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OG: In your own words, can you describe what Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is? How is it different from first generation sequencing?
WM: Genome sequencing was initially developed by Fredrick Sanger in the 1950s. Since then, several new methods for genome sequencing have been developed and these were categorized as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). NGS builds upon Sanger’s foundation to yield accurate and cost-effective sequencing results. It is highly scalable, and a whole genome could be sequenced in a reasonable amount of time thanks to parallel analysis and high throughput technology.
The main difference between first generation sequencing and NGS is that NGS is highly scalable, and a whole genome could be sequenced in a reasonable amount of time. To put it into perspective, the first human genome that was sequenced cost about 100 million dollars, but now sequencing an entire genome costs between $300 and $1,000 depending on the sequencer used.
OG: Walk us through the analytical process of NGS.
WM: NGS starts with a “wet phase” which means extracting the DNA material from the cells. This material consists of base pairs of the 4 bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine). This material is then cut into pieces of specific length that varies between about 100 and 500 base pairs depending on the sequencer used. A sequencer is mainly a high-resolution scanner that now takes tiff images of the material using various light frequencies.
In the “dry phase” – or in other words, in the computer – those snips are aligned to the whole sequence. In case of human genome, the assembly phase is done by aligning the snips to the reference genome. The next step is finding variants, i.e. differences to the standard. Those variants are interpreted to understand amongst others, miss-functions or diseases.
OG: What has been the take up of NGS in hospitals globally? Which region is most enthusiastic? What are the initiatives they are working on?
WM: According to research, the global NGS market size is estimated to register a CAGR of 20.5% from 2017 to 2022 to reach $12.45 billion by 2022. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period from 2017 to 2022, due to the improving healthcare infrastructure and favourable government initiatives in this region. This speaks volumes about the adoption of NGS.
Dell EMC works with its ecosystem of healthcare partners around the world to deliver powerful and versatile compute and storage products for healthcare and life sciences organizations that want to efficiently manage clinical and genomics data, and today we see mostly two main use cases for NGS.
Firstly, Cohort Sequencing, which are country-wide or region-wide research projects to gather between 10, 000 and 100, 000 genomes of humans who are relatively similar. The variants in their genomes enable new scientific discoveries and insights and enable setup genomic medicine services.
Secondly, Clinical Genomics used primarily in cancer treatment (oncology), heart disease (cardiology) and diabetes treatment. This is to create a personalized treatment for patients taking the genomic differences of a patient in account. The goal is to provide a patient with a more efficient treatment.
OG: Hospitals working in silos is a big challenge for improving NGS. This is possibly a legal issue related to privacy and security. Do you foresee integration hurdles ever being overcome? Do you think cloud computing is the solution to this?
WM: “Data Silos” within hospitals or doctors’ offices is one of the problems the healthcare industry faces. Oftentimes, digital modalities (e.g. X-rays, MRIs or Ultra-Sound) that a hospital or general practitioner uses are introduced at a different point in time. And each of these systems (e.g. PACS, genomic databanks) comes with their own IT infrastructure including data repositories and digital archives. To use this patient data for more medical insight and assist with personalized medicine, the data from these various systems needs to be consolidated across hospitals, regions and countries.
Data privacy and security are certainly challenges that the healthcare industry must focus on. As healthcare data must be managed and stored under strict governance criteria of security, privacy, sovereignty and availability, organizations typically store them in their own secure data center or possibly work with a suitably certified healthcare specialist service provider. Public cloud is off-limits for many due to this challenge.
Solutions that we advise customers to consider are using a scale-out NAS (Dell EMC Isilon) or a modern object-storage platform (Dell EMC ECS) that brings cloud scale and economics to their data centers. On-premise systems can be used to implement a ‘private cloud’ of object storage within customers’ data centers, and organizations get to retain complete control over the security and physical location of their data – all while enjoying the advantages of public cloud-like scalability, flexibility and object storage.
OG: Finally, what are some IT challenges NGS faces at present?
WM: NGS faces a few challenges including data sharing between organizations and sometimes countries, as well as adherence to data regulations. But one of the biggest challenges is managing the sheer amount of data being generated.
Most life sciences workflows containing NGS include data generation, analysis and archiving stages. Each of these stages has unique capacity and performance needs, and companies performing NGS usually require sequencing to run 24/7. It is important that organizations ensure the right production performance and that storage tiers are available as needed.
Furthermore, for organizations with longer IT procurement cycles, it is a struggle to ensure that the IT purchase process keeps up with the storage needs of the exponentially growing data produced from NGS processes. Organizations must plan for today as well as the future to meet the demanding customer needs.
They must also ensure that they are not only smart but also cost efficient with their storage solutions. The challenge is to find a versatile storage solution to balance their capacity and performance requirements that even vary over time.
One of the ways Dell EMC helps our customers overcome this is via the continuous evolvement of our Isilon platform to make sure that our life sciences customers have a solution to run NGS non-stop and achieve faster time to insights.


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Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Mahfud MD, revealed during a meeting with the Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives at the Nusantara II Building, Senayan Parliamentary Complex, Central Jakarta, that digitalisation had played a crucial role in sustaining the digital economy, educational activities, and healthcare services.
The digital economy has become a driving force for economic growth with the presence of e-commerce platforms that enable local businesses to reach a broader market. Digital technology has significantly transformed educational activities as well, enabling remote learning and access to various educational resources. Moreover, digital technology has benefited healthcare services, allowing remote medical consultations, real-time patient monitoring, and more effective health data management. “The presence of digital technology has bridged the needs of the Indonesian society,” he explains.
According to Minister Mahfud MD, by harnessing digital technology, the government strives to achieve Indonesia’s vision by 2045. “The presence of digital technology plays a crucial role in the efforts to achieve Indonesia’s vision of becoming an advanced and digital country by 2045. Therefore, mastery of digital technology is one of the crucial things in realising this vision,” he stated.
Furthermore, digital technology disrupts a policy more efficiently and effectively by improving digitally based public services. One of the government’s efforts to enhance public services is the upcoming launch of the SATRIA-1 Multifunctional Satellite.
“The SATRIA-1 satellite is planned to be launched this month into the 106 East Longitude orbit and will commence operations in the fourth quarter of this year,” he stated.
“Furthermore, the utilisation of the Palapa Ring backbone infrastructure stands at 45%, with a 95% Service Level Agreement for Palapa Ring operational services,” he explained.
It is one of the implementations of President Joko Widodo’s directives regarding accelerating access expansion and improving digital infrastructure to accelerate digital transformation. SATRIA-1, equipped with Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) technology, can deliver internet speeds up to 150Gbps. The SATRIA-1 Multifunctional Satellite is one of the government’s efforts to provide equitable high-speed internet access across Indonesia.
To enhance public services through the launch of the SATRIA-1 Multifunctional Satellite, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) has undertaken comprehensive preparations. Secretary General Mira Tayyiba revealed that as part of these preparations, Kominfo has established supporting communication aspects for the satellite, namely ground segment earth stations, in 11 strategic locations throughout Indonesia.
These ground segment earth stations are located in various regions, ranging from Cikarang, Batam, Banjarmasin, Tarakan, Pontianak, Kupang, Ambon, Manado, Manokwari, and Timika to Jayapura. The placement of these ground segment earth stations demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing adequate infrastructure to support satellite connectivity and ensure optimal coverage and service quality across Indonesia.
With the presence of these ground segment earth stations, the communication quality through the SATRIA-1 satellite is expected to be well-maintained. Communities in various regions, including those in the mentioned locations, will enjoy the benefits of improved internet connectivity, including faster and more stable access. It will positively impact various sectors of life, including business, education, healthcare, and government.
Moreover, placing ground segment earth stations in various regions of Indonesia emphasises the importance of regionalisation in technology and infrastructure development. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology will also conduct periodic training and monitoring to ensure that personnel involved in operating the earth stations have sufficient knowledge and skills to maintain and optimise the performance of this communication infrastructure.
Hence, establishing ground segment earth stations in these 11 locations is a strategic step by the government in preparing the necessary infrastructure to support the successful launch of the SATRIA-1 Multifunctional Satellite. It is a substantial effort to ensure that digitally based public services can be accessed effectively by all Indonesian citizens, connecting them to broader opportunities and enabling sustainable progress in various sectors of life.
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The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), a state university with a royal charter in Thailand have announced a collaborative initiative. This joint effort aims to establish a dedicated team that will focus on facilitating cross-border research, offering financial support for conferences and grants, fostering partnerships with industries, creating a robust ecosystem, and providing mentorship and assistance in research and development (R&D).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will enable APU’s Digital Learning Hub and STOU to collaborate on research initiatives within the framework of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair partnership. This collaborative effort will be led by the Director of APU’s Digital Learning Hub and the UNESCO Chair Lead.
The aim is to foster a growth mindset among its students, encouraging them to think innovatively and embrace entrepreneurship. The institution aims to prepare students for employment in a rapidly changing global business and technology landscape.
Both higher education institutions will work together to create specialised programs that promote a culture of collaborative research and an environment that encourages students and faculty members to collaborate on joint outputs, including conferences and papers published in international journals.
Through the collaboration, the staff members from both institutions will engage in collaborative research, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to “Teaching and Learning.” This collaboration is expected to yield joint research papers that contribute to advancements in the field. The partnership with STOU is seen as an opportunity to elevate the research endeavours of APU to new heights, becoming a source of inspiration and aspiration for future goals.
STOU, addressing concerns related to emissions and sustainability, not only collaborates on verifiable initiatives but also takes measures to offset its emissions. The partnership with APU is valued by STOU as it aligns with their commitment to a sustainable future, according to STOU Acting President.
Meanwhile, APU Vice Chancellor expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasising the use of technology to enhance accessibility and equity in higher education. The joint efforts will focus on creating innovative solutions that enable learners from diverse backgrounds and locations to achieve their academic goals.
The two parties also discussed a partnership for the upcoming International Conference on Digital Business, Society, and Economy (ICDBSE) in 2023. Organised by APU in collaboration with STOU (Thailand), Chitkara University (India), and the bbw Hochschule-University of Applied Sciences (Germany), the event will take place on 24 and 25 October 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With a strong emphasis on technology, the aim is to gather global experts and enthusiasts to share their ideas, research findings, and insights regarding the impact of digital technologies on business and society.
A diverse range of keynote speeches, presentations, and panel discussions will be featured and will delve into various aspects of the digital business and social landscape. Topics of exploration will include the influence of technology on innovation, entrepreneurship, governance, and ethics.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was conducted by the Acting President of STOU and the Vice Chancellor of APU. The ceremony was witnessed by the Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs of STOU and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of APU.
The ceremony was also attended by the Head of International Affairs from STOU, the Senior Director of Administration and Human Resources from APU, and the Senior Lecturer/Programme Manager of the Digital Learning Hub from APU.
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Cloud communications have revolutionised collaboration, enabling seamless interactions, enhanced teamwork and improved customer engagement. Leveraging cloud-based communication tools empowers companies to overcome geographical barriers, optimise operations and explore untapped growth opportunities.
Cloud communications offer significant advantages over traditional methods. Firstly, they provide scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to easily adapt to changing communication requirements. Secondly, they are highly agile and cost-effective, whether it involves adding new users, expanding to new locations or integrating with other business systems.
One of the key benefits of cloud messaging is its ability to integrate multiple communication methods into a unified platform. Voice calls, video conferencing, instant messaging and email can all seamlessly work together, enabling workers to collaborate and communicate from any device, at any time, and from anywhere. This integration enhances efficiency, promotes teamwork, and facilitates informed decision-making.
Companies gain access to advanced tools and features through cloud communications, including intelligent call routing. This feature ensures that incoming calls are directed to the most appropriate person on the team, leading to improved customer service and reduced wait times.
With interactive voice response (IVR), call queueing and personalised greetings, businesses can provide exceptional customer experiences that feel professional and tailored to each individual.
Seamless integration with customer relationship management (CRM) systems allows for the smooth flow of information, empowering agents with access to client data and enabling them to deliver highly personalised service.
By leveraging all these capabilities, businesses can enhance their overall communication efficiency and deliver a better experience to their customers. These features ensure that every interaction with a customer is handled efficiently, enhancing customer satisfaction and reinforcing a positive brand image.
The OpenGov Tech Day on 8 June 2023 at The Westin in Jakarta, Indonesia was a high-level workshop for decision-makers to explore the latest trends and benefits of cloud technology across Indonesia’s public sector, business, education, financial services and healthcare sectors.
Opening Remarks



Mohit Sagar, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, OpenGov Asia acknowledges that Cloud communications play a vital role in the digital era, enabling seamless communication and collaboration in technology-dependent organisations. “Innovative Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solutions prioritise collaboration, integrating various tools into a centralised platform for enhanced productivity.”
Cloud communications offer feature-rich solutions with intuitive interfaces, facilitating easy adoption and delivering user-friendly experiences. They encourage broader adoption within organisations by providing simple implementation and streamlined processes.
Mohit believes that a user-friendly and intuitive user experience (UX) is crucial for driving the adoption of cloud communications within organisations. By prioritising intuitive UX design, organisations can remove barriers to entry and increase adoption rates, resulting in enhanced productivity, seamless collaboration, positive user feedback and user empowerment.
“Intuitive UX designs simplify onboarding and usage, increasing adoption rates among employees and stakeholders,” he further explains. “These designs offer user-friendly interfaces and streamline workflows, making it easy for users to start using cloud communications tools.”
They also improve productivity by streamlining tasks and reducing complexity. Features like drag-and-drop interfaces, contextual menus and customisable layouts empower users to work efficiently and focus on their tasks rather than struggling with the technology.
Seamless teamwork is made possible through an intuitive user experience that offers a suite of user-friendly communication and collaboration tools. Real-time messaging, seamless file sharing, and presence indicators elevate teamwork, empowering employees to effortlessly connect, share information, and collaborate with utmost efficiency.
A good user experience (UX) leads to positive user feedback, which in turn increases user satisfaction. Satisfied users are more inclined to advocate for the adoption of cloud communications solutions within their organisations, fostering wider acceptance and greater uptake of these tools.
According to Mohit, intuitive UX empowers users by providing them with the ability to tailor their communication and collaboration experiences. Through a range of customisation options, personalisation features and user-friendly settings, individuals can modify cloud communications tools to align with their specific preferences and work styles.
Cloud-native platforms are crucial for organisations to achieve rapid innovation in the digital era. These platforms enable agile development and deployment of new features, allowing organisations to quickly adapt to market demands.
The agility and flexibility required to scale solutions based on demand are provided by cloud-native platforms. These platforms also support the development of user-friendly interfaces and workflows, enhancing the overall user experience. Additionally, integration and interoperability with other cloud-based applications and services enable seamless collaboration and facilitate a smooth transition to cloud-native solutions.
In addition, video-first solutions are essential for enhanced communication, offering high-quality video conferencing, visual and blended multi-modal communication, and support for transformation projects. They adapt to the needs and preferences of different worker generations, driving effective collaboration and project outcomes.
In cloud communications, architectural extensibility plays a crucial role in meeting future requirements. It benefits service providers by fostering innovation and competitiveness, while also empowering third-party developers to create custom solutions that cater to specific needs. Additionally, architectural extensibility allows for cost-effective scalability for organizations, ensuring adaptability to evolving communication needs and providing a future-proof infrastructure that can grow and evolve alongside technological advancements.
“Cloud communications solutions need to meet both current and future prerequisites to enable successful implementation and adoption,” Mohit elaborates. “By addressing present needs and being adaptable to evolving requirements, these solutions enhance communication, collaboration, and productivity while remaining flexible to emerging technologies and changing business landscapes.”
Meeting current prerequisites is vital for a smooth transition to cloud communications. Solutions should align with existing infrastructure, integrate seamlessly with other systems, adhere to security protocols, and be user-friendly. By meeting these prerequisites, disruptions are minimised and organisations can ensure a successful implementation.
Cloud communications solutions must also adjust and adapt to changing requirements over time. Technology and business needs are constantly evolving and solutions need to be flexible and agile.
“By incorporating new features, technologies, and standards, these solutions can meet future requirements and keep pace with emerging trends,” Mohit concludes.
Welcome Address



Nathan Guy, Head of UCaaS, Asia Pacific, Zoom, highlighted the findings of a survey indicating that businesses globally made substantial technology investments during the pandemic, underscoring the importance of understanding customer and employee requirements.
However, despite this recognition, finding the right approach remains challenging, as the need for flexibility in technology stacks becomes crucial in the face of constantly evolving circumstances and ongoing economic uncertainty.
“The question of whether the future workplace truly brings improvement for teams and customers is an important one. At Zoom, we believe it does,” Nathan says. “But to be successful, there are three key areas that must the addressed.”
Firstly, evolving collaboration and productivity frameworks are crucial to keeping up with the changing dynamics of work. Secondly, fostering better personal connections within the workplace helps create a positive and engaged environment. Lastly, meeting the updated expectations of both customers and employees is vital for success.
A report highlighted the significant financial investment of S$15 billion per week in technology during the pandemic, emphasising the need to establish a strong foundation in the technology stack to gain a competitive advantage for the future, Nathan reveals.
Moreover, the future needs of a hybrid workplace must embrace Technology Infrastructure, Flexibility, Communications and Collaboration, Emotional Well Being, and Training and Development.
Voice is considered the foundation of digital transformation, Nathan observes, serving as a natural bridge between the physical and digital realms. “In an increasingly connected world, voice engagement should be at the core rather than the periphery. IP Voice offers affordability, ubiquity, and high-quality communication, making it a crucial aspect of cloud-based voice strategies.”
Voice remains critical for future work, both in terms of customer and employee engagement, and businesses continue to invest in this growing market. Organisations report improved engagement, increased productivity, and enhanced collaboration through the adoption of advanced customer service applications.
According to Nathan, legacy collaboration infrastructure is being replaced by cloud communications to meet the needs of hybrid and remote work. The integration of various collaboration features, including messaging, meetings, conferencing, team chat, and content sharing is crucial for enterprises’ digital aspirations.
A collaboration platform is built on core technology, offering communication and collaboration solutions tailored to different industries and departments. Zoom has invested significantly in AI to enhance the collaboration experience. Ultimately, the focus is on serving customers and helping them thrive in the new era of work.
Customer-facing teams face various challenges that need to be addressed. By empowering these teams to become subject matter experts, organisations can provide customers with personalised and enhanced experiences.
Nathan reiterates that the goal is to bring product innovation together into a comprehensive solution that powers the modern workday for knowledge workers and teams, while also enabling better collaboration with external customers to drive business growth.
This encompasses employee collaboration, starting from checking calendars, chatting and emails in the morning, to meeting collaboration, casual collaboration through huddles, and concluding with phone calls. Similarly, customer collaboration includes marketing events, webinars, sales processes, and overall customer experience, all accessible through a single interface.
The focus is on maximising Customer Lifetime Value through the synergy between employee experience (EX) and customer experience (CX).
“While customer service leaders recognise the importance of consistently delivering good experiences, only a third of customers feel that customer service organisations are improving,” Nathan shares. “Losing a significant percentage of customers due to bad experiences can severely harm a business.”
Studies indicate that customer expectations have risen over the years, making it crucial for businesses to shift quickly and excel in CX. This highlights the challenge of meeting customer needs in an uncertain environment while facing resource constraints.
Nathan spoke about a Global CX Excellence Report which identified six pillars of CX excellence: personalisation, trust, minimising customer effort, meeting expectations, resolution and empathy. “Meeting these customer expectations requires holistic thinking and cross-team collaboration.”
The six pillars of CX excellence identified by the Global CX Excellence Report are personalisation, trust, reducing customer effort, meeting expectations, resolution, and empathy, Nathan has also stressed. Personalisation, empathy, and minimising time and effort are among these that are particularly important. It takes cross-team cooperation and comprehensive thinking to meet these client expectations,” says Nathan.



Jayraj Nair, Customer Experience Lead-ASEAN, Zoom acknowledges that to redefine and transform the CX and EX, it is important to address the challenges of siloed teams and disconnected tools. According to reports, a total experience approach is vital and 60% of large enterprises are expected to adopt this by 2026.
To deliver consistently good customer experiences, it is essential to bring together employee productivity and CX strategies. By combining these two elements effectively, businesses can create a harmonious and seamless interaction between the company and its customers, resulting in enhanced customer satisfaction.
Organisations that provide a total experience, connecting employees and customers, are projected to outperform competitors in satisfaction metrics by 2024.
Employee productivity refers to the efficacy and efficiency with which employees carry out their duties within an organisation. When employees are productive, they can provide customers with superior service and support, ensuring that their requirements are met promptly and satisfactorily.
Similarly, CX strategies involve the planning and execution of initiatives designed to improve the overall consumer experience when interacting with a company. This includes personalised communication, streamlined procedures, user-friendly interfaces and effective problem resolution.
Zoom offers a comprehensive CX + EX platform that seamlessly integrates employee and customer experiences, says Jayraj. This unified experience is made possible by leveraging the end-to-end capabilities of the Zoom platform, allowing customers to access the desired functionality from the cloud when and where they need it.
“The introduction of the Zoom Contact Centre is seen as an exciting innovation that drives loyalty and retention through prompt and personalised customer interactions,” Jayraj explains. “With Zoom handling the heavy lifting, organisations can focus on their employees and customers.”
Closing Remarks
Nathan expressed his gratitude for the participants’ valuable time and their active participation in the Lego-building exercises. He also acknowledged their insightful comments, which added depth to the discussions.
He reiterated the importance of prioritising customer service and stressed the need to consistently provide a positive experience throughout the entire organisation. By maintaining a customer-centric approach, businesses can build strong relationships, foster loyalty, and achieve long-term success.
Nathan shared that Zoom has transformed from a simple application into a comprehensive platform and highlighted the significant business value that comes with utilising Zoom’s diverse range of solutions. These include Zoom Phone, telephony, team chats and meeting rooms that offer businesses a holistic communication and collaboration experience, enabling seamless connectivity, efficient team communication, and productive meetings.
“These solutions can be integrated and readily used for immediate benefit,” he confirmed.
In addition, Nathan emphasised the importance of each step in developing a customer experience strategy. This includes incorporating web chat, video, phone capabilities and other relevant tools. The focus is on providing the right tools to serve both internal and external customers, to enhance the user experience (UX) and customer experience (CX). By aligning these experiences seamlessly, businesses can ensure that interactions with customers are efficient, effective and ultimately satisfying for all parties involved.
Mohit acknowledged the significance of technology partnerships in driving innovation, accelerating development and fostering success across various industries.
By collaborating with external technology partners, businesses can access specialised expertise, leverage cutting-edge technologies and combine resources to create innovative solutions and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving market landscape.
These partnerships enable organisations to tap into a broader ecosystem, unlocking new opportunities and facilitating growth in their respective industries. Moreover, having access to new consumer segments, geographic regions, or industry verticals, technology partnerships offer opportunities for market expansion.
By combining concepts, research, and development efforts, partnering with technology experts can expedite innovation. The pooling of resources, talent, and perspectives frequently accelerates the development of innovative products and services.
“Partnerships can play a crucial role in helping businesses penetrate markets more efficiently by leveraging existing networks and gaining access to a larger client base, “Mohit concludes. “This allows for accelerated market entry, increased brand visibility and enhanced market reach, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of the involved companies.”
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Komunikasi merupakan investasi penting yang harus diprioritaskan untuk menjaga keberlangsungan bisnis. Sebagai upaya untuk mempertahankan keunggulan dalam berkompetisi, perusahaan swasta dan lembaga pemerintah harus memastikan investasi mereka akan bertahan lama hingga masa depan. Mereka harus memastikan platform tersebut dapat meningkatkan layanan publik yang lebih baik dan meningkatkan keterlibatan publik. Untuk mencapai hal tersebut, penting untuk mengadopsi solusi Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) atau Komunikasi Terpadu sebagai Layanan dalam proses investasi transformasi digital mereka.
UCaaS merupakan model layanan yang menyediakan berbagai fungsi komunikasi terpadu, seperti telepon, konferensi video, pesan instan, dan kolaborasi tim melalui internet atau cloud. Dengan menggunakan UCaaS, perusahaan dapat mengakses dan menggunakan fitur-fitur komunikasi yang terintegrasi melalui platform yang disediakan tanpa perlu membangun dan mengelola infrastruktur sendiri.
Cepatnya perkembangan teknologi berbanding lurus dengan peningkatan ekspektasi konsumen yang ingin terlayani dengan mudah dan cepat. Untuk memenuhi ekspektasi konsumen yang semakin meningkat, kini tersedia berbagai pilihan layanan komunikasi cloud. Layanan komunikasi cloud mencakup telepon IP hingga paket aplikasi UCaaS yang komprehensif. Keuntungan dari komunikasi cloud di antaranya adalah skalabilitas, fleksibilitas, kemudahan akses dari berbagai perangkat dan potensi penghematan biaya.
Untuk memastikan investasi komunikasi cloud perusahaan tetap relevan di masa depan dan bertransformasi menjadi lingkungan kerja yang sangat kolaboratif, organisasi dan lembaga pemerintah saat ini mengarahkan perhatian mereka pada keuntungan berikut ketika mengadopsi UCaaS.
Keuntungan pertama yaitu yaitu fungsionalitas yang luas, hingga memungkinkan mereka untuk melakukan panggilan suara, konferensi video, kolaborasi, dan berbagi file secara efisien dalam satu platform yang terintegrasi.
Keuntungan kedua adalah skalabilitas di mana organisasi mampu menambah atau mengurangi fitur baru,. Kemampuan untuk memperluas cakupan geografis juga menjadi kriteria penting dalam pemilihan UCaaS.
Keuntungan ketiga, keandalan untuk penyimpanan yang aman. Ketika mengadopsi UCaaS, organisasi dapat memiliki rekam jejak yang baik dan dapat diandalkan jika sewaktu-waktu jaringan terputus.
Keuntungan keempat adalah tingkat keamanan privasi yang tinggi. UCaaS memahami bahwa keamanan menjadi faktor kunci dalam sebuah organisasi bisnis maupun lembaga pemerintah. Oleh karena itu, UCaaS menyediakan enkripsi yang kuat, perlindungan terhadap ancaman siber, dan kebijakan keamanan yang ketat untuk melindungi data dan privasi organisasi.
Keuntungan kelima adalah kemudahan integrasi, di mana organisasi dan lembaga pemerintah dapat terintegrasi dengan aplikasi bisnis utama yang mereka gunakan, seperti sistem manajemen konsumen (CRM), sistem manajemen konten (CMS), atau platform kolaborasi lainnya.
Dengan menggunakan Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), baik perusahaan swasta maupun lembaga pemerintah dapat menyederhanakan alur kerja dan mengoptimalkan komunikasi dengan lancar dan fleksibel. Beralih ke platform UCaaS akan membantu organisasi dalam memodernisasi komunikasi mereka serta meningkatkan pengalaman pengguna di seluruh organisasi. Melalui langkah ini, organisasi dapat memastikan kelangsungan mereka hingga masa depan yang lebih baik.
OpenGov Tech Day yang diselenggarakan pada tanggal 8 Juni 2023 di The Westin Jakarta, Indonesia, berfokus pada pentingnya mengimplementasikan integrasi komunikasi guna meningkatkan pelayanan untuk keberlangsungan organisasi di masa depan.
Pengantar Awal



Komunikasi cloud memiliki peranan yang sangat penting di era digital. Komunikasi cloud adalah komunikasi yang intintegrasi ke dalam satu platform, sehingga semua pihak dapat mengakses kapanpun di mana pun tanpa mengkhawatirkan kestabilan jaringan.
Komunikasi cloud menjadi penggerak utama dalam memfasilitasi komunikasi dan kolaborasi yang lancar di dalam organisasi yang sangat mengandalkan teknologi digital. Di dunia yang semakin cepat dengan kemudahan akses saat ini, solusi komunikasi berbasis cloud memainkan peran transformasional dalam menghadapi hambatan geografis. Selain itu, komunikasi cloud dapat mendorong konektivitas waktu antara satu sama lain.
Dengan memanfaatkan kekuatan cloud, organisasi dapat meningkatkan produktivitas, efisiensi, dan fleksibilitas, serta menghemat biaya pengeluaran. Komunikasi cloud menjadikan individu untuk berkomunikasi dan berkolaborasi dengan mudah melalui platform yang terintegrasi seperti panggilan suara, konferensi video, pesan instan, hingga membagikan berkas ke sesama tim. Komunikasi cloud benar-benar merevolusi cara organisasi beroperasi di lanskap digital, mendorong inovasi serta memfasilitasi komunikasi yang efektif di dunia yang semakin bergantung pada teknologi digital.
Untuk mendukung komunikasi cloud, penting juga bagi organisasi untuk meningkatkan pengalaman pengguna (User Experience). Dengan menaruh perhatian pada desain UX yang intuitif, organisasi dapat memudahkan karyawan mereka menggunakan interface yang ramah pengguna (user-friendly). Melalui kemudahan pemahaman interface yang sederhana, tentunya karyawan akan merasa diberdayakan dan dihargai melalui alat-alat komunikasi yang mereka gunakan, termasuk di dalamnya akan menciptakan kemudahan berakses, mendorong fleksibilitas, dan meningkatkan efisiensi yang diberikan guna memberikan pengalaman cloud yang positif.
Dikarenakan era digital melibatkan elemen visual, untuk memberikan kesan cloud yang positif lainnya, solusi berbasis video juga memainkan peran penting guna meningkatkan komunikasi di era digital. Melihat kenaikan ekspektasi konsumen seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi, konferensi video berkualitas tinggi menjadi modal yang harus diperhatikan guna memberdayakan organisasi untuk berkolaborasi secara efektif.
Melalui fitur-fitur seperti konferensi video berkualitas tinggi, berbagi layar, dan diskusi dalam waktu nyata, solusi-solusi ini memfasilitasi kolaborasi yang efektif antara tim yang berlokasi jauh secara geografis. Selain itu, solusi berbasis video juga memungkinkan komunikasi yang terintegrasi, yaitu ketika pengguna dapat menggunakan audio, video, dan teks secara bersamaan dalam suatu pertemuan. Hal ini memungkinkan individu dapat memilih metode yang paling sesuai dengan preferensi dan gaya komunikasi mereka masing-masing.
Lebih jauh lagi, keterluasan arsitektur memainkan peran penting dalam komunikasi cloud, sehingga memungkinkan penyedia layanan, pengembang pihak ketiga, dan organisasi untuk secara efektif memenuhi persyaratan masa depan. Fleksibilitas dan skalabilitas yang disediakan oleh arsitektur dapat memberdayakan penyedia layanan untuk menghadirkan fitur-fitur baru dan tetap bersaing.
Keterluasan arsitektur memungkinkan penyedia layanan untuk mengembangkan dan memperbarui solusi komunikasi cloud mereka secara terus-menerus, sehingga dapat menyesuaikan diri dengan perkembangan teknologi dan kebutuhan pelanggan yang berkembang. Dengan arsitektur yang dapat diperluas, penyedia layanan dapat dengan mudah mengintegrasikan teknologi baru, mengoptimalkan kinerja, dan menyediakan fitur-fitur baru yang relevan dengan solusi yang dibutuhkan konsumen.
Terakhir, solusi komunikasi cloud juga harus memiliki kemampuan untuk berkembang dan beradaptasi dengan persyaratan yang berubah seiring berjalannya waktu. Dengan memenuhi kebutuhan saat ini dan masa depan, komunikasi cloud memungkinkan organisasi untuk meningkatkan komunikasi, kolaborasi, dan produktivitas sambil tetap dapat beradaptasi dengan teknologi yang baru muncul dan lanskap bisnis yang terus berkembang.
Melalui pemilihan solusi komunikasi cloud yang adaptif, organisasi dapat memastikan bahwa investasi mereka tidak hanya untuk memenuhi kebutuhan saat ini, tetapi juga untuk mempersipkan persaingan dan ketahanan di masa depan.
Solusi komunikasi cloud yang fleksibel dan adaptif memungkinkan organisasi untuk memperkuat komunikasi internal dan eksternal, meningkatkan kolaborasi tim, dan meningkatkan produktivitas secara keseluruhan. Dengan tetap relevan terhadap perkembangan teknologi dan lanskap bisnis yang dinamis, organisasi dapat mengambil keuntungan penuh dari potensi komunikasi cloud untuk mencapai kesuksesan jangka panjang.
Sambutan Pembuka
Di tahun 2023 ini, perkembangan kerja jarak jauh (remote working) semakin menjadi tren yang dilakukan perusahaan maupun organisasi. Ada beberapa yang menerapkan fully-remote, ada juga yang melakukan hybrid (Work from Home and Work from Office).



Nathan Guy, Kepala UCaaS, Asia Pacific, Zoom sangat yakin bahwa di masa depan akan banyak perusahaan dan organisasi yang lebih memilih untuk menerapkan sistem bekerja jarak jauh. Bukan hanya menguntungkan dalam segi biaya pengeluaran perusahaan, namun bekerja dengan sistem seperti ini juga bisa meningkatkan efekstifitas dan efisiensi bekerja. “Sistem kerja seperti ini akan membawa dampak positif lainnya yang cukup signifikan,” seru Nathan.
Laporan mengatakan bahwa terdapat 87% dari para pemimpin perusahaan sudah mulai mengutamakan digitalisasi. Ini mengartikan bahwa sudah banyak perusahaan yang menyadari dampak positif dari penerapan kerja jarak jauh.
Akan tetapi, dalam sambutannya tersebut, Nathan menekankan bahwa, untuk mengimplmentasikan sistem baru seperti hybrid atau remote working, ada beberapa tantangan yang akan dihadapi. Tantangan pertama adalah kurangnya tingkat kolaborasi dan produktivitas karyawan. Tantangan kedua adalah kurangnya koneksi antar tim yang bekerja, dan yang terakhir adalah berubahnya ekspektasi konsumen secara drastis.
Lebih lanjut lagi, ketika membahas ke manajemen berkas dan jadwal, karyawan akan menghadapi banyak tantangan yang membuat mereka merasa kewalahan. Ketika proses digitalisasi belum sepenuhnya diterapkan, koordinasi antarkaryawan menjadi lebih rumit dan sulit. Pergantian dari penggunaan metode tradisional ke platform digital dapat menimbulkan kebingungan dan kekhawatiran dalam hal aksesibilitas dan keamanan data.
“Tantangan utama dalam bekerja hybrid adalah proses manajemen yang terganggu seperti, kesulitan dalam mengkoordinasikan jadwal, tugas, dan timeline,” ucapnya.
Walaupun begitu, Nathan tetap optimis bahwa sistem kerja jarak jauh tetap bisa diterapkan secara maksimal dan lancar. Ia menegaskan bahwa untuk menerapkan sistem tersebut, perlu adanya peningkatan di bidang teknologi itu sendiri.
Ia mengungkapkan bahwa kebutuhan masa depan dari tempat kerja jarak jauh harus memperhatikan beberapa hal, seperti infrastruktur teknologi, fleksibilitas, komunikasi dan kolaborasi, Kesehatan emosional, serta pelatihan dan pengembangan bagi karyawan.
Penerapan sistem remote working bukan sesuatu yang tidak dipersiapkan secara matang. Perusahaan, organisasi, maupun lembaga pemerintah harus memerhatikan aspek-aspek di atas untuk menciptakan sistem kerja yang kolaboratif. Jika sistem kerja tersebut berhasil dilakukan dan menghasilkan nilai yang lebih efektif dan efisien, maka karyawan pun akan merasa senang, sehingga hal ini dapat meningkatkan produktivitas perusahaan itu sendiri.
Untuk menerapkan sistem kerja kolaboratif yang terpadu, dibutuhkan sebuah sistem komunikasi yang terintegrasi. Nathan menyoroti bahwa voice adalah solusinya. Voice menjadi krusial dalam lingkungan kerja di masa depan karena voice berperan dalam komunikasi verbal, interaksi dengan teknologi asisten suara, dan penerapan teknologi pengenalan suara. Penggunaan suara secara efektif dapat memperbaiki kolaborasi, mempercepat proses kerja, dan memungkinkan adanya pengalaman kerja yang lebih efisien dan produktif.
Data melaporkan bahwa pengimplementasian voice di tempat kerja dapat meningkatkan 100% produktivitas karyawan di Singapura, 42% di Korea Selatan, dan 40% di Thailand. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa voice memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan untuk meningkatkan kolaborasi antartim dalam sebuah organisasi.
Nathan juga menyebutkan bahwa voice dianggap sebagai dasar dari transformasi digital, berfungsi sebagai penghubung antara dunia online dan offline. “Dalam dunia yang semakin terhubung seperti saat ini, keterlibatan voice harus menjadi langkah inti yang harus diterapkan organisasi daripada periferal atau perangkat keras. Hal ini dikarenakan IP Voice dapat menghemat lebih banyak biaya pengeluaran dengan menciptakan komunikasi yang terjangkau di berbagai ruang,” jelasnya.
Menurut Nathan, infrastruktur konvensional untuk kolaborasi dapat digantikan oleh voice guna memenuhi kebutuhan sistem kerja hybrid dan jarak jauh. Integrasi berbagai fitur kolaborasi, seperti pesan, pertemuan, konferensi, diskusi, dan transparansi menjadi sangat penting sebagai tujuan digitalisasi perusahaan.
Platform kolaborasi dibangun dengan teknologi yang menyediakan solusi komunikasi dan kolaborasi yang disesuaikan untuk berbagai industri dan departemen. Zoom, sebagai contohnya, telah melakukan investasi besar dalam kecerdasan buatan (AI) guna meningkatkan pengalaman kolaborasi antar timnya. Hal ini memungkinkan perusahaan untuk meningkatkan pelayanan, tidak hanya bagi karyawan, tetapi juga bagi konsumen. Dalam konteks ini, Zoom berhasil beradaptasi dengan sukses di era kerja yang baru.
Nathan menambahkan bahwa perusahaan dapat mengalami penurunan signifikan dalam kuantitas konsumen jika tidak mengambil perhatian serius pada pelayanan karyawannya. Ketika menempatkan pelayanan karyawan sebagai prioritas strategis ke dalam investasi bisnis, hal ini akan berdampak positif secara jangka anjang untuk mempertahankan dan meningkatkan kualitasnya. Ketika karyawan merasa dihargai, didukung, dan diakui, mereka cenderung memberikan layanan yang lebih baik, serta berkontribusi secara positif.
Kemudian, muncullah dari sini sebuah pertanyaan: bagaimana cara meningkatkan pelayanan karyawan itu sendiri?



Jayraj Nair, Kepala Pengalaman Konsumen – ASEAN di Zoom, dalam sesi yang sama menjelaskan bahwa ada beberapa langkah yang harus diperhatikan untuk meningkatkan pelayanan karyawan dalam sistem kerja jarak jauh. Menurutnya, ada beberapa faktor kunci yang perlu diperhatikan oleh perusahaan, di antaranya yaitu teknologi yang andal dan responsif. Perusahaan harus memastikan bahwa karyawan memiliki akses yang lancar dan mudah ke platform kolaborasi yang diperlukan. Dalam lingkungan kerja jarak jauh, infrastruktur teknologi yang stabil dan responsif sangat penting untuk memastikan komunikasi yang efektif dan kerjasama yang lancar antartim.
Faktor kunci berikutnya adalah komunikasi yang transparan. Penting untuk memastikan adanya saluran komunikasi yang efektif dan terbuka antara karyawan dan manajemen. Ini melibatkan penyampaian ekspektasi, tujuan, dan perubahan yang jelas kepada karyawan secara teratur. Selain itu, memfasilitasi forum diskusi dan feedback dapat membantu dalam mengatasi masalah atau hambatan yang mungkin timbul dalam sistem kerja jarak jauh.
Dalam platform Zoom, di mana menjadi platform kolaborasi yang paling dominan digunakan dalam sistem kerja hybrid, Jayraj menyoroti bahwa Zoom memiliki banyak fitur yang bisa digunakan untuk mendukung kolaborasi karyawan guna meningkatkan produktivitas kerja.
Salah satu fitur utama Zoom adalah konferensi video yang dapat memfasilitasi pertemuan virtual antara karyawan yang berada di lokasi yang berbeda secara real-time. Fitur ini memungkinkan diskusi langsung, berbagi layar, dan kolaborasi visual dalam sesi pertemuan yang secara signifikan meningkatkan efektivitas komunikasi dan kerja sama tim.
Zoom juga memiliki fitur kolaborasi berbasis cloud yang memungkinkan karyawan untuk berbagi dan mengedit dokumen secara real-time. Dengan adanya fitur ini, karyawan dapat bekerja bersama dalam proyek atau tugas yang sama secara online, melakukan revisi langsung, dan memberikan umpan balik satu sama lain. Hal ini memfasilitasi kerja tim yang efisien dan meminimalkan hambatan dalam berbagi dan mengelola berkas.
Secara keseluruhan, fitur-fitur yang tersedia dalam Zoom dapat menjadi alat yang sangat berguna dalam mendukung kolaborasi karyawan pada sistem kerja hybrid. Dengan memanfaatkan berbagai fitur ini dengan optimal, perusahaan dapat meningkatkan produktivitas kerja, memfasilitasi kolaborasi tim yang lebih efektif, dan mencapai hasil yang lebih baik dalam lingkungan kerja yang terhubung secara virtual.
Salam Penutup
Mohit menyatakan bahwa komunikasi yang terintegrasi merupakan basis utama sebagai blood-line dalam sebuah bisnis dan organisasi. Untuk mencipktakan kolaborasi yang efektif dan efisien, guna meningkatkan pelayanan konsumen dan karyawan, dibutuhkan platform yang menyediakan semua kebutuhan bisnis. Platform tersebut harus mampu memfasilitasi komunikasi real-time, pertemuan virtual, kolaborasi dokumen, dan berbagi informasi dengan mudah dan aman.
Komunikasi yang terintegrasi memungkinkan tim untuk berinteraksi secara efektif dan segera, sehingga hambatan komunikasi yang sering terjadi dalam lingkungan kerja yang terpisah dapat terhindar. Dengan adanya platform yang menyediakan semua kebutuhan bisnis, karyawan dapat dengan mudah berkomunikasi, berbagi ide, dan bekerja bersama dalam proyek dengan lancar.
Selain itu, platform yang komprehensif juga memungkinkan perusahaan untuk meningkatkan pelayanan kepada konsumen. Dalam dunia yang semakin terhubung, konsumen mengharapkan respons cepat dan layanan yang memuaskan dari perusahaan. Dengan menggunakan platform yang menyediakan komunikasi yang terintegrasi, tim layanan pelanggan dapat berkolaborasi dengan efektif untuk menangani pertanyaan, masalah, atau keluhan konsumen dengan cepat dan efisien.
Sebuah platform yang komprehensif juga dapat membantu perusahaan dalam melacak dan mengelola tugas, jadwal, dan alur kerja secara efisien. Fitur-fitur seperti pengingat, tugas terjadwal, dan pengelompokan proyek dapat memastikan bahwa pekerjaan dilakukan tepat waktu dan dengan kualitas yang baik. Ini dapat meningkatkan efisiensi operasional dan mengoptimalkan produktivitas karyawan.
Melalui penggunaan platform yang memenuhi semua kebutuhan bisnis, perusahaan dapat menciptakan lingkungan kerja yang terhubung, efisien, dan berkolaborasi. Ini tidak hanya akan meningkatkan pelayanan kepada konsumen, tetapi juga akan meningkatkan kepuasan dan keterlibatan karyawan. Sebagai hasilnya, perusahaan dapat mencapai pertumbuhan yang berkelanjutan dan membangun reputasi yang kuat dalam industri mereka.
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Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, unveiled Singapore’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint (DCB), which establishes the orientation for Singapore’s digital connectivity’s next frontier.
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) partnered with a cloud computing company to launch a Joint Innovation Centre (JIC), a first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia and appointed 18 high-potential tech professionals as SG Digital Leaders under the SG Digital Leadership Accelerator.
The Blueprint was created in collaboration with the Advisory Panel on Digital Infrastructure, which is co-chaired by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, and other industry partners. It outlines strategic priorities and moves into new frontiers to stay ahead of the curve.
Reports cited that Singapore will continue to invest ahead of demand and plan holistically for the whole digital infrastructure stack, including hard infrastructure, physical-digital infrastructure, and soft infrastructure, to guarantee that the digital infrastructure is future-ready.
The nation is committed to staying ahead of the competition by expanding digital connectivity to provide better lifestyles and new opportunities for people and businesses. Hence, Singapore will increase its focus on the following strategic priorities:
- Provide enough capacity for underwater cable landings to double in the next ten years.
- Within the next five years, build seamless end-to-end 10 Gbps domestic connectivity.
- Ensure digital infrastructure has world-class resilience and security.
- Create a roadmap for the expansion of new Green Data Centres and push the sustainability envelope.
- Increase the use of the Singapore Digital Utility Stack to broaden the benefits of smooth digital transactions.
Also, Singapore will make movements in more fledgling and frontier areas to capitalise on future opportunities:
- Push for a Quantum-safe Singapore within the next ten years.
- Lay the groundwork for widespread autonomy.
- “Green software” to reduce heightened computing by establishing a nascent ecosystem for sustainable software.
- Use Low Earth Orbit satellite services to enable creative solutions in critical industries.
The Blueprint lays a solid foundation for Singapore to achieve better opportunities, stronger trust, and empowered communities.
In addition, Tan Kiat How, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, met with the 18 Singaporeans designated as SG Digital Leaders from 16 companies. This is part of IMDA’s initiatives to develop Singaporean leaders in the ICT ecosystem for leadership roles in the digital economy.
The SG Digital Leaders are founders of high-growth tech start-ups, executives at large corporations (MNCs), and inventors creating world-changing technology. These executives come from a variety of backgrounds, lead regional teams, and have experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), data, software, and engineering.
The JIC will provide exclusive access to the latest tech showcases and demonstrations, innovation methodology for successful adoption and deployment, and workshops for design thinking, among other things, to inspire corporates and public sector organisations to accelerate industry innovation and support the growth of promising start-ups.
Modern digital infrastructure is critical to Singapore’s growth and prosperity. Businesses and consumers may access information and services more easily with improved connections, boosting innovation and economic competitiveness.
Process automation and digitalisation increase efficiency and production while decreasing expenses while smart city solutions improve resource management and overall quality of life. A well-developed digital infrastructure ecosystem attracts investments and encourages digital economy growth.
Data-driven decision-making gives policymakers more authority. Singapore’s emphasis on contemporary digital infrastructure positions it as a digital age global leader prepared for long-term growth and development.
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The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the third revival package for the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), which encompasses the provision of 4G/5G spectrum through equity infusion. The package for BSNL amounts to a total of IN 890.47 billion (around US$ 10.7 billion), according to a press release. BSNL is a central public sector undertaking (CPSU) headquartered in New Delhi. It operates under the Department of Telecommunications.
The authorised capital of BSNL will be increased from IN 1.5 trillion (US$ 18 billion) to IN 2.1 trillion (US$ 29.4 billion). The revival package will enable BSNL to become a stable telecommunication service provider with a primary focus on delivering connectivity to the most remote regions of India.
The spectrum allotment for BSNL brings a range of benefits and opportunities for the company. With this allocation, BSNL will be able to offer nationwide 4G and 5G services, bridging the digital divide in the country. It will enable BSNL to extend 4G coverage to remote villages as part of various connectivity initiatives. Additionally, the company will be able to provide Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services, delivering high-speed internet connectivity. Moreover, BSNL will have the capacity to offer services and spectrum for Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPN), catering to specific organisational needs.
In 2019, the government gave its approval for the initial revival package for BSNL/MTNL. The package amounted to IN 690 billion (US$ 8.3 billion) and played a significant role in addressing the challenges faced by BSNL/MTNL, ensuring the stability and continuity of operations.
In 2022, the government approved the second revival package for BSNL/MTNL, which amounted to IN 1.64 trillion (US$ 19.8 billion) and encompassed various provisions to strengthen their financial position and operational capabilities. The package included financial support for capital expenditure (capex), viability gap funding for rural landline services, financial support for de-stressing the balance sheet, and the settlement of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues. Additionally, the merger of Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) with BSNL was also part of the package, aiming to optimise resources and improve overall efficiency.
As a result of the two revival packages, BSNL has experienced a positive turnaround in its financial performance. Starting from the fiscal year 2021-22, BSNL has managed to generate operating profits, marking a significant achievement. Furthermore, the total debt of BSNL has reduced from IN 329.44 billion (US$ 3.9 billion) to IN 222.89 billion (US$ 2.6 billion).
BSNL has witnessed remarkable growth in the home fibre segment, with a consistent increase in new connections. Currently, BSNL is adding over 100,000 new connections each month. As of May 2023, the total home fibre subscriber base of BSNL stands at 3.088 million. The revenue generated from home fibre services last year amounted to IN 20.71 billion (US$ 250 million).
Telecom technology is a critical domain with only a few global providers offering end-to-end solutions. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision, India has successfully developed its own 4G/5G technology stack. The deployment of this indigenous technology has already commenced, and after a few months of field deployment, it will be swiftly rolled out nationwide on the BSNL network.
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The taxation sector is actively working towards the goal of having 70% of enterprises and business households transition to using e-invoices generated from cash registers by the end of this year. This initiative was launched on 15 December 2022. The promotion of e-invoices is a key task of the tax sector in its attempt to digitally transform businesses, financial agencies, and state departments.
As per the directives of the General Department of Taxation, tax departments have been urged to achieve specific targets for e-invoice adoption. These targets include reaching 30% by the end of the second quarter, 50% by the end of the third quarter, and 70% by the end of the year. In major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh, the requirement is a 100% adoption rate for dining and restaurant services.
By late May, a total of 18,963 businesses had completed the registration process to utilise e-invoices with tax codes generated from cash registers. According to the head of the Vietnam Academy of Finance’s Tax and Customs Department, expanding the use of e-invoices from cash registers plays a crucial role in enhancing the monitoring capabilities of tax authorities. This, in turn, leads to more efficient and equitable tax management by facilitating better oversight of the supply of goods and services offered by businesses.
Attention has been paid to solving obstacles related to policy, professional process, and the application of software in the scheme; as well as enhancing communication campaigns to raise taxpayers’ awareness of the benefits of using e-invoices generated from cash registers.
Ho Chi Minh City is among the three localities chosen for piloting the use of e-invoices. However, despite more than two months of implementation, the number of taxpayers who have successfully registered in the city has remained relatively low. As of 26 February of this year, the total number of registered taxpayers reached only 278.
Based on a preliminary survey, Ho Chi Minh City has identified 266 enterprises and 5,268 business households that fall within the scope of the scheme. These entities include trade centres, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment service providers. They have been identified as the primary targets for the implementation of the initiative.
Last year, the Minister of Finance said that e-invoices are crucial in creating a transparent and fair business environment, more streamlined administrative processes, and higher productivity. They are an integral part of Vietnam’s national strategy for digitalisation. The Ministry’s e-invoice project significantly improves the level of transparency and effectiveness while helping cut costs and improve the business environment.
Promoting the use of e-invoices is part of the government’s plan to build a digital society and economy. In 2020, Vietnam kicked off a national digital transformation programme, under which the country would renovate the management and administration activities of the government, the production and business activities of enterprises, and the overall way of living and working. It is working to develop a safe, humane, and wide digital environment. The national digital transformation programme has the dual purpose of both developing the digital government and economy and establishing Vietnamese digital businesses with a global capacity.