Prepping Hospital Operating Rooms for the Future

Many years ago, adding a new technology or imaging modality in the operating room meant connecting devices like endoscopy cameras, computers, scanners and surgical displays through dedicated audio visual (AV) equipment. Operating room (OR) technology today is becoming increasingly digitised, and many hospitals in Singapore and around the world will have difficulties keeping pace. Even more drastic developments can be expected in the next decade and the groundwork for these changes is being laid today.

By adopting an OR-over-IP approach, which integrates devices over an IP network for the operating room, hospitals will be able to implement many of the emerging technologies that will shape the complex OR environment of the future.

Surgical data, images and video can be easily shared, stored and displayed on any screen inside or outside the operating room. Integration over IP also makes it possible to manage the multitude of imaging systems and devices from a single point and to streamline the OR workflow.

A future-proof OR

The digital OR is no longer a nice to have. The OR-over-IP approach will be the necessary foundation for the adoption of many innovative technologies, including 4K imaging and 3D imaging, which allows surgeons to perform surgery with the highest precision and enhances surgical efficiency and accuracy in laparoscopic procedures to shorten operating times. In the future, virtual and augmented reality, as well as artificial intelligence will be used to help surgeons and clinicians acquire proficiency in complicated technologies faster.

The same can be said of OR. A digital OR is essential to reduce complexity, simplify workflows, and increase efficiency and productivity.

Bringing more technology into the OR made set up and configuration before surgeries more complex and time-consuming. The OR-over-IP approach simplifies installation and reduces set-up time in the OR due to its standard architecture. These reductions in setup and turnover times are improving the productivity of surgical teams and efficiency in the use of ORs. Running OR technology over IP also reduces the number of cables and devices needed to run the navigation devices, machine-controlled applications, and PACS equipment, which creates a much cleaner and more comfortable working environment for surgeons to make quick and accurate decisions. Technical maintenance efforts are also simplified, and downtime minimised, with an IP-based OR platform due to its use of unified fibre cabling that connects directly to the devices.

Flexibility today and tomorrow

Technology continues to evolve and ORs need to be easily adaptable to meet future requirements. Its environment must be flexible enough to accommodate the most recent technologies, such as 4K and 3D imaging. IP-based video integration is an approach that will support this expansion of technologies well into the future.

In an environment where the patient’s stakes are so high and where every minute means money, digital technology can help improve the productivity and efficiency of today’s highly-skilled OR professionals. The OR of today and of the future delivers highly accurate images and provides the most ergonomic working conditions to enable surgeons do their best work.

Singapore Unveils AI Government Cloud Cluster

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) and a major cloud computing company have announced the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Government Cloud Cluster (AGCC), a comprehensive platform designed to accelerate AI adoption in Singapore’s public sector, advance local applied AI research efforts and support the growth of the local AI startup ecosystem.

The AGCC has been implemented by SNDGO and the cloud tech company for usage by Singapore’s government agencies and the research, innovation, and enterprise (RIE) ecosystem. The AGCC is hosted in Singapore in a specialised cloud computing environment.

Agencies can use the AGCC to build and deploy scalable and impactful AI applications rapidly, safely, ethically, and cost-effectively by leveraging an AI technology stack and a vast partner ecosystem of software-as-a-service firms, consultancies, and AI startups. AI technology stack capabilities include:

First, an AI-optimised infrastructure. High-performance A2 supercomputers powered by NVIDIA’s A100 GPUs and hosted in an open, scalable, secure, and energy-efficient infrastructure. This enables cloud developers to train computationally complex AI models at fast speeds while minimising costs and environmental impact.

Customisable first-party, third-party, and open-source AI models follow. A central repository enabling AI practitioners to access pre-trained generative AI models, with built-in features to assist users in customising these models for specific requirements.

The repository contains a wide range of first-party, third-party, and open-source models designed for certain needs. These include models for summarising and translating text in different languages, sustaining an ongoing discussion, converting audio to text, producing, and modifying software code, and generating and repairing written descriptions.

International AI businesses interested in making their foundation models available to Singapore government departments can collaborate with the Cloud computing company to store these models in the repository.

Another category is no-code AI development tools. A Generative AI App Builder enabling developers (especially those with limited technical expertise) to swiftly construct and seamlessly embed chatbots and enterprise search experiences driven by Cloud’s generative AI models.

Finally, there are explainable AI and data governance toolkits. A set of built-in technologies that can assist government agencies in using AI in a secure and responsible manner. This includes features for access control and content moderation, as well as novel mechanisms for incorporating human feedback to improve model performance and the ability to audit the sources of AI model outputs to detect and resolve potential bias and ensure that model behaviour is compliant with regulations.

The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is Singapore’s first public-sector organisation to use the AGCC. Its Open Government Products (OGP) team has integrated with Vertex AI and is investigating the use of its models in Pair, which are large language model-powered assistants that civil servants can use to help them boost productivity while maintaining the confidentiality of government information.

To help government agencies deploy AI applications as effectively and responsibly as possible, the Cloud tech company will collaborate with GovTech to design and run whole-of-government Digital Academy programmes that will assist agencies in developing in-house data science and AI expertise, developing AI innovation strategies, and implementing data governance best practices.

The programmes will be delivered in a variety of specialised formats to 150,000 public servants from 16 ministries and over 50 statutory boards.

Government agencies in Singapore will be able to use the AGCC and other authorised services through the Government on Commercial Cloud (GCC) 2.0 platform beginning in June 2023. The GCC platform, developed by GovTech, offers agencies a standardised and regulated means to implement commercial cloud solutions.

GCC 2.0, the platform’s second generation, is integrated with cloud-native capabilities and cloud security practices, enabling agencies to access into a larger ecosystem of services and people to accelerate the development of new digital applications.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Western Australia’s Support for Rural Communities

The Government of Western Australia is taking significant steps to support rural and remote communities across Western Australia by providing funding for technology projects that aim to enhance community services. In an effort to bridge the digital divide and promote access to essential resources, more than AU$ 330,000 has been allocated to support 44 Community Resource Centres (CRC) in implementing various technology and innovation initiatives throughout the regions.

These projects encompass a wide range of endeavours aimed at improving the lives of community members in rural areas. For instance, a notable initiative involves the upgrade of 13 public computers in Broome. These computers play a crucial role in the community, particularly for individuals who do not have the luxury of owning personal computers in their homes. By upgrading these public computers, the CRC in Broome will be able to provide better access to information, educational resources, and essential online services to local residents.

The funding provided by the McGowan Government will empower CRCs in rural and remote areas to embrace technological advancements and leverage innovative solutions to address community needs. By implementing these technology projects, the government aims to enhance the overall quality of life in these regions, promote digital inclusion, and ensure that residents have equal opportunities to access crucial online services and resources.

In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, the funding provided by the Government will enable other Community Resource Centres (CRCs) in Western Australia to embark on innovative projects tailored to their local community needs. The Frankland River CRC, for example, plans to establish a Smart Home Hub demonstration centre, which will serve as a showcase for the latest advancements in home automation and smart technologies. This initiative aims to educate and familiarize community members with the benefits and possibilities of integrating smart technologies into their homes.

Meanwhile, the Beverley CRC intends to establish a content creation studio with a specific focus on social media marketing for local businesses in the Wheatbelt region. This studio will help businesses develop engaging content for their social media platforms, enabling them to effectively promote their products and services to a wider audience. By enhancing their online presence and digital marketing capabilities, local businesses can potentially attract more customers and bolster economic growth in the region.

The grant program extends to all Community Resource Centres within the WA Community Resource Network, encompassing over 100 CRCs located in regional and remote areas across the State. Each eligible CRC has the opportunity to apply for grants of up to AU$ 10,000 under the program.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development administers the program, ensuring that the funding is allocated and used effectively to support technology and innovation projects that benefit rural and remote communities in Western Australia.

The Minister of Regional Development emphasised the importance of Community Resource Centres (CRCs) as community-driven organizations that play a crucial role in providing essential support to residents and businesses in rural and remote areas across Western Australia. The funding initiative aims to equip CRCs with the necessary technological resources to deliver modern and effective services to their respective communities.

This funding program recognises that community needs vary across different regions, and it empowers local CRCs to identify and address the specific improvements that will bring the greatest benefits to their stakeholders. By allowing CRCs to leverage their deep understanding of local needs and dynamics, the initiative ensures that the allocated funds are used in ways that best serve the communities they serve. This approach acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each CRC and supports their efforts in delivering impactful projects tailored to their community’s requirements.

Singapore’s Digital Solutions for Advance Care Planning

According to Masagos Zulkifli, Second Minister for Health at the recently concluded 8th Advance Care Planning International Conference, person-centred care includes prioritising the patient’s choices and involving the patient and their family in care decisions. As a result, advance care planning (ACP) allows individuals to communicate their enhanced healthcare preferences.

ACP has been adopted in Singapore under the Advance Medical Directive Act and the Mental Capacity Act. Over 35,000 Singaporeans have completed their plans under the “Living Matters” programme, which promotes ACP.

In the future, the Ministry of Health hopes to raise awareness and acceptance of ACP, which has earned global prominence for aligning care with individual beliefs.

Minister Masagos noted that three issues must be overcome to promote the wider adoption of ACP. To begin, Singapore’s traditional society requires a mindset shift to normalise dialogues about death and dying, particularly among the elderly.

Second, additional facilitators, particularly trustworthy doctors, should be included to effectively engage the community. Finally, the present ACP facilitation approach requires an improved structure that can accommodate a larger group without losing quality.

In addition, technology should be used to reach out to digitally literate populations and increase scalability. Overcoming these obstacles will allow ACP to gain wider support and implementation in Singapore.

The Ministry of Health hopes to improve accessibility and ease in the ACP process as Singapore embraces technology. Individuals can now complete their ACP autonomously, without the necessity for in-depth talks with facilitators, thanks to the use of digital technologies, especially for those who are generally healthy.

This transition to digital solutions tackles the scalability and resource intensity issues that have plagued traditional ACP facilitation. It also serves a growing generation of digitally literate consumers who want more control over their healthcare decisions.

The ACP community must work with the healthcare system’s continuing improvements, particularly the Healthier SG project, which emphasises preventive care. Key shifts are required to enhance ACP knowledge and implementation.

Also, a societal mindset shift is required, which includes outreach, providing ACP outside of clinical settings, and establishing a statewide Pre-Planning Campaign. Roadshows, workshops, and a digital campaign on the My Legacy site will be part of this effort.

Individuals can use this gateway to get extensive information about ACP, start conversations, and make informed decisions about their life preferences. These programmes not only empower individuals but also promote early planning, ensuring that their values and priorities fit with their care goals.

Individuals and their families will benefit from these efforts, which aim to stimulate talks and early planning for end-of-life care. It is critical to begin these discussions and make the appropriate arrangements, including as purchasing insurance and establishing a durable power of attorney and wills.

Two critical shifts must occur for ACP to be widely adopted. First, healthcare personnel should be encouraged to incorporate ACP dialogues into routine treatment, giving them the knowledge and ability to discuss end-of-life planning with their patients.

This involves starting early dialogues with people who have significant illnesses about how to connect their care plans with their values. Second, to improve the ease, the ACP procedure should be digitalised.

While third-party facilitators are still required in some circumstances, digitally savvy persons who are relatively healthy can self-facilitate the broad ACP without in-depth conversations. Citizens can empower themselves to finish the ACP process independently by leveraging technology and digital platforms.

Unlocking AI’s Potential for Accelerated Drug Development

The University of Sydney recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Australian subsidiary of a pharmaceutical company based in South Korea. The partnership aims to leverage the power of artificial intelligence in identifying potential compounds for accelerated development into treatments for cancers and rare diseases.

Under the MoU, the University’s Drug Discovery Initiative will gain access to the pharmaceutical company’s advanced AI drug development platform, known as Chemiverse. This collaboration will enable the University to harness the capabilities of AI in identifying promising compounds for drug development. Additionally, the company will benefit from collaborating with the University’s esteemed team of researchers and using their cutting-edge drug discovery infrastructure.

The Director of the Drug Discovery Initiative expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with the company. He highlighted the complexity involved in developing drugs for treating diseases and emphasised the significance of working with Pharos and their advanced artificial intelligence platform, Chemiverse.

The use of Chemiverse in this partnership is expected to greatly enhance the University’s capacity to develop innovative treatments for unmet medical needs. Moreover, the synergies between the platform and the Drug Discovery Initiative will foster innovation and facilitate the establishment of new drug discovery pipelines.

The Drug Discovery Initiative, situated within the School of Chemistry, serves as an interdisciplinary academic network that aims to expedite the early-stage development of drugs by leveraging top-tier individuals, technologies, and tools.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Enterprise) emphasised the University’s dedication to translating fundamental research into practical solutions. The partnership with the company is viewed as an opportunity to capitalise on the expertise housed within the Drug Discovery Initiative. Together, they strive to advance the development of potentially life-saving targets for cancer and rare diseases.

The co-CEO of the company’s Australia branch expressed excitement about collaborating with the University and the Drug Discovery Initiative. He said the use of state-of-the-art infrastructure to accelerate drug discovery efforts.

The firm’s Chemiverse platform is a versatile tool that can be employed across the entire spectrum of new drug development, encompassing target discovery to lead compound generation. This advanced platform incorporates a vast amount of big data, approximately 230 million data points, and uses advanced algorithms to facilitate the drug development process.

The company is actively engaged in ongoing research and development as well as commercialisation efforts using the Chemiverse platform. They are currently working on approximately 10 pipeline projects, which include the development of a treatment called “PHI-101” for acute myeloid leukaemia. Notably, PHI-101 is currently undergoing phase 1b clinical trials.

On the other hand, the Drug Discovery Initiative plays a prominent role in the development of new compounds and the identification of collaborative pipelines. They are highly active in their pursuit of advancing drug discovery and forging partnerships in this field.

In March, the NSW Government provided funding for the establishment of the NSW Organoid Innovation Centre. This state-of-the-art facility is a collaborative initiative involving multiple institutions. It focuses on using cutting-edge stem-cell techniques to expedite the process of drug discovery and design.

The pharmaceutical company, earlier this year, became a part of the Sydney Knowledge Hub, which serves as a startup incubator and coworking space located at the University of Sydney. This strategic collaboration aims to foster partnerships and facilitate seamless collaboration between industry and the research community in Sydney.

Vietnam’s Approach to Child Safety in the Digital Age

In light of the risks posed by the advancement of information technology and the internet, the government, state, and the entire political system have taken significant measures to enhance the safeguarding of children within the online environment.

According to UNICEF, children are increasingly exposed to various risks, including the concerning issue of cyberbullying. The agency reports that one in five young individuals have experienced online bullying.

Reports have shown that the national emergency telephone number for child protection, 111, received nearly 420 calls about child protection in the online environment and 18 notifications about channels or video clips with harmful content for children in 2022. The figures in the first five months of this year were 128 calls and three notifications.

An expert from UNICEF’s children’s protection programme said that strategies to address cyber-bullying and abuse should be part of the broader child protection strategies. Cooperation and coordination among stakeholders are key to success in this work.

The Guidelines for Industry on Child Online Protection, developed by UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serve as a framework for businesses. These guidelines offer solutions that businesses can adopt to ensure the protection and well-being of children, while also promoting a healthy and creative internet experience for children themselves.

Dang Hoa Nam, Director of the Department of Child Affairs under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in establishing a digital environment that is both safer and healthier for children. He highlighted the significance of drawing from both domestic and international experiences to implement targeted and practical measures aimed at ensuring children’s safety in the online realm.

Vietnam has established a comprehensive legal framework to protect children in the digital sphere, including laws such as the Law on Children, the Law on Cyber Information Security, and the Law on Access to Information. These laws provide a crucial legal foundation for child protection initiatives.

To safeguard children in the online environment, the government and the Prime Minister have issued several significant documents. These include the National Action Programme for Children in the 2021-2030 period and the programme on protection of and support for children.

Furthermore, Vietnam, alongside other ASEAN member nations, has collectively endorsed crucial agreements to protect children’s welfare online. This includes the adoption of the Declaration on the Protection of Children from all Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse in ASEAN in 2019, as well as the Declaration on the Elimination of Bullying of Children in ASEAN.

The Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and several city Information and Communications Departments held a conference earlier this May on the launch and evaluation of the national cyber security and safety strategy. The event was held in Ha Long City.

As OpenGov Asia reported, servers are the primary targets of cyber-attacks in the country, aimed at stealing passwords and data. Last year in Vietnam, computer viruses resulted in economic losses amounting to VND 21.2 trillion (US$ 903 million). To ensure cybersecurity, MIC collaborated with various agencies to conduct three nationwide security exercises. The authority directly prevented over 3,600 fraudulent websites, safeguarding nearly 4 million people or approximately 6% of internet users.

Vietnam has set a goal to establish a cybersecurity research and development centre, safeguard information systems in 11 critical sectors, and establish cybersecurity forces at ministries, sectors, and state agencies by 2025.

Transforming Indonesian Healthcare with 5G, Robotic Telesurgery

Indonesia has embarked on an exciting journey towards revolutionising its healthcare landscape by embracing the power of 5G technology and introducing the groundbreaking concept of Robotic Telesurgery. This ambitious endeavour aims to elevate the quality of healthcare services, overcome geographical barriers, and provide access to cutting-edge surgical procedures for patients nationwide.

In support of the government’s agenda through the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, a pilot test and demonstration of the implementation of the 5G Robotic Telesurgery (remote robotic surgery) use case, the first of its kind in Indonesia is being conducted.

Robotic Telesurgery is one of the innovative use cases that harness the power of the 5G network, supported by a private network company in Indonesia, enabling the healthcare realm to enhance productivity and efficiency.

In the real-time implementation of Robotic Telesurgery technology, a large bandwidth capacity and low latency are required for data controlling functions, intra-abdominal accurate image transfer, and video communication. In the pilot test and demonstration, the doctors are located at RSUP Dr Hasan Sadikin in Bandung, while the patients are at RSUP Dr Sardjito in Yogyakarta. The distance between Bandung and Yogyakarta is approximately 563 km.

Reliable and low latency 5G network infrastructure is utilised at both pilot project hospital locations to accommodate Robotic Telesurgery. It ensures high visual precision and ergonomic remote instrument accessibility and reduces the risk of complications during surgical procedures and recovery.

Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, explains that telerobotic surgery technology is beneficial for addressing the shortage of specialist surgeons and eliminates geographical barriers and distance limitations. This technology can assist surgeons and patients in remote areas, providing them access to the latest surgical procedures.

Considering that Indonesia is an archipelago with thousands of islands, this advanced technology addresses the country’s geographical challenges, reducing the risks and dangers associated with long-distance travel.

Director of Planning and Transformation at the private network, Wong, stated that in continuing the commitment to make the leading 5G broadband network ecosystem, both the government and private sector must take a leading role in implementing mobile digital services and solutions that exceed user expectations and support the nation’s economic growth.

The partnership between the private sector and the public hospitals showcases the synergy in driving technological innovation to benefit the nation’s healthcare landscape. By pushing the boundaries of technology in healthcare, Indonesia demonstrates its commitment to embracing the digital era and harnessing its transformative potential.

The government is optimistic that such collaborations can continue with all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and national healthcare service providers, to explore further opportunities for advancement in accelerating the digital transformation of national healthcare services. It will bring progress in the healthcare sector and various other industries that can support the nation’s development.

Interoperability and Digital Transformation for e-Governance in the Philippines

Ivan John Uy, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), stated that the Department will implement e-Governance initiatives to promote interoperability and facilitate ease of doing business in the country; and that the Department has undertaken the enormous task of interconnecting government systems.

Secretary Ivan added that citizens engage in numerous online transactions but they tend to avoid conducting business with the government because they are frequently required to wait in queue multiple times for government dealings.

Hence, agencies are confronted with the difficult task of unifying these disparate and disconnected systems of governance. The only constant among these systems is the absence of any shared components.

Each organisation has selected its own standards, data formats, and service providers. Consequently, the objective is to identify a solution that can effectively integrate these disparate elements.

The ICT Chief also discussed the Department’s progress in connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital skills development. Through its flagship Broadband ng Masa Programme, the Department is accelerating the implementation of necessary digital infrastructure and wireless broadband technologies, particularly for those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

DICT tends to bring connectivity to all mountainous regions and island groups. The telcos have been hesitant to make these investments primarily due to economic concerns; therefore, the government must intervene and provide first-mover connectivity in these areas.

When they initially provide this connectivity, it is hoped that the economies in these regions will begin to improve, and the population will begin to develop better applications or use cases for this connectivity.

E-governance has been getting a lot of attention in the Philippines for the last few years as the government tries to use technology to improve public service delivery, simplify administrative processes, and improve governance.

The country is moving towards e-governance because more and more of its people use the internet and other digital tools, and because people see the benefits of digital transformation.

One of the most important parts of e-governance in the country is getting people involved online. The government has set up several online platforms and portals that allow people to get information, share their concerns, and give feedback on government policies and services. This helps make the decision-making process more open, accountable, and inclusive, and it gives people a chance to directly shape public policies.

Also, the streamlining of government services has made them easier to use and cut down on unnecessary paperwork. Citizens can now apply for papers like passports, driver’s licences, and birth certificates online through portals. This saves them time and effort. This has also led to a big drop in corruption and bribes since people don’t have to talk to government officials as much when they do business online.

E-governance has also made it easier for government departments to share and combine data, which has led to better service delivery. By using standard data formats and putting in place interoperable systems, information can be quickly accessed and shared between departments.

This cuts down on duplicate work and makes it easier to work together. This has made it easier for the government to do its work and cut down on the time it takes to do things.

Even though success has been made, there are still challenges with how e-governance is being used in the Philippines. Lack of Internet access in remote places, especially in rural provinces, makes it hard to get to and take part in things. There is also a need to improve the digital literacy of the population, making sure that people have the skills they need to use online platforms and e-government services successfully.

June 3, 2023

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Prepping Hospital Operating Rooms for the Future

Singapore Unveils AI Government Cloud Cluster

Bridging the Digital Divide: Western Australia’s Support for Rural Communities

Singapore’s Digital Solutions for Advance Care Planning

Unlocking AI’s Potential for Accelerated Drug Development

Vietnam’s Approach to Child Safety in the Digital Age

Transforming Indonesian Healthcare with 5G, Robotic Telesurgery

Interoperability and Digital Transformation for e-Governance in the Philippines

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