Device makes mountain climbing in Indonesia safer

Mountain climbers will find this technology from the University of Indonesia very useful for their hobby.

Four academics, who are researchers and instructors, from the Faculty of Engineering at the University created a device called Mountable.

According to a recent press release, Mountable is a system with capabilities in monitoring, communication and providing information in areas without cellular signals and internet connection, particularly up in the mountains.

What is Mountable?

It is described as a smart monitoring and emergency system leveraging on the Internet of Things (IoT) technology in the mountain regions.

Mountable is the only provider of climbing security and safety services in Indonesia that utilises this technology.

It was recognised and awarded the Gold medal during the 2019 Indonesian International Invention Festival.

The device has already been used by 55 climbers and has proven its usefulness when it saved 9 climbers who were trapped on Sumbing Mountain during a storm.

The system was developed based on the IoT technology, wherein the system consists of tracking tools, signal transmitters, websites and application.

A Long Range (LoRa) network is being used to integrate the whole system. It is a wireless technology that covers a wide area network and uses small power consumption, allowing its battery to last up to 2 months.

Which is better?

Mountable has been compared with other communication devices such as the walkie talkie but it has proven a number of advantages over them.

Because of the IoT technology it follows, production and operation costs are cheaper than those that use satellite communication.

Add to that the plethora of capabilities and functions that Mountable can perform.

These functions include signpost tracking and climber monitoring; an emergency system for when undesirable things happen; real time systems and group tracking to find members.

The most important capability that mountain climbers would about Mountable is its portability because it will be easier for them to carry it around.

Benefits of the device

The aim for developing the device was to improve security for mountain climbers, which encompasses making the mountains a safe place for tourism and sports.

Moreover, Indonesia is made up of a lot of volcanoes. These volcanoes may provide tourism potential for both locals and foreigners.

With Mountable, tourists will be reassured of their safety while enjoying the mountains of Indonesia.

This device can address the issues and obstacles posed by mountain climbing such as getting lost, meeting accidents, and the difficulty of communicating in the mountain region, among others.

Furthermore, this device should be able to inspire and encourage the management and development of mountain climbing systems so that they will be more hi-tech, enhancing the tourist experience in the country.

Singapore Unveils AI Government Cloud Cluster

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) and a major cloud computing company have announced the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Government Cloud Cluster (AGCC), a comprehensive platform designed to accelerate AI adoption in Singapore’s public sector, advance local applied AI research efforts and support the growth of the local AI startup ecosystem.

The AGCC has been implemented by SNDGO and the cloud tech company for usage by Singapore’s government agencies and the research, innovation, and enterprise (RIE) ecosystem. The AGCC is hosted in Singapore in a specialised cloud computing environment.

Agencies can use the AGCC to build and deploy scalable and impactful AI applications rapidly, safely, ethically, and cost-effectively by leveraging an AI technology stack and a vast partner ecosystem of software-as-a-service firms, consultancies, and AI startups. AI technology stack capabilities include:

First, an AI-optimised infrastructure. High-performance A2 supercomputers powered by NVIDIA’s A100 GPUs and hosted in an open, scalable, secure, and energy-efficient infrastructure. This enables cloud developers to train computationally complex AI models at fast speeds while minimising costs and environmental impact.

Customisable first-party, third-party, and open-source AI models follow. A central repository enabling AI practitioners to access pre-trained generative AI models, with built-in features to assist users in customising these models for specific requirements.

The repository contains a wide range of first-party, third-party, and open-source models designed for certain needs. These include models for summarising and translating text in different languages, sustaining an ongoing discussion, converting audio to text, producing, and modifying software code, and generating and repairing written descriptions.

International AI businesses interested in making their foundation models available to Singapore government departments can collaborate with the Cloud computing company to store these models in the repository.

Another category is no-code AI development tools. A Generative AI App Builder enabling developers (especially those with limited technical expertise) to swiftly construct and seamlessly embed chatbots and enterprise search experiences driven by Cloud’s generative AI models.

Finally, there are explainable AI and data governance toolkits. A set of built-in technologies that can assist government agencies in using AI in a secure and responsible manner. This includes features for access control and content moderation, as well as novel mechanisms for incorporating human feedback to improve model performance and the ability to audit the sources of AI model outputs to detect and resolve potential bias and ensure that model behaviour is compliant with regulations.

The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is Singapore’s first public-sector organisation to use the AGCC. Its Open Government Products (OGP) team has integrated with Vertex AI and is investigating the use of its models in Pair, which are large language model-powered assistants that civil servants can use to help them boost productivity while maintaining the confidentiality of government information.

To help government agencies deploy AI applications as effectively and responsibly as possible, the Cloud tech company will collaborate with GovTech to design and run whole-of-government Digital Academy programmes that will assist agencies in developing in-house data science and AI expertise, developing AI innovation strategies, and implementing data governance best practices.

The programmes will be delivered in a variety of specialised formats to 150,000 public servants from 16 ministries and over 50 statutory boards.

Government agencies in Singapore will be able to use the AGCC and other authorised services through the Government on Commercial Cloud (GCC) 2.0 platform beginning in June 2023. The GCC platform, developed by GovTech, offers agencies a standardised and regulated means to implement commercial cloud solutions.

GCC 2.0, the platform’s second generation, is integrated with cloud-native capabilities and cloud security practices, enabling agencies to access into a larger ecosystem of services and people to accelerate the development of new digital applications.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Western Australia’s Support for Rural Communities

The Government of Western Australia is taking significant steps to support rural and remote communities across Western Australia by providing funding for technology projects that aim to enhance community services. In an effort to bridge the digital divide and promote access to essential resources, more than AU$ 330,000 has been allocated to support 44 Community Resource Centres (CRC) in implementing various technology and innovation initiatives throughout the regions.

These projects encompass a wide range of endeavours aimed at improving the lives of community members in rural areas. For instance, a notable initiative involves the upgrade of 13 public computers in Broome. These computers play a crucial role in the community, particularly for individuals who do not have the luxury of owning personal computers in their homes. By upgrading these public computers, the CRC in Broome will be able to provide better access to information, educational resources, and essential online services to local residents.

The funding provided by the McGowan Government will empower CRCs in rural and remote areas to embrace technological advancements and leverage innovative solutions to address community needs. By implementing these technology projects, the government aims to enhance the overall quality of life in these regions, promote digital inclusion, and ensure that residents have equal opportunities to access crucial online services and resources.

In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, the funding provided by the Government will enable other Community Resource Centres (CRCs) in Western Australia to embark on innovative projects tailored to their local community needs. The Frankland River CRC, for example, plans to establish a Smart Home Hub demonstration centre, which will serve as a showcase for the latest advancements in home automation and smart technologies. This initiative aims to educate and familiarize community members with the benefits and possibilities of integrating smart technologies into their homes.

Meanwhile, the Beverley CRC intends to establish a content creation studio with a specific focus on social media marketing for local businesses in the Wheatbelt region. This studio will help businesses develop engaging content for their social media platforms, enabling them to effectively promote their products and services to a wider audience. By enhancing their online presence and digital marketing capabilities, local businesses can potentially attract more customers and bolster economic growth in the region.

The grant program extends to all Community Resource Centres within the WA Community Resource Network, encompassing over 100 CRCs located in regional and remote areas across the State. Each eligible CRC has the opportunity to apply for grants of up to AU$ 10,000 under the program.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development administers the program, ensuring that the funding is allocated and used effectively to support technology and innovation projects that benefit rural and remote communities in Western Australia.

The Minister of Regional Development emphasised the importance of Community Resource Centres (CRCs) as community-driven organizations that play a crucial role in providing essential support to residents and businesses in rural and remote areas across Western Australia. The funding initiative aims to equip CRCs with the necessary technological resources to deliver modern and effective services to their respective communities.

This funding program recognises that community needs vary across different regions, and it empowers local CRCs to identify and address the specific improvements that will bring the greatest benefits to their stakeholders. By allowing CRCs to leverage their deep understanding of local needs and dynamics, the initiative ensures that the allocated funds are used in ways that best serve the communities they serve. This approach acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each CRC and supports their efforts in delivering impactful projects tailored to their community’s requirements.

Vietnam’s Approach to Child Safety in the Digital Age

In light of the risks posed by the advancement of information technology and the internet, the government, state, and the entire political system have taken significant measures to enhance the safeguarding of children within the online environment.

According to UNICEF, children are increasingly exposed to various risks, including the concerning issue of cyberbullying. The agency reports that one in five young individuals have experienced online bullying.

Reports have shown that the national emergency telephone number for child protection, 111, received nearly 420 calls about child protection in the online environment and 18 notifications about channels or video clips with harmful content for children in 2022. The figures in the first five months of this year were 128 calls and three notifications.

An expert from UNICEF’s children’s protection programme said that strategies to address cyber-bullying and abuse should be part of the broader child protection strategies. Cooperation and coordination among stakeholders are key to success in this work.

The Guidelines for Industry on Child Online Protection, developed by UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serve as a framework for businesses. These guidelines offer solutions that businesses can adopt to ensure the protection and well-being of children, while also promoting a healthy and creative internet experience for children themselves.

Dang Hoa Nam, Director of the Department of Child Affairs under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in establishing a digital environment that is both safer and healthier for children. He highlighted the significance of drawing from both domestic and international experiences to implement targeted and practical measures aimed at ensuring children’s safety in the online realm.

Vietnam has established a comprehensive legal framework to protect children in the digital sphere, including laws such as the Law on Children, the Law on Cyber Information Security, and the Law on Access to Information. These laws provide a crucial legal foundation for child protection initiatives.

To safeguard children in the online environment, the government and the Prime Minister have issued several significant documents. These include the National Action Programme for Children in the 2021-2030 period and the programme on protection of and support for children.

Furthermore, Vietnam, alongside other ASEAN member nations, has collectively endorsed crucial agreements to protect children’s welfare online. This includes the adoption of the Declaration on the Protection of Children from all Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse in ASEAN in 2019, as well as the Declaration on the Elimination of Bullying of Children in ASEAN.

The Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and several city Information and Communications Departments held a conference earlier this May on the launch and evaluation of the national cyber security and safety strategy. The event was held in Ha Long City.

As OpenGov Asia reported, servers are the primary targets of cyber-attacks in the country, aimed at stealing passwords and data. Last year in Vietnam, computer viruses resulted in economic losses amounting to VND 21.2 trillion (US$ 903 million). To ensure cybersecurity, MIC collaborated with various agencies to conduct three nationwide security exercises. The authority directly prevented over 3,600 fraudulent websites, safeguarding nearly 4 million people or approximately 6% of internet users.

Vietnam has set a goal to establish a cybersecurity research and development centre, safeguard information systems in 11 critical sectors, and establish cybersecurity forces at ministries, sectors, and state agencies by 2025.

Interoperability and Digital Transformation for e-Governance in the Philippines

Ivan John Uy, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), stated that the Department will implement e-Governance initiatives to promote interoperability and facilitate ease of doing business in the country; and that the Department has undertaken the enormous task of interconnecting government systems.

Secretary Ivan added that citizens engage in numerous online transactions but they tend to avoid conducting business with the government because they are frequently required to wait in queue multiple times for government dealings.

Hence, agencies are confronted with the difficult task of unifying these disparate and disconnected systems of governance. The only constant among these systems is the absence of any shared components.

Each organisation has selected its own standards, data formats, and service providers. Consequently, the objective is to identify a solution that can effectively integrate these disparate elements.

The ICT Chief also discussed the Department’s progress in connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital skills development. Through its flagship Broadband ng Masa Programme, the Department is accelerating the implementation of necessary digital infrastructure and wireless broadband technologies, particularly for those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

DICT tends to bring connectivity to all mountainous regions and island groups. The telcos have been hesitant to make these investments primarily due to economic concerns; therefore, the government must intervene and provide first-mover connectivity in these areas.

When they initially provide this connectivity, it is hoped that the economies in these regions will begin to improve, and the population will begin to develop better applications or use cases for this connectivity.

E-governance has been getting a lot of attention in the Philippines for the last few years as the government tries to use technology to improve public service delivery, simplify administrative processes, and improve governance.

The country is moving towards e-governance because more and more of its people use the internet and other digital tools, and because people see the benefits of digital transformation.

One of the most important parts of e-governance in the country is getting people involved online. The government has set up several online platforms and portals that allow people to get information, share their concerns, and give feedback on government policies and services. This helps make the decision-making process more open, accountable, and inclusive, and it gives people a chance to directly shape public policies.

Also, the streamlining of government services has made them easier to use and cut down on unnecessary paperwork. Citizens can now apply for papers like passports, driver’s licences, and birth certificates online through portals. This saves them time and effort. This has also led to a big drop in corruption and bribes since people don’t have to talk to government officials as much when they do business online.

E-governance has also made it easier for government departments to share and combine data, which has led to better service delivery. By using standard data formats and putting in place interoperable systems, information can be quickly accessed and shared between departments.

This cuts down on duplicate work and makes it easier to work together. This has made it easier for the government to do its work and cut down on the time it takes to do things.

Even though success has been made, there are still challenges with how e-governance is being used in the Philippines. Lack of Internet access in remote places, especially in rural provinces, makes it hard to get to and take part in things. There is also a need to improve the digital literacy of the population, making sure that people have the skills they need to use online platforms and e-government services successfully.

Taiwan Joins International Initiative for Ethical AI Development

Given the recent rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), the Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda) announced that it has become an official partner of an international non-governmental organisation to ensure the alignment of AI applications with the interests of the public and to develop the necessary application services for society.

As a member of the “Alignment Assemblies” project, moda’s global and public objectives are to assist Taiwan in building public consensus regarding the needs and risks of AI and to collectively address the “Alignment Problem” of AI.

Beginning in July of this year, the moda intends to influence the direction of AI development through Ideathons, employing a citizen participation and deliberation model and using Taiwan as a test bed.

The moda emphasised that the international non-governmental organisation supports the technology that incorporates social development, industrial advancement, and public confidence. It believes that the development of AI should prioritise ethics and the public interest.

During the Democratic Summit in March of this year, the moda, led by Minister Audrey Tang, launched this initiative to create a global consensus among people and ensure the alignment of AI with human values. By participating in this initiative, the moda hopes to promote digital democracy and global partnerships while fostering a diverse and inclusive digital culture for the development of AI in Taiwan.

The moda announced that it will initiate the “Democratising AI Futures” dialogue through Ideathons and invite public participation in the third quarter of this year as well as organise seminars to discuss how to respond to the development of generative AI.

Minister Audrey explained that AI has brought about profound social changes and that issues such as algorithms, intellectual property, technological ethics, public services, and social impact have garnered significant attention, posing new challenges to democratic governance.

In response to the social concerns raised by the trend of generative AI, moda is actively drafting the “Basic Law on Artificial Intelligence.” The moda also expects that policymakers and technology developers will have access to vital information to ensure that the development of AI serves the public interest.

In the fast-changing technological world, fostering consensus on the requirements and hazards associated with AI is essential. As AI continues to evolve and permeate numerous elements, it is critical to ensure that its development and deployment are in line with the interests and values of society.

Building consensus allows for the identification and prioritisation of ethical considerations in AI development. It enables stakeholders to address possible issues such as bias, privacy concerns, and job displacement cooperatively, as well as cooperate towards developing AI systems that adhere to ethical norms and protect human rights.

Also, achieving consensus on AI enables policymakers to make educated decisions when developing legislation and policies. Policymakers may establish comprehensive frameworks that balance innovation, social demands, and possible risks connected with AI technology by considering the different perspectives and concerns of the public.

Building consensus aids in the establishment of public trust and acceptance of AI systems. When the public participates in AI debates and decision-making processes, people feel more empowered and are more inclined to trust and adopt AI applications that are consistent with their values and meet their requirements.

Consensus-building aids in resolving biases and guaranteeing fairness in AI algorithms and systems. Potential biases can be recognised and minimised by integrating a diverse variety of stakeholders, including marginalised populations and underrepresented groups, resulting in more equal opportunities in AI systems.

Singapore Harnessing Digitalisation for a Resilient Economy

According to Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, digitalisation plays a pivotal role in achieving a sustainable economy across various industries. He highlighted four dimensions of sustainability, and these are environmental, social, economic, and resilience.

Digitalisation offers ways to lessen the global impact of economic activity in terms of environmental sustainability. Businesses and individuals can adopt sustainable practices, maximise resource use, and reduce waste by utilising digital technologies.

Singapore’s dedication to programmes like the One Million Trees programme exemplifies how digitalisation is incorporated into efforts to preserve the environment. Additionally, digitisation can assist in addressing how climate change is affecting the biosphere and ecosystem of the world, which has an impact on food security and calls for international cooperation.

The effects of digitalisation on social sustainability are substantial. DPM Heng emphasised that technological advancement and innovation will drive future economic growth while the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitisation raises concerns about the future of work and skill sets.

He added that adopting digitalisation ensures adaptation to changing technology environments in industries like education, where professors may use AI systems. The development of digital skills and literacy must be encouraged if people are to be able to flourish in a world driven by technology.

Global economic digitisation has significant benefits and the potential for economic sustainability. Businesses now have access to previously inaccessible global markets because of digitisation.

According to DPM Heng, the phrase “unicorn” serves as an example of the possibility for substantial economic growth due to a digital economy. Discussions of ideas like universal basic income come up, underscoring the importance of carefully considering economic sustainability considering the effects of digitalisation.

In addition, the impact of technology on the labour market and the widespread adoption of digitalisation were acknowledged by DPM Heng as significant challenges in the years to come. While Singapore, with its tiny and ageing population, would embrace technological advancements, developing nations with young populations might confront greater difficulties.

The potential for economies to change because of robotics and AI breakthroughs raises concerns about employment loss and other economic changes.

DPM Heng emphasised that digitalisation contributes to the capacity to withstand accelerated change. During times of crisis, financial resources are crucial for sustaining economic growth. Thanks to prudent financial management and accumulated savings, Singapore was able to survive the COVID-19 pandemic without borrowing.

Likewise, social resilience emerged during the pandemic, highlighting the significance of trust, caring, and collective action in times of crisis.

DPM Heng cited that multiple dimensions of a sustainable economy are facilitated by digitalisation. It provides solutions to environmental problems, transforms the future of employment and skills, presents economic opportunities, and challenges, and strengthens resilience.

He furthered that to ensure a sustainable future, societies embrace digitalisation, promote digital literacy, and adapt to an ever-changing technological landscape, all while resolving the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability.

Also, utilising digitalisation is essential for Singapore to create an economy that can withstand and adapt to the challenges of a world that is rapidly changing. By embracing technological advances and innovation, Singapore harnesses the power of digitalisation to generate sustainable economic growth and ensure long-term economic stability.

Utilising data-driven insights, implementing agile strategies, and fostering a culture of innovation, digitalisation enables the nation to strengthen its resilience. By leveraging digitalisation, Singapore is poised to flourish in a constantly shifting economic environment while promoting sustainability and resiliency.

Samarth Campaign: Digital Transactions for 50,000 Indian Village Councils

The Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh, officially launched the Samarth campaign to promote digital transactions in 50,000 gram panchayats (village councils). The campaign commenced in February and will end in August. The objective is to encourage digital transactions in rural regions and gram panchayats, with a particular focus on empowering women. The campaign is part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, which commemorates 75 years of India’s independence.

According to Singh, there has been a significant reduction in the Non-Performing Assets (NPA) of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from 9.58% in 2013 to below 2% presently. The Minister urged banks to acknowledge the remarkable credit repayment track record of SHGs and support them with higher loan facilities. He also recognised the crucial role played by BC Sakhis in promoting digital transactions, highlighting India’s emergence as a global leader in this area. BC Sakhis refer to SHG members who utilise electronic devices such as a laptop, desktop, mobile phone, or tablet to conduct banking transactions while working in the field.

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh emphasised the significant impact of BC Sakhis in the state. He highlighted that they have facilitated 55.7 million digital transactions in Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the digital transformation of the region. Not only have they ensured last-mile doorstep banking across villages, but they have also helped banks save costs on low-volume transactions. He praised the BC Sakhis for their role in enabling rural communities to encash over Rs IN 750 billion (US$ 9 billion) of Government Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) funds.

During the event, a compendium containing 75 Inspirational Tales of BC Sakhis was unveiled, along with live testimonies from BC Sakhis. Also, newly selected BC Sakhis were provided with Biometric Point-of-Sale (PoS) machines, which enable secure and efficient transactions. These devices empower BC Sakhis to carry out their banking responsibilities effectively. The newly selected BC Sakhis were also presented with Certificates of On-boarding, acknowledging their inclusion in this important role within the Indian banking system.

The Indian government has been actively pushing for digital payments as part of its broader agenda for financial inclusion and a cashless economy. The government has implemented various initiatives and campaigns to promote digital payments across the country. The introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised the way people transfer money, allowing instant and secure transactions through mobile phones.

In February, the Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched the Digital Payments Utsav, a comprehensive campaign aimed at promoting digital payments across India. As OpenGov Asia reported, the project will hold a series of events and initiatives over the next few months.

The focus of the campaign will be on promoting digital payments in the country, especially in the cities of Lucknow, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, as part of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) event.

The launch of the Digital Payments Utsav marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to promote digital payments and drive digital transformation in India. The comprehensive campaign is expected to bring together various stakeholders, including the government, industry, and citizens, to drive the growth of the digital economy and promote financial inclusion.

June 5, 2023

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Device makes mountain climbing in Indonesia safer

Singapore Unveils AI Government Cloud Cluster

Bridging the Digital Divide: Western Australia’s Support for Rural Communities

Vietnam’s Approach to Child Safety in the Digital Age

Interoperability and Digital Transformation for e-Governance in the Philippines

Taiwan Joins International Initiative for Ethical AI Development

Singapore Harnessing Digitalisation for a Resilient Economy

Samarth Campaign: Digital Transactions for 50,000 Indian Village Councils

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