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The delivery of healthcare was already evolving at a rapid pace before the COVID-19 crisis, but the crisis has accelerated this transformation. The use of digital health technology has been critical in the fight against the novel Coronavirus.
Several countries used integrated digital technology in government-coordinated containment processes such as testing and contact tracing during the pandemic, which helped in the early flattening of incidence curves in some cases. Telehealth is a twenty-first-century approach that is both patient-centred and protects patients, physicians, and others.
Healthcare for Filipinos is becoming more accessible with the launch of the country’s first fully integrated health and wellness mobile app by a Philippine health tech company, as it makes history with the country’s first and largest nationwide virtual medical mission in celebration of its national wellness day.
This two-day virtual event, a first in the telehealth and healthcare industries, will take place on August 28-29, 2021. During national wellness day, app users from all over the country can receive free online teleconsultations from a panel of specialised doctors, including dermatologists, gastroenterologists, internists, gynaecologists, paediatricians, and psychiatrists, among others.
Consultations with doctors are free, and booking fees are waived. Furthermore, the app provides a gift of wellness to Filipinos, particularly during this period of increased restrictions, by allowing users from all over the country to gain much-needed access to health professionals from the safety and comfort of their own homes.
Users can access fitness and nutrition programmes, wellness, and parenting solutions ranging from pregnancy to family health management, in addition to all-day video consultations with doctors. The app’s online health shop features over 3,000 health and wellness product SKUs ranging from food to baby products to skin and body care.
The health app is a high-performance mobile app backed by a who’s who of top names in healthcare, wellness, and technology. For the app’s doctors and patients, a health data company integrates digital care tools and data. Another multi-award-winning cloud-native, IT digital enablement platform ensures a consistent, end-to-end customer experience. Followed by healthcare technologies enables the app to address Covid-19 concerns, diagnosis, care, and treatments.
A world-leading communications technology company and Canada’s leader in digital health technology. To name a few, another tech health tech company will offer integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective medical care, as well as the Philippines’ e-payment servicer for secure, hassle-free payment transactions.
OpenGov Asia reported that Philippine’s healthcare organisations are gradually embracing digitisation, with healthcare executives frequently citing the sensitive nature of medical care as an excuse for the low consumption of digital healthcare services. In reality, patients are willing to use digital services if they meet their needs and are of high quality. Another reason cited for the slow rate of adoption is that most healthcare providers frequently feel the need to be innovative in terms of design and features. Patients, on the other hand, do not anticipate innovative features. Instead, they seek efficient processes, improved accessibility, and human interaction.
Correspondingly, the Philippines launched another healthcare platform last year, the first healthcare app to allow users to consult a doctor via video, order medication for delivery, and schedule clinic and lab appointments.
Although the ultimate COVID-19 solution will be multifaceted, it is one of the effective ways to use existing technologies to facilitate optimal service delivery while minimising the risk of direct person-to-person transmission. The use of telemedicine during epidemic conditions (COVID-19 pandemic) could improve epidemiological research, disease control, and clinical case management.
As the COVID-19 epidemic spreads globally, calls for expanded use of telehealth as innovative solutions clearly highlight unmet needs in the global healthcare system. Telehealth has the potential to address many of the major challenges in providing health care during the COVID-19 outbreak. Consequently, telehealth can help us avoid direct physical contact and reduce the risk of COVID transmission and finally provide continuous care to the community.


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Singapore has grown into one of the world’s most advanced economies in just five decades, actively updating pro-business policies to keep pace with global advancements. As a highly open economy dependent on international trade, the Southeast Asian economic powerhouse is frequently regarded as a bellwether of world growth.
Robust investment in the tech sector has aided the country’s development. According to the Global Data Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Projects Database, Singapore was the leading destination in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc for foreign investment in manufacturing, software and IT services in 2022. Semiconductors accounted for more than half of FDI, with 142 projects worth $8.2 billion in the first six months last year.
The country is continuing its efforts to be at the forefront of developing and adopting cutting-edge technology. Singapore launched the Smart Nation initiative in 2014 with one overarching goal: to support the development of people and businesses in an increasingly digital landscape. The initiative leverages developments in digital technologies to create seamless, tech-driven experiences.
Collaboration with businesses is critical to achieving the city-state’s goals. Enterprises with AI and data analytics capabilities, cybersecurity, immersive media, and the Internet of Things will be central to Singapore’s Smart Nation digital transformation.
Regulation, infrastructure, and people
Its commitment to development built on solid policies has allowed Singapore to grow into a regional – and now an increasingly global hub – for economic activity. And with a 60-year legacy, the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) is one of the drivers of this national transformation.
EDB has an established reputation for fostering economic vibrancy and relevance by attracting corporate or individual investors to use Singapore as a launchpad for their business ambitions in Asia and globally. The city-state has become a favoured location for major technology companies to establish their global or regional headquarters.
Jacqueline believes that one of the key factors contributing to Singapore’s success is its pro-business regulatory environment. The nation’s commitment to the rule of law ensures stability and predictability, which is highly attractive to businesses.
“Regulation in Singapore is extremely progressive and pushes the envelope. Tech companies are looking for a place that has facilitative regulation that allows data, for example, to flow and be analysed easily. Singapore does not have specific rules related to data residency. We want to be a data hub and a place where data analytics can be done without much hindrance. We have also set up frameworks to both facilitate the development and use of AI and are thinking of ways in which to think about governance and ethical use of AI,” Jacqueline explains.
Additionally, Singapore’s robust infrastructure and talented workforce are crucial elements that support the nation’s continued growth and prosperity.
Infrastructure is critical for any country aspiring to become a tech-empowered powerhouse. Renowned for its excellent infrastructure and connectivity, Singapore is a top choice for companies looking for a reliable base. As a result, the city-state has emerged as a hub for submarine cables and data centres, with the widespread availability of high-speed wireless broadband access, including 5G and 4G networks.
The Singapore Government also promotes experimentation and innovation by establishing regulatory sandboxes to test new and innovative initiatives and technologies. These sandboxes allow for experimentation in a live environment, with guardrails to protect the public.
“We’ve got sandboxes in various areas. And one of the more famous ones is in fintech. For example, the Monetary Authority of Singapore has set up a sandbox for FinTech innovation over several years, resulting in some interesting developments and ventures that have gone on to do big things,” Jaqueline shares.
Leading technology companies offer exciting projects and the right scale to attract software developers, UI/UX designers, machine learning experts, and IoT specialists.
To attract talent and help companies build their A-team here, Singapore has introduced various employment passes and made the application process smoother and more transparent.
“If you’ve got enough of a base of people doing big and interesting things, they attract other people who want to learn from them and take part in that journey. Cutting-edge projects can come from big tech companies or MNCs but we’re very proud to say that some of the tech startups we incubate are also working on interesting things,” says Jaqueline.
Southeast Asia is emerging as a digital innovation and startup hub for the world, given the region’s population of approximately 650 million, most of whom are under 35 years old. This demographic, combined with the region’s economic growth and increasing technology adoption, creates a conducive environment for digital innovation and startups to thrive.
As a result, Southeast Asia is attracting significant interest from investors and entrepreneurs worldwide, making it a hotspot for digital innovation and startups. However, with competing countries in the region, Singapore needs to ensure that it remains an attractive destination for top-tier talent by fostering an environment that supports innovation and growth.
Jacqueline and her team are also championing advanced manufacturing, which already has exciting developments in robotics and IoT. There are also interesting innovations in various technological fields, such as AI, cybersecurity, Web 3, and fintech. These areas present new opportunities for Singapore to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and attract top talent and leading technology companies.
“Another big emerging area for Southeast Asia is SaaS. There will be a lot of cloud computing solutions adoption and exciting developments in B2B SaaS over the next decade, says Jacqueline, adding that she is convinced there will be growth in this area amid the current slowdown in the global economy. Even though the tech sector globally is facing some current headwinds, its long-term prospects remain strong. Previous market corrections have also shown that some of the best and strongest companies emerge from within a down cycle.
With its conducive environment for digital innovation and startup growth, Singapore is well-positioned to take advantage of these developments and emerge as a leader in these emerging technological fields.
Technological advancements create exciting opportunities for small businesses. The availability of top talent, a supportive regulatory environment, and access to funding make Singapore an attractive destination for companies looking to capitalise on tech innovation and achieve long-term success.
LKYGBPC to refine the business
Jacqueline has been involved with the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) as a judge for some years. Her involvement with the competition demonstrates her commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of startups in Singapore and beyond.
The LKYGBPC provides aspiring entrepreneurs and startups a platform to showcase their innovative ideas and gain exposure to investors, mentors, and industry experts.
She has been impressed by the high quality of submissions – from startups to post-revenue companies to businesses with fully-fledged minimum viable products evaluated in the marketplace. They reveal a level of maturity in terms of having a solid business plan and demonstrating a use case in real life, including finding a market for their product.
The competition provides an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups to refine and improve their business concepts and gain exposure to investors and industry experts who can provide valuable advice and support.
“It’s a great opportunity to get feedback from judges. And if you win, it’s a great opportunity for you to market your startup, your concept and your product,” she states emphatically.
In Southeast Asia, many issues need to be addressed, which present significant potential for entrepreneurship and innovation. Jacqueline believes that entrepreneurs should focus on developing products and services that solve real-world problems. By creating solutions to these problems, entrepreneurs can contribute to the digital economy in the region and have a positive impact on society.
Jacqueline’s emphasis on problem-solving highlights the importance of creating products and services that have a tangible impact on people’s lives. Entrepreneurs can create solutions that benefit society and drive sustainable growth and development.
“There are many problems to solve – digital payments, wealth management, asset management and investment insurance,” Jaqueline acknowledges. “Moreover, there is much potential in the sustainability space, particularly in carbon services, monitoring, verification, and reporting for carbon credits. With the Southeast Asia region’s growing focus on sustainability, entrepreneurs can develop innovative solutions to help address the pressing environmental challenges facing the world today.”
Jacqueline encourages more women to participate in the tech industry, knowing there is ample opportunity for them to contribute to both the engineering and non-engineering aspects of technology. As a prominent woman in tech herself, she recognises the value of diversity in the industry and the need to increase the representation of women in technology-related fields.
“Tech is everywhere. And that requires a whole range of skill sets. There’s a common misperception that tech means you need to be a software developer or a machine learning expert. If you’re interested in hardcore engineering, there are many places for you to be and very good job prospects, but tech is now a sort of broader concept. Tech needs soft skills,” she elaborates.
Jacqueline’s perspective highlights the value of diverse backgrounds and skill sets in the technology industry. At the top of the field, she says, quite a few CEOs come from non-engineering backgrounds, having studied History, Anthropology, English language and Literature.
This shows that doing well in the sector is not limited to individuals with just one type of educational background or expertise. There are many opportunities for people with different experiences and abilities to contribute to the growth and success of tech companies.
In addition, advanced technology like quantum and AI has far-reaching implications and requires technical skills and a broader understanding of governance, regulations, ethics, and other related areas. Jacqueline’s background in social science – she used to be an economist – has lent to her belief that it is essential to have individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets working together to ensure that these technologies are developed and used responsibly and ethically.
While technical expertise is crucial, the inclusion of social science and humanities backgrounds can provide a deeper understanding of the impact and implications of technology on society. It is essential to have a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents different backgrounds and experiences to drive inclusive and comprehensive innovation and success.
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Having robust, effective, and easily accessible healthcare is essential for enhancing the standard of living, achieving better treatment results and increasing lifespan. Tech-enabled progress made in the field of medicine has been a boon, with groundbreaking innovations and discoveries paving the future of healthcare.
The healthcare sector is witnessing a rapid transformation, with the emergence of new technologies that promise to tackle the most pressing global healthcare challenges. MedTech has become increasingly crucial in this context and has opened up a plethora of possibilities for healthcare professionals to advance their skills and knowledge and expand their reach to underserved regions.
The advent of innovative healthcare technology has empowered doctors to provide better care to a greater number of people, irrespective of their geographical location and help prevent and combat emerging diseases effectively.
Technological advancements offer more effective medication, more accurate diagnostics and improved drug delivery systems giving hope for better patient care and prognoses. Integrating healthcare components through technology can also lead to more efficient and accessible healthcare services while lowering costs.
The healthcare industry hugely benefits from technology, which has been the driving force behind the significant progress made thus far. Technology will continue to play a crucial role in catalysing further advancements in healthcare, enabling healthcare professionals to provide better care, develop innovative treatments and improve patient outcomes.
The Impact of Digital Technology on Healthcare
“The outbreak has brought about a significant transformation in the digital healthcare landscape. With social distancing measures in place, teleconsultations have become increasingly prevalent, and patients, as well as healthcare providers, have had to adjust to this new format of healthcare delivery,” Prof Lawrence explains.
While the adoption of teleconsultations has seen a good uptake, other digital systems such as digital identification for tracking hospital entry and exit have encountered hurdles during implementation.
Prof Lawrence has identified the lack of an integrated healthcare ecosystem as a major challenge to the successful implementation of telemedicine. While video consultations are prevalent, the scarcity of examination tools and delays in medication delivery remain major obstacles. The limited access to medical information and the inability to provide detailed explanations or drawings further impede the progress of telemedicine.
Additionally, elderly patients, and other segments of society, may have difficulty using technology. Moreover, telemedicine cannot replicate the nonverbal and emotional aspects of in-person interaction. To overcome these obstacles, he feels, telemedicine in healthcare consultations and visits must be refined and expanded.
Prof Lawrence emphasises the need for the medical industry to evolve and improve its diagnostic and treatment capability. Current diagnostic techniques are limited to the five senses but there is a significant potential to collect more accurate and comprehensive patient data through the integration of sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This could lead to more precise diagnoses and tailored treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
“Telemedicine may have some advantages, such as reduced travel time and longer appointments, but it will only be successful if patients see it as a viable alternative to face-to-face consultations,” Prof Lawrence reiterates. “It is important to have a gradual evolution and improvement in the medical industry, as opposed to dramatic changes driven by hype.”
He believes current medical developments primarily focus on the developers and creators rather than the end-users. This approach needs to be reoriented towards a more user-centric model for future medical development, including its cost-effectiveness.
Systems should be developed that take into account the specific needs and preferences of patients, healthcare providers and other stakeholders. This would ensure that healthcare development is better aligned with the needs and goals of those who will ultimately benefit from it
Academia should be incentivised to look out for interests outside of its own research driven solely by academic interests such as self-serving publications and ranking are no longer practical nor justifiable by public funding. There is a growing consensus that the focus of research should shift towards the development of practical applications.
In addition, he stresses the importance of investors in promoting innovation and addressing gaps within the healthcare ecosystem. He suggests that investors should prioritise addressing population-level issues, rather than focusing solely on niche areas.
As people’s lifespans continue to extend, addressing the requirements of an ageing population has become increasingly critical. It is crucial for startups to thoroughly explore this market and develop innovations specifically tailored to the needs of this demographic.
Drawing on the example of Singapore, which has implemented technology to support its elderly population, he suggests investors consider this increasingly important and growing segment when evaluating potential startups for investment.
“To effectively address the complexity national healthcare poses, a systems approach to problem-solving is necessary, where sustainability and equality take precedence over profits,” advocates Prof Lawrence. “Rather than focusing on building more structures, it is important to prioritise addressing issues of affordability and inequality through technology.”
Urban Ideas and Solutions Through LKYGBPC
The Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC), which began in 2001, is a biennial global university start-up competition hosted in Singapore. Organised by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, focuses on urban ideas and solutions developed by student founders and early-stage start-ups.
Prof Lawrence, who serves as a member of the judging panel, believes assigning mentors to teams based on their area of expertise can offer valuable guidance and support. This is just one of the many initiatives undertaken by the panel to foster, encourage, and sustain the entrepreneurial drive of the LKYGBPC participants.
In his view, when discussing the fundamental contrast between innovation and entrepreneurship, he feels that innovation involves tackling issues with fresh perspectives and novel ways, while entrepreneurship requires both discipline and adaptability in managing growth.
“Many people fail in business because they lack discipline and work independently,” says Prof Lawrence. “Cultivating a larger community of individuals who are adaptable and capable of working as part of a team is critical to entrepreneurship success.”
He considers seeking advice and collaborating with others crucial to surmount obstacles in innovation and entrepreneurship. Innovators should be willing to seek the assistance and counsel of others, particularly those with expertise in areas such as regulation or commercialisation.
People must understand that there are unique challenges at each stage of the process and bringing them to the right people to help solve them is important. Moreover, entrepreneurship demands financial discipline that benefits from the guidance and mentorship of multiple individuals.
Singapore’s drive to remain competitive in the global arena is a case in point. The country, he says, serves as a springboard, connecting people and providing access to other countries. To attract and retain talent and expand into new markets, he recommends leveraging Singapore’s strengths, such as its robust education system and its position as a hub for the Asian ecosystem.
Prof Lawrence co-invented the revolutionary Master and Slave Transluminal Endoscopic Robot (MASTER), which has now been incorporated into Endomaster.
He has mentored three startups in the fields of photonics and medical technology to identify potential failures and early warning signs through his own experiences.
Prof Lawrence has served as co-chair for the Gut & Obesity in Asia (Go Asia) Workgroup, which investigates the correlation between obesity and gastrointestinal and liver ailments in Asia.
In summation, he stresses the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, as it enables individuals to learn and prepare for future challenges.
“Those who have never failed or struggled in the trenches may not be able to achieve long-term success,” Prof Lawrence concludes.
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Kemajuan teknologi dan sains telah membawa efektivitas dan efisiensi industri kesehatan sehingga bisa menjangkau lebih banyak orang di pelosok wilayah. Kemudahan akses pada layanan perawatan kesehatan ini diharapkan bisa meningkatkan kualitas hidup dan umur warga.
Telemedicine menjadi salah satu perkembangan terbaru di industri ini yang populer imbas pandemi COVID-19. Saat itu, telemedicine berhasil membantu pasien untuk berkonsultasi dengan dokter, melakukan diagnosis, dan pengobatan dari jarak jauh.
Perkembangan kecerdasan buatan (AI) ikut berkontribusi memodernisasi layanan kesehatan. AI berpotensi membantu dokter untuk membuat diagnosis yang lebih cepat dan akurat, memprediksi hasil kesehatan, dan melakukan asistensi rencana perawatan. Layanan berbasis AI seperti chatbots dan asisten virtual, juga bisa dimanfaatkan untuk menjembatani komunikasi layanan kesehatan dengan pasien.
Pengobatan yang efektif, teknik diagnostik yang lebih akurat, dan sistem pemberian obat yang lebih baik diarahkan untuk memperbaiki sistem perawatan, pengobatan, dan prognosis pasien. Selain itu, kemajuan teknologi juga diharapkan bisa mengurangi biaya perawatan kesehatan lantaran operasional yang makin efisien.
Menggali potensi dari celah di teknologi kesehatan
“Jika Anda menggunakan konsultasi video, Anda hanya dapat melihat tapi Anda tidak dapat memeriksa. Tentu saja pemeriksaan adalah hal yang penting. Semestinya kita bisa memiliki kemampuan yang sama serupa dengan pertemuan tatap muka. Menurut saya, alat pengujian untuk melakukan diagnosa masih kurang pada layanan telemedicine,” jelas Lawrence dalam wawancara dengan CEO & Pemimpin Redaksi OpenGov Asia, Mohit Sagar.
Kedua, layanan telemedicine masih harus mematangkan ekosistem pendukung, salah satunya terkait dengan pengantaran obat. Di Singapura, layanan pengantaran obat bisa dikirim dalam satu minggu. Hal ini tentu akan menghambat proses pengobatan ketimbang langsung datang dan diberi obat ketika melakukan kunjungan tatap muka.
Meski demikian, Lawrence menyebut layanan telemedicine masih dilakukan di masa setelah COVID-19 untuk pasien yang kondisinya sudah cukup stabil di rumah. Sementara sebagian besar pasien sudah kembali melakukan kunjungan tatap muka seperti biasa.
Selain itu, penjelasan yang bisa dilakukan lewat telemedicine menurut Lawrence masih terbatas. Ia merasa kesulitan jika harus melakukan penjelasan dengan tambahan gambar yang dengan mudah dilakukan dalam pertemuan tatap muka secara langsung.
Selain itu, ia pun menaruh perhatian pada kesulitan akses teknologi yang dialami oleh pasien lanjut usia. Telemedicine sulit untuk membaca dan menyampaikan aspek nonverbal dan emosional dari interaksi langsung.
Ia menekankan industri medis perlu mengembangkan dan meningkatkan metode untuk mendiagnosis dan merawat pasien. Ia berharap telemedicine bisa mendukung diagnosis dengan memanfaatkan sejumlah panca indera untuk memeriksa gejala. Dalam pertemuan tatap muka, dokter bisa langsung mengukur detak jantung dengan stetoskop, merasakan dengan sentuhan jari, pendengaran, atau diagnosis sensoris lain untuk mendapat data dari pasien. Kesamaan proses diagnosis seperti inilah yang perlu dikembangkan untuk layanan telemedicine ke depan.
Untuk memperbaiki layanan perawatan medis jarak jauh, semua kekurangan itu perlu ditambal. Tambahan sensor, metaverse dan kecerdasan buatan (AI) dapat dimungkinkan untuk melakukan hal ini dan membantu menganalisa data pasien yang lebih akurat dan komprehensif. Ia optimis kemajuan teknologi bisa mengatasi semua kelemahan itu karena saat ini kita sedang berevolusi untuk meningkatkan layanan telemedicine secara bertahap.
Sebagai seorang investor, menurut Lawrence, inovasi itu menjadi pendorong inovasi yang cukup besar. Namun, agar bisa lebih berdampak, menurutnya baik inovator, akademisi, dan startup mesti benar-benar menyentuh permasalahan di akar rumput. Selama ini, penelitian-penelitian yang dilakukan para edukator kurang peka dengan kebutuhan masyarakat. Mereka melupakan mengapa mereka ada di institusi akademis yang semestinya menelurkan solusi bagi masyarakat. Begitupula dengan para investor. Mereka pun mesti memiliki visi untuk melayani dan menyelesaikan masalah di masyarakat terlebih dulu sebelum menajamkan sasaran ke ceruk pasar yang lebih sempit.
LKYGBPC untuk majukan entrepreneurship
Bagi Lawrence, inovasi berangkat dari inisiatif untuk menyelesaikan masalah dan mengeksekusi ide solusi itu dengan kedisiplinan. Disiplin dalam memperbaiki produk, mengelola konsumen, membangun tim dan organisasi, serta mengelola keuangan. Lawrence menganggap kompetisi bisnis internasional seperti LKYGBPC bisa memberikan kesempatan bagi para pebisnis muda untuk melakukan ekspansi pasar ke negara lain.
Prof Lawrence menjadi investor di tiga startup. Pertama adalah Master and Slave Transluminal Endoscopic Robot (MASTER). MASTER kini telah diintegrasikan menjadi Endomaster, startup MedTech yang paling banyak mendapat kucuran dana di Asia pada 2017. Ia pun mendanai startup di bidang fotonik dan bioteknologi yang mengembangkan peringatan dini dibidang kesehatan.
Berdasarkan pengalaman memiliki tiga startup teknologi kesehatan, Lawrance menyarankan agar startup perlu fleksibel dan membuka diri. Mereka mesti bersedia menerima masukan dari konsumen, tim, dan mereka yang lebih ahli. “Saya merasa bahwa beberapa inovator sangat protektif terhadap produk mereka sendiri, mereka pikir ini adalah bayi mereka.”
Sebab, dari berbagai masukan itu, founder dan tim bisa memetakan dengan cepat berbagai tantangan yang mungkin mereka hadapi di sepanjang jalan. Setelah itu, mereka mesti menemukan orang yang tepat untuk memecahkan tantangan tersebut.
Mereka pun harus berjuang untuk mewujudkan apa yang mereka janjikan dari konsep yang diajukan. Menurut Lawrence, beberapa orang lebih jago menuliskan ide mereka di kertas dan Power Point ketimbang terjun langsung ke lapangan.
“Para pejuang kertas dan Power Point sangat sulit untuk berhasil. Anda harus benar-benar melakukannya hingga berdarah-darah, hingga Anda menguasai dan memenangkan pertempuran,” tegasnya.
Tantangan berikutnya untuk startup kesehatan adalah soal regulasi. Startup perlu menemukan ahli untuk membantu merancang uji klinis agar lolos berbagai uji klinis dan regulasi.
Tantangan yang terakhir adalah masalah komersialisasi produk. Bagaimana menghasilkan pendapatan dari produk yang akan dijual.
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The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and an online delivery company have formed a three-year partnership to provide students with the digital skills they will need in the future. This collaboration, which is part of SUTD and Ecole 42’s collaboration programme, will give SUTD’s 42 Singapore students access to the online delivery firm’s mentorship and internship opportunities, with the goal of providing tech talent with a launchpad to enter the tech industry once they graduate.
This collaboration is part of the online delivery firm’s PowerUp! Tech Academy, which includes programmes and partnerships to expand the tech talent pool and strengthen the tech ecosystem.
With a SG$600,000 contribution to SUTD’s 42 Singapore programme, the company reaffirmed its commitment to the partnership. This is Singapore’s first tuition-free, no-instructor programme. The funds will be allocated over a three-year period, from 2022 to 2024, and will be used to organise skill-development initiatives such as workshops and events.
According to the SUTD provost, Professor Phoon Kok Kwang, as Singapore strives to realise the full potential of its digital economy, they are eager to collaborate with the online delivery company. Their timely support and collaboration with 42 Singapore programmes enable SUTD to provide a transformative digital skills development path for future tech talent.
SUTD’s mission is to equip and continuously shape socially conscious, adaptable, and responsible talent who will have rewarding careers and catalyse positive change in a world that is rapidly changing.
By bringing together students with aspirations and mentors who share the same passion, the company is committed to creating an inclusive tech ecosystem that they believe will help drive and advance digitalisation not only in Singapore but throughout Asia.
Recent research indicates that Singapore’s Internet economy has the potential to increase by 19% and reach USD 22 billion by 2025, with the highest proportion of digital consumers in the region. Therefore, merchants are more likely to expand their use of digital services.
Therefore, this partnership is essential for the development of a robust tech talent pipeline to support the imminent expansion of Singapore’s digital economy. The three-year partnership encompasses the following:
- Internship opportunities: The online delivery firm will offer 42 Singaporean students internship opportunities in its tech teams over the course of three years. This will allow aspiring talent to gain professional working experience within a world-class technology team and learn how to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Mentorship programmes: Students will be able to enrol in the online delivery firm’s mentorship programme, which will provide them with direct access to the tech team’s resources and executives. The firm’s one-on-one interactions with senior leaders aim to not only equip them with the necessary digital skills but also to inspire talent.
- Employment opportunities: The online delivery firm will give those who finish the programme first consideration for jobs if there are any that match their qualifications. This makes it possible for the firm to grow its community and give the next generation the technical skills that will be valuable in a world that is becoming more digital.
- Industry guidance: A Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the online delivery firm will join the Advisory Board of 42 Singapore, offering advice on key industry trends and advocating for other businesses to support the programme. His direction will also ensure that SUTD’s programmes are relevant and valuable to students and the broader tech community.
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There has been extensive usage of AI technology in the service of helping humanity. In the health sector, AI has been used to identify new illnesses and epidemics that have become a concern when they appear in different parts of the world. Therefore, it was decided to develop the necessary tools to assist the country in dealing with any future pandemic in Indonesia at the suggestion of Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Given Indonesia’s limited infrastructure and medical workforce, a well-thought-out plan was crucial for overcoming such an emergency. As a result, the healthcare infrastructure in Indonesia, including hospitals, physicians, health workers, and the government, could be ready for any future pandemic.
Outbreaks can be identified using AI by extracting morphometric information from microscopy images. Anto Satriyo Nugroho, Director of BRIN’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Cybersecurity (PR KAKS), said that AI can greatly aid Indonesian healthcare workers in hot spots, for instance, malaria epidemics. The algorithm could determine whether a person has caught malaria based on whether their blood sample tested positive for the parasite outbreak.
“Artificial intelligence applications can also detect epidemics with high precision. With AI, we can get an accurate forecast 77.14% of the time, with a sensitivity of 84.37% and an F1 accuracy of 80.60%,” he revealed.
To promote such initiatives, the National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN) hosted a webinar with the topic “Utilising AI in Health”. A panel discussion with a resource person, the Director of the BRIN Institute’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Cybersecurity (PR KAKS), followed the webinar activity. Prof. Indi Dharmayanti, Head of the BRIN Health Research Organisation, and Alexander Svinin, Russian Trade Attache for Indonesia, shared some opening comments during this webinar.
Experts in artificial intelligence technology include Anto Satriyo Nugroho, Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence at Innopolis University Russia Ramil Kuleev, and researcher from the Astutiati Nurhasanah National Agency for Research on Vaccines and Drugs Research Centre, Ruslan Lukin.
Meanwhile, Russian Trade Attaché Alexander Svinin has voiced his approval of the work being done in Indonesia in artificial intelligence, “When it comes to the use of AI in medicine, we will be extremely receptive to new ideas and findings. This will open the door for cooperation among many groups.”
Professor and Head of the Russian University of Innopolis’s Institute of AI According to Ramil Kuleev, artificial intelligence has been used in various spheres of Russian society, most notably the medical field, where it has been used to diagnose illnesses based on radiological examinations.
Indonesian organisations like the Metaverse Research & Experience Centre (MREC) and the Indonesia Metaverse Collaboration supports the metaverse effort alongside AI development. Denny Setiawan, Director of resource management for the Ministry of Communication and Information’s Directorate General of Resources and Equipment of Post and Information Technology, said this would be a crucial step in hastening the country’s digital transition.
The mission of the Metaverse Research and Education Consortium (MREC), a public-private partnership, is to foster these very activities inside the realm of the technological metaverse. The Metaverse Research and Experience Centre (MREC) may be in the middle of the action on the Telkom University Campus. The building will serve as a hub for metaverse technology-related R&D, engagement with industry, and capability development.
Academics, researchers, connectivity service providers, industry partnerships, and policymakers can all work together and build connections with the help of MREC’s resources. Launching MREC is a big deal for Indonesia’s digital economy since it shows the country is serious about capitalising on the rising international interest in metaverse technology.
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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has formed a strategic partnership with a venture capital investment company to promote the integration of the university’s scientific research with innovative industries. The collaboration’s main objective is to support PolyU research teams and start-ups with high potential, while also advancing the practical application of scientific research and the commercialisation of technology. The partnership is expected to contribute to the innovation and technology (I&T) development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was witnessed by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; the President of PolyU; and the Founding Partner of a global private equity firm. The Executive Vice President of PolyU and a partner at the global private equity firm signed the MoU.
During the same event, the Innovation & Investment Connect Panel Session was conducted. It gathered industry leaders and I&T stakeholders to participate in a stimulating panel discussion titled “How to facilitate research commercialisation from policymaker and investor perspectives.”
The panellists deliberated on the opportunities and challenges associated with the commercialisation of scientific research. Furthermore, two parallel thematic sessions were organised, where PolyU scholars and representatives from six investees at the venture capital investment company engaged in roundtable discussions on biomedical and sustainable innovation. The discussions highlighted the opportunities in the biomedical innovation ecosystem in Hong Kong, as well as the development trends in clean energy technologies and related industries.
According to the Hong Kong Innovation Activities Statistics 2021, Innovation plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and development. It encompasses not only research and development (R&D) but also product and business process innovation, which are vital in enhancing competitiveness and business performance.
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) has been gathering various statistical indicators to measure the progress of innovation activities in Hong Kong. Among these indicators, the most significant ones are related to R&D activities.
Hong Kong’s gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) in 2021, which includes total spending on in-house R&D activities performed locally in the business, higher education, and government sectors (including public technology support organisations), amounted to HK$27,827 million. This represents a 5% increase compared to 2020. During the same period, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 7%. The GERD to GDP ratio slightly decreased from 0.99% in 2020 to 0.97% in 2021.
In recent years, the total spending on in-house R&D activities in the higher education sector has been consistently increasing. In 2021, the total expenditure on such activities in the higher education sector amounted to HK$14,735 million, representing a 4% increase compared to 2020.
On the other hand, the total expenditure on in-house R&D activities in the government sector, which mainly includes public technology support organisations, was HK$1,392 million in 2021, showing a 1% increase when compared with 2020.
The majority of in-house R&D activities in the business sector were focused on information technology and engineering technology. Specifically, computer software technology, information system and technology, and electrical and electronics engineering technology areas accounted for 21%, 17%, and 16% of the total expenditure on in-house R&D activities in the business sector, respectively.
Rather than being a significant performer of R&D activities, the government primarily serves a facilitative role in driving the economy’s technology and innovation advancement. This is achieved through the provision of funding support and technological infrastructure.
In 2021, the government sector, which primarily includes public technology support organisations, spent a total of HK$1,392 million on R&D activities. This amount represents a 1% increase compared to 2020. Additionally, the ratio of this expenditure to GDP remained the same at 0.05% in 2021.
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The government held a conference to review the first phase of the programme on the transition to Internet Protocol version 6 for state agencies (IPv6 for Gov) and discuss the implementation of the second phase of the plan.
The initial stage of the IPv6 for Gov initiative carried out between 2021 and 2022, centred around state agencies. During this period, approximately fifty per cent of the involved ministries, agencies, and localities planned transitional strategies to shift towards IPv6 for their portals. All of them are expected to roll out the plans in the second phase in 2022-2025.
In Vietnam, the IPv6 transition in networks, services, applications, and software will ensure there are Internet resources capacity and security requirements to support digital transformation and the development of e-government and smart city services. IPv6 is expected to meet Vietnam’s demand to offer new and quality services such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 4G-LTE, and 5G networks, contributing to digital transformation and digital government building.
To guarantee the effective execution of the program, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has collaborated closely with pertinent ministries, sectors, and localities. According to statistics from the Vietnam Internet Network Information Centre (VNNIC), as of December 2022, Vietnam’s IPv6 usage reached 53%, ranking 10th globally with more than 65 million Internet subscribers using IPv6 services. According to an official, the IPv6 for Gov programme has exceeded its set goals in the first phase as 94% of ministries, sectors and localities have issued IPv6 transition plans.
So far, as many as 78% of stakeholders have successfully converted to IPv6 for their portals and public services. More than 1,300 staff and experts have been trained on IPv6, 2.6 times higher than the training target for five years.
This year, the country’s IPv6 usage rate is expected to reach 60-70%. In the second phase of 2023 – 2025, VNNIC set a goal to convert the national Internet network into IPv6. By 2025, it wants 100% of Internet subscribers to use the IPv6 service, and all IDC, cloud, and hosting businesses to provide services on IPv6 platforms.
Pham Duc Long, the Deputy Minister of Information and Communication, has urged stakeholders to hasten the transition to IPv6. VNNIC was tasked with boosting communication and training initiatives and providing support and oversight during the transition phase.
The country’s quality of Internet service has also improved following directives issued by MIC. Globally, Vietnam ranks 39th in terms of fixed Internet. As OpenGov Asia reported, the average broadband download speed in Vietnam in February was 89,73 Mpps, up 4.6% over January. Among the centrally run cities, Ho Chi Minh City had the highest fixed broadband download speed (96.55Mbps). The average fixed broadband upload speed of the whole country was 88.71 Mbps (up 4.7%).
The figures from both domestic and international sources indicated that there has been a significant improvement in Vietnam’s fixed Internet speed in February, a considerable achievement considering the several incidents surrounding the submarine fibre optic cables since late 2022. As a solution, MIC has directed telecom carriers to promptly apply measures to fix the problems to ensure smooth international Internet connection. Under the instructions of the Authority of Telecommunications (AOT), mobile network operators have negotiated to buy more mainland optical fibre capacity and share capacity with each other to overcome the crisis.