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Malaysia’s Government has long been embracing the age of digitisation. With their Eleventh Malaysia Plan, they intend to get government agencies on the right track to integrating fundamental ICT solutions and frontier technology, by the year 2020.
On 22nd March, 2016, over 200 public sector representatives from the Malaysia Government came together to talk about how they would approach and embrace the oncoming era of digital transformation.
Mohit Sagar, Managing Director and Editor in Chief, OpenGov, opened the forum, presenting digitisation of government digital services as the way forward for Malaysia Government. He also discussed several steps to be taken by an organisation working towards this.
“We are going to keep changing and keep pushing the envelope with technology… and that is called disruption,” said Mr. Sagar, “Is our organization really ready for this? Is your team really focused on what is coming next or are they working in silos … We can’t hide from disruption; it is here to stay. So we either embrace it or get left behind.”
As MAMPU has encouraged agencies to make their services more mobile and accessible, this has prompted many to make a bevy of their services made available online. Over 80 percent of government services have been made available online. Now, the next challenge for MAMPU is to consolidate these services to fewer platforms in order to make it easier for citizens to access these services.
Dr. Suhazimah, Deputy Director General ICT, MAMPU, took to the stage for the morning keynote and laid out MAMPUs vision for the next 5 years of ICT development. In her role, she assists in developing and producing the strategic vision for ICT within the Malaysian Government.
Recognising that there are many challenges to embracing digital transformation, Dr. Suhazimah opened the forum by encouraging delegates to adapt to technology and change.
“Think about where we are going to be and what we are going to do in the next 5 years,” Dr. Suhazimah exclaimed, “We have been tasked to chart the ICT roadmap for government… it is very challenging because there are a lot of new disruptive technologies being thrown at us. We must remember that IT exists to support our business.”

The onus of the forum is to bring delegates together to share ideas and stories relating to digital government. With this, Dr. Suhazimah recognised the importance of defining what this term should mean.
“Digital Government, what does it mean? I think that it is a fusion between business and IT, realizing what tools IT enables which serve the business goals and streamlining of services,” said Dr. Suhazimah.
Following Dr. Suhazimah’s keynote address, the forum moved right into open dialogue sessions where delegates would get the chance to listen, learn, and collaborate with one another, on topics which directly concerned them.
The open dialogue tables covered several topics at the forum, including: The Real Value of Data-drive Practices for Government; Transforming IoT data into structured information; Digital Services, new opportunities for Government and Citizen Services; Technologies to Thwart Insider Threats; Best Practice in Planning and Building Your Cloud Network Infrastructure; and other such related areas of discussion.
Digitisation to disrupt and change government service delivery
After the opening addresses by Mr. Sagar and Dr. Suhazimah, the direction of the forum was geared towards how government agencies will embrace and adapt to changes brought on by increased digitisation.
As the poll results showed, just more than half of the delegates (59.7 percent) have a defined IT and Information Management strategy in their department. Amongst our delegates, enabling legislation and upskilling internal resources were two of the most popular strategies to overcome challenges to ICT integration.
This shows that although many delegates have established a clear cut IT strategy within their department, their next steps to further embracing digitisation require them to address the skills gap and some of the outdated legislation which does not apply to technological changes.
Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal, Director General, Public Services Malaysia, graced the forum as guest of honor and shared what he believes public servants must realise and address before they launch themselves into this new era of digital transformation.
During his presentation, he discussed how we will navigate through what he calls ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’. “This Fourth Revolution has introduced us to the tremendous potential of technological breakthroughs, from robotics to nano-technology and internet of things to healthcare analytics,” exclaimed Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal, “These are trends which will require considerable support from government.”

It has become evident that many agencies throughout Malaysia have developed and adopted sustainable practices to responding to revolutionary changes in technology. To this, Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal pointed out that there is a convergence of technology forces which must be accounted for.
“The nexus of converging forces seems to be more appropriate in designing the required technological and digital architecture for transformation. This approach includes the convergence of social networking, mobile, cloud computing, and information,” Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal explained.
After Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal gave his remarks, he was presented with an award recognising him as a leader in digital transformation within the Malaysian Government.
Working to embrace cloud computing as the new path forward
The area of cloud computing is one that is seemingly more important to address as governments become more digital and receptive to technology. However, the idea of storing important and sensitive data in a nonphysical space is just one of the obstacles for government agencies to overcome before adopting such solutions.
The Government Cloud Debate during the forum addressed these issues, answering the question: Is the government cloud working and is it here to stay?
The panelists included: Vicknaeswaran Sundararaju, Head of Group Information Security, Petronas, Malaysia; Iwan Djuniardi. Director of ICT Transformation, Directorate General of Taxes, Indonesia; Brad Wynter, Organisation Improvement Manager and Smart City Innovator, City of Whittlesea; and Grantly Mailes, Former Deputy Secretary, Innovation and Technology Chief, Chief Technology Advocate, and Chariman for CenITex.
One of the most common arguments against cloud computing solutions concerns the issue of data protection and security in the cloud. This was brought up by Mr. Mailes during the debate.
“The reality is that there are implications to data sovereignty and people are worried about where their data parks,” said Mr. Mailes.
On the other hand, supporters of cloud solutions commonly believe that the Government Cloud will enhance the ability to adapt to change. Mr. Wynter reflected on this view, explaining how it might benefit government organisations.
“One of the really powerful things about the cloud is its ability to allow transformation,” Mr. Wynter emphasised, “The Government Cloud you can have complete control over how you want to shape your cloud environment. You are not driven by commercial views and it is all in your hands to build, adapt, and change your cloud to meet your demands.”
As the poll results showed, 31 percent of our delegates have already executed cloud computing solutions while another 31 percent of our audience were planning to do so within the next 12 months. However, when we asked where their organisation stores data, 59 percent of the delegates shared that they store most of their data in internal infrastructure.
From the discussions held and the government cloud debate, it can be concluded that many agencies are still looming over the idea of adopting cloud computing solutions.
Some believe that soon enough, this will no longer be a debate and organisations will be subject to the direction being undertaken by the rest of the world, making physical data infrastructure obsolete.
How Data Analytics will transform public sector operations
Data analytics is an area that government agencies are trying to tap into for more valuable insights and decision making tools.
The poll results showed that Analytics and Big Data were two of the most common challenge areas for our delegates. For 62 percent of our respondents, these are the two areas which they will be most focused on this year.
As we shared recently, MAMPU is hosting a Government Data Ocean where agencies can share their data sets and help government make more intelligent and calculated decisions. As of yet, there are thousands of data sets that have been captured but still a lot more work to be done.

MIMOS has been a critical partner in developing data analytics solutions for government agencies, in the ever-increasing information age. They act as a Research and Development Centre for technology solutions, catered to government agencies and enabling them to translate big data into value.
Datuk Abdul Wahab Abdullah, CEO and President, MIMOS, presented his case on how to overcome challenges and tap into the potential of big data for new value creation.
“Today, when we look at technology, we are moving towards big data platforms. You must know how to use big data to make your agency more productive,” said Datuk Abdul Wahab Abdullah.
“These are the five things that have created challenges for those looking to embrace big data. One being, the existence of multiple systems and databases, and second, the use of multiple technologies and systems in silos. This leads to major challenges in data exchange, while agencies must stay compliant to the personal data protection act. You also have data in different reporting formats which are not harmonised. Lastly, connectivity to remote centres will make it difficult for mobile services.”
These challenges resonated with the audience as many of them are looking at executing data solutions in the near future. As we found, 33 percent of the delegates are looking to implement a data analytics solution in the next 12 months, while 28 percent requested for more information on the solutions provided.
All in all, big data and data analytics are two areas where Malaysian Government agencies have found a lot of value and opportunities to improve service delivery. Many agencies are acting on this and understand that the power of data and analytics will bring them to the future of Digital Malaysia.
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Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary expressed his appreciation for the Singtel Cyber ELEVATE programme, highlighting its focus on bolstering cyber resilience among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This initiative demonstrates the importance of collective efforts in nurturing a strong cybersecurity ecosystem.
SMS Janil emphasised the critical role cybersecurity plays in realising Singapore’s Smart Nation vision. Trust in digitalisation and technology is paramount for individuals, businesses, and the nation as a whole. Maintaining this trust hinges on robust cybersecurity measures, as one breach can erode confidence and deter digital adoption.
The article underscores the significance of cybersecurity for businesses, both large corporations and SMEs. Just as individuals rely on technology for convenience and efficiency, companies harness digitalisation to reduce costs and explore new opportunities. However, poor cybersecurity can undermine trust, dissuading customers and employees from engaging with a business’s digital tools.
While SMEs may perceive cybersecurity as a daunting challenge due to limited resources, they possess an advantage in their relatively smaller attack surface. Implementing basic cybersecurity measures, such as antivirus software and data backups, can significantly improve their security posture. The government, through the Cyber Security Agency (CSA), offers resources and support to help SMEs enhance their cybersecurity.
The article also highlights CSA’s Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)-as-a-Service scheme, which provides SMEs with funding support and tailored cybersecurity plans. The Cyber Essential and Cyber Trust marks, part of a certification scheme, enable organisations to demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity, differentiating them in the market.
SMS Janil encourages businesses to adopt these cybersecurity initiatives, emphasising that cybersecurity is a collective effort that involves the government, industry, and the community. The Singtel Cyber ELEVATE Programme is cited as a prime example of such collaborative efforts. The programme offers workshops and incident response assistance to SMEs, with substantial funding support through SSG grants.
By stressing that cybersecurity is fundamental for Singapore’s digitalisation journey and calling on all stakeholders to contribute to strengthening the nation’s cyber defences. The Minister emphasises that active participation and commitment to cybersecurity are essential for collective advancement and a secure digital future.
Further, OpenGov Asia recently reported that the enduring warmth between Singapore and Canada finds new purpose in their robust bilateral cooperation, now extending to the realm of cybersecurity through the renewed Canada-Singapore Cybersecurity Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership underscores the paramount importance of a secure cyberspace.
One key aspect of this agreement is the facilitated exchange of critical cybersecurity information, enabling both nations to swiftly share threat intelligence, indicators, and best practices. This real-time sharing equips them to respond effectively to emerging cyber threats.
Also, the MoU places a strong emphasis on skill development, recognising the rapidly evolving nature of cybersecurity. By investing in the growth of their cybersecurity professionals, Canada and Singapore ensure they stay well-prepared and up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies, fortifying their cyber defences.
Capacity building is another significant facet of the MoU. It empowers both nations to develop the necessary capabilities for rapid cyber incident response, including tools, processes, and expertise.
Beyond national borders, this collaboration has global implications, strengthening both countries’ positions in international cybersecurity discussions and partnerships. It underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the borderless challenge of cybersecurity.
The MoU also protects important assets and business interests in both countries, which is important for keeping the economy stable and safe in today’s digital, interconnected world.
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The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has collaborated with an organisation that provides a platform of programs and initiatives aimed at creating one global entrepreneurial ecosystem on a mission to facilitate tech innovators’ access to global growth opportunities while extending Hong Kong’s tech innovation ecosystem to the organisation’s network of 200 markets worldwide.
The organisation is a global community dedicated to fostering cross-border cooperation among tech entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurial support organisations and aims to simplify the process of launching and scaling tech businesses across the globe.
In July 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the organisation’s Founder and the President and Chairman of HKSTP. It committed both parties to support entrepreneurship in ASEAN countries. To expedite this partnership, HKSTP led a delegation to the organisation’s Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2023 in Melbourne, comprising emerging tech startups and business leaders from Hong Kong.
The delegation represented Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem and explored collaboration prospects with their the organisation counterparts across the globe. This infusion of new talent and tech ventures further reinforces Hong Kong’s ambition to become an international I&T hub, offering opportunities for tech innovators worldwide.
The Chief Corporate Development Officer of HKSTP stated that the Park is strongly committed to elevating collaboration with the worldwide tech innovation community within the framework of its partnership with the organisation. Entrepreneurs globally confront shared obstacles when progressing from the startup phase to scaling their ventures.
Entrepreneurs globally confront shared obstacles when progressing from the startup phase to scaling their ventures. Hong Kong’s exceptional, cohesive innovation ecosystem grants them access to worldwide opportunities in terms of funding, research and development, talent, and market entry. The shared vision revolves around nurturing global innovation and broadening their individual ecosystems to attain unprecedented levels of achievement.
The collaboration between HKSTP and the organisation entails mutual exchange programs and activities aimed at promoting cross-border and cross-sector collaboration, with a specific focus on tech sectors such as Green Tech, Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, SmartCity, Mobility, AI, and Fintech. The organisation’s annual flagship events, including Global Entrepreneurship Week and the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, offer ideal platforms for extending Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem into new markets.
The delegation engaged with representatives from the Australian startup community, universities, government bodies, and tech investors to further explore tech-related business and collaboration opportunities. Furthermore, the delegation shared experiences and exchanged ideas with Australian tech ventures interested in gaining insights into and exploring the Hong Kong tech market.
HKSTP also introduced its Market Discovery Programme in Hong Kong, specifically targeting enterprises interested in expanding into tech markets in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and mainland China. This two-day intensive programme, scheduled for early November 2023, will feature seminars, tours, and networking opportunities designed to connect tech entrepreneurs with experts, investors, corporate leaders, and successful entrepreneurs with experience in expanding their tech businesses within the region. The invitation-only program is offered free of charge, and participants will have the opportunity to experience the InnoCell smart living co-creation space at the Science Park, fostering collaboration with HKSTP’s I&T talents.
OpenGov Asia reported earlier that HKSTP and an American financial services company saw the graduation of over 100 students from the NxTEC (Next Technologist Entrepreneurial Champion) Career Launcher programme.
This highlighted the joint efforts of these organisations to address the growing demand for tech talent in Hong Kong. The graduates completed a rigorous training programme designed to secure job placements at more than 60 HKSTP partner companies. The graduation ceremony, attended by both the graduates and their employers, as well as volunteers from the American financial services company, marked a significant milestone in their journey.
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The Department of Telecommunications (DOT), in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), will conduct extensive testing of the Cell Broadcast Alert System. This effort is aimed at strengthening emergency communication during disasters and enhancing safety measures to protect the public.
The Cell Broadcast Alert System is an advanced technology that enables authorities to disseminate vital and time-critical disaster management messages to all mobile devices in specific geographic regions. This includes both residents and visitors, ensuring that crucial emergency information reaches as many individuals as possible promptly.
Government agencies and emergency services employ Cell Broadcasts to inform the public about possible threats and deliver vital updates during critical situations. This technology is commonly used for issuing emergency alerts like severe weather warnings (tsunamis, flash floods, earthquakes), public safety notifications, evacuation instructions, and other critical information.
The Cell Broadcast Alert System will undergo rigorous testing with multiple telecom service providers. These tests will be conducted periodically in various regions across the country to evaluate the emergency alert broadcasting capabilities of different mobile operators and cell broadcast systems for efficiency and effectiveness. As part of this endeavour, tests are being conducted in different states across India, with Punjab being the next state on the testing schedule for 29 September.
In a press release, DOT said that it is responsible for formulating developmental policies to accelerate the growth of the telecommunications sector in India. “Our mission is to ensure access to affordable and effective telecommunications services for all citizens while promoting innovation and safeguarding national security interests.”
The proliferation of digitalisation in both service and manufacturing domains has ushered in a global transformation. In recent years, the demand for digital connectivity has grown, and this vital role was highlighted during the pandemic, when there was a surge in demand across user segments, regardless of their geographical locations.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been overseeing the quality of telecom services nationwide through comprehensive studies and by issuing directives to stakeholders to improve facilities. Although there have been notable enhancements in the coverage of telecom services outdoors, there are still gaps in meeting the expected quality of service within buildings, whether they are residential or commercial areas.
Ensuring the quality of telecommunication services within buildings is a vital aspect of safeguarding consumer interests. TRAI has already implemented several policy initiatives, including the Recommendation issued on 20 February 2023, regarding the “Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity.” These recommendations establish an introduction for building ratings, aiming to deliver a satisfactory digital connectivity experience to consumers through a collaborative and self-sustainable approach.
To establish a regulatory framework, TRAI has indicated in its observations that it intends to develop the necessary regulations for the Rating of Buildings. It recently issued a consultation paper titled “Regulation on Rating Framework for Digital Connectivity in Buildings or Areas.” It deliberates on the regulatory measures needed to implement a rating framework.
The paper underscores the necessity of a rating system that not only caters to the current consumer expectations but is also adaptable for future expansion and upgrades. It should allow for evolving technologies and shifts in user demands. The paper also explores the benefits of a rating framework for end-users, service providers, and the broader ecosystem.
The consultation paper provides an overview of the ‘Rating Framework for Digital Connectivity’ based on international practices and existing rating frameworks such as GRIHA or Credit Rating in India. The consultation paper along with draft regulations have been uploaded to TRAI’s website, seeking inputs from the stakeholders and telecom consumers. Written comments will be accepted by 10 November and counter-comments by 24 November.
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The National Cyber and Crypto Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BSSN RI), in a joint effort with 18 Regional Governments (Pemda), has embarked on a collaborative initiative. Their objective is to safeguard the integrity and sovereignty of the nation against an array of cyber threats that have become increasingly prevalent in today’s digital landscape. To formalise this commitment and ensure a unified front in addressing cyber threats, they signed a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) focused on utilising Electronic Certificates.
Through Presidential Regulation Number 95 of 2018 concerning the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE), the government strives to realise clean, effective, transparent, and accountable governance and quality and reliable public services. Therefore, implementing SPBE as a form of digital transformation is a necessity carried out by every government institution.
The Chief Secretary of BSSN, Susilo Wibowo, conveyed that BSSN, through the Electronic Certification Institute (BSrE), provides electronic certification services to support information security in e-government implementation.
“At present, BSrE has been officially designated as an Electronic Certification Authority for Agencies based on the Recognition Decree Number 103 of 2022 from the Ministry of Communication and Informatics of the Republic of Indonesia,” he stated.
Furthermore, Susilo explained that by using electronic certificates in Electronic Signature services, BSrE builds trust by providing three aspects of information security based on asymmetric cryptography systems: authentication assurance, integrity assurance, and non-repudiation assurance.
“With the use of TTE, in addition to security aspects, it is hoped to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of bureaucratic processes, thereby creating easily accessible, fast, and straightforward public services in data processing, as well as the availability of accurate data,” he elaborated.
It should also be noted that as the Single Agency for Electronic Certification Providers, BSrE BSSN has the responsibility to provide electronic certificate services to meet the needs of 5.2 million government employees, military personnel and police officers. As of September 25, 2023, BSrE has issued over 335,000 electronic certificates integrated into 967 electronic systems.
Susilo envisioned that the 18 Regional Governments present and BSrE BSSN can implement the agreed-upon points with full commitment to realising work effectiveness, integrated work patterns, sustainability, and the successful utilisation of electronic certificates in the future.
The meeting was attended by the Regent, Mayor, Regional Secretary, Head of the Regional Information and Communication Agency, and officials from both Regional Governments and BSSN.
The 18 Regional Governments (Pemda) involved in the PKS are the North Sulawesi Provincial Government, Bandar Lampung City Government, Bungo Regency Government, South Buton Regency Government, Cirebon Regency Government, Garut Regency Government, Gayo Lues Regency Government, Katingan Regency Government, Lebak Regency Government, Merauke Regency Government, South Nias Regency Government, Parigi Moutong Regency Government, West Pasaman Regency Government, Sleman Regency Government, Sumedang Regency Government, Sukoharjo Regency Government, Raja Ampat Regency Government, and Tanah Bumbu Regency Government.
It marks the seriousness of BSSN in its commitment to fostering not only the security of the nation but also the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations. The collaboration with 18 Regional Governments underscores the collective effort to strengthen the cybersecurity infrastructure, ensuring it remains robust in the face of evolving cyber threats.
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The Centre for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CeRAI) at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras) has announced its collaboration with a prominent private telecommunications company for joint research endeavours in the realm of Responsible AI.
The private company entered into an agreement to become a Platinum Consortium Member of CeRAI for five years. Under this partnership, it will provide support and actively participate in all research initiatives carried out by CeRAI. AI research is of high importance to the telecommunications company, given that AI algorithms will play a crucial role in the autonomous operation of 6G networks.

Image credit: Indian Institue of Technology, Madras
6G and future networks aim to seamlessly integrate the physical and digital realms, facilitating immersive AR/VR experiences. With AI-managed sensors bridging the gap between humans and machines, responsible AI practices become imperative to uphold trust, fairness, and privacy compliance. The focus of the project revolves around pioneering advanced techniques that augment trust and transparency in AI algorithms for the greater benefit of the public. The partnership aligns with the government’s vision for the Bharat 6G programme.
An official noted that future networks will facilitate easier access to high-performing AI systems. It is imperative to embed responsible AI principles right from the inception of these systems. Many critical applications will be deployed on mobile phones and other devices through these networks. New research is required to ensure that AI models and their predictions are explainable and to provide performance guarantees that align with the applications they serve.
IIT-Madras held a Symposium on Responsible AI for Networks of the Future to commemorate the partnership. It brought together officials from the private company and IIT-Madras to engage in discussions about advancements and innovations for responsible AI. According to an official from IIT-Madras, research in AI will produce the tools necessary for running future businesses. IIT-Madras is committed to conducting impactful translational research in partnership with industry stakeholders. During the symposium some of the current research activities being carried out at CeRAI were showcased, including:
Project on Large-Language Models in Healthcare:
It identifies biases shown by these models, develops scoring methods to assess their practicality in real-world applications, and mitigates biases within LLMs. Custom-scoring methods are being crafted based on the Risk Management Framework (RMF) outlined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a U.S. federal agency dedicated to advancing measurement science and standards.
Project on Participatory AI:
It addresses the black-box nature of AI across different stages, including the pre-development, design, development and training, deployment, post-deployment, and audit stages. Drawing inspiration from fields like urban planning and forest rights, the project studies governance mechanisms that empower stakeholders to offer valuable insights to improve the accuracy and reliability of AI and raise concerns about potential adverse effects.
Project on Interpretability of Attention-Based Models:
It delves into the intricacies of generative AI models based on attention mechanisms, which have garnered substantial attention because of their outstanding performance in tasks like machine translation, image summarisation, text generation, and healthcare. However, the models are complex and difficult for users to interpret. The project explores the conditions under which these models are accurate but fail to be interpretable, the development of algorithms to enhance their interpretability, and understanding which patterns in the data these models tend to learn.
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Digitalisation has resulted in a paradigm shift in the delivery and accessibility of healthcare services. Telehealth programmes, made possible by digital technologies, are linking patients with healthcare practitioners across geographic boundaries. This has been especially helpful in countries such as the Philippines, where distant and underserved areas frequently struggle to get excellent healthcare services.
During the 9th Balik Scientists Programme Annual Convention, Dr Jaime Montoya, Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) stated that the biggest impact of digitalisation in the healthcare sector is accelerating universal healthcare where it is a dream that all Filipinos will have access and covered of healthcare.
He added that in terms of universal healthcare, digitalisation is making it simpler to reach out to neglected people and guarantee they receive the necessary healthcare services. Hence, digital tools are bridging the gap between healthcare providers and patients, whether through mobile health apps, remote monitoring devices, or teleconsultations.
He believes that through technology, everything could be easier. He gave the RxBox as an example of connecting Filipinos in remote areas to access health services that could only be seen in the cities. He highlights the prioritisation of the health information system integration in the Philippines with the help of the national ID system to ensure speedier services.
Besides, the integration of digital health records and telemedicine platforms has simplified patient care by allowing healthcare practitioners to quickly access vital information. This not only improves care quality but also leads to better patient outcomes, “This would be accomplished more quickly with the help of our Balik Scientists.”
RxBox is a biomedical device that was made by Filipino researchers from UP Manila and UP Diliman with help from DOST-PCHRD. It can measure a patient’s temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, uterine movements, and electrocardiogram readings.
With its easy-to-use layout and high-resolution screen, patients can easily keep an eye on their health and share this information with their healthcare provider. This lets doctors act quickly and cuts down on the need for face-to-face visits.
The RxBox Detection and Communication (RxDETEC) mobile app is built into every device. It can keep and send logs from medical sensors that are connected and information about patients, like their age, gender, and the type of case they are having.
Along with training and orienting staff from COVID-19-selected healthcare facilities and regional or local DoST offices, the RxBox 1000 Project also wants to keep an eye on how health workers use the devices for things like referrals and other telehealth activities.
In addition, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr stated that digital transformation will affect all industries. The telehealth instrument RxBox has already been applied in the healthcare industry and is being improved.
The Secretary added that six out of ten Filipinos die without ever seeing a doctor. Hence, he has advised that all medical practitioners create telehealth tools such as sensors over the Internet so that patients, particularly those in remote places, can quickly reach medical practitioners.
While issues such as internet connectivity and digital literacy persist, the Philippines is making great progress in utilising digitalisation to promote telemedicine and move towards universal healthcare coverage. This shift is laying the path for a more equal and healthy future for all Filipinos.
With this, Secretary Renato emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among Filipino scientists and called for support for research and development. He also stresses the role of the Balik Scientist Programme in nurturing scientific inquiry and driving progress in the country, concluding with a call to continue advancing and thriving on the global stage through science and innovation.
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ANSTO has received a substantial allocation of Federal Government funding, marking a significant development in the effort to ensure the continued production of crucial nuclear medicines in Australia. At the Lucas Heights campus of ANSTO, the plans for a state-of-the-art Nuclear Medicine Facility were unveiled by the Minister for Industry and Science. This new facility will replace the ageing Nuclear Medicine Processing and Distribution Facility, which was initially established in 1959 for research purposes.
On a weekly basis, ANSTO plays a pivotal role in producing nuclear medicines that facilitate between 10,000 and 12,000 medical procedures across Australian hospitals and clinics. Over the years, ANSTO has expanded its production capabilities to encompass various nuclear medicines, making it the primary supplier of approximately 75%-80% of nuclear medicines used in Australia. Among the critical substances they produce is molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), dispatched into ANSTO’s Gentech® Generators. Mo-99 naturally decays into technetium-99 (Tc-99m), the most widely used radioisotope in nuclear medicine worldwide.
The Lucas Heights campus of ANSTO houses a nuclear medicine precinct comprising three key facilities: the OPAL multipurpose research reactor, the Molybdenum-99 Manufacturing Facility, and the ageing Nuclear Medicine Processing and Distribution Facility.
Alongside the Minister, the Acting CEO for ANSTO expressed his appreciation for the enhanced funding aimed at securing Australia’s sovereign capabilities in domestic nuclear medicine manufacturing. He emphasised that the new Nuclear Medicine Facility represents a critical advancement in the technological aspect of nuclear medicine production.
This purpose-built facility will establish a more sophisticated nuclear medicine precinct that streamlines the manufacturing and distribution chain. It is designed to provide ANSTO with the flexibility required to adapt to evolving manufacturing technologies and cater to the changing demands of the radiopharmaceutical market. This flexibility is especially crucial as the rates of diagnosis for illnesses such as cancer continue to rise. Moreover, the facility will empower ANSTO to meet the surging demand for nuclear medicines from hospitals and medical clinics while also capitalizing on ANSTO’s radiopharmaceutical research and development and collaborations within the medical industry.
The current facility, where the final production stage of most of ANSTO’s nuclear medicines occurs before dispatch, is an ageing structure originally constructed as a research laboratory in the late 1950s. Despite extensive renovations and modifications to transform it into a nuclear medicine manufacturing facility, it is nearing the end of its operational lifespan. The funding received will not only support the construction of the new Nuclear Medicine Facility but also facilitate the ongoing maintenance of the existing facility until the new one becomes operational, which is expected in the mid-2030s.
The Federal Government’s allocation of funds to ANSTO represents a significant technological leap forward in ensuring the continued production of life-saving nuclear medicines in Australia. The establishment of the new Nuclear Medicine Facility at the Lucas Heights campus is a critical step toward modernizing the production process, enhancing flexibility, and meeting the growing demand for nuclear medicines while bolstering research and development efforts in the field of radiopharmaceuticals. This investment not only secures Australia’s sovereign capabilities but also reinforces its position in the global nuclear medicine industry.
The Federal Government’s funding allocation for ANSTO’s new Nuclear Medicine Facility at Lucas Heights aligns with Australia’s tech goals by promoting innovation in healthcare technology, fostering collaboration within the medical industry, enhancing sovereign capabilities, and supporting research and development in radiopharmaceuticals.
It also ensures technological resilience, strengthens global competitiveness, and underscores the importance of long-term planning for critical technology infrastructure. This investment signifies the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to advance healthcare and bolster Australia’s position in the global technology landscape while addressing national security concerns related to nuclear medicine production.
OpenGov Asia reported that the Government of Western Australia is taking steps to promote the growth of small to medium-sized local businesses by offering grants totalling over AU$3 million. These grants are intended to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness, enabling them to pursue contracts from both the government and private sector.
Known as the Local Capability Fund (LCF), this initiative serves as a crucial resource for recipients looking to expand their capacity and improve their competitiveness in supplying goods, services, and works to the government, major projects, and other significant markets.