Malaysian expert says automation is the way forward

According to a recent report, the Department of Statistics of Malaysia release a report titled, the “Key Statistics of Labour Force in Malaysia” in October which stated that Malaysia has a total workforce of 15 million, with another 7.1 million non-working people comprising housewives, students, retirees and those who are not interested in working. The remaining 3.3% unemployed working-class Malaysians comprise an estimated 740,000 people.

The Malaysian Employer Federation in 2017 reported that there are around 1.7 million foreign workers (excluding the unregistered ones) in Malaysia.

Analysing these clearly uneven numbers, it is unlikely that unemployed Malaysians would be able to substitute for foreign workers or replace their jobs any time soon.

Based on these facts, the report noted that an R&D Manager a major textile firm in Malaysia in the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) stated that he disagreed with Human Resources Minister’s effort to encourage industries to boost the salary scale of the “dangerous, difficult and dirty” jobs so that they would be lucrative enough for unemployed locals.

The expert noted that the lack of better-paying skilled jobs has left Malaysia’s unemployed graduates with no choice but to either seek opportunities in countries with higher currency values or to settle for unskilled jobs with salaries equivalent to foreign workers.

Noting that the situation is dire, the expert presented some solutions.

He noted that retrospectively observing the past, it is clear that foreign workers were brought into the country in the 1970s to work on rural plantations and construction sites. However, the rapid industrialisation and economic growth of the country in the 1980s and 1990s drove a demand for labour with lower wages. This attracted both documented and undocumented foreign workers in large numbers.

Interestingly, despite the fact that these workers eased production pressures and demand for low- wage labour, the same scenario is now deterring companies to move up the value chain, which poses a disadvantage to the economy in the upcoming industrial revolution.

The ease and availability of low-wage foreign labour have created deep distortions that disincentivise industries to transform. Aligned with Vision 2025, the transition to a high-income economy requires a major shift from labour-intensive business models to those that are driven by knowledge-rich, highly skilled services, productivity gains, a technological edge and sophisticated technical know-how.

According to Economic Developments 2017, an annual report on the Malaysian economy by Bank Negara Malaysia, the foreign labour share of the workforce has trended downwards lately, from 18.8% in 2007 to 12% in 2017.

Although the change can be noted as an encouraging sign towards a better economic transformation, Malaysia’s migrant population ratio is higher than that of our regional peers and comprises an 8.8% share of total migrants to the population.

The expert noted that Malaysia’s economy’s dependency on low-skilled foreign labour is evident as only 5.2% of the total foreign workforce were tertiary educated.

Thus, the expert suggested that the government should look into technological transformation in industry, such as automation, for a comprehensive solution to both the issues of dependency on foreign labour and unemployability of local graduates.

Firstly, the mindset has to change. Most industries are still engaged in a “race to the bottom” in relation to labour costs and are unwilling to pay more for technology despite the commensurable productivity gains it offers.

A Council member of the Malaysian Employer Federation recently suggested that the government should set up an independent automation technology fund to assist industries to adopt such technology quickly. The foreign labour levy may be used to initiate it.

The substitute for labour for technology may, in turn, also create new skilled jobs for local graduates, with better wages, killing two birds with one stone, according to the expert.

Ultimately, the Malaysian economy has to progress from input-based, cost suppression as a source of competitive strength, to a dynamic economy based on a skilled workforce, technology-assisted and creating high-value products.

This can be achieved by enacting well-aligned, coordinated and conducive government policies. These policies should focus on talent development, research and development, and industrial upgrading initiatives.

India’s Digital Economy: Tech Transformations Unveiled

Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar shared comprehensive insights into India’s tech landscape at the 26th Edition of the Bengaluru Tech Summit.

Minister Chandrasekhar navigated through a spectrum of crucial tech domains, unravelling India’s transformative journey and the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital economy. He shed light on India’s burgeoning semiconductor industry, the transformative potential of AI, and the instrumental role of startups in shaping the nation’s economic future.

Minister Chandrasekhar reflected on the dynamic shift in India’s semiconductor narrative, echoing the sentiments articulated by India’s Prime Minister at the Semicon India 2023 Summit. He underscored the evolving perspective from “why India” to “when in India” and “why not in India.”

This transformation signifies the growing confidence and capabilities within India’s tech ecosystem, a testament to the nation’s progress in diverse domains such as AI, semiconductors, electronics, Web 3, supercomputing, and high-performance computing.

“Pre-2014, India’s semiconductor story was a series of missed opportunities,” reflected Minister Chandrasekhar while tracing the trajectory of the semiconductor industry’s evolution.

Despite lacking a design legacy, Minister Chandrasekhar emphasised India’s strides in the semiconductor sector. Acknowledging the catch-up game after missed opportunities, he highlighted India’s leapfrogging approach, skipping a generation to explore novel opportunities for the next decade.

The focus on talent, design, packaging, and research has propelled India towards becoming a significant player in the global semiconductor ecosystem, marking a definitive trajectory of growth.

Minister Chandrasekhar reiterated India’s emphasis on harnessing AI’s transformative power resonates deeply with India’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for societal betterment and enhanced living standards across diverse segments of the population.

“We believe that AI when harnessed correctly, can transform healthcare, agriculture, governance and language translation”: MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar

By integrating AI technologies into these sectors, the aim is to revolutionise service delivery, streamline operations, and democratise access to advanced services for all citizens. However, he also addressed the inherent risks posed by the potential misuse of AI by bad actors, stressing the need for legislative guardrails to ensure safety and trust in AI applications. Aligning with global sentiments, Chandrasekhar highlighted the necessity for regulatory frameworks to prevent misuse and foster ethical AI deployment.

“The world is now aligning with India’s view that we need guardrails of safety and trust for the Internet,” he said.

In an increasingly tech-dependant world, Mnster Chnadrashekhar believes that innovation and entrepreneurship are vital – startups are the pillars of India’s tech evolution. Elaborating on India’s startup landscape, Minister Chandrasekhar showcased the pivotal role played by startups since 2014, citing the emergence of 102 unicorns and a substantial influx of FDI.

He emphasised how startups are not just economic entities but integral components of India’s tech vision, contributing significantly to the digital economy’s $1 trillion goal. With a focus on nurturing the futureDESIGN DLI startups, Chandrasekhar envisaged their potential to become the unicorns of tomorrow, driving innovation across AI, semiconductors, and next-gen electronic systems.

Minister Chandrasekhar’s insights underscore India’s rapid tech evolution, emphasising the nation’s strides in semiconductors, the transformative impact of AI, and the pivotal role of startups. As India charts its course towards a $1 trillion digital economy, its vision encapsulates the imperative of regulatory frameworks, innovative strides, and collaborative efforts in harnessing technology for inclusive growth and global relevance.

OpenGov Asia reported that Minister Chandrasekhar, who spoke at two influential tech events: the Indian Express Digifraud & Safety Summit 2023 and YourStory Techsparks’23, expressed similar views on India’s technological advancements, regulatory policies, and the nation’s promising future in the global tech landscape.

At these tech summits, Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar outlined India’s ambitious technological trajectory, reinforcing the government’s dedication to fostering innovation, ensuring a safe digital environment, and harnessing the transformative power of technology for the nation’s progress.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong’s Tech Landscape

The Cyberport Entrepreneurship Programmes’ 20th Anniversary Celebration and Graduation Ceremony was a major event attended by notable personalities, distinguished guests and budding innovators.

Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship and incubator for entrepreneurship with over 2,000 members including over 900 onsite and close to 1,100 offsite start-ups and technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

With a vision to become Hong Kong’s digital technology hub and stimulate a fresh economic impetus, Cyberport is dedicated to cultivating a dynamic tech environment. This commitment involves nurturing talent, encouraging youth entrepreneurship, aiding startups, fostering industry growth through strategic partnerships with local and international entities, and driving digital transformation across public and private sectors, bridging new and traditional economies.

Image credits: Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau

Professor Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, Hong Kong highlighted Cyberport’s incredible journey and the achievements of its vibrant community. Expressing his delight in commemorating Cyberport’s two-decade-long legacy, he emphasised the institution’s pivotal role as an ICT powerhouse in Hong Kong.

From its humble beginnings to its present stature, Cyberport has emerged as a catalyst for innovation, nurturing over 2,000 technology companies and startups and showcasing an exponential growth rate over the past five years.

Cyberport’s community has attracted a staggering US$38 billion of investment, marking its significance as an ICT flagship in Hong Kong. The establishment takes pride in its contribution to nurturing numerous innovative ideas and fostering dynamic business ventures, with seven notable unicorns in fintech, smart living, and digital entertainment sectors.

Cyberport excelled at the prestigious Hong Kong ICT Awards, with 25 startups securing 28 accolades, including the esteemed Award of the Year. This achievement showcased the institution’s exceptional calibre and innovation prowess nurtured within its ecosystem.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of startups in Cyberport’s success story, Professor Sun Dong shared how these young enterprises, often starting with a simple idea at a small table, grow in tandem with Cyberport’s support. The institution provides not just financial aid but also a nurturing environment where entrepreneurs can leverage extensive networks, collaborative spaces, and expert guidance to cultivate their ideas into commercial successes.

The graduation of more than 200 startups from the Entrepreneurship Programme stood as a testament to Cyberport’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent. This initiative empowers startups to translate their ideas into tangible commercial solutions and market breakthroughs, laying the foundation for their future success.

Looking ahead, Professor Sun Dong outlined Cyberport’s exciting plans, including the upcoming expansion block slated for completion in two years, aimed at providing additional space for the community’s development. He also highlighted Cyberport’s initiative to establish the Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre, a pioneering endeavour set to commence in 2024, envisioned to be a pioneering and substantial facility in Hong Kong.

Cyberport’s extraordinary journey showcases significant achievements while charting a promising future, embodying the core values of innovation, collaboration, and collective growth.

Professor Sun expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government, acknowledging their hard work and contributions to the tech ecosystem emphasising the importance of collective participation for a better future.

The vibrant success of events like the Cyberport Venture Capital Forum 2023 resonates with Cyberport’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, further cementing its role as a catalyst for technological advancement and entrepreneurial growth in Hong Kong.

The Cyberport Venture Capital Forum (CVCF) 2023 saw a turnout of over 2,500 participants during its two-day hybrid event. Themed “Venture Forward: Game Changing through Innovation,” the forum convened 80 global visionary venture experts, entrepreneurial pioneers, and influential thinkers. With more than 120,000 page views and over 300 fundraising meetings facilitated, it solidified its position as a pivotal platform fostering networking and collaborative opportunities.

India’s Tech Evolution and Safe Digital Spaces

Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, spoke at two influential tech events: the Indian Express Digifraud & Safety Summit 2023 and YourStory Techsparks’23. His engagements centred around India’s technological advancements, regulatory policies, and the nation’s promising future in the global tech landscape.

At these tech summits, Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar outlined India’s ambitious technological trajectory, reinforcing the government’s dedication to fostering innovation, ensuring a safe digital environment, and harnessing the transformative power of technology for the nation’s progress.

Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar articulated India’s journey in artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and the startup ecosystem. He expressed the government’s profound interest in further boosting India’s burgeoning startup landscape.

Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar noted India’s transition from an unrestricted, eternally optimistic view of technology and the internet to a more nuanced approach. He highlighted the government’s aim to strike a balance between fostering innovation and growth while guaranteeing distinct rights for digital citizens.

The Minister emphasised the evolution from the phase of transforming India to the concept of ‘New India’ and now envisions witnessing the emergence of ‘Viksit Bharat’. He expanded on India’s transformation which resonated with the Prime Minister’s vision to raise India to a developed nation status, aiming to elevate the nation to the position of the world’s third-largest economy.

Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Minister Chandrasekhar stated, “Our focus is on startups, innovation, and funding, creating a computing infrastructure. In January, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi agreed to establish a significant amount of GPU capacity in India for startups to access and bring forth their innovation and foundational models.”

He advocated for decentralising the startup landscape, encouraging the emergence of successful ventures from various regions across India. “We want unicorns and successful startups to come from Meerut, Ghaziabad, Kohima, Srinagar, Kottayam, Belgaum, Dharwad, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, and beyond,” he asserted, confirming the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation in diverse cities.

Addressing concerns about internet regulation and safety, the Minister explained the government’s evolved approach, focusing on ensuring safety and trust for digital citizens while holding platforms accountable. He clarified that “safety and trust are not for the Government; rather, they are initiatives aimed at safeguarding the vast majority of Digital Nagriks”.

Reflecting on his participation in the UK AI Summit, Minister Chandrasekhar underscored India’s commitment to a safe and trusted internet, aligning with the government’s guiding principles since 2021.

“We want the internet to be safe and trusted; it is an article of faith. We also aim for platforms to be legally accountable,” he reiterated.

He highlighted the need to embrace AI’s potential while managing risks, warning against a narrative that diminishes its innovation. The Minister emphasised that avoiding the overshadowing of AI’s benefits by its perceived risks is crucial for the digital economy and the populace.

“We don’t seek to demonise AI; rather, it’s vital to maintain a balance so that the discourse on its risks doesn’t eclipse its potential advantages,” he explains, clarifying India’s approach to artificial intelligence.

OpenGov Asia provided coverage of India’s expanding global influence, highlighting the country’s leadership roles across diverse international platforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR) and a Social Impact Fund (SIF). The GDPIR will be used for sharing information and best practices and the SIF is designed to advance Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

He unveiled the schemes during the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit. Chaired by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) has played a key role in progressing the global DPI agenda.

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is working to address the anticipated shortage of 85,000 digital workers in the region by 2030. In a collaborative effort, government officials, leaders from the digital industry, and education and training providers are joining forces to bridge the looming digital skills gap. The Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, recently officiated the launch of the NSW Digital Skills and Workforce Compact at NSW Parliament House, marking a significant milestone in the initiative.

Image adapted from 2023-25 NSW Digital Skills – Compact Action Plan

The collaboration involves 37 compact partners, comprising the highest echelons of industry representation. Together, these partners hold a considerable reach, influencing 1.7 million students and representing over 340,000 digital workers in NSW.

The scope of the compact is extensive, aiming to promote digital careers across the state, with a specific focus on encouraging traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, First Nations people, and individuals in regional and remote areas to pursue tech-related professions.

At its core, the compact seeks to transform the perception of digital careers, fostering diversity in the sector and creating welcoming and productive workspaces. Recognising the urgency of the skills shortage, the partnership is committed to developing and implementing new employment pathways, providing on-the-job training experiences for individuals aspiring to embark on a long-term career in the digital industry.

The ambitious goals of the NSW Digital Compact are outlined in a comprehensive set of milestones. Firstly, the compact aims to alter societal perceptions of tech careers, emphasising diversity and inclusivity within the sector. By collaborating with industry partners, the initiative plans to expand and enhance new pathway programs for tech roles, including traineeships and work experiences. Additionally, efforts will be made to extend the reach of mentoring and networking programs to engage a more diverse audience.

Recognising the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, the compact seeks to provide increased opportunities for the people of NSW to reskill or upskill in tech-related roles. This not only addresses the immediate skills shortage but also positions the workforce to meet the evolving demands of the digital industry.

A crucial component of the collaborative effort is the establishment of a Digital Education Forum. This platform, created in collaboration with universities, TAFE institutions, school curriculum providers, and industry experts, is dedicated to enhancing tech education and fostering stronger industry partnerships. The forum serves as a proactive measure to ensure that educational institutions are aligned with industry needs and that students are equipped with the skills required to thrive in the digital workforce.

The Minister Steve Whan underscores the significance of this landmark agreement, emphasising the commitment of the NSW Government to shape a digitally empowered future for the state. Beyond just bridging the skills gap, the NSW Digital Compact is laying the foundation for a resilient and inclusive digital workforce.

The Minister highlights that the compact represents a substantial opportunity for government, industry, and education leaders to work together in changing people’s perceptions of ‘tech’ and expanding the inclusivity of the sector.

The Chair of the NSW Skills Board and CEO of ANZ branch of the partnering tech firm stressed the research commissioned by the NSW Skills Board, projecting a shortfall of 85,000 digital workers by 2030. To address this gap, the compact partners aim to achieve 20% of new hires coming from alternative pathways by the same year. The Chair believes that the compact will play a pivotal role in providing a pipeline of diverse talent to fill high-paying, secure jobs that are being created in NSW’s rapidly growing digital sector.

The NSW Digital Compact Partners include the NSW Government, several major global companies, the Institute of Applied Technology Digital, TAFE NSW, Tech Council of Australia, and all NSW/ACT universities. This diverse coalition reflects a collective commitment to building a robust and inclusive digital workforce, ensuring that NSW remains at the forefront of digital innovation in the years to come.

Low-Carbon and Digital Initiatives in Taiwan

The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP), under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) of Taiwan, is spearheading the University-Research Adoption Programme to propel companies into the field of digital and low-carbon transformation. Recognising the pivotal role of academia-industry collaboration in catalysing this evolution, BIP has enlisted the expertise of the Academia-Industry Consortium of Taichung Software Park in Taiwan (AiCTSP).

The consortium, known for its robust “One School, One Industrial Park” academic adoption programme, brings together technical experts from universities to bolster manufacturers in central industrial parks. Recently, the BIP orchestrated its annual pinnacle event at Hungkuang University, orchestrating a vibrant industry-academia cooperation exchange activity that drew nearly a hundred participants.

Yang Po-Keng, the Director-General of BIP, highlighted the pivotal role played by universities, AiCTSP, and businesses in parks during 2023, underscoring the abundance and diversity of industry-academia services rendered to businesses within the parks.

The range of services offered is impressive, encompassing in-depth technical counselling, talent training programmes, student internships, campus visits, and talent matching meetings. The collaboration also extended to assisting in the submission of ten research proposals to secure government project resources and subsidies.

Noteworthy initiatives such as the “Digital Innovation Award” competition were organised, providing a platform for businesses to showcase groundbreaking innovations. Besides, the BIP actively supported businesses in parks to establish talent development classes, sparking enthusiastic participation and yielding fruitful outcomes.

Cheng Tao-Ming, Chairman of AiCTSP and Principal of Chaoyang University of Technology, emphasised the pivotal role of AiCTSP as an industry-academia platform, acting as a conduit to bring industry and academia closer through various collaborative activities.

This strategic approach enables businesses to engage more profoundly with high schools and universities, fostering effective industry-academia collaboration. Looking ahead, in tandem with the organisational restructuring of industrial parks, the collaboration is set to deepen further as high schools, vocational schools, and colleges align with BIP’s planning to enhance industry-academia ties.

As countries join forces to address climate change and emphasise sustainability, the attention is on digital and low-carbon changes. These developments are critical solutions for mitigating the negative effects of glasshouse gas emissions and reshaping industries and economies.

The global trajectory involves a decisive shift toward cleaner technologies, renewable energy sources, and resource-efficient practices, not only as a response to climate change but also as catalysts for innovation and economic growth.

Businesses are increasingly acknowledging the need to align with environmental goals, integrating sustainability into their operations to meet the expectations of a thorough consumer base and socially responsible investors.

The ongoing global transition towards smart and sustainable urbanisation, coupled with the relentless advancement of digital technologies, is setting the stage for the creation of resilient cities capable of adapting to the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

The digital era facilitates unprecedented international collaboration, allowing nations to exchange best practices and work together toward shared environmental objectives. Governments worldwide are implementing policies and regulations to incentivise sustainable practices, propelling the momentum behind digital and low-carbon transformations.

The collaborative initiatives in Taiwan represent a significant stride towards fostering a more sustainable and resilient future. The multifaceted benefits of this collective effort extend beyond environmental conservation, promising positive impacts on societal well-being and progress.

Through the integration of cutting-edge technology, the advancement of industry-academia partnerships, and the adoption of a low-carbon principle, this deliberate effort not only tackles present issues but also establishes the groundwork for long-lasting positive transformation.

Hong Kong: Tech Innovations and Sustainable Pathways

The StartmeupHK Festival 2023 concluded with a display of tech innovation, sustainability and global collaboration, cementing its status as a catalyst for propelling startups into an era of limitless opportunities. Hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the festival attracted over 12,000 in-person attendees and an additional 16,000 online viewers from 85 countries and territories, encompassing industry leaders, tech enthusiasts, investors, and governmental figures.

Under the banner of “A Future Unlimited,” the festival brought together speakers and facilitated one-to-one meetings, fostering collaborations and exploring growth avenues for startups with potential partners and investors.

The presence of senior government officials highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s commitment to fortifying the city’s ecosystem through proactive measures and established funding schemes.

At Game On! 2023, the Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, applauded Hong Kong’s burgeoning startup community, citing significant growth in startup numbers and employment figures, showcasing the city’s potential to nurture these ventures.

Professor Sun Dong, the HKSAR Government Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, reinforced the government’s dedication to bolstering Hong Kong as an international innovation hub. This commitment was echoed by Ms Alpha Lau, Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, emphasising Hong Kong’s resilience and the government’s strategic initiatives to attract global talent and capital.

While spanning diverse tech domains like web3, healthtech, proptech, greentech, and AI, sustainability emerged as a central theme across the festival’s discourse. Visionaries and experts converged to underscore the need to integrate sustainable practices into business models.

Mr Bernard Chan, Chairman of Our Hong Kong Foundation, stressed the importance of sustainable business practices, advocating for collaboration within the region to achieve this goal. Panel discussions resonated with the unanimous sentiment that sustainability is not just an option but an essential facet of future success.

From the potential of generative AI in healthcare by Dr Frank Pun to insights about the colossal impact of web3 by Mr Jirayut Srupsrisopa, the discussions illuminated the trajectory of technological advancements and their transformative role in shaping Hong Kong’s future.

The festival was not just about discourse; it provided a platform for startups to shine. Pitching competitions like the Startup World Cup Asia Finale showcased innovative ventures like i2cool and Allegrow Biotech, representing Hong Kong’s prowess in green technology and biotech respectively.

Moreover, the festival’s unique events, such as investor-matching sessions on a Ferris Wheel and exclusive business matching at JUMPSTARTER 2023 Tech by The Harbour, underscored the innovative spirit driving connections and collaborations in unprecedented ways.

The StartmeupHK Festival 2023 has left a mark on the global startup landscape, especially in Hong Kong. Its influence resonates strongly, underscoring the city’s status as a vibrant hub where innovation flourishes, fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurial pursuits.

This event played a pivotal role in showcasing ideas and nurturing and sustaining the spirit of innovation. Its momentum is poised to fuel sustained growth, fostering an environment where innovations continue to flourish.

Hong Kong aspires to become a prominent regional digital hub and is dedicated to nurturing both local talent and burgeoning startups. OpenGov Asia reported that the Bright Future Engineering Talent Hub (the Hub) at the City University of Hong Kong held the STEM Challenge and Summer Research Internship Presentation, drawing the participation of approximately 100 secondary students and representatives from educational institutions.

The Hub has been instrumental in organising diverse STEM activities, encompassing a Summer Research Internship, a STEM Carnival, a Student Project Exhibition and the STEM Challenge. These initiatives collectively aim to nurture young talent for the ever-evolving engineering industry and propagate STEM education. Over the past two years, the Hub has successfully engaged more than 1,600 secondary students in these activities. Various distinguished personalities were in attendance.

Vietnam Bridging Laws to Digital Infrastructure

The fusion of telecommunications and IT, coupled with the rapid advancement of digital technology, is erasing the traditional demarcation lines between these sectors. This shift not only blurs boundaries but also brings forth a fresh set of demands necessitating a rethinking of institutional frameworks.

Image credits: Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications

The approval of the amended Law on Telecommunications by the National Assembly, with an overwhelming 468 out of 472 yes votes, marks a pivotal juncture in Vietnam’s legislative journey. This comprehensive law spans 10 chapters and 73 articles, aligning itself with international standards while staying attuned to the evolving trends within the Vietnamese telecommunications sphere, as highlighted by the Authority of Telecommunications (AOT).

One of the law’s notable facets is the introduction of novel regulations governing the management of data centres, cloud computing, and fundamental internet-based telecommunications services. This move synchronises with the developmental trajectory of the telecommunications sector, particularly in response to the fusion of telecommunications with information technology.

The transformative surge in digital technology and its consequential impact on telecommunications infrastructure has redefined the paradigm. What was once conventional telecommunications infrastructure now assumes the mantle of a digital infrastructure underpinning the burgeoning digital economy.

This digital infrastructure encompasses an array of pivotal components, including broadband and universal telecommunication infrastructure, IoT networks, data centres, cloud computing facilities, and digital service and platform infrastructures. Recognising its pivotal role, stakeholders emphasise the multifaceted importance of digital infrastructure, delineating it as universal, sustainable, environmentally conscious, intelligent, and secure.

The trajectory of digital transformation has significantly elevated the stature of data as the most prized asset within the digital economy, rendering data centre infrastructure and cloud computing as indispensable pillars. As a result, stringent regulations and sustainable development policies become imperative to sustain and foster these critical components of digital infrastructure.

The advent of internet-enabled telecommunications services has unveiled new complexities in regulatory oversight. The traditional nexus between telecommunication network infrastructure and service provision has undergone a paradigm shift. Consequently, managing telecommunications services on the Internet and regulating cross-border services have emerged as pressing concerns.

Vietnam’s proactive engagement in next-generation free trade agreements since 2010 has spurred heightened commitments beyond the purview of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This evolution in global trade dynamics necessitates a commensurate evolution in domestic legislative frameworks. Consequently, revisiting and refining the Law on Telecommunications becomes imperative to ensure alignment with contemporary laws and regulations.

The impending enactment of this law is poised to serve as a foundational cornerstone, enabling Vietnam to actualise its ambitions of telecommunications development and fortification of its global standing in the telecommunications realm. This legislative stride not only solidifies Vietnam’s technological footprint but also aligns its regulatory landscape with the exigencies of a rapidly evolving digital era.

Vietnam has been robustly pushing its digital infrastructure agenda and has been putting in place strategies and policies to support this thrust. OpenGov Asia reported that the Ministry of Information and Communications is preparing to launch a strategic plan for international fibre-optic cable development, eyeing robust digital infrastructure growth and emphasising the country’s thriving internet economy. The Ministry is currently designing a strategy for Vietnam’s international fibre-optic cable development that will soon be released.

This initiative aims to guarantee the secure and sustainable advancement of Vietnam’s digital infrastructure, according to Pham Duc Long, the Deputy Minister of MIC. He pointed out that the existing lack of infrastructure presents an opportunity for Vietnam, as there is considerable room to develop it in new innovative and effective ways.

December 2, 2023

9th Annual Singapore OpenGov Leadership Forum 2024, 14 - 16 May 2024 - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

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

Malaysian expert says automation is the way forward

India’s Digital Economy: Tech Transformations Unveiled

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong’s Tech Landscape

India’s Tech Evolution and Safe Digital Spaces

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

Low-Carbon and Digital Initiatives in Taiwan

Hong Kong: Tech Innovations and Sustainable Pathways

Vietnam Bridging Laws to Digital Infrastructure

Recommended Stories

India’s Digital Economy: Tech Transformations Unveiled

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong’s Tech Landscape

India’s Tech Evolution and Safe Digital Spaces

NSW’s Collaborative Path to Closing the Skills Gap

Low-Carbon and Digital Initiatives in Taiwan

Hong Kong: Tech Innovations and Sustainable Pathways

India’s Digital Economy: Tech Transformations Unveiled

Thailand Enabling Accessible Technology for All

Strengthening Singapore’s Cyber Defence Landscape

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong’s Tech Landscape

India: Technological Pioneering for Sustainability

Digitalising Bureaucracy: Indonesia’s Vision for Agile Governance

U.S. Advancing Responsible AI

MENU

PARTNER

Qlik

PARTNER

CTC

PARTNER

Planview

SUPPORTING ORGANISATION

SIRIM

PARTNER

HashiCorp

PARTNER

IBM