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Globally, public sectors are overwhelmingly moving to information digitisation. This has been proven to be a catalyst and fuel for transformation within the public sector today, allowing them to understand trends, make decisions and better serve citizens. With this, though, comes the tremendous responsibility of managing and protecting data – in terms of privacy as well as safekeeping. This is done through policy, process and infrastructure.
While policy establishment is the purview of the government, it needs input from various stakeholders and experts. More so, as with cutting edge technology and solutions implications and ramifications are not necessarily, readily foreseeable.
Process and infrastructure are the other two pillars that a good data strategy rests on. Information management allows data processing techniques in the public sector to become more secure and integrated. The capacity to quickly organise, integrate and safeguard data alleviates many of the problems that agencies face, particularly when it comes to managing sensitive data and providing effective citizen services.
Information management has been proven effective in meeting the needs of the post-pandemic environment. In an increasingly VUCA environment, good data that is robustly managed and protected is essential.
The question is: How can information management improve processes in the public sector?
With the right information management solutions, governments can improve decision-making and demonstrate accountability and openness. The public sector will be able to gain insights from data to make better decisions for citizens’ economic and health benefits. Properly managing public sector information, will ensure that it remains reliable, trustworthy and promotes the use and reuse of data by both public sector entities and the general public.
Agencies will also be able to interpret structured and unstructured data insights into actions and outcomes through mastering information management methodologies. Analytics and trends will generate information-driven, actionable insights and simultaneously speed up decision-making.
Enterprise content management technologies also ensure instant access to information whenever it is needed. Obtaining this actionable result will increase decision-making speed and transparency, as well as add value to the data when it is transformed into recommendations for change.
Further, the risk of data being tempered or distorted can be mitigated if the information is automated using tools to adhere to governance and compliance protocols, as well as diminishing risk.
This was the focus of OpenGovLive! Virtual Breakfast Insight which was held on 26 November 2021, which aimed to provide the latest information management tools to improve public sectors governance, compliance and security at an accelerated speed. This is a closed-door, invitation-only, interactive session with top-level executives from Singapore public sector.
Demonstrating government accountability and transparency by accelerating information
Mohit Sagar, Group Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, OpenGov Asia, kicked off the session with his opening address.
Culture has shifted drastically because of Covid-19, Mohit asserts. There is a need to fundamentally relook at approaches and strategies. “Just because something is not broken does not mean it does not need fixing or changing,” says Mohit.
For him, another crisis will inevitably hit. As such, he implores organisations to think ahead, reimagine the needs of their employees and future-proof their organisations.
When it comes to information management, Mohit believes in the importance of setting and following a proper road map that is regularly monitored. Otherwise, it would be a long-term disaster. For instance, a $2 billion air traffic control system had failed due to insufficient computer memory, hundreds of LAX flights were delayed or cancelled because all computers in the airport crashed due to a bug in the En Route Automation Modernisation (ERAM) system.
“Where is data residing and how are they working for your organisation?” Mohit asks.
He believes that organisations have to relook at their strategy because the future will be different. Especially in the public sector, Mohit asserts, poor information management is something that the public sector must avoid at all costs. The lack of effective data governance is a security concern for two reasons – unstructured data and regulatory compliance issues. Bad data and badly structured data poses a security risk for the simple reason that poor data makes it difficult to detect and monitor when something goes wrong.
For Mohit, having advanced information management provides clarity on adherence to data governance. It highlights what must be done to achieve these standards and what needs to be done to continuously improve. Some principles include:
- Recognise (and manage) complexity
- Focus on adoption
- Deliver tangible & visible benefits
- Prioritise according to business needs
- Take a journey of a thousand steps
- Provide strong leadership
- Mitigate risks
- Communicate extensively
- Strive for a seamless digital employee experience
- Choose the first project very carefully
Managing such massive collection of information properly and avoiding any data breach or misinterpretation of information requires balancing compliance and efficiency when managing records, improving adequate resourcing or skill set and managing secure disposal of all information assets.
Aware of the mounting challenges, such as legacy applications and lack of skill sets for true digital transformation, he is firmly convinced that transformation should not be done alone. He urges delegates to partner with organisations with the expertise to facilitate digital transformation. Partners bring a wealth of expertise and experience that will make the journey far easier to manage and navigate.
Harnessing information management tools to deliver effective services
Randy Goh, Regional Vice President, Southeast Asia, OpenText introduced the delegates to OpenText and the solutions that OpenText can offer.
As Canada’s largest software company, OpenText is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada but they also have regional headquarters in Germany, Tokyo, the United States, and Australia. With 53 offices worldwide, they provide global coverage for our global enterprise customers.
OpenText has been delivering trusted and quality solutions for 30 years, the go-to solution for 80% of the Fortune 1000 companies who use OpenText to manage information in their enterprise. Incredibly, OpenText has over 3 exabytes of information under their management.
To put that into perspective, Amazon Web Services had 1.3 exabytes of consistently managed data at the end of 2019. Add to that 60M secure IDs, 40M endpoints and 100M end-users and OpenText’s install base translates into a world-class information ecosystem, which OpenText customers can integrate into and leverage to their advantage.
OpenText has customers across various industries such as banking and insurance, manufacturing, healthcare and the public sector in their EIM journey. With an arsenal of experience in industry solution-based best practices, along with experienced delivery and advisory resources, both OpenText’s global and local teams in Southeast Asia have helped customers achieve huge success in their EIM projects.
Before closing, Randy emphasised that OpenText is filled with a team of experienced and dedicated staff who will be able to help organisations work out the best way to manage information according to their needs.
Handing the time over to Brian Chidester, Head of Worldwide Industry Strategy for the Public Sector, OpenText spoke next on legacy IT modernisation in the government sector.
“Data in and of itself is useless, but information is valuable,” Brian opines. “The question is how can organisations can turn data into information.”
With his vast amount of experience working with governments, he projects the future of government to be focused on security, digital experience, remote work, collaboration.
Based on a study on global CIOs, Brian highlighted some of the key challenges of government, the first being the lack of information on governance policies. The second challenge is the lack of visibility of the data life cycle – knowing where the data is coming from, how it is being managed and processed. For that to occur, he notes, the policy has to be in place and the relevant technology needs to be layered in the process.
When it came to selection criteria, government agencies are searching for applications that offer ease of integration with business applications. Additionally, they are looking for solutions that do not require additional coding to configure and customise solutions.
Brian also notes that having the ability to leverage existing talent across the workforce without needing specialised talent is important.
The prevailing drivers for governments are the improvement of digital experiences and the need to integrate and align data and applications. On this journey of digital transformation, he points out the difference between an E-government, which is concerned with getting services online without a strategy, and a truly digital government that puts citizens and stakeholders at the centre of the strategy.
Brian urges delegates to recognise the reality that another crisis will eventually hit organisations. For him, being able to introduce platforms that increase the resilience of the agency is paramount if governments want to equip themselves for the challenges to come.
Achieving adaptive data governance through information management
Mitra Bhar, Chief Information Officer, NSW Education Standards Authority gave an insightful overview of the importance of information management from her perspective.
In many organisations, the responsibility for information management lies with IT. However, enterprise information management is a business-led programme that recognises information as an asset that drives better business outcomes. However, organisations face the challenge of demonstrating business value before the programme is complete. As a result, many avoid large, enterprise-wide information management (IM) programmes.
Organisations avoid large, enterprise-wide information management (IM) programmes because they are not able to demonstrate business value before the programme is complete. Mitra also observes that information management problems are approached in individual project silos, which prevents organisations from leveraging their efforts across multiple programs and limits functionality. She emphasises that the value of IM is not focused on business outcomes but individual needs analysis.
For data management solutions, Mitra advises organisations should consider seven principles, defined by the IEC 25010:
- Reliability: Encompasses lower-level attributes such as stability, availability and recoverability
- Usability: Covers areas such as “speed to learn,” as well as ease of use
- Performance efficiency: The number of computing resources needed to provide an appropriate level of performance
- Maintainability: Relates to the design attributes of the software, which make it easy (or hard) to make changes to the functionality, fix bugs and ensure the quality of service
- Portability: Covers both the portability between devices and operating systems, but also the ease with which an application can be localised for geographically specific capabilities
- Security: All attributes of the software system’s security
- Compatibility: Defines the ease and efficiency of integration provided by the software.
At the same time, Mitra adds that organisations looking into information management need to consider the organisational structure responsible for the governance of the data.
On building a secure and integrated information management system, Mitra highly encourages the integration with data governance, endpoint management, endpoint security and identity access management tools and processes to gain a complete picture of data usage. Organisations need to consider ways to improve security posture and through centralised security platforms, as well as manage, automate and enforce configuration policies consistently across the data repository.
Digital transformations and the continued adoption of cloud services mean that personal data is processed in more locations than ever. To ensure citizen confidence in the public services, organisations must automate data discovery and governance functionalities to better protect personal data throughout the data life cycle.
While privacy regulations across multiple jurisdictions have differing requirements, consent remains one of the key factors upon which personal data can be processed. On that note, new technologies are emerging that allow for organisations seeking to respect the privacy rights of individuals while using data for information sharing, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) modelling.
Speaking from experience, she believes that public services need to aspire to achieve adaptive data governance. That means having the agility to use multiple governance styles, which are sensitive to business context; enabling data innovation at both the centre and the edge; applying a flexible, dynamic governance strategy across the organisations and its ecosystems and applying distributed decision rights, both formal and informal, that are connected to business value.
Adaptive data and analytics governance enable organisations to stay safe amid data disorder through governing the right data to the right degree, allowing the best-positioned stakeholders to make governance decisions.
Mitra advises organisations seeking to improve data quality on several steps they can take to get started on improving data quality. The strategies include:
- Establish a data governance committee made up of business stakeholders to manage the broader responsibilities
- Design data quality governance principles in the lines of business units and align them with the data governance committee.
- Encourage self-service in business units through the promotion of data preparation technology. At the same time, ensure an ongoing dialogue with the business units on decisions relating to data of high value and risk.
- Build a platform for ongoing dialogue and listen to business concerns — ensure that the dialogue goes both ways. Create a forum for data quality improvement based on these interactions.
- Establish data quality improvement as an ongoing initiative, aligned to data strategy to achieve the desired business outcomes.
In closing, Mitra reiterates the areas of focus for agencies seeking to improve their organisation’s information management: governance, management structures or systems, and good data quality. Bearing in mind the data decree from a data-driven world, Mitra encourages delegates to embark on the journey by taking small steps to improve data management.
Interactive Discussion
After the informative presentations, delegates participated in interactive discussions facilitated by polling questions. This session is designed to provide live-audience interaction, promote engagement, hear real-life experiences and impart professional learning and development for the participants. It is an opportunity for delegates to gain insight from subject matter experts, share their stories and take back strategies that can be implemented in their organisations.
The first poll asked what delegates deemed as their most important IT priority. An overwhelming majority indicated digital transformation and innovation (69%) as the most important priority. The rest of the delegates opted for improving efficiencies and reducing maintenance costs (19%), digital record-keeping to comply with government legislation (6%) and building resilience into their enterprises (6%).
Echoing Brian’s earlier point about turning data into information, Mohit points out that the end goal is to extract information and intelligence from data. He advises delegates to think deeply about what true digital transformation looks like in their organisations.
It is critical to put aside considerations about technology to look into business processes because “without a business case, the technology means nothing,” Mohit contends. Understanding how information management fits into the overall strategy is more valuable than blind adoption of technology.
On that note, Brian posits the importance of looking at citizen or user experience in tandem with Customer Experience (CX). To drive more power in citizen experience, one must “look under the hood to see what is powering the engine.” In other words, the goal of delivering a seamless citizen experience necessitates an examination of backend processes in CX.
He emphasises the need to provide internal stakeholders with the power to be strategic by automating mundane processes. A delegate adds that delivering personalised experiences comes down to good data management and a frictionless platform for easy access to information.
On their key initiatives in the next 12 months, delegates were split between cloud migration (29%) and AI/ML tools (29%). The others chose employee enablement (21%), followed by compliance(7%).
A delegate shares the observation that government agencies are moving data onto cloud. However, he believes that the journey of digital transformation requires looking holistically at data, design and technology – the management of data, the design of systems and processes that people use and the tools that enable digital transformation.
Mohit acknowledged that the technology already exists as a solution to problems faced by agencies but that the journey is one of “finding the right tech that fits the requirements.” To effectively do that, agencies need to understand their own needs and understand the technology through and through. The heart of the matter, Mohit believes, comes down to the skill sets of employees within organisations and being able to enlist the help of partners with a wealth of experience.
Compliance, Brian emphasises, is foundational to information management. Having the technology alone is not enough, it needs to be grounded by policy – processes enable people to utilise technology in empowering and effective ways.
Regarding challenges delegates have in managing change in data or business requirements, most delegates found employee skill sets challenging (33%), followed by the lack of flexibility or agility in current systems (27%) and time involved to make changes (20%). The remaining delegates indicated the reluctance to look at new technologies (13%) and the uncertainty around future needs (7%) as the main challenge.
Randy agrees that upskilling is a vital component of successful projects – employees need to have the capability to utilise tools at their disposal. Mitra opines that the case for some organisations might be that of legacy systems. Using state of the art platforms across those applications makes it difficult to extract data in a meaningful way that addresses business outcomes.
When asked what new IT strategy Digital Transformation would require, delegates were evenly split between evolving business value (36%) and partnering for capabilities (36%) as the main reason. The remaining delegates selected new IT enablers (26%).
Highlighting the urgency of evolving and future-proofing the next inevitable challenge, Mohit stresses the importance of leveraging partner capabilities to expand the capacities of agencies, which could help in strengthening business value.
The next poll inquired which infrastructure technology modernisation areas delegate organisations are investing in or planning to invest in support of Digital Transformation (DX)/IT Transformation (ITX) projects. Most of the delegates selected data analytics (36%), followed by deploying AI/ML tools (29%) and reducing data silos (21%). The remaining delegates selected migrating data to the cloud (14%).
Mohit believes in introducing the technology in layers after there is a shift in mindset. The process and policy need to support the taking of calculated risks.
A delegate points out that the public trust in the Singapore government is high and people expect a certain amount of quality from the government. He asserts the importance of looking at the citizens and how they are also on the journey.
On the biggest challenge in data management, most delegates indicated ‘others’ as their biggest challenge (39%). For the remaining delegates, the challenge was in real-time insights and having the ability to analyse data in real-time (23%), regulatory compliance(15%), fast accessibility in being able to get the data quickly (15%) and data loss prevention (8%).
A delegate expressed that the challenge is multi-fold. From the organisation’s objective, being able to manage information in a way that allows the organisation to channel it as an ‘engine’ is not an easy task. Aside from that, being situated in the public sector also has its own set of social responsibilities that have to be balanced.
Conclusion
In closing, Randy Goh, Regional Vice President, Southeast Asia, OpenText acknowledged the difficult work in the public sector because it is impossible to please everyone. He emphasised that information management is a key strategy that can alleviate the mounting pressures governments face in keeping up with citizen demands.
Having accumulated decades of experience, he is confident that OpenText is well-poised to help agencies undertake the challenging task of aligning people, processes and technology vis-à-vis organisational objectives.
Before ending the session, Randy thanked the delegates for the highly illuminating sharing and invited delegates to reach out to him and the team if they wanted to understand how they could get started on this journey with OpenText.
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The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) recently unveiled the pivotal insights gleaned from its inaugural Singapore Cybersecurity Health Report 2023. Conducted between May and August of the previous year, the survey canvassed the opinions of 2,036 organisations spanning various sises and sectors.
The objective was to gauge the landscape of cybersecurity readiness across local entities and inform CSA’s strategic initiatives. The importance of bolstering cybersecurity resilience within these organisations cannot be overstated, as they play a critical role in shaping the digital experiences of Singaporeans through their services and products.
The findings unveiled a mixed landscape: while the majority of organisations demonstrated an awareness of cybersecurity imperatives, there remains substantial room for improvement in adoption rates. On average, organisations reported implementing around 70% of essential cybersecurity measures across various categories. Additionally, a significant proportion, approximately 75%, acknowledged CSA’s cybersecurity certification programmes, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust, which serve as national standards for prioritising cybersecurity measures.
Despite these positive indicators, CSA sounded a cautionary note, emphasising the inadequacy of partial adoption. Without the full spectrum of essential measures, organisations remain vulnerable to unnecessary cyber risks. Alarmingly, only a third of organisations had fully implemented at least three of the five categories outlined in Cyber Essentials. This underscores the urgency for comprehensive adoption to fortify cybersecurity posture effectively.
A prevalent challenge cited by organisations hindering full adoption was a lack of knowledge and experience, echoed by 59% of businesses and 56% of non-profits. This is compounded by the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, exacerbated by a shortage of skilled cyber professionals. Moreover, a prevailing perception of being unlikely targets of cyber-attacks and resource constraints further impedes progress in bolstering defences.
The consequences of inadequate cybersecurity measures were starkly evident, with over 80% of organisations reporting encountering cybersecurity incidents annually, including prevalent threats like ransomware and social engineering scams. These incidents invariably inflicted a negative business impact, with disruptions, data loss, and reputational damage among the most commonly cited consequences.
While the cost of implementing cyber hygiene measures may seem daunting, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it pales in comparison to the potential financial ramifications of cyber incidents. CSA emphasises the importance of viewing cybersecurity investment as essential insurance against potentially catastrophic losses.
In response to these challenges, CSA has rolled out a comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at bolstering organisational cybersecurity resilience. These include cybersecurity resources to raise awareness, tailored health plans delivered by cybersecurity consultants, and certification programmes such as Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust. Additionally, the collaboration with the Infocomm Media Development Authority has led to the introduction of the Cybersecurity Health Check, providing organisations with a self-assessment tool to benchmark their cyber hygiene and access remedial resources.
Mr. David Koh, Chief Executive of CSA, stressed the imperative for organisations to prioritise cybersecurity and leverage available resources and funding support. Delaying proactive measures until after an incident occurs, he cautioned, would prove significantly more costly in the long run.
The release of the Singapore Cybersecurity Health Report underscores the urgent need for organisations to fortify their cybersecurity posture comprehensively. By embracing a holistic approach to cybersecurity and leveraging available resources and support, organisations can mitigate risks and safeguard against the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats of the digital age.
The Singapore Cybersecurity Health Report 2023 is available at www.csa.gov.sg/cyberhealthreport and the Cybersecurity Health Check can be accessed at https://www.csa.gov.sg/cyberhealthchecktool.
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In a remarkable leap forward in the field of neuroscience, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) have introduced a groundbreaking algorithm known as the Unique Brain Network Identification Number (UBNIN). This innovative algorithm is poised to revolutionise the analysis of brain connectivity patterns, offering profound insights into both healthy brain function and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The human brain, with its intricate network of neural connections, is a marvel of complexity. Each individual possesses a unique pattern of brain connectivity, akin to a fingerprint of the mind. Recognising the significance of these individualised brain networks, the researchers at IIT Guwahati set out to develop a method capable of decoding and quantifying these intricate patterns.
The UBNIN algorithm represents a paradigm shift in how we understand and analyse brain connectivity. Drawing upon data from structural MRI scans, the algorithm constructs a network model of the brain, with each region of the brain represented as a node. These nodes are interconnected by edges, reflecting the strength of connectivity between different brain regions.
What sets UBNIN apart is its ability to distil this complex network into a single numerical identifier. This unique identifier, akin to a digital signature for the brain, encapsulates the individualised connectivity patterns of each person. By quantifying these patterns into numerical values, UBNIN offers a powerful tool for understanding the structural organisation of the brain.
The implications of UBNIN are far-reaching. One potential application lies in the realm of brainprinting, where individual brain signatures could be used for identification purposes. Much like a fingerprint uniquely identifies an individual, UBNIN could serve as a digital identifier for the brain, with applications in personalised medicine, biometrics, and cognitive neuroscience.
Moreover, UBNIN holds promise as a biomarker for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Early detection of Parkinson’s is crucial for initiating timely interventions and improving patient outcomes. By analysing changes in UBNIN values over time, researchers may be able to identify subtle alterations in brain connectivity associated with the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease.
To validate the utility of UBNIN as a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease, researchers conducted a comprehensive study involving structural MRI scans from both PD patients and healthy individuals. The results were promising, with UBNIN values exhibiting distinct patterns in PD patients compared to healthy controls. This suggests that UBNIN has the potential to serve as a sensitive and specific biomarker for Parkinson’s disease, offering new avenues for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.
Furthermore, the researchers explored the impact of age on brain connectivity patterns. Aging is associated with changes in brain structure and function, which may contribute to the development of neurological disorders. By analysing structural MRI data from individuals across different age groups, the researchers found that brain connectivity patterns indeed change with age. Specifically, they observed a decrease in the clustering coefficient—a measure of network connectivity—with increasing age. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamic nature of brain plasticity and aging.
Dr. Cota Navin Gupta, Assistant Professor at the Neural Engineering Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, commented on the significance of these findings. “UBNIN offers a unique window into the structural organisation of the brain,” he remarked. “By quantifying individualised brain connectivity patterns, UBNIN has the potential to transform our understanding of brain function and dysfunction.”
Looking ahead, the researchers envision further applications of UBNIN in diverse fields, ranging from personalised medicine to cognitive neuroscience. By harnessing the power of UBNIN, researchers may unlock the mysteries of the human brain, paving the way for new insights into neurological disorders and brain health.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called upon the youth to take the lead in propelling Vietnam’s digital transformation, emphasising their crucial role in shaping the nation’s future amidst the burgeoning digital economy. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a dialogue held in Hanoi on March 26, where he engaged with 300 outstanding young individuals from various regions of the country.
With the digital economy projected to contribute 30% to the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, PM Chinh underscored the urgency for Vietnam to embrace digitalisation as an indispensable global trend. He highlighted digital transformation as a cornerstone alongside the green economy, circular economy, sharing economy, and intellectual economy, essential for realising the nation’s development objectives of transitioning into a modern, upper-middle-income country by 2030 and achieving developed, high-income status by 2045.
In his address, PM Chinh urged the youth to champion digitalisation by raising public awareness, advocating for policy reforms, driving administrative modernisation through digital technologies, and advancing research and development efforts in the digital domain. Emphasising their role as pioneers, he expressed confidence in the youth’s ability to contribute, innovate, integrate into society, and pursue personal growth.
Moreover, PM Chinh called upon the youth to collaborate with the government in establishing a digital government, digital economy, digital society, and nurturing digital citisenship. This collaborative approach is deemed essential for harnessing the full potential of digital technologies to address societal challenges and drive inclusive growth.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s call, the youth presented recommendations to the government, emphasising the need to refine the legal framework governing digital platforms and establish effective communication channels to engage citisens in the digital transformation process. They stressed the importance of inclusivity and transparency in policymaking to ensure the successful implementation of digital initiatives.
During the dialogue, PM Chinh addressed queries from the youth regarding data protection, cybersecurity measures, integration of public services with the national population database, and strategies to preserve cultural identity in the digital age. Acknowledging these concerns, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding data privacy, enhancing cybersecurity, and promoting cultural heritage preservation in the digital era.
Furthermore, PM Chinh instructed relevant ministries, authorities, and localities to expedite the implementation of the National Digital Transformation Programme, refine existing mechanisms and policies, and create an enabling environment for youth-led initiatives. This concerted effort aims to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy among the younger generation, thereby ensuring their active participation in shaping Vietnam’s digital future.
The dialogue served as a platform for meaningful exchanges between the government and the youth, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in driving Vietnam’s digital transformation agenda. With the youth at the forefront, Vietnam is poised to harness the opportunities offered by digital technologies to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all.
As reported by openGov Asia, Vietnam is undergoing a digital revolution, characterised by concerted endeavours to advance the country’s digital transformation. With aspirations to attain high-income status by 2045, Vietnam’s digital technology sector focuses on mastering technology, fostering innovation, and developing domestic manufacturing capacities.
In this context, inclusivity and collaboration are essential, serving as key drivers to unleash the transformative power of technology and foster economic expansion, ensuring broad societal participation and contribution to the nation’s advancement.
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Bushfires represent one of the most formidable challenges faced by firefighters worldwide. With their unpredictable behaviour and rapid spread, combating these blazes demands innovative solutions to ensure the safety of both responders and communities at risk. In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers are harnessing the power of robotics to revolutionise bushfire response, paving the way for more effective firefighting strategies and enhanced situational awareness.
At the heart of this endeavour lies the Silvanus Project, an ambitious international collaboration aimed at developing ground robots capable of navigating fire fronts and gathering crucial data in real-time. Led by researchers from Data61’s Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies, this project represents a pioneering effort to address the inherent dangers associated with traditional firefighting methods.
Bushfires, fueled by factors such as vegetation density and weather conditions, can escalate rapidly, outpacing conventional firefighting techniques. To stay ahead of the inferno, firefighters require accurate information about fire location, direction of spread, and potential hazards. However, obtaining such data often entails placing personnel in hazardous environments, risking their safety in the process.
Drones have emerged as a promising tool for aerial reconnaissance, offering valuable insights into fire behaviour from above. However, their effectiveness is limited by factors such as smoke interference, high winds, and restricted flight times. Recognising these limitations, researchers turned their focus to ground-based solutions, envisioning robots capable of operating in the most challenging of conditions.
The ground robots developed as part of the Silvanus Project are equipped with advanced sensors and navigation systems, allowing them to traverse rugged terrain and navigate through smoke and debris. Some robots are designed to move on legs, mimicking the mobility of insects, while others utilise tracks for increased stability and manoeuvrability. These robots venture into the heart of the fire, gathering critical data such as fire intensity, fuel availability, and environmental conditions.
During a demonstration conducted for fire service representatives and researchers, the capabilities of these ground robots were showcased, highlighting their potential to transform firefighting operations. With the ability to transmit data in real-time to a cloud-based platform, these robots provide firefighters with unprecedented situational awareness, enabling more informed decision-making and proactive firefighting strategies.
Senior experimental scientist Tom Lowe emphasises the significance of these ground robots in enhancing firefighter safety and operational effectiveness. By deploying robots into areas deemed too hazardous for human intervention, firefighters can access vital information without exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. Furthermore, the integration of remote sensing technologies allows robots to assess vegetation density and predict fuel availability, further aiding in fire suppression efforts.
While the technology is still in the developmental stage, researchers are optimistic about its potential impact on future firefighting practices. Navinda Kottege, Cyber-Physical Systems Research Director, underscores the life-saving potential of ground robots, particularly in high-risk firefighting scenarios where human intervention may be impractical or unsafe.
The Silvanus Project represents a collaborative effort involving researchers from across Europe, Australia, Indonesia, and Brazil, united in their mission to develop innovative solutions for forest management and fire prevention. By harnessing the power of robotics and cutting-edge technologies, this initiative aims to bolster preparedness and response capabilities, ultimately saving lives and protecting communities from the devastating impact of bushfires.
As ground robots continue to evolve and mature, fueled by ongoing research and international collaboration, the vision of leveraging technology to mitigate the impact of bushfires grows ever closer to reality. With each technological advancement, firefighters gain new tools and capabilities to confront one of nature’s most formidable adversaries, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for all.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological innovation, promising transformative solutions to complex challenges across various domains. Recognising its potential to revolutionise industries and improve societal well-being, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has inaugurated the NUS AI Institute (NAII). Led by Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, NAII aims to accelerate AI research and its practical applications, fostering collaboration, innovation, and societal impact.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, AI has emerged as a powerful tool with the capacity to reshape diverse sectors, ranging from healthcare to finance, education, logistics, and beyond. The establishment of NAII underscores NUS’s commitment to harnessing AI for the greater good, addressing critical issues facing Singapore and the global community.
At the core of NAII’s mission is the advancement of fundamental AI research, aimed at pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities and exploring novel applications across various domains. Through foundational research initiatives, scientists at NAII will tackle complex AI problems, spanning hardware and software systems, AI theory, responsible AI, reasoning AI, and resource-efficient AI. By delving into these areas, the institute seeks to develop cutting-edge AI technologies that address real-world challenges and drive innovation.
Moreover, NAII will prioritise research into the ethical and societal implications of AI, aiming to develop robust governance frameworks that ensure responsible AI development and deployment. This includes examining issues related to transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in AI systems. By fostering dialogue and research on AI ethics and governance, NAII aims to guide the responsible use of AI technology and mitigate potential risks.
In addition to foundational research, NAII will spearhead applied research initiatives, focusing on developing AI-driven solutions for specific application domains. Collaborating with experts from diverse fields, including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, finance, urban sustainability, and education, the institute will tackle pressing challenges and explore opportunities for AI-driven innovation. From optimising supply chains to improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing urban infrastructure, NAII’s applied research efforts aim to deliver tangible benefits to society.
Furthermore, NAII will serve as a hub for AI talent development, providing comprehensive education and training programs for students, professionals, and policymakers. By offering hands-on learning experiences and internships, the institute seeks to nurture the next generation of AI leaders and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation in AI.
To support its research and educational endeavours, NUS has allocated significant resources to NAII, including external research grants and institutional funding. Moreover, the institute will collaborate closely with government agencies and industry partners to amplify its impact and drive innovation. Strategic partnerships with leading companies such as IBM and Google Cloud will enable NAII to leverage industry expertise and resources, accelerating the translation of research outcomes into real-world applications.
In alignment with Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) strategy, NAII aims to contribute to the nation’s AI ecosystem by fostering collaboration, innovation, and talent development. By positioning NUS as a global leader in AI research and application, the institute seeks to drive positive societal change and economic growth.
The establishment of NAII represents a significant milestone in NUS’s journey towards harnessing the power of AI for societal benefit. Through cutting-edge research, education, and collaboration, the institute aims to unlock the full potential of AI and pave the way for a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive future. With its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to excellence, NAII is poised to make a lasting impact on Singapore and the global AI landscape.
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The Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) has reached a significant milestone with its artificial intelligence (AI) platform, VNPT eKYC, logging over 1 billion user authentication requests. This accomplishment solidifies VNPT’s position as a pioneer in electronic identification and verification solutions within Vietnam.
Since its inception, VNPT eKYC has been at the forefront of electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) services for over five years, serving a diverse range of clients including banks, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and e-commerce entities. With over 100 organisations utilising its services, VNPT eKYC has facilitated electronic identification for more than 40 million individuals across the country.
On average, the VNPT eKYC system processes an impressive 600,000 requests daily, with peak days witnessing over a million requests being handled seamlessly. This demonstrates the platform’s robustness and reliability in managing high volumes of authentication transactions efficiently.
The significance of VNPT eKYC extends beyond its technological capabilities, particularly in the context of evolving regulatory requirements. The State Bank of Vietnam’s decision mandating biometric authentication for transactions exceeding 10 million VND (approximately 416 USD) and other significant transactions from July 1, 2024, underscores the critical role of advanced authentication solutions like VNPT eKYC in ensuring compliance and security in financial transactions.
Moreover, the platform’s success highlights the increasing importance of domestically developed solutions in the banking and financial sector. Domestic solutions such as VNPT eKYC offer several advantages, including rapid implementation, cost-effectiveness, adherence to global technology standards, scalability, and high readiness to meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Central to the effectiveness of VNPT eKYC is its advanced AI models, which enable the verification of facial biometric data with an impressive accuracy rate of up to 99.99%. This high level of accuracy not only enhances the security of authentication processes but also contributes to building trust and confidence among users and regulatory authorities.
As Vietnam’s digital economy continues to grow and evolve, the role of advanced authentication and verification solutions like VNPT eKYC becomes increasingly indispensable. Beyond facilitating seamless and secure electronic transactions, these solutions contribute to enhancing the overall digital infrastructure and ecosystem of the country, paving the way for further innovation and economic growth.
Looking ahead, VNPT remains committed to advancing its AI platform and expanding its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its clients and the regulatory landscape. With a strong focus on innovation, reliability, and security, VNPT eKYC is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electronic identification and verification in Vietnam’s dynamic digital economy.
VNPT’s achievement of logging over 1 billion authentication requests with its AI platform, VNPT eKYC, marks a significant milestone in Vietnam’s journey towards digital transformation.
Amid a swiftly changing global landscape, Vietnam emerges as a frontrunner in a digital revolution, strategically positioned to harness technology’s transformative power for economic progress and societal development.
It is embracing its digital transformation journey, highlighting collaborative efforts to drive the nation’s digital transformation. The nation’s digital technology industry aims to propel Vietnam towards high-income status by 2045 through technology mastery, innovation, and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Moreover, the nation is working to harmonise its regulations, streamline laws, and promote consistency in its legal framework to foster a more favourable and appealing cyber environment.
As the country continues to embrace technology-driven solutions to address emerging challenges, VNPT eKYC stands as a testament to the potential of domestic innovation in driving progress and excellence in the digital era.
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In a significant scientific breakthrough in a space sector, Dr Sarah Kessans has developed hardware designed to operate autonomously in orbit, transforming the study of protein crystallisation in microgravity. This technology provides scientists on Earth with unprecedented insights into protein behaviour, with far-reaching implications for developing more effective medicines and vaccines, among other applications.
Minister for Space Dr Megan Collins lauds Dr Kessans’ research as an inspiring example of how space technology can drive innovation on Earth. This achievement follows the recent successful launch of MethaneSAT, a satellite designed to track and monitor global emissions from space, highlighting the significant potential of space technology in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges while bolstering our globally competitive space sector.
The MethaneSAT satellite will be equipped with a highly sensitive spectrometre that can detect concentrations as low as two parts per billion, and it will have high-spatial resolution coupled with a broad, 200-kilometre view path, allowing it to quantify even small emission sources over large areas.
Dr Kessans’ research culminated in successfully launching her hardware on a rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, USA. This mission also included protein experiments from leading New Zealand universities, including Canterbury, Otago, Victoria, and Waikato, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the country’s academic institutions in advancing space science and technology.
The launch of Dr Kessans’ project results from a strategic agreement between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the US commercial space company Axiom Space. This partnership aims to facilitate New Zealand researchers’ advancement in space science and technology, fostering innovation and driving collaboration between academia, government, and private enterprise.
Dr Kessans’ project has also received government funding for further development through the MBIE-administered Endeavour Fund, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge research and innovation in the space sector. This collaborative effort between academia, government, and private enterprise is a testament to New Zealand’s growing presence in the global space economy, positioning the country as a key player in space research and technology development.
Previously, New Zealand had collaborated with several countries, including Australia, to advance space research, as reported by OpenGov. The collaboration between SmartSat and the New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA) is an important development. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities aims to accelerate the growth and technological advancement of the Australian and New Zealand space industries, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of space exploration and innovation in the Australasian region.
This partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to fostering innovation, driving research and development (R&D), and nurturing a skilled workforce capable of propelling technological breakthroughs in the space sector. The MoU, ceremoniously signed at the NZSA headquarters in Wellington, signifies a strategic alignment between SmartSat and NZSA to leverage their combined resources and expertise.
At the core of this collaboration, it is designated to support joint research initiatives in three key technological domains: Earth Observation, Space Situational Awareness, and Optical Communications. These areas represent the forefront of space exploration, offering immense potential to revolutionise humanity’s perception and interaction with the cosmos.
Minister Judith Collins, New Zealand’s Minister for Space, praised the new agreement as a testament to the enduring collaboration between Australia and New Zealand in space exploration. In a statement on her official website, she reiterated her commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, recognising the transformative potential of space technology in addressing global challenges.
Minister Collins reaffirmed the government’s dedication to developing the country’s space sector, promoting innovation, and strengthening partnerships with the New Zealand research community, international space agencies, and commercial collaborators. These collaborative approaches underscore New Zealand’s commitment to advancing space science and technology to benefit society and the economy, paving the way for future breakthroughs in the field.