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Taiwan’s status as a technology and innovation hub on the global stage necessitates a robust framework for Internet governance. Ensuring the efficient functioning of the digital infrastructure is crucial to maintaining its position as a vital player in the ever-evolving global digital ecosystem.
With this, Minister Audrey Tang of the Ministry of Digital Affairs (moda) attended the “Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum” (APrIGF) to discuss the direction and accomplishments in Internet governance as well as strategies for overcoming the obstacles presented by developing technology.
Minister Audrey emphasises that the APrIGF will take place in Taipei in 2020 because of the moda’s vigorous efforts. The event aims to gather collective wisdom through this platform and cooperate with the global democratic network to explore avenues for collaboration.
She added that there are many facets to internet fragmentation, and its meaning can vary depending on local laws, cultural norms, technology advancements, and linguistic hurdles. No matter how it takes shape, the internet’s future requires leveraging the combined knowledge, ingenuity, and resolve of many stakeholders.
As a prominent global platform, APrIGF is vital for promoting dialogue, exchanging expertise, and coordinating policy. The moda will persist in fortifying international ties, advancing worldwide collaboration, and collaboratively confronting the obstacles posed by the fragmentation of the internet.
The moda has produced several cooperative systems, such as DNS RPZ (Response Policy Zone), a cooperative anti-fraud tool developed by enterprises, businesses, and public associations. Minister Audrey also cited recent attempts to avoid internet scams as an example.
To keep the public from connecting to illicit websites and to quickly detect and stop scams, the Taiwan Network Information Centre (TWNIC) has the authority to immediately stop domain resolution upon receiving court decisions, administrative fines levied by government agencies, or malicious domain applications through emergency case procedures.
The Minister stressed that data from the Administration for Digital Industries’ “Application for Stoppage of Resolution of Fraudulent Domain Names List,” the 165 Anti-Scam Helpline of the National Police Agency’s “Fake Investment (Gambling) Website List,” and TWNIC’s “DNS RPZ 1.0 Court and Administrative Order Block Domain List” are all publicly accessible on the government’s open data platform.
These allow for multiple participants to access real-time updates and swift collaborative defence. Human rights organisations can also examine this data to improve accountability and transparency. By ensuring the protection of digital rights, the country can create an environment where individuals can fully exercise their rights and freedoms in the digital realm.
The Minister also stated that Internet governance entails bringing together a range of stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, and civil society organisations, to jointly influence the growth and development of the internet in accordance with their individual roles and responsibilities.
Taiwan recognises the significance of digital inclusion. A strong governance framework can help bridge the digital divide by providing equitable access to the Internet, ensuring that all citizens can reap the benefits of digital connectivity.
Taiwan’s active participation in international forums on internet governance, despite diplomatic challenges, fosters diplomatic ties and collaboration on global digital issues. By engaging with the international community, Taiwan can contribute its expertise and insights while also staying informed about the latest developments in the field.
The moda aims to keep going to pertinent international conferences, sharing Taiwan’s governance framework around the idea of “Digital Resilience for All,” strengthening ties and collaborating with democratic allies, and creating a more transparent, safe, and open online community.
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The Vietnamese government has said that digital transformation and green transformation are inevitable global trends. They have a crucial role in enhancing economic growth, labour productivity, competitiveness, production, and business efficiency. They also reduce reliance on fuel sources that cause pollution and minimise carbon footprint.
To discuss digital and green transformation for sustainable development and to foster networking opportunities for businesses to accelerate their green transitions, the Ministry of Science and Technology held a forum in the northern province of Quang Ninh.
Domestic and international scientists, along with representatives from organisations and technology companies, deliberated on strategies to speed up green and digital transformations. They underscored the importance of advancing technological innovation and implementing reforms in human resource management, training, and quality enhancement to create new products and processes. This, in turn, will boost business value, aid in the delivery of better goods and services to society, and expedite Vietnam’s industrialisation and modernisation processes.
Participants suggested the establishment of a support mechanism for industries implementing green and digital transformation solutions in Vietnamese businesses. They also stressed that it is necessary to promote Horizon Europe’s international cooperation programme on joint research and innovation for Vietnam and have comprehensive digital transformation solutions for businesses.
During the forum, Quang Ninh province representatives, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA), businesses, and organisations exchanged memoranda of understanding regarding collaboration in the domains of digital transformation and green transformation.
Vietnam has been introducing emerging technologies in the agricultural sector to promote sustainable growth. Earlier this year, the government announced plans to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) for the optimisation of farming practices, including weather prediction, monitoring of plant and livestock health, and enhancing product quality.
AI can improve crop productivity and help control pests, diseases, and cultivation conditions. It can improve the performance of farming-related tasks across food supply chains. Advancements in the manufacturing of AI-controlled robots are assisting farmers worldwide in utilising less land and labour while simultaneously boosting production output.
Vietnam’s commitment to technological advancements in agriculture extends beyond AI, as highlighted by the government’s plans to harness biotechnology. In September, the Politburo issued a resolution under which Vietnam aims to be among the top ten Asian countries in biotechnology production and services by 2030.
As OpenGov Asia reported, the biotechnology sector is on the verge of becoming a significant economic and technological industry, with an expected 50% rise in the number of companies in terms of investment size and growth rate. Additionally, it is projected that half of the imported biotechnology products will be substituted by domestic production. This sector is anticipated to make a 7% contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Vietnam aims to establish a thriving biotechnology sector by 2045, positioning itself as a prominent centre for smart production, services, biotechnology startups, and innovation in Asia. This sector is expected to contribute 10% to 15% to the GDP by that year.
As a result of its tropical climate and its economic shift away from agriculture, biotechnology plays a vital role in Vietnam’s industrialisation and modernisation efforts. It contributes significantly to ensuring food security, facilitating economic restructuring, and promoting sustainable development. Furthermore, in environmental conservation, biotechnology has brought forth numerous solutions. These include the breakdown of inorganic and organic pollutants, waste treatment, industrial waste processing, and the use of microorganisms to address oil spills and incidents of oil contamination.
Vietnam can focus on developing various aspects within the biotechnology sector, such as agricultural advancements in crop and animal breeding, manufacturing veterinary drugs, developing vaccines, and creating bio-fertilizers.
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The agricultural sector continues to experience technological advancements. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a part of the modern agricultural industry. AI technology is used in various aspects, from production and management to marketing. Agriculture heavily relies on weather, soil, and the environment. Therefore, AI technology related to drones and sensors is essential to support precision agriculture
Drones’ ability to rapidly scan areas with high-quality sensors is beneficial in various applications, including crop mapping, soil analysis, environmental surveys, livestock monitoring, and infrastructure surveillance.
In light of this, the Food Crops Research Centre (PRTP) of the Agriculture and Food Research Organisation (ORPP) under the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) held an occasion regarding AI technology in the development of drones and sensors and its applications in agriculture.
Puji Lestari, the Head of ORPP BRIN, expressed that this occasion would benefit BRIN and other stakeholders. She emphasised that combining drone and sensor technology would create innovative solutions to address food availability challenges.
Furthermore, Puji also highlighted that precision agriculture is closely tied to the availability of tools. Implementing AI in rapid data analysis as a basis for decision-making, ranging from planting and feeding to irrigation and harvesting, is expected to benefit farmers.
The AI-based capabilities, including high-quality sensors and scanning, enable rapid work and real-time data processing, plant identification, and decision-making to support productivity targets. Therefore, the Food Crops Research Centre should provide more opportunities to utilise AI-based technology that supports increased crop productivity,” he emphasised.
At the same time, the Head of PRTP BRIN, Yudhistira Nugraha, also acknowledged that technological advancements have become inevitable. Through the science community, AI researchers are expected to actively contribute to utilising AI technology, turning it into a valuable science that can be applied to agricultural development in Indonesia.
“We can gain many benefits using AI technology for monitoring agricultural land, including fertiliser usage, fertility identification, plant growth, and with the help of AI technology, farmers can make decisions and take actions that can be applied in the farming system to increase productivity,” he explained.
Tri Surya Harapan, Research Manager at a company that provides sales of drones and surveillance services for agriculture, the environment, defence, forestry, and marine purposes, explained about multispectral cameras that provide information on plant health and management.
“AI is widely known for replicating human intelligence and can be simulated using computer systems. Automation sensors embedded in drones, such as camera sensors, LIDAR sensors, or other advanced sensors, provide valuable information as decision-makers in the field without direct human intervention,” he said.
“The use of AI with drone and sensor technology requires relatively high service costs, so in its implementation, collaboration with stakeholders on a large scale is needed,” Tri clarified.
Meanwhile, Senior Researcher at PRTP BRIN, Muhammad Aqil, discussed the Utilisation of Drone Technology in Food Crop Research. This is in line with the direction of the President of Indonesia in the 2021 National IPTEK Coordination Meeting, which emphasises the use of modern technology and contribution to the era of Industry 4.0, including the application of artificial intelligence technology to support all fields/activities, including agriculture.
“We have gone through several stages before reaching Industry 4.0, and now it’s time to use drone technology to monitor the nutrient status of plants, quickly detect pest attacks (OPT – Plant Pest Organisms), check strain contamination, inspect seed production data cells, and determine the harvest time,” said Aqil.
Aqil concluded that the vegetation index-based model developed for the selection of corn genotypes, which are tolerant to both NDVI and NDRE, has proven capable of predicting harvest yields and the best genotype types in corn variety selection in the field.
“By integrating drones and image analysis, it could support research activities, especially in the field,” Aqil added.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated several digital projects for the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) as part of its 276th Annual Day celebrations. The initiatives include:
SARANSH
The Summary of Accounts, Budget, and Expenditure for Raksha Mantralaya (the Ministry of Defence) tool aims to provide a more accurate and objective view of defence financial information like payment, accounting, and budgeting in India.
This analytics tool integrates, compiles, sanitises, and standardises financial data from various applications, data sources, and databases. It then offers a real-time, comprehensive platform with dashboard features, allowing users to visualise trends, display metrics, present graphs illustrating key performance indicators, and generate reports, among other functionalities.
SARANSH will function as a complete dashboard for higher management, offering a quick overview of all defence expenditures. It enables centralised monitoring and encourages data-driven decision-making for all defence organisations.
BISWAS
The Bill Information and Work Analysis System will function as a dashboard for various Principal Controllers of Defence Accounts (PCsDA)/ Controllers of Defence Accounts (CsDA), providing different infographics to monitor and analyse the whole process flow of bill management. It will also generate reports on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). It provides real-time detailed analyses of bill processing, with interactive visualisations of granular data flowing through the various office automation systems within a controller office.
E-Raksha Awaas
E-Raksha Awaas is a centralised and comprehensive software package designed to enhance and streamline the process of generating rent and related charges for rentable buildings within Defence Services. It also facilitates the prompt remission of these charges to government accounts. This package acts as a unified online platform for all stakeholders engaged in the generation, recovery, and remission of rent and allied charges.
Minister Singh described the DAD as the guardian of defence finance and commended its efforts to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities through transparent and efficient systems, praising its prudent resource management and output optimisation.
He suggested ways to improve the department’s efficiency such as encouraging DAD officials to enhance their professional skills to address the challenges posed by “constantly evolving times”. He urged them to partner with organisations like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to create and implement customised training modules, as per requirements.
Providing financial advice is one of the DAD’s most crucial responsibilities, the Minister noted. The DAD should consider two key aspects when offering financial advice: a realistic assessment of the demands of the user agency and a thorough understanding of the product’s market.
He explained that it is important to evaluate whether there is a need to purchase a product and whether a similar product of equal or greater effectiveness is available in the market at a lower cost. This understanding will enhance the quality of financial advice.
Furthermore, to foster such an understanding, Singh suggested establishing an in-house mechanism—a standing committee of experienced individuals who can research and analyse market forces and offer valuable insights to field officers. “Big banks and financial institutions develop in-house economic intelligence and research teams. On similar lines, the DAD needs to develop an in-house team for market research and intelligence,” he stated.
It is also vital to strengthen the internal vigilance mechanism to detect and review suspicious activity. This will not only expedite addressing issues but also enhance public trust in the department, the Minister said.
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The advent of big data has opened up new possibilities for driving sustainable development and informed decision-making. In the context of New Zealand, harnessing the potential of big data presents numerous opportunities to address social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Police agencies in New Zealand are increasingly turning to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to bolster their emergency response and risk assessment capabilities. Recent tragic incidents, such as the shooting of an unarmed constable in West Auckland in 2020, have prompted the development of innovative safety programmes aimed at improving law enforcement effectiveness. One intelligence system has emerged as a central component in this technological transformation.
By collaborating closely with major multinational technology companies specialising in data-driven policing systems, police agencies are harnessing the power of AI to redefine how they assess risks during emergencies. The intelligence system represents a leap forward in enhancing police intelligence systems, enabling law enforcement officers to make more informed decisions swiftly.
One of the critical achievements of the intelligence system is its ability to overcome the limitations of previous intelligence systems. The traditional system struggled to access essential information about criminal organisations, particularly gangs and firearms. This fragmentation hindered the ability of law enforcement to connect the dots and respond effectively to emerging threats swiftly.
However, the intelligence system has revolutionised this process by providing instant access to vital connections and associations. This newfound capability significantly enhances police efficiency and decision-making in the digital age.
The intelligence system’s impressive functionality extends beyond mere data access. It leverages advanced AI technologies to deliver more valuable intelligence, particularly concerning firearm-related threats.
By integrating data from various sources and employing machine learning algorithms, the intelligence system rapidly analyses and disseminates pertinent information. Front-line officers now can receive real-time updates directly on their smartphones, enabling them to respond effectively to evolving situations.
While the incorporation of advanced AI technology in law enforcement holds promise, it inevitably raises concerns surrounding privacy, transparency, and potential bias. This is not an isolated issue, as similar data-driven policing systems worldwide have grappled with these challenges. To address these concerns effectively, it is essential to conduct comprehensive privacy impact assessments and ensure the utmost transparency in the deployment of such technology.
Furthermore, the emergence of the intelligence system underscores the critical role of collaboration among organisations and the need for strategic partnerships to drive innovation. This initiative exemplifies how technology partnerships can push the boundaries of what’s possible and enhance capabilities beyond individual and organisational limits. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, collaboration stands as the linchpin of resilience, enabling organisations to collectively address multifaceted challenges and fortify their defences against cyber threats.
The integration of advanced AI technology, exemplified by the intelligence system, into law enforcement operations, has the potential to bring public safety and police effectiveness. However, it simultaneously underscores the paramount importance of ethical considerations, transparency, and the responsible use of such technology to mitigate potential risks and biases.
In the pursuit of a safer and more secure digital future, collaboration remains indispensable, not just for technological advancement but also for achieving the overarching goal of creating a society where innovation thrives and security reigns supreme.
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The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is devising incentives to support the implementation of 5G telecommunications network technology in Indonesia. This step is taken as part of a strategy to optimise the 5G network to enhance internet speed significantly.
Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Budi Arie Setiadi has revealed that the government’s efforts are geared towards encouraging investment in this sector. One specific measure is to incentivise telecommunications operators to encourage them to make large-scale investments. With these incentives in place, operators can avoid making a substantial upfront payment, which can reduce their investment costs.
Budi Arie Setiadi also expressed his belief that internet speed in Indonesia will continue to increase in line with the advancement of digital technology. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is committed to making Indonesia one of the top 10 countries in the world in terms of internet speed by implementing a robust 5G network. Therefore, the government will continue to focus on developing the digital infrastructure to support this goal.
In addition, Budi Arie Setiadi emphasised the importance of establishing a strong digital infrastructure. He explained that includes the development of a reliable and extensive 5G network, which will help meet the needs of the public and industries as they navigate the ever-evolving digital era.
“5G in the future will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping not just the telecommunications landscape but also the broader digital ecosystem,” Budi Arie Setiadi elaborated. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on high-speed data transmission, Indonesia is positioning itself strategically to harness the potential of 5G technology for its growth and development.
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has embarked on a mission to position Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, among the top 10 nations globally regarding 5G network deployment.
“When we discuss speed, it’s a measure relative to other nations, but what truly matters is our global ranking. We employ this benchmark because the world’s pace of internet adoption is not slowing down. Even if our target is to achieve 100 Mbps, if we observe that the global rankings are on the ascent, we remain steadfast in our pursuit,” he expressed.
Furthermore, he also underscored that the government is committed to assessing and crafting strategic initiatives to deliver improved-speed 5G network services. He emphasised that they are poised to collaborate closely with various mobile operators and industry ecosystems to formulate the most effective strategies.
In pursuing high-quality internet network services, the government also remains acutely attuned to the evolving dynamics within the domestic industry.
Budi Arie further highlighted the significance of fostering an industrial ecosystem that enhances quality sustainably and competitively. He said that it is paramount as it will ensure the industry sustains its health and engages in fair competition.
Commercial 5G services are already operational in 49 cities across Indonesia. Furthermore, the development of 5G networks is actively progressing in five super-priority tourist destinations and is being showcased at various international events.
The Minister’s emphasis on global ranking highlights Indonesia’s determination to benchmark itself against international standards. It acknowledges that the digital landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving, and being among the top performers globally clearly indicates staying relevant in the digital age.
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In its ongoing commitment to reshape the vulnerability management landscape, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced the integration of the OASIS Common Security Advisory Framework (CSAF) Version 2.0 standard into its security advisories, tailored for Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Operational Technology (OT), and Medical Devices.
The contemporary risk environment presents organisations with an intricacy of vulnerabilities, creating challenges in effectively managing them. To address this, CISA recognises the crucial role of automation in enhancing the efficiency of vulnerability management efforts. CSAF is a pivotal solution to usher in this automation era by enabling the automated production, distribution, and consumption of security advisories.
This integration of CSAF can reduce the time lag between the vulnerabilities and their remediation by businesses. Moreover, it lays the foundation for developing future tools and mechanisms for automated vulnerability information sharing. This forward-looking approach reflects CISA’s commitment to proactively address the evolving threat landscape and empower organisations to respond effectively to emerging vulnerabilities.
By embracing CSAF Version 2.0, CISA aims to bring about a paradigm shift in vulnerability management, addressing the complexities of the contemporary digital landscape. The organisation’s focus on automation is driven by recognising that efficient responses to vulnerabilities are paramount in safeguarding critical systems and infrastructure. This initiative underscores CISA’s dedication to bolstering the cybersecurity resilience of organisations in an environment characterised by constant change and innovation.
This transition to the CSAF format signifies a pivotal development beyond document formatting. It sets the stage for broader vulnerability response and coordination initiatives at CISA, fostering greater automation and streamlining the drafting and publication processes for these increasingly critical ICS Advisories. This deliberate move aligns with CISA’s mission to proactively address vulnerabilities and bolster cybersecurity in a dynamic threat landscape.
CISA extends a proactive call to action to software and hardware vendors, encouraging them to embrace the CSAF framework for their security advisories. The OASIS CSAF 2.0 standard webpage is a comprehensive resource for vendors, offering detailed insights and background information about this framework.
By adopting CSAF, vendors can contribute to the evolution of cybersecurity practices, fostering greater standardisation and efficiency in disseminating critical security information. This collective effort ensures that stakeholders across the cybersecurity landscape can respond effectively to emerging threats and vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing the resilience of digital ecosystems.
Additionally, this alignment with CISA’s proactive strategy streamlines vulnerability management and enhances the overall security posture of software and hardware products. By adopting the CSAF 2.0 standard, vendors and providers contribute to a more efficient and coordinated response to emerging threats. This, in turn, reinforces the resilience of critical infrastructure and digital systems in an increasingly complex and dynamic threat landscape.
Embracing the CSAF framework fosters interoperability and information exchange among stakeholders. It allows for a more structured and standardised way of communicating security advisories, making it easier for organisations to understand, prioritise, and act upon vulnerabilities effectively. This collaborative approach ensures that the cybersecurity community can collectively address emerging threats quickly and precisely, reducing potential risks and minimising the impact of security incidents.
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Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan recently addressed the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit, shedding light on Singapore’s unique relationship with the oceans and its proactive approach to addressing the challenges nowadays. He highlighted the significance of the digitalisation of the maritime sector as a critical component in fostering sustainability.
Singapore’s history, culture, and economy are inextricably intertwined with its maritime surroundings. This small but dynamic city-state relies heavily on maritime trade, with a trading volume that is three times its GDP. This unique ratio underscores the vital importance of maritime routes and the sea itself to Singapore’s prosperity and well-being.
Minister Vivian highlighted the global movement toward the decarbonisation and digitalisation of the maritime sector as a significant opportunity. According to him, the shipping industry is a substantial contributor to carbon emissions, releasing one billion tons of CO2 into the atmosphere annually. However, there is immense potential for abatement through innovative strategies.
One such strategy involves the establishment of green and digitally empowered shipping corridors, such as the partnership between the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore, the Port of Los Angeles, and the Port of Long Beach.
This corridor, initiated in April 2023, is part of the green shipping challenge, jointly launched by the United States and Norway. These corridors serve as vital nodes in the transition to lower and zero-emission fuels for ships, creating growth opportunities for businesses and promoting low-emission technologies in maritime port operations.
Minister Vivian added that the decarbonisation and digitalisation of the maritime sector represent a profound transformation that goes beyond mere industry trends; they are significant opportunities that can revolutionise the way shipping and maritime operations are conducted. These two interrelated processes are not just advantageous; they are pivotal in shaping the future of the maritime industry and addressing some of its most pressing challenges.
The synergy between decarbonisation and digitalisation holds great promise, with each complementing the other to produce amplified benefits. One of the key advantages of this partnership lies in the realm of data-driven decarbonisation. Digital tools and technologies offer the means to collect, analyse, and interpret vast amounts of data related to energy consumption, emissions, and environmental impact.
This data serves as the foundation for informed decision-making regarding the implementation and effectiveness of decarbonisation measures. By leveraging digital resources, organisations can ensure that their efforts are both cost-effective and environmentally impactful, directing resources where they are needed most while minimising wastage.
Besides, the fusion of decarbonisation and digitalisation leads to the concept of continuous improvement. Digital analytics tools excel in identifying areas where further decarbonisation efforts can be deployed. This iterative process creates a feedback loop that is indispensable in an industry marked by rapid technological advancements and changing environmental regulations.
In addition, Minister Vivian stressed the importance of international law in guiding the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) plays a pivotal role in this regard, providing a comprehensive legal framework for all activities in oceans and seas. Recent accomplishments, such as the “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction” (BBNJ) treaty, represent significant milestones in global ocean governance.
The Minister is calling for collective commitment and collaboration across public, private, and civic sectors to create a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable world. “As we navigate the digital seas of the future, Singapore stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who share a commitment to safeguarding our oceans and securing a brighter tomorrow,” he concludes.
