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The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) mentioned recently at a private-sector event that the implementation of the Open Finance Framework will result in more customer-centric financial products. According to the BSP Governor, the underlying concept is that customers own transaction data, and consumers will have the ability to grant access to their financial data and access customer-centric products.
It is noted that developing customer-centric banking products and services will take some time, but with more access to consumer data, banks and third-party providers will be able to tailor banking products and services, investments, pensions, and insurance to what consumers need. The BSP Circular No. 1122, also known as the Open Finance Framework, that has been issued in June, is part of the BSP’s Roadmap for Digital Payments Transformation.
The framework sees customers as owners of their transaction data, which can be shared if they wish to do so. With more data shared, FIs and third-party players are incentivized to adopt a customer-centric product development cycle.
– Governor, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
OpenGov Asia reported that the BSP’s Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap 2020-2023 (DPTR) says that its thrust to promote financial inclusion and digitalisation of payments is mutually reinforcing: they go together, each enabling the other. With the sudden onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the shift towards digital payments has become imperative as physical distancing rules become the norm under the “New Economy” environment. By using digital payments with due care and vigilance, Filipinos reduce the need for mobility and prevent health risks from face-to-face and over the counter (OTC) financial transactions. The greater usage of digital payments will also facilitate the growth of Fintech businesses engaged in e-commerce businesses as the consumption of goods and services is increasingly driven by online purchases.
The BSP describes open finance as a consent-driven data sharing scheme that adheres to the same data security and privacy standards among banks, other financial institutions, and third parties for financial solutions such as real-time payments, financial transparency options for account holders, marketing, and cross-selling opportunities.
The BSP is partnering with the private sector to establish an Open Finance Oversight Committee (OFOC), a self-governing body led by the industry. This body, which is expected to be completed within a year, is tasked with adopting, updating, and enforcing the rules of conduct for an open financial system.
The OFOC will establish its standards and procedures, as well as promote “non-discriminatory membership” that will include banks, non-bank financial institutions, electronic money issuers, and payment system operators, as per the central bank.
The BSP’s three-year digital payments transformation roadmap includes open finance and open banking, to convert at least 50% of total retail payments to digital form and onboarding at least 70% of Filipino adults to the financial system. Also known as open bank data, and it provides information to third-party financial service providers using application programming interfaces, or APIs.
In addition, a cyber security firm has confirmed that the Philippines has the highest percentage (37%) of new e-wallet users. This was followed by India (23%), Australia (15%), Vietnam (14%), and Indonesia and Thailand, both with 13%. The cybersecurity firm also claimed that China has been a leader in digital payments since the country began using e-payments before the pandemic.
The study, titled “Mapping a Secure Path for the Future of Digital Payments in APAC,” gathered 1,618 responses from people all over the region. It investigated their attitudes toward digital payments as well as the factors that influenced their decision to use fintech.
Despite the rise in digital payment adoption, the cybersecurity firm noted that cash remains dominant, with 70% of respondents still using it in their daily transactions.


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The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) and a major cloud computing company have announced the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Government Cloud Cluster (AGCC), a comprehensive platform designed to accelerate AI adoption in Singapore’s public sector, advance local applied AI research efforts and support the growth of the local AI startup ecosystem.
The AGCC has been implemented by SNDGO and the cloud tech company for usage by Singapore’s government agencies and the research, innovation, and enterprise (RIE) ecosystem. The AGCC is hosted in Singapore in a specialised cloud computing environment.
Agencies can use the AGCC to build and deploy scalable and impactful AI applications rapidly, safely, ethically, and cost-effectively by leveraging an AI technology stack and a vast partner ecosystem of software-as-a-service firms, consultancies, and AI startups. AI technology stack capabilities include:
First, an AI-optimised infrastructure. High-performance A2 supercomputers powered by NVIDIA’s A100 GPUs and hosted in an open, scalable, secure, and energy-efficient infrastructure. This enables cloud developers to train computationally complex AI models at fast speeds while minimising costs and environmental impact.
Customisable first-party, third-party, and open-source AI models follow. A central repository enabling AI practitioners to access pre-trained generative AI models, with built-in features to assist users in customising these models for specific requirements.
The repository contains a wide range of first-party, third-party, and open-source models designed for certain needs. These include models for summarising and translating text in different languages, sustaining an ongoing discussion, converting audio to text, producing, and modifying software code, and generating and repairing written descriptions.
International AI businesses interested in making their foundation models available to Singapore government departments can collaborate with the Cloud computing company to store these models in the repository.
Another category is no-code AI development tools. A Generative AI App Builder enabling developers (especially those with limited technical expertise) to swiftly construct and seamlessly embed chatbots and enterprise search experiences driven by Cloud’s generative AI models.
Finally, there are explainable AI and data governance toolkits. A set of built-in technologies that can assist government agencies in using AI in a secure and responsible manner. This includes features for access control and content moderation, as well as novel mechanisms for incorporating human feedback to improve model performance and the ability to audit the sources of AI model outputs to detect and resolve potential bias and ensure that model behaviour is compliant with regulations.
The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is Singapore’s first public-sector organisation to use the AGCC. Its Open Government Products (OGP) team has integrated with Vertex AI and is investigating the use of its models in Pair, which are large language model-powered assistants that civil servants can use to help them boost productivity while maintaining the confidentiality of government information.
To help government agencies deploy AI applications as effectively and responsibly as possible, the Cloud tech company will collaborate with GovTech to design and run whole-of-government Digital Academy programmes that will assist agencies in developing in-house data science and AI expertise, developing AI innovation strategies, and implementing data governance best practices.
The programmes will be delivered in a variety of specialised formats to 150,000 public servants from 16 ministries and over 50 statutory boards.
Government agencies in Singapore will be able to use the AGCC and other authorised services through the Government on Commercial Cloud (GCC) 2.0 platform beginning in June 2023. The GCC platform, developed by GovTech, offers agencies a standardised and regulated means to implement commercial cloud solutions.
GCC 2.0, the platform’s second generation, is integrated with cloud-native capabilities and cloud security practices, enabling agencies to access into a larger ecosystem of services and people to accelerate the development of new digital applications.
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The Government of Western Australia is taking significant steps to support rural and remote communities across Western Australia by providing funding for technology projects that aim to enhance community services. In an effort to bridge the digital divide and promote access to essential resources, more than AU$ 330,000 has been allocated to support 44 Community Resource Centres (CRC) in implementing various technology and innovation initiatives throughout the regions.
These projects encompass a wide range of endeavours aimed at improving the lives of community members in rural areas. For instance, a notable initiative involves the upgrade of 13 public computers in Broome. These computers play a crucial role in the community, particularly for individuals who do not have the luxury of owning personal computers in their homes. By upgrading these public computers, the CRC in Broome will be able to provide better access to information, educational resources, and essential online services to local residents.
The funding provided by the McGowan Government will empower CRCs in rural and remote areas to embrace technological advancements and leverage innovative solutions to address community needs. By implementing these technology projects, the government aims to enhance the overall quality of life in these regions, promote digital inclusion, and ensure that residents have equal opportunities to access crucial online services and resources.
In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, the funding provided by the Government will enable other Community Resource Centres (CRCs) in Western Australia to embark on innovative projects tailored to their local community needs. The Frankland River CRC, for example, plans to establish a Smart Home Hub demonstration centre, which will serve as a showcase for the latest advancements in home automation and smart technologies. This initiative aims to educate and familiarize community members with the benefits and possibilities of integrating smart technologies into their homes.
Meanwhile, the Beverley CRC intends to establish a content creation studio with a specific focus on social media marketing for local businesses in the Wheatbelt region. This studio will help businesses develop engaging content for their social media platforms, enabling them to effectively promote their products and services to a wider audience. By enhancing their online presence and digital marketing capabilities, local businesses can potentially attract more customers and bolster economic growth in the region.
The grant program extends to all Community Resource Centres within the WA Community Resource Network, encompassing over 100 CRCs located in regional and remote areas across the State. Each eligible CRC has the opportunity to apply for grants of up to AU$ 10,000 under the program.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development administers the program, ensuring that the funding is allocated and used effectively to support technology and innovation projects that benefit rural and remote communities in Western Australia.
The Minister of Regional Development emphasised the importance of Community Resource Centres (CRCs) as community-driven organizations that play a crucial role in providing essential support to residents and businesses in rural and remote areas across Western Australia. The funding initiative aims to equip CRCs with the necessary technological resources to deliver modern and effective services to their respective communities.
This funding program recognises that community needs vary across different regions, and it empowers local CRCs to identify and address the specific improvements that will bring the greatest benefits to their stakeholders. By allowing CRCs to leverage their deep understanding of local needs and dynamics, the initiative ensures that the allocated funds are used in ways that best serve the communities they serve. This approach acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each CRC and supports their efforts in delivering impactful projects tailored to their community’s requirements.
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In light of the risks posed by the advancement of information technology and the internet, the government, state, and the entire political system have taken significant measures to enhance the safeguarding of children within the online environment.
According to UNICEF, children are increasingly exposed to various risks, including the concerning issue of cyberbullying. The agency reports that one in five young individuals have experienced online bullying.
Reports have shown that the national emergency telephone number for child protection, 111, received nearly 420 calls about child protection in the online environment and 18 notifications about channels or video clips with harmful content for children in 2022. The figures in the first five months of this year were 128 calls and three notifications.
An expert from UNICEF’s children’s protection programme said that strategies to address cyber-bullying and abuse should be part of the broader child protection strategies. Cooperation and coordination among stakeholders are key to success in this work.
The Guidelines for Industry on Child Online Protection, developed by UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serve as a framework for businesses. These guidelines offer solutions that businesses can adopt to ensure the protection and well-being of children, while also promoting a healthy and creative internet experience for children themselves.
Dang Hoa Nam, Director of the Department of Child Affairs under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in establishing a digital environment that is both safer and healthier for children. He highlighted the significance of drawing from both domestic and international experiences to implement targeted and practical measures aimed at ensuring children’s safety in the online realm.
Vietnam has established a comprehensive legal framework to protect children in the digital sphere, including laws such as the Law on Children, the Law on Cyber Information Security, and the Law on Access to Information. These laws provide a crucial legal foundation for child protection initiatives.
To safeguard children in the online environment, the government and the Prime Minister have issued several significant documents. These include the National Action Programme for Children in the 2021-2030 period and the programme on protection of and support for children.
Furthermore, Vietnam, alongside other ASEAN member nations, has collectively endorsed crucial agreements to protect children’s welfare online. This includes the adoption of the Declaration on the Protection of Children from all Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse in ASEAN in 2019, as well as the Declaration on the Elimination of Bullying of Children in ASEAN.
The Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and several city Information and Communications Departments held a conference earlier this May on the launch and evaluation of the national cyber security and safety strategy. The event was held in Ha Long City.
As OpenGov Asia reported, servers are the primary targets of cyber-attacks in the country, aimed at stealing passwords and data. Last year in Vietnam, computer viruses resulted in economic losses amounting to VND 21.2 trillion (US$ 903 million). To ensure cybersecurity, MIC collaborated with various agencies to conduct three nationwide security exercises. The authority directly prevented over 3,600 fraudulent websites, safeguarding nearly 4 million people or approximately 6% of internet users.
Vietnam has set a goal to establish a cybersecurity research and development centre, safeguard information systems in 11 critical sectors, and establish cybersecurity forces at ministries, sectors, and state agencies by 2025.
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Ivan John Uy, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), stated that the Department will implement e-Governance initiatives to promote interoperability and facilitate ease of doing business in the country; and that the Department has undertaken the enormous task of interconnecting government systems.
Secretary Ivan added that citizens engage in numerous online transactions but they tend to avoid conducting business with the government because they are frequently required to wait in queue multiple times for government dealings.
Hence, agencies are confronted with the difficult task of unifying these disparate and disconnected systems of governance. The only constant among these systems is the absence of any shared components.
Each organisation has selected its own standards, data formats, and service providers. Consequently, the objective is to identify a solution that can effectively integrate these disparate elements.
The ICT Chief also discussed the Department’s progress in connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital skills development. Through its flagship Broadband ng Masa Programme, the Department is accelerating the implementation of necessary digital infrastructure and wireless broadband technologies, particularly for those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
DICT tends to bring connectivity to all mountainous regions and island groups. The telcos have been hesitant to make these investments primarily due to economic concerns; therefore, the government must intervene and provide first-mover connectivity in these areas.
When they initially provide this connectivity, it is hoped that the economies in these regions will begin to improve, and the population will begin to develop better applications or use cases for this connectivity.
E-governance has been getting a lot of attention in the Philippines for the last few years as the government tries to use technology to improve public service delivery, simplify administrative processes, and improve governance.
The country is moving towards e-governance because more and more of its people use the internet and other digital tools, and because people see the benefits of digital transformation.
One of the most important parts of e-governance in the country is getting people involved online. The government has set up several online platforms and portals that allow people to get information, share their concerns, and give feedback on government policies and services. This helps make the decision-making process more open, accountable, and inclusive, and it gives people a chance to directly shape public policies.
Also, the streamlining of government services has made them easier to use and cut down on unnecessary paperwork. Citizens can now apply for papers like passports, driver’s licences, and birth certificates online through portals. This saves them time and effort. This has also led to a big drop in corruption and bribes since people don’t have to talk to government officials as much when they do business online.
E-governance has also made it easier for government departments to share and combine data, which has led to better service delivery. By using standard data formats and putting in place interoperable systems, information can be quickly accessed and shared between departments.
This cuts down on duplicate work and makes it easier to work together. This has made it easier for the government to do its work and cut down on the time it takes to do things.
Even though success has been made, there are still challenges with how e-governance is being used in the Philippines. Lack of Internet access in remote places, especially in rural provinces, makes it hard to get to and take part in things. There is also a need to improve the digital literacy of the population, making sure that people have the skills they need to use online platforms and e-government services successfully.
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Given the recent rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), the Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda) announced that it has become an official partner of an international non-governmental organisation to ensure the alignment of AI applications with the interests of the public and to develop the necessary application services for society.
As a member of the “Alignment Assemblies” project, moda’s global and public objectives are to assist Taiwan in building public consensus regarding the needs and risks of AI and to collectively address the “Alignment Problem” of AI.
Beginning in July of this year, the moda intends to influence the direction of AI development through Ideathons, employing a citizen participation and deliberation model and using Taiwan as a test bed.
The moda emphasised that the international non-governmental organisation supports the technology that incorporates social development, industrial advancement, and public confidence. It believes that the development of AI should prioritise ethics and the public interest.
During the Democratic Summit in March of this year, the moda, led by Minister Audrey Tang, launched this initiative to create a global consensus among people and ensure the alignment of AI with human values. By participating in this initiative, the moda hopes to promote digital democracy and global partnerships while fostering a diverse and inclusive digital culture for the development of AI in Taiwan.
The moda announced that it will initiate the “Democratising AI Futures” dialogue through Ideathons and invite public participation in the third quarter of this year as well as organise seminars to discuss how to respond to the development of generative AI.
Minister Audrey explained that AI has brought about profound social changes and that issues such as algorithms, intellectual property, technological ethics, public services, and social impact have garnered significant attention, posing new challenges to democratic governance.
In response to the social concerns raised by the trend of generative AI, moda is actively drafting the “Basic Law on Artificial Intelligence.” The moda also expects that policymakers and technology developers will have access to vital information to ensure that the development of AI serves the public interest.
In the fast-changing technological world, fostering consensus on the requirements and hazards associated with AI is essential. As AI continues to evolve and permeate numerous elements, it is critical to ensure that its development and deployment are in line with the interests and values of society.
Building consensus allows for the identification and prioritisation of ethical considerations in AI development. It enables stakeholders to address possible issues such as bias, privacy concerns, and job displacement cooperatively, as well as cooperate towards developing AI systems that adhere to ethical norms and protect human rights.
Also, achieving consensus on AI enables policymakers to make educated decisions when developing legislation and policies. Policymakers may establish comprehensive frameworks that balance innovation, social demands, and possible risks connected with AI technology by considering the different perspectives and concerns of the public.
Building consensus aids in the establishment of public trust and acceptance of AI systems. When the public participates in AI debates and decision-making processes, people feel more empowered and are more inclined to trust and adopt AI applications that are consistent with their values and meet their requirements.
Consensus-building aids in resolving biases and guaranteeing fairness in AI algorithms and systems. Potential biases can be recognised and minimised by integrating a diverse variety of stakeholders, including marginalised populations and underrepresented groups, resulting in more equal opportunities in AI systems.
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According to Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, digitalisation plays a pivotal role in achieving a sustainable economy across various industries. He highlighted four dimensions of sustainability, and these are environmental, social, economic, and resilience.
Digitalisation offers ways to lessen the global impact of economic activity in terms of environmental sustainability. Businesses and individuals can adopt sustainable practices, maximise resource use, and reduce waste by utilising digital technologies.
Singapore’s dedication to programmes like the One Million Trees programme exemplifies how digitalisation is incorporated into efforts to preserve the environment. Additionally, digitisation can assist in addressing how climate change is affecting the biosphere and ecosystem of the world, which has an impact on food security and calls for international cooperation.
The effects of digitalisation on social sustainability are substantial. DPM Heng emphasised that technological advancement and innovation will drive future economic growth while the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitisation raises concerns about the future of work and skill sets.
He added that adopting digitalisation ensures adaptation to changing technology environments in industries like education, where professors may use AI systems. The development of digital skills and literacy must be encouraged if people are to be able to flourish in a world driven by technology.
Global economic digitisation has significant benefits and the potential for economic sustainability. Businesses now have access to previously inaccessible global markets because of digitisation.
According to DPM Heng, the phrase “unicorn” serves as an example of the possibility for substantial economic growth due to a digital economy. Discussions of ideas like universal basic income come up, underscoring the importance of carefully considering economic sustainability considering the effects of digitalisation.
In addition, the impact of technology on the labour market and the widespread adoption of digitalisation were acknowledged by DPM Heng as significant challenges in the years to come. While Singapore, with its tiny and ageing population, would embrace technological advancements, developing nations with young populations might confront greater difficulties.
The potential for economies to change because of robotics and AI breakthroughs raises concerns about employment loss and other economic changes.
DPM Heng emphasised that digitalisation contributes to the capacity to withstand accelerated change. During times of crisis, financial resources are crucial for sustaining economic growth. Thanks to prudent financial management and accumulated savings, Singapore was able to survive the COVID-19 pandemic without borrowing.
Likewise, social resilience emerged during the pandemic, highlighting the significance of trust, caring, and collective action in times of crisis.
DPM Heng cited that multiple dimensions of a sustainable economy are facilitated by digitalisation. It provides solutions to environmental problems, transforms the future of employment and skills, presents economic opportunities, and challenges, and strengthens resilience.
He furthered that to ensure a sustainable future, societies embrace digitalisation, promote digital literacy, and adapt to an ever-changing technological landscape, all while resolving the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability.
Also, utilising digitalisation is essential for Singapore to create an economy that can withstand and adapt to the challenges of a world that is rapidly changing. By embracing technological advances and innovation, Singapore harnesses the power of digitalisation to generate sustainable economic growth and ensure long-term economic stability.
Utilising data-driven insights, implementing agile strategies, and fostering a culture of innovation, digitalisation enables the nation to strengthen its resilience. By leveraging digitalisation, Singapore is poised to flourish in a constantly shifting economic environment while promoting sustainability and resiliency.
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The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has urged banks, foreign bank branches, and intermediaries in payment services to actively support the advancement of cashless transactions and the implementation of the national digital transformation programme.
The move aims to aid the plan on developing the application of resident data and electronic identification and authentication to support the national digital transformation agenda during the period of 2022-2025, with a vision extending to 2030.
According to Document No 3956/NHNN-TT, the SBV has requested banks, foreign bank branches, and intermediaries in payment services to persist in their efforts to devise favourable programmes and policies concerning payment and intermediary payment service fees for customers. The SBV has also urged them to waive account maintenance fees and cash withdrawal fees for customers entitled to the social security policy. They were instructed to proactively engage in practical initiatives to commemorate Cashless Day 2023, which takes place on 16 June, and to continue their efforts throughout the entire month.
Furthermore, the SBV advised banks and foreign bank branches in Vietnam to collaborate with payment acceptance entities, including utility providers like power, water, and telecom services, e-marketplaces, supermarkets, restaurants, and shopping centres. The purpose is to organise promotional events and enhance marketing efforts to promote cashless payment methods.
Intermediary payment service providers have also been asked to work with banks, foreign banks’ branches, and goods and service suppliers to launch preferential policies and appropriate promotions for their users.
Over the past three years, the number of customers opening new accounts and registering for digital banking services in remote and rural parts of the country has been increasing. This shift in payment behaviour can be attributed to the government and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) actively promoting and encouraging such practices.
As OpenGov Asia reported, the introduction of the Mobile Money service has become an important motivation for cashless payment in Vietnam. Data from the SBV show that the country has 72,000 transaction posts providing cashless payment services. Out of this figure, 39,000 are in rural and remote areas. In the first nine months of 2022, nearly 14 million customers, of whom 37.5% were from rural areas, used cashless payment services with a total transaction value of VND 167.68 trillion (US$ 7.09 billion).
For the Mobile Money service alone, as of the end of September 2022, the service had 2.34 million accounts, including 1.62 million from rural and island areas. As of January, about 15 million transactions worth nearly VND 950 billion (US$ 40.1 million) were conducted.
By 2025, the government wants the volume of mobile payment transactions to grow by 50-80% and transaction value to surge by 80%-100% annually. It also aims for at least 80% of the population aged 15 and above to have bank accounts.
Cashless payment methods like contactless cards, QR codes, and mobile banking for digital and e-commerce services are becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam, especially among young people. The country has witnessed a strong shift to electronic payment methods replacing cash, which is also a target of a plan for cashless payment development in Vietnam for the 2021-2025 period. The government aims for 85% of adults in the country to own and use smartphones.