China CERT report highlights rise in cyberthreats associated with IoT devices and networked industrial systems

A report released by the National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team/Coordination Center of China (CNCERT) on April 19, summarising the Internet Security situation in 2016, highlighted security risks associated with Internet-of-things (IoT) devices and networked industrial systems.

The CNCERT report says that as the country’s industries adopt and integrate digital technologies into their systems, with progress in the Make in China 20205 initiative, it will create vulnerabilities and bring new cyberthreats.

1036 loopholes were found by China National Vulnerability Database (CNVD) in China’s industrial control systems as of 2016, with 173 of them discovered during 2016, an increase of 38.4% compared to the previous year.

In addition, the report revealed 1,117 loopholes in smart gadgets such as drones, web-cameras and internet-connected smart home appliances in 2016. The IoT device network continues to grow at a rapid pace and issues such as the use of weak passwords or built-in default passwords leave the devices open to malicious attacks. The number of attacks is expected to increase going forward.

Yan Hanbing, director of CNCERT’s operation department said, “Smart devices are small, therefore there is not much protective software in them. When the security problems are found, it will be very difficult to solve them through upgrades.”

During 2016, 10822 general hardware and software vulnerabilities were detected, an increase of 33.9% over 2015. The number of dangerous loopholes was high at 4146 (38.3%), an increase of 29.8% over 2015. Zero day vulnerabilities (gaps in software unknown to the vendor and which can be exploited by hackers before the vendor becomes aware and fixes it) increased by 82.5% over 2015.

China’s first Cybersecurity Law, which takes effect in June, is expected to clarify the responsibilities of governments, enterprises and individuals in cyberspace and detail measures on how to deal with cyber emergencies.

Liu Bo, an official at the Cyberspace Administration of China, said that the law and cybersecurity regulations will help prevent online attacks and efforts are ongoing to develop a supervision mechanism on internet goods and services.

China's 13th 5-year plan states that cybersecurity will be developed in tandem with information technology, systems safeguarding national cybersecurity and network governance will be improved protection of important information systems and data resources strengthened, ain order to ensure national information security.

Read the press release here.

The full report in Chinese is available here.

Singapore Pioneering High-Power Device Efficiency

The technology landscape constantly seeks high-power, energy-efficient devices. 3D-stacked electronics offer exciting potential, but overheating is a challenge due to their compact design. Excess heat can cause performance issues and damage. Thankfully, a new solution involving magnetic fields and innovative materials has emerged to address this challenge, ensuring these devices remain cool and efficient.

At the forefront of this breakthrough is a team of scientists led by Assistant Professor Hortense Le Ferrand of the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore – School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. They have embarked on a journey to tame the heat generated by 3D-stacked electronics and ensure they operate at peak performance.

The key to their innovation lies in a material called hexagonal boron nitride (BN), known for its exceptional heat-dissipating properties. To make BN responsive to their needs, the researchers coated microscopic BN particles with iron oxide. This strategic move rendered the particles magnetic, paving the way for precise control.

Next, they suspended these coated particles in a solvent and brought magnetic fields into play. The magic happened as the magnetic fields aligned the BN particles in various orientations. This alignment turned out to be the key to effective heat management.

The team conducted rigorous tests to gauge the heat-dissipating capabilities of these precisely oriented BN particles. What they discovered was nothing short of revolutionary: when the particles were aligned vertically, they proved incredibly efficient at channelling heat away from their source. This breakthrough alone promised a significant leap forward in the cooling technology of high-power devices.

But the innovation didn’t stop there. The orientation of the particles could also be tailored to direct heat in different directions, a flexibility that opens a world of possibilities. For instance, when these particles find themselves sandwiched between two heat-emitting electronic components, they can be configured to direct heat sideways, ensuring optimal thermal management.

Assist Prof Hortense believes this novel approach to aligning and orienting BN particles offers exciting new prospects for managing heat in high-power electronic devices. It’s a promising development that could pave the way for the widespread adoption of 3D-stacked electronics, ushering in an era of high-performance, energy-efficient devices without the nagging concern of overheating.

Preventing high-power devices ensures sustained performance. Overheating can cause these devices to throttle their performance or even shut down altogether. This can have a significant impact on productivity and functionality, especially in critical applications.

Further, managing heat is crucial for the longevity of these devices. Excessive heat can damage internal components over time, leading to a shorter lifespan. This, in turn, can result in frequent replacements, which can be costly for both consumers and manufacturers.

Besides, there are safety concerns associated with overheating. In extreme cases, it can pose a fire hazard or create electrical safety risks. Proper heat management is vital to mitigate these dangers and ensure the safe operation of high-power devices.

Efficient cooling also contributes to energy efficiency. When devices operate within their optimal temperature range, they consume less power. This not only reduces energy costs but also lessens the environmental impact.

Also, reliable operation is paramount for high-power devices, particularly in critical applications like medical equipment and aerospace technology. Overheating can lead to system failures, which may have severe consequences; hence, effective heat management is crucial to maintain the reliability of these devices.

India: Mobile Soil Quality Assessment for Farmers

The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras) has revealed that its scientists creating a portable, point-of-use device for identifying heavy metals in both soil and water. Research from the Ministry of Jal Shakti shows that over 36,000 rural habitations in India are grappling with issues related to contamination from fluoride, arsenic, and heavy metals in their drinking water sources.

According to a statement from IIT-Madras, the primary aim of the research is to package the technology into an engineered device, which will be programmed to deliver a user-friendly, non-technical read-out value of the soil quality index on a mobile phone-like application.

Currently, there are no field-usable or point-of-use solutions available for laypeople to use for detecting heavy metals in soil. The presence of heavy metals in soil also impacts soil quality by contributing to soil salinity. This can have a detrimental impact on global food security due to decreased agricultural yields and potential adverse effects on human health.

Sophisticated methods, such as the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) technique, are not accessible or user-friendly for laypeople and farmers because they involve complex and time-consuming procedures and heavily depend on advanced laboratory facilities. A portable, user-friendly device that can be operated by non-experts holds significant advantages from both social and economic standpoints.

Emphasising the potential impact of this technology, IIT-Madras Professor Sreeram K Kalpathy stated that given the heavy reliance of the Indian population on agriculture, there is an urgent need for technological solutions to detect and measure heavy metal concentrations. This would empower farmers with the information necessary to make informed decisions about which crops to cultivate and when to make interventions.

Current research efforts are focused on achieving higher resolution detection capabilities for copper, lead, and cadmium (in parts per million levels), as well as attaining the selective detection of specific metals.

The team is presently in the process of conducting tests on real soil and water samples to validate the concept. In this regard, with the assistance of the Rural Technology Action Group at IIT-Madras (RUTAG-IITM), they have also analysed water quality and the presence of heavy metals in water samples gathered from various temple tanks in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The aim is to have the technology validated and demonstrated in a field environment over the next 3-5 years.

The government has committed to rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country. Last month, the Meghalaya state government announced plans to deploy an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotic boat to clean Umiam Lake, which is polluted with plastic waste.

As OpenGov Asia reported, the Umkharh and Umshyrpi rivers course through Shillong, the state capital, carrying substantial quantities of plastic waste daily and depositing it into the southern portion of the lake. This area is only accessible by boat.

As part of the Smart Village Movement, a non-profit collaborating with the state government on various initiatives, a Hong Kong company was selected to showcase its cleaning technology. The small boat brought by the company can swiftly remove 200-400 kg of waste each day, allowing for a speedy cleanup of all the waste within the next few months if the larger boat is put into operation. Currently, the company has boats that clean waste in Varanasi and Bengaluru.

Western Australia’s Digital Transformation Initiative

The Government of Western Australia is taking steps to promote the growth of small to medium-sized local businesses by offering grants totalling over AU$3 million. These grants are intended to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness, enabling them to pursue contracts from both the government and private sector.

Known as the Local Capability Fund (LCF), this initiative serves as a crucial resource for recipients looking to expand their capacity and improve their competitiveness in supplying goods, services, and works to the government, major projects, and other significant markets.

For the upcoming fiscal year of 2023-2024, the government has announced four new LCF rounds, collectively amounting to AU$2.2 million in funding, with individual grants of up to AU$50,000. These four rounds are designed to cater to specific needs and priorities:

Supplying Key Projects Round: This round aims to support businesses across the state in supplying essential goods and services to key government and private sector projects within priority sector markets.
Aboriginal Business Round: This round is dedicated to businesses with a majority Aboriginal ownership. It seeks to assist these enterprises in supplying goods, services, and works to both the government and the private sector.
National and International Standards Compliance Round: To ensure businesses adhere to the highest industry standards, this round provides financial assistance for engaging external experts to implement and obtain third-party certification for seven specific national and international standards.
Digital Transformation Round (Upcoming): Soon, the LCF will introduce a Digital Transformation Round to provide initial support to eligible businesses in adopting and leveraging digital technologies and data. This round aims to advance the government’s understanding of digital needs in the business landscape.

Additionally, nine regional LCF rounds will be launched progressively throughout 2023-24, totalling AU$900,000 in funding with grants of up to AU$20,000. These rounds will specifically cater to businesses in regional areas, aiming to help them enhance their services and competitiveness.

Since its inception, the LCF has been instrumental in providing funding to over 600 businesses, totalling AU$22.7 million. This financial support has played a pivotal role in these businesses securing contract awards exceeding AU$1.05 billion. Beyond financial benefits, the LCF has contributed to creating more than 2,000 employment opportunities and nearly 250 apprenticeships.

The Minister Assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs, and Trade stated that the Local Capability Fund has served as a catalyst for numerous businesses, infusing tens of millions in funding to propel their expansion. This program has not only facilitated access to over 2,000 employment opportunities but has also supported the development of 250 apprenticeships.

The Government, through its representative, wholeheartedly encourages businesses to grasp this opportunity by submitting grant applications. This initiative will empower them in their pursuits to secure contracts from both government and private sector organisations.

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, technology plays an indispensable role in enhancing efficiency, competitiveness, and growth prospects for businesses of all sizes. The Cook Government recognises this and aims to empower local businesses through the Local Capability Fund, providing them with the financial means to embrace and leverage technology. This support is especially timely as the world becomes increasingly digital and data-driven.

The new Digital Transformation Round, set to be launched in the coming weeks, underscores the government’s commitment to assisting businesses in harnessing the power of digital technologies and data. In an era where businesses must adapt to technological advancements to remain relevant and competitive, this initiative is poised to make a significant impact.

With the Digital Transformation Round, eligible businesses will have access to vital resources and support to embark on their digital journey. This includes financial assistance, expertise, and guidance on adopting and utilising digital technologies effectively. Whether it’s transitioning to cloud-based operations, implementing data analytics, or enhancing online presence, this initiative aims to equip businesses with the tools they need to thrive in a digital age.

Beyond financial support, the Digital Transformation Round also aligns with the government’s broader mission of understanding the specific technological needs of businesses. By collecting insights and feedback from participating enterprises, the government can shape future policies and initiatives to better serve the evolving tech landscape.

OpenGov Asia previously reported that the Vietnam-Australia Digital Forum 2023, organised by Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and the NSW Trade and Investment Department, reflects the global importance of digital collaboration. This event, held during Minister Nguyen Manh Hung’s visit to Australia, signifies the commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation in information and communication technology.

It is part of the MIC’s broader 2023 initiatives to facilitate Vietnam’s digital business community expansion globally, with similar programs underway in countries like the United States, Japan, and Europe. These efforts underline the growing significance of international partnerships in fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and economic growth through technology.

Vietnam Plans Phasing Out 2G for 4G and 5G

Vietnam intends to start shutting down its 2G network by December, creating space for the advancement of more modern telecommunication technologies. According to the government, the 2G mobile network, initially introduced in Vietnam in 1993, has become obsolete and can no longer satisfy user demands or keep pace with the expansion of telecommunications services.

Therefore, the Authority of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) is considering the complete shutdown of the 2G network. Director of the Authority, Nguyen Thanh Phuc, mentioned that the agency conducted meetings with telecom service providers in Vietnam, and these providers have committed to initiating the blocking of 2G-only devices starting in December.

As per its document released on 27 September 2022, MIC has taken steps to deactivate the 2G network across the entire country. Additionally, service providers have devised technical solutions to phase out devices that rely solely on 2G and 3G networks.

The complete switch-off is intended to optimise frequency reserves for the development of modern telecommunication technologies, such as 4G and 5G. MIC is assisting telecom service providers in devising roadmaps and transition plans for discontinuing 2G services and facilitating the migration of users to 4G and 5G networks. The objective is to reduce the number of 2G mobile subscriptions to approximately 6 million, which would represent less than 5% of the total, by the end of the year, with a complete shutdown of the 2G network planned for 2024.

According to data from service providers, at the beginning of 2023, there were over 26 million 2G mobile subscriptions, constituting about 20% of the total 126 million mobile subscriptions nationwide. However, this number decreased to 23 million as of August.

The discontinuation of 2G services has been implemented in several countries, including Japan (in 2011), Singapore (in 2017), and China (in 2021). As of October 2022, 142 telecom service providers in 56 countries and territories made plans to shut down 2G and 3G networks, and 51 of them turned off 2G services.

Earlier this month, MIC announced the setting up of a team to accelerate 6G equipment development. The team works in collaboration with internal agencies and three major telecommunications carriers, including the state-run group Viettel.

As OpenGov Asia reported, the group reviews the system of legal documents to encourage the 6G technology ecosystem. It also tests and evaluates 6G equipment. The Deputy Director of the Authority of Information Technology and Communications Industry, Nguyen Thien Nghia, oversees the team.

The group puts forth management, assessment, inspection, and testing regulations regarding 6G equipment. The government believes that better guidelines and a clear technology framework will lead to more secure 6G networks in the future.

The team is also responsible for gathering international case studies to build a strategy for the development, assessment, and testing of equipment in Vietnam. The group monitors the 6G equipment research and development around the world, collecting information on equipment types, supportive bands, prices, and standardisation.

It will attend 6G technology conferences and seminars both abroad and in the country. The group will work on fostering international cooperation in the research and development of 6G technology and equipment.

The commencement of the 6G standard and its commercial rollout is anticipated to begin around 2028, with widespread commercial deployment likely occurring in 2030. 6G networks will revolve around both humans and machines, offering advanced services such as augmented reality, high-precision mobile holograms, and digital replicas.

Smart homes will be widely adopted when smart devices can be remotely connected and controlled. Additionally, the deployment of intelligent traffic management systems, autonomous vehicles, and flying taxis can be facilitated using 6G network technology.

Exclusive! Sustainability and Data-First Future to Enhance Customer Experience

Businesses across the globe are increasingly recognising the advantages of embracing a strategy that prioritises edge computing, cloud-based operations and data-centric management and harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) during this era of digital transformation and sustainability.

This shift in focus is not just an evolution within the business realm; instead, it holds remarkable potential to revolutionise entire industries and foster unprecedented levels of efficiency and innovation. No doubt, as businesses step into this new era, they will be presented with fresh opportunities as well as new challenges.

This transformation influences the operational aspects of companies but also has the potential to reshape the very foundations of their respective industries. Organisations must prepare themselves for a multitude of shifts.

These include changes related to data gathering, management and utilisation, along with the substantial influence of AI technology on their product and service development, customer engagement strategies, and overall business operations.

Organisations in Singapore are leading the way in embracing a sustainable digital future, setting a benchmark for others to follow. These initiatives not only bolster the country’s economic growth but also position it as a significant contender for long-term economic stability in the digital era.

Recent reports highlight an intriguing trend within the business sector. A remarkable 86% of corporate executives recognise that sustainability represents an investment that not only safeguards their companies from potential future disruptions but also fulfils a vital social responsibility.

Furthermore, it reveals that sustainability extends beyond environmental preservation, encompassing the optimisation of specific business functions, including cost control. Indeed, 80% of corporate leaders have reported cost optimisation as a direct result of their sustainability initiatives. This underscores the synergy between operational efficiency and immediate economic sustainability, showcasing how sustainability can yield tangible benefits.

In the pursuit of digital transformation and sustainability, numerous challenges must be confronted. One such hurdle involves the belief that the optimal strategy involves migrating all workloads to the cloud. While cloud computing offers substantial benefits, it may not fully account for the complexities of the contemporary information technology landscape.

The IT ecosystem comprises not only the tried-and-true but still valuable older generations of technologies but also newer innovations. Moreover, many businesses today rely on an array of diverse cloud services, resulting in what is commonly referred to as a “multi-cloud” environment. Additionally, sustainable IT strategies must take into account the rapidly expanding realm of edge computing.

To surmount these challenges, enterprises need to formulate an IT strategy that acknowledges the intricacies of the broader IT landscape beyond simply transitioning workloads to the cloud. They must strategise on how to effectively manage a diverse array of cloud services, seamlessly integrate both legacy and modern technology, and incorporate the growing significance of edge computing into their plans.

The OpenGov Events convened Singapore’s foremost technology leaders on 21 September 2023, at the Raffles City Convention Center Singapore to discuss the most recent insights regarding the key elements reshaping strategies for digital transformation. The session focussed on sustainability advancements, prioritising data-centric approaches, and adapting to the evolving landscape of hybrid design.

Opening Remarks

Mohit Sagar∶ The intersection of sustainability and data-Driven strategies reshapes the business landscape

According to Mohit Sagar, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of OpenGov Asia, in an era marked by dynamic digital transformation and a heightened focus on sustainability, businesses across the globe are recognising the immense potential of adopting an edge-centric, data-driven approach. At the forefront of this transformative convergence stands Singapore, setting the benchmark for sustainable digitalisation while positioning itself as a global leader in this paradigm shift.

“The marriage of sustainability and data-driven strategies is poised to reshape businesses and economies alike,” says Mohit.

Singapore’s pioneering role in sustainable digitalisation offers a blueprint for nations worldwide seeking to balance technological advancement with ecological preservation. By successfully aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility, the nation showcases the way forward in harmonising these two seemingly disparate goals.

Mohit recalls Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s remarks at the recent G20 New Delhi Summit. Prime Minister Lee underlined the importance of expanded private finance to confront the “existential” threat of climate change, which will necessitate trillions of dollars in annual investments to achieve global net-zero emissions by 2050.

Singapore’s blended finance platform, according to the Prime Minister, aims to pool resources from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to fund green initiatives and assist high-carbon enterprises in their attempts to reduce emissions.

For businesses, this paradigm shift represents a profound opportunity. The adoption of edge-centric approaches and the strategic integration of data-driven technologies empower companies to operate more efficiently and respond swiftly to evolving market demands. This synergy between sustainability and top performance underscores the importance of making environmental responsibility a fundamental element of digital transformation strategies.

As organisations align their technology with sustainability objectives, they unlock the potential of cloud computing, edge computing, and AI to optimise processes and drive efficiency. To fully harness this potential, effective data management, governance, security, and analytics form the bedrock for unlocking valuable insights that fuel revenue growth and expansion.

“The integration of sustainability and digital transformation necessitates strategic planning, precise data management, and unwavering commitment to innovation,” Mohit says. “By incorporating these elements, businesses position themselves for success in a future characterised by growth fueled by sustainability and technological advancement.”

This convergence of sustainability and digital transformation promises enhanced business performance, granting organisations a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving landscape. Furthermore, sustainability extends beyond ethical or efficiency considerations, serving as a wise investment in long-term resilience that strengthens businesses against disruptions and uncertainties.

Sustainable IT encompasses more than cloud migration, requiring an inclusive approach accommodating multi-generation systems, various cloud platforms, and the emerging realm of edge computing. This comprehensive approach paves the way for organisations to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and sustainable future.

Elevating customer experiences through a data-first approach is about understanding individual preferences, harnessing data analytics, and embracing innovation agility. Prioritising customer-centricity and strategic data utilisation enables businesses to forge deep connections with their audience, laying the foundation for sustainable growth.

Mohit recognises that data-driven insights fuel innovation, allowing organisations to introduce products and services aligned with customer preferences. Hence, adopting a “hybrid by design” approach involves seamlessly integrating efficient technologies, circular economy principles, and environmental factors into business strategies.

“This approach not only enhances competitiveness but also contributes to an eco-friendlier digital landscape,” Mohit observes.

Leveraging large-scale AI powered by renewable energy represents a significant stride toward sustainable IT practices, combining efficiency and environmental responsibility. By optimising workloads, minimising waste, and embracing circular economy principles, organisations can contribute to a more environmentally conscious technological landscape.

Mohit believes that to navigate the challenges in delivering sustainable and customer-centric experiences, businesses should integrate data security, sustainability, innovation, and adaptability into their approach. Ethical data practices, AI-driven insights, and flexibility are key elements in this endeavour.

Balancing data utilisation with stringent security measures is essential to maintain customer trust and avoid breaches. Harmonising innovation with sustainability objectives requires strategic decision-making.

“Ensuring data accuracy and reliability across various platforms is a consistent effort, and extracting meaningful insights from abundant data is crucial for informed decision-making,” Mohit concludes.

Welcome Address

Joseph Yang∶ Continuous information technology can provide cost efficiency and performance optimisation

The pandemic has altered the nature of work considerably, requiring companies to find innovative strategies for ensuring continuity, boosting productivity and adaptability when handling emergency scenarios. One such adaptation has been the introduction of a hybrid work model, allowing employees to work from home for a portion of their workweek. Besides affording employees greater flexibility, this work model enables organisations to optimise their resource allocation.

Joseph Yang, Managing Director, Singapore at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, agrees that a hybrid work style can lead to cost savings in maintaining physical offices and related infrastructure. With employees able to work from anywhere with a strong internet connection, it also expands access to talent beyond the confines of a traditional office location.

Moreover, the adoption of a hybrid work model goes beyond its immediate benefits and significantly contributes to an organisation’s agility in navigating the dynamic and ever-changing business environment. This flexibility empowers companies to make swifter and more adept adjustments in response to shifting circumstances and emerging challenges.

Conversely, when organisations adopt a hybrid strategy, data bias often arises inadvertently, as Joseph shares. It is important that organisations acknowledge this issue and take a more proactive stance in addressing it. One approach involves harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) on a broader scale to transform data bias into a valuable source of intelligence.

AI proves particularly effective in identifying, managing, and rectifying bias, surpassing human capabilities in terms of accuracy and efficiency. As a result, AI is increasingly leveraged to mitigate data bias. It can swiftly and comprehensively analyse vast datasets, while also identifying potential bias-indicating patterns and providing relevant solutions.

Furthermore, AI possesses the capability to continuously evolve and enhance its bias-mitigation abilities through learning from newly acquired data. Consequently, the utilisation of AI can aid organisations not only in pinpointing existing biases within their data but also in proactively preventing the emergence of new biases in the future.

This strategic approach allows businesses to accelerate the adoption of a data-driven methodology that precedes and generates actionable insights. Consequently, organisational performance experiences a notable boost, and challenges related to information technology sustainability become more intricate, reflecting the rapid evolution of technology’s role in shaping businesses.

Joseph thinks that one of the pivotal domains for addressing this issue revolves around enhancing data centre efficiency. By implementing cooling solutions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and designing data centres with energy-efficient layouts, organisations can significantly diminish their carbon footprint.

Furthermore, the adoption of lifecycle management techniques, data compression, and deduplication can curtail the demand for data storage and subsequently reduce energy consumption. Additional measures to mitigate the carbon footprint include decreasing travel through server virtualisation, promoting remote work arrangements and opting for environmentally conscious data storage solutions.

A commitment to sustainability, along with ongoing monitoring and transparent reporting, forms the cornerstone of an environmentally responsible data management strategy. This mindset can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to information technology.

According to Joseph, the term “sustainable information technology” encompasses the adoption of information technology practices and tools that align with long-term sustainability objectives and demonstrate environmental consciousness. These strategies will significantly aid a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to data management and technology infrastructure.

Joseph underscored the importance of thoughtfully selecting data centre locations that enable the implementation of efficient cooling systems and the utilisation of renewable energy sources. Just intentionally and strategically selecting locations can make substantial strides in reducing their carbon footprint and minimising their ecological impact.

Sustainable information technology not only benefits the environment, but also offers cost efficiencies, resource optimisation, and better operational results. This enables organisations to reduce energy consumption, reduce operational costs, improve resource allocation, and ensure business continuity through reduced downtime.

“Embracing sustainable information technology in line with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and customer expectations makes the organisation a responsible and forward-thinking entity in the modern business landscape,” Joseph concludes.

Power Talk

Architecting an intrinsically sustainable, data-first, and hybrid-by-design future represents a forward-looking approach that integrates three critical elements: sustainability, data-centricity, and hybrid infrastructure. This approach is poised to shape the future of businesses and technologies in an increasingly interconnected and eco-conscious world.

Ashutosh Sharan∶ Mastercard analyses payment data and consumer behaviour to promote sustainability

Ashutosh Sharan, Vice President of Customer Solutions for Southeast Asia at Mastercard, highlights Mastercard’s proactive involvement in various endeavours that fuse sustainability with digital transformation.

One noteworthy initiative is the introduction of the Priceless Planet Coalition, where Mastercard collaborates with organisations such as Conservation International to embark on an ambitious mission of restoring 100 million trees over five years. This undertaking ingeniously utilises technology to actively engage consumers in meaningful environmental conservation efforts.

Additionally, Mastercard remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing digital financial inclusion, particularly in underserved regions. Through the deployment of digital payment solutions, Mastercard aims to empower individuals economically, concurrently diminishing the dependence on cash transactions.

“Mastercard dedicates substantial data resources to propel sustainability initiatives.,” Ashutosh explains. “We analyse payment data and consumer behaviour to encourage environmentally conscious choices.”

The company also places a strong emphasis on supply chain sustainability, harnessing digital solutions to empower businesses in monitoring and enhancing the environmental footprint of their operations.

Furthermore, their initiatives to offer digital identity solutions for marginalised populations are aimed at bolstering financial access and sustainability within the digital economy.

Mastercard has established an ambitious objective of attaining carbon neutrality in its worldwide operations by the year 2050. To achieve this, they are actively integrating sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology to significantly diminish their carbon footprint.

Moreover, they are engaged in projects focused on smart cities and urban sustainability. These initiatives entail partnerships with cities to deploy digital solutions that enhance transportation systems and promote urban sustainability. In addition, Mastercard is dedicated to supporting digital education initiatives that advocate for sustainable practices among individuals and businesses alike.

Ashutosh acknowledges that aligning sustainability goals with customer expectations can be challenging due to factors such as insufficient awareness, conflicting priorities, and the perceived high costs associated with sustainable products. To overcome these obstacles, companies should implement clear and easily understandable communication strategies that highlight the mutual benefits of sustainability, while also providing incentives for making sustainable choices.

He further suggests that addressing the issue of limited product availability requires close collaboration with suppliers and partners, expanding accessibility through various means, and considering online sales options. Ensuring transparency within supply chains, adapting to evolving customer preferences, and demonstrating tangible and measurable sustainability impacts are all critical steps in meeting these challenges.

Building trust by avoiding greenwashing, tailoring sustainability efforts to local preferences, and proactively engaging and educating customers through events and collaborations are key strategies to align sustainability goals effectively with customer expectations. Ultimately, companies that prioritise transparency, education, and customer collaboration are better equipped to foster a shared commitment to sustainability with their customer base.

“Ensuring a consistent and seamless customer journey across various channels in a hybrid model necessitates a well-planned strategy,” Ashutosh explains. “It begins with centralising customer data through a CRM system, which serves as a foundation for personalisation.”

The significance of adopting an omnichannel approach, which entails maintaining consistent messaging, branding, and service standards across both physical and digital touchpoints, cannot be understated.

It is crucial for the integration of technologies to be seamless, enabling the smooth flow of data between these channels to facilitate effortless transitions for customers. This uniformity in branding, design, and messaging serves to reinforce brand recognition and build trust.

In Ashutosh’s view, personalisation driven by customer data is paramount, ensuring that customers feel genuinely understood and well-served, regardless of the channel they opt for. Providing a consistent customer support experience, whether through phone, email, chat, or in-person interactions, remains of utmost importance.

Ashutosh emphasises that mobile optimisation is absolutely crucial in today’s business landscape. Mobile experiences must align with and match the quality of desktop interactions. Moreover, he stresses the importance of continuous feedback collection and iterative improvement to ensure that customer experiences are constantly evolving and improving.

In addition, Ashutosh highlights the vital importance of robust cybersecurity measures and strict data privacy protocols. These are essential not only for protecting sensitive customer information but also for maintaining and reinforcing customer trust in the long term.

Dr Tung Whye Loon∶ AI-driven data analysis uses NLP to generate innovative products and services

Dr. Tung Whye Loon, the Director of Data, AI & Research at SP Digital, a part of SP Group, spoke on how SP Digital has achieved successful integration of AI and data optimisation into various facets of its operations, reaping numerous advantages.

One noteworthy application is predictive maintenance, driven by AI, which allows SP Digital to anticipate equipment failures and proactively perform maintenance, thereby reducing unplanned downtime and bolstering asset reliability. Additionally, the utilisation of AI in demand forecasting optimises production and distribution, ensuring efficient operations and minimising issues like stockouts or surpluses.

“AI-driven fraud detection enhances customer protection and financial security, while customer segmentation enables more effective marketing campaigns through personalised targeting,” Dr Tung explains.

SP Digital is actively exploring additional applications of AI and data optimisation to continue advancing its operations. This encompasses streamlining energy consumption through the use of AI for scheduling production during off-peak hours and the implementation of demand-response programmes to manage energy demand more efficiently.

Furthermore, there is significant potential for enhancing customer service through AI. Chatbots and machine learning can play a pivotal role in addressing customer inquiries promptly and efficiently, while also identifying potential churn risks.

Additionally, AI-driven data analysis can be instrumental in fostering innovation. It can identify customer patterns and generate fresh ideas through natural language processing, thereby facilitating the development of innovative products and services.

These initiatives showcase SP Digital’s commitment to leveraging AI and data optimisation to transform its operations and enhance customer value, according to Dr Tung.

Harnessing the potential of large-scale AI for a data-first strategy requires a systematic approach aimed at transforming organisations into data-driven powerhouses. This journey commences with the meticulous collection and integration of data from diverse sources, with a focus on ensuring data quality and standardisation.

The application of AI-powered analytics, including machine learning and predictive models, then plays a pivotal role in unveiling hidden patterns and correlations within vast datasets, offering valuable insights crucial for informed decision-making.

Moreover, the establishment of scalable infrastructure, such as cloud computing and edge computing, becomes vital to accommodate the ever-expanding volumes of data and facilitate real-time analysis. Strong data governance practices, robust cybersecurity measures, and unwavering compliance with data privacy regulations are indispensable elements for safeguarding data integrity and security throughout this process.

Dr Tung stresses that actionable insights are derived through visualisation, reporting, and automated alerts, empowering stakeholders to make data-driven decisions.

“Continuous learning, feedback loops, and a data-first culture foster ongoing improvement, with cross-functional collaboration and measurable impact driving the adoption of AI-powered data strategies,” he believes. “Ethical considerations guide responsible AI and data practices, ensuring the ethical use of data and AI technologies throughout the organisation.”

In a resource-intensive, hybrid IT environment, achieving a harmonious blend of innovation and sustainability is paramount. This can be accomplished by embracing a multi-faceted approach that addresses both technological advancement and ecological responsibility. Organisations should prioritise energy efficiency and renewable resources to power their IT infrastructure, complemented by data centre optimisation techniques that reduce resource wastage.

Dr Tung believes that embracing cloud computing and hybrid models allows for dynamic resource allocation, minimising energy consumption, “Circular economy principles encourage the recycling and reusing of IT equipment, further reducing environmental impact.”

Additionally, encouraging innovation for sustainability promotes the development of green IT solutions and the integration of emerging technologies to optimise resource utilisation. Effective data optimisation and management strategies minimise data redundancy, leading to lower storage and processing requirements.

Dr Tung firmly believes that involving employees in sustainable practices and regularly monitoring key performance indicators related to sustainability serves as the foundation for nurturing a culture of accountability within the organisation.

By adhering to environmental regulations and actively collaborating with eco-conscious suppliers, the organisation ensures that sustainability remains a central focus in its IT operations. This commitment to sustainability underscores the organisation’s dedication to responsible environmental stewardship.

By implementing these strategies, organisations can effectively balance the demands of innovation with sustainability in resource-intensive, hybrid IT environments, reducing their environmental footprint and contributing to a greener, more responsible future.

Joseph Yang∶ Using data analytics and AI, HPE helps deliver on sustainable and commercial benchmarks

Joseph Yang, the Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in Singapore, revealed that HPE encounters various sustainability challenges in its pursuit of sustainability goals. Among these challenges, one major concern is the substantial energy consumption associated with its data centres and manufacturing facilities.

Addressing these energy-related issues is a crucial aspect of the company’s sustainability mission. HPE has successfully implemented strategies to diminish energy consumption without compromising operational efficiency, thereby mitigating its environmental impact.

Additionally, being a technology company, HPE faces the challenge of managing electronic waste (e-waste) stemming from outdated equipment. To address this issue responsibly, HPE emphasises the need for proper disposal and recycling methods to minimise environmental harm associated with e-waste disposal.

HPE confronts significant challenges in its sustainability initiatives, including the need to ensure the sustainability of its extensive supply chain. This encompasses responsible material sourcing and ethical labour practices, both of which require diligent management and oversight.

Moreover, HPE faces the intricate task of balancing data privacy and security concerns with its sustainability objectives. This balancing act underscores the complexity of HPE’s sustainability efforts, as it strives to uphold its commitment to sustainability while safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place.

Joseph notes that HPE acknowledges several sustainability opportunities within its operations. One significant avenue involves embracing energy-efficient technologies and adopting sustainable practices within its data centres and facilities. This approach presents an opportunity to reduce energy consumption without compromising performance, aligning with HPE’s commitment to sustainability.

Joseph is confident that HPE can further capitalise on circular economy principles by refurbishing and repurposing old IT equipment, promoting recycling, and extending product lifecycles. Collaborating with suppliers and partners enables HPE to drive sustainability throughout its supply chain, from responsible material sourcing to reduced emissions in logistics and transportation.

Leveraging its technological expertise, HPE can innovate sustainable IT solutions, such as energy-efficient servers and environmentally friendly data storage, he says. Harnessing data analytics and AI allows HPE to optimise operations for sustainability, including predictive maintenance to reduce energy consumption and data-driven supply chain improvements.

HPE’s engagement with customers through green IT solutions and services, along with a dedication to regulatory compliance, enhances the company’s reputation as a responsible and sustainable organisation.

“By addressing sustainability challenges and capitalising on opportunities, HPE is well-positioned to align its business objectives with environmental and social responsibility” Joseph concludes. “Ultimately, we are contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for all.”

Closing Remarks

Alexis Crowell∶ Build a sustainable framework around awareness, balance and commerciality

Alexis Crowell, Vice President and CTO, Sales, Marketing and Communications Group – Asia Pacific and Japan, Intel reiterated the significance of implementing and seamlessly integrating data within the organisation to enhance customer satisfaction. By maintaining a robust data history, services can be tailored to better align with the individual needs of customers, ensuring greater personalisation and relevance.

Well-integrated data allows organisations to respond quickly to customer issues or complaints, which can improve company image and build customer trust. Additionally, this data-driven approach empowers organisations to identify trends and patterns in customer behaviour, which can then be leveraged to formulate more potent and effective marketing strategies.

Alexis believes that effective data management not only enhances customer satisfaction but also enables organisations to streamline their internal processes, leading to cost reductions and improved overall efficiency. Consequently, prioritising data integrity and quality represents a valuable investment in the pursuit of long-term success for any organisation.

Alexis added that it is possible to align data-based organisations with information technology sustainability. This strategic focus not only promotes eco-friendly practices but also fosters long-term resilience and responsible stewardship of resources in the digital age.

“Organisations do not need to worry about not being able to achieve harmony between efficient and sustainable use of information technology,” she argues. “With the right commitment and smart investments, every organisation can take steps towards sustainable, environmentally friendly data management.”

Mohit emphasised the crucial role of engaging the entire organisation in this ongoing journey, asserting that it’s not solely the responsibility of the IT department. The far-reaching effects and advantages of sustainable information technology reverberate throughout the entire organisation.

He believes that ample resources and support are readily accessible to organisations aspiring to embark on the path of information technology sustainability. These resources encompass a spectrum of tools, expert guidance, best practices and collaborative networks, all designed to facilitate a smooth and successful transition toward sustainable technology practices.

“By tapping into these available resources, organisations can navigate the complexities of sustainability initiatives with confidence and vigour, fostering a brighter future for both their operations and the planet,” Mohit is convinced.

In closing, Mohit extended his gratitude to all the delegates for their presence and active participation. He firmly believes that their invaluable insights and contributions not only enriched the discussions but also solidified a collective commitment to forging a sustainable and progressive future.

Eksklusif! Keberlanjutan dan Pemanfaatan Data Masa Depan untuk Meningkatkan Kepuasan Pelanggan

Dalam saat-saat ini yang dicirikan oleh transformasi digital dan keberlanjutan, bisnis di seluruh dunia semakin memahami dengan lebih mendalam dampak yang bisa terjadi saat mereka mengambil pendekatan yang mengedepankan elemen edge, berbasis cloud, berpusat pada pengelolaan data, dan diberdayakan oleh kecerdasan buatan (AI). Perubahan fokus ini bukan hanya sekadar evolusi dalam dunia bisnis; sebaliknya, hal ini memiliki potensi yang luar biasa untuk mengubah secara mendasar berbagai industri dan mendukung perkembangan inovasi serta efisiensi dalam skala yang belum pernah terbayangkan sebelumnya.

Ketika bisnis-bisnis ini beranjak menuju era baru ini, mereka menghadapi tantangan yang berbeda, dan juga peluang yang lebih besar. Pergeseran ini tidak hanya memengaruhi cara bisnis beroperasi, tetapi juga berpotensi memengaruhi keseluruhan struktur industri.

Mereka harus siap untuk menghadapi beragam perubahan, termasuk dalam hal bagaimana data dikumpulkan, dikelola, dimanfaatkan, serta bagaimana teknologi AI memainkan peran sentral dalam mengubah cara mereka berinteraksi dengan pelanggan, menciptakan produk dan layanan, dan mengelola operasi mereka secara keseluruhan.

Organisasi di Singapura menjadi contoh terkemuka dalam merangkul masa depan digital yang berkelanjutan. Upaya ini berkontribusi pada pertumbuhan ekonomi negara tersebut dan menempatkannya sebagai kekuatan dominan dalam era digital untuk daya tahan ekonomi jangka panjang.

Mengutip Charles Darwin, “Bukan yang paling kuat yang bertahan, tetapi yang paling responsif terhadap perubahan.” Prinsip ini sangat berlaku dalam era transformasi digital dan keberlanjutan saat ini. Bisnis yang memiliki kemampuan untuk merespons perubahan ini dengan cepat dan cerdas akan memiliki peluang yang lebih besar untuk bertahan dan berkembang dalam lingkungan yang berubah dengan cepat ini.

Fakta ini kemudian didukung oleh sebuah penelitian yang menunjukkan bahwa bisnis yang menggabungkan keberlanjutan dan transformasi digital 2,5 kali lebih mungkin menjadi performer terbaik. Untuk mencapai hal ini, dibutuhkan keseimbangan antara upaya keberlanjutan dan digital, menyelaraskan teknologi, mengelola data dengan efektif, meningkatkan pertumbuhan pendapatan, meningkatkan efisiensi, dan mengurangi jejak karbon dari edge hingga cloud.

Menurut data yang disajikan oleh Gartner, terdapat sebuah tren yang menarik di dunia bisnis saat ini. Sebanyak 86% dari pemimpin bisnis mengakui bahwa keberlanjutan bukan sekadar tanggung jawab sosial, tetapi juga merupakan investasi yang mampu melindungi organisasi mereka dari potensi gangguan dan ketidakstabilan di masa depan.

Dalam pandangan mereka, keberlanjutan bukan hanya tentang menjaga lingkungan, tetapi juga mengoptimalkan berbagai aspek bisnis, termasuk dalam hal pengendalian biaya. Bahkan, 80% dari pemimpin bisnis melaporkan bahwa upaya keberlanjutan yang mereka lakukan telah menghasilkan pengoptimalan biaya yang signifikan. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa keberlanjutan dapat berdampak positif terhadap efisiensi operasional dan keberlanjutan ekonomi jangka pendek.

Namun, dalam perjalanan menuju keberlanjutan dan transformasi digital, ada sejumlah kompleksitas yang harus diatasi. Salah satunya adalah gagasan bahwa memindahkan semua beban kerja ke cloud merupakan solusi yang tepat. Meskipun komputasi cloud memiliki banyak manfaat, hal ini mungkin mengabaikan beberapa realita di dunia teknologi informasi saat ini. Lingkungan TI tidak hanya terdiri dari teknologi generasi baru, tetapi juga generasi lama yang masih relevan. Selain itu, banyak organisasi saat ini menggunakan berbagai layanan cloud yang berbeda, menciptakan apa yang disebut sebagai “multiple cloud.” Di samping itu, munculnya komputasi edge, yang semakin berkembang pesat juga perlu dipertimbangkan dalam strategi TI berkelanjutan.

Menurut IDC, sekitar 70% aplikasi dan data masih tetap berada di pusat data, colocation, dan komputasi edge. Ada berbagai alasan untuk hal ini, seperti kebutuhan akan latency yang rendah dalam beberapa situasi, kebijakan pengelolaan data yang ketat, pertimbangan kedaulatan data, peraturan kepatuhan, atau ketergantungan pada aplikasi-aplikasi yang masih terikat dengan arsitektur TI tradisional.

Dalam menghadapi tantangan-tantangan ini, organisasi perlu mengembangkan strategi TI yang tidak hanya memindahkan beban kerja ke cloud, tetapi juga mempertimbangkan kompleksitas lingkungan TI yang lebih luas. Mereka perlu menemukan cara untuk mengintegrasikan berbagai teknologi generasi lama dan baru, mengelola layanan-layanan cloud yang beragam, dan mempertimbangkan komputasi edge dalam strategi mereka.

OpenGov Events yang telah diselenggarakan pada tanggal 21 September 2023 di Raffless City Convention Centre Singapura membahas terkait pengintegrasian data dan pemanfaatan teknologi untuk keberlanjutan bisnis di masa depan.

Mohit Sagar∶ Potret Persimpangan Keberlanjutan dan Strategi Berbasis Data yang Membentuk Lanskap Bisnis

Menurut Mohit Sagar, CEO dan Kepala Redaktur OpenGov Asia, dalam era transformasi digital yang dinamis dan peningkatan fokus pada keberlanjutan, bisnis di seluruh dunia semakin menyadari akan potensi besar dengan mengadopsi pendekatan berbasis data yang berfokus pada edge. Di garis depan konvergensi transformatif ini, Singapura berdiri menetapkan standar untuk digitalisasi berkelanjutan sambil memposisikan dirinya sebagai pemimpin global dalam pergeseran tersebut.

“Penggabungan antara keberlanjutan dan strategi berbasis data siap untuk menciptakan bisnis dan ekonomi baru,” kata Mohit.

Peran pelopor Singapura dalam digitalisasi berkelanjutan menawarkan panduan bagi negara-negara di seluruh dunia yang ingin menyeimbangkan kemajuan teknologi dengan pelestarian ekologi. Dengan menyelaraskan pertumbuhan ekonomi dan tanggung jawab lingkungan, negara ini berhasil mengharmonisasikan dua paradigma yang berbeda ini.

Bagi bisnis, pergeseran paradigma tersebut dapat mewakili peluang yang mendalam. Adopsi pendekatan berbasis edge dan integrasi strategis teknologi berbasis data memberdayakan perusahaan untuk beroperasi lebih efisien dan merespons dengan cepat tuntutan pasar yang berkembang. Sinergi antara keberlanjutan dan kinerja terbaik menggarisbawahi pentingnya tanggung jawab lingkungan sebagai elemen fundamental dari strategi transformasi digital.

Saat organisasi menyelaraskan teknologi mereka dengan tujuan keberlanjutan, mereka membuka potensi komputasi cloud, komputasi edge, dan kecerdasan buatan (AI) untuk mengoptimalkan proses dan meningkatkan efisiensi. Agar sepenuhnya memanfaatkan potensi tersebut, manajemen data, tata kelola, keamanan, dan analitik yang efektif menjadi dasar untuk menciptakan wawasan berharga yang menggerakkan pertumbuhan pendapatan dan ekspansi.

“Integrasi keberlanjutan dan transformasi digital memerlukan perencanaan strategis, manajemen data yang tepat, dan komitmen yang teguh terhadap inovasi,” kata Mohit. “Dengan menggabungkan elemen-elemen ini, bisnis menempatkan diri mereka untuk sukses di masa depan yang ditandai oleh pertumbuhan dari keberlanjutan dan kemajuan teknologi.”

Konvergensi antara keberlanjutan dan transformasi digital menjanjikan peningkatan kinerja bisnis, memberi perusahaan keunggulan kompetitif dalam lanskap yang berkembang dengan cepat. Selain itu, keberlanjutan lebih dari pertimbangan etika atau efisiensi, ini juga merupakan investasi cerdas dalam ketahanan jangka panjang yang memperkuat bisnis terhadap gangguan dan ketidakpastian.

Teknologi Informasi berkelanjutan mencakup lebih dari migrasi ke cloud, melibatkan pendekatan inklusif yang mengakomodasi sistem multi-generasi, berbagai platform cloud, dan ranah yang muncul dalam komputasi edge. Pendekatan komprehensif ini membuka jalan bagi organisasi untuk berkembang di masa depan yang semakin terhubung dan berkelanjutan.

Meningkatkan pengalaman pelanggan melalui pendekatan berbasis data adalah tentang memahami preferensi individu, memanfaatkan analitika data, dan merangkul inovasi. Menempatkan pelanggan sebagai pusat perhatian dan pemanfaatan data yang strategis memungkinkan bisnis untuk menciptakan relasi yang kuat dengan mereka sebagai dasar sebuah pertumbuhan berkelanjutan.

Mohit dengan sungguh-sungguh memahami bahwa pengetahuan yang diperoleh dari data memiliki peran penting dalam mendorong inovasi. Hal ini memungkinkan organisasi untuk menghadirkan produk dan layanan yang sesuai dengan keinginan pelanggan. Oleh karena itu, Mohit menekankan pentingnya untuk menggabungkan teknologi yang efisien, prinsip-prinsip ekonomi sirkular dengan memperhatikan faktor-faktor lingkungan secara bersatu dalam strategi bisnis.

Dalam pandangan Mohit, pendekatan ini tidak hanya meningkatkan daya saing organisasi, tetapi juga memberikan kontribusi yang berarti terhadap penciptaan lanskap digital yang lebih ramah lingkungan. Menggunakan kecerdasan buatan skala besar yang didukung oleh sumber energi terbarukan adalah langkah besar menuju praktik teknologi informasi yang berkelanjutan. Dengan mengoptimalkan beban kerja, mengurangi limbah, dan merangkul prinsip-prinsip ekonomi sirkular, organisasi dapat berperan dalam menciptakan lanskap teknologi yang sadar terhadap lingkungan.

Menurut Mohit, untuk mengatasi tantangan dalam memberikan pengalaman yang berkelanjutan dan tetap berorientasi pada pelanggan, bisnis harus mengintegrasikan aspek keamanan data, keberlanjutan, inovasi, dan adaptabilitas ke dalam pendekatan mereka. Untuk mewujudkan upaya ini, Mohit menekankan pentingnya melakukan praktik data yang etis, perolehan wawasan yang didukung oleh kecerdasan buatan, dan tingkat fleksibilitas.

Lebih jauh, keseimbangan antara pemanfaatan data dengan langkah-langkah keamanan yang ketat sangat penting dalam menjaga kepercayaan pelanggan dan mencegah pelanggaran keamanan. Menyelaraskan inovasi dengan tujuan keberlanjutan memerlukan pengambilan keputusan yang bijak.

Mohit mengakhiri sambutannya dengan memastikan kelancaran akurasi dan keandalan data di berbagai platform adalah upaya yang harus dilakukan secara konsisten. Mengekstraksi wawasan yang bermakna dari jumlah data yang melimpah adalah hal yang sangat penting untuk membuat keputusan yang objektif dan efisien.

Welcome Address

Joseph Yang∶ Teknologi informasi berkelanjutan dapat memberikan efisiensi biaya dan optimisasi kinerja

Pandemi telah mengubah lanskap kerja secara signifikan, mendorong organisasi untuk mencari cara baru untuk meningkatkan efisiensi dan responsivitas dalam menghadapi tantangan yang dihadirkan oleh situasi darurat. Salah satu perubahan yang telah diimplementasikan adalah adopsi model kerja hybrid, yang memungkinkan karyawan untuk bekerja dari rumah selama beberapa hari dalam seminggu. Model kerja ini tidak hanya memberikan fleksibilitas kepada karyawan, tetapi juga memberikan organisasi kesempatan untuk mengoptimalkan sumber daya mereka dengan cara yang lebih efisien.

Bagi organisasi, model kerja hybrid dapat mengurangi biaya operasional terkait dengan pemeliharaan kantor fisik dan infrastruktur yang terkait. Ini juga dapat memungkinkan perluasan akses terhadap bakat di luar wilayah geografis kantor fisik, karena karyawan dapat bekerja dari mana saja dengan koneksi internet yang baik. Selain itu, model kerja hybrid dapat meningkatkan responsivitas organisasi terhadap perubahan lingkungan bisnis yang cepat, memungkinkan mereka untuk beradaptasi dengan lebih cepat dan lebih efisien.

Akan tetapi, Joseph Yang, Managing Director untuk Singapura di Hewlett Packard Enterprise, mengatakan bahwa bias data, seringkali muncul tanpa disengaja ketika banyak organisasi mengadopsi strategi hybrid. Joseph menekankan, dengan melihat hal ini, organisasi perlu lebih proaktif dalam mengatasinya. Salah satu pendekatan yang diadopsi adalah menggunakan kecerdasan buatan (AI) dalam skala besar untuk mengubah bias data ini menjadi sumber intelijensi yang bermanfaat.

Penggunaan kecerdasan buatan (AI) menjadi semakin penting dalam mengatasi bias data karena AI memiliki kemampuan untuk mengenali, mengelola, dan mengoreksi bias dengan tingkat akurasi dan efisiensi yang sulit dicapai oleh metode manusia. AI dapat menganalisis data dalam skala besar dengan cepat dan menyeluruh, mengidentifikasi pola-pola yang mungkin mengindikasikan bias, dan memberikan solusi yang sesuai.

Selain itu, AI dapat belajar dari data baru yang masuk, memperbaiki diri sendiri, dan terus meningkatkan kemampuannya dalam mengatasi bias. Dengan demikian, penggunaan AI tidak hanya dapat membantu organisasi mengidentifikasi bias yang sudah ada dalam data mereka, tetapi juga mencegah terbentuknya bias baru di masa depan.

Dengan strategi ini, organisasi dapat mempercepat adopsi pendekatan berbasis data yang mendahului dan menghasilkan wawasan yang dapat diimplementasikan secara efektif. Hasilnya adalah peningkatan kinerja organisasi yang signifikan dan kemampuan untuk mengatasi tantangan keberlanjutan teknologi informasi yang semakin kompleks.

Namun, muncul pertanyaan baru seiring fokus ASEAN pada perubahan iklim yang memunculkan permasalahan karbon. Penggunaan data yang intensif dapat menyebabkan peningkatan jejak karbon. Namun, apakah ada solusi untuk mengatasi hal ini? Dengan mantapnya, Joseph menjawab “tentu.”

“Sangat mungkin untuk mengelola data sambil secara bersamaan mengurangi jejak karbon. Hal ini melibatkan adopsi pendekatan beragam untuk mengoptimalkan proses yang berkaitan dengan data dan infrastruktur teknologi informasi untuk keberlanjutan,” tekannya.

Joseph menjelaskan bahwa salah satu area kunci untuk menanggulangi hal ini adalah adalah efisiensi pusat data, di mana merancang pusat data yang hemat energi, menggunakan solusi pendinginan, dan beralih ke sumber energi terbarukan dapat secara signifikan mengurangi dampak karbon.

Komputasi cloud menawarkan jalur lain, karena banyak penyedia awan memprioritaskan penggunaan energi terbarukan untuk pusat data mereka. Selain itu, praktik kompresi data, deduplikasi, dan manajemen siklus hidup membantu meminimalkan kebutuhan penyimpanan data dan konsumsi energi. Mengadopsi virtualisasi server, mempromosikan kerja jarak jauh untuk mengurangi perjalanan, dan memilih solusi penyimpanan data berkelanjutan juga turut berkontribusi pada pengurangan jejak karbon.

Selain itu, Joseph menambahkan bahwa dengan pemilihan lokasi pusat data secara strategis yang mendukung sumber energi terbarukan dan sistem pendinginan yang efisien juga dapat memainkan peran penting. Pemantauan rutin, pelaporan, dan komitmen terhadap keberlanjutan adalah komponen penting dari pendekatan pengelolaan data yang peduli akan lingkungan ini.

Joseph meyakini bahwa konsep “teknologi informasi berkelanjutan” mengacu pada adopsi praktik dan teknologi di bidang teknologi informasi yang bertanggung jawab secara lingkungan dan mendorong keberlanjutan jangka panjang.

“Dengan menerapkan praktik-praktik ini, organisasi dapat secara signifikan mengurangi jejak karbon mereka dan meminimalkan dampaknya terhadap lingkungan. Pendekatan ini mencakup berbagai strategi, seperti pusat data yang efisien energi, penggunaan sumber energi terbarukan, komputasi cloud, kompresi data, dan virtualisasi server,” ungkapnya.

Teknologi informasi berkelanjutan tidak hanya menguntungkan lingkungan, tetapi juga menawarkan efisiensi biaya, optimalisasi sumber daya, dan hasil operasional yang lebih baik. Ini memungkinkan organisasi untuk mengurangi konsumsi energi, mengurangi biaya operasional, meningkatkan alokasi sumber daya, dan memastikan kelangsungan bisnis melalui penurunan waktu henti.

“Selain itu, merangkul teknologi informasi berkelanjutan sejalan dengan regulasi lingkungan yang semakin ketat dan harapan pelanggan, menjadikan organisasi sebagai entitas yang bertanggung jawab dan berpikiran maju dalam lanskap bisnis modern,” tutupnya.

Power Talk

Merancang masa depan yang berkelanjutan, berbasis data, dan berdesain hybrid merupakan pendekatan proaktif dengan mengintegrasikan tiga elemen kritis: keberlanjutan, berpusat pada data, dan infrastruktur hibrida. Pendekatan ini berpotensi membentuk masa depan bisnis dan teknologi di dunia yang semakin terhubung dan peduli lingkungan.

Ashutosh Sharan∶ Mastercard menganalisis data pembayaran dan perilaku konsumen untuk mendorong keberlanjutan

Ashutosh Sharan, VP Customer Solutions untuk Asia Tenggara di Mastercard, menyoroti keterlibatan proaktif Mastercard dalam berbagai usaha yang menggabungkan keberlanjutan dengan transformasi digital. Salah satu inisiatif Mastercard adalah pengenalan Priceless Planet Coalition. Dalam program ini, Mastercard berkolaborasi dengan organisasi seperti Conservation International untuk memulai misi memulihkan 100 juta pohon dalam lima tahun. Upaya ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknologi untuk melibatkan konsumen secara aktif dalam upaya pelestarian lingkungan yang bermakna.

Selain itu, Mastercard juga berkomitmen untuk memajukan inklusi keuangan digital, terutama di daerah yang tidak memiliki akses memadai. Hal ini dilakukan Matercard dengan tujuan untuk memberdayakan individu secara ekonomis, sambil mengurangi ketergantungan pada transaksi tunai.

“Mastercard mengalokasikan sumber daya data yang substansial untuk mendorong inisiatif keberlanjutan,” jelas Ashutosh. “Kami menganalisis data pembayaran dan perilaku konsumen untuk mendorong pilihan yang ramah lingkungan.”

Selain upaya-upaya yang telah disebutkan di atas, perusahaan ini juga sangat menekankan keberlanjutan rantai pasokan, memanfaatkan solusi digital untuk memberdayakan bisnis dalam memantau dan meningkatkan jejak lingkungan dari operasi mereka.

Selain itu, inisiatif mereka untuk menawarkan solusi identitas digital bagi populasi yang terpinggirkan bertujuan untuk memperkuat akses keuangan dan keberlanjutan dalam ekonomi digital. Mastercard telah menetapkan tujuan ambisius untuk mencapai netralitas karbon dalam operasinya di seluruh dunia pada tahun 2050 mendatang. Untuk mencapainya, mereka secara aktif mengintegrasikan praktik-praktik berkelanjutan dan teknologi canggih untuk secara signifikan mengurangi jejak karbon mereka.

Lebih jauh lagi, dalam praktiknya, mereka terlibat dalam proyek-proyek yang berfokus pada kota pintar dan keberlanjutan perkotaan. Inisiatif-inisiatif ini melibatkan kemitraan di masing-masing kota untuk menyebarkan solusi digital guna meningkatkan sistem transportasi dan mendukung keberlanjutan perkotaan. Selain itu, Mastercard berkomitmen untuk mendukung inisiatif pendidikan digital yang mengadvokasikan praktik-praktik berkelanjutan di kalangan individu dan bisnis.

Ashutosh mengakui bahwa menyesuaikan tujuan keberlanjutan dengan harapan pelanggan bisa menjadi tantangan akibat dari berbagai factor, contohnya seperti kurangnya kesadaran, prioritas yang saling bertentangan, dan biaya tinggi yang terkait dengan produk berkelanjutan. Untuk mengatasi hambatan ini, perusahaan harus menerapkan strategi komunikasi yang jelas dan mudah dipahami yang menyoroti manfaat bersama keberlanjutan, sambil memberikan insentif untuk membuat pilihan berkelanjutan.

Dia juga menyarankan bahwa mengatasi masalah keterbatasan ketersediaan produk memerlukan kerja sama yang erat dengan pemasok dan mitra, memperluas akses melalui berbagai cara, dan mempertimbangkan opsi penjualan online. Memastikan transparansi dalam rantai pasokan, beradaptasi dengan preferensi pelanggan yang berkembang, serta menunjukkan dampak keberlanjutan yang nyata dan dapat diukur adalah langkah-langkah kritis dalam mengatasi tantangan ini.

Membangun kepercayaan dengan menghindari greenwashing, menyesuaikan upaya keberlanjutan dengan preferensi lokal, dan secara proaktif melibatkan dan mendidik pelanggan melalui acara dan kolaborasi adalah strategi kunci untuk mencapai tujuan keberlanjutan dengan harapan pelanggan. Pada akhirnya, perusahaan yang memberi prioritas pada transparansi, pendidikan, dan kolaborasi dengan pelanggan lebih baik dalam membentuk komitmen bersama terhadap keberlanjutan dengan basis pelanggan mereka.

“Memastikan perjalanan pelanggan yang konsisten dan mulus melalui berbagai saluran dalam model hibrida memerlukan strategi yang terencana dengan baik,” jelas Ashutosh. “Hal ini tentu dimulai dengan melakukan tahap sentralisasi data pelanggan melalui sistem CRM, yang menjadi dasar untuk personalisasi.”

Signifikansi mengadopsi pendekatan omnichannel, yang melibatkan menjaga pesan, branding, dan standar layanan yang konsisten di kedua titik kontak fisik dan digital, tidak bisa diabaikan. Penting bagi integrasi teknologi untuk berjalan mulus, memungkinkan aliran data yang lancar antara saluran ini untuk memfasilitasi transisi yang mudah bagi pelanggan. Keseragaman dalam branding, desain, dan pesan ini berfungsi untuk memperkuat pengenalan merek dan membangun kepercayaan.

Dalam pandangan Ashutosh, personalisasi yang didorong oleh data pelanggan sangat penting, memastikan bahwa pelanggan merasa benar-benar dipahami dan dilayani dengan baik, terlepas dari saluran yang mereka pilih. Memberikan pengalaman dukungan pelanggan yang konsisten, baik melalui telepon, email, obrolan, atau interaksi langsung, tetap sangat penting.

Ashutosh menekankan bahwa optimisasi mobile sangat penting dalam lanskap bisnis saat ini. Pengalaman mobile harus sejalan dan sejajar dengan kualitas interaksi desktop. Selain itu, dia menekankan pentingnya pengumpulan umpan balik yang berkelanjutan dan perbaikan iteratif untuk memastikan bahwa pengalaman pelanggan terus berkembang dan meningkat.

Selain itu, Ashutosh menyoroti pentingnya langkah-langkah keamanan siber yang kokoh dan protokol privasi data yang ketat. Ini penting tidak hanya untuk melindungi informasi pelanggan yang sensitif, tetapi juga untuk menjaga dan memperkuat kepercayaan pelanggan dalam jangka panjang.

Dr Tung Whye Loon∶ Analisis data yang didukung AI dapat menghasilkan produk dan layanan inovatif

Dr Tung Whye Loon, Director, Data, AI & Research (SP Digital) di SP Group, berbicara tentang bagaimana SP Digital telah berhasil mengintegrasikan AI dan optimisasi data ke berbagai aspek operasinya, dengan mendapatkan banyak keuntungan.

Salah satu aplikasi yang patut dicatat adalah pemeliharaan berbasis prediksi, yang didorong oleh AI, yang memungkinkan SP Digital untuk mengantisipasi kerusakan peralatan dan melakukan pemeliharaan secara proaktif, sehingga mengurangi waktu tidak terjadwal dan memperkuat keandalan aset. Selain itu, penggunaan AI dalam peramalan permintaan dapat mengoptimalkan produksi dan distribusi, memastikan operasi yang efisien, dan mengurangi masalah seperti kekurangan atau kelebihan stok.

“Penggunaan AI dalam mendeteksi penipuan meningkatkan perlindungan pelanggan dan keamanan keuangan, sementara segmentasi pelanggan memungkinkan kampanye pemasaran yang lebih efektif melalui penargetan yang personal,” jelas Dr Tung.

SP Digital aktif menjelajahi aplikasi tambahan AI dan optimisasi data untuk terus meningkatkan operasinya. Hal ini meliputi penyederhanaan konsumsi energi melalui penggunaan AI untuk menjadwalkan produksi selama jam sibuk dan pelaksanaan program tanggapan permintaan untuk mengelola permintaan energi dengan lebih efisien.

Selain itu, ada potensi besar untuk meningkatkan layanan pelanggan melalui AI. Chatbot dan pembelajaran mesin dapat memainkan peran penting dalam menjawab pertanyaan pelanggan dengan cepat dan efisien, sambil juga mengidentifikasi risiko potensial.

Lebih jauh lagi, analisis data yang didukung oleh AI dapat berperan penting dalam memajukan inovasi. Ini dapat mengidentifikasi pola pelanggan dan menghasilkan ide-ide segar melalui pemrosesan bahasa alami, sehingga memfasilitasi pengembangan produk dan layanan inovatif.

Inisiatif-inisiatif tersebut menunjukkan komitmen SP Digital untuk memanfaatkan AI dan optimisasi data untuk mengubah operasinya dan meningkatkan nilai pelanggan, menurut Dr Tung.

Memanfaatkan potensi AI berskala besar untuk strategi berbasis data memerlukan pendekatan sistematis yang bertujuan untuk mengubah organisasi menjadi kekuatan berbasis data. Perjalanan ini dimulai dengan pengumpulan dan integrasi data yang teliti dari berbagai sumber, dengan fokus pada memastikan kualitas dan standardisasi data.

Penerapan analisis yang didukung oleh AI, termasuk pembelajaran mesin dan model prediktif, kemudian memainkan peran penting dalam mengungkapkan pola dan korelasi tersembunyi dalam dataset besar, menawarkan wawasan berharga yang penting untuk pengambilan keputusan yang berdasarkan informasi.

Selain itu, pendirian infrastruktur yang dapat diskalakan, seperti komputasi cloud dan komputasi edge, menjadi sangat penting untuk menampung volume data yang terus berkembang dan memfasilitasi analisis real-time. Praktik-praktik tata kelola data yang kuat, tindakan keamanan siber yang kokoh, dan kepatuhan yang teguh terhadap peraturan privasi data adalah elemen yang tidak dapat dihindari untuk menjaga integritas data dan keamanan sepanjang proses ini.

Dr Tung menekankan bahwa wawasan yang dapat diambil melalui visualisasi, pelaporan, dan pemberitahuan otomatis memungkinkan pemangku kepentingan untuk membuat keputusan yang berbasis data.

“Pembelajaran yang berkelanjutan, lingkaran umpan balik, dan budaya berbasis data memajukan perbaikan yang berkelanjutan, dengan kolaborasi lintas fungsi dan dampak yang dapat diukur mendorong adopsi strategi data yang didukung oleh AI,” katanya. “Pertimbangan etis memandu praktik AI dan data yang bertanggung jawab, memastikan penggunaan data dan teknologi AI yang etis di seluruh organisasi.”

Dalam lingkungan teknologi informasi yang membutuhkan sumber daya, mencapai keseimbangan yang harmonis antara inovasi dan keberlanjutan sangat penting. Hal ini dapat dicapai dengan merangkul pendekatan multi-faset yang mengatasi kemajuan teknologi dan tanggung jawab ekologis. Organisasi harus memberikan prioritas pada efisiensi energi dan sumber daya terbarukan untuk mendukung infrastruktur teknologi informasi mereka, didukung oleh teknik optimisasi pusat data yang mengurangi pemborosan sumber daya.

Dr Tung meyakini bahwa dengan mengadopsi komputasi cloud dan model hibrida memungkinkan alokasi sumber daya yang dinamis serta mengurangi konsumsi energi. “Prinsip-prinsip ekonomi sirkular mendorong penggunaan kembali dan daur ulang peralatan teknologi informasi, yang lebih lanjut dapat mengurangi dampak lingkungan.”

Selain itu, mendorong inovasi untuk keberlanjutan mempromosikan pengembangan solusi teknologi informasi hijau dan integrasi teknologi baru untuk mengoptimalkan pemanfaatan sumber daya. Strategi pengoptimalan dan pengelolaan data yang efektif mengurangi duplikasi data, mengarah pada persyaratan penyimpanan dan pemrosesan yang lebih rendah.

Dr Tung sangat yakin bahwa melibatkan cloud dalam praktik berkelanjutan dan secara teratur memantau indikator kinerja utama terkait keberlanjutan adalah dasar untuk membentuk budaya akuntabilitas dalam organisasi.

Dengan mematuhi peraturan lingkungan dan berkolaborasi dengan pemasok yang peduli lingkungan, organisasi memastikan bahwa keberlanjutan tetap menjadi fokus sentral dalam operasi teknologi informasi mereka. Komitmen terhadap keberlanjutan ini menggarisbawahi dedikasi organisasi terhadap kepemimpinan lingkungan yang bertanggung jawab.

Dengan menerapkan strategi ini, organisasi dapat seimbang antara tuntutan inovasi dan keberlanjutan dalam lingkungan teknologi informasi yang membutuhkan sumber daya, mengurangi dampak lingkungan mereka, dan berkontribusi pada masa depan yang lebih hijau dan bertanggung jawab.

Joseph Yang ∶ Melalui analisis AI, HPE mengoptimalkan keberlanjutan yang didorong oleh data

Joseph Yang, Managing Director di Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) di Singapura, mengungkapkan bahwa HPE menghadapi berbagai tantangan keberlanjutan dalam upayanya mencapai tujuan keberlanjutan. Salah satu perhatian utama adalah konsumsi energi yang substansial yang terkait dengan pusat data dan fasilitas manufakturnya.

Mengatasi masalah terkait energi ini adalah aspek penting dari misi keberlanjutan perusahaan. HPE telah berhasil menerapkan strategi untuk mengurangi konsumsi energi tanpa mengorbankan efisiensi operasional, sehingga mengurangi dampak lingkungannya.

Selain itu, sebagai perusahaan teknologi, HPE menghadapi tantangan dalam mengelola limbah elektronik (e-waste) yang berasal dari peralatan usang. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini dengan bertanggung jawab, HPE menekankan perlunya metode pembuangan dan daur ulang yang tepat untuk mengurangi dampak lingkungan yang terkait dengan pembuangan e-waste.

HPE menghadapi tantangan signifikan dalam inisiatif keberlanjutannya, termasuk kebutuhan untuk memastikan keberlanjutan rantai pasokannya yang luas. Ini mencakup sumber material yang bertanggung jawab dan praktik kerja yang etis, yang keduanya memerlukan manajemen dan pengawasan yang cermat.

Selain itu, HPE menghadapi tugas yang rumit untuk menyeimbangkan masalah privasi dan keamanan data dengan tujuan keberlanjutannya. Keseimbangan ini menyoroti kompleksitas upaya keberlanjutan HPE dikarenakan perusahaan berusaha mematuhi komitmen keberlanjutan sambil melindungi data sensitif dan memastikan tindakan keamanan siber yang kokoh.

Joseph mencatat bahwa HPE mengakui beberapa peluang keberlanjutan dalam operasinya. Salah satu jalur yang signifikan yaitu dengan merangkul teknologi yang efisien secara energi dan mengadopsi praktik berkelanjutan dalam pusat data dan fasilitasnya. Pendekatan ini memberikan peluang untuk mengurangi konsumsi energi tanpa mengorbankan performa. Hal ini tentu sejalan dengan komitmen HPE terhadap paradigma keberlanjutan.

Joseph yakin bahwa HPE dapat lebih memanfaatkan prinsip-prinsip ekonomi sirkular dengan merombak dan memanfaatkan kembali peralatan teknologi informasi lama, mempromosikan daur ulang, dan memperpanjang masa pakai produk. Berkolaborasi dengan pemasok dan mitra memungkinkan HPE untuk mendorong keberlanjutan dalam rantai pasokannya, mulai dari sumber material yang bertanggung jawab hingga emisi yang lebih rendah dalam logistik dan transportasi.

Dengan memanfaatkan keahlian teknologinya, HPE dapat menginovasi solusi teknologi informasi berkelanjutan, seperti server yang efisien secara energi dan penyimpanan data yang ramah lingkungan. Memanfaatkan analisis data dan kecerdasan buatan memungkinkan HPE untuk mengoptimalkan operasi keberlanjutan, termasuk pemeliharaan berbasis prediksi untuk mengurangi konsumsi energi dan perbaikan rantai pasokan yang didorong oleh data.

Keterlibatan HPE dengan pelanggan, melalui solusi teknologi informasi hijau dan layanan yang memuaskan yang sejalan dengan komitmen akan kepatuhan regulasi, dapat meningkatkan reputasi perusahaan sebagai organisasi yang bertanggung jawab dan berkelanjutan.

“Dengan mengatasi tantangan keberlanjutan dan memanfaatkan peluang, HPE berada dalam posisi yang baik untuk menyelaraskan tujuan bisnisnya dengan tanggung jawab lingkungan dan sosial,” simpul Joseph. “Pada akhirnya, kami berkontribusi pada masa depan yang lebih berkelanjutan dan peduli lingkungan bagi semua.”

Salam Penutup

Alexis Crowell ∶ Pengelolaan data yang efisien dapat membantu mengoptimalkan proses internal

Alexis Crowell Vice President and CTO, Sales, Marketing and Communications Group – Asia Pacific and Japan di Intel menekankan bahwa mengimplementasikan dan mengintegrasikan data di dalam organisasi adalah penting guna meningkatkan kepuasan pelanggan. Dengan riwayat data yang baik, pelayanan akan dapat lebih dipersonalisasi dan relevan dengan kebutuhan individu pelanggan. Hal ini juga memungkinkan organisasi untuk mengidentifikasi tren dan pola perilaku pelanggan yang dapat digunakan untuk mengembangkan strategi pemasaran yang lebih efektif.

Selain itu, data yang terintegrasi dengan baik memungkinkan organisasi untuk merespons cepat terhadap masalah atau keluhan pelanggan, yang dapat meningkatkan citra perusahaan dan membangun kepercayaan pelanggan. Hal yang perlu dicatat adalah bahwa pengelolaan data yang efisien juga dapat membantu organisasi mengoptimalkan proses internal mereka, mengurangi biaya operasional, dan meningkatkan efisiensi secara keseluruhan. Oleh karena itu, mengambil langkah-langkah untuk memastikan integritas dan kualitas data merupakan investasi yang berharga dalam pencapaian kesuksesan jangka panjang bagi organisasi.

Lebih lanjut, Crowell menekankan bahwa tidak ada yang tidak mungkin untuk dapat menyelaraskan organisasi berbasis data dengan keberlanjutan teknologi informasi. “Organisasi tidak perlu khawatir untuk tidak dapat mencapai keselarasan antara penggunaan teknologi informasi yang efisien dan berkelanjutan,” katanya. “Dengan komitmen yang tepat dan investasi yang cerdas, setiap organisasi dapat mengambil langkah-langkah menuju pengelolaan data yang berkelanjutan dan ramah lingkungan.”

Crowell menjelaskan bahwa salah satu langkah pertama adalah mengidentifikasi area di mana organisasi dapat mengoptimalkan penggunaan teknologi informasi untuk mengurangi jejak karbon mereka. Ini bisa melibatkan beralih ke sumber energi terbarukan untuk pusat data, mengadopsi praktik manajemen data yang lebih efisien, atau bahkan menggunakan komputasi awan yang lebih berkelanjutan.

Lebih lanjut, Crowell menjelaskan tentang pentingnya melibatkan seluruh organisasi dalam upaya berkelanjutan ini. “Ini bukan hanya tugas departemen teknologi informasi,” katanya. “Semua bagian organisasi harus terlibat dalam usaha ini, karena dampak dan manfaat dari keberlanjutan teknologi informasi akan dirasakan oleh seluruh organisasi.”

Dalam akhir sambutannya, Crowell menekankan bahwa sumber daya dan dukungan sudah tersedia untuk organisasi yang ingin bergerak menuju keberlanjutan teknologi informasi. “Ada banyak sumber daya dan panduan yang tersedia untuk membantu organisasi dalam perjalanan ini,” katanya. “Dan ini adalah langkah yang sangat penting untuk masa depan kita dan planet ini,” tutupnya.

Singapore to Introduce Passport-Free Departures

Departing from one of the busiest airports in the world is about to become a remarkably hassle-free experience. Singaporean ministers have just unveiled plans for an automated immigration clearance system that promises to revolutionise travel with no passport required. This groundbreaking development at Singapore’s Changi Airport is set to launch in 2024.

According to Communications Minister Josephine Teo, this ambitious project intends to eliminate the need for tourists to “repeatedly present their travel documents.” Instead, biometric data gathered from fingerprint scans and facial recognition technology will take the central stage.

While Changi Airport already employs biometric technology in its automated immigration lanes, these upcoming enhancements will take convenience to a whole new level. The goal is to make the entire airport experience smoother and more streamlined for passengers.

Singapore’s Communications Minister, Josephine Teo, proudly announced that Singapore is set to be among “the first few countries in the world” to implement such a groundbreaking system. The first phase of this transformative scheme is expected to roll out early next year, featuring QR code scanning points that will pave the way for the biometric revolution.

These innovations are made possible by recent amendments to Singapore’s immigration laws, which facilitate the widespread adoption of biometric clearance at airports and various other checkpoints. The result will be a travel experience where your personal information seamlessly verifies your identity at every stage, from check-in to boarding.

This monumental shift in travel procedures brings with it a multitude of benefits. Firstly, it eliminates the stress and anxiety associated with keeping track of physical documents throughout the journey. No more worrying about losing the passport or having it stolen, hence, the identity is in the hands, quite literally.

Additionally, using biometric data enhances security measures, making it even more challenging for unauthorised individuals to access restricted areas. It’s a win-win situation for both passengers and airport authorities.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is on the cusp of transforming the way of travelling. The introduction of an automated immigration clearance system powered by biometric data promises a future where passports and boarding passes become relics of the past.

Instead, a simple fingerprint scan or facial recognition will grant access to a seamless, stress-free journey. Singapore is leading the charge into this new era of travel, and the world will be watching closely as the innovation unfolds.

The New Clearance Concept (NCC) and Services Centre Next Generation (SCNG) are two initiatives that the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) implemented to enhance border clearance and registration services, as well as automated immigration clearance and digitalisation.

The Automated Clearance Initiative (ACI), which takes effect in May 2022, allows passport holders from 51 countries to use designated automated immigration lanes without prior enrolment. Over four million international visitors have been enrolled through ACI to date. The electronic visit pass (ePass) contains information on eligible foreign visitors’ enrolment.

During the pandemic-induced slowdown, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), in collaboration with Changi Airport Group and ground handling partners, has accelerated trials of autonomous vehicles (AVs) at Changi Airport’s airside. This time period was used to direct resources and capabilities towards technological and innovative developments.

Advanced robotic systems and adaptive platforms are also being developed to resist varied weather conditions and work well outside. These developments are intended to make aircraft turnaround operations and baggage handling easier, especially in inclement weather. CAAS is committed to strengthening its capabilities in order to manage the anticipated increase in air traffic, with a focus on both safety and efficiency in its operational approach.

September 22, 2023

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