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The OpenGov Recognition of Excellence (RoE) recognises government agencies who have achieved excellence in using ICT, often working behind the scenes to make government smarter, more agile, more efficient and more transparent. RoE aims to set new benchmarks of government ICT innovation in the ASEAN & ANZ regions.
The journey began in March 2017 when OpenGov recognised the efforts of government agencies and leaders in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia at the respective OpenGov Leadership Forums in those countries. For its 3rd annual Singapore OpenGov Leadership Forum which happened on May 18 2017, OpenGov recognised the efforts of 14 Singapore government agencies for their work in building Singapore towards being a Smart Nation.
Below are the 14 agencies which were recognised by OpenGov:
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
OpenGov recognised The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) for contributing to Singapore’s Smart Nation Journey through multiple innovative projects.
A*STAR’s Green Data Centres, which use warm water cooling, with water temperature at around 35 degree Celsius, as compared to traditional use of chilled water, at around 15-18 degree Celsius, helped to achieve significant power savings. The agency is also using virtual machines (emulations of computer systems) in the Green data centres, thereby saving power and storage space and reducing the carbon footprint.
A*STAR’s InfiniCortex is concurrent supercomputing across the globe, utilising trans-continental InfiniBand (a computer-networking communications standard, with very high throughput and very low latency used in HPC) and a Galaxy of Supercomputers. Effectively, it creates a Galaxy of Supercomputers, with the supercomputers at the 7 nodes leveraging the InfiniBand network to act as one and tackle the biggest computational challenges. It was the first project in the world, where a 100 Gbps connection was established between supercomputers separated by a geographical distance of greater than 26,000 km.
Building & Construction Authority (BCA)
The Building & Construction Authority (BCA) was recognised for the launch of their SkyLab facility. Opened in July 2016, the BCA SkyLab is a state-of-the-art rotatable test facility pivotal to developing innovative energy efficient building technologies. The facility is modelled after the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s FLEXLAB (Facility for Low Energy Experiments in Buildings). The 132 sq m facility is equipped with a network of more than 200 sensors with high accuracy and granularity, across two identical cells for comparison testing. These sensors measure performance metrics such as energy performance, indoor environmental quality, outdoor environmental parameters and building automation system indicators. The SkyLab is an integral part of Singapore’s move towards a Smart Nation through leveraging IoT and green technologies, as well as towards achieving the BCA Green Mark scheme for 80% of all buildings in Singapore to be green by 2030.
Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech)
The Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) was recognised for their success implementation of the (i) Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for e-government transactions using SingPass and (ii) launching CorpPass in September 2016.
The enhanced SingPass system was launched in July 2015 which includes an improved user interface, mobile-friendly features and stronger security capabilities. This one-time “second factor” password is delivered through Short Messaging Service (SMS) or an “OneKey” token. Over 2.3 Million SingPass Users were 2FA-ready by December 2016.
Launched in September 2016, CorpPass is a corporate digital identity for businesses and other entities to transact with Government agencies online, owned by the Ministry of Finance and managed by GovTech. Businesses currently conduct business transactions through multiple digital identities such as SingPass and EASY2. Having a single corporate digital identity will increase convenience for users who transact with multiple government agencies as they no longer need to handle multiple login IDs.
CorpPass will also allow businesses to have greater control, as they will be able to grant and manage employees’ access to Government digital services. The Government has also received feedback from the business community that SingPass should only be used for personal transactions, not corporate transactions, due to privacy concerns. CorpPass will be progressively rolled out from September 2016 to December 2017.
Housing & Development Board (HDB)
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) was recognised for bringing together a host of innovations and making Yuhua, the first existing HDB estate to benefit from Smart Home Solutions. The smart devices available as part of the trial includes the Elderly Monitoring System that provides peace of mind to caregivers of elderly loved ones, and the Utility Management System that help manage household utilities usage. From April 2016, residents from 3,200 households in Yuhua estate were eligible to participate in a trial for the non-intrusive smart devices.
Integrated Health Information Systems (IHiS)
Integrated Health Information Systems (IHiS) was recognised for the achievement of the HIMSS EMRAM Stage 7 award for Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH). NTFGH which is managed by Jurong Health in collaboration with IHiS, became the first hospital in Singapore achieve the HIMSS EMRAM Stage 7 award. It is also the first in ASEAN and only the fifth hospital in all of Asia-Pacific to reach Stage 7 of the prestigious certification.
There are eight stages (0-7) that measure a hospital’s implementation and utilisation of information technology applications. The final stage, Stage 7, represents an advanced patient record environment. The validation process to confirm a hospital has reached Stage 7 includes a site visit by an executive from HIMSS Analytics and former or current chief information officers to ensure an unbiased evaluation of the Stage 7 environments.
NTFGH’s technological transformation achieved many firsts in Singapore, including the implementation of the most number of medical devices (976) interfaced directly into the EMR system and the achievement of a 4-Less Environment: Chartless, Scriptless, Filmless, and Paper-less.
JTC Corporation
OpenGov recognised JTC Corporation for contributing to Singapore’s Smart Nation Journey through multiple innovative projects.
Co-developed between JTC Corporation, NTU Singapore and local start-up CtrlWorks, the new building inspection robot named QuicaBot or Quality Inspection and Assessment Robot can move autonomously to scan a room in about half the time taken for manual inspection.
The robot can upload 3D data of the scans to the cloud and inform the human operator, who can then inspect critical and complex defects. The QuicaBot, which can operate for three days with two hours of charging, also has its own arsenal of high tech tools. They include: 1) small laser scanner for navigation and mapping; 2) large laser scanner to inspect walls evenness and squareness; 3) Inclinometer to check evenness of the floor; 4) thermal infrared camera to check for hollowness in tiles; )5 small standard colour camera to detect cracks on walls. To enable quick and nimble movements around the room, the team worked with CtrlWorks to develop the robot’s mobile platform.
Together with Accenture, JTC Corporation has piloted the Integrated Estate Management System (iEMS), which is easily layered onto the existing building management system and provides precise real-time data on building functions from air-conditioning to security, allowing JTC Corporation to operate more efficiently or spot anomalies, among other things. Just six months into the pilot, JTC Corporation had realised monthly savings of 15 percent on addressable electricity usage, as well as a 13 percent reduction in addressable chilled water use.
JTC Corporation has also shifted its building management approach towards one that is easy to monitor and control,proactive rather than reactive, and more energy efficient. Significantly, this has been achieved without cumbersome and expensive retrofits.
Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) was recognised for the launch of a Regulatory Sandbox for financial institutions and FinTech players to test their innovations. The sandbox enables experiments to happen in a quarantined environment, with minimal costs in the event of failure. At the inception of an idea or an innovation, it might be impossible to anticipate every risk.
The idea is that MAS and the applicant will jointly define the boundaries within which the experiment will take place.MAS will determine the legal and regulatory requirements which it is prepared to relax for the duration of the experiment within these boundaries.
National Environment Agency (NEA)
The National Environment Agency was recognised for its Integrated Field Operations System (iFOS)- mobile workforce solution in operation since Feb 2017 for environmental public health and hawker centre operations, including sanitation, public cleanliness, port health, vector control, and hygiene. iFOS allows more than 900 officers to perform their operational tasks, such as inspection and enforcement actions, and access and capture information relevant to those operations while on the move.
The implementation of iFOS has supported a new concept of operations, in which NEA officers work in a networked environment, connected to the necessary resources via a single mobile-accessible platform. With its wider rollout and usage over time, operations will be increasingly integrated, scalable, and tightly coupled with 3P (private, people, and public sector) engagement. NEA will also be able to understand and serve the public better by having comprehensive contextual information, such as customer, sensors and operational data, accessible to our field officers.iFOS will help enhance NEA’s delivery of a high standard of services in our day-to-day operations, and readiness and preparedness to act and respond swiftly and effectively to environmental and public health incidents.
Singapore Customs
OpenGov recognised Singapore Customs for their work (together with GovTech) in developing the National Trade Platform (NTP), a one-stop next-generation trade information management platform to support companies in the trade and logistics industry, as well as adjacent sectors such as trade finance. Once rolled out, the NTP will replace the current TradeNet® and TradeXchange®1 systems and can potentially bring about up to $600 million worth of man-hour savings annually for businesses.
The NTP will significantly improve the way companies work and interact with one another. It will enable them to reach out to a wider range of businesses, both locally and globally, from importers, exporters, logistics service providers to financial institutions.
The NTP can help businesses improve productivity through digital exchange and re-use of data with their business partners and the Government. Businesses can streamline their work processes, reduce inefficiencies of manual trade document exchange, and tap on the potential of data analytics to draw insights from their trade data.
In addition to the suite of built-in services, the NTP will be developed on an open architecture where third party solution providers or IT developers can leverage the toolkits provided to develop new services and applications based on market needs. This will nurture a developer community on the NTP to seed and experiment with innovative ideas that can benefit the trade and logistics industry in the long term.
Singapore Police Force (SPF)
Singapore Police Force (SPF) was recognised for leveraging technology to defend the residents of Singapore against threats, old and new.
A one-stop self-help portal, https://www.scamalert.sg/ was launched to counter scams. It provides up-to-date information on the latest scams. People can share personal experiences of scam encounters and lodge police reports online. There are links to major online e-commerce platforms so that the public can approach the platform administrators for assistance regarding transactions on these platforms. Victims of scams will also be able to lodge reports for police investigations via SPF’s Electronic Police Centre.
Another SPF initiative is the Digital Evidence Search Tool (DIGEST) which will automate the forensic processing of huge volumes of data, enabling investigation officers to focus their efforts on more specialised investigation functions.
Singapore Land Authority (SLA)
OpenGov recognised Singapore Land Authority (SLA) for the agency’s Smart Nation Innovations. In June 2016, SLA unveiled the first phase of its national 3D mapping project. The models,which use advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to generate ‘real world’ visualisations of the entire island, are part of a whole-of-government Smart Nation initiative aimed at improving risk management, facilitating collaboration and enhancing decision-making among Singapore’s public agencies.
SLA has also developed the Singapore Satellite Positioning Reference Network (SiReNT) which uses global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data from several countries’ satellites, not just the United States’ GPS data, to correct satellite data for real-time precision of up to 3 cm accuracy. It feeds into Singapore’s smart-city push in areas such as autonomous vehicles.
Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
OpenGov recognised Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for its work-in-progress on the Tourism Information and Services Hub (TIH), which will be launched later this year. TIH is a back-end digital repository of real-time information and travel services, where the industry can contribute and access for use on their respective consumer-facing channels such as websites and mobile applications.
Businesses can benefit from increased exposure of their product offerings and efficiencies in sharing and updating of tourism-related content. With TIH, STB can also obtain rich data insights on the visitor journey and behaviour that will further enhance the Singapore experience.
As a start, it will house content such as Destination Editorials, Images & Videos, Business Event Listings and Walking Trails contributed by STB and its industry partners. STB will also develop services such as Enhanced Navigation Map, Itinerary Planner to help visitors plan on the go, Recommendation Engine to provide customised suggestions and a Chatbot to provide real-time assistance, all of which tourism partners can choose to extract to use on their own front-end channels.
Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) was recognised for their development of the ePlanner and GEMMA (GIS-Enabled Mapping and Analysis) platforms. Both platforms enhance intra-government collaboration between agencies and departments and enable better informed decision-making, leading to improved final outcomes.
ePlanner is a one-stop, multi-platform, geospatial urban planning analytics tool, which integrates data from various sources to enable advanced spatial visualisation and analytics. ePlanner also enables planners from various agencies to access and analyse various land-use planning information such as zoning and development control parameters. By working on a common analytics platform, agencies can better share up-to-date information and make collective planning decisions.
GEMMA enables planners to compose multiple land use scenarios quickly, through a suite of apps that tracks urban development staging easily. It allows planners to search and select sites quickly, and jointly evaluate scenario outcomes and potential impact on supporting infrastructure with partner agencies.
Vital Shared Services – Ministry of Finance
OpenGov recognised Vital Shared Services – Ministry of Finance for its implementation of the Electronic Document and Knowledge Management System (eDKMS), as a part of Singapore’s drive to build a Smart Nation and a digital government.
It enables integration of daily HR, payroll and finance workflows for higher productivity and fostering greater knowledge management and a social collaboration platform. The system also reduces paperwork, manages the flow of information from capture through to archiving and disposal.
It improves records and case management, and enhances business information analysis and decision-making.
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The food industry has been impacted by the pandemic and is looking for ways to increase productivity, lower costs and be better prepared for any future disruptions. Furthermore, consumers are increasingly interested in healthier and more sustainable food options, which is prompting the industry to explore how best to meet these demands.
To tackle the challenges of improving efficiency, adapting to changing preferences and demands, and enhancing the overall customer experience, the food industry is proactively exploring technology-enabled solutions. Technological breakthroughs, transformative processes and interactive platforms are the need of the hour.
No doubt, industrialisation and automation have already significantly increased the capacity and effectiveness of the sector, resulting in a continuous transformation of the global food industry across the entire value chain. The global food-tech industry has grown to include a wide range of companies that use technology to improve food production, distribution and variety. Nonetheless, there is much yet to do.
Startups, incubators and accelerators can play a powerful role in revolutionising the sector. They can bring together top food-tech entrepreneurs and corporates through one-of-a-kind mentorship, networking and financing.
A vibrant food industry is vital globally as it plays an essential part in determining the future of food production, and distribution around the world, contributing to sustainability, health and food security.
Through their creative ideas and innovative use of cutting-edge technologies, entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to positively impact the food industry. They foster innovation and economic growth while also advancing a more just and sustainable food system by actively bringing about change in the food industry.
All parties involved in the food system – from producers to consumers – could benefit from their innovations and ideas if they are implemented.
Food-tech innovations for a sustainable future
In an exclusive interview with OpenGov Asia, Dr Chris Aurand, Open Innovation Leader at Thai Union Group, PCL, shared the company’s strategies and solutions aimed at addressing gaps in the food sector.
Chris is appreciative of Thailand’s innovative culture and welcoming atmosphere, describing it as a wonderful place to live and work. In his role, he works to support startups and build the country’s food tech ecosystem.
He is responsible for developing the long-term strategy for SPACE-F, Thailand’s first dedicated food tech incubator and accelerator. This initiative is a collaboration between the Thai Union, ThaiBev, Mahidol University and The National Innovation Agency of Thailand, intending to establish Thailand as a hub for Foodtech startups. Additionally, Chris is a member of the Corporate Venture Capital team at Thai Union.
Thai Union Group is committed to fostering innovation and invests in early-stage startups with disruptive technologies and products that are in line with our strategic direction, “Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans” via Thai Union Ventures. Additionally, the company collaborates with third-party entities, including VisVires New Protein, and SPACE-F, the first dedicated global FoodTech startup incubator and accelerator in Thailand. These collaborations enable the group to access cutting-edge technologies and expertise, which help the company stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.
“The initiative began in 2018 when we began collaborating with various country trade missions to scout startups and develop internally how we would work with startups. We realised that to drive innovation within the company and introduce fresh ideas, we needed to identify and collaborate with promising startups,” Chris recalls.
Seeing the potential, Thai Union Group established a fund to strategically support startups at the seed to series A funding stage in the areas of alternative proteins, biotechnology, functional nutrition and supply chain.
The company ensured that these investments fed back into the business unit, supporting its growth and contributing to its success. In fact, Thai Union Group’s support contributed to the growth of its first investment to the point where it was able to establish its own production facility in Thailand.
Chris believes that food tech companies introduce novel perspectives on food security and promote local production. Food tech startups can also assist in implementing new technologies to extend product shelf life while preserving product safety.
Moreover, food safety is becoming an increasingly critical concern as people become more aware of the potential emergence of diseases and bacteria due to climate change. Food security is not necessarily a matter of inadequate food supply to feed the world, but rather issues related to logistics, spoilage, and consumer preferences for specific food types. Chris believes that startups can introduce innovative solutions to address these challenges, particularly in the areas of sustainability and food safety.
Chris shared how startups supported by the SPACE-F are devising inventive strategies to combat food waste and promote sustainability. Some of the solutions include upcycling brewery wastewater into a source of protein, locating and distributing discounted baked goods and using food waste as feedstock to grow insects as a protein source for pet treats.
These initiatives not only help to reduce waste but also create new sources of sustainable protein, highlighting the potential for innovative technologies to drive positive change in the food industry. Chris points out that startups can build on previous ideas as well as offer corporations innovative solutions without significant investment.
As an example, he highlighted a Finnish startup, EniferBio that produces PEKILO® mycoproteins from a fungal strain, which was initially developed in the 1960s but later shelved due to changes in the pulp and milling industry’s processes.
The pandemic has led to increased awareness among people regarding the link between their diets and their health. Consumers are now more interested in healthier and more sustainable food options and are actively seeking out products that meet their dietary requirements and preferences.
As a result, there has been a growing interest in food technology, which is helping to drive innovation in the food industry. This has created an opportunity for food tech startups to develop new products and technologies that cater to these changing consumer demands, while also addressing challenges related to food security, sustainability, and food safety.
Startups in the food technology sector are gaining interest from investors and businesses due to their fresh ideas that have been tested locally and can be adapted globally. This is crucial in finding local solutions to global food supply issues caused by the pandemic.
Discussing their startup accelerator programme, Chris explained that it includes both domestic and international companies and highlighted the importance of regional production in promoting sustainability. They focus on regional production to promote sustainability, as well as address trends in the food industry, including the growing demand for sustainable and healthy products.
“We have an opportunity to incorporate healthy ingredients into their products while highlighting the importance of being mindful of additives and preservatives that could have negative long-term effects,” Chris points out.
Startups in Thailand are focusing on incorporating micronutrients, promoting sustainability, and developing healthier food options, while also considering the commercial viability and long-term benefits their products can provide. To support these efforts, incubators and accelerators are facilitating collaborations and the development of new ideas in the industry.
While perseverance and curiosity are foundational qualities for success in the startup community, context is as necessary. It is vital to engage with the local population and be prepared to alter products to satisfy customer demands. Understanding the consumer and being adaptable to branding and product changes are particularly crucial in the food-tech sector, as consumer preferences and demands are constantly evolving.
However, while consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainability, they are not always willing to pay the additional price – cost can often be a deciding factor, especially during times of economic uncertainty. As inflation rises, consumers may prioritise affordable options over sustainable ones.
In the case of novel products such as plant-based and cultured meat, achieving the optimal texture and price point is essential for convincing consumers to make the switch. Rather than expecting these products to completely replace traditional meat products, Chris suggests targeting flexitarians who may be willing to regularly incorporate them into their diet.
Blockchain technology can help improve traceability and food safety in the food industry. By using blockchain, each step of the supply chain can be recorded and traced, from the origin of the ingredients to the final product. This makes it easier to identify any issues that arise and quickly address them.
The use of QR codes can also allow consumers to access information about the product they are purchasing, such as the origin and logisitcs, which can increase transparency and trust.
Implementing such solutions can improve the precision of logistics systems and ensure the safe delivery of goods. Traceability tools can also be utilised for marketing purposes by establishing a compelling narrative about the product’s origins and beneficiaries. Consequently, there is a growing focus on sustainability, reducing food waste and improving logistics.
Alongside AI and blockchain, other noteworthy developments are shaping the food technology sector. Advanced processing technologies such as high-pressure processing are gaining traction as a way to preserve food while maintaining its nutritional integrity.
In light of the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, promising technologies that had previously been shelved such as bacteriophages are being resurrected. Additionally, there is a strong shift towards more natural and holistic solutions to promote sustainability and minimise food waste.
The use of such technologies can also contribute to ethical improvements by decreasing chemical and antibiotic use in animal husbandry and improving animal welfare. As consumers become more conscious of ethical considerations in food production, such as organic and sustainably sourced products, there will be a growing demand for them. To establish a sustainable future, it may be necessary to revive traditional agricultural practices and implement regenerative agriculture.
Chris strongly feels that consumer education should encompass not only fundamental food safety measures like washing vegetables and cooking foods thoroughly but also the ability to recognise potential sources of foodborne illnesses..
People need to have a solid grasp of food safety and hygiene principles and prioritise their own health and wellness. As the food industry advances and new technologies and products emerge, it will become necessary to strengthen oversight and regulation to ensure that these new technologies provide healthy and safe foods for consumers.
“Facilitating the development of innovative food products will necessitate cooperation among startups, corporate partners, regulators and consumers to ensure safety, effectiveness and transparency,” Chris says emphatically.
Urban Ideas and Solutions Through LKYGBPC
The Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), which began in 2001, is a biennial global university start-up competition hosted in Singapore. Organised by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, focusing on urban ideas and solutions developed by student founders and early-stage start-ups.
Chris is passionate about supporting startups and cultivating the food tech ecosystem to facilitate industry transformation.
In his role as Open Innovation Leader, he is responsible for implementing Thai Union’s open innovation strategy, collaborating with internal R&D stakeholders to understand their innovation needs and driving external collaboration; and being part of innovation platforms like LKYGBPC.
Working with youth is advantageous since they are not rigid in their thinking and can bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table, Chris says. But it is important to have separate tracks for ideation and revenue-generating businesses, while also promoting global collaboration and idea exchange.
Chris is convinced that “To inspire innovation among young people, it is essential to present it in a hands-on manner, similar to how LKYGBPC has done. Moreover, it is crucial to instill in them the notion that failure is an inherent and integral part of the learning process.”
He emphasises the importance of fostering an environment and culture of innovation that embraces trial and error. Failure must be embraced to allow learning from mistakes. Additionally, it is essential to comprehend one’s strengths, weaknesses, and dislikes.
To remain at the forefront of innovative entrepreneurship over the next five to ten years, the LKYGBPC must continue to evolve and accommodate new trends and challenges in the entrepreneurial landscape. This could involve broadening its scope and expanding its reach, partnering in new regions and industries.
They must be willing to embrace emerging tech and innovation and provide aspiring entrepreneurs with more resources and support.
Furthermore, the competition should continue to prioritise ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship, which is gaining importance to both businesses and consumers. They must encourage participants to develop innovative solutions to global concerns such as climate change, social inequality, and healthcare.
“The food technology sector has a substantial influence on daily life. One of the most exciting aspects for an entrepreneur in the industry is to develop a successful product and see it being sold on the shelves of a supermarket. This industry provides the opportunity to introduce solutions that have a significant, positive impact on people.” Chris concludes.
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Like in business and other aspects, the future of crime fighting will be heavily influenced by technological advancements. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), automation, augmented reality, big data, and all the other most significant trends observed in other industries are equally impacting policing.
In Singapore, an Emergency Video System uses technology that is already on mobile phones. This lets people who call ‘999’ or ‘995’ tell the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Operations Centres where the incident is happening and what it looks like.
This ability will make it much easier for SPF and SCDF Operations Centres, as well as first responders, to assess the situation and make decisions. With these technologies, police officers and intelligence agencies have more tools than ever before to stop crime and keep citizens safe. As criminals become more inventive in their own use of technology and data, SPF and SCDF also help combat the emergence of new types of crime.
The Police Operations Command Centre (POCC) and the SCDF Operations Centre will both be able to use the Emergency Video System. Hence, officers at the POCC and SCDF Operations Centre may encounter difficulties understanding the incident situation during emergency calls, particularly in complex and dynamic situations where the caller may be incapable to convey the extent of the situation.
The Emergency Video System supplemented the Home Team’s emergency call response by allowing SPF and SCDF officers at the respective Operations Centres to start live video streaming from the caller’s mobile phone to assist in decision-making and situational assessment.
Callers would also be able to share their real-time location with SPF and SCDF officers via the system, which would aid in the subsequent emergency response. Collaborations have emerged with other institutions to develop this new capability.
Additionally, where a live stream would be beneficial for a ‘999’ or ‘995’ incident, the Operations Centre will activate the Emergency Video System. The caller will give the operator permission to activate the live video stream from a safe location.
An SMS with a link will then be sent to the caller. By tapping on the hyperlink, the caller’s mobile phone’s web browser will be used to stream live footage of the incident, without the need to install any new applications. At the same time, the system will transmit the caller’s location to the Operations Centre, facilitating front-line emergency response.
During the live video streaming, the caller should stay on the ‘999’ or ‘995’ line while officers in the Operations Centre can talk to the caller over the phone while keeping an eye on the video feed.
Before responding officers arrive at the incident site, the Emergency Video System will provide SCDF and SPF with an additional means of triaging and sense-making. This will also help responding forces prepare for the incident while they are on their way to the scene. When both the SPF and the SCDF are responding to a major emergency, such as a major fire, they may use the same live stream.
By allowing organisations to respond to criminal activity in real-time, new digital technologies are transforming the way police protect and serve the public. It is crucial to stay up-to-date on technological advancements that can assist law enforcement on a global scale and to implement these advancements as they see fit in any given environment.
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Land Information Minister, Damien O’Connor, has announced the start of construction on New Zealand’s first uplink centre for the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) at a recent event in Southland. The move will bring the country closer to world-class satellite positioning services that can enhance search and rescue operations, improve precision farming, and increase safety on construction sites by providing greater accuracy.
According to O’Connor, it will be the first time Satellite Augmented Positioning has been available in the Southern Hemisphere and is expected to benefit the economy by over $860 million in the long term. SouthPAN will boost the accuracy, reliability, and availability of positioning services to as little as 10 centimetres (like GPS). This represents a considerable improvement from the current accuracy range of five to ten metres.
SouthPAN is an open-access digital infrastructure that offers entrepreneurs the chance to develop new services and accelerate economic growth. It provides free access to early Open Services, which allow farmers and growers to leverage invisible fences and drone-based spraying techniques for the effective management of their livestock and crops.
The Minister explained that in five years, SouthPAN will allow helicopters and planes to fly safely in weather they are not able to fly in now, minimising disruption due to adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, SouthPAN’s technology will also provide virtual barriers that enhance safety in various industries, such as construction, protecting people from heavy machinery and other potential hazards.
The benefits of SouthPAN’s technology are expected to be widespread, ranging from simple conveniences like providing an accurate location for taxi services to more significant applications, such as improved monitoring of endangered species across conservation areas. The increased precision and reliability of SouthPAN’s services will open new possibilities for a wide range of industries, allowing for better decision-making and more effective operations.
Two 11-metre antennae are being built by a private project contractor at a satellite ground station in Awarua. They will link to a control centre in Invercargill, monitored by operators 24 hours a day.
The country’s future export growth relies on lifting its sustainability credentials, and SouthPAN will help farmers and growers with precision through the application of inputs and improved livestock management, O’Connor noted. “By telling us exactly where we are, SouthPAN will help us tell a story of who we are and how we farm.” SouthPAN is a joint venture with the Australian government to bring high-resolution positioning to Australasia.
The move to launch SouthPAN was announced in September last year. Australia’s Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, had explained that the investment is a major commitment between the Australian and New Zealand governments, providing broad benefits for all of Australasia. “We’ve already demonstrated that industry and the community can use this for ground-breaking applications that increase safety, improve productivity, and drive innovation across a broad range of industries,” King stated.
As OpenGov Asia reported, SouthPAN could generate over AUD$6 billion in benefits to the Australian economy over the next 30 years. The network will enable mining companies to install more accurate collision avoidance systems on automated mining haul trucks or allow visually impaired citizens to navigate cities with pinpoint assistive technologies. Further, it will enable light aircraft to land more safely in remote rural areas in all weather conditions, bringing benefits for essential services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the communities they serve.
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The Malaysia Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and InvestPenang are eager to promote electronics manufacturing in the country. They are partnering to organise a global event for electronics manufacturing and supply chain.
The concentration of much of the world’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in Southeast Asia has attracted more global players to the region, as global electronics supply chains are being reshaped by geopolitical forces. According to Linda Tan, the President of the global industry association representing the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain, the timing is ideal for the region to strengthen its position as a vital hub for electronics manufacturing and deepen its integration with global value chains.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority stated that Malaysia has immense potential to expand its robust semiconductor ecosystem and benefit from global demand as the region’s semiconductor hub.
The manufacturing sector, which continues to contribute significantly to the country’s economy, has attracted a steady inflow of high-quality investments, making Malaysia a top investment destination in the region. In 2022, the sector registered a total of RM 84.3 billion (US$ 19.1 billion), accounting for 31.9% of total approved investments in various economic sectors.
The electrical and electronics (E&E) industry emerged as the top-performing industry within the manufacturing sector, receiving a total of approved investments of RM 29.3 billion (US$ 6.6 billion). This achievement highlights Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining its strong position as a vital player in the global semiconductor industry.
The theme of the event is “Boosting Agility and Resiliency for the Electronics Supply Chain” and will address the challenges posed by the current economic downturn and ongoing disruptions, and explore ways to build a more robust supply chain.
Global leaders in the industry will gather to examine strategies for the electronics industry to strengthen its supply chain and enhance its agility and resiliency. Industry leaders explore ways to capitalise on Southeast Asia’s strengths, boost global supply chain resilience, and position the industry for future growth and innovation. There will be vital discussions on crucial areas of semiconductor industry growth such as sustainability, smart manufacturing, smart mobility, smart MedTech, and workforce development.
The Chief Minister of Penang stated that the upcoming event aligns with Penang’s longstanding efforts to enhance its competitiveness in the global arena. Penang has established a significant presence in the semiconductor industry and is recognised for its expertise across the value chain.
InvestPenang, the state’s investment promotion agency, is committed to supporting the growth of emerging subsectors and expanding the semiconductor industry’s scope in Penang. Through these efforts, the state aims to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem and offer a diverse portfolio of capabilities.
According to market research, the global semiconductor market had a size of US$ 527.88 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow from US$ 573.44 billion in 2022 to USD 1,380.79 billion in 2029, with a CAGR of 12.2% during the forecast period.
The global semiconductor market saw a growth of 6.8% in 2020 compared to the previous year. Despite the unprecedented and significant impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the semiconductor industry experienced positive demand worldwide, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
The growth of the semiconductor market can be attributed to the increasing consumption of consumer electronics devices worldwide. Furthermore, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning (ML) technologies are providing new opportunities for market development as these technologies aid memory chips in processing large amounts of data in less time. Additionally, the rising demand for faster and more advanced memory chips in industrial applications is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
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The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment shared strategic goals and progress towards digitalisation in each sector in the Indonesia Maju cabinet. In his speech at the SPBE Summit 2023 for the Electronic-Based Government System, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, emphasised that all parties involved in digitisation must work together.
The action was taken to speed up the digitalisation process in Indonesia within the context of achieving digital sovereignty. Using the PeduliLindungi app during the Covid-19 outbreak was cited as an example of Indonesia’s successful large-scale digitalisation.
“We contribute greatly to the digitalisation process. Digitisation has increased our taxable income. There are a lot of bright young folks working on outstanding app creation now. I’d want us to work on this together,” Luhut stated when he visited the event in Jakarta. “I believe what’s here is good. It’s just how we connect it to save unnecessary funds.”
When Deputy VII Arif Mustofa spoke on behalf of Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Polhukam) Mahfud MD, he noted that his party was coordinating the digitalisation of services in the Polhukam sector, including everything from the management of the most recent cases to population services.
Mahfud explained that the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs is in charge of technical coordination for five different digital services, including the management of integrated crime cases using IT, online SIM issuance services, government information services and SPBE infrastructure services, state apparatus infrastructure services, regional government services, and population data.
Meanwhile, Expert Staff for Bureaucratic Transformation Aris Darmansyah Edisaputra spoke on behalf of Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhajir Effendy to say that the ministry’s efforts to speed up the PMK sector, mainly through digitalisation, continue unabated.
Presidential Regulation 132 of 2022 indicated that the acceleration of achievements in education, health, and social welfare also follows the national SPBE architectural strategic initiative. Since these three areas contribute to human and cultural development, Muhadjir argues they require substantial SPBE support in integrated digital services for each area.
Then, as Expert Staff for Digital Transformation Creativity and HR Edwin Rizal Manansang highlighted for Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, digitisation in the economic sector has been running, notably for electronic payments.
In the business world, digital services are centred on a few key goals. The first involves improving the efficiency of a payment gateway or integrated payment system that links together different types of government digital services, such as immigration services, that are projected to be completely functional at airport checkpoints by the end of the first quarter of this year. According to Airlangga, this service will be integrated into the non-tax state revenue (PNBP) business process to improve the state’s revenue reporting system.
Indonesia’s digitalisation initiatives have steadily improved. Evidence of this may be seen in the rising levels of contentment with official online services. To give one concrete example, the National Public Service Complaint Management System – Services People’s Online Aspirations and Complaints (SP4N-LAPOR!) has a customer satisfaction rate of 73.7%. A total of 1,123 people participated in the study, which was conducted in 2022.
Data from throughout the country shows that AP4N-LAPOR! complaints typically receive a response within 6.1 days. Regarding following up on complaints, the city government of Surabaya is among the quickest in Indonesia, taking only 0.6 business days or around 2 hours. In 2022, the provincial government of East Java handled 6,160 reports and followed up on 97% of them. In addition, the SP4N-LAPOR Administration has issued a Decree to all East Javan provinces and municipalities, and 90% (35 out of 39) of districts/cities have some action plan.
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The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been focusing on protecting consumer rights online amid the boom of e-commerce and the digital economy since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry launched Consumer Rights Day on World Consumer Rights Day, which is marked every year on 15 March.
The Ministry has stressed the importance of consumer protection in building a healthy environment and promoting socioeconomic development. This year’s event highlighted information transparency and safe consumption.
Despite the implementation of the Law on Consumer Rights Protection on 1 July 2011, there has been a persistent prevalence of consumer rights violations across multiple levels, with a growing level of complexity. Entering the post-COVID-19 period, e-commerce, especially borderless trade, has made consumer rights protection a new focus as there were several risks consumers face online. These risks include the sale of counterfeit and substandard products, as well as the misuse of personal information for fraudulent purposes.
The Vietnam Competition and Consumer Authority is preparing to revise the Law on Protection of Consumer Rights to ensure that the legislation stays up-to-date with the evolving landscape. The proposed amendments to the law are expected to be presented for approval at the National Assembly’s meeting in May.
Tran Huu Linh, General Director of the Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance, noted that apart from the online shopping trend, there has been an increase in trade fraud and risks to consumers, including fake and poor-quality products. According to statistics from the Ministry, over 1,660 online kiosks offering more than 6,400 products were taken down, and five e-commerce websites accused of selling counterfeit and/or uncertified products were blocked last year.
Linh emphasised that safeguarding consumer rights in the online realm was a priority for the market watch, particularly considering Vietnam’s ambition to become a frontrunner in digital economy development within the region. The government has set a goal for the digital economy to contribute 20% to the country’s GDP by 2025.
Owners of many online stores are prioritising consumer protection as one of their key business strategies. The official urged consumers to make orders from licensed platforms or official stores to ensure their rights are protected. The Deputy Director of the Vietnam Competition and Consumer Authority, Nguyen Quynh Anh, explained that consumer protection needs to have stronger and more substantive changes, which requires the active participation of businesses.
“We used to think that consumer protection was the matter of the State management agency and the consumers. Now, enterprises will be a more important subject in the consumer protection process,” Anh said. It is crucial for enterprises to recognise their responsibility in safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring that consumers have access to reasonably priced and safe products and services.
In 2020, Vietnam approved a National Digital Transformation Programme by 2025, with an orientation toward 2030. The strategy helps accelerate digital transformation through changes in awareness, enterprise strategies, and incentives toward the digitalisation of businesses, administration, and production activities.
The programme targets businesses, cooperatives, and business households that want to adopt digital transformation to improve their production, business efficiency, and competitiveness. The plan aims to have 80% of public services at level 4 online. Over 90% of work records at ministerial and provincial levels will be online while 80% of work records at the district level and 60% of work records at the commune level will be processed online.
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A computer science school, 42 Malaysia (42MY), will be established in Malaysia. The school, a result of a partnership between the sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia and the largest education-focused social enterprise in Malaysia will use peer-to-peer learning to train 10,000 competent tech professionals over the next decade.
The 42 programme, which boasts the Born2Code slogan, was introduced in France and opened its inaugural campus in Paris in 2013. It is now part of a global network of 47 campuses across 26 countries that provide tuition-free education to individuals 18 years and older, without regard to educational or socioeconomic status. On July 23, 2020, the social enterprise launched the Malaysian branch of 42, known as 42 KL, in Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur.
The educational framework of the programme emphasises peer-to-peer and project-based learning methods that simulate a professional work environment. Participants at 42MY have the opportunity to learn coding by working on genuine industry projects in collaboration with the program’s partner companies.
Additional programmes are expected to be implemented to enhance the skills of the domestic workforce by leveraging underutilised sources of talent through Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. These initiatives are designed to equip individuals with sought-after skills, thereby increasing their chances of securing high-quality employment opportunities.
The Managing Director of the sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia believes that the presence of skilled professionals is a vital component in the ongoing growth of any industry. As such, he anticipates that 42MY will play a significant role in supporting Malaysia’s start-up and tech ecosystem by developing and nurturing local talent, which will aid the country’s digital economy and strengthen its IR 4.0 capability.
The collaboration demonstrates the potential benefits of partnerships and cooperation, and the wealth fund is excited about collaborating with like-minded partners who share the same objective of enhancing Malaysia’s digital and skilled talent supply.
The wealth fund has plans to implement additional initiatives aimed at upskilling and reskilling Malaysia’s domestic workforce. The strategy involves mobilising underutilised sources of talent by repurposing Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The primary objective is to equip individuals with high-demand skills to facilitate their access to top-quality employment opportunities.
An impact assessment framework called the SEMARAK Initiative is being developed. It converges global methodologies but is adapted for the Malaysian context.
MDEC is working to push forward digitalisation in Malaysia. They have developed a series of programmes aimed at preparing individuals for the digital future ahead. For example, eRezeki was established to help low-income groups and other citizens by providing them with opportunities to earn additional income by completing digital assignments using online sharing economy platforms. Participants are matched with digital work that aligns with their skills.
In addition, the Tech Talent @Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) initiative was also set up. This initiative involves the participation of Premier Digital Tech Institutions (PDTIs), the top tertiary institutions in Malaysia that focus on digital technology.
These institutions have a proven track record of producing high-quality graduates for high-value digital tech-based employment through research, education policies, industry connections, and career development services.
In addition, MDEC has other related initiatives to nurture the talent pipeline. These include:
- Digital Tech Faculty Expert Program (DTeX): this programme aims to create a pool of digital tech subject matter experts among faculty members of Premier Digital Tech Institutions (PDTIs) and partner universities. The programme is structured to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning in digital tech education. It also creates a platform for technology partners to collaborate with PDTIs and partner universities to actively participate in nurturing and developing industry-ready teaching talent from the tertiary education level.
- Internship & Employment: Partnering with industry players in the ecosystem allows university students to access internship and employment opportunities. Furthermore, upskilling programs are offered to prepare job-ready graduates for the industry.
- Micro-Credentials: Micro-credentials are short and affordable online courses that provide digital certification upon completion, aimed at improving specific skills or competencies. They can be developed by universities, industries, or professional certification bodies and can be stacked for full credentials via transfer of credit. They are also known as digital badges, nano degrees, web badges, mini degrees, or open badges.
