From genomic data to precision medicine via machine learning

Inova is a
not-for-profit integrated health system that serves more than two million
people each year from throughout the Washington, DC, metro area and beyond in
the US.

The Inova Translational Medicine Institute (ITMI), which is part of the Inova
Center for Personalized Health (ICPH), seeks to answer the question: Which
treatment is most effective for each patient?

It leverages precision medicine to predict, prevent and treat disease, enabling
individuals to live longer, healthier lives.

ITMI collects clinical data from thousands of Inova patients
born from over 110 countries. A single person’s unique DNA contains six billion
bits of information. Mapping individual's DNA codes into genome sequences helps
scientists determine the cause of diseases. As part of this process, ITMI is
also assembling what is expected to be one of the world’s largest whole genome
sequence databases connected to patient information in a healthcare system.

ITMI’s team of
leading scientists, researchers, analysts and collaborators use machine
learning algorithms on these terabytes of clinical and genomic information to
identify the genetic links to diseases. They make discoveries from the data
insights and, in collaboration with the treating physician, develop personalised
treatment plans for patients.

The challenge and the
solution

But there were two significant challenges Inova faced:
bringing together massive volumes of genomic and patient data for advanced
analysis, and enabling faster exploration of that data.

Inova had generated petabytes of genomic and patient data,
and needed to provide a way to process that data into a single data
infrastructure. It could take weeks and months to pull data together for
researchers with its previous data warehouse. With growing scale, continuing with the existing system was not
feasible.

In its search for a modern data platform, Inova sought a
collaborative approach, which they found with Cloudera.

Aaron Black, Chief Data Officer at ITMI said, “We looked for
a company that was as curious about the data as we were. With Cloudera, we
established a relationship of discovering what was possible.”

The data team demonstrated the expected return on investment
through a Proof of Concept (PoC), in order to gain executive buy-in.

While Inova ultimately implemented Cloudera on-premise,
Cloudera on Amazon Web Services was chosen for the PoC because it was easy to
build the cluster without spending a lot of upfront capital. Once the decision
was made and the on-premise cluster built, the entire dataset was brought down
to the cluster on-premise within a few weeks.

Enabling new medical
discoveries at faster speeds

ITMI worked with Cloudera to build a world-class
bioinformatics infrastructure for the Institute's massive and growing data
collection of genomes paired against the clinical record. The infrastructure
was designed to meet future growth requirements, storing and processing
biological data, at increasing speeds and scale.

After processing and optimising this data, Inova provided
its researchers with fast access to terabytes of genomic and patient data in a
single data set using a Cloudera analytic database. Prior to the
implementation, researchers spent 80 percent of their time on data wrangling,
and a small fraction on the actual analytics. Now that could be reversed.

Researchers can answer questions magnitudes faster than they
could previously. End-to-end analyses which would take months to accomplish
previously, such as a bioinformatics scientist studying genomic correlations
from people with conditions like arthritis, autoimmune diseases or cancer, could
now be completed in one week. That could go down to hours in the future.

With access to a wider range of data and the ability to more
easily explore the data, researchers can test new theories more quickly and
uncover new patterns that may not have been apparent before. For example, by analysis
of genomic data gathered from mothers, fathers and infants enrolled in various
familial base studies, ITMI has been able to discover previously undiagnosed
congenital anomalies in infants.

Such new medical discoveries can dramatically change
treatment plans, and patient outcomes.

Mr Black said that the ultimate goal was to match the speed
at which researchers think. That has been made possible now.

He added, “Now we’re moving towards getting answers in
minutes and seconds and can find correlations that we couldn’t before.
Ultimately, we can put the data together in novel ways to understand the
evolution of diseases so that we can help keep our patients well.”

All content from customer success story and press
release on www.cloudera.com.

Exclusive! Automation Revolution: Securing Modern IT Infrastructure for the Future

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape of today, organisations are increasingly turning to multi-cloud systems to take advantage of their flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. However, this shift often brings about complex challenges in the realms of identity management and security.

To fully capitalise on the benefits of cloud computing while safeguarding their data and operations, businesses are now placing a high priority on certain objectives. These include automating security measures, mitigating risks, and effectively managing identities within the multi-cloud environment.

Enhancing security in multi-cloud systems heavily relies on automation. Automation empowers enterprises to promptly address threats, identify vulnerabilities, and maintain continuous monitoring of their cloud infrastructure. Automated security systems possess the capability to analyse extensive datasets, pinpointing trends and anomalies that may go unnoticed by human observers.

By taking a proactive approach, businesses can not only reduce downtime and financial risks but also significantly lower the chances of data breaches. Mitigating risks in a multi-cloud setting calls for the implementation of a comprehensive strategy. This encompasses establishing robust encryption, access control, and data loss prevention protocols across all cloud providers and applications.

Additionally, it is crucial to adopt a unified security framework that provides centralised visibility and control over the entire multi-cloud ecosystem within an organisation. Such an approach streamlines risk management by ensuring consistent policy enforcement, threat detection, and incident response procedures.

Identity management plays a vital role in multi-cloud security, especially when individuals like customers, partners, and employees access resources from various devices and locations. Identity and Access Management (IAM) assume a pivotal role in this context, enabling organisations to enforce precise access controls, ensuring that only authorised users can access resources.

Furthermore, IAM systems offer single sign-on (SSO) capabilities, which not only enhance security but also simplify the user experience by allowing users to access multiple resources with a single set of credentials.

As businesses increasingly embrace multi-cloud architectures to protect their data, assets, and reputation in today’s interconnected digital landscape, the adoption of automation and robust security practices becomes imperative.

A comprehensive cloud strategy that encompasses automated security measures, risk reduction strategies, and effective identity management in multi-cloud environments is foundational. Prioritising these elements empowers organisations to mitigate risks and fully harness the benefits of multi-cloud setups.

The OpenGov Breakfast Insight on 26 September 2023 convened Singapore’s leading technology experts at the Voco Orchard Singapore to discuss the latest developments in digital integration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data governance.

Opening Remarks

Mohit Sagar∶ IT automation has emerged as a critical tool in bolstering security measures

Mohit Sagar, the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of OpenGov Asia believes the role of IT automation in bolstering cybersecurity has never been more critical, particularly in the face of the growing sophistication of cyber threats.

He highlights the escalating intricacies of modern business infrastructures, compounded by the proliferation of remote work, mobile devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These developments have introduced vulnerabilities that traditional security approaches find challenging to combat.

Recent data breaches in Singapore, a global financial and tech hub, also underscore the urgency of robust security measures, highlighting the severe consequences of inadequate security practices in the face of evolving cyber threats.

In this context, Mohit underlines the revolutionary nature of Zero Trust Security, which eliminates the inherent trust traditionally placed in both internal and external entities. The importance of rigorous identity verification for users, devices and applications, emphasising the use of multiple-factor authentication as a core principle of this approach, is key.

“Continuous monitoring serves as a rapid anomaly detection mechanism, while micro-segmentation effectively constrains lateral network movement, ultimately minimising the impact of potential breaches,” he elaborates. “Here, automation assumes a critical role by swiftly analysing data, enforcing access controls, and providing real-time responses to incidents.”

According to Mohit, the adoption of automation is paramount for organisations looking to bolster their security measures. Automation accelerates processes, minimises errors, and empowers proactive threat detection and swift incident responses through real-time analysis.

Additionally, automated patch management guarantees timely updates, thereby reducing exposure to vulnerabilities, while orchestration optimises security tools and processes for efficient threat management

“To defend against modern cyber threats, organisations should employ a comprehensive approach that includes secure coding, infrastructure hardening and Zero Trust principles,” Mohit is convinced. “This strategy safeguards applications with secure coding, regular testing, and continuous monitoring.”

Infrastructure hardening serves to diminish attack surfaces while extending the principles of Zero Trust through stringent access controls and identity-based authentication, thereby fortifying the overall defence. This comprehensive approach integrates application-centric security, infrastructure hardening, and the Zero Trust Architecture, offering a multi-faceted defence against a wide range of threats.

A seamless identity-based framework begins with the establishment of robust Identity and Access Management (IAM) practices, which form the cornerstone of modern security. IAM effectively manages digital identities for users, devices, and applications, enabling precise control over resource access.

Mohit stresses the importance of access control policies that are structured around roles and responsibilities, emphasising their role in mitigating unauthorised access risks. He also underscores the significance of continuous monitoring of user activities, as it bolsters security by identifying unusual behaviour and potential breaches.

Additionally, he recommends that organisations prioritise the security of credentials for critical systems and data. This can be achieved through the implementation of robust password policies and user education. He also suggests that the adoption of password management tools can prove highly beneficial in this regard.

Elevated access management includes securing privileged accounts with strict controls, regular reviews, and just-in-time access. Data encryption safeguards sensitive information at rest and in transit, making unauthorised access ineffective. Continuous monitoring, with real-time alerts for strange behaviour, enables rapid response to possible breaches and improves security overall.

“In today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape, a comprehensive approach is key,” Mohit concludes. “From IT automation to Zero Trust Security and robust identity management, organisations must implement security measures to defend against modern cyber threats and safeguard critical systems and data.”

Welcome Address

Morgan Hite∶ Infrastructure automation will increase organisational success

Morgan Hite, the Area Vice President for Asia at HashiCorp, recognises the growing complexity of contemporary information technology infrastructure, underscoring the significance of safeguarding and preserving valuable assets for companies.

He agrees that advanced automation solutions can effectively address the intricate security requirements within hybrid and multi-cloud environments. These solutions offer valuable insights into secure asset management, threat detection, and incident response.

The ongoing shift towards cloud adoption is compelling organisations to transition from rigid to more agile infrastructure management, particularly within the public cloud domain. Consequently, IT operations teams are confronted with emerging hurdles.

These challenges include coping with sluggish manual workflows that can lead to errors and inefficiencies. Moreover, development teams may also find themselves burdened by intricate manual processes and less-than-optimal ticketing systems.

Moreover, the obstacles associated with implementing consistent policies not only hamper productivity but also elevate the risks an organisation must contend with. Consequently, having scalable and adaptable infrastructure automation becomes crucial in tackling these challenges effectively. Hence, many organisations opt for solutions that help them steer clear of such complexities.

Morgan explains that HashiCorp assists enterprises in resolving these issues by employing infrastructure as code principles for provisioning, compliance, and management across various domains, including public clouds, private data centres, and third-party services.

“Infrastructure automation plays a pivotal role in efficiently managing the progressively intricate cloud environments that organisations encounter,” he says. “This is a critical component in efforts to maintain security and protect critical assets in a frequently changing environment.”

In a dynamic cloud environment characterised by fluctuating demands, the capability to swiftly adapt and oversee resources emerges as a critical necessity. Automation assumes a pivotal role in guaranteeing efficient scalability, enabling organisations to effortlessly adjust their capacity as required without getting entangled in time-consuming manual processes.

Further, apart from scalability, operational efficiency stands out as another compelling rationale for the implementation of infrastructure automation. Automation empowers organisations to automate routine tasks like provisioning, scheduling, and resource management. Consequently, this not only lessens the burden of manual labour but also mitigates the potential for human errors.

Ultimately, it results in significant time savings when it comes to managing the intricacies of cloud environments.

“Security is another key factor that makes infrastructure automation very important. With automation, organisations can apply security policies consistently across their infrastructure,” Morgan elaborates. “This helps prevent vulnerable configurations and ensures compliance with required security standards. In a world full of security threats, automation helps keep cloud environments safe.”

Additionally, automation serves as a critical tool for enhancing infrastructure resilience. Its capacity to swiftly identify and respond to security incidents or infrastructure failures allows organisations to uphold the availability of their services. In this regard, automation proves invaluable in addressing the challenges that arise within the ever-changing landscape of a dynamic cloud environment.

Morgan strongly emphasises the fundamental importance of implementing infrastructure automation in today’s organisational landscape. He firmly believes that automation not only boosts productivity but also has the potential to curtail risk and optimise expenses, underlining its multifaceted value.

Automation has a positive impact on organisational productivity. By eliminating valuable time-consuming manual workflows associated with cloud infrastructure, organisations can experience significant time savings. That means less time is wasted on tasks like creating, managing and provisioning cloud infrastructure. As a result, the IT team and related staff can focus on more strategic and value-added tasks.

Automation further elevates the level of security by upholding rigorous operational consistency and ensuring compliance with established security policies. In this context, automation serves as a safeguard against the risk of security incidents stemming from human error or policy deviations. By automating security measures, organisations can execute them consistently and with high efficiency, providing a sense of confidence and peace of mind.

Additionally, automation enables organisations to pinpoint and curtail unnecessary or redundant utilisation of cloud resources, leading to significant cost savings. Organisations have the potential to realise substantial savings of up to 40% on their cloud infrastructure costs.

Such significant savings represent an opportunity to allocate budgets more efficiently towards other pressing needs. Consequently, investing in infrastructure automation can yield tangible economic benefits for organisations, freeing up resources for strategic initiatives and growth.

Morgan holds a firm conviction that infrastructure automation constitutes a strategic decision that delivers not only operational advantages but also risk mitigation and the intelligent and efficient allocation of budgets.

This proactive step has proven to have a positive and far-reaching impact on various aspects of an organisation’s operations and finances. In essence, automation acts as a multifaceted asset, enhancing security, reducing costs and streamlining operations for organisations operating in dynamic cloud environments.

Knowledge Insight

Mary Wee∶ A comprehensive medical history improves patient care

Mary Wee, Director of Cloud Services and Support at CPF Board, reflected on the devastating impact of COVID-19 on countless people. The pandemic took many by surprise with its sudden shifts in employment and lifestyle. Consequently, access to essentials such as food, medical services, and education unexpectedly became more challenging for many.

She underscored the paramount importance of preserving continuity and well-being amid the prevailing uncertainty. In a post-pandemic era marked by unprecedented challenges and unforeseen disruptions, maintaining financial stability has emerged as an essential pillar of resilience.

Mary strongly advocates having sufficient financial savings to effectively cope with unforeseen emergencies, particularly those triggered by events like the pandemic. This financial cushion not only imparts a sense of security but also equips individuals and families to surmount economic hardships that may arise unexpectedly. It underscores the pivotal role played by institutions like the Central Provident Fund (CPF) in extending vital financial services to the community.

CPF stands as a pivotal mechanism for helping individuals and families enhance their financial planning. This encompasses a spectrum of considerations, from long-term investments and retirement savings to health protection. By cultivating well-managed financial savings, individuals are better poised to confront challenging circumstances such as a pandemic with a greater sense of readiness and resilience.

The CPF, in this context, serves as a valuable tool in fortifying financial security and enabling individuals to navigate the uncertainties of the future with greater confidence.

Mary also underscored the paramount importance of effectively safeguarding client data, particularly in the context of social enterprises. In an age where data serves as a linchpin for informed decision-making and enhanced client services, the preservation of data security and integrity emerges as a foremost concern.

CPF frequently handles the personal and sensitive information of their clients, including financial, medical and various other personal details. Consequently, they bear a substantial responsibility to shield this data from cyber threats and potential misuse.

The loss of data or a security breach can wield far-reaching consequences, impacting not only client trust but also the seamless functioning of an organisation. It underscores the imperative of unwavering diligence in preserving data security and ensuring the highest standards of data protection to safeguard both clients and the organisation itself.

“In an age where services and operations are increasingly tied to cloud technology, security cannot be ignored,” says Mary. “As such, upholding cloud infrastructure cybersecurity is our top goal since it boosts client satisfaction through quality support.”

When customers entrust their vital data and information to an organisation, they hold the expectation that this data will be handled and stored with the highest level of security. This is not merely a matter of practicality; it is a profound issue of trust.

Mary understands that when customers have the assurance that their data is securely managed within the CPF Board’s cloud infrastructure, their satisfaction with the service provided is assured.

Robust security forms the bedrock of customer trust, and this trust is unequivocally reflected in the quality of service delivered. It’s a symbiotic relationship where security breeds trust, and trust, in turn, elevates the calibre of service provided.

The CPF Board’s commitment to cybersecurity extends beyond the technical aspects; it focuses on instilling a sense of safety and confidence in customers regarding the security of their data. This approach not only engenders customer satisfaction but also contributes to cementing the CPF Board’s reputation as an organisation that is both responsible and trustworthy in its stewardship of client data.

In the multi-cloud era, there has been a significant shift in the locus of control. Instead of relying on physical controls, the emphasis is now shifting to trusted identities, Mary explains. This means each entity must go through an authentication and authorisation process to gain access to a system or resource. By adopting this identity-based framework, they can effectively navigate the complexities of securing dynamic multi-cloud environments while ensuring higher levels of security.

Mary reaffirms the CPF Board’s unwavering dedication to the utmost protection of their clients’ data. They have put significant measures in place by implementing stringent security protocols, which include leveraging the latest in security technology and providing comprehensive training to employees in identifying and mitigating cyber threats.

In addition to these initiatives, they have established rigorous policies governing data management and storage, ensuring compliance with all relevant privacy regulations.

“It’s a holistic strategy where technical prowess combines with a commitment to customer trust, fostering a solid and reliable image for the organisation,” Mary concludes. “This multi-faceted approach underscores CPF’s dedication to the highest standards of data security and privacy, further cementing its reputation as a responsible custodian of client information.”

Closing Remarks

Binny Peh∶ AWS is dedicated to innovating and transforming governments and organisations worldwide

Binny Peh, Head of Partners & Alliances Singapore Public Sector, Amazon Web Services (AWS) expressed her appreciation for the attendees’ perceptive and insightful event as they came together to explore the transformative power of technology in the public sector.

“The discussions and interactions we’ve had reaffirm the pivotal role that technology plays in shaping the future of our societies, and more importantly, in improving the lives of our citizens,” she acknowledges.

Binny confirms that Amazon Web Services is deeply committed to driving innovation and enabling digital transformation for governments and organisations worldwide. “Our mission is to empower you to leverage the cloud to build more agile, efficient, and citizen-centric services. But it’s not just about technology; it’s about the partnerships and alliances we form, the collaborative spirit we nurture, and the shared vision we pursue together.”

She believes that the success they have achieved in the public sector is a collective effort. It’s the result of collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, and technology providers like AWS, “Your insights, your commitment to excellence, and your tireless efforts to push the boundaries of what’s possible are what make this transformation journey so exciting and impactful.”

Binny encouraged the participants to continue fostering innovation, build strong partnerships, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. She emphasised the importance of pushing boundaries and harnessing technology to tackle the most critical challenges in communities, ultimately working towards a brighter and more interconnected future for everyone.

“Thank you once again for your participation, your passion, and your dedication to the mission of OpenGov Asia. Together, we can achieve great things, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in shaping a better tomorrow,” Binny ends emphatically.

Li Wen Chi, Group Chief Technology Officer at Cloud Kinetics, expressed his appreciation to OpenGov Asia and all attendees for contributing to the event’s success, highlighting OpenGov Asia’s role as a facilitator of knowledge exchange, innovation and collaboration.

“OpenGov Asia has consistently created effective platforms for sharing ideas, stimulating discussion, building relations and driving change,” he acknowledges. “And this year has been no exception!”

Li Wen Chi∶ Cloud is a fundamental transformation in business and society, extending beyond mere technology

As usual, Wen Chi confirms, the event featured insightful presentations, thought-provoking interactions and valuable networking opportunities, showcasing the dynamic evolution of digital transformation in Asia and the enthusiastic embrace of technology by governments, businesses, and individuals to catalyse positive change.

“One recurring theme of this event has been the pivotal role of technology in addressing our most urgent challenges. We’ve witnessed inspiring instances of technology’s potential for the common good. It’s evident that we’re not merely envisioning the future; we’re actively constructing it collectively,” Wen Chi reiterates.

Cloud Kinetics firmly believes that the cloud represents more than just a technological shift; it embodies a fundamental shift in our approach to business and society. And they are dedicated to leading this transformation, aiming to equip organisations with cutting-edge cloud solutions to navigate the intricacies of the digital era effectively, he confirms.

He encouraged the attendees to take the knowledge, insights, and connections acquired during the event and to further collaborate, share, learn from one another, and collectively strive for an inclusive, sustainable future driven by technology for the betterment of all.

“Remember that innovation knows no boundaries, and together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way,” Wen Chi concludes, “The road ahead may be uncertain, but with the spirit of collaboration and innovation, we can navigate it successfully.”

In closing, Mohit extended his sincere gratitude to all the esteemed speakers, participants, and partners who graced the event with their presence and wisdom. Their expertise and unwavering commitment to innovation not only illuminated the discussions but charted a course for the future.

“Together, we have explored the limitless possibilities that emerge when governments, industry leaders, and technology providers join forces. We’ve delved into the transformative power of cloud computing,” Mohit appreciates.

It’s crucial, he adds, to acknowledge the transformative potential of AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics in the realm of public services. These technologies are pivotal in shaping the future of government operations and service delivery in several ways

Moreover, Mohit remains strongly convinced that in this era of unprecedented change, collaboration is not just a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of success, “It is through partnerships, alliances, and the exchange of ideas that we can unlock the full potential of technology and effectively navigate the intricate challenges that lie ahead.”

He urged the attendees to persist in the spirit of collaboration, encouraging them to forge new alliances, nurture existing partnerships, and remain open to the opportunities that technology continually unfolds.

“Let us always bear in mind that our collective mission is to enhance the well-being of citizens and stimulate comprehensive growth, “Mohit concludes, “We must keep the broader purpose of our endeavours at the fore and pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future for everyone.”

Eksklusif! Revolusi Automasi ∶ Mengamankan Infrastruktur TI Modern untuk Masa Depan

Dalam lingkungan digital yang terus berubah dengan cepat saat ini, organisasi memanfaatkan sistem multi-cloud untuk mencapai fleksibilitas, skalabilitas, dan efisiensi biaya. Akan tetapi, transisi ini seringkali memunculkan tantangan kompleks terkait pengelolaan identitas dan keamanan.

Untuk sepenuhnya memanfaatkan komputasi cloud sambil melindungi data dan operasi, bisnis sekarang memberikan prioritas pada tujuan-tujuan penting seperti mengotomatiskan langkah-langkah keamanan, mengurangi risiko, dan mengelola identitas secara efektif dalam lanskap multi-cloud.

Peningkatan posisi keamanan dalam sistem multi-cloud sangat bergantung pada otomatisasi. Sebuah otomatisasi memberdayakan perusahaan untuk dengan cepat mengatasi ancaman, mendeteksi kerentanan, dan menjaga pemantauan berkelanjutan terhadap infrastruktur cloud mereka.

Sistem keamanan otomatis memiliki kapasitas untuk menganalisis kumpulan data besar, mengidentifikasi tren dan anomali yang mungkin luput dari pengamatan manusia. Dengan mengadopsi pendekatan proaktif, bisnis tidak hanya dapat mengurangi waktu henti dan risiko finansial, tetapi juga secara signifikan mengurangi kemungkinan pelanggaran data.

Mengurangi risiko dalam lingkungan multi-cloud memerlukan implementasi strategi komprehensif. Ini termasuk pembentukan enkripsi yang kuat, kontrol akses, dan protokol pencegahan kehilangan data di semua penyedia cloud dan aplikasi.

Selain itu, sangat penting untuk mengadopsi kerangka keamanan bersatu yang menawarkan visibilitas dan kontrol yang terpusat atas seluruh ekosistem multi-cloud dalam sebuah organisasi. Pendekatan seperti ini menyederhanakan pengelolaan risiko dengan memastikan penegakan kebijakan yang konsisten, deteksi ancaman, dan prosedur tanggapan insiden yang seragam.

Pengelolaan identitas adalah aspek penting dari keamanan multi-cloud, terutama ketika individu seperti pelanggan, mitra, dan karyawan mengakses sumber daya dari berbagai perangkat dan lokasi. Manajemen Identitas dan Akses (IAM) memainkan peran penting dalam konteks ini, memungkinkan organisasi untuk mengimplementasikan kontrol akses yang tepat untuk memastikan hanya pengguna yang diotorisasi yang dapat mengakses sumber daya.

Selain itu, sistem IAM menawarkan kemampuan single sign-on (SSO), yang tidak hanya meningkatkan keamanan, tetapi juga menyederhanakan pengalaman pengguna dengan memungkinkan pengguna untuk mengakses berbagai sumber daya dengan satu set kredensial.

Seiring dengan maraknya adopsi arsitektur multi-cloud untuk melindungi data, aset, dan reputasi mereka dalam lanskap digital yang saling terhubung saat ini, adopsi otomatisasi dan praktik keamanan yang kuat menjadi sangat penting.

Strategi cloud yang komprehensif yang mencakup otomatisasi posisi keamanan, langkah-langkah pengurangan risiko, dan pengelolaan identitas yang efektif dalam konteks lingkungan multi-cloud adalah hal yang mendasar. Memberikan prioritas pada elemen-elemen ini memungkinkan organisasi untuk mengurangi risiko dan sepenuhnya memanfaatkan kelebihan dari pengaturan multi-cloud.

OpenGov Breakfast Insight telah menghadirkan para pemimpin teknologi di Singapura pada tanggal 26 September 2023 di Voco Orchard Singapore untuk mendiskusikan terkait perkembangan terbaru dalam integrasi data, kemanan siber, cloud, dan tata kelola data.

Salam Pembuka

Mohit Sagar∶ Automasi TI kian meluas sebagai basis memperkuat ketahanan siber

Mohit Sagar, CEO dan Kepala Redaktur OpenGov Asia, meyakini bahwa peran otomatisasi TI dalam memperkuat keamanan siber adalah penting terutama dalam menghadapi kecanggihan ancaman siber.

Dia menyoroti kompleksitas infrastruktur bisnis modern yang semakin meningkat. Hal ini diperparah oleh peningkatan pekerjaan jarak jauh, perangkat seluler, dan Internet of Things (IoT). Perkembangan ini telah memperkenalkan kerentanan yang sulit ditangani oleh pendekatan keamanan tradisional.

Pelanggaran data baru-baru ini seperti yang terjadi di Singapura, pusat keuangan dan teknologi global, juga menggarisbawahi urgensi untuk menciptakan keamanan siber yang kuat.

Dalam konteks ini, Mohit menekankan untuk memiliki sifat revolusioner dari Keamanan Zero Trust, yang menghilangkan kepercayaan inheren yang biasanya ditempatkan pada entitas internal dan eksternal. Pentingnya verifikasi identitas yang ketat untuk pengguna, perangkat, dan aplikasi, dengan menekankan penggunaan otentikasi multi-faktor sebagai prinsip inti dari pendekatan ini, sangat penting.

“Monitoring berkelanjutan berfungsi sebagai mekanisme deteksi anomali yang cepat, sementara segmentasi mikro secara efektif membatasi pergerakan jaringan lateral, pada akhirnya meminimalkan dampak pelanggaran potensial,” jelasnya. “Di sini, otomatisasi memainkan peran penting dengan cepat menganalisis data, menegakkan kontrol akses, dan memberikan tanggapan waktu nyata terhadap insiden.”

Menurut Mohit, adopsi otomatisasi sangat penting bagi organisasi yang ingin memperkuat langkah-langkah keamanan mereka. Otomatisasi mempercepat proses, meminimalkan kesalahan, dan memberdayakan deteksi ancaman proaktif dan tanggapan cepat melalui analisis waktu nyata.

Selain itu, manajemen patch otomatis menjamin pembaruan tepat waktu, dengan demikian mengurangi paparan terhadap kerentanan, sementara orkestrasi mengoptimalkan alat dan proses keamanan untuk manajemen ancaman yang efisien.

“Untuk bertahan dari ancaman siber modern, organisasi harus menggunakan pendekatan komprehensif yang mencakup pemrograman yang aman, perkuatan infrastruktur, dan prinsip-prinsip Zero Trust,” tekan Mohit. “Strategi ini tentunya dapat melindungi aplikasi melalui pemrograman yang aman, pengujian teratur, dan pemantauan berkelanjutan.”

Pemantapan infrastruktur bertujuan untuk mengurangi permukaan serangan sambil memperluas prinsip-prinsip Zero Trust melalui kontrol akses yang ketat dan otentikasi berbasis identitas, dengan demikian memperkuat pertahanan secara keseluruhan. Pendekatan komprehensif ini mengintegrasikan keamanan berbasis aplikasi, perkuatan infrastruktur, dan Arsitektur Zero Trust, menawarkan pertahanan multi-faset terhadap berbagai ancaman.

Kerangka kerja berbasis identitas yang mulus dimulai dengan pembentukan praktik Manajemen Identitas dan Akses (IAM) yang kuat, yang merupakan dasar keamanan modern. IAM mengelola identitas digital untuk pengguna, perangkat, dan aplikasi, memungkinkan kontrol yang tepat atas akses sumber daya.

Mohit menekankan pentingnya kebijakan kontrol akses yang terstruktur berdasarkan peran dan tanggung jawab melalui penekanan peran mereka dalam mitigasi risiko akses yang tidak sah. Dia juga menekankan pentingnya pemantauan berkelanjutan terhadap aktivitas pengguna, karena ini memperkuat keamanan dengan mengidentifikasi perilaku yang tidak biasa dan potensi pelanggaran.

Selain itu, dia merekomendasikan agar organisasi memprioritaskan keamanan kredensial untuk sistem dan data penting. Hal ini dapat dicapai melalui implementasi kebijakan kata sandi yang kuat dan edukasi user yang holistik.

Manajemen akses yang ditingkatkan mencakup pengamanan akun berhak dengan kontrol ketat, tinjauan teratur, dan akses sesuai kebutuhan. Enkripsi data melindungi informasi sensitif dalam keadaan diam dan saat transit, membuat akses tidak sah tidak efektif. Pemantauan berkelanjutan, dengan peringatan waktu nyata untuk perilaku yang aneh, memungkinkan tanggapan cepat terhadap pelanggaran risiko yang mungkin terjadi dan meningkatkan keamanan secara keseluruhan.

“Dalam lanskap keamanan siber yang terus berkembang saat ini, pendekatan komprehensif sangat penting,” simpul Mohit. “Mulai dari otomatisasi TI hingga Keamanan Zero Trust dan manajemen identitas yang kuat, organisasi harus menerapkan langkah-langkah keamanan untuk membela diri dari ancaman siber modern dan melindungi sistem dan data penting.”

Welcome Address

Morgan Hite∶ Otomatisasi infrastruktur membawa banyak manfaat bagi organisasi

Morgan Hite selaku Vice President untuk Asia di HashiCorp mengatakan bahwa dengan meningkatnya kompleksitas infrastruktur teknologi informasi yang modern, penting bagi perusahaan untuk mengamankan dan melindungi aset-aset pentingnya. Morgan menyoroti bahwa solusi otomatisasi mutakhir memang dapat secara efektif mengatasi kebutuhan keamanan yang rumit dalam lingkungan hybrid dan multi-cloud, memberikan wawasan tentang manajemen yang aman, deteksi ancaman, dan respons terhadap insiden.

Perubahan ke arah cloud memaksa organisasi untuk melakukan transisi dari pengelolaan infrastruktur yang kaku menjadi lebih dinamis di cloud publik. Konsekuensinya, tim operasi TI harus berurusan dengan berbagai tantangan yang baru muncul seperti kewalahan dengan alur kerja manual yang lambat dan potensi kesalahan yang tinggi. Tim pengembang juga terkadang merasa terhambat oleh proses manual yang rumit dan sistem tiket yang tidak efisien.

Tidak hanya itu, kendala dalam mengimplementasikan kebijakan yang konsisten juga memengaruhi produktivitas dan menambah risiko yang harus dihadapi. Penting bagi organisasi untuk memiliki otomatisasi infrastruktur yang dapat disesuaikan dan diskalakan untuk mengatasi tantangan ini. Oleh karena itu, banyak organisasi yang lebih memilih untuk menghindari kerumitan tersebut. Bahkan, data Cloud Thales 2023 menyebutkan bahwa hanya 41% organisasi yang telah menerapkan kontrol zero trust dalam infrastruktur cloud mereka.

Morgan menjelaskan bahwa HashiCorp memberikan pelayanan instruktur automasi. HashiCorp membantu perusahaan mengatasi masalah ini melalui infrastruktur sebagai kode untuk penyediaan, kepatuhan, dan manajemen di seluruh cloud publik, pusat data pribadi, dan layanan pihak ketiga. Automasi infrastruktur adalah elemen kunci dalam pengelolaan lingkungan cloud yang semakin kompleks. “Ini adalah komponen penting dalam upaya untuk menjaga keamanan dan melindungi aset kritis dalam lingkungan yang sering berubah-ubah.”

Dalam dunia cloud yang dinamis, di mana permintaan dapat berfluktuasi secara drastis, kemampuan untuk dengan cepat menyesuaikan dan mengelola sumber daya menjadi sangat penting. Automasi memainkan peran kunci dalam memastikan skalabilitas yang efisien, memungkinkan organisasi untuk menambah atau mengurangi kapasitas sesuai kebutuhan tanpa melibatkan tindakan manual yang memakan waktu.

Selain skalabilitas, efisiensi operasional adalah alasan penting lainnya untuk menerapkan automasi infrastruktur. Dengan otomatisasi, tugas-tugas rutin seperti penyediaan, penjadwalan, dan manajemen sumber daya dapat diotomatiskan. Hal ini mengurangi beban kerja manual, menghindari kesalahan manusia, dan menghemat waktu yang berharga dalam pengelolaan lingkungan cloud yang kompleks.

Lebih lanjut, Morgan menjelaskan bahwa keamanan adalah faktor kunci lainnya yang menjadikan automasi infrastruktur sangat penting. Dengan otomatisasi, organisasi dapat menerapkan kebijakan keamanan secara konsisten di seluruh infrastruktur mereka. Ini membantu mencegah konfigurasi yang rentan dan memastikan kepatuhan terhadap standar keamanan yang diperlukan. Dalam dunia yang penuh dengan ancaman keamanan, automasi membantu menjaga lingkungan cloud tetap aman.

Selain itu, automasi juga membantu meningkatkan resiliensi infrastruktur. Dengan kemampuan mendeteksi dan merespons insiden keamanan atau kegagalan infrastruktur dengan cepat, organisasi dapat menjaga ketersediaan layanan mereka. Dalam hal ini, automasi membantu menghadapi tantangan-tantangan yang timbul di lingkungan cloud yang dinamis.

Morgan dengan tegas menggarisbawahi betapa esensialnya langkah penerapan otomatisasi infrastruktur dalam lingkungan organisasi saat ini. Dalam pandangannya, otomatisasi tidak hanya berperan dalam meningkatkan produktivitas, tetapi juga berpotensi mengurangi risiko dan mengoptimalkan pengeluaran.

Pertama-tama, otomatisasi membawa dampak positif terhadap produktivitas organisasi. Dengan menghilangkan berbagai alur kerja manual yang sebelumnya memakan waktu berharga terkait infrastruktur cloud, organisasi dapat merasakan penghematan waktu yang signifikan. Itu berarti ada lebih sedikit waktu yang terbuang untuk tugas-tugas seperti penciptaan, pengelolaan, dan penyediaan infrastruktur cloud. Sebagai hasilnya, tim TI dan staf terkait dapat fokus pada tugas-tugas yang lebih strategis dan bernilai tambah.

Selanjutnya, otomatisasi juga berkontribusi pada peningkatan tingkat keamanan. Ini terwujud melalui pemeliharaan konsistensi operasional yang ketat dan penegakan kepatuhan terhadap kebijakan keamanan yang telah ditetapkan. Dalam konteks ini, otomatisasi membantu mengurangi risiko insiden keamanan yang mungkin timbul akibat kesalahan manusia atau pelanggaran kebijakan. Dengan otomatisasi, langkah-langkah keamanan dapat dijalankan dengan konsisten dan efisien, memberikan ketenangan pikiran kepada organisasi.

Namun, salah satu manfaat paling mencolok dari otomatisasi adalah aspek ekonomisnya. Dengan memungkinkan organisasi untuk mengidentifikasi dan mengurangi penggunaan sumber daya cloud yang tidak diperlukan atau berlebihan, otomatisasi dapat menghasilkan penghematan biaya yang substansial.

Bahkan, Morgan mengungkapkan bahwa organisasi dapat menghemat hingga 40% dari biaya infrastruktur cloud mereka. Ini adalah potensi penghematan yang signifikan, yang berarti anggaran yang tersedia dapat dialokasikan dengan lebih efisien untuk kebutuhan lain yang mendesak. Sebagai akibatnya, organisasi dapat mencapai manfaat ekonomis yang nyata melalui investasi dalam otomatisasi infrastruktur.

Dengan demikian, dalam pandangan Morgan, otomatisasi infrastruktur adalah langkah strategis yang tidak hanya memberikan keuntungan operasional, tetapi juga memitigasi risiko serta memastikan penggunaan anggaran yang cerdas dan efisien. Itu adalah langkah yang membawa dampak positif dalam berbagai aspek operasional dan keuangan organisasi.

Knowledge Insight

Mary Wee ∶ Riwayat medis yang terintegrasi dan aksesible dapat meningkatkan pelayanan pasien

Pandemi telah menjadi pukulan telak bagi banyak individu, dan telah menyadarkan betapa pentingnya memiliki keamanan finansial di tengah ketidakpastian. Perubahan mendadak dalam gaya hidup dan cara kerja selama pandemi membuat banyak orang merasa tidak siap menghadapinya. Akses ke berbagai kebutuhan dasar seperti makanan, perawatan kesehatan, dan pendidikan tiba-tiba menjadi lebih sulit.

Penting untuk memiliki simpanan finansial yang memadai untuk menghadapi situasi darurat seperti yang disebabkan oleh pandemi. Keamanan finansial ini dapat memberikan ketenangan pikiran dan membantu individu dan keluarga mengatasi tantangan ekonomi yang mungkin muncul. Itu sebabnya keberadaan CPF, atau Central Provident Fund, sangat penting dalam memberikan pelayanan keuangan kepada masyarakat.

CPF adalah salah satu cara untuk membantu individu dan keluarga merencanakan keuangan mereka dengan lebih baik. Ini dapat mencakup investasi jangka panjang, tabungan pensiun, dan perlindungan kesehatan. Dengan memiliki simpanan finansial yang dikelola dengan baik, individu dapat merasa lebih siap menghadapi masa-masa sulit seperti pandemi.

Mary Wee, Director, Cloud Services and Support di CPF Board, mengatakan betapa pentingnya menjaga data klien dengan baik, terutama dalam konteks perusahaan sosial. Dalam era di mana data memiliki peran kunci dalam menginformasikan keputusan dan memberikan layanan yang lebih baik kepada klien, menjaga keamanan dan integritas data merupakan prioritas utama.

CPF seringkali memiliki akses ke informasi pribadi dan sensitif dari klien mereka, termasuk informasi keuangan, medis, atau pribadi lainnya. Oleh karena itu, mereka memiliki tanggung jawab besar untuk melindungi data ini dari ancaman siber dan potensi penyalahgunaan. Kehilangan data atau pelanggaran keamanan dapat berdampak serius tidak hanya pada kepercayaan klien, tetapi juga pada operasi organisasi.

“Menjaga keamanan siber untuk infrastruktur cloud adalah prioritas kami. Dengan menjaga keamanan cloud, kepuasan pelanggan karena pelayanan yang baik akan semakin meningkat,” ujar Mary.

Dalam era di mana layanan dan operasi semakin terkait dengan teknologi cloud, keamanan tidak bisa diabaikan. Ketika pelanggan mempercayakan data dan informasi penting mereka kepada suatu organisasi, mereka mengharapkan bahwa data tersebut akan dikelola dan disimpan dengan sangat aman. Ini bukan hanya masalah praktis, tetapi juga masalah kepercayaan.

Mary Wee memahami bahwa ketika pelanggan merasa yakin data mereka aman dalam infrastruktur cloud CPF Board, mereka akan merasa puas dengan layanan yang diberikan. Keamanan yang kuat adalah dasar dari kepercayaan pelanggan, dan hal ini tercermin dalam kualitas pelayanan yang diberikan.

Oleh karena itu, CPF Board tidak hanya berfokus pada aspek teknis keamanan siber, tetapi juga pada memastikan bahwa pelanggan merasa aman dan yakin dengan keamanan data mereka. Hal ini tidak hanya menciptakan kepuasan pelanggan, tetapi juga membangun reputasi CPF Board sebagai organisasi yang bertanggung jawab dan dapat dipercaya dalam pengelolaan data klien.

Mary Wee telah menegaskan bahwa CPF Board berkomitmen untuk menjaga data klien mereka dengan sangat baik. Mereka telah mengambil langkah-langkah penting dalam mengimplementasikan protokol keamanan yang ketat, termasuk penggunaan teknologi keamanan terkini dan pelatihan karyawan dalam mengenali ancaman siber. Selain itu, mereka juga memiliki kebijakan ketat dalam hal pengelolaan dan penyimpanan data yang mematuhi peraturan privasi yang berlaku.

“Di era multi-cloud, terjadi pergeseran signifikan dalam lokus kontrol. Alih-alih mengandalkan kontrol fisik, sekarang penekanannya beralih ke identitas yang terpercaya. Ini berarti setiap entitas harus melalui proses otentikasi dan otorisasi untuk mendapatkan akses ke sistem atau sumber daya.

Dengan mengadopsi kerangka kerja berbasis identitas ini, organisasi dapat secara efektif menavigasi kompleksitas pengamanan lingkungan multi-cloud yang dinamis sambil memastikan tingkat keamanan yang lebih tinggi,” tutup Mary

Salam Penutup

Binny Peh∶ AWS berdedikasi untuk mentransformasikan tata kelola di seluruh dunia

Binny Peh, Head of Partners & Alliances untuk Singapore Public Sector, Amazon Web Services (AWS), mengungkapkan apresiasinya atas kehadiran peserta yang berwawasan dan berpandangan tajam dalam acara ini saat mereka bersatu untuk menjelajahi kekuatan transformasional teknologi dalam sektor publik.

“Diskusi dan interaksi yang telah kita lakukan telah mengonfirmasi peran sentral teknologi dalam membentuk masa depan masyarakat kita, dan yang lebih penting, dalam meningkatkan kehidupan warga negara kita,” katanya.

Binny mengonfirmasi bahwa Amazon Web Services sangat berkomitmen untuk mendorong inovasi dan memungkinkan transformasi digital bagi pemerintah dan organisasi di seluruh dunia. “Misi kami adalah memberdayakan Anda untuk memanfaatkan cloud untuk membangun layanan yang lebih lincah, efisien, dan berorientasi pada warga. Tapi, ini bukan hanya tentang teknologi; ini tentang kemitraan dan aliansi yang kita bentuk, semangat kolaboratif yang kita pelihara, dan visi yang kita kejar bersama.”

Dia percaya bahwa kesuksesan yang telah mereka capai di sektor publik adalah hasil dari kerja sama antara lembaga pemerintah, mitra industri, dan penyedia teknologi seperti AWS, “Wawasan Anda, komitmen Anda terhadap keunggulan, dan upaya tanpa lelah Anda untuk mendorong batas-batas apa yang memungkinkan telah membuat perjalanan transformasi ini begitu menarik dan berdampak.”

Binny mendorong peserta untuk terus melakukan inovasi, membangun kemitraan yang kuat, dan merangkul peluang yang ada. Dia menekankan pentingnya untuk mendorong batas-batas dan memanfaatkan teknologi untuk mengatasi tantangan paling kritis dalam masyarakat, dengan tujuan akhirnya bekerja menuju masa depan yang lebih cerah dan lebih terhubung untuk semua orang.

“Terima kasih sekali lagi atas partisipasi Anda, semangat Anda, dan dedikasi Anda terhadap misi OpenGov Asia. Bersama-sama, kita dapat mencapai hal-hal besar, dan saya menantikan kerjasama berkelanjutan kita dalam membentuk hari esok yang lebih baik,” Binny mengakhiri dengan tegas.

Li Wen Chi∶ Cloud adalah basis transformasi untuk dapat menjangkau teknologi lebih jauh

Li Wen Chi, Group Chief Technology Officer at Cloud Kinetics, Dia menyatakan apresiasinya kepada OpenGov Asia dan semua peserta atas kontribusinya dalam kesuksesan acara tersebut, menyoroti peran OpenGov Asia sebagai fasilitator pertukaran pengetahuan, inovasi, dan kolaborasi.

“OpenGov Asia secara konsisten telah menciptakan platform efektif untuk berbagi ide, merangsang diskusi, membangun hubungan, dan mendorong perubahan,” katanya. “Dan tahun ini tidak terkecuali!”

Sesuai dengan biasanya, Wen Chi memastikan bahwa acara tersebut menampilkan presentasi yang penuh wawasan, interaksi yang merangsang pemikiran, dan peluang jaringan berharga, memamerkan evolusi dinamis transformasi digital di Asia dan dukungan antusiasme terhadap teknologi oleh pemerintah, bisnis, dan individu untuk memacu perubahan positif.

“Salah satu tema berulang dalam acara ini adalah peran penting teknologi dalam mengatasi tantangan-tantangan mendesak kita. Kami telah menyaksikan contoh-contoh inspiratif dari potensi teknologi untuk kebaikan bersama. Jelas bahwa kita tidak hanya membayangkan masa depan; kita sedang secara aktif membangunnya bersama,” tegas Wen Chi.

Cloud Kinetics yakin bahwa cloud mewakili lebih dari sekadar pergeseran teknologi; itu mencerminkan pergeseran mendasar dalam pendekatan kita terhadap bisnis dan masyarakat, dan mereka berkomitmen untuk memimpin transformasi ini, bertujuan untuk memberikan organisasi solusi cloud mutakhir untuk mengarungi kompleksitas era digital dengan efektif.

Wen Chi mendorong para peserta untuk mengambil pengetahuan, wawasan, dan koneksi yang diperoleh selama acara ini dan untuk lebih berkolaborasi, berbagi, belajar satu sama lain, dan bersama-sama berusaha untuk masa depan yang inklusif dan berkelanjutan yang didorong oleh teknologi demi kesejahteraan semua.

“Perlu diingat bahwa inovasi tidak mengenal batas, dan bersama-sama, kita dapat mengatasi setiap tantangan yang datang,” tutup Wen Chi, “Jalan ke depan mungkin tidak pasti, tetapi dengan semangat kolaborasi dan inovasi, kita dapat menavigasinya dengan sukses.”

Dalam penutupan tersebut, Mohit menyampaikan rasa terima kasih yang tulus kepada semua pembicara terhormat, peserta, dan mitra yang memeriahkan acara ini dengan kehadiran dan kebijaksanaan mereka. Keahlian mereka dan komitmen yang teguh terhadap inovasi tidak hanya menerangi diskusi tetapi juga merancang arah untuk masa depan.

“Bersama-sama, kita telah menjelajahi kemungkinan tanpa batas yang muncul ketika pemerintah, pemimpin industri, dan penyedia teknologi bergabung. Kita telah mendalami kekuatan transformatif komputasi awan,” Mohit mengapresiasi.

Hal ini penting, tambahnya, untuk mengakui potensi transformatif dari kecerdasan buatan (AI), keamanan siber, dan analitik data dalam ranah pelayanan publik. Teknologi-teknologi ini sangat penting dalam membentuk masa depan operasi pemerintah dan penyampaian layanan dalam beberapa cara.

Selain itu, Mohit tetap kuat yakin bahwa di era perubahan yang belum pernah terjadi sebelumnya ini, kolaborasi bukan hanya sekadar kata-kata yang digembar-gemborkan; itu adalah pondasi kesuksesan, “Melalui kemitraan, aliansi, dan pertukaran ide, kita dapat membuka potensi penuh teknologi dan secara efektif mengatasi tantangan yang rumit yang ada di depan.”

Dia mendorong peserta untuk terus bergerak dalam semangat kolaborasi, mendorong mereka untuk membentuk aliansi baru, merawat kemitraan yang ada, dan tetap terbuka terhadap peluang yang terus-menerus muncul dari teknologi.

“Marilah kita selalu mengingat bahwa misi kolektif kita adalah untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan warga negara dan merangsang pertumbuhan yang komprehensif,” Mohit mengakhiri, “Kita harus selalu mempertimbangkan tujuan yang lebih luas dari usaha kita dan membuka jalan menuju masa depan yang lebih berkelanjutan dan inklusif untuk semua orang.”

Exclusive! Accelerating Digital Transformation Through Accessible, Innovative and Secured Technology Solutions

In the past few years, there has been a remarkable surge in the Philippines’ endeavours to kickstart digital transformation across different industries. These efforts have proven successful in revolutionising business operations, enhancing user experiences, and fostering heightened competition within the market.

Enhancing user experience holds paramount importance, particularly in the realm of public services. Establishments must display a steadfast dedication to enhancing public services by embracing technology that is both accessible and user-friendly. This represents a pivotal stride towards delivering services to the public that are not only more efficient but also exceedingly convenient.

Through the adoption of cloud-based infrastructure, public service entities can integrate applications and platforms equipped with adaptable and dependable resources. This empowers them to provide prompt and uninterrupted services, thereby enhancing their ability to cater to the requirements of the community effectively.

The pivotal factor in elevating productivity and ensuring streamlined access to crucial services lies in a user-friendly interface. Such an interface not only simplifies the comprehension of software applications but also optimises time utilisation for users, fostering a more efficient and convenient experience.

Moreover, the presence of a user-friendly interface cultivates an environment of innovation and adaptability within organisations. As users become at ease and self-assured in their technology interactions, internal teams are inspired to engage in creative thinking and explore novel avenues for enhancing services and operational procedures. This dynamic encourages the emergence of improved and more streamlined approaches to tackle the continually evolving challenges of the digital business landscape.

Establishing a system of this nature necessitates careful attention to pivotal components, including corporate data, privacy measures, supply chain dynamics, and the realm of cloud computing. These multifaceted factors collectively introduce intricate security vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for a proactive stance to avert the occurrence of cyber threats.

Transitioning to cloud-based data modernisation represents a strategic move towards safeguarding the confidentiality of organisational data. Through the adoption of an agile resource approach and effective partnership with cloud service providers, entities can adeptly guarantee the adaptable and highly secure operation of the majority of their workloads.

Similarly, AI solutions exert significant influence over operational transformations, particularly within direct decision-making processes. Through the allocation of resources towards AI-driven decision intelligence, entities position themselves to make swift and well-suited choices on a substantial scale, consequently enhancing the overall calibre of their services.

Furthermore, organisations committed to delivering a unified and all-encompassing experience prioritise not only customer satisfaction but also employee and user contentment. By amalgamating previously distinct disciplines into a cohesive, user-centric ecosystem and redefining the user journey, they can wholeheartedly embrace a comprehensive and intricately detailed approach to solutions.

The OpenGov Breakfast Insight held on 14 September 2023 at the Shangri-La The Fort Manila discussed advanced technology and its benefits in digital transformation efforts to increase resources and collaborate more effectively to prioritise customer satisfaction in the Philippines’ government, education, healthcare, and financial services sectors.

Opening Remarks

Mohit Sagar∶ Cloud infrastructure allows scalable, reliable platforms for efficient public service delivery

Mohit Sagar, the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of OpenGov Asia, recognises that digital transformation has transcended its status as a mere trend. It has evolved into an indispensable requisite for businesses striving to thrive within today’s swiftly moving, technology-centric landscape.

Enterprises are swiftly embracing digital transformation – a comprehensive undertaking involving the infusion of digital technology into every aspect of their functioning to ensure competitiveness and significance.

The emergence of the pandemic accentuated the urgency of digital transformation. Digital collaboration tools, telemedicine, online shopping, and remote work transitioned from mere conveniences to essential pathways for survival.

Businesses that had already allocated resources to digital technologies discovered themselves in a more advantageous position to react, given the disruptions caused by lockdowns and social distancing measures to be established business frameworks.

Mohit reiterates that digital transformation has transitioned from an option to an obligatory imperative within this evolving terrain. It encompasses far more than mere procedural refinements or the development of an appealing website; it mandates a purposeful reconfiguration that permeates an organisation’s culture, procedures, and engagements with clients.

For an organisation to effectively embrace and leverage novel technologies, it needs more than just a handful of technologically adept staff members. The benefits of digital transformation should extend to all, spanning from top-level executives to frontline staff and clientele.

A cornerstone to achieving a thriving digital transformation is ensuring accessibility across all levels of an organisation’s structure and operations. In this context, accessibility encompasses the democratisation of technological knowledge and tools, making them readily available and comprehensible to a diverse range of individuals within the organisation. This not only involves catering to tech-savvy personnel but also bridging the knowledge gap for those who might be less familiar with intricate digital systems.

He stressed the paramount importance of organisations allocating financial resources towards comprehensive training and educational initiatives aimed at elevating the skill set of their workforce, a pivotal factor for the realisation of digital transformation endeavours. Employees must cultivate a level of digital literacy that enables them to proficiently navigate and leverage novel tools and systems.

“User-friendly interfaces are a requirement for technology solutions since they lessen the learning curve for both clients and staff,” Mohit explains. “The usage of intuitive designs improves customer satisfaction and adoption rates.”

Both usability and inclusivity fall under the umbrella of accessibility. It’s crucial for organisations to take into account the requirements of individuals with disabilities and ensure that digital solutions align with accessibility standards, thereby enabling universal usability, Mohit clarifies.

Cost considerations are intricately tied to the notion of accessibility. Recognising that not all enterprises can readily invest in cutting-edge technology, the preservation of scalability and cost-effectiveness remains pivotal in fostering extensive adoption.

Additionally, the bedrock of a thriving digital transformation is rooted in innovation. Consequently, organisations must continuously seek pioneering solutions, employing a variety of techniques, to effectively navigate the rapidly evolving digital terrain of today.

From Mohit’s perspective, instilling a culture of perpetual learning within the company is imperative. Sustaining flexibility and competitiveness hinges on fostering an environment that motivates employees to continuously update their knowledge of emerging technologies and market dynamics.

Furthermore, embracing experimentation often becomes a prerequisite for driving innovation. Establishing a secure space where team members can explore and experiment with new technologies and strategies is of paramount importance. Creating this safe haven eliminates concerns about potential failures, allowing for bold and inventive initiatives to be pursued without hindrance.

Access to new concepts and cutting-edge technologies is made possible by collaboration with startups, tech incubators, and other organisations. These collaborations can speed up the innovation process and yield insightful data, Mohit is convinced.

Innovation is distinguished by the utilisation of data analytics to steer decision-making, as data holds the power to unveil vital insights that aid businesses in identifying avenues for innovation and enhanced efficiency.

Similarly, the implementation of a robust cybersecurity strategy emerges as a critical necessity. This strategy commonly encompasses elements such as firewalls, encryption, regular system upgrades, and comprehensive employee training, all designed to effectively mitigate risks and safeguard organisational integrity.

Security breaches are an inevitable possibility. Hence, it is essential for businesses to establish and regularly update incident response plans. These measures are instrumental in mitigating the impact of security lapses and facilitating a swift and effective reaction when breaches do take place.

Mohit acknowledges that a key facet of security is the strict observance of data privacy regulations. In an era characterised by prevalent data breaches, prioritising the confidentiality of client data not only establishes trust but also fosters confidence. As an increasing volume of data migrates to cloud platforms, the safeguarding of cloud configurations becomes imperative.

To this end, the implementation of access controls, comprehensive data encryption, and meticulous security protocols emerge as a requisite. These measures collectively work to fortify the protective framework, ensuring the resilience of cloud-based systems against potential vulnerabilities and unauthorised access.

“The digital transformation process rests upon three primary pillars: accessibility, innovation, and security,” Mohit concludes. “In the swiftly evolving digital landscape of today, organisations that accord these factors precedence in their endeavours to effect digital change are better equipped to adeptly navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the dynamic digital ecosystem.”

Welcome Address

Raymond Remoquillo∶ A friendly interface is important for a satisfying user experience

Highlighting the significance of user experience, Raymond Remoquillo, Head, Enterprise and REL Business, Lenovo, underscores the imperative for organisations to prioritise an enhanced interface, thereby recognising that fostering positive relationships with customers and product or service users hinges on a robust understanding of user experience.

“A good interface not only provides user convenience, but also creates a positive impression, increases customer satisfaction, and enables the organisation to better meet user expectations,” Raymond says.

Amid intensifying business rivalry in today’s landscape, organisations capable of delivering an exceptional user experience stand to gain a substantial competitive edge, underscoring the vital strategic move of prioritising user experience through a robust interface as a crucial driver for the enduring success of the organisation.

Raymond explains that at Lenovo, a company dedicated to crafting software experiences for their PCs, they tailor their approach to cater to the diverse preferences of users. This is achieved by harnessing data research and engaging with customers to gather feedback, which is then transformed into valuable insights to enhance product design and development.

This strategy is integral to Lenovo’s commitment to ensuring that its products authentically align with users’ requirements and anticipations, resulting in a superb experience throughout every interaction with Lenovo devices.

In addition, Lenovo employs an array of methodologies to engineer efficient software experiences, encompassing ethnographic research, concept trials, online monitoring, and customer surveys. Nevertheless, the value of direct, in-person feedback from users remains unparalleled as it enables a profound comprehension of their perspectives on a product or service.

A continuous drive for improvement characterises Lenovo’s approach to software experience. Beginning from the initial stages of product conception and extending through development and post-purchase customer feedback, the Lenovo team collaborates closely with product managers, designers, and engineers to ensure that every facet, spanning from features to components, genuinely enriches the user’s software experience.

“Seeing people use our products for the first time can be very eye-opening for our team,” Raymond reveals. “Sometimes, product trials like this can even come up with creative solutions to potential problems that users don’t even know they’re experiencing.”

During the initial phases of product ideation, Lenovo places paramount importance on gaining a profound comprehension of user needs and preferences. To attain this objective, Lenovo employs a diverse array of research methodologies, including user interviews, behavioural analysis, and tracking industry trends. This comprehensive understanding of user desires provides a robust foundation upon which products embark on their journey.

“Post-product availability, Lenovo maintains its dedication to gathering feedback from users,” Raymond concludes. “Our unwavering commitment lies in consistently enhancing the software experience for our users, ensuring our competitiveness within the industry, and augmenting user satisfaction.”

In Conversation With

Arlene Romasanta∶ Employee well-being, a concern for organisations, is improved by accessible tech

Arlene Romasanta, the IT Director of the Knowledge and Information Systems Service (KISS) at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), highlighted that digital transformation efforts have markedly improved user experiences across diverse sectors in the Philippines, reshaping how businesses and organisations engage with customers, provide services, and conduct operations.

Within the banking and finance industry, digital transformation has ushered in a host of innovations, exemplified by the widespread adoption of mobile banking applications that allow users to easily conduct transactions, review balances, and even apply for loans through their smartphones.

Digital wallets and payment gateways have streamlined financial transactions, enabling online payments that minimise the necessity for in-person visits to banks or payment centres, ultimately enhancing convenience. Moreover, these endeavours have played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion by reaching underserved regions, thereby broadening access to banking services and financial products for a more extensive demographic.

Digital transformation has brought about significant enhancements in user experiences within the healthcare sector, with the emergence of telemedicine services standing out as a notable example. These services enable patients to remotely consult with healthcare professionals, Arlene observes.

Educational institutions have embraced online learning platforms, providing students with the convenience of accessing lectures, materials, and assignments from their residences. This transition has not only introduced greater flexibility to learning but has also democratised education by reaching individuals across the nation.

Furthermore, the integration of digital libraries has widened the availability of research materials and academic resources, proving advantageous for students and researchers, particularly in remote regions of the Philippines.

Government agencies have embraced digital transformation through the introduction of online portals for diverse services, encompassing tasks such as tax payments and license renewals. This shift allows citizens to conveniently carry out these transactions online, effectively streamlining administrative procedures and diminishing the necessity for in-person visits.

Alex Tay∶ A proactive security approach includes strategic planning, staff education and monitoring

Alex Tay, Solution Director Central Asia Pacific, Lenovo, notes that digital marketplaces and e-commerce platforms have revolutionised the online accessibility of a diverse array of products, often accompanied by user-friendly payment and delivery choices.

In parallel, digital transformation has enhanced the user-centric nature of transportation and logistics. Notably, ride-sharing applications have improved commuting convenience and safety within cities like Manila, empowering users to seamlessly book rides, monitor drivers’ progress, and make secure digital payments.

He additionally highlighted the prevalence of streaming services for movies, TV shows, and music, which have gained widespread popularity. These platforms empower users with the capability to enjoy content on their own terms, fostering a personalised and easily accessible entertainment experience.

Precision farming practices, facilitated by digital technologies such as sensors and IoT devices, have enabled farmers to optimise crop management. This has led to increased yields and profitability, improving the overall experience for those involved in agriculture.

Alex explains that at the heart of this imperative is the provision of advanced devices that empower employees with seamless remote work capabilities. This emphasis on accessibility takes on paramount importance due to several compelling reasons.

“Accessibility ensures universal access to technology, regardless of physical abilities or geographic location,” he elaborates. “Inclusivity is at the core of this approach, fostering a diverse and equitable workplace where every team member can contribute to their fullest potential.”

The remote work revolution amplifies the importance of accessible technology. As the global workforce undergoes a significant transition towards remote work, technology’s accessibility empowers employees to maintain efficiency from home or other remote settings.

Devices and technology solutions designed for accessibility incorporate user-friendly interfaces and features, minimising the learning curve and enhancing employees’ initial productivity. This absence of complex or unintuitive systems directly translates into heightened efficiency.

Arlene believes that technology accessibility is a pivotal aspect of disaster preparedness. The capacity to smoothly shift to remote work in times of crises, like natural disasters or public health emergencies, can determine whether business operations continue uninterrupted or face disruption.

Furthermore, accessible technology contributes positively to employee well-being, an increasingly vital consideration for organisations. It not only supports employees in their work but also demonstrates care for their physical and mental health, contributing to a positive workplace culture.

Alex underscores the significance of user-friendly interfaces as the foundation of contemporary technology, essential for boosting efficiency, encouraging innovation, and enabling smooth interactions for users engaging with essential services. Their pivotal role in the current digital milieu cannot be overstated, as they form the bedrock for crafting a positive and efficient user experience.

“At the heart of this significance is the capacity of user-friendly interfaces to streamline complex processes and tasks, thus boosting efficiency. When users are presented with intuitive, easy-to-navigate interfaces, they can swiftly and effectively accomplish their objectives. This reduces the time and effort required to complete tasks, translating into tangible gains in productivity.

Arlene agrees that user-friendly interfaces play a crucial role in making critical services accessible to a wider audience. By removing unnecessary complexity and incorporating design elements that accommodate various user needs, including those with disabilities, these interfaces ensure that essential services are inclusive and available to all. This inclusivity aligns with the principles of digital accessibility and serves as a cornerstone for organisations committed to serving diverse user bases.

In the face of constantly evolving and complex security challenges, organisations must adopt a comprehensive and proactive approach to safeguard their assets and operations. Embracing a multi-layered security approach that integrates various security measures across different levels ensures that even if one security layer is breached, others can provide essential protection.

It is of paramount importance to establish continuous training programmes aimed at educating employees about cybersecurity best practices, cultivating a culture of heightened security awareness. This approach ensures that employees remain vigilant and comprehend their pivotal role in thwarting security breaches.

Alex advocates the practice of maintaining up-to-date software, operating systems, and applications with the latest security patches, in addition to implementing robust identity and access management protocols.

He also emphasised the importance of formulating a comprehensive incident response plan that delineates the necessary steps to undertake in the event of a security breach. This plan should encompass communication protocols, delineate roles and responsibilities, and outline strategies for mitigating damage and expediting recovery processes.

Closing Remarks

Raymond expressed his gratitude for the vibrant participation in the OpenGov Breakfast Insight, highlighting the multifaceted discussions from various entities and institutions that contribute to enriching fresh perspectives and knowledge regarding the acceleration of digital transformation for enhancing user and customer services.

He emphasised that ensuring user satisfaction during interface interactions stands as an imperative and inescapable facet. This focus arises from the understanding that a comfortable and intuitive user interface profoundly impacts the overall user experience.

The efficacy of interface design and its accessibility directly correlates with the potential to cultivate a positive user experience. Hence, prioritising the cultivation of a gratifying user experience becomes an essential mandate in the pursuit of delivering high-calibre technological solutions.

Raymond acknowledges the pivotal role of integrating users into the product development process, acknowledging their intrinsic value as a wellspring of insights for crafting impactful technological solutions.

As an SOP, OpenGov Asia frequently engages in direct communication with users, attentively considers their feedback, and organises product trial sessions. This proactive approach empowers his team to gain an enhanced comprehension of user requirements and preferences, thereby enabling them to engineer products that impeccably align with user expectations and necessities.

Mohit further underscored that technological advancement encompasses more than just the creation of technically sophisticated products; it encompasses the cultivation of a gratifying user experience. He firmly believes that robust technology should harmonise with an intuitive interface to deliver optimal value to users.

Incorporating user experience as a paramount consideration represents a strategic response to the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that typify the ongoing digital transformation era. Mohit agrees that aligning technology solutions with user-centric principles constitutes a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of this evolving landscape.

By directing attention towards the user’s needs, preferences, and expectations, technology can seamlessly metamorphose into a more impactful and valuable tool. This shift in perspective not only enhances the functionality of technological solutions but also augments the overarching quality of the customer experience.

This holistic approach serves as a bridge between technological innovation and end-user satisfaction, fostering a symbiotic relationship that propels both product excellence and customer contentment in the contemporary digital landscape.

“A product’s success isn’t just based on its features and how well it works, but also on how well it makes people feel and how much it helps them,” Mohit concludes.

Eksklusif! Mengakselerasi Transformasi Digital Melalui Solusi Teknologi Inovatif, Aman dan Mudah Diakses

Dalam beberapa tahun terakhir, Filipina telah menyaksikan pertumbuhan yang luar biasa dalam upaya memulai transformasi digital di berbagai sektor. Hal ini berhasil mengubah cara operasi bisnis untuk meningkatkan user experience guna meningkatkan kompetisi di market.

Peningkatan user experience adalah kunci dalam layanan publik. Organisasi harus berkomitmen dalam peningkatan pelayanan public melalui adopsi teknologi yang mudah diakses dan user friendly. Ini adalah langkah krusial untuk menyediakan layanan yang lebih efisien dan nyaman bagi masyarakat. Dengan beralih ke infrastruktur berbasis cloud, organisasi layanan publik memiliki kemampuan untuk mengimplementasikan aplikasi dan platform dengan sumber daya yang dapat ditingkatkan dan andal. Hal ini memungkinkan mereka untuk memberikan layanan yang responsif dan mulus, memenuhi kebutuhan masyarakat dengan lebih baik.

Interface yang user-friendly adalah kunci utama dalam meningkatkan produktivitas dan menciptakan pengalaman yang lebih mulus untuk dapat mengakses layanan penting. Hal ini didasarkan dari aplikasi perangkat lunak yang lebih mudah dimengerti, sehingga user tidak memakan waktu lama untuk memahaminya.

Lebih dari itu, interface yang user-friendly juga menciptakan budaya inovasi dan ketangkasan di dalam organisasi. Dengan user yang merasa nyaman dan percaya diri dalam menggunakan teknologi, tim di dalam organisasi didorong untuk berpikir kreatif dan mencari cara-cara baru untuk meningkatkan layanan dan proses kerja. Ini membuka pintu bagi solusi yang lebih baik dan lebih efisien untuk mengatasi tantangan yang terus berkembang dalam dunia bisnis digital.

Tentunya, dalam upaya untuk menciptakan sistem seperti ini, diperlukan pertimbangan terhadap elemen-elemen kunci seperti data perusahaan, privasi, rantai pasokan, dan komputasi cloud. Semua faktor ini membawa risiko keamanan yang kompleks yang menuntut pendekatan yang proaktif untuk mencegah terjadinya ancaman siber.

Modernisasi data berbasis cloud adalah langkah yang tepat untuk mengamankan privasi data organisasi. Dengan menerapkan strategi sumber daya yang responsif dan berkolaborasi dengan penyedia layanan cloud, organisasi dapat dengan percaya diri memastikan bahwa sebagian besar beban kerja mereka akan berjalan fleksibel dan sangat aman.

Lebih jauh, solusi AI juga membawa dampak besar dalam perubahan operasi, terutama dalam pengambilan keputusan langsung. Dengan berinvestasi dalam AI untuk pengambilan keputusan, organisasi dapat mempersiapkan diri untuk membuat keputusan dengan cepat dan tepat dalam skala besar, yang juga akan berdampak pada peningkatan kualitas layanan secara keseluruhan.

Solusi AI juga membawa dampak besar dalam perubahan operasi, terutama dalam pengambilan keputusan langsung. Dengan menginvestasikan teknologi AI untuk pengambilan keputusan, organisasi dapat mempersiapkan diri untuk membuat keputusan dengan cepat dan tepat dalam skala besar, yang pada gilirannya akan meningkatkan kualitas layanan secara keseluruhan.

Di sisi lain, organisasi yang berusaha memberikan pengalaman yang mulus dan holistik memberikan prioritas tinggi pada customer experience, employee experience, machine experience, and user experience. Dengan menciptakan lingkungan yang terpadu dan berfokus pada user melalui integrasi disiplin yang sebelumnya terpisah, pemetaan ulang perjalanan user, mereka dapat merangkul pendekatan solusi yang komprehensif dan mendalam.

OpenGov Breakfast Insight yang diselenggarakan pada tanggal 14 September 2023 di Shangri-La The Fort Manila membahas terkait teknologi canggih dan manfaatnya dalam upaya transformasi digital guna meningkatkan sumber daya dan berkolaborasi lebih baik dengan mengedepankan kepuasan dalam pelayanan.

Salam Pembuka

Mohit Sagar∶ Cloud memungkinkan lembaga pemerintah dapat mengembangkan platform untuk kelancaran pelayanan publik

Mohit Sagar, CEO dan Kepala Redaktur OpenGov Asia, mengakui bahwa transformasi digital telah melampaui status sebagai tren semata. Ini telah berkembang menjadi keharusan yang tak terhindarkan bagi bisnis yang berupaya untuk berkembang dalam lanskap teknologi yang cepat bergerak saat ini.

Perusahaan dengan cepat mengadopsi transformasi digital – suatu usaha komprehensif yang melibatkan penggabungan teknologi digital ke dalam setiap aspek fungsinya untuk memastikan daya saing dan relevansi.

Munculnya pandemi menekankan urgensi terhadap transformasi digital. Alat-alat kolaborasi digital, telemedis, belanja online, dan bekerja jarak jauh beralih dari sekadar kemudahan menjadi hal penting yang harus dipertahankan.

Mohit menekankan bahwa transformasi digital telah berubah dari yang awalnya adalah sebuah pilihan, kini menjadi sebuah keharusan. Tentunya, hal ini mencakup ke dalam penyempurnaan prosedur dan kecakapan dalam pembuatan website.

Sebuah organisasi secara efektif harus merangkul dan memanfaatkan teknologi baru, diperlukan bukan hanya sekadar beberapa anggota staf yang mahir dalam teknologi, tetapi juga termasuk di dalamya pemerataan transformasi digital, mulai dari eksekutif tingkat atas hingga staf tingkat awal, hingga klien.

Untuk mencapai transformasi digital yang berhasil yaitu dengan memastikan aksesibilitas di seluruh tingkatan struktur dan operasi organisasi dapat disalurkan dengan baik. Dalam konteks ini, aksesibilitas mencakup demokratisasi pengetahuan dan alat teknologi, menjadikannya tersedia dan dapat dimengerti oleh beragam individu dalam organisasi. Hal ini tidak hanya melibatkan personal yang mahir dalam teknologi tetapi juga mengisi kesenjangan pengetahuan bagi mereka yang mungkin kurang familiar dengan sistem digital yang rumit.

Dia menekankan pentingnya organisasi mengalokasikan sumber daya keuangan untuk pelatihan komprehensif dan inisiatif pendidikan yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan tenaga kerja mereka, faktor kunci untuk mewujudkan upaya transformasi digital. Karyawan harus mengembangkan tingkat literasi digital yang memungkinkan mereka untuk dengan mahir menavigasi dan memanfaatkan alat dan sistem baru.

“Interface yang user-friendly adalah keharusan untuk solusi teknologi karena mereka mengurangi kurva pembelajaran baik bagi klien maupun staf,” jelas Mohit. “Penggunaan desain yang intuitif dapat meningkatkan kepuasan pelanggan itu sendiri.”

“Kemudahan penggunaan dan inklusivitas termasuk dalam cakupan aksesibilitas juga diperlukan. Penting bagi organisasi untuk mempertimbangkan kebutuhan individu dengan disabilitas dan memastikan bahwa solusi digital sesuai dengan standar aksesibilitas, sehingga memungkinkan penggunaan universal,” klarifikasi Mohit.

Pertimbangan biaya secara kompleks terkait dengan gagasan aksesibilitas. Mengakui bahwa tidak semua perusahaan dapat dengan mudah berinvestasi dalam teknologi mutakhir, pelestarian skalabilitas dan efektivitas biaya tetap penting dalam memupuk adopsi yang luas.

Selain itu, pondasi dari transformasi digital yang berhasil terletak pada inovasi. Oleh karena itu, organisasi harus terus-menerus mencari solusi yang berpionir, dengan menggunakan berbagai teknik, untuk secara efektif menjelajahi medan digital yang cepat berubah saat ini.

Mohit berpandangan bahwa menanamkan budaya pembelajaran yang berkelanjutan dalam perusahaan adalah hal yang sangat penting. Mempertahankan fleksibilitas dan daya saing bergantung pada bagaimana sebuah perusahaan dapat menciptakan lingkungan yang memotivasi karyawan untuk terus memperbarui pengetahuan mereka tentang teknologi dan dinamika pasar yang muncul.

Selain itu, merangkul eksperimen seringkali menjadi prasyarat untuk mendorong inovasi. Membentuk ruang aman di mana anggota tim dapat menjelajahi dan bereksperimen dengan teknologi dan strategi baru juga merupakan hal yang sangat penting. Dengan menciptakan tempat yang aman ini, kekhawatiran dengan potensi gagal dapat dihilangkan, sehingga dapat menciptakan inisiatif dan inovatif.

Akses ke konsep-konsep baru dan teknologi mutakhir juga akan tercipta secara utuh melalui kolaborasi dengan startup, inkubator teknologi, dan organisasi lainnya. Melalui kolaborasi-kolaborasi ini, dapat mempercepat proses inovasi dan menghasilkan data yang bermanfaat, keyakinan Mohit.

Demikian pula, implementasi strategi keamanan siber yang saat ini menjadi dasar kebutuhan yang signifikan. Strategi ini umumnya mencakup hal-hal permasalahan yang berhubungan dengan firewall, enkripsi, peningkatan sistem secara berkala, dan pelatihan karyawan yang komprehensif, semua dirancang untuk secara efektif mengurangi risiko dan melindungi integritas organisasi.

Pelanggaran keamanan adalah kemungkinan yang tak terhindarkan. Oleh karena itu, penting bagi bisnis untuk menetapkan dan secara rutin memperbarui rencana respons insiden. Langkah-langkah ini sangat penting dalam mengurangi dampak pelanggaran keamanan dan memfasilitasi reaksi yang cepat dan efektif ketika pelanggaran terjadi.

Mohit menegaskan bahwa kunci dari keamanan adalah membenntuk dan mempraktikan pengawasan ketat terhadap peraturan privasi data. Di era dengan kasus pelanggaran data yang meluas, memprioritaskan kerahasiaan data pelanggan tidak hanya dapat membangun kepercayaan tetapi juga meningkatkan keyakinan.

Untuk mencapai hal ini, implementasi kontrol akses, enkripsi data komprehensif, dan protokol keamanan, muncul sebagai keharusan. Langkah-langkah ini akan memperkuat kerangka perlindungan, memastikan ketahanan sistem berbasis cloud terhadap potensi kerentanan dan akses yang tidak sah.

“Proses transformasi digital bergantung pada tiga pilar utama: aksesibilitas, inovasi, dan keamanan,” Simpul Mohit. “Dalam lanskap digital yang cepat berubah saat ini, organisasi yang memberi prioritas pada faktor-faktor ini dalam upaya mereka untuk mengubah digital lebih baik dilengkapi untuk dengan cekatan menghadapi tantangan dan peluang yang ditawarkan oleh ekosistem digital yang dinamis.”

Welcome Address

Raymond Remoquillo∶ Interface yang ramah adalah penting untuk kepuasan user experience

“Banyak organisasi akan mengatakan bahwa mereka berorientasi pada pelanggan. Tetapi, kami menjalaninya dalam setiap produk yang kami buat,” ucap Raymond Remoquillo, Head, Enterprise and REL Business , Lenovo Philippines dalam sambutannya. Dalam hal ini, Raymond menekankan pentingnya sebuah organisasi untuk mengedepankan user experience melalui interface yang baik.

Dengan mengedepankan pentingnya user experience melalui interface yang baik, sebuah organisasi dapat lebih memahami bahwa user experience merupakan salah satu faktor utama dalam membangun hubungan yang positif dengan pelanggan dan user produk atau layanan. Sebuah interface yang baik tidak hanya memberikan kemudahan user, tetapi juga menciptakan kesan positif, meningkatkan kepuasan pelanggan, dan memungkinkan organisasi untuk memenuhi harapan user dengan lebih baik.

Di tengah kompetisi bisnis yang semakin ketat di era saat ini, organisasi yang mampu memberikan user experience yang unggul akan memiliki keunggulan kompetitif yang signifikan. Oleh karena itu, mengutamakan user experience melalui interface yang baik menjadi langkah strategis yang sangat penting bagi kesuksesan jangka panjang sebuah organisasi.

Raymond memaparkan bahwa Lenovo, sebuah perusahaan yang berfokus untuk meningkatkan pengalaman software pada PC mereka, menyesuaikan dengan keinginan user yang variatif. Lenovo melakukannya melalui penelitian data serta berinteraksi dengan pelanggan untuk mendapatkan feedback. Data tersebut kemudian diracik dan dijadikan sebuah wawasan untuk perancangan dan pengembangan produk yang lebih baik. Ini adalah bagian integral dari pendekatan Lenovo untuk memastikan bahwa produk mereka benar-benar memenuhi kebutuhan dan harapan user, sehingga menciptakan pengalaman yang luar biasa dalam setiap interaksi dengan perangkat Lenovo.

Lenovo menggunakan beragam metode untuk menciptakan pengalaman software yang efisien, termasuk penelitian etnografis, uji coba konsep, pemantauan daring, dan survei pelanggan.

Namun, tidak ada yang benar-benar menggantikan feedback langsung dan tatap muka dengan user untuk memahami dengan mendalam kesan mereka terhadap produk atau layanan.

“Melihat orang menggunakan produk kami untuk pertama kalinya bisa sangat membuka mata bagi tim kami. Terkadang, uji coba produk semacam ini bahkan dapat memunculkan solusi kreatif bagi masalah potensial yang bahkan user sendiri tidak tahu bahwa mereka mengalaminya,” ungkap Raymond secara antusias.

Terus diberlakukan upaya perbaikan dalam pengalaman software. Dimulai dari konsepsi awal produk hingga tahap pengembangan dan feedback dari pelanggan setelah pembelian, tim kami beroperasi bersama-sama dengan manajer produk, desainer, dan insinyur produk untuk memastikan bahwa setiap aspek, dari fitur hingga komponen, benar-benar meningkatkan user experience dengan perangkat lunak.

Dalam fase ideasi produk yang paling awal, fokus Lenovo terletak pada pemahaman yang mendalam mengenai kebutuhan dan preferensi user. Untuk mencapainya, Lenovo menerapkan beragam metode penelitian, termasuk wawancara user, analisis perilaku, dan pemantauan tren industri. Dengan memiliki pemahaman yang mendalam tentang apa yang diinginkan oleh user, produk kami memulai perjalanannya dengan fondasi yang kokoh.

Saat pengembangan produk berlangsung, kolaborasi yang erat antara tim, manajer produk, desainer, dan insinyur adalah kunci. Lenovo bekerja bersama untuk memastikan bahwa setiap aspek produk, mulai dari interface user hingga kinerja perangkat lunak, mencerminkan visi user experience yang unggul. Reguler, Lenovo menguji produk untuk mengidentifikasi masalah atau perbaikan yang diperlukan.

Setelah produk tersedia untuk pelanggan, Lenovo terus mengumpulkan feedback dari user. “Komitmen kami adalah untuk terus memberikan pengalaman software yang terus ditingkatkan kepada user kami untuk tetap bertahan dalam berkompetisi dalam industri dan meningkatkan kepuasan user itu sendiri,” tutup Raymond.

In Conversation With

Arlene Romasanta ∶ Kesejahteraan karyawan dapat ditingkatkan dengan aksesibilitas teknologi

Arlene Romasanta, Direktur IT Service Knowledge and Information Systems (KISS) di Departemen Lingkungan dan Sumber Daya Alam (DENR), menyoroti bahwa upaya transformasi digital belakangan ini telah secara signifikan meningkatkan user experience di berbagai sektor di Filipina, mengubah cara bisnis dan organisasi berinteraksi dengan pelanggan, menyediakan layanan, dan menjalankan operasinya.

Dalam industri perbankan dan keuangan, transformasi digital telah membawa berbagai inovasi, terutama dengan adopsi luas aplikasi perbankan seluler yang memungkinkan user untuk dengan mudah melakukan transaksi, memeriksa saldo, dan bahkan mengajukan pinjaman melalui smartphone mereka.

Dompet digital telah menyederhanakan transaksi keuangan, memungkinkan pembayaran online yang mengurangi kebutuhan untuk kunjungan langsung ke bank atau pusat pembayaran, sehingga meningkatkan kenyamanan. Selain itu, upaya ini telah memainkan peran penting dalam meningkatkan inklusi keuangan dengan mencapai daerah-daerah yang kurang dilayani, sehingga memperluas akses ke layanan perbankan dan produk keuangan untuk demografi yang lebih luas.

Transformasi digital telah membawa perbaikan signifikan dalam userexperience dalam sektor kesehatan, dengan munculnya layanan telemedis sebagai contoh yang mencolok. Layanan ini memungkinkan pasien untuk berkonsultasi dengan profesional kesehatan secara jarak jauh, demikian yang diobservasi oleh Arlene.

Lembaga pendidikan telah merangkul platform pembelajaran online, memberikan siswa kemudahan dalam mengakses kuliah, materi, dan tugas dari tempat tinggal mereka. Transisi ini tidak hanya memberikan fleksibilitas yang lebih besar dalam pembelajaran, tetapi juga mendemokratisasi pendidikan dengan mencapai individu di seluruh negara.

Selain itu, integrasi perpustakaan digital telah memperluas ketersediaan bahan penelitian dan sumber daya akademis, membuktikan keuntungannya bagi siswa dan peneliti, terutama di daerah-daerah terpencil di Filipina.

Badan pemerintah telah merangkul transformasi digital melalui pengenalan portal online untuk berbagai layanan, termasuk tugas seperti pembayaran pajak dan perpanjangan lisensi. Pergeseran ini memungkinkan warga untuk dengan mudah melakukan transaksi ini secara online, secara efektif menyederhanakan prosedur administratif dan mengurangi kebutuhan untuk kunjungan langsung.

Alex Tay ∶ Pendekatan keamanan proaktif adalah hal penting untuk berkelanjutan

Alex Tay, Solution Director Central Asia Pacific di Lenovo, mencatat bahwa pasar digital dan platform e-commerce telah merevolusi aksesibilitas online ke berbagai produk, seringkali dilengkapi dengan pilihan pembayaran dan pengiriman yang user-friendly.

Secara paralel, transformasi digital telah meningkatkan sifat berpusat pada user dalam transportasi dan logistik. Terutama, aplikasi berbagi perjalanan telah meningkatkan kenyamanan dan keamanan dalam perjalanan di kota-kota seperti Manila, memberdayakan user untuk dengan mudah memesan perjalanan, memantau kemajuan pengemudi, dan melakukan pembayaran digital yang aman.

Dia juga menyoroti prevalensi layanan streaming untuk film, acara TV, dan musik, yang telah mendapatkan popularitas luas. Platform ini memberdayakan user dengan kemampuan untuk menikmati konten sesuai dengan keinginan mereka sendiri, mendorong pengalaman hiburan yang personal dan mudah diakses.

Praktik pertanian presisi, difasilitasi oleh teknologi digital seperti sensor dan perangkat IoT, telah memungkinkan petani untuk mengoptimalkan pengelolaan tanaman. Hal ini telah menghasilkan peningkatan hasil dan profitabilitas, meningkatkan pengalaman keseluruhan bagi mereka yang terlibat dalam pertanian.

Tay menjelaskan bahwa inti dari imperatif ini adalah penyediaan perangkat canggih yang memberdayakan karyawan dengan kemampuan kerja jarak jauh yang lancar. Penekanan pada aksesibilitas ini menjadi sangat penting karena beberapa alasan yang kuat.

“Aksesibilitas memastikan akses universal ke teknologi, terlepas dari kemampuan fisik atau lokasi geografis,” katanya. “Inklusivitas ada di inti pendekatan ini, mempromosikan tempat kerja yang beragam dan adil di mana setiap anggota tim dapat berkontribusi sebaik mungkin.”

Revolusi kerja jarak jauh memperkuat pentingnya teknologi yang dapat diakses. Saat angkatan kerja global mengalami transisi penting menuju kerja jarak jauh, aksesibilitas teknologi memberdayakan karyawan untuk menjaga efisiensi dari rumah atau pengaturan jarak jauh lainnya.

Perangkat dan solusi teknologi yang dirancang untuk aksesibilitas mencakup interface dan fitur yang user-friendly dapat mengurangi kurva pembelajaran dan meningkatkan produktivitas awal karyawan. Keberadaan sistem yang kompleks atau tidak intuitif secara langsung berdampak pada ketidakefisiensian

Arlene percaya bahwa aksesibilitas teknologi adalah aspek kunci dalam kesiapsiagaan bencana. Kemampuan untuk dengan lancar beralih ke kerja jarak jauh dalam situasi krisis, seperti bencana alam atau darurat kesehatan masyarakat, dapat menentukan apakah operasi bisnis berlanjut tanpa gangguan atau mengalami gangguan.

Selain itu, teknologi yang dapat diakses berkontribusi positif terhadap kesejahteraan karyawan, pertimbangan yang semakin penting bagi organisasi. Ini tidak hanya mendukung karyawan dalam pekerjaan mereka, tetapi juga menunjukkan kepedulian terhadap kesehatan fisik dan mental mereka, berkontribusi pada budaya kerja yang positif.

Tay menegaskan pentingnya interface yang user-friendly sebagai dasar teknologi kontemporer, yang penting untuk meningkatkan efisiensi, mendorong inovasi, dan memungkinkan interaksi yang lancar bagi user yang berinteraksi dengan layanan penting. Peran kunci mereka dalam lingkungan digital saat ini tidak bisa diremehkan, karena mereka membentuk dasar untuk menciptakan user-experience yang positif dan efisien.

“Inti dari pentingnya UX yang baik adalah kemampuan interface yang user-friendly untuk menyederhanakan proses dan tugas yang kompleks, sehingga meningkatkan efisiensi. Ketika user disajikan dengan interface yang intuitif dan mudah dinavigasi, mereka dapat dengan cepat dan efektif menyelesaikan tujuan mereka. Ini mengurangi waktu dan upaya yang dibutuhkan untuk menyelesaikan tugas, yang berarti mendapatkan keuntungan yang nyata dalam produktivitas.”

Arlene setuju bahwa interface yang user-friendly memainkan peran penting dalam membuat layanan penting dapat diakses oleh audiens yang lebih luas. Dengan menghilangkan kompleksitas yang tidak perlu dan menggabungkan elemen desain yang mengakomodasi berbagai kebutuhan user, termasuk mereka yang memiliki disabilitas, interface ini memastikan bahwa layanan penting bersifat inklusif dan tersedia untuk semua orang. Inklusivitas ini sejalan dengan prinsip aksesibilitas digital dan berfungsi sebagai landasan bagi organisasi yang berkomitmen untuk melayani beragam basis user.

Di tengah tantangan keamanan yang terus berubah dan kompleks, organisasi harus mengadopsi pendekatan yang komprehensif dan proaktif untuk melindungi aset dan operasi mereka. Mengadopsi pendekatan keamanan berlapis yang mengintegrasikan berbagai langkah keamanan pada berbagai tingkat memastikan bahwa bahkan jika satu lapisan keamanan ditembus, yang lain dapat memberikan perlindungan penting.

Sangat penting untuk menetapkan program pelatihan berkelanjutan yang bertujuan untuk mendidik karyawan tentang praktik keamanan siber terbaik, membudayakan budaya kesadaran keamanan yang tinggi. Pendekatan ini memastikan bahwa karyawan tetap waspada dan memahami peran kunci mereka dalam mencegah pelanggaran keamanan.

Tay mendukung praktik memelihara perangkat lunak, sistem operasi, aplikasi yang selalu terbaru dengan pembaruan keamanan terbaru, serta menerapkan protokol manajemen identitas dan akses yang kuat.

Dia juga menekankan pentingnya merumuskan rencana tanggap insiden komprehensif yang menguraikan langkah-langkah yang perlu diambil dalam menghadapi ancaman keamanan. Rencana ini harus mencakup protokol komunikasi, mendefinisikan peran dan tanggung jawab, serta menguraikan strategi untuk mengurangi kerusakan dan mempercepat proses pemulihan.

Salam Penutup

Raymond Remoquillo mengapresiasi para partisipan yang turut aktif dalam sesi OpenGov Breakfast Insight kali ini. Pendiskusian yang cukup kompleks dari berbagai entitas dan institusi memperkaya wawasan dan pengetahuan baru terkait percepatan digital transformasi guna meningkatkan pelayanan user dan pelanggan.

Ia menggarisbawahi kembali bahwa kepuasan user saat berinteraksi dengan interface adalah aspek yang sangat penting dan tak terhindarkan. Hal ini menjadi fokus utama karena penggunaan yang nyaman dan intuitif dari interface user akan membawa dampak besar pada pengalaman keseluruhan user. Semakin baik interface ini dirancang dan semakin mudah diakses, semakin besar potensi untuk menciptakan pengalaman yang positif bagi para user. Oleh karena itu, menjadikan user experience yang memuaskan sebagai prioritas utama adalah suatu keharusan dalam upaya menghadirkan solusi teknologi yang berkualitas tinggi.

Selain itu, Mohit juga menambahkan pentingnya melibatkan user dalam proses pengembangan produk. Menurutnya, user adalah sumber informasi yang sangat berharga dalam merancang solusi teknologi yang efektif. Oleh karena itu, ia sering berkomunikasi langsung dengan user, mendengarkan feedback mereka, dan mengadakan sesi uji coba produk. Dengan cara ini, timnya dapat memahami kebutuhan dan preferensi user dengan lebih baik, sehingga mereka dapat merancang produk yang lebih sesuai dengan harapan dan kebutuhan user.

Mohit juga menekankan bahwa pengembangan teknologi tidak hanya tentang menciptakan produk yang canggih secara teknis, tetapi juga tentang menciptakan user experience yang memuaskan. Ia berpandangan bahwa teknologi yang kuat harus diimbangi dengan interface yang mudah digunakan agar dapat memberikan nilai maksimal bagi user. Dengan kata lain, keberhasilan sebuah produk tidak hanya diukur dari segi fitur dan performa, tetapi juga dari sejauh mana user merasa nyaman dan terbantu oleh penggunaannya.

Dalam pandangan Mohit, mengedepankan user experience adalah langkah penting dalam menjawab tantangan dan peluang di era transformasi digital saat ini. Ia yakin bahwa dengan perhatian yang difokuskan pada user, teknologi dapat menjadi alat yang lebih bermanfaat dan dapat meningkatkan kualitas hidup manusia secara keseluruhan.

Australia and India Advancing Cloud Computing Privacy

The University of Wollongong (UOW) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur have joined forces in a pioneering effort funded by the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership. This grant, facilitated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is poised to advance the field of privacy in cloud computing, a critical domain in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Heading this ambitious project is Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo, an ARC Australian Laureate Fellow at UOW. His team, which includes experts such as Dr. Khoa Nguyen, Dr. Yannan Li (an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Fellow), and Dr Partha Sarathi Roy, will collaborate with Professor Manindra Agrawal from IIT Kanpur. Together, they are committed to exploring and developing practical cryptographic techniques that enhance privacy in cloud computing.

Cloud computing has become an indispensable component of contemporary life, permeating various aspects, from data storage and processing to document sharing and international collaboration. However, this ubiquity also introduces significant challenges when it comes to safeguarding sensitive information. While the art of digital cryptography offers essential tools for data protection in the cloud, conventional techniques may not be sufficiently equipped to address the unique privacy and security intricacies presented by modern cloud computing.

A key aspect of this initiative involves the standardisation of cryptographic techniques. Standardisation ensures that these methods are not only robust but also interoperable, capable of seamless integration across diverse cloud platforms, applications, and countries.

The primary objective of this project is to identify standardisation challenges within the realm of cloud computing privacy and security, both in Australia and India. Subsequently, these challenges will be met head-on with innovative privacy-enhancing cryptographic methodologies. The research team will evaluate the effectiveness of existing technologies, measuring their real-world impact, and validating whether they achieve the desired standardisation levels.

Professor Susilo underscores the strategic importance of this endeavour, stating that it will position UOW firmly within India through collaborative research efforts. UOW’s Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology has consistently been at the forefront of cybersecurity research in Australia. This project will leverage its strategic position and foster a robust partnership with its Indian counterpart, IIT Kanpur. Furthermore, it has the potential to strengthen Australia-India collaboration in the realm of cybersecurity standardisation, promising a future marked by enhanced digital security and privacy.

In addition to its academic partnerships, the team will leverage the support of industry giants. These corporate collaborations will provide invaluable resources and real-world insights to inform the development of privacy-enhancing cryptographic techniques. Simultaneously, the project will also engage with startups from UOW’s business incubator, iAccelarate and Indian companies, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that spans the spectrum of technological innovation.

Recognising the complexity and multifaceted nature of privacy concerns in cloud computing, the project will also tap into the expertise of the UOW School of Law. Legal scholars will provide consultation and insights, ensuring that the research aligns seamlessly with privacy and legal standards, further enhancing its practicality and real-world applicability.

The significance of this collaborative effort transcends borders and disciplines. By addressing the critical challenges posed by cloud computing security and privacy, it not only advances the field of cryptography but also contributes to the broader goals of cybersecurity and technological innovation. As our reliance on cloud computing continues to grow, ensuring the privacy and security of sensitive data is paramount. This project promises to deliver tangible solutions that will not only benefit Australia and India but also have a ripple effect, influencing global standards in the field of cloud computing privacy and security.

The partnership between the University of Wollongong and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, supported by the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership grant, represents a significant step forward in the quest to enhance privacy in cloud computing.

With a diverse team of experts, strong industry collaborations, and a commitment to standardisation, this initiative holds the promise of advancing both the academic and practical aspects of cybersecurity, contributing to a safer and more secure digital future for all.

Synchronisation for Seamless Cloud Gaming

Synchronising devices with each other continues to be a persistent challenge in cloud gaming and the broader networking realm. In cloud gaming, a central source streams video, audio, and haptic feedback to various devices, including a player’s screen and controller. These devices often use different networks, which are not synchronised, resulting in a delay between the visual and auditory experiences. For instance, a player may observe an event on the screen and then hear it through their controller, but there could be a delay of half a second.

In light of this, MIT and software company researchers have adopted an innovative method for aligning streams sent to two devices. They introduced an inaudible white noise pattern into the game audio sent from the cloud server. Subsequently, they monitor the player’s controller-recorded audio for the presence of these patterns. Their system is called Ekho.

Ekho utilises the discrepancy between these noise patterns to consistently gauge and rectify the delay between streams. The researchers demonstrated that Ekho exhibits exceptional reliability in practical cloud gaming scenarios. It can maintain synchronisation within a deviation of fewer than ten milliseconds most of the time. In contrast, alternative synchronisation approaches consistently incurred delays exceeding 50 milliseconds.

Furthermore, while Ekho was developed explicitly for cloud gaming, this method has broader applications for aligning media streams sent to various devices, such as in training scenarios involving multiple augmented or virtual reality headsets.

Numerous methods aim to synchronise clocks through a ping-pong messaging system. In this process, a device initiates a ping message to the server, which then responds with a pong message. The device measures the round trip time for the transmission and divides it by two to estimate the network delay.

However, the network route is often uneven, causing the message to take longer to reach the server than for the response to return. Consequently, this approach needs to be more reliable and can introduce errors of several hundred milliseconds. Typically, humans can detect interstream delay when it surpasses ten milliseconds.

In their synchronisation in cloud gaming, the team conducted experiments focusing on game audio. In cloud gaming, the controller’s microphone captures the ambient audio within the room, including the game audio emanating from the screen’s speakers, and transmits it to the server.

Unfortunately, this approach is plagued by unreliability due to background noise interference. To address this issue, they developed Ekho. This solution discreetly inserts nearly imperceptible sequences of white noise, known as pseudo-noise, into the game audio before it is streamed to the player’s screen, harnessing these sequences for synchronisation.

The Ekho-Estimator module incorporates pseudo-noise sequences into game audio and, upon receiving the recorded game audio from the controller, detects these markers to align the streams accurately. This precise alignment data is then sent to the Ekho-Compensator module, which adjusts the server’s game audio by omitting a few milliseconds of sound or adding a few milliseconds of silence to synchronise the streams.

In actual cloud streaming sessions, Ekho outperformed other synchronisation methods, maintaining inter stream delays at less than ten milliseconds for almost 87% of the time, even when dealing with poor microphone quality or background noise in the recording. None of the other methods the team tested achieved a delay reduction below 50 milliseconds.

Encouraged by these outcomes, the researchers aim to assess Ekho’s performance in more intricate scenarios, such as aligning five controllers with a single-screen device.

Furthermore, considering that Ekho was initially designed for cloud gaming and had its range constraints, future endeavours may focus on improving Ekho’s capability to synchronise devices located at significant distances from one another, such as in an ample space like a concert hall.

Digital Tech for Animal Wellness

A Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) partner company, a digital health cloud-based platform, has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hong Kong Institute of Animal Assisted Intervention (HKIAAI) and a pet training company in Hong Kong.

Their collaboration aims to explore the advanced application of retinal image analysis for assessing the health of companion animals. This innovative approach, built upon HVB’s patented “Automatic Retinal Image Analysis (ARIA)” technology, offers a non-invasive and quick preliminary screening solution to evaluate the health and detect potential risks in companion animals.

The Head of the Institute for Translational Research at HKSTP expressed the Park’s commitment to supporting translational research, product development, and commercialisation to solidify Hong Kong’s position as a leader in biomedical technology. She highlighted the significance of HVB’s expansion of the ARIA technology into the realm of animals, which will accelerate the development of the global companion animal healthcare market through technological innovations.

“Companion animals” are defined by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) as domesticated or domestically bred animals whose physical, emotional, behavioural, and social needs can be met as companions in households or close daily interactions with humans.

Keeping companion animals has become a popular lifestyle trend, primarily involving cats and dogs. Research has indicated that owning such animals is linked to improved cognitive health and reduced emotional stress. Studies have even shown synchronised stress levels between dogs and their owners.

In Hong Kong, a 2019 survey by the Census and Statistics Department revealed that over 240,000 households cared for approximately 400,000 cats and dogs. Other statistics predict significant growth in the pet industry, from US$320 billion in the present year to nearly $500 billion by 2030.

With the rising number of pets and companion animals, there is increasing demand for various veterinary services, healthcare products, vaccines, and medicines. Recognising this, the partnership aims to conduct collaborative research on a health assessment tool specifically designed for companion animals, leveraging their patented ARIA technology.

This tool will utilise retinal images of companion animals to swiftly assess their health status and identify underlying risks, ultimately enhancing their quality of life, and extending their lifespan. Initially, the research will focus on identifying the risks associated with vascular and endocrine-related diseases in companion animals, with plans to introduce the preliminary screening solution to the market by the end of 2024.

ARIA is an effective and non-invasive technology for assessing various health risks. Currently, HVB has successfully employed ARIA to assess the risks of stroke, white matter disease, and diabetes in humans, achieving an accuracy rate of over 90%. ARIA utilises artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to accurately identify various hidden health conditions without the need for blood tests, offering a quicker and more accessible means of early diabetes diagnosis.

The increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses is expected to boost market demand. Additionally, the rising pressure to provide greater healthcare value is predicted to accelerate market expansion. The growing rate of introducing new products and the increasing number of product approvals by various market players to gain a larger market share is likely to create significant growth opportunities during the forecast period from 2023 to 2030.

Recent research found the market for minimally invasive and non-invasive products and services, valued at US$136.00 million in 2022, is projected to reach US$216.76 million by 2030. It is expected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% during this forecast period

October 3, 2023

5th Annual Thailand OpenGov Leadership Forum 2023, 05 OCTOBER 2023 - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

We are creating some awesome events for you. Kindly bear with us.

From genomic data to precision medicine via machine learning

Exclusive! Automation Revolution: Securing Modern IT Infrastructure for the Future

Eksklusif! Revolusi Automasi ∶ Mengamankan Infrastruktur TI Modern untuk Masa Depan

Exclusive! Accelerating Digital Transformation Through Accessible, Innovative and Secured Technology Solutions

Eksklusif! Mengakselerasi Transformasi Digital Melalui Solusi Teknologi Inovatif, Aman dan Mudah Diakses

Australia and India Advancing Cloud Computing Privacy

Synchronisation for Seamless Cloud Gaming

Digital Tech for Animal Wellness

Recommended Stories

Exclusive! Automation Revolution: Securing Modern IT Infrastructure for the Future

Eksklusif! Revolusi Automasi ∶ Mengamankan Infrastruktur TI Modern untuk Masa Depan

Exclusive! Accelerating Digital Transformation Through Accessible, Innovative and Secured Technology Solutions

Eksklusif! Mengakselerasi Transformasi Digital Melalui Solusi Teknologi Inovatif, Aman dan Mudah Diakses

Australia and India Advancing Cloud Computing Privacy

Synchronisation for Seamless Cloud Gaming

Vietnam Advances Digital, Green Transformation

Indonesia: AI, Drones Enhance Crop Management

India’s Digital Initiatives for Defence

Sonobiopsy Revolutionising Brain Disease Diagnosis

Thailand-China Tech Partnership

Digitalisation Powers Singapore’s Electric Vehicle Revolution

Indonesia’s Commitment to 5G Transformation

MENU

PARTNER

Qlik

PARTNER

CTC

PARTNER

Planview

SUPPORTING ORGANISATION

SIRIM

PARTNER

HashiCorp

PARTNER

IBM