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Researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed the capability to 3D print an unfurnished bathroom in less than a day.
After printing, the bathroom is furnished with toilet fittings to become a pre-fabricated unit, ready for use in construction projects. Its interior includes a sink, mirror, shower, toilet bowl, ceramic tiled walls and flooring, complete with concealed drains and piping.
This could potentially help firms build prefabricated bathroom units (PBU) about 30 per cent more quickly and 30 per cent lighter than current PBUs.
In the past four years, the research team focused on developing a special concrete mix which is fluid enough to flow through the hoses and print nozzle, yet can harden fast enough so that the next layer is able to be printed on it. On top of ensuring a consistent print quality, the final product also has to be as strong as conventional concrete.
The printing process takes half the time needed in the construction of a conventional bathroom unit that uses concrete casting. The fittings, tiling and finishing will typically take another five days.
This innovation was developed by a joint research team led by Assoc Prof Tan Ming Jen from NTU’s Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, in partnership with Sembcorp Design and Construction, and Sembcorp Architects & Engineers.
The Singapore Centre for 3D Printing was set up by National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, to conduct research and development on 3D printing technology, and accelerate the adoption of the technology by companies.
Mr Lim Tuang Liang, Executive Director at the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Coordination Office at NRF, said: “Singapore’s strength in advanced manufacturing technologies is deepening not only in the area of research, but also in the adoption and deployment of these technologies by our companies. This latest project between NTU and Sembcorp is testament to our strong research and translational capabilities in 3D printing. We are excited to promote more collaborations between our research institutes and innovation-driven companies to drive the adoption of key technologies in the manufacturing sector.”
This Proof-of-Concept aims to improve productivity for Singapore’s building and construction industry through the use of digital and robotic fabrication methods to reduce skilled labour and manpower requirements.
Since 2014, it has been a requirement for all non-landed residential Government Land Sale (GLS) sites in Singapore to use Prefabricated Bathroom Units (PBU) in their construction process. PBUs are usually cast from concrete and completely preassembled offsite with all necessary finishes and fittings, ready to be lifted and installed in a building project.
By shifting most of the fabrication off-site to the controlled environment of a factory, PBUs yield time and manpower savings of about 60 per cent, compared to on-site construction which was the practice prior to 2014. There is also better control over the materials and the prefabrication process, resulting in higher quality finishes and lesser wastage.
Assoc Prof Tan said 3D-printing a bathroom unit could help manufacturers halve their production time while lowering transport costs, carbon emissions and materials wastage. Less space is required to create and store the same number of PBUs in land- scarce Singapore, since conventional PBUs take about two weeks before they can be ready.
“By being able to print-on-demand, companies can save on their inventory costs as well as manpower costs, as they don’t have to hold as much stock and their workers can be redeployed to do higher-level tasks. This approach improves the safety of the workplace, since robots are doing the construction of the bathroom unit,” Prof Tan explained.
Meets or exceeds industry standards
The larger 3D-printed PBU has already undergone stringent industry tests, with the results showing that it has met the required strength and robustness as spelt out in Singapore Standard SS492: 2001.
It is currently undergoing fire resistance tests as part of the requirements under the Building Innovation Panel (BIP) PBU acceptance framework.
The BIP is an inter-agency platform which accelerates the development and implementation of feasible methods, processes, solutions, technologies or materials – to cover solutions beyond those that raise productivity to any type of innovation that can improve Singapore’s Built Environment.
The technology and know-how employed in this multi-disciplinary project is protected by a Technology Disclosure filed through NTU’s innovation and enterprise company, NTUitive, and is jointly owned between the university and Sembcorp.
Moving forward, the team is looking forward to getting the required approvals for trials from the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) and to commercialise the technology through licensing or a spin-off company.


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The food industry has been impacted by the pandemic and is looking for ways to increase productivity, lower costs and be better prepared for any future disruptions. Furthermore, consumers are increasingly interested in healthier and more sustainable food options, which is prompting the industry to explore how best to meet these demands.
To tackle the challenges of improving efficiency, adapting to changing preferences and demands, and enhancing the overall customer experience, the food industry is proactively exploring technology-enabled solutions. Technological breakthroughs, transformative processes and interactive platforms are the need of the hour.
No doubt, industrialisation and automation have already significantly increased the capacity and effectiveness of the sector, resulting in a continuous transformation of the global food industry across the entire value chain. The global food-tech industry has grown to include a wide range of companies that use technology to improve food production, distribution and variety. Nonetheless, there is much yet to do.
Startups, incubators and accelerators can play a powerful role in revolutionising the sector. They can bring together top food-tech entrepreneurs and corporates through one-of-a-kind mentorship, networking and financing.
A vibrant food industry is vital globally as it plays an essential part in determining the future of food production, and distribution around the world, contributing to sustainability, health and food security.
Through their creative ideas and innovative use of cutting-edge technologies, entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to positively impact the food industry. They foster innovation and economic growth while also advancing a more just and sustainable food system by actively bringing about change in the food industry.
All parties involved in the food system – from producers to consumers – could benefit from their innovations and ideas if they are implemented.
Food-tech innovations for a sustainable future
Chris is appreciative of Thailand’s innovative culture and welcoming atmosphere, describing it as a wonderful place to live and work. In his role, he works to support startups and build the country’s food tech ecosystem.
He is responsible for developing the long-term strategy for SPACE-F, Thailand’s first dedicated food tech incubator and accelerator. This initiative is a collaboration between the Thai Union, ThaiBev, Mahidol University and The National Innovation Agency of Thailand, intending to establish Thailand as a hub for Foodtech startups. Additionally, Chris is a member of the Corporate Venture Capital team at Thai Union.
Thai Union Group is committed to fostering innovation and invests in early-stage startups with disruptive technologies and products that are in line with our strategic direction, “Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans” via Thai Union Ventures. Additionally, the company collaborates with third-party entities, including VisVires New Protein, and SPACE-F, the first dedicated global FoodTech startup incubator and accelerator in Thailand. These collaborations enable the group to access cutting-edge technologies and expertise, which help the company stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.
“The initiative began in 2018 when we began collaborating with various country trade missions to scout startups and develop internally how we would work with startups. We realised that to drive innovation within the company and introduce fresh ideas, we needed to identify and collaborate with promising startups,” Chris recalls.
Seeing the potential, Thai Union Group established a fund to strategically support startups at the seed to series A funding stage in the areas of alternative proteins, biotechnology, functional nutrition and supply chain.
The company ensured that these investments fed back into the business unit, supporting its growth and contributing to its success. In fact, Thai Union Group’s support contributed to the growth of its first investment to the point where it was able to establish its own production facility in Thailand.
Chris believes that food tech companies introduce novel perspectives on food security and promote local production. Food tech startups can also assist in implementing new technologies to extend product shelf life while preserving product safety.
Moreover, food safety is becoming an increasingly critical concern as people become more aware of the potential emergence of diseases and bacteria due to climate change. Food security is not necessarily a matter of inadequate food supply to feed the world, but rather issues related to logistics, spoilage, and consumer preferences for specific food types. Chris believes that startups can introduce innovative solutions to address these challenges, particularly in the areas of sustainability and food safety.
Chris shared how startups supported by the SPACE-F are devising inventive strategies to combat food waste and promote sustainability. Some of the solutions include upcycling brewery wastewater into a source of protein, locating and distributing discounted baked goods and using food waste as feedstock to grow insects as a protein source for pet treats.
These initiatives not only help to reduce waste but also create new sources of sustainable protein, highlighting the potential for innovative technologies to drive positive change in the food industry. Chris points out that startups can build on previous ideas as well as offer corporations innovative solutions without significant investment.
As an example, he highlighted a Finnish startup, EniferBio that produces PEKILO® mycoproteins from a fungal strain, which was initially developed in the 1960s but later shelved due to changes in the pulp and milling industry’s processes.
The pandemic has led to increased awareness among people regarding the link between their diets and their health. Consumers are now more interested in healthier and more sustainable food options and are actively seeking out products that meet their dietary requirements and preferences.
As a result, there has been a growing interest in food technology, which is helping to drive innovation in the food industry. This has created an opportunity for food tech startups to develop new products and technologies that cater to these changing consumer demands, while also addressing challenges related to food security, sustainability, and food safety.
Startups in the food technology sector are gaining interest from investors and businesses due to their fresh ideas that have been tested locally and can be adapted globally. This is crucial in finding local solutions to global food supply issues caused by the pandemic.
Discussing their startup accelerator programme, Chris explained that it includes both domestic and international companies and highlighted the importance of regional production in promoting sustainability. They focus on regional production to promote sustainability, as well as address trends in the food industry, including the growing demand for sustainable and healthy products.
“We have an opportunity to incorporate healthy ingredients into their products while highlighting the importance of being mindful of additives and preservatives that could have negative long-term effects,” Chris points out.
Startups in Thailand are focusing on incorporating micronutrients, promoting sustainability, and developing healthier food options, while also considering the commercial viability and long-term benefits their products can provide. To support these efforts, incubators and accelerators are facilitating collaborations and the development of new ideas in the industry.
While perseverance and curiosity are foundational qualities for success in the startup community, context is as necessary. It is vital to engage with the local population and be prepared to alter products to satisfy customer demands. Understanding the consumer and being adaptable to branding and product changes are particularly crucial in the food-tech sector, as consumer preferences and demands are constantly evolving.
However, while consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainability, they are not always willing to pay the additional price – cost can often be a deciding factor, especially during times of economic uncertainty. As inflation rises, consumers may prioritise affordable options over sustainable ones.
In the case of novel products such as plant-based and cultured meat, achieving the optimal texture and price point is essential for convincing consumers to make the switch. Rather than expecting these products to completely replace traditional meat products, Chris suggests targeting flexitarians who may be willing to regularly incorporate them into their diet.
Blockchain technology can help improve traceability and food safety in the food industry. By using blockchain, each step of the supply chain can be recorded and traced, from the origin of the ingredients to the final product. This makes it easier to identify any issues that arise and quickly address them.
The use of QR codes can also allow consumers to access information about the product they are purchasing, such as the origin and logisitcs, which can increase transparency and trust.
Implementing such solutions can improve the precision of logistics systems and ensure the safe delivery of goods. Traceability tools can also be utilised for marketing purposes by establishing a compelling narrative about the product’s origins and beneficiaries. Consequently, there is a growing focus on sustainability, reducing food waste and improving logistics.
Alongside AI and blockchain, other noteworthy developments are shaping the food technology sector. Advanced processing technologies such as high-pressure processing are gaining traction as a way to preserve food while maintaining its nutritional integrity.
In light of the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, promising technologies that had previously been shelved such as bacteriophages are being resurrected. Additionally, there is a strong shift towards more natural and holistic solutions to promote sustainability and minimise food waste.
The use of such technologies can also contribute to ethical improvements by decreasing chemical and antibiotic use in animal husbandry and improving animal welfare. As consumers become more conscious of ethical considerations in food production, such as organic and sustainably sourced products, there will be a growing demand for them. To establish a sustainable future, it may be necessary to revive traditional agricultural practices and implement regenerative agriculture.
Chris strongly feels that consumer education should encompass not only fundamental food safety measures like washing vegetables and cooking foods thoroughly but also the ability to recognise potential sources of foodborne illnesses..
People need to have a solid grasp of food safety and hygiene principles and prioritise their own health and wellness. As the food industry advances and new technologies and products emerge, it will become necessary to strengthen oversight and regulation to ensure that these new technologies provide healthy and safe foods for consumers.
“Facilitating the development of innovative food products will necessitate cooperation among startups, corporate partners, regulators and consumers to ensure safety, effectiveness and transparency,” Chris says emphatically.
Urban Ideas and Solutions Through LKYGBPC
The Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), which began in 2001, is a biennial global university start-up competition hosted in Singapore. Organised by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, focusing on urban ideas and solutions developed by student founders and early-stage start-ups.
Chris is passionate about supporting startups and cultivating the food tech ecosystem to facilitate industry transformation.
In his role as Open Innovation Leader, he is responsible for implementing Thai Union’s open innovation strategy, collaborating with internal R&D stakeholders to understand their innovation needs and driving external collaboration; and being part of innovation platforms like LKYGBPC.
Working with youth is advantageous since they are not rigid in their thinking and can bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table, Chris says. But it is important to have separate tracks for ideation and revenue-generating businesses, while also promoting global collaboration and idea exchange.
Chris is convinced that “To inspire innovation among young people, it is essential to present it in a hands-on manner, similar to how LKYGBPC has done. Moreover, it is crucial to instill in them the notion that failure is an inherent and integral part of the learning process.”
He emphasises the importance of fostering an environment and culture of innovation that embraces trial and error. Failure must be embraced to allow learning from mistakes. Additionally, it is essential to comprehend one’s strengths, weaknesses, and dislikes.
To remain at the forefront of innovative entrepreneurship over the next five to ten years, the LKYGBPC must continue to evolve and accommodate new trends and challenges in the entrepreneurial landscape. This could involve broadening its scope and expanding its reach, partnering in new regions and industries.
They must be willing to embrace emerging tech and innovation and provide aspiring entrepreneurs with more resources and support.
Furthermore, the competition should continue to prioritise ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship, which is gaining importance to both businesses and consumers. They must encourage participants to develop innovative solutions to global concerns such as climate change, social inequality, and healthcare.
“The food technology sector has a substantial influence on daily life. One of the most exciting aspects for an entrepreneur in the industry is to develop a successful product and see it being sold on the shelves of a supermarket. This industry provides the opportunity to introduce solutions that have a significant, positive impact on people.” Chris concludes.
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Like in business and other aspects, the future of crime fighting will be heavily influenced by technological advancements. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), automation, augmented reality, big data, and all the other most significant trends observed in other industries are equally impacting policing.
In Singapore, an Emergency Video System uses technology that is already on mobile phones. This lets people who call ‘999’ or ‘995’ tell the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Operations Centres where the incident is happening and what it looks like.
This ability will make it much easier for SPF and SCDF Operations Centres, as well as first responders, to assess the situation and make decisions. With these technologies, police officers and intelligence agencies have more tools than ever before to stop crime and keep citizens safe. As criminals become more inventive in their own use of technology and data, SPF and SCDF also help combat the emergence of new types of crime.
The Police Operations Command Centre (POCC) and the SCDF Operations Centre will both be able to use the Emergency Video System. Hence, officers at the POCC and SCDF Operations Centre may encounter difficulties understanding the incident situation during emergency calls, particularly in complex and dynamic situations where the caller may be incapable to convey the extent of the situation.
The Emergency Video System supplemented the Home Team’s emergency call response by allowing SPF and SCDF officers at the respective Operations Centres to start live video streaming from the caller’s mobile phone to assist in decision-making and situational assessment.
Callers would also be able to share their real-time location with SPF and SCDF officers via the system, which would aid in the subsequent emergency response. Collaborations have emerged with other institutions to develop this new capability.
Additionally, where a live stream would be beneficial for a ‘999’ or ‘995’ incident, the Operations Centre will activate the Emergency Video System. The caller will give the operator permission to activate the live video stream from a safe location.
An SMS with a link will then be sent to the caller. By tapping on the hyperlink, the caller’s mobile phone’s web browser will be used to stream live footage of the incident, without the need to install any new applications. At the same time, the system will transmit the caller’s location to the Operations Centre, facilitating front-line emergency response.
During the live video streaming, the caller should stay on the ‘999’ or ‘995’ line while officers in the Operations Centre can talk to the caller over the phone while keeping an eye on the video feed.
Before responding officers arrive at the incident site, the Emergency Video System will provide SCDF and SPF with an additional means of triaging and sense-making. This will also help responding forces prepare for the incident while they are on their way to the scene. When both the SPF and the SCDF are responding to a major emergency, such as a major fire, they may use the same live stream.
By allowing organisations to respond to criminal activity in real-time, new digital technologies are transforming the way police protect and serve the public. It is crucial to stay up-to-date on technological advancements that can assist law enforcement on a global scale and to implement these advancements as they see fit in any given environment.
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A computer science school, 42 Malaysia (42MY), will be established in Malaysia. The school, a result of a partnership between the sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia and the largest education-focused social enterprise in Malaysia will use peer-to-peer learning to train 10,000 competent tech professionals over the next decade.
The 42 programme, which boasts the Born2Code slogan, was introduced in France and opened its inaugural campus in Paris in 2013. It is now part of a global network of 47 campuses across 26 countries that provide tuition-free education to individuals 18 years and older, without regard to educational or socioeconomic status. On July 23, 2020, the social enterprise launched the Malaysian branch of 42, known as 42 KL, in Sunway City, Kuala Lumpur.
The educational framework of the programme emphasises peer-to-peer and project-based learning methods that simulate a professional work environment. Participants at 42MY have the opportunity to learn coding by working on genuine industry projects in collaboration with the program’s partner companies.
Additional programmes are expected to be implemented to enhance the skills of the domestic workforce by leveraging underutilised sources of talent through Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. These initiatives are designed to equip individuals with sought-after skills, thereby increasing their chances of securing high-quality employment opportunities.
The Managing Director of the sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia believes that the presence of skilled professionals is a vital component in the ongoing growth of any industry. As such, he anticipates that 42MY will play a significant role in supporting Malaysia’s start-up and tech ecosystem by developing and nurturing local talent, which will aid the country’s digital economy and strengthen its IR 4.0 capability.
The collaboration demonstrates the potential benefits of partnerships and cooperation, and the wealth fund is excited about collaborating with like-minded partners who share the same objective of enhancing Malaysia’s digital and skilled talent supply.
The wealth fund has plans to implement additional initiatives aimed at upskilling and reskilling Malaysia’s domestic workforce. The strategy involves mobilising underutilised sources of talent by repurposing Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The primary objective is to equip individuals with high-demand skills to facilitate their access to top-quality employment opportunities.
An impact assessment framework called the SEMARAK Initiative is being developed. It converges global methodologies but is adapted for the Malaysian context.
MDEC is working to push forward digitalisation in Malaysia. They have developed a series of programmes aimed at preparing individuals for the digital future ahead. For example, eRezeki was established to help low-income groups and other citizens by providing them with opportunities to earn additional income by completing digital assignments using online sharing economy platforms. Participants are matched with digital work that aligns with their skills.
In addition, the Tech Talent @Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) initiative was also set up. This initiative involves the participation of Premier Digital Tech Institutions (PDTIs), the top tertiary institutions in Malaysia that focus on digital technology.
These institutions have a proven track record of producing high-quality graduates for high-value digital tech-based employment through research, education policies, industry connections, and career development services.
In addition, MDEC has other related initiatives to nurture the talent pipeline. These include:
- Digital Tech Faculty Expert Program (DTeX): this programme aims to create a pool of digital tech subject matter experts among faculty members of Premier Digital Tech Institutions (PDTIs) and partner universities. The programme is structured to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning in digital tech education. It also creates a platform for technology partners to collaborate with PDTIs and partner universities to actively participate in nurturing and developing industry-ready teaching talent from the tertiary education level.
- Internship & Employment: Partnering with industry players in the ecosystem allows university students to access internship and employment opportunities. Furthermore, upskilling programs are offered to prepare job-ready graduates for the industry.
- Micro-Credentials: Micro-credentials are short and affordable online courses that provide digital certification upon completion, aimed at improving specific skills or competencies. They can be developed by universities, industries, or professional certification bodies and can be stacked for full credentials via transfer of credit. They are also known as digital badges, nano degrees, web badges, mini degrees, or open badges.
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Through a partnership between the Swinburne University of Technology, École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP) in France, and a construction engineering company, engineering students will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in significant infrastructure projects in Australia.
Qualified students from École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP) will have the chance to enrol in Swinburne’s Master of Engineering Practice programme and subsequently participate in a paid two-year internship with the construction engineering company to contribute to one of their major infrastructure projects in Australia.
Since 1995, the construction engineering firm has been at the forefront of major infrastructure projects, including the Sydney Airport Link. They have also completed the construction of eight solar farms in Australia and are presently involved in projects such as the Melbourne Metro Tunnel and Sydney’s Westconnex 3A: M4/M5 Link.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at Swinburne, expressed his delight in establishing the trilateral partnership, noting that it is aimed at fostering educational and industrial links between France and Australia.
He added that the mission of Swinburne University is to unite individuals and technology in order to construct a more prosperous world. This objective will serve to benefit their students, respond to the evolving requirements of their collaborators, and promote research in areas of mutual concern.
Collaborations with established industry leaders present students with a distinctive chance to acquire valuable educational and work-related experiences. As a result of their shared values and dedication to providing students with authentic industry experience, future partnerships may entail engineering students becoming increasingly involved in these projects.
The partnership will have a significant impact by attracting top-tier students from ESTP to Swinburne, resulting in a more diverse and enriched student community. Additionally, it will contribute to the training of the company’s future workforce. Over the long term, this partnership could further improve course curriculums and potentially lead to the development of joint research initiatives.
The Chief Executive Officer of the construction engineering firm has expressed his belief that the programme will enable students to cultivate both technical and critical skills in Australia’s thriving construction industry. He further stated that joining the firm presents a tremendous opportunity for individuals to work in a world-class company that is dedicated to fostering a modern and diverse culture.
The firm is committed to achieving its decarbonisation objectives by 2030 and providing its employees with dynamic career growth opportunities. He looks forward to a shared future with Swinburne and ESTP.
According to market analysis, the global construction market is predicted to increase from US$13.57 trillion in 2021 to US$15.17 trillion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 11.8%.
The rise in the construction industry is primarily attributed to companies restructuring their operations and recuperating from the impact of COVID-19, which resulted in operational difficulties due to social distancing, remote working, and business closures. It is anticipated that the construction market will expand to US$22.87 trillion by 2026 at a CAGR of 10.8%.
The trilateral partnership comes at a time when the global construction market is experiencing significant growth. The collaboration between these institutions will provide engineering students with practical work experience on major infrastructure projects, enabling them to develop their skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The partnership also has the potential to foster joint research projects and contribute to the development of course curriculums. This initiative not only benefits the students but also the construction industry by nurturing a skilled and diverse workforce, leading to greater productivity and innovation in the field.
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Singapore and Indonesia reaffirmed their strong and long-standing economic ties; and to explore opportunities in the development of Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara, both nations welcomed the Letters of Intent submitted by Singapore-based businesses from a variety of sectors, including construction, telecommunication and finance. This collaboration in renewable energy and the digital economy was expanded.
Singapore’s Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investments Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Renewable Energy Cooperation.
Both countries will facilitate investments in the development of renewable energy manufacturing industries, such as solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Indonesia, as well as cross-border electricity trading projects between Indonesia and Singapore, under the terms of the MOU.
Recognising the synergies shared by Singapore’s and Indonesia’s tech ecosystems, Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto also signed the MOU on the Singapore-Indonesia Tech:X Programme.
The MOU will establish the Tech:X Programme, which enables young tech professionals from Singapore and Indonesia to work in each other’s countries, strengthens ties between the two nations’ tech ecosystems, and enables young tech professionals to pursue expanding opportunities in the digital economy.
“Through the Tech:X Program, we hope that young tech talent from both countries will be able to learn from one another, gain exposure, and expand the capabilities of both countries’ tech workforces,” Minister Gan says.
Ministers Gan and Airlangga also witnessed the signing of nine partnership documents between Singapore and Indonesia companies on 15 March 2023, in conjunction with the Leaders’ Retreat. In addition to health tech and ed-tech, the partnerships are in the digital economy.
The annual G2G platform, as well as the Singapore-Indonesia Six Bilateral Economic Working Groups (6WG), facilitate close economic collaboration between Singapore and Indonesia.
The 6WG platform addresses economic collaboration in the following areas: Batam, Bintan, Karimun, and other Special Economic Zones: Investments, Manpower, Agribusiness, Transportation, and Tourism.
Singapore and Indonesia have close commercial and investment ties. With bilateral trade totalling S$76.4 billion in 2022, Indonesia is Singapore’s sixth-largest trading partner. Since 2014, Singapore has been Indonesia’s top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with Singapore’s investments in Indonesia totalling US$17.5 billion by 2022.
OpenGov Asia earlier reported that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Joko Widodo recently met at the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat. This was the sixth Leaders’ Retreat for Prime Minister Lee and President Joko Widodo and the first to be held in Singapore since the COVID-19 pandemic.
During President Joko Widodo’s two terms in office, the relationship between the two countries had significantly improved, according to both leaders. This laid the groundwork for them to collaborate in new ways that are profound, multifaceted, forward-looking, and beneficial to both countries.
The ratification of all three agreements under the Expanded Framework was celebrated by the Leaders. These included the Agreement on the Realignment of the Boundary between the Jakarta Flight Information Region (FIR) and the Singapore FIR, the Extradition Treaty, and the Defense Cooperation Agreement.
The Leaders anticipated the next step of obtaining International Civil Aviation Organisation approval for the new arrangements under the FIR Agreement so that both countries could implement all three agreements at a mutually agreed upon date. The resolution of these enduring issues demonstrates the maturity and resilience of bilateral relations.
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An artificial intelligence (AI)-powered traffic management system has been launched in Goa at Merces junction. The system will assist state authorities with security, signal management, and issuing fines and tickets (challan). The technology automatically detects violations and dispatches an e-challan to the violator’s address, as per a government report.
According to the state’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, this is the first signal in Goa that incorporates AI technology. He said that the system will benefit traffic police by enabling them to monitor traffic and enhance security more efficiently.
There will be 16 smart signals aimed at managing traffic in Goa. The technology aims to bring down major accidents in the city. The system can “keep track of the movement of anti-social elements,” the report said. The Chief Minister stated that AI might also be used to make any arrests in the future.
The system has been developed and implemented by a private AI company and deployed at the Merces junction. Goa will expand the scope of implementation on a PPP basis by collaborating with private investment. The signals have been installed at no cost to the state government.
The government does not want people to break rules or take the law into their own hands. The Transport Minister, Mauvin Godingo, noted that although the implementation of the system has begun, the process of issue challenge will be completed by 15 April.
The AI system will reduce human errors and corruption. There will be real-time photographs if someone violates the traffic rules. An official claimed that within the next 15 years, the government will install AI at more locations to monitor roads under the PPP model.
In 2021, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) implemented AI-based technologies to limit road accidents and improve passenger safety in buses. The corporation floated a tender for the implementation of an AI-powered Collision Warning System (CWS) and Driver Drowsiness System (DDS) for 1,044 buses.
In April 2022, under the second phase of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)’s Intelligent Transportation System Endeavor for Indian Cities initiative, an indigenous onboard driver assistance and warning system (ODAWS), a bus signal priority system, and a Common Smart IoT Connectiv (CoSMiC) software were launched.
A few months later, the Bengaluru traffic police rolled out an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS). Similar to the recently-launched system in Goa, AI-enabled cameras detect traffic violations. The ITMS issues fines through text messages on offenders’ phones.
AI and machine learning (ML) technology are used in the ITMS to identify traffic violations automatically, as OpenGov Asia reported. The ITMS has been installed at 30 traffic junctions across the city. The cameras can detect speed limit violations and red light and stop lane breaches, and offences like helmet-less travel, driving without a seatbelt, triple-riding, and the use of mobile phones while driving.
The system has an AI-enabled solution with 250 automatic number plate recognition cameras and 80 red light violation detection cameras installed at 50 junctions. These cameras, which are active round-the-clock, have saved a lot of manpower, which is redeployed for traffic management and regulation. The data collected is stored on a server owned by traffic police. In the future, the police force plans to track vehicles without number plates and stolen vehicles.
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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to establish a bridge for startups between India’s most industrialised state and Western Australia’s flourishing innovation ecosystem. The MoU was signed by iTNT Hub, which is India’s first emerging and deeptech innovation network, and the WA Data Science Innovation Hub based at Curtin University, which is a cluster for data science, artificial intelligence, and information technology innovation in Western Australia.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on the first day of the Umagine conference in Nandambakkam, Tamil Nadu. The event was attended by the IT and Digital Services Minister of the state and the Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy from Western Australia.
Western Australia’s Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy stated that the goal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH) and iTNT is to establish a defined collaboration that is mutually beneficial for the development of shared objectives between the ecosystems of Tamil Nadu and Western Australia.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of iTNT Hub expressed his delight in receiving the support of senior ministers and heads of state from visiting delegations. The delegations were guided by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation in Western Australia and the Department of Information Technology and Digital Services in Tamil Nadu.
The iTNT Hub CEO noted that the agreement aims to establish the groundwork for a start-up and innovation bridge between Tamil Nadu and Western Australia. This will facilitate increased collaboration and exchange between the two innovation ecosystems.
The primary goal is to work with entrepreneurs, innovators, and an academic network of over 570 engineering colleges and industries to promote innovation on a large scale. The iTNT Hub’s teams are excited about the potential outcomes of this collaboration with the start-up minds in Western Australia.
The Director of the Curtin-based WA Data Science Innovation Hub stated that through the Memorandum of Understanding, exchange and collaboration opportunities will be provided to innovators, entrepreneurs, and the most talented students in both India and Western Australia.
He noted that artificial intelligence is expected to contribute AU$ 22 trillion to the global economy in the next seven years. Therefore, it is crucial to collaborate with global leaders in data science, applied artificial intelligence, and information technology-based innovation.
He said that the state of Tamil Nadu produces more engineering graduates than any other state in the world. Therefore, the team is excited to collaborate with iTNT to take innovation to the next level.
According to the Program Manager of WA Data Science Innovation Hub, the collaboration between the two entities has the potential to create a significant impact on a global level. The Memorandum of Understanding will enable Western Australia’s flourishing startup community to collaborate with the bright minds from India’s most industrialised state, driving innovation across the Indian Ocean. Through cross-collaboration around innovation, novel solutions can be created to address some of the world’s most pressing issues.
The Government of Tamil Nadu is leading the establishment of India’s first emerging and deeptech innovation network, iTNT Hub. This initiative is supported by the Government of India and various industries to provide a platform for entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, and industry to collaborate and innovate.
The WA Data Science Innovation Hub is an initiative of the Western Australian Government and is supported by Curtin University. Its objective is to maintain Western Australia’s position at the forefront of the digital revolution by promoting the adoption, education, training, and awareness of data science in the state.