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This year, in conjunction with the Canberra OpenGov Leadership Forum, 7 government agencies were recognised for using technology to improve
citizen engagement and public service delivery.
Recipients of this year’s
Recognition of Excellence awards were:
(1) Australian Digital Health Agency


Kinsela, Chief of Staff
OpenGov recognised
the Australian Digital Health Agency (the Agency) for driving the nationwide
rollout of My Health Record across Australia to provide potentially lifesaving
access to clinical reports of medications, allergies, laboratory tests, and
chronic conditions.
The Australian
government allocated A$374.2 million in its 2017-18 Budget to be invested over
two years, for the nationwide rollout of an opt-out model of My Health Record
and to ensure every Australian is a part of it, unless they choose not to be.
Since then significant progress has been made towards achieving this vision.
In June 2017,
the Agency released a Request for Tender (RFT) to develop a Strategic
Interoperability Framework for Australia, with the objective of contributing to
the deployment of a seamless digital health eco-system. The Agency is working
with clinical information systems (CIS) vendors to develop nationally-scalable,
secure electronic messaging between healthcare providers.
The Agency has
also initiated a pilot project for the use of My Health Record in hospital
emergency departments, in partnership with the Australian Commission on Safety
and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC).
In August
2017, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council approved
Australia’s National Digital Health strategy (2018-2022). The delivery of a My
Health Record for every Australian underpin several of the priorities in the
Strategy.
In March 2018, the Agency released drafted a
Framework for Action to support the strategy’s implementation. The Framework
for Action sets out priority activities for co-development for the period
2018-2022 and defines the roles of participants, including healthcare
consumers, healthcare providers, the industry and technology sector, peak
organisations, the Agency, the Commonwealth Government and the State and
territory governments.
As part of the Action Plan, My Health Record will be
continuously improved, with scoping, building, testing and executing system
releases planned over the life of the Strategy to provide additional
functionality and health information.
The usability of clinical information
systems will be improved to ensure the My Health Record integrates more
intuitively, based on the development of an evidence-based design research
framework. Another priority action in the area is to establish a framework to
govern the safe and secure use of My Health Record system data.
(2) Data61 and (3) Defence Science and Technology Group


Zhu Liming, Research Director, Software and Computational Systems, Data61
OpenGov recognised
Data61 and the Defence Science and Technology Group for the Cross-Domain
Desktop Compositor (CDDC) which gives users access to multiple computer
networks through a single interface, streamlining workflow without compromising
security or usability.


Mark Beaumont, A/Group Leader Active Security Technologies, Defence Science and Technology Group
Currently,
government and defence staff use multiple segregated computer networks to
maintain and protect classified data. Complications arise as staff need to
access multiple networks concurrently to view and transfer data between
systems. Market solutions usually provide a trade-off between security and
usability. Those that favour usability over security are generally vulnerable
to cyber-attacks. In contrast, those that favour security over usability
prohibit simultaneous access to data from multiple domains on the same screen.
Powered by
Data61’s seL4 microkernel operating system and DSTG’s hardware security
innovation, the CDDC provides a seamless, fully integrated, secure system to
fulfil the needs of usability and security and allows for additional
functionality like controlled data transfer and copy-and-paste using intuitive
design. It will also be interoperable with existing desktop infrastructure, and
cheaper than traditional low- to medium assurance products.
While defence is
the first focus market for the CDDC, it has broad applications across
government and enterprise, as well critical infrastructure, banking, health and
autonomous systems.
(4) Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet


Naomi Perdomo, A/g Assistant Secretary Data and Digital
OpenGov recognised
the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet for the National Cities
Performance Framework Dashboard.
Since late 2017,
the National Cities Performance Framework supports the Australian Government's
Smart Cities Plan by providing a snapshot of the productivity and progress of
Australia’s largest 21 cities plus Western Sydney, by key indicators like Jobs
and Skills; Infrastructure and Investment; Liveability and Sustainability;
Innovation and Digital Opportunities; Governance, Planning and Regulation; and
Housing.
It is the first
official framework of its kind in Australia and brings together critical data
on Australian cities in an easily accessible online format. The Performance
Framework also assists all levels of government, industry and the community to
better target, monitor and evaluate cities policy and investments, including
through City Deals.
This Framework
is in line with the Australian Government’s commitment to open and accessible
data sharing. The Performance Framework is a living resource to be improved
over time through annual updates and three yearly reviews. This will ensure it
continues to reflect best available information and provides a strong evidence
base to guide new investments and reforms in Australian cities."
(5) National Blood Authority


Simon Spencer, Chief Information Officer
OpenGov recognised
the National Blood Authority (NBA) for the transformation of its digital
platform for ordering and receiving blood and blood products.
The NBA manages
the ordering of blood and blood products around Australia. It operates a
24-hour service to ensure that essential life-saving blood and blood products
get to where they’re needed. Approximately 28,000 litres of blood are ordered
and tracked through its platform each month.
An online system
for ordering and tracking blood products called ORBS (Ordering, Receipting
Blood System) was developed by the Queensland Department of Health first
developed in 2009. This was proposed to the NBA as a national system in 2010. A
bespoke application called BloodNet was developed.
The BloodNet
version 5 was developed to not only upgrade the technology and platforms, but
also create a new look user interface. The NBA relied on the DTA’s Digital
Service Standard to ensure its services are simple, clear, and in line with
user’s needs. During the development process, it brought a multi-disciplinary
team in-house and upskilled internal staff. The team adapted to agile
principles, tools and techniques, and held fortnightly sprints, daily
stand-ups, regular walk-throughs and responded to feedback. A total of 187
hours of user research was conducted during the discovery and alpha stages,
which included visiting 138 people across 39 hospitals/laboratories in 9
different cities.
Through this
process, the team designed a simpler platform that makes it faster and easier
for hospitals to order and receive life-saving blood products. It became the
first agency — that is required to use the Digital Service Standard — to pass
its alpha assessment independently. The product is in Beta and the team is
working on ensuring the system is built for longevity and ease of maintenance;
setting up release process and transition plans for users; identifying
appropriate metrics and KPIs for the performance dashboard; and continuing user
research and testing to make sure we are on the right track.
(6) National Library of
Australia


Terence Ingram, Director, IT Operations
OpenGov recognised
the National Library of Australia (the Library) for its Digital Library
Infrastructure Replacement (DLIR) Program.
The Program
which concluded in July 2017, laid strong foundations for the Library to deal
with the requirements of a digital era. The Library simplified and streamlined
the way it collects, manages, preserves and delivers its collections as part of
the transformation.
An increasing
number of publishers today are producing content electronically, either
producing just electronic copy or both print and electronic. Now the Library
provides a system for them to deposit content in electronic format, easily and
automatically as they are published. The system also provides batch deposit
functionality, allowing publishers to deposit multiple items at once. The
new system saves time for everyone and leads to easier preservation and
management.
DLIR also
exceeded expectations in workflow efficiency improvement through automation and
systems integration. In some cases, the Library has achieved 100 times increase
in productivity. The time it takes between receiving an item from a journal or
a creator to when is actually published by the Library, has been reduced from
weeks or months to hours in some cases.
Now the Library
to looking to build on this foundation. The Library is also exploring emerging
technologies such as machine learning for content description and improving
accessibility. It is also looking to improve the Library’s online presence by
making services easier to use and more attractive.
(7) National Transport Commission


Paul Retter, Chief Executive Officer
OpenGov recognised
the National Transport Commission (NTC) for reforming the regulatory
environment to promote the testing and development of automated vehicles in
Australia.
In late 2016,
Australian transport ministers agreed to a phased reform program at the federal
level to allow conditionally automated vehicles to operate safely and legally
on roads before 2020, and highly and fully automated vehicles from 2020. Since
then, the NTC is delivering this roadmap of reform through a phased approach.
Last year, in
May, NTC has developed national guidelines governing conditions for trials of
automated vehicles. In November 2017, national enforcement guidelines were
developed to clarify regulatory concepts of control and proper control for
different levels of driving automation.
This year, NTC
is supporting jurisdictions in reviewing injury insurance schemes to identify
any eligibility barriers for occupants of an automated vehicle, or those
involved in a crash with an automated vehicle. It aims to develop legislative
reform options to clarify the application of current driver and driving laws to
automated vehicles, and to establish legal obligations for automated driving
system (ADS) entities. NTC will design and develop a safety assurance regime
for automated road vehicles by November 2018.
NTC will also
work with jurisdictions to review current exemption powers to ensure
legislation can support on-road trials, so that all Australian jurisdictions
are able to support automated vehicle trials. Such efforts by the NTC is
expected to encourage national and international industry leaders to develop
this emerging technology in Victoria – which means more jobs and opportunities
for Australians.
Feature image: JJ Harrison / CC BY-SA 3.0


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At the third edition of ‘My Digital Bootcamp,’ 1,500 students from low-income families in the Central Singapore District will learn new digital skills. The districtwide programme will help to level the playing field for children from low-income families who may not have access to extracurricular activities.
This is part of the Central Singapore Community Development Council’s (CDC) SkillsFuture Junior programme, which seeks to support its young residents with digital and soft skills to prepare them for a better future.
Students will go through four modular skills-based workshops at each two-day Bootcamp held from March to December 2023 to learn advanced digital-making skills in a fun and engaging manner such as programming, robotics, mobile app development, and game design.
A time traveller visiting ancient civilisations or an Earth hero resolving a climate crisis are the two new immersive narratives that participants can select from. They will also be exposed to complementary soft skills such as logical reasoning, pattern recognition, algorithm design, relationship management, and communication skills, among others, during the Bootcamp.
‘My Digital Bootcamp’ will provide structured learning support to the young participants in order to encourage learning beyond the workshops. Each child will receive a special home-based learning (HBL) digital-making kit, which includes a micro: bit pocket-sized computer, a KittenBot expansion board, an ultrasonic sensor, and other resource materials, as well as a learning management system, to allow them to continue learning and practising what they have learned at the Bootcamp.
At the end of this season, a brand-new Hackathon component will be held in which young learners will be empowered to solve real-life scenario-based challenges in friendly competitions that will underpin holistic learning. There will be 300 people at the Hackathon. Some will be students from the Bootcamps, and some will be new students.
Participants in the two-day Hackathon challenge will participate in digital-making skill workshops or refreshers, preparatory workshops, competitions, and presentations. They will investigate skillsets and develop competencies in soft skills other than those taught in the Bootcamp, such as idea pitching, design thinking, and ideation, which will help them build a strong foundation for the future economy.
The long-standing partnership between Central Singapore CDC and a multinational banking corporation made ‘My Digital Bootcamp’ possible. Since its inception in September 2019, the programme has benefited over 2,000 children from 34 schools and community organisations in Central Singapore. Over 30 employee volunteers also befriended the students, distributed participation kits and meals, and assisted in guiding the students’ learning.
In addition, the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Digital for Life (DfL) Movement has been named Champion Project at the prestigious World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Prize Ceremony 2023, which is organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under the auspices of the United Nations (UN).
The DfL movement was named a WSIS Prizes 2023 Champion in the category “the role of governments and all stakeholders in promoting ICTs for development.” This award came after WSIS received nominations for 900 projects from around the world in 18 categories, reviewed them with experts, and received over 1.5 million online votes.
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes recognise projects that use information and communication technologies (ICT) to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
To date, the DfL movement has more than 130 partners and 140 projects, benefiting over 270,000 Singaporeans from various segments such as youths, seniors, low-income families, women, and people with disabilities.
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The Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat is where Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently met Indonesian President Joko Widodo. This was Prime Minister Lee and President Joko Widodo’s sixth Leaders’ Retreat, and it was the first one to be held in Singapore since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both Leaders said again that Singapore and Indonesia are getting along very well. They both agreed that the relationship between the two countries had grown a lot during President Joko Widodo’s two terms in office. This gave them a solid foundation to work together in new ways that are deep, multifaceted, forward-looking, and good for both countries.
The Leaders were happy that all three agreements under the Expanded Framework had been ratified. These were the Agreement on the Realignment of the Boundary between the Jakarta Flight Information Region (FIR) and the Singapore FIR, the Treaty for the Extradition of Fugitives, and the Defense Cooperation Agreement.
The Leaders anticipated the next step of obtaining approval from the International Civil Aviation Organisation for the new arrangements under the FIR Agreement so that both countries could implement all three agreements at a mutually agreed upon date. The resolution of these long-standing issues demonstrates the maturity and strength of bilateral relations.
In addition, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed by the two leaders to strengthen cooperation in various sectors. Renewable energy cooperation, sustainable urban and housing development, health cooperation, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, and security and finance collaboration are among the MoUs.
These agreements are intended to improve knowledge-sharing and training, supplement existing expertise, and strengthen interpersonal ties between the two countries. The Leaders recognised the importance of continuing collaboration in traditional sectors like security and finance to build trust in their security and economic partnerships.
President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Lee reaffirmed that bilateral relations are on a solid footing and agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest that are sustainable and forward-looking. To this end, the Leaders’ Summit witnessed the signing of six MOUs in emerging sectors such as the digital economy, sustainability, and human capital development, as well as in traditional areas such as security.
The Leaders noted the growth of the digital economy in Singapore and Indonesia because of cooperative projects such as Nongsa Digital Park in Batam. The Leaders applauded the MOU between the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs on the Tech:X Programme, which allows young tech professionals from both countries to pursue employment opportunities in the other country’s market. This will strengthen connections between the tech ecosystems of Singapore and Indonesia, allowing tech talent to pursue opportunities in the rapidly expanding digital economy.
Leaders concurred that bilateral cooperation should remain multifaceted and comprehensive. Recently, Singaporean and Indonesian businesses signed nine MOUs in the digital economy sector, including health technology and education technology. These are believed to strengthen commercial ties and augment bilateral cooperation in emerging sectors.
Prime Minister Lee and President Joko Widodo also discussed Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship priorities. The two leaders discussed the situation in Myanmar and the path to membership for Timor-Leste.
The Prime Minister has reaffirmed Singapore’s total backing for Indonesia’s ASEAN Presidency. He thanked President Joko Widodo for his contributions to the bilateral relationship, and both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advance the bilateral partnership.
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A prominent company in the medical imaging industry launched its new production facility in Hong Kong, situated at the MARS Centre within Tai Po INNOPARK. This marks the first time a significant medical equipment production facility has been established in Hong Kong, and it is now the largest MRI production base in Southeast Asia and the Greater Bay Area. The facility’s primary focus is on research and development, as well as the production of highly valuable neonatal and breast screening superconductor MRI systems.
The new facility occupies an area of 30,000 square feet at the MARS Centre, boasting advanced technologies, seamless logistics support, and a highly integrated manufacturing environment. In 2021, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) repositioned the three industrial estates located in Tai Po, Yuen Long, and Tseung Kwan O as INNOPARKS, aiming to drive innovation, technology opportunities, and long-term economic development in Hong Kong through Innofacturing.
This new production facility is expected to significantly enhance the productivity of the company’s cutting-edge neonatal and breast screening MRI systems and aligns with Hong Kong’s Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint’s mission for New Industrialisation and high-value manufacturing.
During the opening ceremony of the new production facility, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry said that Hong Kong possesses distinct life sciences advantages and robust scientific research capabilities. The recent budget release by the Financial Secretary highlights the city’s strength in research and development while fully supporting the establishment of the second Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC) operated by HKSTP.
The government is actively promoting the interactive development of upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors to establish a robust foundation for New Industrialisation in Hong Kong. Time Medical’s one-stop shop, which includes R&D, design, production, and sales of high-value medical equipment in Hong Kong, provides significant support to the city’s industrial development.
The company’s Founder and CEO expressed gratitude towards the Innovation, Technology, and Industry Bureau, as well as the HKSTP for their unwavering support. He stated that the opening ceremony marks the company’s significant growth in Hong Kong. The first batch of pediatric MRI systems manufactured in Hong Kong will be used in leading hospitals across the globe. These innovative pediatric products will soon emerge as a premium ‘Hong Kong Brands’ and will be exported to various regions, including Asia, Europe, and the US, he predicted.
The Chairman of HKSTP expressed that the organisation has been actively promoting the “R&D to Innofacturing” concept to cultivate a new generation of high-end manufacturing in Hong Kong. This approach is expected to boost the Hong Kong brand and create more employment opportunities for young people.
He added that he anticipates more innovative I&T companies will make significant contributions in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond, showcasing their R&D achievements and unleashing numerous possibilities for Hong Kong Innofacturing.
The new production facility in Hong Kong will be used to manufacture the dedicated superconductor MRI system, Neona, designed to serve neonates optimally. The neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is a patented product of the company, using original revolutionary technology. It has officially obtained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has also been honoured with the Geneva International Invention Award. Neona is lightweight, compact in size, safe, and reliable, making it suitable for adoption by around 8,000 different neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) worldwide. It offers dedicated and radiation-free diagnoses for infants.
Developed by the company’s engineering team based at Hong Kong Science Park, Neona is the first high-end medical device “Innovated, Designed, and Made in Hong Kong.” It is slated to be exported to the US, Europe, and mainland China, bolstering the Hong Kong brand in the global medical market.
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Stuart Nash, New Zealand’s Minister for Economic Development, has unveiled an initiative to expand and modernise the country’s high-tech manufacturing industry rapidly. One of eight Industry Transformation Plans (ITPs) designed to boost productivity and performance in vital economic sectors is the Advanced Manufacturing ITP.
The plans lay out the steps that may be taken to increase innovation and productivity across the country, which in turn will lead to higher incomes and living standards without causing inflation. Every one of New Zealand benefits from the Plan, not only the areas that have been hit particularly hard by recent natural disasters.
About 10% of New Zealand GDP, 10% of the country’s employment, and 73.5% of its exports are all tied to the advanced manufacturing sector. Around half of these positions are outside of New Zealand’s major cities.
There is a lot of unrealised potential in the advanced manufacturing industry that might boost productivity, create high-paying employment, and aid in the shift towards a more environmentally friendly and competitive economy. “This plan lays out the steps necessary to get there,” Stuart Nash explained at the Plan’s launch in Auckland.
There is also widespread agreement that immediate action is needed to boost capital investment in innovative manufacturing and to train and recruit a diversified pool of workers capable of producing high-quality goods for high wages.
To get started on some of the Plan’s urgent recommendations, the government has allocated $30 million (about US$18.61 million). Included in this is $2.9 million (US$1,8 million) for company-specific support to achieve circular low-emissions manufacturing, $4 million (US$2.48 million) to upskill manufacturing workers in digital skills, and $3.65 million (US$2,26 million) for advice on adopting advanced technologies and processes.
Co-Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing ITP Steering Committee and CEO of the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Brett O’Riley, emphasised the need for a solid collaboration approach to the strategy.
He claims that with continued cooperation, New Zealand companies can develop innovative manufacturing capabilities on par with international leaders, increasing output and boosting earnings. Rachel Mackintosh, Vice President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi, Assistant National Secretary of E T, and Co-Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing ITP Steering Committee, agreed.
According to her, the ITP will pave the way for more individuals to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing. New Zealand has the potential to tap into the innovative potential of its varied manufacturing workforce to create a prosperous and long-lasting manufacturing sector.
The manufacturing industry has recently seen a rise in the prevalence of “advance manufacture” initiatives. For example, at Batu Kawan, Penang, Malaysia, an EMS provider has declared intentions to build a Smart “Lights-Out” Factory 4.0. The plant will manufacture new 5G Advanced High-Speed Optical Signal Transmitter and Receiver Optical Modules. The plant will use photonics and semiconductor technologies via a technology transfer with its US-based client.
As part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a unique approach to employing machine learning to detect defects in metal components produced by additive manufacturing. Due to its potential for early flaw identification and defect prediction in 3D printed materials, the innovative technology has the potential to impact the additive manufacturing sector significantly.
Users can save time during inspection since the new technology can inform where pore flaws might be within the part, even if the building process isn’t halted. The team hopes to look at more sensors that can detect additive manufacturing mistakes in the future. Therefore, they need to build a system that can immediately identify and address production issues, educate end users on the nature of the problem and provide guidance on how to repair it.
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The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is launching numerous new collaborations to address urban challenges by leveraging geospatial technology to facilitate data-driven decision-making and solutions. Geospatial technology is location-based technology that is widely used in areas such as mapping and road navigation and is a key enabler in supporting Singapore’s Smart Nation and sustainability initiatives.
Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, and Ministry of Transport, announced the new collaborations at the recently concluded Geo Connect Asia 2023. The Senior Minister was also present at the signing ceremonies for two SLA collaborations: the Container Depot and Logistics Association (Singapore) and the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
SLA has also begun its first bilateral collaboration with the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of its efforts to foster international knowledge exchange and contribute their experiences in the use of geospatial data and technology.
The collaboration stems from both countries’ rapid urbanisation, which has resulted in an increased need to use geospatial data and technology in decision-making, as global cities face similar challenges that could benefit from shared solutions. The collaboration with GEOSA, which will last three years, will involve the exchange of knowledge and experiences on:
- The development and management of national geospatial databases;
- The use of technologies such as artificial intelligence, and machine learning in the development of digital twins;
- Digital transformation in the geospatial industry; and
- Development of geospatial products and services that will benefit citizens.
Also, the SLA will work with the Container Depot and Logistics Association (Singapore) to make it easier for heavy vehicles to get where they need to go. Companies that use these kinds of vehicles and their drivers will be able to plan their trips better and save time if they have more information. This means that the companies will save money because they will use less fuel and put out less carbon.
SLA has also been working with SG Enable and Gardens by the Bay to map routes that are easy for people in wheelchairs to use. This collaboration is part of SLA’s support for the Enabling Masterplan 2030, which describes Singapore’s goal of becoming a society that welcomes everyone by 2030.
In this project, information about barrier-free routes is collected and mapped in Bukit Merah and Gardens by the Bay. These routes have things like covered linkways for wheelchairs, ramps, footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and overhead bridges with lifts.
SLA has made a pilot testing app with barrier-free access routes for these two areas so that wheelchair users can give feedback and give ideas for making things better. In the next six months, improvements will be made to more testing areas in terms of data accuracy and ease of use. In the future, the barrier-free access routing function will be added to OneMap as an extra way to find your way, along with the public transportation, cycling, and driving modes that are already there.
SLA has been working with partners to get students excited about geospatial technologies and make them aware of how they can be used to solve everyday problems in the community.
Other projects like this include the annual Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Innovation Challenge, which is put on with the help of the Space Faculty, the annual Regional Geospatial Youth Forum, and the Young Geospatial Scientist workshop, which is put on with the help of the Singapore Science Centre.
Later this year, the government will announce new ways to help students learn. Through these projects, SLA wants geospatial data and capabilities to be used by everyone.
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The HKSAR Government is dedicated to accomplishing carbon neutrality by 2050 through its proposed progressive and tailored decarbonisation tactics outlined in the “Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050”. To achieve this objective, the government is working to encourage active community involvement, with a pivotal emphasis on corporate engagement.
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), in conjunction with the City University of Hong Kong’s School of Energy and Environment, conducted a survey to assess corporate awareness of carbon neutrality, current carbon reduction efforts, and challenges faced by the commercial and building-related sectors. The survey included both large corporations/organisations and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The findings indicate that while the majority of the corporations/organisations support the government’s decarbonisation policies, they lack professional knowledge of carbon neutrality, with less than 20% having established specific decarbonisation objectives. Furthermore, the high financial costs of low-carbon transformation and a lack of demand have made decarbonisation efforts challenging.
Conducted from October to December 2022, the survey received 122 responses, with 49% originating from large corporations/organisations and 51% from SMEs. Findings reveal that 72% of respondents lacked awareness of carbon neutrality and the “Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2050” and Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Additionally, 66% had not conducted carbon audits or regularly evaluated greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, 81% had yet to establish carbon neutrality targets, and among the remaining 19%, less than half referenced international standards (43%) or addressed greenhouse gas emissions within their supply chains (48%). The data highlights an urgent need for corporations/organisations to enhance their professional knowledge and establish effective carbon reduction targets and plans.
The survey also examined factors affecting corporations/organisations in establishing carbon neutrality targets and implementing carbon reduction initiatives. The findings indicate that 90% of respondents consider enhancing brand image, reputation, and competitiveness as the main reasons for setting targets, followed by regulatory requirements (48%) and meeting customer demands (44%).
The remaining corporations/organisations that have yet to set targets cited a lack of external support (76%), relevance to business operations (73%), and insufficient awareness or knowledge (71%) as impediments. While 88% would implement carbon neutrality-related measures due to encouragement from business partners, roughly 45% consider a lack of resources or governance structures a hindrance.
The survey identified the top three challenges hindering carbon reduction efforts, with over 60% indicating “higher financial capital requirements,” “lack of price incentives to change current operating models,” and “lack of consumer and customer demand” as major obstacles towards achieving carbon neutrality.
Moreover, the survey provided insights into the requirements of corporations/organisations in attaining carbon neutrality, which can be classified into two categories: “financial/funding support” (78%) and “technical support.” The latter includes carbon neutrality assessment tools (62%), training (54%), consultancy services (52%), and green technologies (49%).
HKPC is aware of the requirements of industries and is dedicated to providing essential support to aid corporations/organisations in devising pragmatic emission reduction plans and initiatives and collaborating to prepare for attaining carbon neutrality.
The GM of HKPC’s Green Living and Innovation Division expressed that HKPC is actively creating comprehensive carbon evaluation tools to assist various industries in comprehending their greenhouse gas emissions and setting suitable carbon reduction targets.
Additionally, the organisation will provide additional capacity building and related advisory services while putting effort into R&D, incentivizing the application of low-carbon technologies across diverse sectors to expedite low-carbon transformation. Moreover, HKPC will maintain its close partnership with industries and support them in R&D, technology, and identifying appropriate funding programs to help all sectors stay abreast of the carbon neutrality trend.
According to the Associate Provost (Academic Affairs) & Professor of The School of Energy and Environment of the City University of Hong Kong, the collaboration with HKPC on the survey has yielded valuable reference data that reflects the actual needs of industries in the current trend towards carbon neutrality. This data will be beneficial to the government, universities, and related institutions in providing appropriate support to help industries prepare for new challenges and achieve carbon neutrality.
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The Ministries of Finance and National Development Planning (Bappenas) and the National Development Planning Agency (PPN) have jointly released the Krisna Renja-Sakti synchronisation module. Together, these two tools reduce the number of actions required to disburse funds from 13 to 8.
Abdullah Azwar Anas, the Minister for Administrative Reform and Bureaucratic Reform, felt that the move taken by the Ministry of Finance and Bappenas was a significant step forward in bureaucratic reform in the budget sector (PANRB).
“This is the SPBE layout plan. Creating efficient and straightforward software is a top priority for any government service integration initiative. The Finance Minister and Bappenas’s Chief are an example for other organisations that want to unify their various administrative processes,” Anas declared at the Krisna Renja – Sakti synchronisation module launch in Jakarta.
Indonesia’s Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, has made it clear that implementing Krisna-Sakti will streamline budgeting, obtaining funds, and reporting expenditures for the country’s numerous government agencies. As an added request, she asked that the Ministry of Finance and Bappenas make Krisna-Sakti fully interoperable and streamline standard operating processes.
I emphasised that streamlining our administration is the hardest part,” Sri observed. “If our nation’s bureaucracy is to foster creative problem-solving, how can this be accomplished?” she chimed in.
The Ministry of Finance and Bappenas are committed to continuing their efforts to improve services to ministries/agencies to bring about a more developed and rich Indonesian people and nation. To Sri, this was the first step in fixing and coordinating these two essential applications used by all branches of government. All government agencies and academic research facilities must get the blessing of Krisna and Sakti before they may receive funds.
Suharso Monoarfa, Minister of PPN and Head of Bappenas, has said that this synchronisation made the increased transparency and accountability in planning and budgeting possible. He is confident that his company will be able to effectively curb unnecessary expenditures and quickly readjust course as needed throughout the introduction of new development plans.
Also, the app was built following the National SPBE Architecture Perpres Regulation’s mandate to minimise redundant efforts and make the most of existing ones. The PANRB-prioritised Ministry has stated that combining Krisna and Sakti improves the E-Government infrastructure (SPBE).
The government’s apps have been updated and digitised as part of the consolidated and standardised Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE). Because it is a necessary measure in the battle against corruption, the government of Indonesia backs the system.
Anas noted that nations with advanced levels of e-government, such as Denmark and Finland, also tend to have low levels of perceived corruption. Therefore, he reasoned that full SPBE implementation would be the solution because Indonesia’s score on the Corruption Perceptions Index (GPA) has reduced from 38 in 2021 to 34 in 2022.
Since Presidential Regulation 132/2022 on the National Electronic-Based Government System Architecture was passed, SPBE deployment in Indonesia has been regulated by law. To improve the standard of public services, the government has committed to speeding up the process of integrating business processes, data and information, SPBE infrastructure, SPBE applications, and SPBE security.
Deputy Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairperson Alexander Marwata believes SPBE can root out corruption in Indonesia. According to him, extortion, bribery, and other forms of crime may be avoided, and government services to the public can be enhanced using technical assistance and the honesty of public officials.
The Ministry of PANRB also increases SPBE’s use in the public sector through the Digital Public Service Mall (MPP). This one system will consolidate a wide range of governmental operations at all levels, from the federal to the state and local.