- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
The Philippine Digital Transformation Strategy 2022 has been created to prioritise the country’s national interests and ambitions. Known as e-government 2.0, it aims to achieve strong citizen engagement through institutionalising closed-loop, multidimensional and multidirectional communication channels.
Built on the foundations of infrastructure development, human capital development and bridging the digital divide, the strategy is based on three pillars: economic transformation, people engagement and innovation.
With the current advancement, there is agreement within the public sector that data science, analytics and digital transformation can help to make better policies and deliver better services as the Philippines moves toward a new and better normal, as shared by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
Public sector agencies agree, across the board, that cloud computing is a wise option because it reduces the cost of purchasing, setting up, running and maintaining daily technology services. Cloud computing has been proven to empower the public sector with the ability to streamline technology operations and significantly improve efficiency in processing citizen-facing transactions.
Cloud computing enables the public sector to respond to citizen needs in a more agile manner and allows public services to be adapted as needed. It enables agencies to handle demand spikes without disrupting service because technology support can be appropriately scaled. For example, in cases where services may face peak demand periods, such as filing online tax returns just before a deadline.
Technically, cloud computing can boost public sector resilience by providing business continuity and disaster recovery services in the event of a natural disaster or other calamity affecting a country. Not only does cloud computing help mitigate cybersecurity risk, but it also provides stronger cybersecurity and privacy capabilities that would otherwise be difficult to resource and keep updated.
Cloud technology offers a system that simplifies operations and improves efficiency. With that edge, the public sector can reduce processes and streamline operations by using cloud-based tools. Additionally, cloud platforms can also provide the public sector with productivity tools to consolidate administrative and operational processes and exchange information with multiple stakeholders remotely.
It also offers methods for improving agility and scaling public services. The deployment of ICT resources is reduced from weeks to minutes when compared to traditional ICT infrastructure. Software solutions, data storage and computational capacity can be deployed in a cloud computing environment with a few mouse clicks, allowing agencies to be highly responsive to citizen needs. Cloud computing evens fosters a new collaborative approach, resulting in shorter development and improvement cycles.
Moreover, the advantages of the cloud in terms of business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) go beyond capital expenditure (CAPEX) savings. Using the cloud can improve resilience by enabling customised BCDR mechanisms to distribute or replicate data and workloads across multiple data centres in disparate geographic locations in near real-time.
In terms of implementation, the decree of a national cloud-first could signal the public sector’s willingness to embrace cloud computing but must be followed by a clear implementation plan or strategy, which can then be iterated to meet the needs of the country and incorporate lessons learned from previous implementations.
The OpenGovLive! Virtual Breakfast Insight on 2 March 2022 focused on providing the latest information on the benefits of a cloud-based model to enjoy cost savings and operational efficiencies with top public sector leaders from the Philippines.
Trends in a cloud-first future
Mohit Sagar, Group Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, OpenGov Asia, kicked off the session with his opening address.
“Culture has shifted drastically,” Mohit claims. “If there is anything that COVID-19 has proven, it is that we can adapt quickly. Risks were taken because the world had no choice but to adapt.”
While some organisations have embraced the cloud-only policy, “all government is legacy,” Mohit asserts. Cloud is no longer an option but a must-have, especially in the prevailing culture of working from home.
Simple as cloud is to get on, Mohit opines, without a strategy, organisations will not know how to control it, use it correctly or maximise the benefits in their digital transformation journey.
Yet in its adoption, organisations are beginning to realise that security does not necessarily have to be compromised as they move to cloud. Security is not a reason to avoid cloud adoption, but a crucial aspect to be addressed in the inevitable move towards it.
Citizens and customers are moving faster, and services need to be available anywhere, anytime. This begs the question, “What will organisations do to drive that?”
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, new technology, tools and platforms are being churned out often and regularly. These are great changes but do not represent paradigm shifts. Cloud-first is a major paradigm shift.
Cloud has given us the flexibility to rapidly respond to the changes demanded by digital-savvy citizens. Agencies now have a better ability to not only move workload between an on-premises data centre and public cloud but make changes and upload data instantly.
Agencies that embraced cloud services proved more responsive and were able to continue operating remotely and serving their citizens, demonstrating agility, scalability and speed even amid a pandemic.
“Let the experts keep your glass full,” Mohit concludes, urging delegates to investigate partnerships that will free them up to improve citizen experience, instead of being caught up with the technicalities of the journey of cloud adoption.
Modernisation of data and migration to the cloud to foster public-sector innovation
Following Mohit’s address, Julian Lau, Head of ASEAN Emerging Markets – Worldwide Public Sector, Amazon Web Services, Tang Bing Wan, Principal Infrastructure – Architect, GovTech, and Bruce Liew, Director of Sector – Digitalisation & Transformation National Council of Social Service (NCSS) Singapore engaged in a fireside conversation on the outlook of cloud adoption.
Mohit got the conversation going by first asking Julian about his thoughts on cloud services from a global AWS perspective. Julian remarked that the pandemic has changed the way people operate. IT (Information Technology) spending is on the rise because people realised that IT infrastructure is vital in the age of the new normal.
Governments need to deploy services faster and accelerate plans for digital transformation and cloud will become the default infrastructure for organisations. More than ever, governments are expected to rapidly improve and set up the infrastructure to support government e-services in weeks.
Focussing the conversation on Singapore, Mohit remarked that GovTech has been on a cloud journey and was keen to know what Bing Wan’s thoughts were on where Singapore is at on that journey currently.
Bing Wan shared that the cloud journey for the Singapore government started as early as 2016 when simpler websites were moved to commercial cloud through the Content Website Platform. GovTech subsequently announced in 2018 that they would migrate up to 70% of eligible government systems to commercial cloud in the next 5 years. They have learnt much from the process and some lessons include the following:
- Organisations have to stop thinking of cloud as pieces of infrastructure and hardware. Instead, infrastructure pieces should be understood as codes that can be implemented, changed and removed with agility.
- Organisations should also start to truly tap on cloud-native services and enjoy the efficiency, speed and agility offered by commercial cloud providers. The migration of systems should also shift towards re-factoring or re-architecting of systems towards using a more granular and microservices architecture.
- There is a need to move away from on-premises infrastructure thinking, as on commercial cloud, many offerings are in-built and offered natively as subscribed services – his advice is to tap on these capabilities and leave it to the experts who do it better rather than attempt to build and develop various infrastructure-constructs on their own.
Cloud adoption is a journey that requires buy-in, Mohit asserts. On that note, he is keen to know how Bruce is getting that message to his organisation. Bruce responds with an anecdote about how hotlines were the first services that were affected when Singapore went into lockdown in March 2020 – people were not able to go into offices to take control of the call centres.
As a result of the crisis, there were deep conversations with the social services about pivoting to cloud – one of the turning points for the sector. He adds that cloud adoption is a strategy that can prepare organisations for potential crises – no one knows when they are overprepared until the crisis happens.
Moving the conversation in the context of the Philippines, Mohit acknowledges that the nation is quite advanced in terms of options. He is keen to know what directional changes Julian sees in the Philippines.
In 2017, Julian explains, the Philippines had already declared a cloud-first policy. Compared to other ASEAN countries, the Philippines was visionary in that aspect and their understanding of the use of cloud services is fairly mature in comparison. When the pandemic struck, they used the cloud service to run mission-critical systems.
He added that putting workloads on cloud is not about internal or external-facing work but about enjoying lower ToC, better agility and scalability.
Mohit opines that even if governments have a cloud-first policy, it does not mean that it gets deployed because agencies need to trust it. On that note, he asked if Bing Wan had any “happy surprises” when GovTech started the journey on cloud.
Bing Wan first cautioned that organisations will not experience the full benefits of cloud if they merely go for a lift-and-shift strategy as they migrate to cloud. There is a need to constantly review and study cloud benefit realisation as part of the migration journey. An extremely proud moment can be seen in the speed and agility observed during the pandemic in which there was a need to scale the Ministry of Education Commercial-Cloud based system for Home-Based Learning. In a short span of about a week, the system was able to be scaled to support 300,000-400,000 concurrent users from the initial sizing of 100,000 concurrent users. All of which would not have been possible if the system is still running on-premise where hardware infrastructure may need to be scaled up.
As cloud is increasingly becoming a necessity, Mohit invited Bruce to share his thoughts on what should people be looking at to accelerate their cloud deployment.
Bruce remarks that cost is a concern in every organisation. When looking at the total cost of ownership, cloud will help in managing that better. Shortage of IT talent is something else that is faced across the board – something that cloud can mitigate.
“You have an entire army backing you so that your glass will be full,” Mohit concurs.
The move towards cloud adoption could be daunting, Mohit is clear and wants to know what AWS can offer to help the Philippine government.
Julian believes that cloud provides all the software for digital infrastructure so that agencies can focus on their business or services. With cloud technology, agencies will be able to deploy systems in a short span of time and enjoy a faster time to market. Apart from that, AWS has a team in the Philippines to support organisations in their shift in their move towards cloud architecture.
Bing Wan’s final thoughts on cloud adoption were that the use of commercial cloud for government digital services will continue to grow.
He emphasised that there is a need to change mindsets to focus less on infrastructure management to the creating ability for better quality digital application that creates more value to citizens. The way of looking at the ecosystem of IT has changed, he believes. Organisations must design architecture patterns differently and start to fully tap on services and capabilities that commercial cloud has to offer.
Interactive Discussion
After the informative presentations, delegates participated in interactive discussions facilitated by polling questions. This session is designed to provide live-audience interaction, promote engagement, hear real-life experiences and impart professional learning and development for the participants. It is an opportunity for delegates to gain insight from subject matter experts, share their stories and take back strategies that can be implemented in their organisations
In the first poll, delegates were asked about the current state of their cloud strategy. More than half (61%) say they have adopted hybrid cloud while slightly over a third (35%) currently have everything on-premise for data protection and security. Only 4% of the delegates are currently on multi-cloud.
Julian remarks that cloud adoption is not an “all-or-nothing decision,” which is why there are hybrid cloud models. When organisations become more mature, they might use a multi-cloud strategy to deploy different cloud services which depend on the use cases.
The main platform is not cloud-based for one delegate, although there is hybrid cloud development. They have a big and fully integrated system, so the journey of cloud adoption is an ongoing project.
Mohit added that in a case where an organisation is facing a highly integrated legacy system, it is a slow and steady journey instead of a quick destination.
Another delegate highlighted cost concerns when it came to cloud adoption while others shared that they want to move to the cloud but are hindered by cloud facilities that are not within the Philippines.
Julian feels that data classification to distinguish the sensitive and highly sensitive data will allow organisations in the Philippines to store their sensitive data through Hong Kong’s data centre. He added that there are services where AWS can put their services within the data centre of organisations so that they can run their public cloud in their data centres.
Regarding cost, cloud offers not only the hardware but a host of other offerings like automation. If delegates are interested, Julian confirmed that AWS will be able to help organisations calculate the true cost of running workload.
On the topic of cost, Bing Wan echoed Julian’s point that cost is important but there is a myth that the key reason to migrate to cloud is to achieve cost savings. It is equally critical to recognise the other benefits that commercial cloud has to offer – which is faster time to market and agility. Organisations need to start realising that the conversation on cost savings would also need to be complemented with other advantages of moving on cloud and one shall not only use cost as the only metric to measure the benefit of cloud migration.
On how to measure the quality of their organisation’s cloud adoption, a majority (43%) measure the quality of cloud adoption through high availability/downtime management. Over a third (35%) evaluate the quality of their cloud adoption through customer/citizen satisfaction. The remaining determine it through resource productivity (13%) and efficiency or cost savings (9%).
For a delegate from a government agency, the aim is to improve the services to the public which is why customer satisfaction is a yardstick. Another delegate echoed the same sentiment and she believes that moving to cloud is not an option anymore. It might not have been an issue pre-pandemic, since citizens could still access services in person. However, without the option of in-person services, cloud services are critical in ensuring that her organisation can continue to service their customers.
The reliability of the organisation during downtime is important for customer satisfaction, shared a participant, while, for an executive from the defence industry, time is of the essence in decision-making.
For Bing Wan, customer satisfaction is one of the key considerations and he believes that migration to cloud will lead to a higher quality of all digital products that government agencies develop for citizens – which will be faster, better, more efficient and more reliable. However, he cautioned against thinking that merely moving to cloud would resolve all the issues. The quality of cloud adoption programme and overall migration strategy will also affect actual benefit-realisation.
To allay participants’ concerns, Mohit confirms that high availability and downtime management is not a problem for AWS.
Concerning the criteria used to choose cloud providers, more than half (56%) select their providers based on security. The others chose performance (20%), compliance with regulatory standards (20%) followed by innovation (4%).
In response to the poll results, Mohit emphasised that all the options need to be secured – the entire breadth of a cloud providers’ offering.
Asked what they saw as the biggest challenge in digitalisation and cloud migration, well over a third (38%) found people and skillset to be the biggest issue while 19% opted for executive support/top management strategy. Two options got equal responses – data classification/data sovereignty/data residency concern (14%) and budgets (14%). The rest were shared between legacy infrastructure (10%) and security and compliance risks (5%)
On their plans for modernising applications and legacy systems, most (39%) felt that they require application assessment to move to the cloud. Over a third (35%) plan to work with a cloud service provider while the others will look to outsource to a system integrator (17%). About a tenth (9%) have no plans currently.
Regarding the external assistance that delegates believe is the most critical for cloud migration, 40% believe that technical expertise to execute the cloud migration plan is the most critical. About 20% were looking for technical expertise to plan and project-manage while 15% thought leadership influencing to change the government leader mindsets from traditional Data Center Operations to DevOps in the cloud would be vital.
A delegate remarked on the importance of having experts in the organisation to build capacity. To that, Mohit emphasised that organisations across the board are experiencing a people challenge. To that Bruce commented that the desire, ambition and motivation must come from the top. In addition, organisations need to build competency, sell a vision to the people in the organisation.
Mohit stresses that even those at the top need to be educated otherwise cost would always be in the conversation. When making a use case, the language needs to be about efficiency and future growth so that it can resonate with top management. He added that implementation is an ever-evolving process.
For Bing Wan, limited resources and budget will always be a perennial problem. He suggests one of the ways to relook at options to achieve better efficiency is through a platform strategy. In Singapore, GovTech spearheaded a central platform (Singapore Government Tech Stack) containing a suite of shared software components and infrastructure that enables a higher level of efficiency and helps developers focus on building digital applications.
Conclusion
Julian brought the session to a close, acknowledging that digital transformation and cloud adoption is an important and ongoing journey. He does realise, however, that there are many concerns that must be planned for and addressed. AWS has the experience of assisting organisations on this journey to work out solutions for their concerns.
The importance of skillsets and having people who are about to savvy about cloud technology is another key consideration. On that note, he shares that AWS can offer training for employees for organisations who want to transform the competencies of their people.
Finally, he feels that cloud adoption can come in small steps. Through increments, organisations will be able to experience and learn all about cloud adoption. Mohit adds that it is important to select a few people to upskill to bring the knowledge back to the organisation.
In closing, Julian expressed his gratitude to everyone for their participation and highly energetic discussion. He invited delegates to reach out to him and his team to explore how they can work together on their cloud journey.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological innovation, promising transformative solutions to complex challenges across various domains. Recognising its potential to revolutionise industries and improve societal well-being, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has inaugurated the NUS AI Institute (NAII). Led by Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, NAII aims to accelerate AI research and its practical applications, fostering collaboration, innovation, and societal impact.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, AI has emerged as a powerful tool with the capacity to reshape diverse sectors, ranging from healthcare to finance, education, logistics, and beyond. The establishment of NAII underscores NUS’s commitment to harnessing AI for the greater good, addressing critical issues facing Singapore and the global community.
At the core of NAII’s mission is the advancement of fundamental AI research, aimed at pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities and exploring novel applications across various domains. Through foundational research initiatives, scientists at NAII will tackle complex AI problems, spanning hardware and software systems, AI theory, responsible AI, reasoning AI, and resource-efficient AI. By delving into these areas, the institute seeks to develop cutting-edge AI technologies that address real-world challenges and drive innovation.
Moreover, NAII will prioritise research into the ethical and societal implications of AI, aiming to develop robust governance frameworks that ensure responsible AI development and deployment. This includes examining issues related to transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in AI systems. By fostering dialogue and research on AI ethics and governance, NAII aims to guide the responsible use of AI technology and mitigate potential risks.
In addition to foundational research, NAII will spearhead applied research initiatives, focusing on developing AI-driven solutions for specific application domains. Collaborating with experts from diverse fields, including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, finance, urban sustainability, and education, the institute will tackle pressing challenges and explore opportunities for AI-driven innovation. From optimising supply chains to improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing urban infrastructure, NAII’s applied research efforts aim to deliver tangible benefits to society.
Furthermore, NAII will serve as a hub for AI talent development, providing comprehensive education and training programs for students, professionals, and policymakers. By offering hands-on learning experiences and internships, the institute seeks to nurture the next generation of AI leaders and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation in AI.
To support its research and educational endeavours, NUS has allocated significant resources to NAII, including external research grants and institutional funding. Moreover, the institute will collaborate closely with government agencies and industry partners to amplify its impact and drive innovation. Strategic partnerships with leading companies such as IBM and Google Cloud will enable NAII to leverage industry expertise and resources, accelerating the translation of research outcomes into real-world applications.
In alignment with Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) strategy, NAII aims to contribute to the nation’s AI ecosystem by fostering collaboration, innovation, and talent development. By positioning NUS as a global leader in AI research and application, the institute seeks to drive positive societal change and economic growth.
The establishment of NAII represents a significant milestone in NUS’s journey towards harnessing the power of AI for societal benefit. Through cutting-edge research, education, and collaboration, the institute aims to unlock the full potential of AI and pave the way for a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive future. With its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to excellence, NAII is poised to make a lasting impact on Singapore and the global AI landscape.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
The Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) has reached a significant milestone with its artificial intelligence (AI) platform, VNPT eKYC, logging over 1 billion user authentication requests. This accomplishment solidifies VNPT’s position as a pioneer in electronic identification and verification solutions within Vietnam.
Since its inception, VNPT eKYC has been at the forefront of electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) services for over five years, serving a diverse range of clients including banks, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and e-commerce entities. With over 100 organisations utilising its services, VNPT eKYC has facilitated electronic identification for more than 40 million individuals across the country.
On average, the VNPT eKYC system processes an impressive 600,000 requests daily, with peak days witnessing over a million requests being handled seamlessly. This demonstrates the platform’s robustness and reliability in managing high volumes of authentication transactions efficiently.
The significance of VNPT eKYC extends beyond its technological capabilities, particularly in the context of evolving regulatory requirements. The State Bank of Vietnam’s decision mandating biometric authentication for transactions exceeding 10 million VND (approximately 416 USD) and other significant transactions from July 1, 2024, underscores the critical role of advanced authentication solutions like VNPT eKYC in ensuring compliance and security in financial transactions.
Moreover, the platform’s success highlights the increasing importance of domestically developed solutions in the banking and financial sector. Domestic solutions such as VNPT eKYC offer several advantages, including rapid implementation, cost-effectiveness, adherence to global technology standards, scalability, and high readiness to meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Central to the effectiveness of VNPT eKYC is its advanced AI models, which enable the verification of facial biometric data with an impressive accuracy rate of up to 99.99%. This high level of accuracy not only enhances the security of authentication processes but also contributes to building trust and confidence among users and regulatory authorities.
As Vietnam’s digital economy continues to grow and evolve, the role of advanced authentication and verification solutions like VNPT eKYC becomes increasingly indispensable. Beyond facilitating seamless and secure electronic transactions, these solutions contribute to enhancing the overall digital infrastructure and ecosystem of the country, paving the way for further innovation and economic growth.
Looking ahead, VNPT remains committed to advancing its AI platform and expanding its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its clients and the regulatory landscape. With a strong focus on innovation, reliability, and security, VNPT eKYC is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electronic identification and verification in Vietnam’s dynamic digital economy.
VNPT’s achievement of logging over 1 billion authentication requests with its AI platform, VNPT eKYC, marks a significant milestone in Vietnam’s journey towards digital transformation.
Amid a swiftly changing global landscape, Vietnam emerges as a frontrunner in a digital revolution, strategically positioned to harness technology’s transformative power for economic progress and societal development.
It is embracing its digital transformation journey, highlighting collaborative efforts to drive the nation’s digital transformation. The nation’s digital technology industry aims to propel Vietnam towards high-income status by 2045 through technology mastery, innovation, and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Moreover, the nation is working to harmonise its regulations, streamline laws, and promote consistency in its legal framework to foster a more favourable and appealing cyber environment.
As the country continues to embrace technology-driven solutions to address emerging challenges, VNPT eKYC stands as a testament to the potential of domestic innovation in driving progress and excellence in the digital era.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a significant scientific breakthrough in a space sector, Dr Sarah Kessans has developed hardware designed to operate autonomously in orbit, transforming the study of protein crystallisation in microgravity. This technology provides scientists on Earth with unprecedented insights into protein behaviour, with far-reaching implications for developing more effective medicines and vaccines, among other applications.
Minister for Space Dr Megan Collins lauds Dr Kessans’ research as an inspiring example of how space technology can drive innovation on Earth. This achievement follows the recent successful launch of MethaneSAT, a satellite designed to track and monitor global emissions from space, highlighting the significant potential of space technology in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges while bolstering our globally competitive space sector.
The MethaneSAT satellite will be equipped with a highly sensitive spectrometre that can detect concentrations as low as two parts per billion, and it will have high-spatial resolution coupled with a broad, 200-kilometre view path, allowing it to quantify even small emission sources over large areas.
Dr Kessans’ research culminated in successfully launching her hardware on a rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, USA. This mission also included protein experiments from leading New Zealand universities, including Canterbury, Otago, Victoria, and Waikato, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the country’s academic institutions in advancing space science and technology.
The launch of Dr Kessans’ project results from a strategic agreement between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the US commercial space company Axiom Space. This partnership aims to facilitate New Zealand researchers’ advancement in space science and technology, fostering innovation and driving collaboration between academia, government, and private enterprise.
Dr Kessans’ project has also received government funding for further development through the MBIE-administered Endeavour Fund, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge research and innovation in the space sector. This collaborative effort between academia, government, and private enterprise is a testament to New Zealand’s growing presence in the global space economy, positioning the country as a key player in space research and technology development.
Previously, New Zealand had collaborated with several countries, including Australia, to advance space research, as reported by OpenGov. The collaboration between SmartSat and the New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA) is an important development. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities aims to accelerate the growth and technological advancement of the Australian and New Zealand space industries, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of space exploration and innovation in the Australasian region.
This partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to fostering innovation, driving research and development (R&D), and nurturing a skilled workforce capable of propelling technological breakthroughs in the space sector. The MoU, ceremoniously signed at the NZSA headquarters in Wellington, signifies a strategic alignment between SmartSat and NZSA to leverage their combined resources and expertise.
At the core of this collaboration, it is designated to support joint research initiatives in three key technological domains: Earth Observation, Space Situational Awareness, and Optical Communications. These areas represent the forefront of space exploration, offering immense potential to revolutionise humanity’s perception and interaction with the cosmos.
Minister Judith Collins, New Zealand’s Minister for Space, praised the new agreement as a testament to the enduring collaboration between Australia and New Zealand in space exploration. In a statement on her official website, she reiterated her commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, recognising the transformative potential of space technology in addressing global challenges.
Minister Collins reaffirmed the government’s dedication to developing the country’s space sector, promoting innovation, and strengthening partnerships with the New Zealand research community, international space agencies, and commercial collaborators. These collaborative approaches underscore New Zealand’s commitment to advancing space science and technology to benefit society and the economy, paving the way for future breakthroughs in the field.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a significant stride towards bolstering research efforts in offshore wind power technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory have inked a collaborative agreement to establish the PolyU-Yangjiang Laboratory Joint Research Centre for Offshore Wind Power (JRC).
The joint initiative, officially announced through a signing ceremony held at PolyU’s campus, marks a pivotal moment in the burgeoning partnership between the two entities. With the JRC set to be jointly operated and managed by the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and the Laboratory, the collaboration signifies a concerted effort to deepen research collaboration and foster innovation in offshore wind power technology.
Under the ambit of this new partnership, researchers from PolyU and Yangjiang will synergise their expertise, resources, and laboratory facilities to undertake pioneering research projects. These projects will focus on developing novel technologies and materials tailored for offshore wind power applications, with a paramount aim to translate research outcomes into tangible solutions for industry implementation.
The signing ceremony, attended by a delegation from Yangjiang in Guangdong province alongside PolyU representatives, saw the presence of Prof. Christopher Chao, PolyU Vice President (Research and Innovation) and Mr. Liu Dewei, Vice Mayor of Yangjiang Municipal People’s Government. Their attendance underscored the significance of this collaborative endeavour in driving forward advancements in renewable energy technology.
In his welcoming address, Prof. Christopher Chao highlighted the pivotal role of wind power in the global transition towards carbon neutrality. He emphasised that the collaboration between PolyU and the Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory not only serves to advance offshore wind power expertise but also fosters a robust platform for mutual engagement in research, talent development, and knowledge exchange.
Prof. Chao expressed optimism that the JRC would harness the collective research capabilities of both organisations to tackle pressing scientific challenges and overcome technical barriers in the energy sector, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a world-class research and innovation hub for wind power and clean energy.
The partnership between PolyU and the Laboratory holds particular significance for Hong Kong’s energy landscape. With the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the HKSAR Government estimating that wind power could potentially satisfy a significant portion of the city’s electricity demand, the collaboration is poised to address critical engineering challenges in the construction of offshore wind farms. By facilitating interdisciplinary research and engineering solutions, the collaboration aims to benefit not only Hong Kong but also the wider region and beyond.
The Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory, comprising leading experts from esteemed mainland universities, is dedicated to advancing fundamental science and technology in the offshore wind power sector. Leveraging the collective expertise of institutions such as Zhejiang University, Sun Yat-sen University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, among others, the Laboratory is at the forefront of research in this domain.
Established in 2021, PolyU’s Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) has been actively engaged in interdisciplinary research undertakings, with offshore wind power emerging as a focal area of interest. A delegation from RILS visited wind energy-related facilities in Yangjiang in November 2023, laying the groundwork for potential collaboration opportunities with the Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory.
As the PolyU-Yangjiang Laboratory Joint Research Centre for Offshore Wind Power takes shape, it symbolizes a collaborative initiative aimed at driving innovation and addressing the energy challenges of tomorrow. Through concerted research efforts and knowledge exchange, the partnership between PolyU and the Laboratory is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing offshore wind power technology, thereby contributing to a sustainable energy future.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a landmark display of indigenous innovation, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) unveiled its latest breakthrough: the NeoStand Electric Standing Wheelchair. This cutting-edge mobility solution promises to redefine accessibility for wheelchair users across India.
With its emphasis on user empowerment and well-being enabled by technology, NeoStand stands poised to usher in a new era of accessibility, where every individual, regardless of ability, can realise their full potential.
Led by Professor Sujatha Srinivasan, Head of the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras, the development of NeoStand represents a significant milestone in the quest for inclusive technology.
At the heart of NeoStand lies a commitment to user-centric design and functionality. Unlike conventional wheelchairs, NeoStand features a motorised standing mechanism that allows users to effortlessly transition between sitting and standing positions with the push of a button. This innovative feature opens up a world of possibilities for individuals with mobility impairments, enabling them to engage in face-to-face interactions, access higher shelves, and experience the physical and psychological benefits of standing.
The launch event illuminated the profound societal impact of NeoStand, showcasing its potential to redefine accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with mobility impairments. By bridging the gap between innovation and social responsibility, NeoStand symbolises a transformative shift towards a more equitable and empowering future
“These translational research endeavours underscore our commitment to fostering social impact through innovative solutions,” remarked Professor Kamakoti. “Indeed, NeoStand represents more than just a mobility aid; it symbolises a paradigm shift in how we perceive and address the needs of individuals with disabilities.”
One of the key drivers behind NeoStand’s development is its emphasis on promoting user independence and well-being. For many wheelchair users, the ability to stand remains an elusive goal, often hampered by physical limitations and reliance on external assistance. NeoStand seeks to address these challenges head-on, offering users the freedom to stand comfortably whenever needed. This not only enhances their physical health by improving blood circulation and digestion but also fosters a sense of empowerment and autonomy.
The journey from concept to reality has been made possible through a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders. Sponsored by a company as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative and developed in partnership with NeoMotion, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, NeoStand exemplifies the transformative potential of public-private collaboration.
“The launch of a new product this evening for the differently abled signifies a turning point in our endeavour to foster inclusiveness and empowerment,” remarked Mr. Sudhakar Rao, IAS (Rtd), Member of the Board of Directors at the company.
Professor Srinivasan, the driving force behind NeoStand’s development, highlighted the device’s therapeutic benefits and ease of use. “Integrating standing functionality into a wheelchair provides health benefits as well as functional and psychological benefits to the user,” she explained.
Testimonials from users like Mr. Justin Jesudas, a quadriplegic individual, further attest to the life-changing impact of NeoStand who noted that, “The ability to stand with just a push of a button makes the wheelchair even more inclusive, helping quadriplegics to stand independently.”
Looking ahead, NeoStand stands out for individuals with mobility impairments, promising a future where accessibility knows no bounds. As India continues to embrace innovation and inclusivity, initiatives like NeoStand serve as a testament to the transformative power of technology in shaping a more equitable society.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Mudik is a tradition of returning to one’s hometown that is widely practised by the Indonesian community, especially when Eid al-Fitr celebrations approach. This tradition involves a massive population movement from big cities to their origin areas or hometowns to celebrate the holiday with family and relatives.
The phenomenon of mudik also shows the importance of family values and togetherness in Indonesian culture. It becomes a moment to reconnect social and cultural ties among family members who might have been separated by distance for various reasons, such as work or education.
The Indonesian government often takes special measures to accommodate the travel surge during the mudik period, such as increasing public transportation capacity, providing emergency health services on the mudik routes, and maintaining and repairing road infrastructure.
This year, as a State-Owned Enterprise, the cellular operator Telkomsel provides 4G networks on 14 mudik ships operated by the Indonesian National Shipping Company (Pelni).
Over the years, mudik travellers choosing to travel by sea have faced significant obstacles related to internet access. This condition has left them disconnected from the outside world. At the same time, in the middle of the sea, thus unable to access up-to-date information, communicate with family, or even enjoy entertainment.
“With this latest development, we can provide high-quality services to our customers, ensuring that they remain connected even while in the middle of a sea journey,” said Saki Bramono, Telkomsel’s Vice Director of Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility.
Further, Telkomsel’s 4G service has now successfully reached as many as 1,100 shipping routes served by 14 ships and 83 ports across Indonesia. This innovation results from a strategic collaboration with Telkomsat, a Telkom subsidiary specialising in satellite internet services. Through this collaboration, Telkomsel and Telkomsat present a strong and stable 4G LTE signal on ships, allowing passengers to stay connected to the internet during their mudik journey.
Telkomsat uses the Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Landing Rights to ensure broad and reliable satellite internet coverage. Saki stated that the initiative to provide 4G internet services on ships, chosen by the community for mudik, is the first time Telkomsel has implemented satellite internet technology. This move not only revolutionises the sailing experience for mudik travellers by sea by ensuring smooth and continuous communication access but also marks a new chapter in Telkomsel’s efforts to overcome connectivity challenges in Indonesia, especially in hard-to-reach locations like the middle of the sea.
To improve service quality and customer experience during the crucial mudik Lebaran period, Telkomsel focuses on upgrading and optimising telecommunications networks and proactively expands and strengthens its network infrastructure. As part of these efforts, Telkomsel strategically increased the 4G network capacity at 70 existing Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and took a significant step by building 325 new 4G BTS.
These measures ensure that customers enjoy smooth connectivity and high-quality communication in urban areas and mudik routes that often cross areas with limited telecommunications access.
Telkomsel estimates a 15.22% increase in internet traffic during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2024 period compared to regular days. Of the total increase in internet traffic, the cellular operator estimates the highest increase comes from the areas of Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, popular mudik destinations, at 26.25%.
The second highest increase is estimated from Sumatra, at 16.99%. An increase in internet traffic is also expected in Papua, Maluku, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan by 13.11%. Meanwhile, the increase in internet traffic in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi, and West Java areas is estimated to reach 4.28%.
Telkomsel has prepared a customer service team that works tirelessly, ready to serve customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers can easily access this service through various channels, including social media, customer service calls, the MyTelkomsel mobile app, and a virtual assistant named Veronika. Customers can also visit GraPARI outlets spread across various locations for face-to-face services.
These comprehensive measures affirm Telkomsel’s commitment to providing high-quality and reliable telecommunications services, especially during important moments like the mudik Lebaran, where smooth and fast communication is critical.
With the improvement of network infrastructure and strong customer service support, Telkomsel strives to ensure that every customer can connect with family and loved ones without obstacles, making their mudik journey safe and enjoyable.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Da Nang, a central city in Vietnam, is gearing up to bolster its semiconductor industry with a targeted focus on human resource development. The Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU) recently launched a comprehensive programme aimed at training professionals in integrated circuit (IC) design.
The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to advancing its semiconductor sector. In 2024, Da Nang will concentrate on cultivating a pool of qualified teaching staff through collaborative efforts with the Viet Nam-Korea Information Technology (IT) and Communications University, the Institute of Information Technology under the Viet Nam National University – Ha Noi, and the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Centre for Research and Training (DSAC). Support from Synopsys Vietnam Company will further bolster these endeavours.
The training programme, spanning six months, comprises both theoretical learning and project-based training. It encompasses four modules covering Very-large-scale integration (VLSI) Design, SystemVerilog/Verilog/Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language, basic digital integrated circuits, and basic analog circuit design.
The inaugural training course for lecturers will host 25 participants selected from prestigious institutions including the Viet Nam-Korea Information Technology (IT) and Communications University, Da Nang University of Science and Technology, University of Technical Education, Duy Tan University, and FPT University. A significant highlight of the programme is the access granted to lecturers to Synopsys’ extensive library and teaching materials, enabling them to develop practical IC design curricula upon completion.
Huynh Cong Phap, Principal of VKU, emphasised the programme’s objective of equipping students with practical IC design skills to facilitate training deployment at universities in Da Nang. Additionally, the university plans to offer short-term training courses in semiconductor circuit design for junior and senior students pursuing majors such as computer engineering, technology, embedded systems and IoT, and technology information.
Speaking at the event, Ho Ky Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, hailed the programme as a significant stride in the city’s strategy for high-quality human resource development. He commended the collaborative efforts between DSAC, VKU, Synopsys Group, and the Information Technology Institute under the Vietnam National University in swiftly launching the city’s inaugural IC circuit design instructor training course.
In line with the city’s ambitions, Ho Ky Minh, the Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang, welcomed Susan Burns, the US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, expressing his aspirations for enhanced collaboration with the United States within the semiconductor industry.
Susan Burns lauded the programme as a testament to the robust cooperation between government bodies, private enterprises, and universities in nurturing high-tech talent in Vietnam. This collaboration aims to fortify Vietnam’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The United States acknowledges Vietnam’s pivotal role in fostering flexible semiconductor supply chains and extends strong support for the industry’s development in the country.
In tandem with the programme launch, the university unveiled the VKU – SSTH centre, dedicated to semiconductor circuits and smart technology. Equipped with 30 computers and proprietary circuit design software from Synopsys, the centre is poised to serve as a hub for training and research in semiconductor circuits and smart technology.
OpenGov Asia reported that Da Nang inaugurated the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Training (DSAC) in January this year, marking a significant stride in technological advancement. This initiative underscores Da Nang’s dedication to enhancing its capabilities in integrated circuit (IC) design and artificial intelligence (AI).
The decision to establish DSAC was announced on January 26 by Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, highlighting the centre’s role in realising the city’s strategic objectives. DSAC is poised to engage in research, training, and technology transfer in microchips, semiconductors, and AI development, while also fostering international cooperation in these critical domains.