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COVID-19 pandemic has foundationally altered the way both the public and private sector across the world deliver services, products, and programmes and has progressed digital transition by years. Government agencies and institutions have fast-tracked digitisation of internal operations and delivery of citizen services. To meet changing and new demands far more quickly, businesses adopted temporary solutions, that are morphing into more permanent ones.
The public and private sectors had to transition business, work, and services as remote working became a necessity. Hence, organisations had an urgent need to test the resilience of new working models to provide better access and protect data. Additionally, other disrupted private sectors looked to the government for adaptive and dynamic regulatory models while citizens also demanded more online services.
Organisations need to adopt new technologies, formulate evolving strategies and put in place best practices to stay relevant, competitive and survive, in the new normal. There is now increased demand for e-services and expectations of better virtual offerings. In this Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) environment, governments across the globe, too, are looking to ramp up their digital transformation to better citizen services in a post-COVID-19 era.
Today, citizens’ expectations and demands of their government have has escalated astronomically. That means even greater citizen demand for seamless experiences and access to the right content, at the right time, across departments and agencies – at any time, anywhere and with any device. Ultimately, citizen expectations are changing as society becomes more comfortable with using digital services.
Government must use the momentum of recent initiatives in the post-pandemic era to improve digital services for citizens. This is the perfect timing for citizen-centric government leaders to understand the needs of each citizen by having a creative mindset that can unlock the pathway to more positive citizen experiences.
There is a clear opportunity right now for the public sector to share learnings, partner, and collaborate with industry leaders to work hand in hand in achieving true digital transformation that improves the lives of citizens and society as a whole.
This was the focal point of the OpenGovLive! Virtual Breakfast Insight held on 20 October 2021. This invitation-only session aimed to impart knowledge and strategies on how to accelerate and redefine the connected citizen experience.
Citizen-centric solutions for future-ready government
Mohit Sagar, Group Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, OpenGov Asia, kicked off the session with his opening address.
He acknowledged in today’s hyperconnected world, demand from citizens is increasing daily. Since COVID-19 drove almost all aspects of life into the digital realm, businesses and institutions pivoted to serve them online. With this, people no longer have to wait in line for a specific service or product.
Their experience with the private sector, retail, commerce and finance, has made them used to uber-personalisation. Citizens, in his opinion, consume things at an astonishing rate and super personalised services are being offered through Artificial Intelligence and other technology.
To cope with demand and match expectations, governments are being driven to push the envelope, or, to put it another way: accelerate digital transformation. Against this backdrop, the main challenge for governments, now, as they strive to match the retail experience and meet citizens’ evolving demands is juggling multiple things at once – infrastructure, processes, security and upskilling.
If the new normal continues to keep life predominantly online, Mohit asks, “Will our systems be able to handle this? Will they cope if organisations decide to go with a work-from-home only model?”
Such thinking, demands organisations and agencies rethink, replan and reimagine their digital transformation outlook. It is no mean feat to deploy a sound, robust and agile strategy.
Finding the right partner, in these circumstances, according to Mohit, is vital to success. Working with experts allows agencies and governments to focus on their core missions and deliverables.
He exhorted the delegates and speakers to participate in the discussions at hand as the session had the potential to generate solutions and insights. This peer-learning and collaborative brainstorming could provide solutions that would be crucial for organisations to improve and become more citizen-centric.
Digital transformation essential to deliver enhanced citizen experience
Colin Tan, Director, Digital Experience, SEA, Adobe spoke next. About a year into the pandemic, at the beginning of 2021, Adobe has commissioned a study to explore the top trends in experience management for the public sector. Some of the key themes they wanted to gain insight into were how the human experience informed the citizen experience and how organisations worked to become more experienced-driven.
“Where organisations are today with advanced modern technology significantly reshaping the world around us and our lives – from what we consume to how we consume to when and where we consume it,” Colin believes. “The human experience has certainly and rapidly been altered by technological modernisation.”
Lockdowns and movement restriction orders due to the pandemic coupled with the personalised services offered by both local businesses and multinational outlets have made the public far less mobile – and reliant on e-commerce. Online shopping with home delivery, remote working and online classes, even now, have been widely adopted and, in most cases, is the norm.
This has altered the perception of what the government should be capable of doing – citizens expect the same experience and service they get from the private sector from the government.
Agreeing with Mohit, Colin feels that meeting these rising expectations of private-sector quality service, delivery and experience, is now at the top of governments’ agenda.
While this may be the expectation, the reality is different – government transmission lags the commercial sector and 33% of all governments are under pressure to accelerate their programmes. A recent report that deals with the state of the public sector transformation globally indicated that 80% of governments are still in the early stages of digital maturity or are developing it.
Singapore has been one of the frontrunners in embracing technology well before the pandemic and has been globally recognised as a leader in e-government and, more recently, for digital government.
Adobe is committed to partnering closely with government agencies around the world in their digital transformation journey to help deliver a better and more rounded citizen experience. The company is synonymous with the creative and document worlds, Products such as Photoshop and Acrobat are “household names and tools” that people employ daily for business, education and personal use.
However, a very important and growing part of the business is the collaboration Adobe has with other organisations and governments in the areas of delivering impactful digital customer or citizen experiences. It has been a privilege for Adobe to have partnered with some of the best and brightest organisations to deliver a range of digital solutions.
Colin was confident that he would learn much as the delegates freely shared their perspectives and insights. He looked forward to engaging in dialogue with like-minded peers and executives and was eager to hear everyone’s ideas and solutions.
Delivering equitable, inclusive and citizen-centric digital services
John Mackenney, Practise Lead of Digital Strategy APAC, Adobe who followed, elaborated on the shift in the way governments are thinking about service delivery as they strive to meet new citizen expectations.
In their experience citizen expectations revolve around convenience, timeliness and personalisation. These are now the norm in service industries, whether it is ordering food, tourism experiences or shopping for retail goods. Citizens expected the same level and quality from interaction with government agencies as well.
“We are seeing governments invest more in trusted platforms; interoperability between different solutions and different technology providers have become very important,” he said.
In these transformation journeys, John has seen that cyber security and cyber threats remain a major concern for governments. Data privacy, storage, access and sovereignty are also key considerations.
In his opinion, the benefits of data and personalisation are beginning to be better understood, and organisations are beginning to strike a better balance. Furthermore, in terms of how employees and teams work, it has been acknowledged that much more of an agile structure and faster move to get government services out and has been accelerated. Additionally, as governments expand and evolve, digital skills – in-house and by external talent – is vital to success.
John believes that there is a shift in how organisations think about using technology, not just in terms of how the technology has been deployed, but also in aspects of how the technologies save money and drive efficiencies into the government budget. This shift presents a range of questions:
- What does that mean as a broader citizen dividend?
- How do governments deliver time savings back to citizens?
- How do we deliver better government services?
- How do you become an experience-driven agency?”
John offers several pillars on which to base the answers to those questions.
The first is to implement strategy and leadership within organisations and across government, with top leadership prioritising digital and driving transformation with business agility.
The next is understanding the importance of becoming a citizen-centred organisation. Citizen success KPIs, empowered teams, governance and security must drive the way agencies work. However, he believes that it is not just about dedicated teams and targets, but about understanding KPIs, “How are you enhancing the application?”.
Data and architecture are another; technology, architecture and a solid data foundation are required to create stunning citizen experiences. John enquires, “How do you get the context around a citizen and how will they understand those different digital touchpoints?”
This is where content-at-scale and optimised experiences come into play, being able to bring all these together to establish the context and service needs of citizens – not just building websites but being able to deliver content across every channel.
Lastly, Al-driven capabilities around journey management and optimising experiences have become a major focus for governments.
John acknowledged the vital work of one of Singapore’s most popular and widely used applications – Life SG – which is how the Singapore government understands citizens and their needs.
According to John, understanding the demands and needs has been a difficult task that some governments and agencies are currently undergoing. He is confident that Adobe can help agencies and invited delegates to explore ways they could collaborate.
Streamlining data access, improving data management and strengthening governance
Joy Bonaguro, Chief Data Officer for the State of California, USA, shared her thoughts on digital transformation from the viewpoint of California’s data strategy and how it unlocked the digital experience.
“I think we spend a little too much time with the digital tail wagging the dog,” she said. “When what we need is data to decide what to offer.”
According to her, California is structured around the concept of empowering data use and it is on the premise that they must consciously equip themselves to navigate the data landscape.
She acknowledges that it is difficult to share and access data across departments because the data is housed in silos. Further, each of those entities has been built around those systems and the only way out is to create holistic data.
Another challenge they faced is that most government data in the United States is not well documented nor well structured, this often results in, what Joy referred to, as “the question death spiral.”
In this scenario, the primary goal is to design a data access spectrum. The government, according to Joy, is currently working on developing this holistic architecture for data access across the system. However, as they build a data road, the government must be careful about how the roads are designed.
She likened this construction to physical roads as the rules of the data road and a physical road are similar. To elaborate, she displayed stop signs from various countries before 1968 as well as current signs. She asked the delegates in which era they would prefer to drive based on the two road signs presented.
Joy indicated that she “would prefer to be in 1968. Whether stepping into a taxi or a bus then was a lot more predictable. These sorts of standards and consistency in the physical world can become so salient”.
Joy emphasised that physical standards have unlocked global commerce, whether in the form of shipping containers or billings of arrivals at various ports. In terms of state-wide data strategy, she believes that there is a lack of data consistency, which has manifested, as an example, in the vaccine rollout in the US healthcare system. There are 58 counties, each delivering vaccines separately. Joy discovered four different vaccine race ethnicity options during her visit to four of the country’s different vaccine signups.
When the summarisation of the vaccination case data in the state of California by race and ethnicity was revealed, it was discovered that nearly 20% of the data on race and ethnicity was missing, leaving the government unable to determine the rest of the other groups that are not being vaccinated.
In terms of developing new data playbooks, the government will be updating its ethics and algorithm toolkit around how to responsibly use and deploy Al, as well as boosting their writers and thinking through how to structurally deepen the government’s data bench.
The government has established a ‘data gym,’ which is being used as a shortcut for leaders to understand their role in the importance and use of driving data. This process is similar to how a gym operates, except that in this case, IT teams are in charge of maintaining the gym and its associated equipment. Nevertheless, it is the data teams who act as trainers, who assist organisations in identifying trouble spots and understanding how to use and sequence the equipment.
Finally, businesses must commit to getting in shape, and this cannot be delegated to IT or data teams.
The Cal Data Academy, which will be soon launched, will provide employees with training to improve and level data competency skills across our frontline staff, government leadership, etc.
In closing, Joy feels that governments should shift their focus, as they are currently looking solely to supplying data roads and not on increasing business demand. It is critical to focus on this to nurture communities.
Interactive Discussion
After the informative presentations, delegates participated in interactive discussions facilitated by polling questions. This activity is designed to provide live-audience interaction, promote engagement, hear real-life experiences, and impart professional learning and development for participants.
The first question asked the delegates what the most important IT priorities for their organisations were. An overwhelming majority (71%) of the participants said digital transformation and innovation to be important. About a fifth (19%) went with improving efficiencies and reducing maintenance costs while 10% indicated digital record-keeping to comply with government legislation was key.
When asked what organisations’ key initiatives would be over the next 12 months, about half (46%) had a variety of responses not in the given options. About a quarter (24%) stated education, while healthcare and security (video data analysis) got 12% each. The remaining 6% went with transportation.
Replying to what their biggest challenge with managing change in data/business requirements was, 33% were concerned about the time involved to make changes. About 29% felt it was a lack of flexibility/agility in current systems and 14% had uncertainty about future needs. A quarter (24%) indicated other issues, not on the given list.
The next poll inquired why organisations think Digital Transformation requires New IT Strategies. A third (33%) answered partnering for capabilities, 27% say evolving business value and another 27% went with new IT enablers. The balance 13% opted for external customer-centricity.
On being asked which Infrastructure Tech Modernisation area their organisation is investing in or planning to invest in support of Digital Transformation (DX)/IT Transformation (ITX) projects, more three fourths (78%) answered data analytics while 22% say converged or aggregated infrastructure.
On what is their biggest challenge was when it came to data management, about 30% said fast accessibility (being able to get the data quickly) while another 30% felt real-time insights (ability to analyse data in real-time) was their main issue. A quarter (25%) indicated regulatory compliance while 15% opted for data loss prevention.
Delegates were polled on how their organisations think AI and Data Analytics can impact / improve their current initiative. Half went with faster access to data to improve pre-emptive analysis. The remaining delegates were equally split between needing AI-ready infrastructure to manage a large set of data (25%) and a machine learning-based approach for IT infrastructure (25%).
The last question asked the delegates what trigger factors or events had been (or would be) most important in leading the organisations to use or seriously consider using cloud services. More than 72% of them answered businesses demand more agility and/or speed from IT. 17% said IT Capital expenditure (CapEx) budgets are being constrained or reduced and 11% stated hardware (e.g. servers) coming to the end of its life.
Conclusion
The future of government will be digital. Challenges and difficulties are unavoidable as more organisations and agencies accelerate their digital transformation efforts. Due to ongoing resource constraints, increased legislative priority, budget constraints and the preservation of an existing system are required.
Citizens’ expectations are essential in this process and governments all over the world are working hard to meet them. Innovative technology must be used to empower and improve the practices of government agencies while also lowering costs and making the citizen experience as smooth and efficient as possible.
Colin thanked everyone and expressed his gratitude for the robust participation and insightful contributions. He thoroughly enjoyed the session and hoped the delegates had as well. Colin was excited to work with the delegates to help them meet citizens’ demands and improve the citizen experience.
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The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) recently unveiled the pivotal insights gleaned from its inaugural Singapore Cybersecurity Health Report 2023. Conducted between May and August of the previous year, the survey canvassed the opinions of 2,036 organisations spanning various sises and sectors.
The objective was to gauge the landscape of cybersecurity readiness across local entities and inform CSA’s strategic initiatives. The importance of bolstering cybersecurity resilience within these organisations cannot be overstated, as they play a critical role in shaping the digital experiences of Singaporeans through their services and products.
The findings unveiled a mixed landscape: while the majority of organisations demonstrated an awareness of cybersecurity imperatives, there remains substantial room for improvement in adoption rates. On average, organisations reported implementing around 70% of essential cybersecurity measures across various categories. Additionally, a significant proportion, approximately 75%, acknowledged CSA’s cybersecurity certification programmes, Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust, which serve as national standards for prioritising cybersecurity measures.
Despite these positive indicators, CSA sounded a cautionary note, emphasising the inadequacy of partial adoption. Without the full spectrum of essential measures, organisations remain vulnerable to unnecessary cyber risks. Alarmingly, only a third of organisations had fully implemented at least three of the five categories outlined in Cyber Essentials. This underscores the urgency for comprehensive adoption to fortify cybersecurity posture effectively.
A prevalent challenge cited by organisations hindering full adoption was a lack of knowledge and experience, echoed by 59% of businesses and 56% of non-profits. This is compounded by the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, exacerbated by a shortage of skilled cyber professionals. Moreover, a prevailing perception of being unlikely targets of cyber-attacks and resource constraints further impedes progress in bolstering defences.
The consequences of inadequate cybersecurity measures were starkly evident, with over 80% of organisations reporting encountering cybersecurity incidents annually, including prevalent threats like ransomware and social engineering scams. These incidents invariably inflicted a negative business impact, with disruptions, data loss, and reputational damage among the most commonly cited consequences.
While the cost of implementing cyber hygiene measures may seem daunting, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it pales in comparison to the potential financial ramifications of cyber incidents. CSA emphasises the importance of viewing cybersecurity investment as essential insurance against potentially catastrophic losses.
In response to these challenges, CSA has rolled out a comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at bolstering organisational cybersecurity resilience. These include cybersecurity resources to raise awareness, tailored health plans delivered by cybersecurity consultants, and certification programmes such as Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust. Additionally, the collaboration with the Infocomm Media Development Authority has led to the introduction of the Cybersecurity Health Check, providing organisations with a self-assessment tool to benchmark their cyber hygiene and access remedial resources.
Mr. David Koh, Chief Executive of CSA, stressed the imperative for organisations to prioritise cybersecurity and leverage available resources and funding support. Delaying proactive measures until after an incident occurs, he cautioned, would prove significantly more costly in the long run.
The release of the Singapore Cybersecurity Health Report underscores the urgent need for organisations to fortify their cybersecurity posture comprehensively. By embracing a holistic approach to cybersecurity and leveraging available resources and support, organisations can mitigate risks and safeguard against the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats of the digital age.
The Singapore Cybersecurity Health Report 2023 is available at www.csa.gov.sg/cyberhealthreport and the Cybersecurity Health Check can be accessed at https://www.csa.gov.sg/cyberhealthchecktool.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called upon the youth to take the lead in propelling Vietnam’s digital transformation, emphasising their crucial role in shaping the nation’s future amidst the burgeoning digital economy. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a dialogue held in Hanoi on March 26, where he engaged with 300 outstanding young individuals from various regions of the country.
With the digital economy projected to contribute 30% to the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, PM Chinh underscored the urgency for Vietnam to embrace digitalisation as an indispensable global trend. He highlighted digital transformation as a cornerstone alongside the green economy, circular economy, sharing economy, and intellectual economy, essential for realising the nation’s development objectives of transitioning into a modern, upper-middle-income country by 2030 and achieving developed, high-income status by 2045.
In his address, PM Chinh urged the youth to champion digitalisation by raising public awareness, advocating for policy reforms, driving administrative modernisation through digital technologies, and advancing research and development efforts in the digital domain. Emphasising their role as pioneers, he expressed confidence in the youth’s ability to contribute, innovate, integrate into society, and pursue personal growth.
Moreover, PM Chinh called upon the youth to collaborate with the government in establishing a digital government, digital economy, digital society, and nurturing digital citisenship. This collaborative approach is deemed essential for harnessing the full potential of digital technologies to address societal challenges and drive inclusive growth.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s call, the youth presented recommendations to the government, emphasising the need to refine the legal framework governing digital platforms and establish effective communication channels to engage citisens in the digital transformation process. They stressed the importance of inclusivity and transparency in policymaking to ensure the successful implementation of digital initiatives.
During the dialogue, PM Chinh addressed queries from the youth regarding data protection, cybersecurity measures, integration of public services with the national population database, and strategies to preserve cultural identity in the digital age. Acknowledging these concerns, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding data privacy, enhancing cybersecurity, and promoting cultural heritage preservation in the digital era.
Furthermore, PM Chinh instructed relevant ministries, authorities, and localities to expedite the implementation of the National Digital Transformation Programme, refine existing mechanisms and policies, and create an enabling environment for youth-led initiatives. This concerted effort aims to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy among the younger generation, thereby ensuring their active participation in shaping Vietnam’s digital future.
The dialogue served as a platform for meaningful exchanges between the government and the youth, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in driving Vietnam’s digital transformation agenda. With the youth at the forefront, Vietnam is poised to harness the opportunities offered by digital technologies to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all.
As reported by openGov Asia, Vietnam is undergoing a digital revolution, characterised by concerted endeavours to advance the country’s digital transformation. With aspirations to attain high-income status by 2045, Vietnam’s digital technology sector focuses on mastering technology, fostering innovation, and developing domestic manufacturing capacities.
In this context, inclusivity and collaboration are essential, serving as key drivers to unleash the transformative power of technology and foster economic expansion, ensuring broad societal participation and contribution to the nation’s advancement.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological innovation, promising transformative solutions to complex challenges across various domains. Recognising its potential to revolutionise industries and improve societal well-being, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has inaugurated the NUS AI Institute (NAII). Led by Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, NAII aims to accelerate AI research and its practical applications, fostering collaboration, innovation, and societal impact.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, AI has emerged as a powerful tool with the capacity to reshape diverse sectors, ranging from healthcare to finance, education, logistics, and beyond. The establishment of NAII underscores NUS’s commitment to harnessing AI for the greater good, addressing critical issues facing Singapore and the global community.
At the core of NAII’s mission is the advancement of fundamental AI research, aimed at pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities and exploring novel applications across various domains. Through foundational research initiatives, scientists at NAII will tackle complex AI problems, spanning hardware and software systems, AI theory, responsible AI, reasoning AI, and resource-efficient AI. By delving into these areas, the institute seeks to develop cutting-edge AI technologies that address real-world challenges and drive innovation.
Moreover, NAII will prioritise research into the ethical and societal implications of AI, aiming to develop robust governance frameworks that ensure responsible AI development and deployment. This includes examining issues related to transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in AI systems. By fostering dialogue and research on AI ethics and governance, NAII aims to guide the responsible use of AI technology and mitigate potential risks.
In addition to foundational research, NAII will spearhead applied research initiatives, focusing on developing AI-driven solutions for specific application domains. Collaborating with experts from diverse fields, including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, finance, urban sustainability, and education, the institute will tackle pressing challenges and explore opportunities for AI-driven innovation. From optimising supply chains to improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing urban infrastructure, NAII’s applied research efforts aim to deliver tangible benefits to society.
Furthermore, NAII will serve as a hub for AI talent development, providing comprehensive education and training programs for students, professionals, and policymakers. By offering hands-on learning experiences and internships, the institute seeks to nurture the next generation of AI leaders and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation in AI.
To support its research and educational endeavours, NUS has allocated significant resources to NAII, including external research grants and institutional funding. Moreover, the institute will collaborate closely with government agencies and industry partners to amplify its impact and drive innovation. Strategic partnerships with leading companies such as IBM and Google Cloud will enable NAII to leverage industry expertise and resources, accelerating the translation of research outcomes into real-world applications.
In alignment with Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) strategy, NAII aims to contribute to the nation’s AI ecosystem by fostering collaboration, innovation, and talent development. By positioning NUS as a global leader in AI research and application, the institute seeks to drive positive societal change and economic growth.
The establishment of NAII represents a significant milestone in NUS’s journey towards harnessing the power of AI for societal benefit. Through cutting-edge research, education, and collaboration, the institute aims to unlock the full potential of AI and pave the way for a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive future. With its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to excellence, NAII is poised to make a lasting impact on Singapore and the global AI landscape.
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The Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) has reached a significant milestone with its artificial intelligence (AI) platform, VNPT eKYC, logging over 1 billion user authentication requests. This accomplishment solidifies VNPT’s position as a pioneer in electronic identification and verification solutions within Vietnam.
Since its inception, VNPT eKYC has been at the forefront of electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) services for over five years, serving a diverse range of clients including banks, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and e-commerce entities. With over 100 organisations utilising its services, VNPT eKYC has facilitated electronic identification for more than 40 million individuals across the country.
On average, the VNPT eKYC system processes an impressive 600,000 requests daily, with peak days witnessing over a million requests being handled seamlessly. This demonstrates the platform’s robustness and reliability in managing high volumes of authentication transactions efficiently.
The significance of VNPT eKYC extends beyond its technological capabilities, particularly in the context of evolving regulatory requirements. The State Bank of Vietnam’s decision mandating biometric authentication for transactions exceeding 10 million VND (approximately 416 USD) and other significant transactions from July 1, 2024, underscores the critical role of advanced authentication solutions like VNPT eKYC in ensuring compliance and security in financial transactions.
Moreover, the platform’s success highlights the increasing importance of domestically developed solutions in the banking and financial sector. Domestic solutions such as VNPT eKYC offer several advantages, including rapid implementation, cost-effectiveness, adherence to global technology standards, scalability, and high readiness to meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Central to the effectiveness of VNPT eKYC is its advanced AI models, which enable the verification of facial biometric data with an impressive accuracy rate of up to 99.99%. This high level of accuracy not only enhances the security of authentication processes but also contributes to building trust and confidence among users and regulatory authorities.
As Vietnam’s digital economy continues to grow and evolve, the role of advanced authentication and verification solutions like VNPT eKYC becomes increasingly indispensable. Beyond facilitating seamless and secure electronic transactions, these solutions contribute to enhancing the overall digital infrastructure and ecosystem of the country, paving the way for further innovation and economic growth.
Looking ahead, VNPT remains committed to advancing its AI platform and expanding its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its clients and the regulatory landscape. With a strong focus on innovation, reliability, and security, VNPT eKYC is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electronic identification and verification in Vietnam’s dynamic digital economy.
VNPT’s achievement of logging over 1 billion authentication requests with its AI platform, VNPT eKYC, marks a significant milestone in Vietnam’s journey towards digital transformation.
Amid a swiftly changing global landscape, Vietnam emerges as a frontrunner in a digital revolution, strategically positioned to harness technology’s transformative power for economic progress and societal development.
It is embracing its digital transformation journey, highlighting collaborative efforts to drive the nation’s digital transformation. The nation’s digital technology industry aims to propel Vietnam towards high-income status by 2045 through technology mastery, innovation, and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Moreover, the nation is working to harmonise its regulations, streamline laws, and promote consistency in its legal framework to foster a more favourable and appealing cyber environment.
As the country continues to embrace technology-driven solutions to address emerging challenges, VNPT eKYC stands as a testament to the potential of domestic innovation in driving progress and excellence in the digital era.
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Mudik is a tradition of returning to one’s hometown that is widely practised by the Indonesian community, especially when Eid al-Fitr celebrations approach. This tradition involves a massive population movement from big cities to their origin areas or hometowns to celebrate the holiday with family and relatives.
The phenomenon of mudik also shows the importance of family values and togetherness in Indonesian culture. It becomes a moment to reconnect social and cultural ties among family members who might have been separated by distance for various reasons, such as work or education.
The Indonesian government often takes special measures to accommodate the travel surge during the mudik period, such as increasing public transportation capacity, providing emergency health services on the mudik routes, and maintaining and repairing road infrastructure.
This year, as a State-Owned Enterprise, the cellular operator Telkomsel provides 4G networks on 14 mudik ships operated by the Indonesian National Shipping Company (Pelni).
Over the years, mudik travellers choosing to travel by sea have faced significant obstacles related to internet access. This condition has left them disconnected from the outside world. At the same time, in the middle of the sea, thus unable to access up-to-date information, communicate with family, or even enjoy entertainment.
“With this latest development, we can provide high-quality services to our customers, ensuring that they remain connected even while in the middle of a sea journey,” said Saki Bramono, Telkomsel’s Vice Director of Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility.
Further, Telkomsel’s 4G service has now successfully reached as many as 1,100 shipping routes served by 14 ships and 83 ports across Indonesia. This innovation results from a strategic collaboration with Telkomsat, a Telkom subsidiary specialising in satellite internet services. Through this collaboration, Telkomsel and Telkomsat present a strong and stable 4G LTE signal on ships, allowing passengers to stay connected to the internet during their mudik journey.
Telkomsat uses the Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Landing Rights to ensure broad and reliable satellite internet coverage. Saki stated that the initiative to provide 4G internet services on ships, chosen by the community for mudik, is the first time Telkomsel has implemented satellite internet technology. This move not only revolutionises the sailing experience for mudik travellers by sea by ensuring smooth and continuous communication access but also marks a new chapter in Telkomsel’s efforts to overcome connectivity challenges in Indonesia, especially in hard-to-reach locations like the middle of the sea.
To improve service quality and customer experience during the crucial mudik Lebaran period, Telkomsel focuses on upgrading and optimising telecommunications networks and proactively expands and strengthens its network infrastructure. As part of these efforts, Telkomsel strategically increased the 4G network capacity at 70 existing Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and took a significant step by building 325 new 4G BTS.
These measures ensure that customers enjoy smooth connectivity and high-quality communication in urban areas and mudik routes that often cross areas with limited telecommunications access.
Telkomsel estimates a 15.22% increase in internet traffic during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2024 period compared to regular days. Of the total increase in internet traffic, the cellular operator estimates the highest increase comes from the areas of Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, popular mudik destinations, at 26.25%.
The second highest increase is estimated from Sumatra, at 16.99%. An increase in internet traffic is also expected in Papua, Maluku, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan by 13.11%. Meanwhile, the increase in internet traffic in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi, and West Java areas is estimated to reach 4.28%.
Telkomsel has prepared a customer service team that works tirelessly, ready to serve customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers can easily access this service through various channels, including social media, customer service calls, the MyTelkomsel mobile app, and a virtual assistant named Veronika. Customers can also visit GraPARI outlets spread across various locations for face-to-face services.
These comprehensive measures affirm Telkomsel’s commitment to providing high-quality and reliable telecommunications services, especially during important moments like the mudik Lebaran, where smooth and fast communication is critical.
With the improvement of network infrastructure and strong customer service support, Telkomsel strives to ensure that every customer can connect with family and loved ones without obstacles, making their mudik journey safe and enjoyable.
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Da Nang, a central city in Vietnam, is gearing up to bolster its semiconductor industry with a targeted focus on human resource development. The Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU) recently launched a comprehensive programme aimed at training professionals in integrated circuit (IC) design.
The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to advancing its semiconductor sector. In 2024, Da Nang will concentrate on cultivating a pool of qualified teaching staff through collaborative efforts with the Viet Nam-Korea Information Technology (IT) and Communications University, the Institute of Information Technology under the Viet Nam National University – Ha Noi, and the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Centre for Research and Training (DSAC). Support from Synopsys Vietnam Company will further bolster these endeavours.
The training programme, spanning six months, comprises both theoretical learning and project-based training. It encompasses four modules covering Very-large-scale integration (VLSI) Design, SystemVerilog/Verilog/Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language, basic digital integrated circuits, and basic analog circuit design.
The inaugural training course for lecturers will host 25 participants selected from prestigious institutions including the Viet Nam-Korea Information Technology (IT) and Communications University, Da Nang University of Science and Technology, University of Technical Education, Duy Tan University, and FPT University. A significant highlight of the programme is the access granted to lecturers to Synopsys’ extensive library and teaching materials, enabling them to develop practical IC design curricula upon completion.
Huynh Cong Phap, Principal of VKU, emphasised the programme’s objective of equipping students with practical IC design skills to facilitate training deployment at universities in Da Nang. Additionally, the university plans to offer short-term training courses in semiconductor circuit design for junior and senior students pursuing majors such as computer engineering, technology, embedded systems and IoT, and technology information.
Speaking at the event, Ho Ky Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, hailed the programme as a significant stride in the city’s strategy for high-quality human resource development. He commended the collaborative efforts between DSAC, VKU, Synopsys Group, and the Information Technology Institute under the Vietnam National University in swiftly launching the city’s inaugural IC circuit design instructor training course.
In line with the city’s ambitions, Ho Ky Minh, the Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang, welcomed Susan Burns, the US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, expressing his aspirations for enhanced collaboration with the United States within the semiconductor industry.
Susan Burns lauded the programme as a testament to the robust cooperation between government bodies, private enterprises, and universities in nurturing high-tech talent in Vietnam. This collaboration aims to fortify Vietnam’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The United States acknowledges Vietnam’s pivotal role in fostering flexible semiconductor supply chains and extends strong support for the industry’s development in the country.
In tandem with the programme launch, the university unveiled the VKU – SSTH centre, dedicated to semiconductor circuits and smart technology. Equipped with 30 computers and proprietary circuit design software from Synopsys, the centre is poised to serve as a hub for training and research in semiconductor circuits and smart technology.
OpenGov Asia reported that Da Nang inaugurated the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Training (DSAC) in January this year, marking a significant stride in technological advancement. This initiative underscores Da Nang’s dedication to enhancing its capabilities in integrated circuit (IC) design and artificial intelligence (AI).
The decision to establish DSAC was announced on January 26 by Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, highlighting the centre’s role in realising the city’s strategic objectives. DSAC is poised to engage in research, training, and technology transfer in microchips, semiconductors, and AI development, while also fostering international cooperation in these critical domains.
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In a significant stride towards enhancing cybersecurity in the realm of consumer Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the Connectivity Standards Alliance (Alliance) recently signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). This milestone agreement underscores a shared commitment to bolstering international cooperation and coordination in cybersecurity, with a specific focus on advancing the security standards of consumer IoT devices.
The MRA, signed by Mr Chua Kuan Seah, Deputy Chief Executive of CSA, and Mr Tobin Richardson, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, facilitates the mutual recognition of cybersecurity labels for consumer IoT devices.
By harmonising standards and procedures, the arrangement aims to reduce duplication in testing and costs for manufacturers, thereby fostering a more robust cybersecurity environment for consumer IoT devices globally.
Central to the MRA is the exchange and alignment of information related to relevant standards, requirements, and practices concerning the cybersecurity labeling of consumer IoT. This collaboration lays the groundwork for future developments in cybersecurity certification and labeling schemes, ensuring that evolving threats and technological advancements are adequately addressed.
Mr Chua Kuan Seah emphasised the significance of achieving global alignment for consumer IoT cybersecurity, citing it as a key objective since the launch of Singapore’s Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme in 2020. The agreement with the Alliance represents a significant step forward in this endeavor, bringing Singapore closer to its goal of establishing internationally recognised cybersecurity standards for IoT devices.
By promoting Cybersecurity-by-Design and Cybersecurity-by-Default principles, the MRA incentivises manufacturers to embed robust security measures into their IoT devices, ultimately enhancing cybersecurity for consumers worldwide.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance, formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance, is a consortium of companies devoted to developing standards envisioning seamless interaction to enhance daily experiences. With a membership of over 500 companies, the alliance collaboratively creates application profiles for interoperable products, thereby advancing IoT connectivity and fostering innovation in the industry.
Singapore remains deeply committed to bolstering cybersecurity measures both domestically and internationally. At the national level, initiatives are aimed at fortifying the nation’s digital defences, safeguarding critical infrastructure and protecting citizens and businesses from cyber threats. These efforts include the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks, regular cybersecurity exercises and drills, and the promotion of cybersecurity awareness among the populace.
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Singapore’s cyberspace to bolster national security, support the digital economy, and protect the digital way of life. Through initiatives like the Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team (SingCERT), CSA swiftly responds to cybersecurity incidents, ensuring the detection, resolution, and prevention of cyber threats.
As part of the Prime Minister’s Office and managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information, CSA oversees national cybersecurity functions, collaborates with sector leads to protect critical information infrastructure, and engages stakeholders to raise cybersecurity awareness.
OpenGov Asia reported that Singapore, represented by CSA, collaborates closely with ASEAN Member States (AMS) to establish the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), facilitating information-sharing and enhancing cybersecurity incident response coordination across the region.
Despite a significant increase in scam cases by nearly 50% to 50,376 in 2023 from 33,669 in 2022, proactive cybersecurity measures have led to a positive outcome. These positive trends are attributed to collaborative efforts among various agencies and stakeholders, including the Singapore Police Force, Infocomm Media Development Authority, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, Smart Nation Group, Monetary Authority of Singapore, and private sector partners.
Singapore’s proactive efforts, including the proposal to host and fund the ASEAN Regional CERT’s physical activities, demonstrate its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and safeguarding critical information infrastructure on a transnational scale.