COVID-19: Making Data Speak

1. Restricted Community Mobility (Best chance to beat COVID-19)

Keeping people at home is noticeably slowing the spread of the virus. The rates of infection in locked-down areas have slowed albeit not as quickly as desired in some places.

To help public health officials better understand the movement of people, Silicon Valley giants Apple and Google have begun releasing reports documenting relative changes in community mobility. These reports use anonymous locational data from their maps services to track daily changes in the movement of users against a baseline value.

Specifically, Google is using the average number of visits to places for each day of the week over a five-week period in January as its baseline. Crucially, visits to these places are aggregated by the type of establishment.

These tags present a key aspect of the dataset as they allow users to identify mobility trends by the category that a place belongs to. The data shows percentage deviations from the baseline in January, back when things were largely normal.

OpenGov Asia — Visualising changes to community mobility as a result of nationwide lockdowns

Things are hardly normal now. In almost every society, schools and workplaces are shut, while only essential services are allowed to carry on.

The World Economic Forum reported that nearly 3 billion people—close to half of the world’s population—have come under COVID-19 lockdowns. This number is likely higher now as the outbreak worsens and governments take even more stringent measures.

The dust appears to be settling in Western Europe however which was one of the first few regions outside China to be impacted by the virus.

As Spain and neighbouring countries begin to ease their lockdowns, it is worthwhile to take stock of the effectiveness of their safe distancing measures. A second wave of infections is upon us, as evidenced by ongoing events in Beijing.

In the above visualisation, it is not surprising that visits to grocery shops and pharmacies peaked before lockdowns came into effect, probably due to bouts of panic buying.

Potential uses of this data could include restocking supermarkets in advance to cope with a surge in demand or developing internet infrastructure to cope with higher demand from residential areas.

The right use of actionable data will help policymakers gauge the efficacy of their regulations. It can aid in the enforcement of lockdowns, as well as enable a targeted and phased reopening of the economy.

Both Apple and Google should be commended for their efforts in making anonymised data transparent and available for policymakers to gain valuable insights. We hope to see more such public interest initiatives in the future.

2. Costly Miss Explosion of cases in New York

If the state of New York were a country, it would have more COVID-19 cases (as at Mar 29, 2020) than any country other than the US. Such is the scale of the coronavirus situation in New York. T

he state has become the epicentre of the pandemic in America. Notably, the crisis and the ensuing lockdown caused a tussle between New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and US President Donald Trump.

Trump asserted that he has the ultimate authority to reopen the economy and Cuomo has refuted this claim.

Speaking in a CNN interview, he said, “If he ordered me to reopen in a way that would endanger the public health of the people of my state, I wouldn’t do it.”, referring to Trump.

The governor is looking for a phased reopening which may take months to complete.

The lighter colours in the visualisation above show forecasts that were made in mid-April using data available then. Unfortunately, New York’s recovery has not been as smooth as predicted here. A fresh spike of cases on April 25 has cast uncertainty on its future. This proves the difficulty of predicting the number of cases by fitting a simple model due to the numerous complexities involved in the spread of viruses.

Analysing the timeline of cases, as we go from each day to the next, the number of infections is multiplied by some constant. The spread of viruses is a textbook example of exponential growth because what causes the new cases are the existing ones. This is why we have put the y-axis on a logarithmic scale—each step of a fixed distance corresponds to multiplying by a certain factor. On this scale, exponential growth should look like a straight line. This straight line does not go on forever. It has to start slowing down at some point. The key question is when.

Owing to rigorous social distancing, it looks like New York has passed the peak, and the line of cumulative cases is slowly flattening. Now, governments worldwide are mulling over when to reopen their economy. Too early, and we could see another spike in infections. Too late, and the impact on the economy may be irreparable.

3. No Job – The New Normal

The impact of the pandemic on employment in unmistakable. As with recessions of the past, job losses were expected. What differentiates this downturn from any other is the enormity of these job losses. Instead of a gradual decline in economic activity as seen in business cycle depressions, business operations have ground to a halt, creating shockwaves in the national and global economy.

The current economic situation has been dubbed The Great Lockdown. A shutdown so fast and job losses so many have never been experienced before.

The above visualisation looks at the worst US job losses on record. These are measured over a four-week period. To account for population growth, the number of jobless claims as a percentage of the US population is also shown.

In case the true scale of this crisis not been emphasised enough, the number of job losses is about ten times higher than the average number of job losses in recessions since 1975. The number stands at a staggering 22.03 million, which is almost equal to the populations of middle powers such as Taiwan and Australia.

The recovery of jobs from the last recession was very slow. It took roughly ten years for the US economy to return to an unemployment rate similar to pre-recession levels.

Like other recessions, The Great Recession took many months to culminate. The current crisis is different in that businesses have been suddenly forced to pause operations. One can hope that businesses are able to stay afloat during this shutdown and rehire workers once normalcy resumes.

Besides temporary shocks, the pandemic will result in structural changes in the global economy. In the microeconomic context, it will expedite the adoption of technologies like e-learning and e-commerce.

Telecommuting will be normalised, and more firms will provide the option to work from home. Politically, this pandemic will test the effectiveness of various institutions and it could determine upcoming elections.

4. World Economy at Risk

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published an interim economic assessment in March 2020.

Importantly, it has revised its growth projections from November last year. In most countries, the growth adjustment is negative for 2020 but positive for 2021.

Mature economies like the US will take a slight hit in 2020 but will recoup their losses in the following year. Emerging economies on the other hand like India will be badly hit economically.

India has negative GDP revisions in both 2020 and 2021 and, as such, its recovery is likely to be slow. China, being the earliest to recover from the pandemic, will have the greatest jump in growth in 2021 at 0.9 percentage points.

Argentina’s economy was already shrinking and shocks from this pandemic will not do it any good. It is clear from this economic outlook that the timing of economic effects will vary across countries.

The GDP growth forecasts have been adjusted because the world economy is being buffeted by both demand and supply-side shocks.

Authors Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Martin Reeves and Paul Swartz (2020) summarised three main shocks in an article for Harvard Business Review (HBR).

The first demand shock is an indirect hit to consumer confidence. Turmoil in financial markets has lowered household wealth.

Macroeconomics fundamentals tell us that this must result in higher household savings and less consumption. Advanced economies are more predisposed to this as their household exposure to the equity asset class is high.

Secondly, there will be a direct hit to consumer confidence. As consumers are forced to isolate themselves, they may reduce their discretionary spending and be less optimistic about the future.

Lastly, a supply-side shock results as the pandemic causes production to cease and disrupts key components of supply chains. This would lead to greater unemployment, but the effects would differ across industries. The crisis may not last long enough for this shock to be significant.

While the above data is useful, the authors of the HBR article warn against becoming too dependent on projections. Instead, leaders should look past the crisis, scanning for opportunities and challenges, and considering how they would address the post-crisis world.

Reference

What coronavirus could mean for the global economy. (2020, March 3). Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2020/03/what-coronavirus-could-mean-for-the-global-economy

Singapore: Digital Innovation Advancing Healthcare

The development of telehealth has revolutionised the healthcare system by facilitating the remote delivery of medical services and expanding access to care. In Singapore, telehealth has received a great deal of attention and recognition as a vital instrument for enhancing community care services.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been actively supporting and implementing telehealth initiatives, recognising the need for additional resources and efforts to make these changes a reality.

Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, stated at the AIC’s Community Care Work Plan Seminar that recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals is one of the greatest challenges facing the community care sector.

“The high-touch nature of the sector limits the extent to which digitalisation and productivity improvements can address the increasing demand,” Minister Ong said. To address this concern, the MOH is committed to providing funding support through the community care salary enhancement exercise, thereby ensuring that healthcare professionals receive competitive salaries.

Additionally, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) is actively engaged in sectoral job redesign initiatives, transforming the workforce through improved task allocation, and increasing manpower across support care, nursing, and therapy.

Consistency of financial support is crucial in attaining care coordination across settings. To facilitate seamless access to healthcare financing, two initiatives have been implemented. Subvented home medical and nursing providers will be able to submit MediSave claims for homebound patients eligible for subsidies but unable to visit polyclinics or hospitals due to limited mobility beginning on 1 October 2023.

This modification allows patients to access MediSave for home medical and nursing care. In addition, the financial support for telehealth services will be gradually increased. From 1 July 2023, subsidies and MediSave will be available for teleconsultations for chronic disease management.

The community care sector requires additional resources to address diverse requirements, including recruitment of personnel, expansion of the work scope, promotion of volunteerism, and integrated services.

Additionally, the advent of digitalisation has made it possible to build the infrastructure and obtain the resources required for the successful implementation of telehealth.

It also provides the infrastructure and technologies essential for effective telehealth adoption; and assists healthcare practitioners in providing remote therapy, reaching patients in remote locations, and improving access to healthcare services while maintaining patient privacy and security.

For seamless communication between healthcare providers and patients, robust and dependable digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet connectivity and mobile networks, is required. These digital networks’ availability enables real-time audio and video consultations, data interchange, and remote monitoring.

Likewise, digitalisation allows for the production and maintenance of electronic health records (EHR), which hold medical information about patients in a digital format. EHRs make it easier for healthcare practitioners to share medical history, test results, and other relevant data, providing continuity of treatment in telehealth settings.

Wearable sensors, remote monitoring equipment, and home monitoring kits collect and send health data from patients to healthcare providers. This data digitisation enables healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ vital signs, track symptoms, and spot potential health risks.

Telehealth-specific digital platforms and applications provide secure and convenient communication between healthcare providers and patients. Video consultations, chat systems, appointment scheduling, and connectivity with EHR systems are common elements of these platforms.

Further, the importance of data security and patient privacy in telehealth is highlighted by digitalisation. To protect patient information in telehealth transactions, robust cybersecurity safeguards, encryption procedures, and adherence to data protection rules are required.

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.

Unlocking the Power of Data Analytics and Automation Labs

Organisations may harness the power of data to promote innovation, streamline processes, and arrive at wise decisions by using a data analytics and automation lab. Organisations are given the tools they need to adapt to the changing digital world and gain an edge over rivals in their specialised markets.

In the Philippines, the Data Analytics-Network Grid and Automation Laboratory (DANGAL) was recently launched by the University of Cabuyao (UC) and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) with the goal of enhancing the research capacity of the Laguna Province.

With a focus on immediate translation to research and practice, leveraging and diversifying DOST PCIEERD-funded resources, integration across the computing and engineering disciplines, and creating a competitive advantage in research and development on a global scale, the UC (PNC) DANGAL seeks to promote community partnerships and industry collaborations.

The Php 7 million (SG$ 203,700) laboratory will also focus on automated warehouse systems, such as goods-to-person (GTP) systems, autonomous mobile robots, automatic guided vehicles, pick-to-light and put-to-light systems, voice picking and tasking, automated sortation systems, and automated storage and retrieval systems.

As part of the Institution Development Programme (IDP) of the DOST, Dr Enrico Paringit, Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD, stressed the need of recognising cutting-edge research, which calls for cutting-edge infrastructure and fully stocked laboratories. He noted that it is critical that they ensure that the institutions have the resources they need to undertake creative research and development.

According to Dr Enrico, the UC (PNC) Dangal Research Laboratory also demonstrates the institution’s commitment to encouraging the advancement of technology development and grasping the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0.

This lab will serve as a catalyst for collaboration, information sharing, and research advancements both within and outside the walls of this university, as well as in the manufacturing sectors of Laguna Province. He also reminded staff and students at the University of Cabuyao that the UC Dangal Research Laboratory is more than just a physical location equipped with equipment and innovative technology.

He believed that this would be a symbol of the students’ and researchers’ aims and ambitions, as well as a venue where ideas would grow, innovation would be fostered, and solutions to real-world problems would be produced.

Engr Mary Grace Beao, Project Leader at UC (PNC) DANGAL, also inspired UC teachers and students about the relevance of the lab in terms of capacity building and its commitment to national development through research and development. The lab also aims to improve the College of Computing and Engineering’s skills by fostering practical training for both staff and students and by improving data analytics, network, grid, and automation processes between Laguna industrial enterprises and the university.

The UC (PNC) DANGAL laboratory is the city’s first to be financed by PCIEERD’s Institution Development Programme (IDP). IDP is an existing programme that helps universities improve their abilities to conduct research in the fields of industry, energy, and emerging technologies. This programme aids in the creation and upgrading of research laboratories and infrastructure at academic and research institutions throughout the country.

Data Analytics and Automation Labs are built to manage massive amounts of data and are scalable to meet changing requirements. As industries expand, the lab may adapt to meet the increased demand for data analysis and automation.

Also, a lab environment enables organisations to quickly adapt to new technologies, tools, and techniques, ensuring that they remain competitive in the continually expanding data world.

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.

HKUST Predicting Alzheimer’s Disease with AI

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has led an international research team that has made a significant breakthrough in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). They have successfully created an advanced model that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and genetic data to forecast an individual’s susceptibility to AD even before symptoms manifest.

This pioneering study opens up new possibilities for using deep learning techniques in predicting disease risks and unravelling the underlying molecular mechanisms. It has the potential to revolutionise the diagnosis, interventions, and clinical research related to AD and other prevalent conditions like cardiovascular diseases.

In a collaborative effort, the President of HKUST, and the Chair Professor and Director of HKUST’s Big Data Institute, along with their research team, delved into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning models, to predict the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using genetic information.

This study stands as one of the earliest instances of deep learning models being applied to assess AD polygenic risks in both European-descent and Chinese populations. The results demonstrated that these deep learning models outperformed other models in accurately identifying patients with AD and categorizing individuals into distinct groups based on their disease risks linked to various biological processes. This research showcases the promising role of AI in advancing the understanding and prediction of AD, benefiting both populations of European and Chinese descent.

Currently, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis heavily relies on clinical assessments involving cognitive tests and brain imaging. However, by the time symptoms become evident, it is often too late for optimal intervention. Hence, early prediction of AD risk holds great potential for improving diagnosis and intervention strategies.

The integration of the advanced deep learning model with genetic testing allows for the estimation of an individual’s lifetime risk of developing AD with an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 70%. This approach presents a promising avenue for identifying individuals at high risk of AD at an earlier stage, enabling timely interventions and enhancing the development of effective strategies to combat the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a hereditary condition influenced by genomic variations. These genetic variants are present from birth and remain consistent throughout an individual’s life. Analysing an individual’s DNA information can provide valuable insights into their predisposition to AD, facilitating early intervention and timely management of the disease. While FDA-approved genetic testing for the APOE-ε4 genetic variant can provide an estimate of AD risk, it may not be sufficient to identify high-risk individuals due to the contribution of multiple genetic factors to the disease.

Therefore, it is crucial to develop tests that integrate information from multiple AD risk genes to accurately assess an individual’s relative risk of developing AD over their lifetime. This comprehensive approach enables a more precise determination of AD risk and enhances our ability to identify individuals who may require targeted interventions and monitoring.

The President of HKUST stated that the study showcases the effectiveness of deep learning techniques in genetic research and predicting the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This significant breakthrough is expected to expedite large-scale screening and staging of AD risk within the population.

In addition to risk prediction, the approach enables the categorization of individuals based on their disease risk and offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the development and advancement of AD. The transformative potential of these findings will help advance the understanding and management of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Chair Professor and Director of HKUST’s Big Data Institute expressed how this study exemplifies the remarkable benefits of applying AI in the realm of biological sciences, particularly in biomedical and disease-related research. By employing a neural network, they successfully captured the complex relationships present in high-dimensional genomic data, resulting in enhanced accuracy in predicting Alzheimer’s disease risk.

Additionally, using AI-driven data analysis without human supervision, the research team successfully categorized individuals at risk into distinct subgroups, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of the disease. This study highlights the elegant, efficient, and effective nature of AI in addressing interdisciplinary challenges. The Chair Professor firmly believes that AI will play a crucial role in various healthcare domains in the near future.

The study was a collaborative effort involving researchers from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, University College London, and clinicians from local Hong Kong hospitals, including Prince of Wales Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The findings of the study have been recently published in Communications Medicine, highlighting their significance in the scientific community. The research team is currently working on further refining the developed model with the ultimate goal of integrating it into standard screening procedures.

Taiwan Strengthens AI-Based Healthcare Solutions

Partnerships between the public and private sectors to provide AI-based healthcare solutions harness the experience and resources of both sectors, enabling collaboration and knowledge-sharing. This collaboration allows for the development of novel technology and solutions to solve complicated healthcare concerns more effectively.

A Taiwanese venture that creates breakthrough medical software has created an upper respiratory tract evaluation software that is powered by medical artificial intelligence (AI). This product is being utilised as an obstructive sleep apnea treatment evaluation programme that can quickly confirm obstructive sleep apnea sites and identify their aetiology, emphasising its utility as a diagnosis reference software for physicians.

Aside from obstructive sleep apnea, rapid upper respiratory tract assessment can be performed to evaluate orthognathic and laryngeal procedures, as well as pediatric sleep breathing patterns. In 2022, the team cooperated with Taichung Veterans General Hospital, a government-owned hospital in central Taiwan, published their clinical trial results in a reputable journal, and employed the software in conjunction with cardiovascular and geriatric health examinations.

Changes in electrocardiography (ECG) signals related to blood glucose, according to a developer of intuitive tools, employed continuous ECG as the basic algorithm to construct a non-invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring system.

This non-invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring device has undergone clinical trials at Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital’s Division of Nephrology, and more clinical trials will be done at multiple global sites in the future.

An AI companion diagnostic and screening tool for osteoporosis, sarcopenia, leukaemia, cervical cancer, human papillomavirus infection, bladder cancer, and breast cancer has been developed by a medical solutions firm dedicated to women’s health. Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam have all accepted most of these instruments.

Likewise, the medical solutions provider presents world-class smart laboratory solutions such as Data-analysis AI workstations, front-end automatic nucleic acid extraction systems, test reagent kits, and information storage systems.

The primary concentration of an interactive technology corporation is the development of rehabilitation service systems and articulation training platforms. Its Smart Health Promotion Service System combines software and hardware, and it is an innovative and effective smart rehabilitation system that employs the world’s first smart knee guard for detecting surface electromyography (sEMG) signals in conjunction with a retro and interactive somatosensory game.

According to reports, even though shared investments in global digital health increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, enthusiasm in various disciplines has begun to wane since the end of the pandemic.

A substantial quantity of capital has flowed to AI-related startups as the use of AI in the healthcare industry has increased. Statistic reports indicate that AI is most used to: improve workflow and coordination between medical staff; predict hospitalisation or mortality rates; aid in diagnosis; or develop chatbots that respond to symptom-related questions and provide diagnostic confirmation and consultation for patients.

Cardiovascular medicine has surpassed oncology as the most popular discipline for digital health applications in the Asia-Pacific region over the past five years. Chatbots and “digital pharmacies” are the two areas with the most potential for future expansion. About 86% of pharmacy proprietors believe that improving the patient experience is the key to future differentiation from other pharmacies.

Public-private partnerships encourage shared risks and rewards. By pooling resources and expertise, both sectors can share the risks associated with research, development, and implementation of AI-based healthcare solutions. Additionally, successful outcomes can be mutually beneficial, with opportunities for commercialisation, market growth, and economic development.

Exclusive! Empowering the Next Generation: Strategic Partnership for Youth Skills in Malaysia’s Digital Economy

In an era of rapid digital transformation, Malaysia recognises the importance of equipping its youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy. To address this crucial need, a strategic partnership has been formed to empower the next generation through youth skills development.

This alliance brings together key stakeholders from the government, the private sector, educational institutions and industry experts to collaborate on initiatives that enhance digital competencies among Malaysian youth.

The initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap by offering comprehensive programmes that cater to the specific needs of Malaysian youth. It focuses on equipping them with the essential digital skills required for success in the modern workforce.

By developing a strong foundation in areas such as coding, data analytics, digital marketing and emerging technologies, youth will be ready to take on the challenges and opportunities in Malaysia’s digital economy.

The plans encompass a range of strategies, such as training programmes, mentorship opportunities, industry collaborations and granting access to digital resources. They not only foster technical skills but also emphasise critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and entrepreneurship.

Envisioning a future where Malaysian youth lead the way in innovation and contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the digital economy, the partnership strives to empower the next generation with these essential skills. By doing so, they not only aim to fulfil the career aspirations of the youth but also ensure their active participation in driving the nation’s progress.

Fostering Youth Skills in Malaysia’s Digital Economy

Ir Ts Dr Aziyati Yusoff, Head of Strategic Partnership for Youth Skills Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, emphasises Malaysia’s commitment to bridging the digital skills gap among its youth and aligning them with the demands of the digital economy.

With a forward-thinking approach, she acknowledges the significance of embracing new paradigms and perspectives to stay relevant in an ever-evolving digital landscape. By recognising the need to adapt and equip the younger generation with the necessary skills, Malaysia is poised to nurture a workforce that can effectively contribute to the country’s digital transformation and global competitiveness.

“Currently ranked 33rd in technological advancement, Malaysia aspires to become a regional leader,” Dr Aziyati reveals. “While physical platforms have been emphasised, other factors like education integration, cultural wellness, societal maturity, and economic stability are also important.”

Malaysia acknowledges the significance of coding and technical skills but also places value on soft skills and adaptability. School programmes in the country emphasise a well-rounded approach by incorporating STEM activities, innovation competitions, and even sports to enhance social interaction and problem-solving abilities.

This holistic approach ensures that Malaysian youth not only develop technical proficiency but also cultivate essential interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to adapt to various challenges. By nurturing a balanced skill set, Malaysia aims to prepare its youth for the multifaceted demands of the digital era, where both technical expertise and soft skills play integral roles in success.

Dr Aziyati acknowledges the importance of coding classes in Malaysia, recognising their role in fostering skills such as planning, problem-solving, and performance evaluation. The country’s education blueprint focuses on utilising information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance the quality of learning.

This is achieved through the implementation of online classrooms, robotics competitions, and government initiatives like the Digital MakerSpace and Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). By leveraging these platforms and programmes, Malaysia is actively promoting the integration of technology into education and empowering its youth to thrive in the digital age.

The government promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities through various initiatives that aim to provide practical platforms for knowledge and anticipate the challenges and opportunities brought by technology.

These initiatives aim for wider engagement and to create an environment where students have access to digital resources, hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to showcase their skills.

Advancements in digital technology benefit the economy by creating jobs, improving employability rates, fostering digital content creators, supporting governmental agendas and providing a return on investment.

Smart partnerships with various ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Communications and Digital, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Ministry of International Trade and Industry, contribute to these benefits.

“Smart partnerships ensure the relevance of training and knowledge content, while industries are open to hiring special needs graduates, offering training tailored to their abilities,” Dr Aziyati reiterates.

In the modern world, diverse cultural values and socioeconomic achievements define our lifestyles, Dr Aziyati observes. The Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint embraces the globalised nature of information systems, which facilitates cultural exchange and emphasises the impact of digital technology on societal resilience and the future-proofing of the economy.

Despite economic challenges, Malaysia’s resources and diversity have facilitated national transformations. The government understands that consistent and continuous investment in youth development through training and education is crucial for ensuring sustainable progress and national sustainability.

The education system and institutions play a crucial role in facilitating successful partnerships and collaborations. Both national and institutional levels are open to innovative ideas and opportunities for partnerships.

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry supports initiatives by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education to establish partnerships with other countries. Collaboration with education institutions from countries like the UK, USA, Australia, Germany, European nations, Asian countries and APEC nations is pursued through international knowledge exchange.

Through such partnerships, a wide array of opportunities, initiatives, incentives, and projects are being implemented to benefit the citizens. These activities span various domains, including student and cultural exchange, expert sharing, technology transfer, intellectual discourse and skill mobility.

The aim is to foster mutual growth, facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise and create a dynamic environment that promotes innovation and skill development among individuals. As Malaysia promotes the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it requires a highly skilled workforce and smart citizens to attract investment for a better economy.

“To facilitate execution and foster innovation in the digital economy, proper planning and provision in the areas of manpower, machinery, and methods are crucial. Some also emphasise materials and mediums,” Dr Aziyati explains. “Youth entrepreneurs can adopt these approaches to boost productivity.”

Since 2013, the Federal Government has launched various initiatives and projects, including policies on science, technology, and innovation, IoT strategy, Smart City framework, cybersecurity, and the digital economy blueprint, with implementation planned until 2025.

Dr Aziyati agrees that expanding strategic relationships with other countries becomes easier with transparency as governance is visualised through paperless documents, faster approvals, efficient repayment methods and increased output capacity.

While online application processes are already in place, information security, cybercrime, cryptography and privacy concerns must be addressed, she reveals.

Over the past five years, Malaysia has experienced political changes and evolving government institutions. Despite these fluctuations, the youth and future generations remain focused on the impact and development of the digital economy.

“To achieve successful implementation of integrated e-governance, a nation must attain key elements such as political stability, economic prosperity, social harmony, technological modernisation, environmental sustainability, and legal strength,” Dr Aziyati opines. “These factors collectively contribute to effective governance and ensure a holistic approach towards leveraging digital technology for the betterment of society.”

Sustaining the momentum of digital economy efforts and utilising strengths and opportunities can lead to enhanced business, partnerships and economic growth. Transformation and readiness for change are key factors for success, along with incorporating fresh ideas from young minds and a skilled workforce.

Dr Aziyati is convinced that aside from financial assistance, Malaysia can secure long-term stability and progress by implementing a thorough and consistent transformation programme.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Malaysia is responsible for the supervision and advancement of eSports players. However, there are existing challenges concerning the welfare of developers within this domain. As a result, the ministry is actively seeking new policies and measures to address and strengthen this aspect, ensuring the well-being and support of young developers in the future.

In her new role overseeing Training Management for skills institutions, Dr Aziyati continues to prioritise partnerships with industry to promote digital technology advancement. To improve governmental institutions, she proposed the following:

Increase budget allocations for youth in the digital economy
Expand youth development programmes for mastering digital skills
Provide more incentives to support youth in adapting to the fast-paced digital world
Implement transformative programs in STEM, digital education, and school projects
Foster flexible ideas for national digital improvements
Reduce bureaucracy in project decision-making processes
Encourage creativity by minimising organisational hierarchy limitations
Minimise the use of paper forms
The transition from old-school work delegations to foster flexibility through collaborative discussions and cooperative deliveries

To realise these improvements, both financial support and organisational adjustments are necessary.

The Ministry of Education has identified a concerning trend where nearly 50% of school leavers are choosing not to pursue higher education. This issue is influenced by several factors, including the high cost of education, a perceived lack of job guarantees, and the belief that courses offered may not provide sufficient marketability compared to the appeal of social media businesses and gig economy jobs.

Dr Aziyati feels it is crucial to conduct a study that examines the relevance of current school curricula, the courses offered by higher education institutions and the demands of industries. Recognising the interdependence among these entities is vital, as failure to address outdated education content and maintain the status quo could result in a substantial gap in producing high-quality graduates.

By understanding the evolving needs of industries and aligning educational programmes accordingly, Malaysia can ensure that its education system remains responsive, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the job market effectively.

“To inspire young people, it is important to emphasise the importance of passion and willingness to continuously learn, improve and contribute to society,” Dr Aziyati says. “Success requires effort and perseverance, as reflected in the quote: genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

While young people may encounter misleading information and failure, it is part of the learning process. She believes that patience, persistence, and perseverance are key in this journey if one’s pursuits are beneficial to society.

Dr Aziyati strongly believes that by consistently pursuing personal growth and making significant contributions, success and recognition will naturally follow. She feels that this journey should not solely revolve around personal improvement, but also include a commitment to leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

Additionally, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent value of the learning process itself, which cannot be easily replaced. However, Dr Aziyati acknowledges that individuals may sometimes be influenced by the opinions of others and consequently choose paths that they are not genuinely passionate about.

While quick money-making opportunities may come and go, Dr Aziyati underscores the enduring value of education and the credentials earned through hard work. She encourages individuals to prioritise long-term gains, as the knowledge and skills acquired through education will have a lasting impact throughout their lives.

“By channelling the passion of young people towards constructive and educational endeavours that bring benefits to the nation, we can unleash their potential and make meaningful contributions to their personal and societal growth,” Dr Aziyati concludes.

June 10, 2023

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