampingan, akses ke jaringan industri, dan sumber daya lainnya yang diperlukan oleh startup untuk tumbuh dan berkembang,” jelas Dr Enrico.
Kolaborasi Inovasi Riset untuk Percepatan Transformasi dan Kemajuan Bangsa
Dalam perjalanannya, tentu PCIEERD tidak bekerja sendiri untuk membangun kemajuan Filipina. Dr Enrico selalu percaya bahwa kerjasama dan kolaborasi merupakan kunci untuk mencapai percepatan kemajuan inovasi.
PCIEERD sendiri sudah melakukan berbagai kerjasama dengan berbagai entitas dalam kemajuan perkembangan industri, inovasi energi, dan teknologi. Melalui berbagai focus group discussion (FGD) yang telah dilakukan kepada berbagai pemangku kepentingan misalnya, PCIEERD berhasil menemukan akar permasalahan dan pemenuhan kebutuhan di 21 sektor industri yang berbeda. Selain itu, PCIEERD juga menganalisis permasalahan dan sekaligus pengembangan inovasi melalui beberapa program, di antaranya yaitu Research Fairness Survey dan R&D Customer Preference Survey, Collaborative R&D to Leverage the Economy (CRADLE) Programme, Startup Grant Fund Programme, Food Innovation Centres, Metal and Engineering Innovation Centeres (MEIC), Laboratory Upgrading One-Lab, dan ADMATEL.
Kolaborasi-kolaborasi tersebut terbukti telah berhasil menciptakan berbagai pencapaian dalam kemajuan industri, teknologi, dan energi. Dr Enrico menjelaskan beberapa pencapaian yang telah dicapai oleh PCIEERD, di antaranya yaitu perluasan ruang dan infrastruktur riset ke berbagai wilayah yang telah disetujui dan didanai oleh Infrastructure Development Programmeme (IDP). Untuk mencapai hal ini tidaklah mudah. Dr Enrico menegaskan bahwa IDP ditujukan untuk lembaga penelitian pemerintah, universitas, perguruan tinggi (SUCS), kantor regional, lembaga-lembaga yang terikat oleh DOST, dan pusat pengembangan yang diakui oleh CHED. “Lembaga-lembaga tersebut harus memiliki rencana startegis 5 tahun ke depan serta rekam jejak untuk membuktikan potensi penelitian yang mutakhir,” jelas Dr Enrico.
Selain itu, PCIEERD juga mendirikan Program Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Teknologi Halal DOST untuk bekerjasama dengan saudara-saudara Muslim. Program ini sejalan dengan Kebijakan Halal DOST yang bertujuan sebagai penyedia lembaga penelitian dan pengembanagan untuk sertifikasi Halal.
“Melalui upaya ini, aspirasi kami adalah untuk memperkuat sektor halal di Filipina, khususnya dalam mendorong wirausaha melalui peningkatan kapasitas standardisasi halal,” jelas Dr Enrico. “Program ini tentu mampu memfasilitasi umat Islam Filipina dalam memilih produk unggulan yang selaras dengan kepercayaan dan hukum yang mereka jalani,” lanjutnya.
Dalam sektor ketahanan pangan, PCIEERD berhasil mendirikan Program Keamanan Pangan dan Pusat Inovasi Pangan (FICS). Langkah ini bertujuan untuk memperkuat industri makanan di Filipina, membawa dampak positif dalam berbagai aspek ekonomi dan kesejahteraan masyarakat.
Program FICS mencerminkan komitmen PCIEERD untuk tidak hanya menjadi penggagas ide-ide inovatif, tetapi juga menjadi pelaku nyata dalam membangun fondasi yang kokoh untuk sektor makanan. Melalui inisiatif ini, PCIEERD memberikan kontribusi yang signifikan dalam memastikan ketahanan pangan, keamanan makanan, dan peningkatan kualitas produk makanan di Filipina.
Dr Enrico melanjutkan bahwa industri manufaktur merupakan sektor yang memegang peran penting dalam perekonomian Filipina. Dalam wawancara tersebut, beliau menjelaskan bahwa PCIEERD telah menjalankan sejumlah inisiatif dan program untuk mendukung pertumbuhan dan inovasi dalam industri manufaktur.
Dukungan yang diberikan PCIEERD kepada industri manufaktur di antaranya melalui penyediaan fasilitas mutakhir yang dirancang untuk memfasilitasi pengujian, perancangan, serta penelitian dan pengembangan di berbagai sektor strategis. Dengan fasilitas ini, PCIEERD bertujuan untuk menciptakan suatu ekosistem yang mendukung dan mendorong budaya inovasi di bidang makanan, elektronik, dan industri material.
Fasilitas ini disediakan bukan semata-mata sebagai a-state-of-art. Namun, fasilitas ini dirancang untuk memberikan layanan yang holistik kepada pelaku industri manufaktur. Melalui fasilitas ini, perusahaan-perusahaan dalam sektor makanan dapat mengakses pengujian dan penelitian terkait keamanan dan kualitas produk makanan. Sementara itu, pelaku industri elektronik dapat memanfaatkan fasilitas ini untuk menguji dan mengembangkan komponen-komponen teknologi terbaru. Begitu pula dengan pelaku industri material, yang dapat mengoptimalkan fasilitas ini untuk riset dan pengembangan material inovatif.
Selanjutnya, keberhasilan dan inovasi tidak berakhir sampai di sana. Dalam riset, PCIEERD berhasil membentuk Program One Lab. “Bayangkan jika semua peneliti dari berbagai kalangan, baik itu praktisi, mahasiswa, akademisi, lembaga swasta, dapat mengakses riset labolatorium secara terintegrasi dan transparan, tentu akan semakin maju perkembangan pengetahuan dan riset Filipina ini,” pungkas Dr Enrico.
Kehadiran OneLab oleh PCIEERD merupakan tonggak penting dalam dunia riset Filipina. Program ini dirancang untuk menciptakan lingkungan yang terbuka, terintegrasi, dan transparan bagi para peneliti dari berbagai latar belakang. Dengan OneLab, praktisi, mahasiswa, akademisi, dan lembaga swasta dapat dengan mudah mengakses berbagai fasilitas laboratorium secara terkoordinasi.
OneLab menciptakan sebuah ekosistem yang memungkinkan kolaborasi lintas sektor dan mendukung pertukaran pengetahuan antarpeneliti. Ini tidak hanya mempercepat proses penelitian, tetapi juga membuka peluang baru untuk inovasi dan penemuan. Dengan adanya akses yang terintegrasi ke fasilitas laboratorium, para peneliti dapat bekerja secara lebih efisien, mengoptimalkan penggunaan sumber daya, dan mencapai hasil yang lebih signifikan.
Dr Enrico menegaskan,“Visi OneLab sejalan dengan semangat PCIEERD untuk memajukan riset dan pengembangan di Filipina. Melalui program ini, PCIEERD berupaya menciptakan ekosistem riset yang inklusif dan mendukung, di mana setiap pemangku kepentingan dapat berkontribusi pada peningkatan pengetahuan dan inovasi.”
Prestasi luar biasa PCIEERD tidak hanya terbatas pada pembentukan Program One Lab. Mereka juga berhasil mendorong inovasi di berbagai laboratorium dan pusat pengembangan yang mencakup berbagai bidang kritis, memperkuat fondasi riset dan pengembangan di Filipina.
Salah satu pencapaian penting adalah transformasi laboratorium di bidang Metrologi Kimia dan Biologi. PCIEERD berupaya untuk memastikan akurasi dan konsistensi tinggi dalam analisis kimia dan biologi. Hal ini tidak hanya mendukung penelitian ilmiah yang berkualitas, tetapi juga memberikan landasan yang kuat untuk inovasi dalam sektor kesehatan, lingkungan, dan industri lainnya.
Pusat Pengujian Perangkat dan Material Tingkat Lanjut (ADMATEL) merupakan tonggak lain dalam perjalanan keunggulan PCIEERD. Dengan fasilitas canggih ini, riset dan pengembangan perangkat elektronik dan material menjadi lebih efisien dan produktif. Inovasi di ADMATEL berkontribusi pada perkembangan teknologi tinggi, memperkuat daya saing Filipina di pasar global.
Pusat Pengembangan Produk Elektronik (EPDC) dan Advancing Manufacturing Centre (AMCen) adalah bagian penting dari ekosistem inovasi PCIEERD. Keduanya berfungsi sebagai katalisator untuk pertumbuhan sektor manufaktur dan pengembangan produk elektronik di Filipina. Dengan memanfaatkan fasilitas ini, industri dapat mendorong batas inovasi, menciptakan produk unggul, dan meningkatkan daya saing global.
Pusat Pengujian Turbin Mikrohidro di Morong dan Pusat Energi Terbarukan Mindanao (MREC) menandai komitmen PCIEERD terhadap pengembangan energi terbarukan. Melalui proyek ini, mereka tidak hanya memberikan kontribusi pada diversifikasi sumber energi Filipina, tetapi juga mempercepat transisi ke sistem energi yang lebih berkelanjutan.
Program bantuan keuangan untuk Program Spin-Off dan Penerjemahan Penelitian dalam Memajukan Komersialisasi (FASTRAC) adalah langkah strategis PCIEERD untuk mendukung inovasi yang dapat dikomersialisasikan. Melalui penyediaan dukungan finansial dan sumber daya lainnya, mereka mendorong pengembangan teknologi menjadi produk dan layanan yang dapat membawa manfaat ekonomi dan sosial.
Dr Enrico terus berupaya untuk selalu berinovasi dalam kemajuan bidang-bidang kecerdasan buatan (AI), bioteknologi, dan energi terbarukan. Dalam mendukung perkembangan kecerdasan buatan di Filipina, beberapa strategi telah diimplementasikan.
Sebagai contoh, Filipina telah melaksanakan pembangunan nasional dengan mendistribusikan 9 mesin High-Performance-Computing (HPC) ke berbagai institusi pendidikan tinggi. Langkah ini bertujuan untuk mempercepat proses transformasi digital di Filipina, dengan harapan dapat meningkatkan indeks PH e-Government menjadi 0,85 pada tahun 2029.
Untuk mendukung pembangunan berkelanjutan yang kompetitif, PCIEERD berperan untuk mendukung startup dan menjembatani kesenjangan riset akademik dan institusi dengan mendirikan Inkubator Bisnis Teknologi (TBIS). Sejak tahun 2018, TBIS secara kolektif telah berhasil menginkubasi 1.359 statup, menciptakan 5.696 lapangan pekerjaan baru, mengumpulkan lebih dari 1,87 milyar peso investasi, mengasilkan pendapatan startup sebesar 907 juta peso, serta berhasil menerima investasi sebesar 118,3 juta peso dari berbagai perusahaan swasta.
Selain itu, PCIEERD juga berupaya untuk mendorong dan mempromosikan pendidikan Science, Technology, Engineering, dan Mathematics (STEM) di daerah terisolasi dan tertinggal secara geografis (GIDA). Melalui program tersebut, PCIEERD berhasil mendanai berbagai proyek seperti Philippines Science Centrum Traveling Exhibit dan berhasil menjangkau 26 distrik di Luzon, Visayas, dan Mindanao untuk memberikan pengetahuan STEM dasar.
Inisiasi selanjutnya yang telah diterapkan adalah dengan mendukung perngusaha perempuan melalui program Woman-Helping-Women: Innovative Social Enterprises (WHWise). Dr Enrico menyadari bahwa perempuan memiliki hak untuk diberdayakan dan memainkan peran kunci dalam pembangunan ekonomi yang berkelanjutan. Program WHWise bertujuan untuk memberikan dukungan dan pelatihan kepada pengusaha perempuan yang berinovasi di berbagai sektor, menciptakan platform untuk mereka berbagi pengetahuan dan pengalaman, serta memberikan akses ke sumber daya yang mendukung pertumbuhan usaha mereka.
Melalui WHWise, PCIEERD berkomitmen untuk menciptakan lingkungan yang mendukung pengembangan usaha perempuan, mengakui potensi unik yang mereka bawa dalam dunia bisnis. Program ini tidak hanya memberikan dukungan finansial, tetapi juga mendengarkan dan memahami tantangan yang dihadapi oleh pengusaha perempuan, sehingga dapat memberikan solusi yang sesuai dan berkelanjutan.
Inisiatif terbaru yang berhasil diinisiasi oleh PCIEERD adalah pembentukan Roadmaps & Sectoral Plans melalui perumusan roadmaps untuk 21 sektor yang didukung. Pendekatan ini dirancang untuk memberikan panduan strategis dalam mengarahkan pengembangan dan pencapaian berkelanjutan di berbagai sektor kunci.
Roadmaps ini mencakup rencana-rencana yang komprehensif dan terstruktur, memberikan landasan bagi inovasi, penelitian, dan pengembangan di masing-masing sektor. Dengan mengidentifikasi peluang dan tantangan yang spesifik, PCIEERD berupaya untuk memberikan kontribusi yang signifikan terhadap pertumbuhan dan keberlanjutan ekonomi Filipina.
“Sebagai salah satu pilar DOST, kami mengutamakan proyek pendukung yang menjamin keberlangsungan dan keberlanjutan ekonomi Filipina, kami juga mendukung proyek yang mengubah limbah menjadi sebuah barang yang bernilai,” ujar Dr Enrico. “Selain dapat memberikan pertumbuhan dari segi ekonomi, proyek ini bisa memberikan lapangan pekerjaan dan memperbaiki lingkungan agar lebih bersih dan nyaman,” lanjutnya tegas.
Langkah PCIEERD dalam Membina dan Mendorong Inovasi di Filipina
Pemuda dianggap sebagai kekuatan utama yang dapat membentuk arah masa depan, dan upaya untuk memberdayakan mereka dalam dunia riset dan inovasi sangat penting untuk menjaga ketahanan dan kemajuan negara. Dalam wawancara tersebut, Dr Enrico berkesempatan untuk menjelaskan bagaimana ia berinovasi untuk menggerakan dan memberdayakan bakat peneliti-peneliti muda untuk terus maju.
“Kami mendirikan Program Inovator Pemuda (YIP) pada tahun 2017. Program ini terbuka untuk berbagai siswa muda berbakat untuk terlibat dalam suatu penelitian yang dimentori. Program ini bertujuan untuk melatih dan mempersiapkan peneliti muda dalam melakukan penelitian independen untuk proyek penelitian inovatif,” jelas Dr Enciro.
Lebih jauh, Dr Enrico menambahkan bahwa Young Innovators Programme (YIP) telah berhasil menyediakan dana penelitian sebesar 37 juta peso untuk mendukung 56 proyek penelitian yang telah disetujui. YIP, sebagai salah satu inisiatif dari PCIEERD, menjadi wadah bagi para pemuda berbakat dan inovatif untuk mengembangkan ide-ide mereka menjadi proyek penelitian yang dapat memberikan dampak positif bagi kemajuan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi di Filipina.
Dana penelitian yang disediakan oleh YIP tidak hanya membantu pemuda dalam menggali potensi inovatif mereka, tetapi juga memberikan dukungan finansial yang sangat dibutuhkan untuk mewujudkan ide-ide tersebut menjadi kenyataan. Proyek-proyek ini mencakup berbagai bidang riset, menandakan bahwa Filipina sangat peduli terhadap seluruh inovasi dari berbagai industri.
Kolaborasi menjadi suatu aspek yang sangat penting dalam era transformasi digital ini. Peningkatan kesadaran dari PCIEERD terhadap kebutuhan akan kolaborasi menjadi suatu agenda yang dilakukan secara berkelanjutan. Pemahaman ini mencerminkan kepercayaan bahwa lahirnya ide-ide brilian dan solusi inovatif tidak hanya bersumber dari individu, tetapi juga melibatkan kontribusi berbagai anggota tim yang memiliki keahlian dan perspektif yang berbeda.
“Dalam menghadapi kompleksitas tantangan di era digital, PCIEERD telah memperkuat komitmennya untuk membentuk dan menjaga lingkungan kolaboratif,” ujar Dr Enrico.
PCIEERD sendiri sudah banyak melakukan kolaborasi tidak hanya lingkup nasional, akan tetapi juga dengan mitra internasional. Melalui kolaborasi internasional dapat memperkaya inovasi peneliti lokal, menjadikannya lebih kompetitif di tingkat global, dan membuka peluang baru untuk menjembatani kesenjangan pertumbuhan serta percepatan pembangunan.
Dengan kemitraan internasional, diharapkan bahwa peneliti lokal dapat mengakses sumber daya, pengetahuan, dan teknologi terbaru yang mungkin tidak tersedia secara lokal. Ini memberikan dorongan signifikan dalam menghadapi tantangan penelitian yang semakin kompleks dan meningkatkan kapasitas penelitian domestik. Kolaborasi internasional juga membuka pintu bagi pertukaran ide dan pemikiran inovatif, memperluas wawasan penelitian, dan memajukan pemahaman tentang tren global dalam industri, energi, dan teknologi yang sedang berkembang.
“Melalui kolaborasi internasional, PCIEERD berusaha untuk memainkan peran yang berarti dalam membawa penelitian industri Filipina ke tingkat yang lebih tinggi untuk memberikan berbagai inovasi kepada bangsa,” tegas Dr Enrico.
Beberapa keterlibatan kolaborasi penelitian internasional yang sudah dilakukan PCIEERD di antaranya:
- E-Asia : Sebuah inisiasi gabungan multilateral antara sejumlah organisasi pendanaan publik dari berbagai anggota negara East Asia Summit (EAS), termasuk 10 negara anggota ASEAN dan 8 negara tambahan seperti, Australia, Jepang, Selandia Baru, Tiongkok, India, Korea Selatan, Rusia, dan Amerika Serikat.
- SEA-AU JFS atau merupakan singkatan dari Southeast Asia Europe Joint Funding Scheme for Research and Innovation. Pendanaan ini dilakukan untuk proyek-proyek yang disediakan oleh lembaga pendanaan atau kementerian tingkat nasional, regional, atau lokal dari Asia Tenggara dan Eropa.
- UKRI-NERC, yaitu program yang bertujuan untuk mempromosikan pertukaran penelitian internasional antara peneliti Jepang, Inggris, dan Asia Tenggara melalui proyek penelitian yang berkontribusi terhadap pembangunan Asia Tenggara.
Inovasi Riset yang Berkelanjutan
Sebagai lembaga riset yang terus menerus berinovasi untuk perkembangan bangsa, PCIEERD menjunjung tinggi komitmen terhadap pelestarian lingkungan. Dalam usahanya mencapai terobosan inovatif, lembaga ini tidak hanya berfokus pada peningkatan kualitas riset dan pengembangan teknologi, tetapi juga memahami pentingnya menjaga keseimbangan ekosistem dan keberlanjutan lingkungan.
Melalui proyek-proyek risetnya, PCIEERD berupaya menciptakan solusi yang tidak hanya memberikan manfaat bagi perkembangan industri dan teknologi, tetapi juga memperhatikan dampaknya terhadap lingkungan. Pendekatan holistik ini mencerminkan komitmen lembaga terhadap pembangunan berkelanjutan yang memperhitungkan aspek-aspek lingkungan.
“Kami memastikan bahwa operasi, aktivitas, dan program kami tidak menimbulkan dampak buruk terhadap lingkungan. Faktanya, kami bertanggung jawab terhadap ekologis melalui inisiatif aktif dalam roadmaps pengelolaan limbah-limbah padat,” jelas Dr Enrico.
Dalam tiga tahun ke depan, PCIEERD menetapkan visi yang jelas sebagai “Nexus the Innovation” sambil tetap memegang teguh prinsip-prinsip tata kelola yang baik. Sebagai bagian dari upaya berkelanjutan mereka untuk mencapai tujuan ini, lembaga riset ini membidik tahun 2040 sebagai batas waktu untuk mewujudkan misi ambisius mereka.
“Misi ini direncanakan akan tercapai tahun 2040. Hal ini mungkin untuk dicapai melalui dua cara, yaitu kolaborasi internasional dan investasi di berbagai bidang penelitian,” tegas Dr Enrico, Executive Director di PCIEERD, Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Pernyataan ini mencerminkan komitmen PCIEERD untuk tidak hanya bergantung pada sumber daya dan keahlian lokal, tetapi juga melibatkan kolaborasi dan dukungan global untuk mencapai tingkat inovasi yang lebih tinggi.
Visi “Nexus the Innovation” mencerminkan komitmen PCIEERD untuk menjadi pusat inovasi yang menghubungkan berbagai aspek penelitian dan pengembangan. Dengan fokus pada kolaborasi lintas sektor dan integrasi solusi inovatif, PCIEERD bertujuan untuk menciptakan sinergi yang lebih besar dalam mendukung kemajuan bangsa Filipina dalam berbagai bidang, seperti industri, energi, dan teknologi yang sedang berkembang.
Misi ini ditenagai oleh tekad PCIEERD untuk menjadi pionir dalam merespons tantangan masa depan dengan keunggulan inovatif. Dengan menjunjung tinggi prinsip tata kelola yang baik, lembaga ini berkomitmen untuk memastikan bahwa setiap langkah yang diambil dalam mencapai visi “Nexus the Innovation” dilakukan secara transparan, akuntabel, dan berkesinambungan.
Selama tiga tahun ke depan, PCIEERD akan mengarahkan upayanya untuk memperkuat kolaborasi dengan pemangku kepentingan utama, seperti lembaga pemerintah, sektor swasta, dan akademisi. Dengan mengakomodasi berbagai perspektif dan keahlian, lembaga ini berharap untuk dapat menciptakan lingkungan yang mendukung pertumbuhan dan kemajuan berkelanjutan.
Dalam konteks ini, PCIEERD juga akan fokus pada peningkatan kapasitas sumber daya manusia di berbagai sektor, memastikan bahwa inovasi tidak hanya terbatas pada hasil penelitian, tetapi juga tercermin dalam kemampuan dan keterampilan para profesional yang terlibat.
Melalui integrasi nilai-nilai keberlanjutan, inovasi dan kemajuan ide, serta prinsip tata kelola yang baik, PCIEERD berkomitmen untuk memberikan dampak positif jangka panjang bagi Filipina. Misi ini diarahkan untuk menciptakan fondasi yang kokoh untuk pembangunan berkelanjutan, memastikan bahwa bangsa ini terus berkembang dan berinovasi di era yang penuh tantangan ini hingga 2040 dan berkelanjutan hingga bertahun-tahun ke depan.
In a bid to empower food manufacturers to embrace sustainability, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) has unveiled the Sustainability Playbook for Food Manufacturers. Announced by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, this playbook is a key component of the Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP), aiming to equip companies with the tools and insights needed for their sustainability journey.
Jeannie Lim, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Lifestyle & Consumer) at EnterpriseSG, emphasised the imperative for food manufacturers to navigate global supply chain challenges, evolving sustainability regulations, and the rising demand for climate-conscious food products. Jeannie introduced the playbook as a comprehensive guide, offering strategies and resources to help companies incorporate sustainability practices into their operations.
The playbook, part of the ESP series, presents a step-by-step approach for food manufacturers, featuring checklists with recommended starting points for core sustainability strategies and relevant resources. It outlines three fundamental strategies to enhance sustainability:
- Optimising Resources: The playbook advocates for a review of current manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for resource optimisation. Investments in energy-efficient equipment, on-site energy generation like solar panels, and digitalisation for increased efficiency and waste reduction are highlighted.
- Valorising Food Side Streams: Encouraging the repurposing of food manufacturing by-products into higher value-added products, such as plant-based cheese and probiotic beverages. The playbook identifies key side streams in Singapore, including okara, brewers’ spent grain, surplus bread, and fruits, offering innovative solutions to meet consumer demands for healthy and sustainable products.
- Adopting Sustainable Packaging: Recognising the importance of sustainable packaging for global market access, the playbook encourages the reduction of packaging and the use of recyclable or sustainable materials with enhanced shelf-life stability.
To complement the Sustainability Playbook, EnterpriseSG, in collaboration with the Singapore Food Manufacturers’ Association (SFMA), announced the “Embracing Sustainability for Enterprise Growth in Food Manufacturing” course. This provides an introduction to sustainability concepts and equips food manufacturing companies with the necessary tools and support to take tangible steps towards sustainability.
The course, scheduled for Q1 2024, offers participants access to a sustainability assessment toolkit and personalised advisory sessions to kickstart their sustainability journey. EnterpriseSG will defray 70% of course fees for eligible businesses, making it an accessible and valuable resource for companies looking to enhance their sustainability capabilities.
According to Enterprise Singapore, their initiatives are poised to guide food manufacturers towards a future where environmental consciousness aligns seamlessly with business success. The playbook and course serve as inspirations, illuminating the path for companies to thrive in an era where sustainability is both a responsibility and a competitive advantage.
Digital tools are pivotal in advancing sustainable food manufacturing, revolutionising processes and fostering environmental stewardship. These tools optimise resource utilisation, emphasising energy-efficient equipment and digitalisation to enhance operational efficiency.
By identifying areas for improvement and implementing smart technologies, companies can minimise waste, reduce carbon footprints, and embrace eco-friendly practices. The integration of digital solutions allows for real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and precision control, enabling precise resource management and minimising environmental impact.
Sustainable packaging initiatives, facilitated by these tools, further contribute to eco-conscious practices, aligning with global sustainability goals. The adoption of digital tools in food manufacturing not only improves operational effectiveness but also positions the industry as a leader in environmentally responsible practices, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future.
In a session at the Dewan Negara, Senator Datuk Sivarraajh Chandran proposed a significant expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses across public universities, aligning with the anticipated transformative impact of AI technology on the future job landscape.
Senator Chandran emphasised that greater participation of higher education institutions in offering AI courses would create a more extensive platform for cultivating experts capable of addressing the challenges arising from the evolution and development of AI technology.
Citing a study conducted by the Ministry of Human Resources, which projected that approximately 4.5 million workers in the country could face job displacement by 2030 due to advancements in AI and Machine Learning (ML), Senator Chandran underscored the importance of mitigating this risk through the provision of additional AI-related educational opportunities. While acknowledging that the majority of jobs at risk are categorised as semi-skilled and unskilled, he stressed the profound impact such a shift could have on people’s livelihoods, warranting proactive measures.
These proposals were articulated during the deliberation of the Supply Bill 2024 in the Dewan Negara. Senator Chandran expressed support for the government’s initiative to establish the nation’s first Artificial Intelligence Studies Centre, housed at the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). This centre, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as part of the Budget 2024, received an initial allocation of RM20 million.
While commending the establishment of the AI Studies Centre at UTM, Senator Chandran argued for a more intensified effort, calling for the active involvement of additional public higher education institutions in providing AI courses. He believed that expanding educational offerings in the AI field could play a crucial role in reducing the projected job displacement and equipping the workforce with the necessary skills for the evolving job market.
In the context of potential job losses outlined in the Ministry of Human Resources study, Senator Chandran stressed the significance of not underestimating the impact of AI and ML advancements. He emphasised that the livelihoods of individuals were at stake, necessitating a proactive approach to skill development and education in emerging technologies.
Furthermore, Senator Chandran argued that the participation of more educational institutions in offering AI studies could have broader economic implications. He suggested that a robust educational ecosystem in AI would be an attractive factor for investors in the industry, as it would demonstrate the country’s commitment to fostering a skilled and credible talent pool capable of meeting the demands of the evolving job market.
In mid-October, Malaysia presented its 2024 budget, said to be the largest in the nation’s history, with an allocation of RM303 billion (US$64.7 billion). To fulfil fiscal obligations and decrease the deficit to 4.3%, the budget introduces significant structural changes to Malaysia’s tax system, affecting both businesses and individuals.
Notably, a capital gains tax is introduced, and there is an upswing in service tax rates. Furthermore, the government has confirmed the implementation of e-invoicing starting from 1 August 2024 and the adoption of the global minimum tax in 2025. These measures signify a comprehensive approach to fiscal management, aiming to enhance revenue streams, streamline tax processes, and align with global taxation standards.
Senator Datuk Sivarraajh Chandran’s proposals centre around the crucial role of education in mitigating the potential negative impacts of AI and ML advancements on the job market. By advocating for an expanded offering of AI courses in public universities, he aims to not only address the challenges posed by technological developments but also position the country as an attractive destination for investments in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.
The Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ashwini Vaishnaw, has discussed creating a robust response to the challenges posed by deepfake technology with representatives from academia, industry bodies, and social media companies. The consensus reached in the discussion entails collaborative efforts among the government, academia, social media companies, and the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) to collectively address the harmful uses of deepfake.
Deepfakes are artificial intelligence-manipulated video, audio, and images. Their hyper-realistic nature makes them challenging to identify as fake, especially for individuals unfamiliar with the technology. Therefore, these manipulations can and have harmed reputations and serve as tools to falsify evidence. Deepfakes are also a threat to democracy and social institutions globally and the increasing presence of deepfakes in political messaging could be particularly damaging, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming general elections, posing risks to the integrity of information and public discourse.
The meeting, held at the end of November, concluded with an agreement to identify actionable items within the next 10 days, focusing on four key pillars:
- Detection: Develop methods to identify deepfake content both before and after its posting.
- Prevention: Establish an effective mechanism to prevent the spread of deepfake content.
- Reporting: Implement an efficient and prompt reporting system along with a grievance redressal mechanism.
- Awareness: Launch a widespread awareness campaign to educate the public on the issues related to deepfake technology.Top of Form
Furthermore, effective immediately, MeitY will initiate an exercise to assess and formulate necessary regulations to combat the threat of deepfake. To facilitate this process, MeitY will invite public comments through the MyGov portal.
A follow-up meeting with relevant stakeholders will be held again this week to finalise the four-pillared structure. According to the government’s AI news portal, it remains committed to combating the growing threat of deepfake through technology and by fostering public awareness. It said that MeitY has frequently guided social media intermediaries, urging them to exercise due diligence and promptly take necessary actions against instances of deepfake.
Recently, the Delhi High Court expressed reservations about the prospect of judicial intervention to regulate the use of deepfake content created through AI. It said that addressing the issue and finding a balanced solution would be more appropriately handled by the government, given its extensive data resources and wide-ranging machinery. The court scheduled the matter for an additional hearing in January.
Governments globally are addressing the threats of damaging deepfake technologies by implementing enhanced rules and regulations. In September, the United States National Security Agency (NSA) and federal agency partners issued new guidance on cybersecurity risks associated with deepfakes.
As OpenGov Asia reported, they published a Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CSI) titled “Contextualising Deepfake Threats to Organisations” to help organisations recognise, safeguard against, and respond to deepfake threats.
It suggests that organisations should incorporate real-time verification capabilities. It underscores the use of passive detection techniques for continuous monitoring and early identification and emphasises the significance of safeguarding high-profile officers and their communications, as they are frequent targets of deepfake attempts.
Apart from detection, the guidance offered ways to mitigate the impact of deepfake attacks. Organisations must foster information sharing within and across organisations. The guidance advocates for thorough planning and rehearsal of responses to potential exploitation attempts, ensuring organisations are well-prepared for any incidents. Personnel training is another crucial aspect, providing individuals with the skills and knowledge to effectively recognise and respond to synthetic media threats.
One of the main challenges in addressing digital copyright infringements is the ability to detect and effectively combat such violations. Advanced technologies enable digital piracy and unauthorised content distribution through increasingly complex and difficult-to-monitor methods. Therefore, collaboration between the government, private sector, and relevant institutions is essential to develop efficient solutions and enforcement strategies to tackle these challenges.
Josefhin Mareta, a researcher at the Centre for Legal Research of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), revealed that there are still many digital copyright infringements in Indonesia. Examples of such cases include copyright violations of books in digital formats, such as scanning for e-books, file sharing, and unauthorised sales in online marketplaces. Additionally, there are copyright violations in digital music or songs, such as uploading cover songs to social media platforms without the copyright holder’s permission and bootlegging, such as recording concerts or performances on TV/film for personal or commercial purposes.
Copyright infringement refers to the unauthorised utilisation of copyrighted materials without the consent of the creators, holders, or authors. It constitutes an act of dishonesty and a breach of the economic and exclusive rights of the creators.
According to Josephine, the Indonesian government has taken several measures to address these issues, including actions by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo). These agencies have attempted to create joint regulations requiring monitoring or blocking content or access rights for individuals who violate copyright.
However, in investigating such violations, the bureaucracy is still intricate. The complainant must submit several requirements, such as documentary shreds of evidence, to prove that the item in question is being sold illegally, for example, on an e-commerce platform. Despite these efforts, various issues persist, such as the presence of digital literary works related to copyright.
Josefhin expressed that the relevant laws still need a clear definition of literary and digital works. This ambiguity extends to books, music, performances, and other forms, raising questions about how the public can distribute the creator’s royalties using digital works.
Further, Josefhin added that literary works have evolved from physical to digital forms over time. She explained that this evolution reflects significant changes in how humans convey, consume, and interact with information.
In light of this, Josephine explained that there are two approaches regarding copyright violations. First, substantial duplication refers to replicating the core elements of a copyrighted work. It should be noted that there are legal limitations, indicating that this prohibition does not encompass the entire work or a substantial part of it. Moreover, duplication is acceptable if accompanied by actions that do not harm the reasonable interests of the creator or if there is an agreement among all parties involved.
The second approach involves a “causal connection,” where events or previous works inspire a newly created copyrighted work. In other words, there is a traceable connection between the work being made and a work produced at some point in the past.
To elaborate further, Josefhin mentioned three restriction methods to prevent misuse when someone uses another person’s work without permission:
- Based on specific conditions or cases, an individual can sometimes use someone else’s copyrighted work without permission.
- Duplication should not conflict with the normal exploitation of the owner or copyright holder. It relates to the substance of the work.
- It should not diminish the legitimate interests of the creator.
Josefhin reiterated these points, emphasising that copyright violations are not a new phenomenon in Indonesia. With the rapid and massive digital developments, the government has to conduct regulations to prevent and oversee copyright infringement and avoid harm to any party.
“Creating works is a challenging process, but for many individuals, it serves as a means to earn a living. We must recognise and value this effort,” she concluded.
China has achieved a significant milestone in the advancement of its computing infrastructure with the official release of the national standard GB/T 43331-2023, titled “Internet Data Centre (IDC) Technology and Classification Requirements.” This strategic move underscores a steadfast commitment to propelling the robust development of the computing industry within the country.
Spearheaded by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), in collaboration with various enterprises and institutions, this achievement signifies a dedication to aligning with the evolving needs of the national computing infrastructure and ensuring the high-quality evolution of the computing industry.
The comprehensive scope of GB/T 43331-2023 spans six dynamic aspects, mirroring the complexity of the digital landscape it seeks to regulate. These aspects include greenness, availability, security, service capabilities, computing power, and computing efficiency, with an added emphasis on low-carbon practices.
At its core, this national standard is designed to serve as a guiding framework for the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Internet Data Centres (IDCs). The creators envision a future where GB/T 43331-2023 acts as a catalyst, propelling diverse industries forward by facilitating a more profound integration of computing infrastructure.
The roots of this groundbreaking standard extend back to 2013 when the data centre team of the Institute of Cloud Computing and Big Data at the CAICT embarked on a mission to standardise the communication industry.
Over the years, several data centre rating standards have emerged, each contributing as a stepping stone towards the ultimate realisation of GB/T 43331-2023. This national standard has now come to fruition after years of collaboration with users, designers, and industry suppliers.
According to CAICT, the standard places a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, a longstanding concern in the development of data centres. No longer a vague aspiration, GB/T 43331-2023 outlines specific requirements aimed at elevating the energy efficiency levels of data centres through the application of green technology and adept operation and maintenance system management.
Beyond technology, the standard underscores a commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. It addresses service capabilities through a comprehensive evaluation of external services in data centres. This assessment isn’t a mere formality; it objectively gauges capabilities, fostering self-improvement within data centres and aiding customers in selecting facilities suitable for their business needs.
The newly released standard also focuses on availability, enhancing data centre resilience through improved equipment redundancy. This ensures data protection during emergencies, fortifying the foundational architecture of the digital world. Security, a paramount concern in the data-centric era, receives meticulous attention. Beyond conventional measures like firewalls and passwords, the standard aims to ensure the safety of both data centre equipment and personnel, adopting a holistic approach to fortify the guardians of the digital realms.
The CAICT added that the GB/T 43331-2023 is not merely a set of regulations; it is a guidebook signalling a future where computing infrastructure seamlessly integrates into daily life. It represents a collaborative effort among academia, industry, and innovation, shaping a digital landscape that is not only efficient but also sustainable, secure, and prepared for future challenges.
By establishing common guidelines, protocols, and specifications, these standards ensure that hardware and software components from different vendors can seamlessly communicate and function as part of an integrated system. This not only simplifies integration processes but also fosters a more open and competitive market.
