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Photo credit: IPOS
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Fraunhofer) is Europe’s largest application-oriented research organisation with 69 institutes located throughout Germany, each focusing on different fields of applied science. At the sidelines of IP Week@SG 2017 organised by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), OpenGov had the opportunity to speak to Dr. Lorenz Kaiser, Division Director for R&D Contracts and IPR, Fraunhofer.
Dr. Kaiser has more than 3 decades of experience in negotiating research contracts with industry, and in this interview, he talks about the challenges in his role, observations of trends in the industry and keeping pace with the demands of technology-driven clients and companies.
Could you tell us more about your role as Division Director for R&D Contracts and IPR, Fraunhofer?
For your first question, I have to make some preliminary remarks about the financing of Fraunhofer – Fraunhofer has a budget of 2.1 billion euro. Fraunhofer Institutes are financed by a mixed structure and in this mixed structure there are 3 types of financing sources. The first is from basic research, the second is turnover from industry and the third is from project funding of special agencies.
This financing mix is one of the success factors of Fraunhofer, because if you were to only do basic research, you would not earn money from industry. If you only do applied research from industry, you would not have much progress in your research. So the mix also means that our researchers are both doing basic things and applied things. But the most important figure in Fraunhofer is the turnover from industry. When our research work is so interesting for industry that they license it or buy it, then we are successful.
You can imagine 600 million euro, which is about the industry turnover, needs a lot of administrative support, a lot of contracts, a lot of negotiations, a lot of management and that’s my duty – to find the right cooperation form, to provide the contract, to negotiate the contract, to come to a solution in the end. This activity comprises different functions in my directorate. First is the research contract department which is the most interesting because they’re doing the research contracts and cooperation contracts with industry. There are more than 50 lawyers there and they perform about 8000 contracts a year only with industry. And then there is another department which deals with public funding and EU projects, which is also taking care for and supporting the institutes in applying for grants and making contracts under the support of the EU.
The third is the patent department, you can imagine that Fraunhofer has a lot of patents – on the whole, it is about 6000 patent families and that has to be managed. To say a figure, about 20% of that is licensing income. We’re one of the organisations that have a positive budget in IP commercialisation, not many others have. Therefore, the patent department is responsible for applying for patents, maintaining patents, licensing patents, negotiating with industry and so on.
There’s also a fourth department for corporate governance. They are pursuing basic and crucial international strategies of IP management. This is my whole duty. The directorate has about 180 people and we’re dedicated to that whole purpose to help the institutes in all contractual management and commercialisation questions.
What are some of the challenges in the development of models for research cooperations, negotiations and contractual solutions between the over 60 Fraunhofer institutes and external research institutions and industry?
You can imagine that a company investing in a research project or a consortium has high estimations and hope for the future to improve their products or create new technologies and services or whatsoever. And to shelter from competition, they always ask for absolute exclusive rights including protection of competition against others. Fraunhofer Institutes have many clients, often from the same branch, for instance the automotive industry. Therefore, we must take care, as a technology provider, to maintain strict confidentiality in each undertaking.
Licensing exclusive rights to everyone is not possible and would create infringement risks. So we follow a strategy of field of application licenses. We grant the client not all the patents created and not all the know-how but we grant them the right of use, a license, for their field of application. That’s one of the challenges.
The second challenge are certain responsibilities and quality demands, because when you do research, you will always have to deal with risks, otherwise there would be no research possible. Therefore, you have to find commitments at the beginning of the project, how to manage the risks of reliability and warranty. Usually the company asks for a guarantee that the result is functioning, is perfect, is new, and is generating patents, and so on. We are a bit conservative because we say every risk must be taken into account and we cannot really guarantee that we achieve the targets that have been put on.
This is very hard in negotiation because you have two very strong positions. The contractor says, “I’m investing a lot of money and I request guaranteed success.” The researchers say, “In R & D, there is no guaranteed success.” Usually, if they have invested a lot of money, it’s a long-term cooperation and this contract is made in advance for facts which develop far in the future. If you make such contracts for the future, that is not so simple – who will bear the higher risks and so on? You need a lot of experience to find solutions in some difficult cooperation.
Let me give you an example about tires made from dandelion. You can produce rubber (tires) from rubber trees and you can also produce them from dandelion plants. But this is a difficult production process – there’s a huge investment if you scale it up to industrial production levels and this contract, for example is to be negotiated for a long time, it’s a long-term contract, sharing the risks and profits and so forth. You will see that in the near future, at least with luxury cars, they will have tires with a green tree label on the side, it means this tire is made from dandelion plants and not from rubber trees.
This method has been explored and developed by the Fraunhofer Institute, licensed exclusively to a tire company. You can also make latex from that material and latex also has a huge market. The challenge in the starting phase is to assess the risk, to assess the chances because they must produce in a size that is profitable for industry. New and innovative products, in the beginning, are very expensive and they become cheaper. This is also something that our institutes do, they help companies develop the technologies further on.
You have more than 30 years of experience in negotiating research contracts with industry and dealing with IP rights. What would you view as the most important changes in this area in recent years (past 10 years or so)?
Innovative products are at the forefront of the plans and strategies of companies. It’s not enough anymore to have classical products, people like to have many new products and where shall it come from? Therefore the research result and cooperation with research institutes are required more than before. Fraunhofer has increased in those 30 years you mentioned, about 10 times in the budget and about 5 times in the staff because this demand from industry for special developments to improve their projects or for solving special technical problems.
The time distance from the development in the lab to the real product becomes shorter and shorter and the risks become higher. The time pressure and speed has increased.
You can see how fast that takes place with the change of mobile phone generations .Fraunhofer is often in the forefront of many developments because we are standing for applied research, we are helping the clients directly to attain a product and they do not hesitate to ask us for the assessment of the situation.
A good observation is that in those years, the number of spin-offs and young people founding young companies with their technical ideas has increased. We have a strategy for spin-offs and we participate in these spin-offs, which for a research company, is also unusual. We share the risk with them, license our technologies, we give them our brand and we support them in further cooperation to renew their products. Because it’s often not enough to have a new development, it’s also often necessary to improve it because the markets and products are changing so fast. Fraunhofer is always in between of all that.
Sometimes, patent laws and regulations might not be able to keep pace with the latest developments in technologies and their applications. How can research institutions deal with this issue?
The patent law, in technological development, is absolutely overestimated because when a research result is developed in a contracted research or cooperating research, (estimated) almost about 80% of the knowledge being transferred is not a patent, is not a copyright but is a trade secret or know-how. And the protection of know-how is one of the big challenges of our time. Simply if you disclose something, the other person says immediately, “that’s interesting, that’s my idea” – you can never prove that it’s your idea.
There are measures you have to undertake to protect your knowledge against competition, against third parties which is not so simple in those days and if you cooperate with universities, which is also necessary if you have technical solutions – universities like to publish, because it is their duty and mantra. But publication and confidentiality are pure opposites. If you have a consortium, the larger the consortium, the more problems you have with confidentiality.
It’s also a fact that in public-funded projects, the outcome of IP is very poor because in these projects, there’s more publicity and openness than confidential industry projects. You also have situations where industrial companies say, no patent at all, keep it secret.
We also have some material testing institutes and testing plant, where prototypes of products are tested, the stability of a car chassis for example, will be tested in this Fraunhofer institute before it goes to market. So we fulfil many industrial demands.
The IP regimes are legal frameworks and the technical solutions are factual things which do not really fit with that in all aspects. The European Commission, has now, for example, edited a know-how regulation, which is the first regulation that clearly states the value and legal protection of know-how.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong officially unveiled the National AI Strategy 2.0 (NAIS 2.0) at the inaugural Singapore Conference on AI (SCAI). This comprehensive strategy is designed not only to address contemporary challenges but also to uplift the collective economic and social potential of Singapore over the next three to five years.
Singapore’s journey into AI began in 2019 with the inception of the first National AI Strategy. This initial strategy laid out plans to deepen the integration of AI into various sectors, from Education to Healthcare and Safety & Security. Notably, the nation invested in critical enablers to fortify its AI ecosystem. Since then, Singapore has witnessed remarkable breakthroughs, leading to new products, capabilities, and interactions.

The renewed NAIS 2.0 acknowledges the opportunities and risks that AI presents in a society where digital technologies are an integral part of everyday life. Mastery of AI, according to Deputy Prime Minister Wong, holds the key to empowering businesses and citizens, unlocking new job opportunities, and driving the next wave of economic growth.
However, the responsible and sustainable management of AI is imperative to mitigate potential negative effects or misuse, such as cyber threats and misinformation, ensuring that AI engagement is safe and trustworthy for everyone.
NAIS 2.0 is framed by the vision “AI for the Public Good, for Singapore and the World.” The strategy revolves around two key goals: Excellence and Empowerment. Under the banner of Excellence, Singapore aims to selectively develop AI peaks to advance the field and maximise value creation.
This involves directing AI towards addressing pressing global challenges, including population health and climate change. On the Empowerment front, the strategy aspires to equip individuals, businesses, and communities to use AI with confidence, discernment, and trust, making AI the great equaliser in preparing for an AI-enabled future.
The strategy outlines 15 key actions across various systems and enablers that Singapore will undertake over the next three to five years. These actions encompass building a trusted and responsible AI ecosystem, driving innovation and growth through AI, and ensuring that people and businesses can engage with AI effectively.
Simultaneously, the launch of the inaugural SCAI underscores Singapore’s commitment to navigating the challenges of AI development. Themed “For the Global Good,” the conference aims to convene over 40 distinguished experts from academia, industry, and government. The goal is to identify critical questions in the realm of AI that, once answered, will enable the responsible development and deployment of AI for the benefit of societies globally.
Singapore’s NAIS 2.0 and the SCAI mark a significant stride toward harnessing the potential of AI while acknowledging the responsibilities that come with it. With a vision focused on the public good and a commitment to excellence and empowerment, Singapore is poised to navigate the intricate landscape of AI, ensuring that this transformative technology contributes positively to society and the world at large.
A National AI Strategy is paramount for a country, offering a strategic vision that guides the integration and development of AI. This comprehensive approach is instrumental in fostering economic growth and competitiveness by attracting investments, promoting innovation, and creating job opportunities.
Positioned as a leader in AI research and development, a nation with a well-defined strategy elevates its technological standing globally. Beyond economic benefits, such strategies address specific societal challenges, such as healthcare and education, improving citizens’ overall quality of life.
Establishing a robust regulatory framework, fostering talent development, and promoting ethical AI principles are integral components of these strategies. They also facilitate international collaboration, ensuring the exchange of knowledge and joint efforts in addressing global challenges.
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To encourage spatial planning by India’s village councils (gram panchayats), the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has introduced Gram Manchitra, a geographic information system (GIS) application. The tool enables and aids gram panchayats in undertaking planning at the local level using geospatial technology.
The application serves as a unified geospatial platform to better visualise and monitor the various developmental projects to be carried out across different sectors. It functions as a decision support system to formulate Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP).

It offers various planning tools that use GIS technology to assist gram panchayat officials in formulating practical and attainable development plans. These features make up the decision support system during the development plan preparation, including tools for identifying potential project sites, tracking assets, estimating project costs, and assessing the potential impact of projects.
Moreover, the Ministry has introduced mActionSoft, a mobile-based solution designed to help capture photos with geo-tags (GPS coordinates) specifically for projects with tangible assets as output. The geo-tagging of assets occurs at three stages: before the commencement of work, during the work, and upon the completion of the work. This establishes a repository of information encompassing all projects and assets associated with natural resource management, water harvesting, drought-proofing, sanitation, agriculture, check dams, irrigation channels, and more.
Assets that are geo-tagged through the mActionSoft application are accessible on Gram Manchitra, contributing to improved visualisation of diverse developmental projects within the gram panchayats. The assets created under the Finance Commission are geotagged along with photographs by the panchayats. The GIS data of these geotagged assets on the panchayat map is accessible and visualisable through the Gram Manchitra application.
Agricultural activities play a significant role in boosting incomes for residents in villages nationwide. The government invested in modernising and digitising these operations, aiming to enhance productivity and promote sustainability.
Earlier this year, the government launched the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg Portal) to optimise and improve data management. As OpenGov Asia reported, the portal standardises data related to prices, production, area, yield, and trade, consolidating it in a single location. This eliminates the necessity to compile data from multiple sources. The portal can also conduct advanced analytics, providing insights into production trends, trade correlations, and consumption patterns.
Meanwhile, scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras) announced a portable, point-of-use device for identifying heavy metals in both soil and water. It delivers a user-friendly, non-technical read-out value of the soil quality index on a mobile phone-like application.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has introduced an AI-based Chatbot for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme, wherein Indian farmers receive annual income support of up to IN₹ 6,000 (US$ 72). This AI Chatbot aims to enhance the efficiency and outreach of PM-KISAN, providing farmers with prompt, transparent, and reliable responses to their queries.
Integrated into the PM-KISAN grievance management system, the chatbot is designed to empower farmers with a user-friendly and easily accessible platform. It assists farmers in obtaining information regarding their application status, payment details, eligibility status, and other updates related to the scheme. The government will make the Chatbot accessible in 22 languages spoken in the country soon.
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In a bid to demystify mental illness, Castle Peak Hospital’s Mind Space Museum introduced an innovative approach using cutting-edge technology to immerse visitors into the sensory experiences of individuals grappling with mental health challenges. This immersive journey leverages virtual reality (VR) to simulate hallucinations, offering a glimpse into the world of patients navigating these profound conditions.

In a landmark collaboration supported by a charity programme, Castle Peak Hospital’s Mind Space, is heralded as Hong Kong’s pioneering Mental Health Experience Museum. This novel venture, backed by advanced technology, redefines the comprehension of mental health through a fusion of immersive facilities and state-of-the-art installations.
Mind Space stands as an embodiment of the transformative potential of technology in enhancing empathy and understanding. Powered by the latest advancements in virtual reality (VR), this museum offers visitors a revolutionary opportunity to step into the intricate world of mental health.
Beyond historical perspectives, the Brain Tour zone elucidates the scientific facets underlying mental illness. A standout feature, the Symptom Experience Rooms, employs VR to replicate visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations, allowing participants to tangibly sense the challenges encountered by individuals battling mental health issues.
The heart of Mind Space lies in its VR simulations, meticulously designed to simulate the symptoms and experiences of psychiatric conditions. Participants are transported into a realm where they can tangibly sense the visual, auditory, and tactile manifestations encountered by individuals battling mental health challenges.
From vivid hallucinations to sensory distortions, these simulations serve as an educational conduit, providing a deeper comprehension of the often misunderstood facets of mental illness. Visitors are not mere observers but active participants, gaining invaluable insights through experiential learning
By deploying cutting-edge tech and innovative approaches, Castle Peak Hospital aims to broaden its outreach by inviting more visitors. Mind Space beckons those curious about mental health to embark on an immersive journey, accessible through online bookings.
In his Policy Address, Mr Lee said the Government attaches great importance to mental health. Hong Kong prioritises the mental wellness of its citizens and acknowledges that mental health encompasses more than just medical treatment. Embracing an integrated, multi-disciplinary strategy, the government underscores the holistic nature of mental health care.
Aligned with the community’s focus on innovation and technology, there’s a growing emphasis on integrating advanced technology into mental health services. This push aims to streamline labour-intensive operations in hospitals, elderly centres/homes, and other care facilities. By leveraging innovative technology, it seeks to empower health and social care professionals as well as frontline workers, enhancing their efficiency in daily tasks.
Moreover, this initiative aims to attract fresh talent, especially young individuals, to join the workforce in mental health services. Integrating cutting-edge technology into these fields, not only modernises operations but also presents an appealing and dynamic environment, encouraging new entrants to consider long-term involvement in mental health care.
In July this year, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) secured funding from the Research Grants Council (RGC) Strategic Topics Grant (STG) 2023/24 to drive a transformative health technology initiative.
Hong Kong grapples with a significant prevalence of major psychiatric disorders (MPDs), with conditions like major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder affecting approximately 13.3% of the population. Alarmingly, fewer than 40% of patients attain full symptom relief following initial treatment.
Presently, diagnostic criteria heavily rely on cognitive and behavioural markers, presenting limitations in accurate assessment and treatment planning. PolyU’s groundbreaking project presents a pioneering approach that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) alongside genomic and biomedical technologies. The proposed AI-driven methodology promises a data-centric approach to diagnosis and personalised therapy, marking a significant leap forward in mental healthcare innovation.
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Around 15 million subscribers who are currently using 2G will be required to transition to 4G as the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) plans to deactivate the 2G network by September next year, coinciding with the expiration of frequency licenses issued to carriers deploying 2G.

The Ministry initiated discussions regarding the network shutdown as early as 2020, providing users with sufficient time to make the transition. It also implemented regulations that year prohibiting the import of 2G devices. Any current devices entering the Vietnamese market are doing so through unofficial channels. Network operators’ statistics indicate that the country presently has approximately 15 million 2G subscribers.
The Ministry has provided frequent updates regarding the decision and recently held a seminar on how discontinuing 2G signals will move more people to the digital environment. Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of MIC’s Vietnam Telecommunications Authority, stated that the Ministry is inclined to roll out 6G technology by 2030. As a result, 2G technology phones will no longer be in use, imported, or circulated in the market.
2G devices in Vietnam are reaching the end of their usage cycle. As these devices break down, users will need to replace them with newer alternatives. Furthermore, in anticipation of the plan, mobile telecommunications carriers are formulating policies to assist users when 2G signals are discontinued. These policies primarily concentrate on providing support for terminal devices and telecommunication charges.
Presently, a few major network operators have deactivated 2G and 3G signals in areas with low demand for these services. Moreover, network operators are offering affordable 4G phones priced at approximately VND 300,000 (US$ 12.5), catering specifically to a segment of customers who only require basic voice and texting services.
Nguyen Trong Tinh, Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom, noted that state-run group Viettel achieved the milestone of being the first network operator to successfully migrate most of its 3G subscribers to 4G. This transition has resulted in only about 0.2% of customers continuing to use 3G services.
The group plans to offer more support to customers by adjusting charges and providing 4G service prices at reasonable rates. The objective is to make these prices comparable to or even lower than current 2G services, aligning with the preferences and payment capabilities of the customers. Moreover, in terms of terminal devices, Viettel has supported 50% of the device price for 2G customers switching to 4G for the past two years.
Tinh explained that phasing out obsolete technologies in favour of newer ones is poised to yield significant economic benefits and resource optimisation for telecommunications businesses. This strategic shift allows companies to allocate resources more efficiently and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
Viettel also collaborates with phone manufacturers to assist customers in getting smartphones at discounted prices, typically around 60-70% off for a single phone. For 4G phones offering voice and texting services, Viettel provides support for purchase costs, offering discounts of up to 50%, depending on individual customer circumstances.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Deputy Head of the technology department at VNPT Group, has said that the company will give away smartphones, subsidise phone prices, and introduce appealing packages for customers residing in remote areas and islands who are still using 2G.
However, despite these efforts, the percentage of 2G subscribers in Vietnam remains relatively high compared to other countries in the region and developed nations. Approximately 16% of subscribers in Vietnam are still exclusively using 2G.
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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the year 2022/2023 marked a significant juncture for cybersecurity in New Zealand. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) revealed a sharp increase in financially motivated cyber activities, surpassing state-sponsored incidents for the first time. This shift in dynamics signals a crucial turning point in the realm of cybersecurity, one that demands heightened vigilance and adaptive measures from organisations across the country.

With an eye on defending against an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape, organisations in New Zealand find themselves facing a relentless onslaught from cybercriminals. These malicious actors, driven by financial gain, are employing tactics aimed at extorting payments from businesses. However, there’s a silver lining amid this adversity. Organisations, increasingly cognisant of these tactics, are bolstering their resilience to withstand such coercive manoeuvres.
Yet, this resilience is constantly put to the test as cyber adversaries innovate, adopting novel techniques and technologies that challenge conventional detection methods. The advent of cutting-edge technologies like generative artificial intelligence (AI) further amplifies the need for organisations to exercise stringent governance, ensuring the adoption of these advancements while mitigating associated privacy and security risks.
Amidst this turbulent landscape, the NCSC stands as a bastion of defence, dynamically adapting to confront the ever-shifting cybersecurity scenario. This year, the NCSC’s interventions and expertise have been instrumental in preventing an estimated NZ$65.4 million in potential harm to vital national entities.
Notably, over the past four fiscal years, the NCSC’s capabilities have been pivotal in detecting approximately one-third of all recorded incidents. In 2022/2023, the NCSC took proactive measures, successfully disrupting over 250,000 malicious cyber events through the implementation of Malware Free Networks®.
In the span of the reported period, 316 cyber incidents targeted nationally significant organisations, a slight decrease from the 350 incidents documented in the preceding year, 2021/2022. Notably, 73 of these incidents, equating to 23%, demonstrated potential connections to suspected state-sponsored actors – a decline from the previous year’s figure of 34%. Conversely, 90 incidents, accounting for 28%, displayed indicators of criminal or financially motivated activity, marking a rise from the 23% recorded in the prior reporting period of 2021/2022.
In a significant move towards fortifying the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure, the NCSC, in conjunction with New Zealand’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT NZ), has become the forefront operational cybersecurity agency for Aotearoa New Zealand. This integration promises a unified approach, pooling resources, and expertise, and fostering both domestic and international alliances for a more robust defence against cyber threats.
The integration not only streamlines operations but also ensures a consistent stream of guidance and support for New Zealanders facing cybersecurity challenges. By providing a centralised hub for advice and assistance during cyber incidents, this merger aims to facilitate a more cohesive response to threats faced by the nation.
The NCSC’s latest report has positive insights, offering actionable strategies to combat the recurring tactics employed by cyber adversaries. Encouraging organisations to leverage these insights, the report emphasises the need for continuous review and enhancement of cybersecurity controls and governance. Furthermore, it extends a supportive hand, urging organisations to seek additional assistance when needed.
As New Zealand navigates the complexities of an increasingly digitised world, the NCSC’s report serves as a pivotal guidepost, advocating a collective effort towards fortifying the nation’s cyber resilience. In this concerted endeavour, organisations are not merely defending digital infrastructures but safeguarding the collective prosperity and security of the nation.
OpenGov Asia reported that the New Zealand Police issued a warning regarding a targeted email campaign that has notably affected various organisations, with a particular emphasis on schools. This digital threat has instigated increased vigilance among authorities and spurred collaborative efforts aimed at mitigating potential risks posed to the targeted entities.
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Thailand is embracing the digital era, spearheading a transformative journey aimed at enhancing government efficiency across all tiers and delivering superior services to its citizens. The nation’s commitment to digital transformation signifies a strategic drive towards modernisation, aiming to optimise administrative processes and ensure seamless citizen interactions.
With a proactive approach, Thailand is keen on leveraging technology to streamline governmental functions, promoting efficiency and transparency at every level, offering citizens enhanced access to government resources, and fostering a user-friendly experience.

In line with this, the Prime Minister’s Office recently hosted the prestigious Digital Government Awards 2023, an occasion celebrating state agencies’ remarkable strides towards embracing digital governance in line with the country’s overarching policy of technological advancement.
The award ceremony served as a platform to honour and acknowledge 150 state agencies for their remarkable transformation into digital governance entities. Hosted by the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), the event spotlighted the remarkable developmental changes and successes achieved by these agencies on a national scale.
In his address, Puangpet Chunlaiad, Minister attached to the Office of the Prime Minister underscored the paramount significance of enhancing state services, emphasising the importance of facilitating seamless citizen-government interactions through remote channels. The recognition bestowed upon these agencies highlights their unwavering commitment to advancing digital capabilities, ultimately aiming to streamline services and enhance accessibility for citizens engaging with governmental entities.
In a concerted effort to align with the Civil Service Act and drive digital advancements in local administrative organisations, several key entities in Thailand have joined forces. Led by the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) and in collaboration with the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSD), the Municipal League Association, and Bang Kruai Municipality, a pioneering pilot project has been set in motion to enhance the manual for citizens.
At the heart of this collaborative initiative lies the aspiration to transform the manual for citizens of local administrative organisations, in line with the Municipal League of Thailand’s vision. The objective is to transition these manuals into a digital format, catering to the evolving needs of citizens and supporting services in the digital realm.

Of notable importance is the planned integration of services provided by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security through the ‘government’ super application. This application currently hosts an array of 32 services within the public welfare workgroup. The proposed joint workshop, inclusive of the DGA, the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission, government agencies under the MSD, and the National Municipal League Association, aims to dissect and restructure processes and systems.
The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between the MSD’s service system and local digital systems, facilitating easier access and consistency in service manuals for local government organisations.
The envisioned outcome is a more streamlined and accessible service manual that better aligns with the populace’s needs. Through this collaborative effort, these organisations aim to empower citizens by providing more accessible and efficient digital services, fostering a technologically advanced and citizen-centric administrative landscape in Thailand.
OpenGov Asia reported that Thailand has consistently championed the cause of fostering digital skill inclusivity, extending its efforts towards diverse segments of the population, including students, entrepreneurs, and individuals with disabilities. Recognising the transformative potential of digital literacy, the nation has embarked on comprehensive initiatives to bridge the gap and ensure that the benefits of the digital era are accessible to all.
In an effort towards fostering digital inclusivity and advancing economic and social development, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (Minister of DE), inaugurated the Pho Tak Subdistrict Community Digital Centre.
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The Secretary-General of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) is optimistic about the transformation of statutory bodies under KKDW into high-income entities by incorporating new technologies and innovations into their projects and programs. He believes that leveraging the latest technologies and harnessing the skills, expertise, financial resources, and human capital within each agency can turn them from cost centres into profit centres.

During the KKDW Innovation Day 2023, Ramlan highlighted the importance of innovation in addressing global challenges and maintaining competitiveness. He emphasised that Malaysia’s consistent position in the Global Innovation Index reflects the existence of innovation within the country. Ramlan stressed the need to enhance the culture of innovation to ensure long-term competitiveness and resilience.
The annual KKDW Innovation Day serves as a platform to recognise and inspire personnel to contribute to innovation and excellence in service delivery. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the active participation of KKDW and its agencies, showcasing a thriving culture of innovation. He hopes that innovative products developed by the workforce can be not only utilised internally but also commercialised in the future.
The event featured seven categories of quality and innovation awards, including the Public Service Innovation Award and the New Horizon Award for Best Innovative and Creative Group (KIK). Notable achievements included Mara winning the Public Service Innovation Award (Madani Management) for its Business Premises Management System (MyPremis) and Hulu Terengganu Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) securing the New Horizon Award for their polybag lifter tool innovation.
MyPremis, Mara’s innovation, streamlines the process of checking vacancies and lease applications for premises, allowing online submissions and transparent reporting. The polybag lifter tool by Risda addresses seedling deaths after planting, improving planting efficiency and reducing replanting time for rubber trees.
The success stories underscore the transformative potential of technology and innovation in enhancing the efficiency and outcomes of projects undertaken by statutory bodies under KKDW.
The Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s (KKDW) commitment to embracing technology and fostering innovation represents a pivotal shift in the landscape of rural development. With the vision of transforming statutory bodies into profit centres, KKDW’s emphasis on creative solutions and cutting-edge technologies demonstrates a dedication to staying competitive in the global arena.
The success stories shared during the KKDW Innovation Day underscore the tangible benefits of this transformative journey, providing a glimpse into a future where innovation becomes synonymous with progress and prosperity in the realm of rural and regional development. As KKDW continues to champion a culture of innovation, it not only elevates its own standing but contributes significantly to Malaysia’s competitive edge on the world stage.
The Malaysian government is strategically fostering innovation to ensure long-term competitiveness. Initiatives like the National Policy on Industry 4.0 and the Digital Economy Blueprint underscore a commitment to embracing technology.
The National Science and Innovation Agenda focuses on cultivating a culture of research and development, while efforts in STEM education aim to produce a skilled workforce. Digital hubs, such as the Malaysia Digital Hub, provide environments conducive to innovation and collaboration for startups and entrepreneurs.
The Global Innovation Index is used to benchmark and enhance the country’s innovation ecosystem. Furthermore, the government actively supports technology commercialisation through agencies like the Malaysia Innovation Agency (AIM). Ongoing strategies prioritize the growth of technology-driven industries, creating a dynamic landscape that positions Malaysia as a key player in the global digital economy. For the latest updates, official government sources and news outlets are recommended.