Prevention in times of proliferating low cost, sophisticated cyberattacks

On the sidelines of the
Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) in September 2017, OpenGov had a chat with
Mr. Sean Duca, Regional Chief Security Officer, Asia
Pacific, Palo Alto Networks, on prevailing cyber threats and
challenges and how public and private sector organisations might deal with
them. Mr. Duca talked about how organisations can still prevent cyberattacks, crowdsourcing threat information and the obstacles in doing so.

Palo Alto Networks is a
network and enterprise security company which provides platforms helping
organisations reduce cybersecurity risk to a manageable degree, allowing them
to compartmentalise their most serious threats and focus on business
operations.

Current cybersecurity landscape

In terms of threats, Mr. Duca listed three different types of groups that are
targeting public and private sector organisations in APAC: cybercriminals, people
or groups that would be focused on cyber espionage and cyber hackers. Cybercrime
for profits is the primary risk from the private sector perspective, while
cyber espionage is key for the public sector.If we look at challenges, businesses are trying to secure their environment, while
trying to be more innovative and leveraging on the meg trends like cloud and
the Internet-of-things (IoT).

For instance, today if a
company wants to procure a thousand servers, it would probably take them about
9-10 months. Whereas they could go to Amazon Web Services and get that in 5
minutes.

Governments can also place
the front-end of web applications that provide services to citizens in the
cloud to benefit from on-demand resource availability, while still keeping
sensitive data in their core data centres.

“When you think about that
from a security context, I need to be working at the speed of cloud. You think
about the world where people are creating applications using DevOps/Agile
methodology, they can be making changes very frequently. So, we need to be able
to secure that at that same pace,” Mr. Duca said.

Considering Singapore as an example for the public sector’s standpoint, the
city-state is striving to become Smart Nation.

A lot of citizen data will be
analysed under the Smart Nation initiatives to improve lives. The security has
to be incorporated from the start, it cannot be bolted on later. Because, if
trust is eroded or lost, then citizens might want to go off the grid and not
share any information. Effectively, the
citizen or the consumer is becoming the regulator – “If I don’t like it, I’m
not going to use it.”

So, governments need to work
closely with the private sector and their citizens to try and understand how
much information people are willing to share in exchange for certain benefits
and value.

“We will consume more
services, we will become more dependent on these connected devices that are out
there. So, we can’t afford security to be compromised. We need to think about
how to prevent successful cyberattacks from taking place – we can’t prevent
everything, but how do we ensure we’re automating our defences to try and
mitigate threats. We really need to try and unshackle ourselves from a legacy
way of thinking when it comes to security and really do something different,”
Mr. Duca said.

Is prevention still possible?

Many people say that prevention
is not possible any longer and that we should focus on detection and response.

But an organisation would not
want its sensitive information compromised and merely prepare a report after
the fact. For instance, in a case of intellectual property theft, the attackers
might have taken copies of every single piece of information. How does the
organisation know what has been taken and what is the value of that
information?

Hence, prevention is still
important, though putting up a firewall is no longer enough. It can still be
done by reducing the attack surface, gaining full visibility of what’s out
there, applying whitelisting policies consistently across endpoints and networks,
maintaining good cyber hygiene and patching regularly.

But then again there are
issues like the breach of devices in say hospitals. It might not be feasible to
patch a Windows XP device in a MRI machine.

“But I could stay to work out how to retrofit these devices. When I say
prevention, it’s all about preventing, stopping anything I know to be bad,”
said Mr. Duca.

That could cover 80% of the
threats, which are the known threats. Then the skilled professionals, who are
short in supply, can focus on the remaining 20% which are the unknown threats.
Here, automation and machine learning tools can be used to detect the unknown
threats and convert them into known ones.

Sharing security information

Crowdsourcing threat
information or information-sharing on threats and attacks between companies in
an industry and with authorities can go a long way in supporting prevention. Because,
today a novice hacker can go to an underground forum, and procure cybercrime as
a service capability from a marketplace, starting from a very cheap entry
point. But this kind of sharing is still limited on the good guys’ side.

Mr. Duca said that it really
comes down to trust. “In the world that we live in, we’re scared to actually
share information with others because we fear some sort of retribution, we fear
reputational damage, we fear that people are going to think, oh my god, they
got breached.”

If the organisations shared how
the attack took place, the techniques, tactics and procedures used, it would
force the adversaries to revisit their playbook and work out a different way of
attacking the next organisation.

This is more difficult to get than low-value
information such as IP addresses, domains, hashes of files but it could make a
real difference.

Mr. Duca shared an example of how such information-sharing could take place. Palo
Alto Networks entered into
a data exchange agreement with the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation. The
agreement aims to combat criminal trends in cyberspace, cyberthreats and
cybercrime globally through sharing threat information generated by Palo Alto
Networks and Unit 42, its threat intelligence team.

“We’re not sharing personal
identifiable information, we’re sharing threat information around distribution
services that could be used to distribute malware. Interpol in turn could
provide the information to 192 member countries
as part of their operational briefings,” Mr. Duca explained.

That way Palo Alto Networks is
playing a role in helping Interpol disrupt large scale campaigns.

Earlier this year, Palo Alto
Networks was one of seven private sector companies that provided support to an
INTERPOL-led operation targeting cybercrime across the ASEAN region, resulting
in the identification of nearly 9,000 command-and-control (C2) servers as well
as hundreds of compromised websites, including government portals.
If we consider government information being shared with the private sector,
there is a major obstacle. Everything that goes into government is typically
classified. So how do you unclassify that?

People are scared of sharing
because they fear there are going to be some sort of privacy implications if personal
identifiable information was accidentally leaked out.

“I think the challenge in
part that a lot of people have is, they feel that they have to put all their
chips into the game. And it’s not that,” he added.

Therefore, making it
mandatory to share all the information might not be the best way to go. It will
also result in massive volumes of data which will be difficult to make sense
of. The parameters of what needs to be shared, how the high-value information can
be shared, stored, analysed without compromising privacy, have to be worked
out.

Mr. Duca said, “I think we
need to work better, so that we can start to develop a secure way to share, I
think we need to ensure that there’s trust amongst the members. Ultimately,
we’re in it together because a hit on one of us is a hit on all of us. So, we
need to find means to try to get to a point where we’re committed to working together
as much as the underground hackers.”

Growing Singapore’s Economy as a Tech Hub with Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director, Economic Development Board

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 Poh, Managing Director of EDB, discussed the Singapore Government’s strategies for enhancing the nation’s appeal to global investment and technology development in an interview with Mohit Sagar, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of OpenGov Asia.

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.

EXCLUSIVE! The Future of an Innovative Medical Industry with Prof Lawrence Ho Khek-Yu, Senior Consultant & Professor, National University Hospital, Singapore

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

During an exclusive interview, Prof Lawrence Ho Khek-Yu, a Senior Consultant, Professor, and Director, Centre for Innovation in Healthcare at the National University Health System in Singapore acknowledged the significant influence of COVID-19 on healthcare practices. Social distancing measures have had a profound impact on healthcare delivery both inside and outside the hospital.

“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.

EKSKLUSIF! Menjajaki Potensi Teknologi Kesehatan Masa Depan bersama Lawrence Ho Khek-Yu, Konsultan Senior & Profesor National University Hospital, Singapura

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

Lawrence Ho Khek-Yu, Konsultan Senior & Profesor National University Hospital, Singapura sepakat kalau COVID-19 memang membantu mempopulerkan telemedicine. Meski demikian, ia merasa layanan ini masih sulit untuk menggantikan layanan konsultasi tatap muka. Menurutnya, telemedicine saat ini memiliki peran penting dalam hal konsultasi, namun masih memiliki sejumlah kelemahan dibanding diagnosis tatap muka.

“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.

EXCLUSIVE! Modernising, Transforming and Digitalising Corporate Shared Services in the Singapore Public Sector

To increase efficiency and productivity, leverage better insights for decision-making and provide seamless digital services for citizens, Singapore’s government is investing in digital technologies such as robotic process automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics.

The government is prioritising modernisation, transformation and digitalisation of its corporate shared services to improve service quality and efficiency and the overall customer experience. By reducing manual workloads and eliminating errors, these technologies will enable the development of new skills in its employees and create capacity for new priorities.

OpenGov Asia is pleased to recognise VITAL for its innovative and disruptive use of technology in the public sector through the optimisation of government processes and the pushing of new limits.

Providing common services in human resource, payroll, finance and procurement to over 100 public service agencies, VITAL, a department under the Ministry of Finance and the central agency for corporate shared services, has earned a stellar reputation over the years as an organisation that actively leverages digitalisation and automation at the enterprise level. Through the use of digital technology and robotic automation, the agency has successfully managed and transformed corporate service delivery for the Whole-of-Government (WoG).

VITAL has worked to expand and propagate its digital and automation capabilities internally and among Whole-of-Government (WoG) agencies. This is aimed at achieving economies of scale, enhancing efficiency, strengthening governance, and improving the quality of service.

All these endeavours have led VITAL to being awarded the prestigious OpenGov Asia’s Recognition of Excellence Award which will be conferred during the 8th Annual Singapore OpenGov Leadership Forum 2023.

VITAL’s Digitalisation Strategy for Enhanced Service Delivery

Alex Tang, Director (Service, Innovation, and Compliance), VITAL, Ministry of Finance in Singapore, said that VITAL’s Digitalisation Strategy led to the transition from manual, paper-based processes to digital services and operations. These services are provided to their service partners and public agencies that they have collaborated with over the years.

“To encourage greater adoption of these tools, we developed an in-house ‘Digital First’ microsite to share use cases, tips, and resources with VITAL officers and conducted frequent brown-bag sessions to generate greater awareness of digital tools,” Alex explains.

VITAL has dedicated significant efforts to upskilling its officers in automation. In addition to training 28 officers in Robotics Process Automation (RPA) developer software to automate complex tasks, they have trained and provided low-code RPA developer software training to over 140 officers. This approach enables a broader group of individuals to use automation to improve processes effectively.

As the Robotics and Automation lead in Whole-of-Government (WoG) for corporate services, VITAL has also developed a service-wide microsite called “Robotics and Automation Hub (R&A Hub)”. This platform provides WoG Agencies with access to RPA resources, common automation scripts and other offerings to promote the use of RPA.

As of February 2023, more than 2,300 different people had visited the hub’s site since it opened. As part of its citizen development initiatives, VITAL has taken the lead in WoG efforts in trialling low-code RPA tools.

Their automation journey included tabletop research, learning journeys, consultations, solution identification, proof of concept followed by a pilot, and gradual scaling up of implementation across multiple processes over the initial 2 to 3 years.

“In the early phase of our automation journey, we visited organisations to learn from them, consulted our advisory panel and industry experts and performed extensive research. Throughout our journey, we continually learned and adapted as we implemented RPA,” Alex recalls.

To reap the most benefits and ensure the long-term viability of the automation initiative, it was critical for process owners and developers to align their understanding to ensure robust process selection – focusing on those that were manual, tedious, repetitive and rule-driven to reduce abortive work and building scripts that do not meet business needs.

VITAL’s digitalisation is the result of an ecosystem that includes a central innovation team that is supported by Ops-Tech specialists and process experts in the Operations functions.

The VITAL Innovation Hub is made up of a group of specialists who conduct technology exploration and agile experimentation to source, test and scale up innovative solutions that improve VITAL’s efficiency and effectiveness. This team drives the digitalisation and automation agenda, collaborating with operations functions to identify appropriate processes for testing, scaling up and spreading automation adoption throughout the organisation.

Initially, the Innovation Hub led by Jessica Ong, Deputy Director (Innovation Hub) has played a critical role in the early stages of the project as the developer, working closely with process experts in operations to collect business requirements, develop scripts, and deploy them. However, as the RPA developer capability within Operations grew, the Ops-Tech specialists in the line functions took over this role.

At the same time, the Innovation Hub shifted to a governance and advisory role, responsible for reviewing and deploying scripts, upgrading applications, troubleshooting incidents, providing guidance, and building capabilities.

Alex summarises the top five crucial points for successfully integrating and streamlining digitalisation and automation projects as follows:

Speak with industry early adopters to determine the benefits and drawbacks of a solution, determine if it meets the organisation’s needs, start small and validate efficacy before scaling up.
Deploy solid policy-operations-technology integration. Collaborate with central teams to review policy and system requirements to use technology tools.
To reap greater benefits across the entire government, processes must be standardised and consolidated through the use of shared services and common central systems.
Verify software and solution compatibility with key internal and external systems and applications, as well as the hosting environment.
Avoid automating inefficiencies. Before developing a script, examine the selected process and streamline it by eliminating unnecessary steps.

Alex and his team discovered that RPA is extremely sensitive to changes in system or application performance – the more applications and systems a script integrates, the more complex it becomes. Deploying patches can have an impact on performance, including success rate, and may require more script changes.

“We found it useful to plan early and assess the complexity of the integration scope during script development,” Alex explains.

Although automation is often touted as a means to increase efficiency, it can also cause anxiety and uptake-hesitancy among employees. To overcome stress and resistance, effective communication is necessary.

VITAL took a different approach and presented Robotic Process Automation (RPA) as an enabler, freeing its people from manual and tedious tasks. This allowed them to focus on more valuable work, professional growth, and innovation.

Developing the skills and capabilities to become an RPA developer can be challenging, especially when coding knowledge and experience are required. Fortunately, the shift towards democratising automation development through low-code or no-code tools has made it easier.

“Currently, we are upskilling more officers to be Citizen Developers who can tap on low-code RPA tools to automate simple, manual tasks,” Alex reveals.

Key Factors That Lead to Success

In addition to the innovation structure, Alex identifies two crucial factors for success: effective change management and a robust ecosystem that encourages bottom-up innovation.

“As a shared services outfit, we aggregate and process many transactions across WoG, which makes VITAL a fitting target for automation,” Alex states.

There are abundant automation opportunities in Operations functions, as these teams are often eager to ease their daily workload through tech solutions. To meet this immediate need, VITAL invites successful automation projects to apply for its annual innovation project awards, which recognise credible innovation efforts and successful use cases.

VITAL had also created a dashboard to track RPA script success rates and time savings – useful metrics that validate the efforts and serve as “fuel” for further automation adoption and growth.

The automation initiative is continuously monitoring the external environment for potential changes in the technology industry that could impact the solutions they use, the systems landscape and the corporate services space in WoG as part of future-proofing. This allows them to anticipate the impact of the automation programme and adjust their strategy accordingly.

“We are moving up the value chain in our automation journey by exploring the integration of RPA with the use of other intelligent tools,” Alex concludes.

He is confident that VITAL is vital to Whole-of-Government (WoG), as their efforts are intended to future-proof automation strategies across the public sector. Ultimately, they want to work more intelligently, smarter and safer to provide the best service experience they can.

EKSKLUSIF! Cara Pemerintah Singapura Dorong Efisiensi Pakai Automasi Bersama Alex Tang, Direktur Layanan, Inovasi & Kepatuhan VITAL

Sebagai Badan Pusat Layanan Publik di Singapura, VITAL memiliki sejumlah inisiatif digital yang mendapat sorotan dari OpenGov Asia. Berbagai inovasi yang dilakukan organisasi ini memberikan transformasi layanan pemerintah Singapura yang dapat memberi manfaat bagi warga.

Saat ini VITAL, memiliki pusat layanan yang mengakomodasi lebih dari 100 lembaga. VITAL secara aktif mendorong digitalisasi dan automasi di tingkat enterprise sejak didirikan pada 2006. Lembaga yang ada di bawah Kementerian Keuangan ini terus melakukan disrupsi digital untuk mendorong transformasi di berbagai layanan pemerintah Singapura.

Berbagai inisiatif digitisasi, digitalisasi, dan automasi dengan robot gencar dilakukan untuk mengubah standar layanan pemerintah. Saat ini, inisiatif digital dan automasi terus ditingkatkan agar bisa lebih ekonomis, efisien, memperkuat pemerintahan, dan menigkatkan kualitas layanan.

Seluruh upaya tersebut telah membawa VITAL memenangkan Recognition of Excellence Award OpenGov Asia yang akan diserahkan bersamaan dengan diadakannya acara tahunan ke-8 OpenGov Leadership Forum 2023 Singapura.

Strategi VITAL terapkan automasi

VITAL telah mentransformasi layanan pemerintah Singapura dari manual, berbasis kertas, menjadi layanan dan operasional berbasis digital. Bahkan, percepatan proses lewat automasi bot dan robot berhasil membuat VITAL meningkatkan efisiensi pemerintah hingga 66% dan menghemat 12 ribu jam dari total 191 ribu transaksi yang harus diproses.

Dalam wawancara khusus dengan Mohit Sagar, CEO dan Pemimpin Redaksi OpenGov Asia; Alex Tang, Direktur Layanan, Inovasi & Kepatuhan VITAL menjelaskan sejumlah kerumitan yang menjadi tantangan untuk melakukan automasi. Mulai dari manajemen perubahan ketika mengembangkan skrip, komunikasi dengan pengguna untuk mengurangi penolakan dan ketidakpastian, serta hal-hal yang berkaitan dengan kemampuan para developer dalam mengembangkan skrip untuk automasi.

Perencanaan dan manajemen perubahan diperlukan untuk mengurangi kerumitan yang terjadi ketika terjadi perubahan dalam sistem atau aplikasi. Semakin banyak aplikasi dan sistem yang diintegrasikan, akan meningkatkan kompleksitas proses automasi. Makin tinggi kompleksitas akan berpengaruh pada tingkat keberhasilan sistem otomatis yang sudah diterapkan. Pada sistem yang kompleks, perubahan skrip juga akan menambah tingkat kesulitan ketika melakukan tambalan sistem keamanan.

“Kami merasa perencanaan lebih awal berguna dalam menilai kompleksitas cakupan integrasi di tahap pengembangan,” ujarnya.

Selain itu, pengembang juga perlu mengintensifkan komunikasi dengan pengguna. Hal ini diperlukan untuk mengatasi ketidakpastian dan penolakan. Mereka mengubah persepsi automasi dari ‘ancaman’ menjadi ‘bantuan’.

Automatisasi sering disebut-sebut sebagai ancaman posisi kerja bagi manusia dan menimbulkan kecemasan bagi para pegawai. Tapi, VITAL mempromosikan automasi sebagai alat bantu untuk menghilangkan pekerjaan manual dan repetitif. Sehingga, pegawai lebih produktif, memberikan nilai tambah pada pekerjaan mereka, melakukan pengembangan profesional, dan inovasi.

Tantangan berikutnya terkait dengan kemampuan dan pengalaman pengembang menulis skrip untuk automasi. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, VITAL memanfaatkan software automasi tanpa coding atau low coding. Pengembang ahli di pusat akan tetap menangani kebutuhan coding automasi yang rumit. Tapi di hilir, para pengguna bisa memanfaatkan software RPA kode rendah dan tanpa kode untuk melakukan automasi sederhana.

Alex lantas membeberkan lima langkah yang mereka lakukan untuk memastikan inisiatif automasi yang mereka jalankan agar dapat menjawab kebutuhan ratusan agensi yang terhubung dengan VITAL.

Belajar dari orang lain

Pada tahap ini, VITAL mempelajari berbagai riset, mengambil pelajaran dari pengalaman sebelumnya, dan berkonsultasi dengan pakar dan analis industri sambil melakukan penelitian ekstensif. Untuk menentukan proses mana yang perlu automasi dan digitalisasi, Alex memberi tips agar melakukan penyelarasan pemahaman dengan pengguna. Hal ini bisa dilakukan ketika berdiskusi dengan calon pengguna di tahap awal. Proses digitalisasi bisa diutamakan pada proses yang masih manual dan repetitif.

“Bicaralah dengan para pengguna awal di industri untuk menentukan manfaat dan kekurangan solusi yang ditawarkan. Mereka bisa membantu untuk menilai apakah solusi itu sudah memenuhi kebutuhan organisasi,” jelasnya.

Penyelarasan dengan pengguna tersebut dapat menjadi konsep yang memandu VITAL untuk memulai segala ide dan inisiatif mulai dari yang kecil, seperti proof-of-concept. Dari titik ini, pengembang bisa mendapat validasi seberapa efektif inovasi yang ditawarkan. Sehingga, perbaikan lebih mudah dan lebih murah untuk dilakukan sebelum memperbesar skala solusi tersebut untuk pengguna yang lebih banyak.

“Kami lantas mengidentifikasi solusi, menguji coba bukti konsep dan melakukan penyesuaian dan peningkatan fitur selama 2 hingga 3 tahun ke depan,” tutur Alex.

Integrasi kebijakan-operasi-teknologi

VITAL bekerja sama dengan tim pusat untuk meninjau kebijakan dan persyaratan sistem ketika mereka akan mengaktifkan penggunaan suatu alat teknologi.

Standardisasi dan konsolidasi

Alex juga menyarankan agar memiliki layanan bersama dan terpusat untuk proses standardisasi dan konsolidasi yang menjadi rujukan dari seluruh organisasi kepemerintahan.

Uji kompatibilitas

Perlu dilakukan uji kompatibilitas antara software dan solusi yang akan dipasang ke sistem utama dan lingkungan hosting, baik berupa aplikasi internal dan eksternal.

Memilih proses yang diautomasi

“Terakhir, jangan mengotomatiskan inefisiensi. Tinjau proses yang dipilih, sederhanakan terlebih dahulu dengan menghilangkan langkah-langkah yang tidak perlu sebelum membuat skrip,” seru Alex.

Ke depan, untuk menghadapi kebutuhan dan tantangan yang terus berubah, Alex dan tim di VITAL terus mengamati berbagai perubahan yang terjadi. Baik perubahan di industri teknologi, lanskap sistem, dan ruang layanan korporat di WoG yang bisa berpengaruh pada solusi yang mereka gunakan. Pengawasan dilakukan agar mereka bisa mengantisipasi perubahan itu dan melakukan penyesuaian.

Mendorong tim yang inovatif

Untuk mendorong inovasi dan digitalisasi, VITAL menciptakan ekosistem tim inovasi pusat yang didukung oleh tim spesialis Ops-Tech dan pakar proses fungsi operasi.

Tim pusat inovasi melakukan eksplorasi teknologi dan eksperimen untuk mencari, menguji, dan meningkatkan solusi inovatif untuk menghasilkan efisiensi dan efektivitas di VITAL. Mereka bekerja sama dengan pakar proses fungsi operasi untuk mengidentifikasi proses yang sesuai dalam menguji dan meningkatkan serta menyebarkan adopsi otomasi di seluruh organisasi. Mereka juga mengumpulkan persyaratan bisnis, mengembangkan skrip, dan menerapkannya. Secara parallel, hal ini mengembangkan kemampuan pengembang Proses Automasi dengan Robot (PAR).

Sementara itu, tim spesialis Ops-Tech mengambil peran sebagai pengatur tata kelola dan penasihat untuk meninjau dan menerapkan skrip, memutakhirkan aplikasi, memecahkan masalah insiden, memberikan panduan, dan membangun keterampilan dalam berinovasi.

Selain membentuk struktur tim yang kuat, VITAL juga melakukan manajemen perubahan dan menciptakan ekosistem yang memberi stimuli untuk terus berinovasi. Hal ini dilakukan dengan mengundang proyek-proyek yang sudah berhasil ditangani oleh VITAL.

Mereka juga menggelar penghargaan proyek inovasi tahunan untuk terus menjaga kebanggaan tim atas hasil dan perubahan yang mereka lakukan. Hal ini diakui sukses dalam menjaga minat tim agar terus mencari hal yang bisa ditingkatkan secara bersama.

“Kami juga telah mengembangkan dasbor untuk memantau tingkat keberhasilan skrip PAR dan melihat penghematan waktu yang telah dilakukan. Metrik ini berguna untuk memvalidasi upaya kami dalam menyediakan ‘bahan bakar’ untuk adopsi dan memantau pertumbuhan lebih lanjut dalam penggunaan otomasi,” papar Alex.

Selain itu, untuk transfer informasi dan pengetahuan antar tim di VITAL dan luar VITAL, Alex berbicara sejumlah hal yang sudah mereka lakukan secara efektif.

Microsite

VITAL kerap memanfaatkan microsite sebagai pusat informasi untuk semua inisiatif digital yang dilakukan.

Digital First

Microsite ‘inhouse’ ini digunakan untuk berbagi contoh kasus, tips, dan sumber daya bagi sesama pegawai VITAL. Mereka juga kerap mengadakan pertemuan santai untuk membahas dan memperkenalkan solusi digital baru.

Pusat Robotik dan Otomasi

Microsite ini digunakan untuk menyediakan segala informasi terkait dengan robotik dan skrip automasi.

Situs mini ini digunakan sebagai referensi internal untuk berbagai agensi yang terhubung dengan layanan korporasi pemerintah. Sejak diluncurkan, layanan ini sudah mendapat 16 ribu kunjungan oleh sekitar 2.300 pengunjung unik per Februari 2023.

Pelatihan

VITAL telah melakukan pelatihan internal bagi 28 karyawan dan melatih lebih dari 140 petugas VITAL lain. Pelatihan yang diberikan adalah penggunaan Proses Automasi dengan Robot (PAR). PAR diperlukan untuk mengotomatiskan proses yang kompleks. Pelatihan difokuskan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan menggunakan software automasi low-code PAR. Saat ini, sudah ada 12 lembaga pemerintah Singapura yang telah mengikuti pelatihan ini.

EXCLUSIVE! Food-Tech Trends for Sustainability with Dr Chris Aurand, Open Innovation Leader, Thai Union Group PCL

The food industry has been impacted by the pandemic and is looking for ways to increase productivity, lower costs and be better prepared for any future disruptions. Furthermore, consumers are increasingly interested in healthier and more sustainable food options, which is prompting the industry to explore how best to meet these demands.

To tackle the challenges of improving efficiency, adapting to changing preferences and demands, and enhancing the overall customer experience, the food industry is proactively exploring technology-enabled solutions. Technological breakthroughs, transformative processes and interactive platforms are the need of the hour.

No doubt, industrialisation and automation have already significantly increased the capacity and effectiveness of the sector, resulting in a continuous transformation of the global food industry across the entire value chain. The global food-tech industry has grown to include a wide range of companies that use technology to improve food production, distribution and variety. Nonetheless, there is much yet to do.

Startups, incubators and accelerators can play a powerful role in revolutionising the sector. They can bring together top food-tech entrepreneurs and corporates through one-of-a-kind mentorship, networking and financing.

A vibrant food industry is vital globally as it plays an essential part in determining the future of food production, and distribution around the world, contributing to sustainability, health and food security.

Through their creative ideas and innovative use of cutting-edge technologies, entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to positively impact the food industry. They foster innovation and economic growth while also advancing a more just and sustainable food system by actively bringing about change in the food industry.

All parties involved in the food system – from producers to consumers – could benefit from their innovations and ideas if they are implemented.

Food-tech innovations for a sustainable future

In an exclusive interview with OpenGov Asia, Dr Chris Aurand, Open Innovation Leader at Thai Union Group, PCL, shared the company’s strategies and solutions aimed at addressing gaps in the food sector.

Chris is appreciative of Thailand’s innovative culture and welcoming atmosphere, describing it as a wonderful place to live and work. In his role, he works to support startups and build the country’s food tech ecosystem.

He is responsible for developing the long-term strategy for SPACE-F, Thailand’s first dedicated food tech incubator and accelerator. This initiative is a collaboration between the Thai Union, ThaiBev, Mahidol University and The National Innovation Agency of Thailand, intending to establish Thailand as a hub for Foodtech startups. Additionally, Chris is a member of the Corporate Venture Capital team at Thai Union.

Thai Union Group is committed to fostering innovation and invests in early-stage startups with disruptive technologies and products that are in line with our strategic direction, “Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans” via Thai Union Ventures. Additionally, the company collaborates with third-party entities, including VisVires New Protein, and SPACE-F, the first dedicated global FoodTech startup incubator and accelerator in Thailand. These collaborations enable the group to access cutting-edge technologies and expertise, which help the company stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry.

“The initiative began in 2018 when we began collaborating with various country trade missions to scout startups and develop internally how we would work with startups. We realised that to drive innovation within the company and introduce fresh ideas, we needed to identify and collaborate with promising startups,” Chris recalls.

Seeing the potential, Thai Union Group established a fund to strategically support startups at the seed to series A funding stage in the areas of alternative proteins, biotechnology, functional nutrition and supply chain.

The company ensured that these investments fed back into the business unit, supporting its growth and contributing to its success. In fact, Thai Union Group’s support contributed to the growth of its first investment to the point where it was able to establish its own production facility in Thailand.

Chris believes that food tech companies introduce novel perspectives on food security and promote local production. Food tech startups can also assist in implementing new technologies to extend product shelf life while preserving product safety.

Moreover, food safety is becoming an increasingly critical concern as people become more aware of the potential emergence of diseases and bacteria due to climate change. Food security is not necessarily a matter of inadequate food supply to feed the world, but rather issues related to logistics, spoilage, and consumer preferences for specific food types. Chris believes that startups can introduce innovative solutions to address these challenges, particularly in the areas of sustainability and food safety.

Chris shared how startups supported by the SPACE-F are devising inventive strategies to combat food waste and promote sustainability. Some of the solutions include upcycling brewery wastewater into a source of protein, locating and distributing discounted baked goods and using food waste as feedstock to grow insects as a protein source for pet treats.

These initiatives not only help to reduce waste but also create new sources of sustainable protein, highlighting the potential for innovative technologies to drive positive change in the food industry. Chris points out that startups can build on previous ideas as well as offer corporations innovative solutions without significant investment.

As an example, he highlighted a Finnish startup, EniferBio that produces PEKILO® mycoproteins from a fungal strain, which was initially developed in the 1960s but later shelved due to changes in the pulp and milling industry’s processes.

The pandemic has led to increased awareness among people regarding the link between their diets and their health. Consumers are now more interested in healthier and more sustainable food options and are actively seeking out products that meet their dietary requirements and preferences.

As a result, there has been a growing interest in food technology, which is helping to drive innovation in the food industry. This has created an opportunity for food tech startups to develop new products and technologies that cater to these changing consumer demands, while also addressing challenges related to food security, sustainability, and food safety.

Startups in the food technology sector are gaining interest from investors and businesses due to their fresh ideas that have been tested locally and can be adapted globally. This is crucial in finding local solutions to global food supply issues caused by the pandemic.

Discussing their startup accelerator programme, Chris explained that it includes both domestic and international companies and highlighted the importance of regional production in promoting sustainability. They focus on regional production to promote sustainability, as well as address trends in the food industry, including the growing demand for sustainable and healthy products.

“We have an opportunity to incorporate healthy ingredients into their products while highlighting the importance of being mindful of additives and preservatives that could have negative long-term effects,” Chris points out.

Startups in Thailand are focusing on incorporating micronutrients, promoting sustainability, and developing healthier food options, while also considering the commercial viability and long-term benefits their products can provide. To support these efforts, incubators and accelerators are facilitating collaborations and the development of new ideas in the industry.

While perseverance and curiosity are foundational qualities for success in the startup community, context is as necessary. It is vital to engage with the local population and be prepared to alter products to satisfy customer demands. Understanding the consumer and being adaptable to branding and product changes are particularly crucial in the food-tech sector, as consumer preferences and demands are constantly evolving.

However, while consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainability, they are not always willing to pay the additional price – cost can often be a deciding factor, especially during times of economic uncertainty. As inflation rises, consumers may prioritise affordable options over sustainable ones.

In the case of novel products such as plant-based and cultured meat, achieving the optimal texture and price point is essential for convincing consumers to make the switch. Rather than expecting these products to completely replace traditional meat products, Chris suggests targeting flexitarians who may be willing to regularly incorporate them into their diet.

Blockchain technology can help improve traceability and food safety in the food industry. By using blockchain, each step of the supply chain can be recorded and traced, from the origin of the ingredients to the final product. This makes it easier to identify any issues that arise and quickly address them.

The use of QR codes can also allow consumers to access information about the product they are purchasing, such as the origin and logisitcs, which can increase transparency and trust.

Implementing such solutions can improve the precision of logistics systems and ensure the safe delivery of goods. Traceability tools can also be utilised for marketing purposes by establishing a compelling narrative about the product’s origins and beneficiaries. Consequently, there is a growing focus on sustainability, reducing food waste and improving logistics.

Alongside AI and blockchain, other noteworthy developments are shaping the food technology sector. Advanced processing technologies such as high-pressure processing are gaining traction as a way to preserve food while maintaining its nutritional integrity.

In light of the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, promising technologies that had previously been shelved such as bacteriophages are being resurrected. Additionally, there is a strong shift towards more natural and holistic solutions to promote sustainability and minimise food waste.

The use of such technologies can also contribute to ethical improvements by decreasing chemical and antibiotic use in animal husbandry and improving animal welfare. As consumers become more conscious of ethical considerations in food production, such as organic and sustainably sourced products, there will be a growing demand for them. To establish a sustainable future, it may be necessary to revive traditional agricultural practices and implement regenerative agriculture.

Chris strongly feels that consumer education should encompass not only fundamental food safety measures like washing vegetables and cooking foods thoroughly but also the ability to recognise potential sources of foodborne illnesses..

People need to have a solid grasp of food safety and hygiene principles and prioritise their own health and wellness. As the food industry advances and new technologies and products emerge, it will become necessary to strengthen oversight and regulation to ensure that these new technologies provide healthy and safe foods for consumers.

“Facilitating the development of innovative food products will necessitate cooperation among startups, corporate partners, regulators and consumers to ensure safety, effectiveness and transparency,” Chris says emphatically.

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, focusing on urban ideas and solutions developed by student founders and early-stage start-ups.

Chris is passionate about supporting startups and cultivating the food tech ecosystem to facilitate industry transformation.

In his role as Open Innovation Leader, he is responsible for implementing Thai Union’s open innovation strategy, collaborating with internal R&D stakeholders to understand their innovation needs and driving external collaboration; and being part of innovation platforms like LKYGBPC.

Working with youth is advantageous since they are not rigid in their thinking and can bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table, Chris says. But it is important to have separate tracks for ideation and revenue-generating businesses, while also promoting global collaboration and idea exchange.

Chris is convinced that “To inspire innovation among young people, it is essential to present it in a hands-on manner, similar to how LKYGBPC has done. Moreover, it is crucial to instill in them the notion that failure is an inherent and integral part of the learning process.”

He emphasises the importance of fostering an environment and culture of innovation that embraces trial and error. Failure must be embraced to allow learning from mistakes. Additionally, it is essential to comprehend one’s strengths, weaknesses, and dislikes.

To remain at the forefront of innovative entrepreneurship over the next five to ten years, the LKYGBPC must continue to evolve and accommodate new trends and challenges in the entrepreneurial landscape. This could involve broadening its scope and expanding its reach, partnering in new regions and industries.

They must be willing to embrace emerging tech and innovation and provide aspiring entrepreneurs with more resources and support.

Furthermore, the competition should continue to prioritise ethical and sustainable entrepreneurship, which is gaining importance to both businesses and consumers. They must encourage participants to develop innovative solutions to global concerns such as climate change, social inequality, and healthcare.

“The food technology sector has a substantial influence on daily life. One of the most exciting aspects for an entrepreneur in the industry is to develop a successful product and see it being sold on the shelves of a supermarket. This industry provides the opportunity to introduce solutions that have a significant, positive impact on people.” Chris concludes.

EKSKLUSIF! Inovasi yang Merombak Industri Pangan Dunia bersama Chris Aurand, Pemimpin Open Innovation, Thai Union Group

Industri pangan dunia terus berkembang. Sentuhan teknologi telah mengubah berbagai lini industri pangan, mulai dari produksi, distribusi, hingga hasil olahan makanan. Industrialisasi dan automasi ikut mempercepat proses di produksi, rantai distribusi, hingga pemrosesan makanan.

Namun, beberapa praktik industrialisasi makanan menyebabkan metode produksi yang tidak ramah lingkungan, menimbulkan penyakit, resistensi antibiotik, hingga epidemi diabetes. Modal yang dikerahkan untuk menggerakkan roda ekonomi industri pangan kini dibayar dengan eksploitasi lingkungan dan sumber daya alam, hancurnya habitat alam, dan pencemaran racun ke lingkungan.

Di sisi lain, standar permintaan konsumen juga meningkat. Mereka menginginkan makanan yang lebih sehat dan memerhatikan kelestarian lingkungan. Akibatnya, muncul tantangan-tantangan baru di industri pangan dan diperlukan sebuah terobosan baru untuk mengatasinya. Beberapa terobosan teknis proses dan metode transformatif diperlukan untuk mengatasi kesulitan sistem pangan dan memenuhi perubahan tren.

Keinginan konsumen yang meningkat untuk solusi makanan yang sehat, enak, tapi tetap memerhatikan kelestarian alam menjadi pendorong evolusi di sektor pangan. Inovasi diperlukan untuk menjawab semua tantangan itu. Saat ini, sejumlah inovasi tengah diupayakan perusahaan teknologi pangan untuk memproduksi sumber protein dari nabati dan sumber alternatif. Selain itu, ada pula inovasi dalam teknik pertanian alternatif, seperti pertanian vertikal dan hidroponik. Tren lain adalah inisiatif untuk mengurangi limbah makanan dan memberikan nutrisi tambahan ke makanan.

Dengan demikian, kolaborasi perusahaan rintisan, inkubator, dan akselerator di industri ini diharapkan bisa memberi kontribusi untuk masa depan industri pangan. Sebab, upaya mereka akan menjadi penentu industri pangan dunia yang lebih sehat, inovatif dan lestari.

Inovasi teknologi pangan

Perusahaan teknologi yang berurusan dengan masalah pangan mungkin belum banyak terdengar. Tapi, tren perusahaan teknologi pangan (food tech) tengah berkembang. Chris Aurand, Pimpinan Inovasi Terbuka, Thai Union menyebut saat ini pasar food tech mencapai US$260 miliar (Rp4 triliun) dan akan naik 6-10 persen dalam 5 sampai 10 tahun ke depan.

“Teknologi pangan mulai banyak dilirik terutama setelah COVID, sebab mereka mulai awas terhadap apa yang dimakan dan pengaruhnya pada kesehatan. Inilah yang membuat perusahaan startup teknologi makanan bertumbuh,” jelas Chris dalam wawancara dengan OpenGov Asia.

Chris sendiri telah bergelut di industri teknologi makanan selama sepuluh tahun terakhir. Satu hal yang membuatnya tertarik dengan sektor ini adalah dampak yang bisa dirasakan di keseharian banyak orang. Kontribusi memberikan dampak positif bagi kesehatan orang lain dan lingkungan menjadi pendorong terbesarnya untuk terus bergelut di industri ini.

Menurut Chris, terdapat sejumlah alasan yang mendorong munculnya revolusi industri pangan:

Sebagian konsumen makin peduli dengan industri makanan ramah lingkungan mendorong munculnya penyedia pangan alternatif yang lebih lestari. Mereka menuntut cara dan sumber produksi makanan yang lebih memerhatikan keberlanjutan. Misal beberapa komunitas, khususnya di Eropa, lebih tertarik untuk membeli produk yang diproduksi secara lokal. Cara ini dinilai lebih ramah lingkungan karena mengurangi panjang rantai distribusi dan energi yang diperlukan untuk mengimpor makanan.
Orang-orang yang makin peduli dengan kesehatan akan mencari produk-produk dengan nilai gizi yang lebih baik. Sejumlah perusahaan menciptakan antioksidan untuk mendukung imunitas dan kesehatan. “Ada sebuah perusahaan yang fokus menciptakan produk tetes seperti minyak ikan yang kaya akan DHA untuk ditambahkan pada makanan dan meningkatkan nutrisi makanan,” jelas Chris.
Di sejumlah negara maju, seperti Jepang, Singapura, Hong Kong, jumlah populasi orang tua makin tinggi. Sehingga mereka perlu makanan yang mudah dicerna, sehat, dan mudah disiapkan.

Pencarian protein alternatif menjadi salah satu tren di industri makanan. Chris bercerita kalau salah satu perusahaan pangan itu tengah meneliti sumber protein baru dari air limbah. Mereka berusaha mencari cara untuk mengubah protein yang terdapat pada air tersebut agar bisa digunakan untuk makanan ternak, peliharaan, bahkan manusia. Sehingga, kita bisa menjaga polusi yang diciptakan dari peternakan dan tak lagi perlu membuat peternakan sebagai sumber protein. Sebab, peternakan merupakan salah satu penyumbang emisi terbesar dunia.

Masalah limbah sisa makanan menjadi masalah lain yang ingin dipecahkan di sektor ini. Restoran dan toko roti modern menjadi penyumbang sampah terbesar dunia. Salah satu perusahaan food tech berinovasi dengan mengumpulkan makanan sisa itu untuk dijadikan pakan serangga. Serangga merupakan salah sumber protein alternatif selain hewan ternak. Cara ini ikut mendukung kelestarian lantaran mengurangi jumlah sampah organik yang berbahaya. Sampah akan menghasilkan gas metana yang bisa menimbulkan ledakan sewaktu-waktu, jika tidak diproses dan ditumpuk dalam waktu lama.

Tren lain yang akan berkembang menurut Chris adalah perkembangan teknologi pengawetan makanan yang lebih alami agar lebih ramah lingkungan. Hal ini bisa memberi dampak lebih jauh ke masalah kelestarian; mengurangi sampah makanan dan perbaikan untuk distribusi makanan.

Beberapa proses pengolahan dan pengawetan makanan saat ini telah digunakan, contohnya adalah pemrosesan dengan tekanan tinggi. Proses ini sudah ada selama 20-25 tahun dan makin memiliki peran penting. Chris mencontohkan bagaimana teknik ini bisa mengawetkan guacamole (saus yang terbuat dari alpukat) tetap segar selama sebulan di lemari es. Padahal, biasanya, alpukat akan berubah menjadi kecokelatan jika disimpan terbuka selama sehari.

Tantangan industri pangan

Lantaran berhubungan dengan kesehatan dan hidup manusia, industri pangan memiliki sejumlah regulasi yang ketat. Apalagi jika makanan konsumsi itu sudah melalui proses yang sangat inovatif. Terdapat sejumlah rintangan regulasi yang harus dilalui sebelum produk bisa meluncur ke pasar.

“Jika produk mereka sangat inovatif, maka akan ada banyak rintangan yang datang. Mereka harus memiliki mitra korporat yang lebih besar yang dapat membantu bernavigasi, sebab mereka harus membuktikan keamanan pangan itu. Mitra yang tepat akan membantu Anda memahami apa yang perlu Anda lakukan untuk menyesuaikan dengan peraturan tersebut.”

Ketika ditanya mengenai personalisasi di industri pangan, Chris menyebut hal itu sepertinya masih belum akan menjadi tren dalam waktu dekat. Sistem pangan saat ini cenderung menggunakan sistem industrialisasi dalam jumlah besar.

Di industri medis, isu personalisasi sudah muncul terkait dengan obat yang bisa dibuat secara khusus. Belakangan diketahui bahwa obat yang sama bisa memberikan tingkat kemanjuran yang berbeda pada orang berbeda ras. Menurut Chris, hal tersebut juga bisa diterapkan pada makanan.

Misalnya, makanan di Bangkok untuk orang Asia bisa disajikan berbeda dengan orang ras Eropa yang juga tinggal di sana. Personalisasi ini bisa terbantu dengan kecerdasan buatan dan pembelajaran mesin. Namun, Chris pesimis hal ini akan terwujud dalam waktu dekat.

“Saya pikir personalisasi masih akan memakan waktu untuk dilakukan dalam skala besar,” tuturnya.

LKYGBPC mendukung inovasi dan kewirausahaan

Menurut Chris, kompetisi kewirausahaan Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition yang diselenggarakan Singapore Management University (SMU) menjadi pendorong inovasi yang penting bagi generasi muda. Lewat kompetisi ini, mereka bisa mendapat praktik langsung untuk mengambil risiko dan berani gagal.

“Anda harus mendorong anak-anak bahwa mereka perlu gagal dan memahami kegagalan adalah bagian dari pembelajaran. Kompetisi membantu mereka mengambil risiko, sebab keberanian mengambil risiko merupakan inti dari inovasi. Anda akan mengambil banyak risiko, banyak kegagalan, dan Anda harus bisa belajar dari itu dan bangkit kembali,” tuturnya.

Untuk mendorong inovasi, Chris menyarankan perlunya dibuat suasana yang terbuka agar semua orang punya perasaan aman dan kebebasan berbicara. Jika terjadi kegagalan, maka bisa dilakukan diskusi terbuka untuk membahas penyebab kegagalan. Dalam situasi terbuka ini, semua harus berkontribusi memberikan ide.

“Anda hanya perlu mencari tahu mengapa itu tidak berhasil. Imbasnya, anggota tim memiliki zona aman untuk berbicara dan tidak merasa dihakimi dan mereka pun bersedia mengambil risiko. Saya pikir itu adalah bagian dari tantangan yang kami hadapi. Semua orang ingin semuanya sempurna saat pertama kali membuat sesuatu, tapi mereka perlu tahu kalau mereka juga bisa gagal.”

Para wirausahawan juga didorong untuk memahami kekuatan dan kelemahan mereka. Semakin cepat memahami apa yang disukai dan tidak disukai oleh seorang entrepreneur maka akan semakin baik. Hal ini dapat membuat ia mendalami apa yang ia sukai dan meminta bantuan rekan untuk pekerjaan yang tidak disukai.

Chris juga mendukung bagaimana SMU mengatur kompetisi ini menjadi dua jalur. Pertama, jalur ide. Jalur ini mengharuskan startup untuk mengutarakan ide mereka seperti halnya melakukan pitching ke inkubator. Kedua, jalur untuk startup yang sudah memiliki pendapatan. Dengan demikian, kedua tipe peserta bisa saling belajar satu sama lain. Sehingga mereka bisa memberikan pelatihan satu sama lain, berbicara, hingga berkolaborasi.

Kompetisi global ini membuka kesempatan lebih besar kepada para peserta untuk mempelajari apa yang dilakukan oleh startup di wilayah lain. Selain itu, acara ini juga membuka kesempatan kolaborasi dengan peserta dari negara-negara lain. Mereka pun bisa mendapat inspirasi dari peserta lain dan memodifikasinya sesuai dengan kondisi pasar setempat.

Sementara itu, bagi para pegiat startup food tech, Chris menyarankan untuk memiliki ketabahan dan ketekunan dalam menjalani bisnis di sektor ini. Mereka sudah pasti akan mengalami banyak penolakan, sehingga ketabahan untuk mencari umpan balik yang tepat dan memperbaiki produk dan layanan adalah kunci agar bisa membalikkan keadaan.

Ia berpesan bahwa startup yang berhasil adalah mereka yang menantang status quo. Mereka mempertanyakan mengapa sebuah kebiasaan harus dijalankan dengan cara tertentu. Mengapa kita melakukannya dengan cara ini? Kenapa, kenapa harus seperti itu? Apakah bisa dipecahkan dari perspektif yang berbeda? Pertanyaan-pertanyaan itu diyakini Chris bisa membimbing para pegiat startup untuk menggoyahkan pemimpin pasar saat ini.

“Jadi saya kira yang terpenting bagi startup food tech adalah mencoba untuk memahami konsumen dan siap untuk memodifikasi produk tersebut dan teruslah mencoba. Startup mungkin perlu mengubah cara penyampaian pesan. Misal dengan mengubah pesan ‘makanan dengan indeks glikemik rendah’ menjadi makanan pengurangan gula’, karena orang-orang lebih memahami konsep tersebut.”

Ditambah lagi dengan dukungan komunitas startup sangat suportif. Hal ini bisa menjadi bantuan berharga di saat-saat sulit, terutama karena komunitas ini mencakup orang-orang yang bergelut dengan masalah yang sama.

“Saya jamin seseorang mengalami masalah yang sama dengan yang Anda miliki, dan mereka akan memiliki perspektif baru tentang hal itu yang mungkin tidak terpikirkan oleh Anda sehingga sangat penting untuk terhubung dan berkolaborasi,” jelasnya.

March 30, 2023

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