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Sustainable cities and communities of the future were discussed at the 14th Singapore-Zhejiang Economic and Trade Council (SZETC) meeting in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province today, co-chaired by Senior Minister of State for Communication and Information, & Culture, Community and Youth Ms Sim Ann, and Zhejiang Vice Governor Zhu Congjiu.
Singapore companies will see more opportunities in key sectors including urban development, logistics and e-commerce in Zhejiang, as the province moves towards a future of urban sustainability, innovation, and modern living.
Singapore’s strengths in city infrastructure and connectivity as well as experience in community development can contribute to the common goal of Singapore and Zhejiang to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the next generation of urban clusters.
According to Enterprise Singapore, The Singapore-Zhejiang Economic and Trade Council has seen good progress in collaborations under its five Working Groups: Oil Trade and Maritime Services; Technology and Innovation; Youth and Cultural Exchange; Financial Connectivity, Legal and Professional Services; and Sustainable Urban Development. At the meeting, Singapore companies signed 15 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in line with these areas.
Key highlights include:
Urban development: Collaboration between a Singapore consortium (represented by GSH Properties (PRC) Pte Ltd and KOP Properties Pte Ltd) and the Jiaxing Municipal Government to develop an integrated township project, incorporating Singapore’s experience in urban planning to feature an integrated community living hub with innovative commercial and retail for MICE and tourism-related activities.
E-Commerce: MOU between Shopee and the Hangzhou Cross-Border E-Commerce Comprehensive Pilot Area Committee to develop a cross-border e-commerce ecosystem through establishing an information and knowledge sharing channel, co-constructing a one-stop solution includes logistics, incubation, custom clearance, etc. for Zhejiang sellers to access Shopee’s e-commerce platform, provision of ecommerce training programmes and co-building a cross-border e-commerce industry belt in Hangzhou. Shopee also officially opened its Hangzhou Operation Centre in the Pilot Area this morning.
Youth and cultural exchange: Agreements between National University of Singapore (NUS) and Zhejiang University to collaborate on joint educational framework in Biomedical Engineering and more; MOU between National Youth Council and Zhejiang Youth Federation to organise exchange programmes such as immersion trips.
Ms Sim Ann said, “We see great synergy for Singapore and Zhejiang to partner each other as both strive towards a sustainable urban future and quality living for our people. Singapore companies can ride on developments such as the Zhejiang Greater Bay Area Development, Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone, and Hangzhou Cross-border E-commerce Pilot Zone to pilot their solutions in Zhejiang. Zhejiang enterprises can also tap on Singapore’s strengths as an international trade and financial hub to access the Southeast Asian market.”


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The development of telehealth has revolutionised the healthcare system by facilitating the remote delivery of medical services and expanding access to care. In Singapore, telehealth has received a great deal of attention and recognition as a vital instrument for enhancing community care services.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been actively supporting and implementing telehealth initiatives, recognising the need for additional resources and efforts to make these changes a reality.
Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, stated at the AIC’s Community Care Work Plan Seminar that recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals is one of the greatest challenges facing the community care sector.
“The high-touch nature of the sector limits the extent to which digitalisation and productivity improvements can address the increasing demand,” Minister Ong said. To address this concern, the MOH is committed to providing funding support through the community care salary enhancement exercise, thereby ensuring that healthcare professionals receive competitive salaries.
Additionally, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) is actively engaged in sectoral job redesign initiatives, transforming the workforce through improved task allocation, and increasing manpower across support care, nursing, and therapy.
Consistency of financial support is crucial in attaining care coordination across settings. To facilitate seamless access to healthcare financing, two initiatives have been implemented. Subvented home medical and nursing providers will be able to submit MediSave claims for homebound patients eligible for subsidies but unable to visit polyclinics or hospitals due to limited mobility beginning on 1 October 2023.
This modification allows patients to access MediSave for home medical and nursing care. In addition, the financial support for telehealth services will be gradually increased. From 1 July 2023, subsidies and MediSave will be available for teleconsultations for chronic disease management.
The community care sector requires additional resources to address diverse requirements, including recruitment of personnel, expansion of the work scope, promotion of volunteerism, and integrated services.
Additionally, the advent of digitalisation has made it possible to build the infrastructure and obtain the resources required for the successful implementation of telehealth.
It also provides the infrastructure and technologies essential for effective telehealth adoption; and assists healthcare practitioners in providing remote therapy, reaching patients in remote locations, and improving access to healthcare services while maintaining patient privacy and security.
For seamless communication between healthcare providers and patients, robust and dependable digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet connectivity and mobile networks, is required. These digital networks’ availability enables real-time audio and video consultations, data interchange, and remote monitoring.
Likewise, digitalisation allows for the production and maintenance of electronic health records (EHR), which hold medical information about patients in a digital format. EHRs make it easier for healthcare practitioners to share medical history, test results, and other relevant data, providing continuity of treatment in telehealth settings.
Wearable sensors, remote monitoring equipment, and home monitoring kits collect and send health data from patients to healthcare providers. This data digitisation enables healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ vital signs, track symptoms, and spot potential health risks.
Telehealth-specific digital platforms and applications provide secure and convenient communication between healthcare providers and patients. Video consultations, chat systems, appointment scheduling, and connectivity with EHR systems are common elements of these platforms.
Further, the importance of data security and patient privacy in telehealth is highlighted by digitalisation. To protect patient information in telehealth transactions, robust cybersecurity safeguards, encryption procedures, and adherence to data protection rules are required.
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Australia and Singapore have begun conversations regarding potential areas of collaboration in green and digital shipping, hence, a Singapore-Australia Green and Digital Shipping Corridor will be established by the end of 2025.
This development is consistent with the Green Shipping Cooperation initiative outlined in the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement, which was signed in October 2022 by Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, and Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell.
This collaboration is being led by Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts (DITRDCA) and Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), a Statutory Board under Singapore’s Ministry of Transport (MOT).
These agencies are collaborating closely with port operators, appropriate governments, and marine and energy value chain players on both sides of the Atlantic to galvanise action to decarbonise and digitise the shipping industry. DITRDCA and MPA intend to begin by identifying areas of common interest and partnership to minimise carbon emissions in the maritime industry through coordinated initiatives.
This includes developing low- and zero-carbon fuel supply chains, as well as greening port services and shipping operations to speed the development and adoption of green marine fuel sources. Collaboration would also entail the discovery of digital shipping solutions to promote effective port calls and the flow of products, as well as paperless handling between the ports of Australia and Singapore, all of which would assure system interoperability.
Given Australia and Singapore’s extensive cross-border trade, this collaboration is an important step towards determining how both partners can take a worldwide leadership position in streamlining their shipping routes to test and trial green and digital solutions. This highlights the critical role of international cooperation in decarbonising shipping and the maritime economy.
Collaboration supports environmental sustainability by embracing green shipping practices such as using cleaner fuels, optimising routes, and decreasing emissions, lessening the industry’s impact on climate change and maritime ecosystems.
Digital technology provides for more efficient fleet management, route optimisation, and real-time monitoring, leading to fuel savings, lower operational expenses, and increased profitability for shipping businesses.
Digital solutions improve overall efficiency in areas such as logistics, supply chain management, and cargo handling by streamlining operations, automating procedures, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
Collaboration in digital and green shipping makes it possible to use advanced safety measures like remote monitoring systems, predictive maintenance, and better cybersecurity procedures to protect assets, crew, and cargo.
Acting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that Singapore and Australia are very important in making the area a place of stability and growth. To stop international rules from falling apart and regional blocs from forming, it is important to keep and improve multilateralism.
He also said that both countries can keep a rules-based system by taking an active role in making global digital trading rules and norms for international trade.
Australia and Singapore have a lot of strategic trust in each other, so their projects can be used as models for wider regional cooperation. By making deals about the digital and green economies and setting new rules for trade in these areas, they can go beyond bilateral agreements and help the whole region.
The collaboration helps bring about stability and growth, which is good for Asia’s future. Singapore and Australia can help keep the region stable and growing while staying true to their shared values and interests if they work together and take an active role.
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Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, unveiled Singapore’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint (DCB), which establishes the orientation for Singapore’s digital connectivity’s next frontier.
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) partnered with a cloud computing company to launch a Joint Innovation Centre (JIC), a first-of-its-kind in Southeast Asia and appointed 18 high-potential tech professionals as SG Digital Leaders under the SG Digital Leadership Accelerator.
The Blueprint was created in collaboration with the Advisory Panel on Digital Infrastructure, which is co-chaired by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, and other industry partners. It outlines strategic priorities and moves into new frontiers to stay ahead of the curve.
Reports cited that Singapore will continue to invest ahead of demand and plan holistically for the whole digital infrastructure stack, including hard infrastructure, physical-digital infrastructure, and soft infrastructure, to guarantee that the digital infrastructure is future-ready.
The nation is committed to staying ahead of the competition by expanding digital connectivity to provide better lifestyles and new opportunities for people and businesses. Hence, Singapore will increase its focus on the following strategic priorities:
- Provide enough capacity for underwater cable landings to double in the next ten years.
- Within the next five years, build seamless end-to-end 10 Gbps domestic connectivity.
- Ensure digital infrastructure has world-class resilience and security.
- Create a roadmap for the expansion of new Green Data Centres and push the sustainability envelope.
- Increase the use of the Singapore Digital Utility Stack to broaden the benefits of smooth digital transactions.
Also, Singapore will make movements in more fledgling and frontier areas to capitalise on future opportunities:
- Push for a Quantum-safe Singapore within the next ten years.
- Lay the groundwork for widespread autonomy.
- “Green software” to reduce heightened computing by establishing a nascent ecosystem for sustainable software.
- Use Low Earth Orbit satellite services to enable creative solutions in critical industries.
The Blueprint lays a solid foundation for Singapore to achieve better opportunities, stronger trust, and empowered communities.
In addition, Tan Kiat How, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information, met with the 18 Singaporeans designated as SG Digital Leaders from 16 companies. This is part of IMDA’s initiatives to develop Singaporean leaders in the ICT ecosystem for leadership roles in the digital economy.
The SG Digital Leaders are founders of high-growth tech start-ups, executives at large corporations (MNCs), and inventors creating world-changing technology. These executives come from a variety of backgrounds, lead regional teams, and have experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), data, software, and engineering.
The JIC will provide exclusive access to the latest tech showcases and demonstrations, innovation methodology for successful adoption and deployment, and workshops for design thinking, among other things, to inspire corporates and public sector organisations to accelerate industry innovation and support the growth of promising start-ups.
Modern digital infrastructure is critical to Singapore’s growth and prosperity. Businesses and consumers may access information and services more easily with improved connections, boosting innovation and economic competitiveness.
Process automation and digitalisation increase efficiency and production while decreasing expenses while smart city solutions improve resource management and overall quality of life. A well-developed digital infrastructure ecosystem attracts investments and encourages digital economy growth.
Data-driven decision-making gives policymakers more authority. Singapore’s emphasis on contemporary digital infrastructure positions it as a digital age global leader prepared for long-term growth and development.
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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Jinjiang Municipal People’s Government have signed an agreement to establish the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute. The institute’s objective is to enhance and foster research collaboration among industries, academia, and research organisations in Hong Kong and Jinjiang.
The Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and the Mayor of Jinjiang signed the agreement at a ceremony held in the Quanzhou Nanyi National High-tech Zone on 2 June 2023. The establishment of the research institute will use PolyU’s research expertise and accomplishments to address Jinjiang’s industrial requirements and support the city’s industrial transformation.
The partnership encompasses a wide range of fields, including new textile materials, fashion design, intelligent wearable systems, microelectronics, future food, and public policy. This collaboration aims to leverage the research prowess of PolyU and the industrial strengths and resources of Jinjiang. Together, they will foster the growth of entrepreneurial talents equipped with innovative technological knowledge and a global perspective.
By capitalising on PolyU’s renowned research excellence and Jinjiang’s thriving industries, this partnership will actively support Jinjiang’s aspiration to become a leading innovation hub. The collaboration between the two entities will facilitate the seamless integration of the industrial chain and the innovation chain, fostering mutual advancement. It will inject fresh vitality into the development of local high-tech industries, driving forward technological innovation and propelling Jinjiang’s overall progress.
The Government of Hong Kong has been working on advancing manufacturing as part of its smart city development push. For example, situated in Tseung Kwan O INNOPARK, the cutting-edge Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC) stands as an innovative hub for forward-thinking industrialists and plays a crucial role in supporting Hong Kong’s “new industrialisation” objectives.
This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced manufacturing and testing capabilities, offering a solid foundation for companies, regardless of their size, to engage in customised production of high-value-added yet low-volume technological innovations. The AMC boasts a comprehensive, scalable, and efficient manufacturing space, providing dedicated logistics, warehousing, prototyping, low-volume assembly, and cleanroom services to meet diverse industry needs.
The Government is also working to nurture tech talent. The Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS), for example, offers an expedited process for eligible companies to recruit non-local technology talent for research and development (R&D) projects within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
To participate, eligible companies must apply for a quota through the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC). Once a company receives a quota, it can sponsor an eligible individual to apply for an employment visa/entry permit during the 24-month validity period of the quota.
With regard to intelligent wearable systems, the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, established in May 2021, received initial funding of HK$30,000,000 for a three-year period from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. RI-IWEAR comprises members from diverse disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, materials, textiles and clothing, design, electronics, mechanical engineering, computing, and occupational health and safety.
The institute builds upon the existing expertise of the Research Centre for Smart Wearable Technology, which is hosted at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing and collaborates with colleagues across the PolyU campus.
The agreement between PolyU and Jinjiang to establish the PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute marks a significant milestone in fostering research collaboration and driving industrial transformation. With a focus on various fields and leveraging the strengths of both parties, this partnership aims to propel Jinjiang’s development into a leading innovation hub, seamlessly integrating the industrial and innovation chains for mutual growth.
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Researchers from Singapore General Hospital (SGH), A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), and Duke-NUS Medical School have used artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up the identification of vital biomarkers that can identify patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) at diagnosis who will not respond to standard therapy.
These patients may be eligible for a life-saving bone marrow transplant in the early stages of the illness with this favourable prognosis.
A genetic mutation that causes a tyrosine kinase enzyme to turn on permanently causes CML, a specific type of blood cancer. In the bone marrow, a blood stem cell experiences a mutation that transforms it into an aggressive leukaemic cell that eventually takes over the creation of healthy blood.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), which turn off the tyrosine kinase that the genetic mutation switched on as a result, are the standard treatment for CML. But not everyone reacts the same way to these medications. Some individuals respond very well to the point that their life expectancy would be regarded as typical, at the other end of the range.
Besides, some individuals do not respond at all, and their sickness develops into a severe condition known as a blast crisis that is resistant to all sorts of conventional therapy.
Finding out if a patient is resistant to TKI therapy earlier could make the difference between survival or early death because the only cure for blast crisis is a bone marrow transplant, which would be most successful when carried out during the early stages of the disease.
“Our work indicates that it will be possible to detect patients destined to undergo blast crisis when they first see their haematologist,” said the study’s senior author and associate professor, Ong Sin Tiong of Duke-NUS’ Cancer & Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) Programme.
He added this may save lives since bone marrow transplants for these patients are most effective during the early stages of CML.
Researchers made an “atlas” of cells by taking samples of bone marrow from six healthy people and 23 people with CML before they were treated. The map let them see the different types of cells in each sample and how many of each type there were. Researchers did RNA sequencing on a single cell and used machine-learning methods to figure out which genes and molecular processes were on and off in each cell.
The work found eight statistically important things about the bone marrow cells before treatment. These things were linked to either sensitivity to treatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or strong resistance to it.
Patients were more likely to react well to treatment if their bone marrow samples showed a stronger tendency toward premature red blood cells and a certain type of “natural killer cell” that kills tumours. As the number of these cells in the bone marrow changed, so did the way the patient responded to treatment.
The study could lead to drug targets that could help people with chronic myeloid leukaemia avoid or delay treatment resistance and blast crisis.
Associate Professor Charles Chuah from Duke-NUS’s CSCB Programme, who is also a Senior Consultant at the Department of Haematology at SGH and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), cited that the results of treating chronic myeloid leukaemia have gotten much better over the years and that patients now have many options. Knowing which treatment works best for each patient will improve these results even more, and they are excited about the chance of doing so.
The team hopes to use the results to make a test that can be used regularly in hospitals to predict how well a treatment will work.
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For India’s newly inaugurated Parliament building, a revamped version of the Digital Sansad app has been launched to provide a platform to stream parliamentary proceedings. The app is revolutionising communication and collaboration among stakeholders in the sector. It will promote transparency in governance and foster citizen engagement by providing easy access to information and facilitating active participation in the democratic process.
The app aims to cater to the diverse needs of Members of Parliament (MPs), government users, citizens, and secretariat personnel. It offers a range of services tailored to each user group, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to provide an enhanced experience, according to the government.
The revamped Digital Sansad is equipped with a diverse range of advanced features. It serves as a centralised hub for accessing various parliamentary resources. It uses AI to transcribe House proceedings in real-time. The technology enables automatic speech recognition, accurately capturing and transcribing word-by-word spoken in Parliament, ensuring a comprehensive and precise record of the proceedings.
By leveraging AI-enabled transcription techniques, the Digital Sansad app guarantees the availability of precise and dependable records without the need for human intervention in the note-taking process. The approach significantly reduces the risk of errors or omissions, ensuring the accuracy of the transcribed content. Furthermore, it streamlines the documentation process and allows for the easy retrieval of information, benefiting not only MPs and researchers but also the broader public on a large scale.
The Digital Sansad app offers several resources and functionalities to boost parliamentary operations. Users can access information on House business, member participation, debates, Q&As, media galleries, and digital libraries. This comprehensive access enables MPs and citizens to stay informed and engaged in the legislative process. Furthermore, the app acts as a bridge between citizens and their representatives by facilitating open dialogue through the Constituency Connect feature.
By simplifying administrative tasks for MPs, the Digital Sansad app saves valuable time and bridges the gap between their legislative responsibilities and the needs of the public. The direct interaction facilitated by the app ensures transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in the parliamentary processes, thereby fostering a robust democracy. The Digital Sansad 2.0 app is accessible on both Android and iOS platforms.
AI is playing an increasingly significant role in governance in India. The government has recognised the potential of AI to enhance decision-making, streamline administrative processes, and deliver efficient public services. It has also highlighted the importance of protecting data and ensuring the responsible use of AI.
Last month, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) established the Centre for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CeRAI), a multidisciplinary research centre dedicated to promoting ethical and accountable advancements in AI-powered solutions for practical applications.
As OpenGov Asia reported, CeRAI aims to establish itself as a leading research facility at both the national and international levels, focusing on fundamental and applied research in Responsible AI and its direct influence on implementing AI systems within the Indian ecosystem.
CeRAI’s main focus will be on generating high-quality research outputs, such as publishing research articles in high-impact journals/conferences, white papers, and patents, among others. It will work towards creating technical resources such as curated datasets (universal as well as India-specific), software, and toolkits pertaining to the field of Responsible AI.
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In an era of rapid digital transformation, Malaysia recognises the importance of equipping its youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy. To address this crucial need, a strategic partnership has been formed to empower the next generation through youth skills development.
This alliance brings together key stakeholders from the government, the private sector, educational institutions and industry experts to collaborate on initiatives that enhance digital competencies among Malaysian youth.
The initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap by offering comprehensive programmes that cater to the specific needs of Malaysian youth. It focuses on equipping them with the essential digital skills required for success in the modern workforce.
By developing a strong foundation in areas such as coding, data analytics, digital marketing and emerging technologies, youth will be ready to take on the challenges and opportunities in Malaysia’s digital economy.
The plans encompass a range of strategies, such as training programmes, mentorship opportunities, industry collaborations and granting access to digital resources. They not only foster technical skills but also emphasise critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Envisioning a future where Malaysian youth lead the way in innovation and contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the digital economy, the partnership strives to empower the next generation with these essential skills. By doing so, they not only aim to fulfil the career aspirations of the youth but also ensure their active participation in driving the nation’s progress.
Fostering Youth Skills in Malaysia’s Digital Economy
With a forward-thinking approach, she acknowledges the significance of embracing new paradigms and perspectives to stay relevant in an ever-evolving digital landscape. By recognising the need to adapt and equip the younger generation with the necessary skills, Malaysia is poised to nurture a workforce that can effectively contribute to the country’s digital transformation and global competitiveness.
“Currently ranked 33rd in technological advancement, Malaysia aspires to become a regional leader,” Dr Aziyati reveals. “While physical platforms have been emphasised, other factors like education integration, cultural wellness, societal maturity, and economic stability are also important.”
Malaysia acknowledges the significance of coding and technical skills but also places value on soft skills and adaptability. School programmes in the country emphasise a well-rounded approach by incorporating STEM activities, innovation competitions, and even sports to enhance social interaction and problem-solving abilities.
This holistic approach ensures that Malaysian youth not only develop technical proficiency but also cultivate essential interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to adapt to various challenges. By nurturing a balanced skill set, Malaysia aims to prepare its youth for the multifaceted demands of the digital era, where both technical expertise and soft skills play integral roles in success.
Dr Aziyati acknowledges the importance of coding classes in Malaysia, recognising their role in fostering skills such as planning, problem-solving, and performance evaluation. The country’s education blueprint focuses on utilising information and communication technology (ICT) to enhance the quality of learning.
This is achieved through the implementation of online classrooms, robotics competitions, and government initiatives like the Digital MakerSpace and Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). By leveraging these platforms and programmes, Malaysia is actively promoting the integration of technology into education and empowering its youth to thrive in the digital age.
The government promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities through various initiatives that aim to provide practical platforms for knowledge and anticipate the challenges and opportunities brought by technology.
These initiatives aim for wider engagement and to create an environment where students have access to digital resources, hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to showcase their skills.
Advancements in digital technology benefit the economy by creating jobs, improving employability rates, fostering digital content creators, supporting governmental agendas and providing a return on investment.
Smart partnerships with various ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Communications and Digital, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Ministry of International Trade and Industry, contribute to these benefits.
“Smart partnerships ensure the relevance of training and knowledge content, while industries are open to hiring special needs graduates, offering training tailored to their abilities,” Dr Aziyati reiterates.
In the modern world, diverse cultural values and socioeconomic achievements define our lifestyles, Dr Aziyati observes. The Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint embraces the globalised nature of information systems, which facilitates cultural exchange and emphasises the impact of digital technology on societal resilience and the future-proofing of the economy.
Despite economic challenges, Malaysia’s resources and diversity have facilitated national transformations. The government understands that consistent and continuous investment in youth development through training and education is crucial for ensuring sustainable progress and national sustainability.
The education system and institutions play a crucial role in facilitating successful partnerships and collaborations. Both national and institutional levels are open to innovative ideas and opportunities for partnerships.
The Ministry of International Trade and Industry supports initiatives by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education to establish partnerships with other countries. Collaboration with education institutions from countries like the UK, USA, Australia, Germany, European nations, Asian countries and APEC nations is pursued through international knowledge exchange.
Through such partnerships, a wide array of opportunities, initiatives, incentives, and projects are being implemented to benefit the citizens. These activities span various domains, including student and cultural exchange, expert sharing, technology transfer, intellectual discourse and skill mobility.
The aim is to foster mutual growth, facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise and create a dynamic environment that promotes innovation and skill development among individuals. As Malaysia promotes the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it requires a highly skilled workforce and smart citizens to attract investment for a better economy.
“To facilitate execution and foster innovation in the digital economy, proper planning and provision in the areas of manpower, machinery, and methods are crucial. Some also emphasise materials and mediums,” Dr Aziyati explains. “Youth entrepreneurs can adopt these approaches to boost productivity.”
Since 2013, the Federal Government has launched various initiatives and projects, including policies on science, technology, and innovation, IoT strategy, Smart City framework, cybersecurity, and the digital economy blueprint, with implementation planned until 2025.
Dr Aziyati agrees that expanding strategic relationships with other countries becomes easier with transparency as governance is visualised through paperless documents, faster approvals, efficient repayment methods and increased output capacity.
While online application processes are already in place, information security, cybercrime, cryptography and privacy concerns must be addressed, she reveals.
Over the past five years, Malaysia has experienced political changes and evolving government institutions. Despite these fluctuations, the youth and future generations remain focused on the impact and development of the digital economy.
“To achieve successful implementation of integrated e-governance, a nation must attain key elements such as political stability, economic prosperity, social harmony, technological modernisation, environmental sustainability, and legal strength,” Dr Aziyati opines. “These factors collectively contribute to effective governance and ensure a holistic approach towards leveraging digital technology for the betterment of society.”
Sustaining the momentum of digital economy efforts and utilising strengths and opportunities can lead to enhanced business, partnerships and economic growth. Transformation and readiness for change are key factors for success, along with incorporating fresh ideas from young minds and a skilled workforce.
Dr Aziyati is convinced that aside from financial assistance, Malaysia can secure long-term stability and progress by implementing a thorough and consistent transformation programme.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Malaysia is responsible for the supervision and advancement of eSports players. However, there are existing challenges concerning the welfare of developers within this domain. As a result, the ministry is actively seeking new policies and measures to address and strengthen this aspect, ensuring the well-being and support of young developers in the future.
In her new role overseeing Training Management for skills institutions, Dr Aziyati continues to prioritise partnerships with industry to promote digital technology advancement. To improve governmental institutions, she proposed the following:
- Increase budget allocations for youth in the digital economy
- Expand youth development programmes for mastering digital skills
- Provide more incentives to support youth in adapting to the fast-paced digital world
- Implement transformative programs in STEM, digital education, and school projects
- Foster flexible ideas for national digital improvements
- Reduce bureaucracy in project decision-making processes
- Encourage creativity by minimising organisational hierarchy limitations
- Minimise the use of paper forms
- The transition from old-school work delegations to foster flexibility through collaborative discussions and cooperative deliveries
To realise these improvements, both financial support and organisational adjustments are necessary.
The Ministry of Education has identified a concerning trend where nearly 50% of school leavers are choosing not to pursue higher education. This issue is influenced by several factors, including the high cost of education, a perceived lack of job guarantees, and the belief that courses offered may not provide sufficient marketability compared to the appeal of social media businesses and gig economy jobs.
Dr Aziyati feels it is crucial to conduct a study that examines the relevance of current school curricula, the courses offered by higher education institutions and the demands of industries. Recognising the interdependence among these entities is vital, as failure to address outdated education content and maintain the status quo could result in a substantial gap in producing high-quality graduates.
By understanding the evolving needs of industries and aligning educational programmes accordingly, Malaysia can ensure that its education system remains responsive, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the job market effectively.
“To inspire young people, it is important to emphasise the importance of passion and willingness to continuously learn, improve and contribute to society,” Dr Aziyati says. “Success requires effort and perseverance, as reflected in the quote: genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”
While young people may encounter misleading information and failure, it is part of the learning process. She believes that patience, persistence, and perseverance are key in this journey if one’s pursuits are beneficial to society.
Dr Aziyati strongly believes that by consistently pursuing personal growth and making significant contributions, success and recognition will naturally follow. She feels that this journey should not solely revolve around personal improvement, but also include a commitment to leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
Additionally, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent value of the learning process itself, which cannot be easily replaced. However, Dr Aziyati acknowledges that individuals may sometimes be influenced by the opinions of others and consequently choose paths that they are not genuinely passionate about.
While quick money-making opportunities may come and go, Dr Aziyati underscores the enduring value of education and the credentials earned through hard work. She encourages individuals to prioritise long-term gains, as the knowledge and skills acquired through education will have a lasting impact throughout their lives.
“By channelling the passion of young people towards constructive and educational endeavours that bring benefits to the nation, we can unleash their potential and make meaningful contributions to their personal and societal growth,” Dr Aziyati concludes.