Before you #TraceTogether, the team first #TestsTogether

In collaboration with

The TraceTogether App was launched in March by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and GovTech, as part of the world’s first national digital contact tracing effort.

Since then, it has been used extensively by the MOH and the product team has been busy improving its effectiveness and building enhancements, without compromising on security. We took a look behind the scenes to learn more about the testing process:

The first thing we realised? They use a lot of phones. Like a lot.

How many smartphone models can you name? Our guess is not a lot, especially beyond the flagship models of Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and Google, am i right?
In reality though, the phone population in Singapore isn’t just made up of more prominent models (the iPhones, the Galaxies, the Pixels), but also less glamorous models – say, like the humble Oppo A5.

Why does this matter? Because for TraceTogether to work effectively, the team has to make sure that ALL devices can be detected by each other – not just the popular ones. To help with this, the team maintains a ‘device farm’ – a collection of over 100 different devices representing the majority of the devices used in Singapore by market share.

The new TraceTogether tokens also go through the same stringent testing

In case you’re wondering whether or not there will be compatibility issues between smartphones and the newly introduced Tokens, the team has also been working hard to ensure that this communication is smooth.

TraceTogether Tokens, also based on BlueTooth proximity tracing, are tested alongside the App to ensure interoperability. This is done by calibrating distances to account for close contact range.

As the team conducts more trials and in turn collects more data, they are able to make more refined estimates that help improve the accuracy of digital contact tracing when used by MOH.

Indeed, in the eyes of Team TraceTogether, there’s no Apple vs Android, Token vs App – all devices are the same.

(Sorry fanboys.)

The GovTech office doubles as a makeshift testing ground

When the team needs a conducive environment to simulate real-world conditions, it’s fortunate that they have the GovTech office at Sandcrawler! This space has a wide variety of different office layouts and is divided into different zones, each simulating different types of areas that TraceTogether needs to operate in.

The GovTech office as a testing ground

For example, one zone with wide-open spaces can simulate, say, a void deck or a mall’s atrium, while a more intimate space can simulate tight spaces, such as public transport.

Both phones and tokens are then placed randomly in each zone. The goal here is simple:

1) Devices in the same zone must be able to detect and classify other devices in close proximity via TraceTogether

2) TraceTogether should not deem other devices in different zones as being in close proximity.

This process is repeated again and again, with varying combinations of phones and tokens in each zone, until the team is satisfied. Intense!

The testing never stops:

“One of the mistaken impressions that people have is that TraceTogether is a static programme. It’s not. It was developed in a very compressed period of time. And we’ve been working hard with MOH contact tracers to support their workflow and processes, while also constantly making the app more convenient for citizens,” explained Jason Bay, Senior Director, Government Digital Services.

“We also urge users to continue using SafeEntry and TraceTogether, which are complementary products – and not substitutes. One focuses on the locations you have been to, and helps jog your memory if you are asked to help in contact tracing; the other looks at person-to-person interactions.”

So to keep safe, remember to update your app to the latest version, and keep it open in the background whenever you head out!

Unveiling Singapore’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint

Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, unveiled Singapore’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint (DCB), which establishes the orientation for Singapore’s digital connectivity’s next frontier.

Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) partnered with a cloud computing company to launch a Joint Innovation Centre (JIC), a first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia and appointed 18 high-potential tech professionals as SG Digital Leaders under the SG Digital Leadership Accelerator.

The Blueprint was created in collaboration with the Advisory Panel on Digital Infrastructure, which is co-chaired by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, and other industry partners. It outlines strategic priorities and moves into new frontiers to stay ahead of the curve.

Reports cited that Singapore will continue to invest ahead of demand and plan holistically for the whole digital infrastructure stack, including hard infrastructure, physical-digital infrastructure, and soft infrastructure, to guarantee that the digital infrastructure is future-ready.

The nation is committed to staying ahead of the competition by expanding digital connectivity to provide better lifestyles and new opportunities for people and businesses. Hence, Singapore will increase its focus on the following strategic priorities:

Provide enough capacity for underwater cable landings to double in the next ten years.
Within the next five years, build seamless end-to-end 10 Gbps domestic connectivity.
Ensure digital infrastructure has world-class resilience and security.
Create a roadmap for the expansion of new Green Data Centres and push the sustainability envelope.
Increase the use of the Singapore Digital Utility Stack to broaden the benefits of smooth digital transactions.

Also, Singapore will make movements in more fledgling and frontier areas to capitalise on future opportunities:

Push for a Quantum-safe Singapore within the next ten years.
Lay the groundwork for widespread autonomy.
“Green software” to reduce heightened computing by establishing a nascent ecosystem for sustainable software.
Use Low Earth Orbit satellite services to enable creative solutions in critical industries.

The Blueprint lays a solid foundation for Singapore to achieve better opportunities, stronger trust, and empowered communities.

In addition, Tan Kiat How, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, met with the 18 Singaporeans designated as SG Digital Leaders from 16 companies. This is part of IMDA’s initiatives to develop Singaporean leaders in the ICT ecosystem for leadership roles in the digital economy.

The SG Digital Leaders are founders of high-growth tech start-ups, executives at large corporations (MNCs), and inventors creating world-changing technology. These executives come from a variety of backgrounds, lead regional teams, and have experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), data, software, and engineering.

The JIC will provide exclusive access to the latest tech showcases and demonstrations, innovation methodology for successful adoption and deployment, and workshops for design thinking, among other things, to inspire corporates and public sector organisations to accelerate industry innovation and support the growth of promising start-ups.

Modern digital infrastructure is critical to Singapore’s growth and prosperity. Businesses and consumers may access information and services more easily with improved connections, boosting innovation and economic competitiveness.

Process automation and digitalisation increase efficiency and production while decreasing expenses while smart city solutions improve resource management and overall quality of life. A well-developed digital infrastructure ecosystem attracts investments and encourages digital economy growth.

Data-driven decision-making gives policymakers more authority. Singapore’s emphasis on contemporary digital infrastructure positions it as a digital age global leader prepared for long-term growth and development.

Advancing Portable MRI Technology

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) researchers have significantly contributed to developing and installing the magnet utilised in the portable scanner. This innovative magnet technology is undergoing trials as part of a collaborative project between the RRI and the University of Minnesota in the United States. The RRI researchers have been actively involved in designing, fabricating, and optimising the magnet system to ensure its compatibility with the portable scanner.

Through this collaborative research and development, the RRI team has successfully implemented cutting-edge magnet technology that offers enhanced portability without compromising the quality and accuracy of the scanning process. The portable scanner, equipped with an advanced magnet system, holds great promise for various applications, including medical diagnostics, on-site inspections, and field research.

A senior engineer at RRI, Ben Parkinson, expresses that the magnet’s small size is the key to making MRI scanners portable. Smaller scanners will also mean a more positive patient experience. “Traditional MRI scanners are large and stationary machines, but with advancements in magnet technology, it has become possible to develop smaller and more compact scanners,” he said.

According to Professor Michael Garwood, the study’s principal investigator from the University of Minnesota Medical School, the design of the magnet used in portable MRI scanners can make these scanners transportable to populations and environments virtually anywhere.

The portability of MRI scanners has significant implications for expanding access to medical imaging technology beyond traditional healthcare settings. It enables conducting diagnostic imaging in rural communities, disaster-stricken regions, mobile clinics, and other challenging environments.

Bringing MRI scanners to these populations and environments can improve healthcare outcomes by enabling timely and accurate diagnoses, guiding treatment decisions, and facilitating preventive care.

The RRI and the University of Minnesota collaboration exemplify the importance of cross-disciplinary partnerships and knowledge sharing in advancing research and innovation. This ongoing collaborative project with the University of Minnesota aims to validate further the portable scanner’s effectiveness and reliability in real-world scenarios. It is underway to assess the scanner’s performance, optimise its capabilities, and explore potential areas of improvement.

The accomplishments of the RRI researchers in developing and implementing the magnet for the portable scanner highlight their dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and technological innovation. Their work is a testament to the potential of responsible research and innovation in driving transformative advancements that benefit society.

“Developing a device that requires seamless integration of mechanical and electromagnetic components would be a complex task. However, the team has achieved remarkable success, and I am thrilled to continue our partnership,” said Mr Parkinson.

Mr Parkinson is optimistic that in the future, portable scanners like these may empower communities in remote and resource-limited settings. They will have the potential to solve health inequities, facilitate research in understanding brain development and degeneration in diverse populations better, and enhance access to high-quality clinical care.

India Bridging the Digital Divide with Nationwide 4G/5G Services

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the third revival package for the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), which encompasses the provision of 4G/5G spectrum through equity infusion. The package for BSNL amounts to a total of IN 890.47 billion (around US$ 10.7 billion), according to a press release. BSNL is a central public sector undertaking (CPSU) headquartered in New Delhi. It operates under the Department of Telecommunications.

The authorised capital of BSNL will be increased from IN 1.5 trillion (US$ 18 billion) to IN 2.1 trillion (US$ 29.4 billion). The revival package will enable BSNL to become a stable telecommunication service provider with a primary focus on delivering connectivity to the most remote regions of India.

The spectrum allotment for BSNL brings a range of benefits and opportunities for the company. With this allocation, BSNL will be able to offer nationwide 4G and 5G services, bridging the digital divide in the country. It will enable BSNL to extend 4G coverage to remote villages as part of various connectivity initiatives. Additionally, the company will be able to provide Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services, delivering high-speed internet connectivity. Moreover, BSNL will have the capacity to offer services and spectrum for Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPN), catering to specific organisational needs.

In 2019, the government gave its approval for the initial revival package for BSNL/MTNL. The package amounted to IN 690 billion (US$ 8.3 billion) and played a significant role in addressing the challenges faced by BSNL/MTNL, ensuring the stability and continuity of operations.

In 2022, the government approved the second revival package for BSNL/MTNL, which amounted to IN 1.64 trillion (US$ 19.8 billion) and encompassed various provisions to strengthen their financial position and operational capabilities. The package included financial support for capital expenditure (capex), viability gap funding for rural landline services, financial support for de-stressing the balance sheet, and the settlement of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues. Additionally, the merger of Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) with BSNL was also part of the package, aiming to optimise resources and improve overall efficiency.

As a result of the two revival packages, BSNL has experienced a positive turnaround in its financial performance. Starting from the fiscal year 2021-22, BSNL has managed to generate operating profits, marking a significant achievement. Furthermore, the total debt of BSNL has reduced from IN 329.44 billion (US$ 3.9 billion) to IN 222.89 billion (US$ 2.6 billion).

BSNL has witnessed remarkable growth in the home fibre segment, with a consistent increase in new connections. Currently, BSNL is adding over 100,000 new connections each month. As of May 2023, the total home fibre subscriber base of BSNL stands at 3.088 million. The revenue generated from home fibre services last year amounted to IN 20.71 billion (US$ 250 million).

Telecom technology is a critical domain with only a few global providers offering end-to-end solutions. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision, India has successfully developed its own 4G/5G technology stack. The deployment of this indigenous technology has already commenced, and after a few months of field deployment, it will be swiftly rolled out nationwide on the BSNL network.

Vietnam’s Push for E-Invoice Adoption Driving Digital Transformation

The taxation sector is actively working towards the goal of having 70% of enterprises and business households transition to using e-invoices generated from cash registers by the end of this year. This initiative was launched on 15 December 2022. The promotion of e-invoices is a key task of the tax sector in its attempt to digitally transform businesses, financial agencies, and state departments.

As per the directives of the General Department of Taxation, tax departments have been urged to achieve specific targets for e-invoice adoption. These targets include reaching 30% by the end of the second quarter, 50% by the end of the third quarter, and 70% by the end of the year. In major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh, the requirement is a 100% adoption rate for dining and restaurant services.

By late May, a total of 18,963 businesses had completed the registration process to utilise e-invoices with tax codes generated from cash registers. According to the head of the Vietnam Academy of Finance’s Tax and Customs Department, expanding the use of e-invoices from cash registers plays a crucial role in enhancing the monitoring capabilities of tax authorities. This, in turn, leads to more efficient and equitable tax management by facilitating better oversight of the supply of goods and services offered by businesses.

Attention has been paid to solving obstacles related to policy, professional process, and the application of software in the scheme; as well as enhancing communication campaigns to raise taxpayers’ awareness of the benefits of using e-invoices generated from cash registers.

Ho Chi Minh City is among the three localities chosen for piloting the use of e-invoices. However, despite more than two months of implementation, the number of taxpayers who have successfully registered in the city has remained relatively low. As of 26 February of this year, the total number of registered taxpayers reached only 278.

Based on a preliminary survey, Ho Chi Minh City has identified 266 enterprises and 5,268 business households that fall within the scope of the scheme. These entities include trade centres, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment service providers. They have been identified as the primary targets for the implementation of the initiative.

Last year, the Minister of Finance said that e-invoices are crucial in creating a transparent and fair business environment, more streamlined administrative processes, and higher productivity. They are an integral part of Vietnam’s national strategy for digitalisation. The Ministry’s e-invoice project significantly improves the level of transparency and effectiveness while helping cut costs and improve the business environment.

Promoting the use of e-invoices is part of the government’s plan to build a digital society and economy. In 2020, Vietnam kicked off a national digital transformation programme, under which the country would renovate the management and administration activities of the government, the production and business activities of enterprises, and the overall way of living and working. It is working to develop a safe, humane, and wide digital environment. The national digital transformation programme has the dual purpose of both developing the digital government and economy and establishing Vietnamese digital businesses with a global capacity.

AI for Personalised Myeloid Leukaemia Treatment in Singapore

Researchers from Singapore General Hospital (SGH), A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), and Duke-NUS Medical School have used artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the identification of vital biomarkers that can identify patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) at diagnosis who will not respond to standard therapy.

These patients may be eligible for a life-saving bone marrow transplant in the early stages of the illness with this favourable prognosis.

A genetic mutation that causes a tyrosine kinase enzyme to turn on permanently causes CML, a specific type of blood cancer. In the bone marrow, a blood stem cell experiences a mutation that transforms it into an aggressive leukaemic cell that eventually takes over the creation of healthy blood.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), which turn off the tyrosine kinase that the genetic mutation switched on as a result, are the standard treatment for CML. But not everyone reacts the same way to these medications. Some individuals respond very well to the point that their life expectancy would be regarded as typical, at the other end of the range.

Besides, some individuals do not respond at all, and their sickness develops into a severe condition known as a blast crisis that is resistant to all sorts of conventional therapy.

Finding out if a patient is resistant to TKI therapy earlier could make the difference between survival or early death because the only cure for blast crisis is a bone marrow transplant, which would be most successful when carried out during the early stages of the disease.

“Our work indicates that it will be possible to detect patients destined to undergo blast crisis when they first see their haematologist,” said the study’s senior author and associate professor, Ong Sin Tiong of Duke-NUS’ Cancer & Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) Programme.

He added this may save lives since bone marrow transplants for these patients are most effective during the early stages of CML.

Researchers made an “atlas” of cells by taking samples of bone marrow from six healthy people and 23 people with CML before they were treated. The map let them see the different types of cells in each sample and how many of each type there were. Researchers did RNA sequencing on a single cell and used machine-learning methods to figure out which genes and molecular processes were on and off in each cell.

The work found eight statistically important things about the bone marrow cells before treatment. These things were linked to either sensitivity to treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or strong resistance to it.

Patients were more likely to react well to treatment if their bone marrow samples showed a stronger tendency toward premature red blood cells and a certain type of “natural killer cell” that kills tumours. As the number of these cells in the bone marrow changed, so did the way the patient responded to treatment.

The study could lead to drug targets that could help people with chronic myeloid leukaemia avoid or delay treatment resistance and blast crisis.

Associate Professor Charles Chuah from Duke-NUS’s CSCB Programme, who is also a Senior Consultant at the Department of Haematology at SGH and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), cited that the results of treating chronic myeloid leukaemia have gotten much better over the years and that patients now have many options. Knowing which treatment works best for each patient will improve these results even more, and they are excited about the chance of doing so.

The team hopes to use the results to make a test that can be used regularly in hospitals to predict how well a treatment will work.

Digital Sansad 2.0: Revolutionising Parliamentary Proceedings and Citizen Engagement

For India’s newly inaugurated Parliament building, a revamped version of the Digital Sansad app has been launched to provide a platform to stream parliamentary proceedings. The app is revolutionising communication and collaboration among stakeholders in the sector. It will promote transparency in governance and foster citizen engagement by providing easy access to information and facilitating active participation in the democratic process.

The app aims to cater to the diverse needs of Members of Parliament (MPs), government users, citizens, and secretariat personnel. It offers a range of services tailored to each user group, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to provide an enhanced experience, according to the government.

The revamped Digital Sansad is equipped with a diverse range of advanced features. It serves as a centralised hub for accessing various parliamentary resources. It uses AI to transcribe House proceedings in real-time. The technology enables automatic speech recognition, accurately capturing and transcribing word-by-word spoken in Parliament, ensuring a comprehensive and precise record of the proceedings.

By leveraging AI-enabled transcription techniques, the Digital Sansad app guarantees the availability of precise and dependable records without the need for human intervention in the note-taking process. The approach significantly reduces the risk of errors or omissions, ensuring the accuracy of the transcribed content. Furthermore, it streamlines the documentation process and allows for the easy retrieval of information, benefiting not only MPs and researchers but also the broader public on a large scale.

The Digital Sansad app offers several resources and functionalities to boost parliamentary operations. Users can access information on House business, member participation, debates, Q&As, media galleries, and digital libraries. This comprehensive access enables MPs and citizens to stay informed and engaged in the legislative process. Furthermore, the app acts as a bridge between citizens and their representatives by facilitating open dialogue through the Constituency Connect feature.

By simplifying administrative tasks for MPs, the Digital Sansad app saves valuable time and bridges the gap between their legislative responsibilities and the needs of the public. The direct interaction facilitated by the app ensures transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in the parliamentary processes, thereby fostering a robust democracy. The Digital Sansad 2.0 app is accessible on both Android and iOS platforms.

AI is playing an increasingly significant role in governance in India. The government has recognised the potential of AI to enhance decision-making, streamline administrative processes, and deliver efficient public services. It has also highlighted the importance of protecting data and ensuring the responsible use of AI.

Last month, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) established the Centre for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CeRAI), a multidisciplinary research centre dedicated to promoting ethical and accountable advancements in AI-powered solutions for practical applications.

As OpenGov Asia reported, CeRAI aims to establish itself as a leading research facility at both the national and international levels, focusing on fundamental and applied research in Responsible AI and its direct influence on implementing AI systems within the Indian ecosystem.

CeRAI’s main focus will be on generating high-quality research outputs, such as publishing research articles in high-impact journals/conferences, white papers, and patents, among others. It will work towards creating technical resources such as curated datasets (universal as well as India-specific), software, and toolkits pertaining to the field of Responsible AI.

Indonesia Explores Implementation of e-SIM Technology

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards from mobile operators in cell phones are becoming more advanced, and their sizes are getting smaller, making it easier for humans to be more efficient. The SIM card size, which initially started as a mini SIM, evolved into micro SIM and nano SIM, and the latest one is e-SIM or electronic SIM. Owners will no longer need to physically remove and insert SIM cards to connect to the network.

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) has announced that it will conduct a study to test the implementation of the Embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) in Indonesia. This step is part of the government’s efforts to anticipate and leverage the latest telecommunications technology developments. The study aims to comprehensively understand eSIM technology and explore the best ways to implement it effectively in Indonesia.

“The Public Testing Draft for the implementation study of eSIM is intended to gather responses and input from stakeholders involved in the eSIM implementation to improve the study material, thus producing a comprehensive and accurate study to support the eSIM ecosystem in Indonesia,” wrote Kominfo in a written statement.

Kominfo explains that eSIM technology is a promising solution to replace conventional physical SIM cards, enhancing security. By using eSIM, customer identity information is no longer stored in physical form on a card but integrated directly into the electronic device itself. It allows users to easily manage and access various communication services without physically changing SIM cards. Instead, users only need to scan a barcode to activate the eSIM.

The eSIM is embedded within a device and can be remotely activated with a local operator for use in a specific region. Owners of devices with embedded eSIM can also use mobile services from one country to another by activating the card in the destination country. This technology enables individuals to use a single phone with eSIM in multiple countries worldwide, eliminating the need to switch SIM cards for different local mobile operators.

Another advantage of eSIM technology is its larger capacity than conventional physical SIM cards. Users can simultaneously load up to eight different e-SIMs in a single smartphone. Therefore, the larger capacity of e-SIM opens new opportunities and provides greater flexibility in managing communication services. For example, users can have one eSIM for personal use, one eSIM for work, and several additional eSIMs for particular purposes, such as travelling abroad or using different networks.

Users no longer need to physically change SIM cards when switching operators or activating new services. Users can easily activate, deactivate, or switch between registered eSIMs on their devices through software settings. It saves time and provides convenience for users who frequently switch between operators or require access to different types of networks.

Additionally, multiple eSIMs in a single device provide an ideal solution for users with complex communication needs. For example, business owners with various phone numbers or professionals who frequently travel and require connectivity in different countries can easily manage and organise all their services through a single device.

Through this study, the government hopes to understand better the potential and challenges associated with eSIM implementation in Indonesia. It includes evaluating the regulatory and infrastructure needs required to support eSIM adoption and determining the appropriate policy measures to ensure adequate security, privacy, and consumer protection.

By adopting eSIM technology, in the future, Indonesian society can enjoy the benefits and conveniences offered by the latest communication technology while ensuring the protection of data and user security remains intact.

June 9, 2023

We are creating some awesome events for you. Kindly bear with us.

Before you #TraceTogether, the team first #TestsTogether

The first thing we realised? They use a lot of phones. Like a lot.

The new TraceTogether tokens also go through the same stringent testing

The GovTech office doubles as a makeshift testing ground

The testing never stops:

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