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OpenGov recently spoke to Kamal Brar, Vice President and
General Manager of APAC/ME, Hortonworks
about how governments can strike a balance between enabling the data economy and mitigating risks for citizens and businesses. Mr. Brar also talked about the impact of trends like cloud
and IoT and the implications of privacy protection regulations.
Founded in 2011, Hortonworks is a leading provider of big
data platforms for capturing, storing, processing and analysing data.
What are the most
important trends you see currently in the use of big data by governments in the
ASEAN region, in Singapore and in other countries?
The ASEAN region is rapidly moving towards a
digitally-enabled economy, with the ASEAN ICE Masterplan 2020 (AIM2020). The
plan encompasses eight strategic thrusts that focus on enabling an innovative,
inclusive and integrated ASEAN community.
On this front, big data plays a central role in enabling
innovation for ASEAN governments – starting with supporting open and big data
application development.
The major trend we’re seeing across most ASEAN governments
is the development of guides and applications for open and big data.
Singapore
and Malaysia have already taken steps to establish forums or platforms for the
private sector to share big data developments, and the other governments are at
varying levels of implementing similar strategies.
What has been the
impact of developments like migration to cloud and proliferation of IoT devices
for public sector data?
The capacity the Internet of Things (IoT) has to connect
devices and gather previously unimagined amounts of information has led to an
explosion of new kinds of data that’s opening up tremendous opportunities.
Meanwhile, cloud-computing plays a critical role in harnessing data produced
from billions of connected devices because of the flexibility and elasticity of
the platforms. Together, the convergence of these two trends provide a unique
opportunity for companies to rapidly ingest, process and analyse data to
generate actionable insights and provide improved services – across a wide
range of public sector services.
One example of its use in the public sector from the United
States is the MITRE
Corporation, a non-profit organisation that operates multiple federally
funded research and development centres including the Center for Advanced
Aviation System Development (CAASD),
which serves the public interest by advancing the safety, security, effectiveness,
and efficiency of aerospace in the United States and around the world.
The CAASD continuously ingests, stores and analyses massive
amounts of detailed flight data from a variety of sources and enriches it with
other data, such as: pilot and air traffic controller voice recordings, weather
data and terrain maps. Storing this data both in the cloud and on-premise, the
team has created derived data products.
With flight data, combined with data from hundreds of
different surveillance sensors, the team can now create logical “flight
stories” for any growing number of specific flights. The derived data products
are continually stored to enable historical analyses; the archive of flight
stories currently spans more than five years. All of this visibility helps to
identify systematic risks across the National Airspace System and develop
mitigation measures with airspace users, such as controller training
improvements or changes to operational procedures.
What are the
challenges faced by the public sector in unlocking the maximum potential of
data? How can they overcome those challenges?
The primary challenge for the public sector is balancing the
demands of citizens and enterprises in unlocking the potential for data, while
putting in place the necessary regulations and contingencies to mitigate risk
for citizens and businesses.
Simply put, the pace of technology innovation has continued
at a furious rate putting pressure on regulatory measures and with the
ever-increasing threat landscape, it is imperative that governments have
implemented security measures to protect the data for their citizens and
economy at large.
Another key challenge is the acute skills shortage in the
ASEAN ICT sector, which is preventing enterprises from rapidly adopting data
initiatives.
For both these challenges, partnerships between the public
and private sector can play a huge role – not only in outlining and
implementing data regulations and identifying security risks, but tapping on
the private sectors’ expertise in training and skills development for future
generations of data scientists.
In the context of the
broader economy, what role can the government play in development of a digital
data-driven economy?
In the digital economy, the government must play the dual
role of regulator and driver of data initiatives. From an authoritative
standpoint, it is critical that the government outlines the regulations for
data usage in terms of governance and security to ensure the safety of its
citizens and the wider economy. However, this must be done with the view of
enabling the data economy – through open data platforms and initiatives,
encouraging innovation and application of big data for new services. It is a
delicate balance to walk but one that must be achieved to fuel the economies of
the future.
What are the
implications of privacy protection regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or Singapore’s PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act) on
the collection, sharing, analysis of data for organisations in the private or
public sectors?
We live in an age where data misuse is at an all-time high,
but GDPR and Singapore’s PDPA hand significant power back to the consumer. It
strengthens the rights of individuals to control their own data. The regulation
demands that businesses make their digital operations more consumer-focused and
responsive. The penalties for non-compliance to GDPR regulations are
substantial and organisations should be putting plans in place to meet the
regulations. This can also be seen as an opportunity for businesses to enhance
their existing systems by focusing on a comprehensive digital strategy, which
fosters innovation while protecting data for citizens and consumers.
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Vietnam has emerged as a promising market in the global data centre landscape, with significant growth projected in the coming decade. According to the latest report from Viettel IDC, the country’s data centre market is forecast to reach a value of US$1.26 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%. This projection underscores Vietnam’s increasing importance in the digital economy and its potential to become a key player in the data centre industry.
Despite its promising outlook, Vietnam’s data centre market currently lags behind its regional counterparts in terms of size. Compared to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Vietnam’s data centre market is relatively small. However, this is expected to change in the coming years as the country experiences rapid economic growth and invests heavily in digital infrastructure.
One of the key drivers of growth in Vietnam’s data centre market is the increasing demand for digital services and cloud computing. With the rise of e-commerce, digital banking, and other online services, there is a growing need for secure and reliable data storage and processing facilities. Data centres play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing the infrastructure necessary to support these services.
Another factor contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s data centre market is the government’s support for digital transformation initiatives. In recent years, the Vietnamese government has prioritised the development of the digital economy as part of its broader economic strategy. This has included investments in digital infrastructure, as well as policies aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector.
Furthermore, Vietnam benefits from a skilled workforce and relatively low construction costs compared to other countries in the region. This makes it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish data centre operations in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the government has implemented supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage investment in the sector, further stimulating growth.
Domestically, the data centre market in Vietnam is dominated by a few major players, including Viettel, VNPT, FPT, and CMC. These companies collectively hold approximately 97% of the market share, indicating a high level of concentration in the industry. However, there are still opportunities for new entrants, particularly in niche segments or specialised services.
Looking ahead, Viettel IDC predicts a significant expansion of Vietnam’s data centre market in the coming years. Plans are underway to build megacentres in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with an estimated total capacity of up to 450 MW. This represents a substantial increase from the current capacity and reflects the growing demand for data centre services in the country.
In addition to data centres, Vietnam’s cloud computing market is also experiencing rapid growth. While the market size is currently smaller than that of neighboring countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, Vietnam has the highest growth rate in the Southeast Asia region and ranks third in Asia overall. The projected growth rate of Vietnam’s cloud market over the next 5-10 years is expected to be around 19-20%, driven by increased adoption of cloud services by businesses and consumers.
Vietnam’s data centre market presents significant opportunities for growth and investment in the coming years. With supportive government policies, a skilled workforce, and increasing demand for digital services, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a major player in the global data centre industry. As the country continues to invest in digital infrastructure and technology, it is poised to emerge as a leading hub for data centre operations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam is rapidly becoming a key player in the global data center market, driven by factors like increasing digitalisation among SMEs, a tech-savvy young population, the rollout of 5G technology, and a rising demand for independent digital infrastructure and data sovereignty.
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Vietnam is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player in the global data centre market, driven by various factors including the increasing digitalisation efforts of its domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the tech-savvy nature of its young population, the rollout of 5G technology, and a rising demand for self-reliant digital infrastructure and data sovereignty.
The Vietnamese data centre market has experienced remarkable growth, surpassing US$1 billion last year, almost doubling the figures recorded in 2022. Notably, the majority of participants in this burgeoning sector are domestic telecommunications companies, indicative of the local industry’s growing capabilities and investment in digital infrastructure.
A leading real estate consultancy firm, reports that there are presently 28 data centre projects spread across the country, boasting a combined capacity of 45 MW and involving 44 service providers. This surge in activity is further underscored by the entry of major global players, one of which announced the establishment of data centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in August 2022.
Despite this rapid expansion, Vietnam’s data centre market remains relatively young compared to more mature markets in the region such as Singapore and Tokyo. While international cloud service providers have yet to make a significant imprint, partnerships between international telecommunications companies and local counterparts have facilitated market entry. Additionally, small and medium-scale projects initiated by domestic firms are underway in key cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, showcasing a diverse ecosystem of data centre development.
The driving forces behind Vietnam’s data centre market expansion are manifold. The CEO of a prominent real estate firm, highlights rapid population growth, urbanisation trends, high internet penetration rates, and active digital adoption in various sectors including banking and business operations. These factors collectively contribute to a conducive environment for data centre investment and growth.
However, despite these promising indicators, Vietnam faces challenges in scaling its data centre infrastructure to meet global standards relative to its population size. Issues such as construction complexities, a shortage of skilled labour, and logistical hurdles in the supply chain pose obstacles to domestic investors.
To navigate these challenges, industry experts recommend a strategic focus on larger-scale data centre projects over smaller, fragmented facilities. Southern provinces, with their ample land reserves, access to reliable electricity within industrial zones, and proximity to major national submarine cable landing stations, emerge as promising locations for future data centre developments. Additionally, the prevalence of renewable energy sources, constituting a quarter of the national energy mix, provides a sustainability advantage for prospective data centre investors.
In the broader context, data centres are poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating Vietnam’s digital transformation journey. While the market is still in its nascent stages, the anticipation of favourable investment policies in the near future signals a growing appetite among foreign investors to capitalise on the country’s burgeoning data centre sector and contribute to its digital evolution.
Vietnam is forging ahead with plans to establish clusters of IT parks and software chains, signalling a concerted effort to bolster its digital ecosystem and elevate global competitiveness within the production value chain. Despite notable strides in IT park development under the 2020 master plan, challenges persist, particularly regarding connectivity and collaboration among these parks and industrial zones, especially in larger urban centres where potential remains largely untapped.
By integrating this initiative into broader national ICT infrastructure development and regional socio-economic planning, Vietnam underscores its commitment to harnessing technology as a driver of economic growth and innovation.
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In developing the technology and accelerating the nation’s economy, the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) School of Sport and Recreation has launched its two cutting-edge sports tech inventions internationally. It marks a significant milestone in New Zealand’s foray into the global sports technology market. The licensing deals with American and Australian companies underscore AUT’s position as the leading university of technology in New Zealand and a world leader in sport and recreation research.
One of the pioneering inventions, Hawkin TruStrength (HTS), is an invention from a collaboration between Professor John Cronin, a renowned sports scientist at AUT and Kiwi Texas. Initially funded by Kiwi Texas for early prototype development, the project has recently partnered with the US sports tech company Hawkin Dynamics for commercialisation. HTS is a high-spec, portable device that revolutionises athlete training and rehabilitation by removing subjectivity and introducing a data-driven approach.
Designed by Prof Cronin, an expert in strength and conditioning and sports technology, TruStrength is a portable fixed dynamometer, roughly the size of a fist, capable of measuring pushing (compressive) and pulling (tensile) forces from 1 N (100 gm) to 10,000 N (1000 kg). This innovative tool provides quantitative accuracy to training and rehab processes, optimising patient outcomes and enabling previously hard-to-measure movements to be quantified.
“This technology aims to bring more quantitative accuracy to what professionals do and assist them in optimising patient outcomes,” said Prof Cronin. TruStrength also serves as a training tool, allowing even low-tech training aids like rubber-based resistance TheraBands to be attached to the dynamometer, producing objective data.
Prof Cronin explained that the idea for TruStrength originated on the SPRINZ campus in Auckland, where he collaborated with a PhD student seeking better isometric force measurements for high-performance athletes. This collaborative ethos is central to AUT’s approach. As Prof Cronin explains, “We’re a campus where industry and a university have come together. Our mantra is ask, answer, share.”
The second innovative technology is DynaSled. This breakthrough has been licensed to an Australian company. This wireless force-sensing device measures strength and leg imbalances, optimising athletic performance training and assessing sports injury risk.
Developed by AUT sports and exercise science researchers Dr Matt Brughelli, Dr Matt Cross, and High-Performance Sport New Zealand PhD graduate Dr Farhan Tinwala, the DynaSled project received early-stage funding from KiwiNet, a government initiative supporting the commercialisation of university research.
The DynaSled, equipped with a wireless force sensor, is a cutting-edge tool to assess force production during functional movements, including sprinting overground. This innovative technology evaluates overall force production and allows for determining leg asymmetries, a critical factor in preventing lower limb injuries.
Dr Brughelli emphasises DynaSled’s unique ability to determine the optimal loading for each athlete based on their individual goals. This capability sets it apart as a distinctive and valuable tool in sports technology, promising to revolutionise how athletes train and perform.
With support from AUT Ventures, the researchers collaborated with an Australian company to develop the commercial version of DynaSled. Swift Performance has now licensed the technology from AUT and will market the product worldwide. The company will also fund postgraduate research on the DynaSled with athletes, furthering the technology’s development and application.
Mark Fisher, founder and CEO of that Australian company partner, expressed optimism about collaborating with AUT researchers and the potential for long-term cooperation. “It is great working with industry-leading sports science researchers, and we hope to have a long-term partnership with AUT going forward to help commercialise the Sled technology,” Fisher said.
DynaSled and Hawkin TruStrength (HTS) technologies showcase AUT’s expertise in sports technology and demonstrate New Zealand’s global sports tech market potential. With AUT at the forefront, the future of sports technology appears more promising than ever, with continued innovation and advancements on the horizon.
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The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have teamed up to release a comprehensive guide aimed at bolstering cloud security measures for organisations. Titled “Top Ten Cloud Security Mitigation Strategies,” this initiative aims to equip cloud customers with essential practices to enhance the security of their data as they migrate to cloud environments.
In an era where digital transformation is accelerating, the migration of data and operations to cloud platforms has become commonplace. However, this transition brings with it a myriad of security concerns, as evidenced by the increasing frequency of cyberattacks targeting cloud infrastructure. Recognising the critical need to address these challenges, the NSA and CISA have collaborated to compile a set of ten cybersecurity information sheets (CSIs), each focusing on a different aspect of cloud security.
One of the primary themes emphasised in the report is the importance of upholding the cloud-shared responsibility model. This model delineates the responsibilities between cloud service providers and their customers regarding security measures. By understanding and adhering to this model, organisations can ensure that they are taking appropriate steps to safeguard their data within the cloud environment.
Another key area highlighted in the report is the implementation of secure identity and access management practices. Proper management of user identities and access controls is essential for preventing unauthorised access to sensitive data stored in the cloud. Through robust authentication mechanisms and access policies, organisations can fortify their defences against potential security breaches.
In addition, the report emphasises the critical importance of implementing secure key management practices, robust encryption mechanisms, and effective network segmentation strategies within cloud environments. These measures play a pivotal role in protecting data both when it is stored and when it is being transferred, thereby reducing the likelihood of data breaches and unauthorised interception.
Furthermore, the report highlights the significance of securing data throughout its entire lifecycle in the cloud. This includes implementing stringent security measures for data storage, processing, transmission, and disposal. By doing so, organisations can effectively protect their data against a wide range of evolving threats.
Another critical aspect covered in the report is the defence of continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) environments. As organisations increasingly adopt DevOps practices and automate their software development processes, securing CI/CD pipelines becomes paramount to prevent the introduction of vulnerabilities and malicious code into production environments.
Moreover, the report emphasises the enforcement of secure automated deployment practices through infrastructure as code (IaC). By treating infrastructure as code and automating deployment processes, organisations can ensure consistency, repeatability, and security in their cloud environments.
The complexities introduced by hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments are also addressed in the report. As organisations adopt hybrid and multi-cloud strategies to meet their diverse needs, they must navigate the unique security challenges posed by these environments effectively.
Additionally, the report highlights the risks associated with managed service providers (MSPs) in cloud environments. While MSPs offer valuable services and expertise, organisations must be vigilant in vetting and managing their relationships with MSPs to mitigate potential security risks.
The report stresses the importance of managing cloud logs for effective threat hunting. By aggregating and analysing logs generated by cloud services, organisations can proactively identify and respond to security incidents before they escalate.
The “Top Ten Cloud Security Mitigation Strategies” initiative by the NSA and CISA provides invaluable guidance to organisations seeking to enhance the security of their data in cloud environments. The NSA and CISA envision these strategies as foundational advice that every cloud customer should follow to mitigate the risks associated with cloud services. By implementing these strategies effectively, organisations anywhere can mitigate risks and bolster their defences against cyber threats in an increasingly digital landscape nowadays.
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In the era of digital transformation, the hybrid cloud has become a crucial driver for organisations striving to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. The adoption of advanced technologies such as big data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence empowers businesses to leverage innovation and enhance their decision-making processes. This paradigm shift underscores the importance of hybrid cloud in enabling organisations to adapt to change, drive growth, and remain competitive in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Executives surveyed by HPE support the idea that a hybrid cloud strategy represents the optimal blend of technologies for achieving their company’s goals. According to their findings, 91% of organisations are currently implementing this operational model to some extent. Among these organisations, 33% utilise a combination of private and public clouds, while 31% leverage a mix of private and public clouds along with on-premises infrastructure.
Global enterprise leaders emphasise that a hybrid cloud approach offers unparalleled flexibility and control, allowing organisations to tailor their operations to suit their specific needs. This approach also facilitates seamless integration, enabling businesses to develop digital products and services with agility and efficiently move data across different environments. These capabilities are instrumental in driving business growth, creating new revenue streams, and facilitating the integration of acquired companies by transitioning their existing legacy on-premises systems into existing cloud components.
Similarly, Singaporean enterprises and organisations have demonstrated a solid commitment to technological advancement by widely adopting cloud strategies. Recognising the importance of flexibility and scalability in today’s digital era, they have embraced hybrid cloud solutions to seamlessly integrate on-premises infrastructure with public and private cloud services, enabling them to optimise their operations.
The strategic objectives driving Singapore’s embrace of hybrid cloud, including enhancing operational efficiency, facilitating digital transformation, and capitalising on emerging opportunities, highlight the importance of a well-defined plan for successful implementation. Without this strategic approach, organisations may find themselves with a fragmented and inefficient hybrid data and cloud environment, failing to realise the full benefits of hybrid cloud adoption.
To avoid this scenario, organisations must adopt a more strategic approach to hybrid cloud and simplify data management. This involves shifting from a hybrid cloud implementation by accident to one by design, thereby enhancing their cloud operating model and maximising the benefits of hybrid cloud adoption.
Furthermore, security remains a paramount concern in hybrid cloud environments. Organisations and enterprises must assess their risk tolerance, as opting for an exclusive private cloud might seem like the safest choice. However, despite the common belief that private clouds offer the highest level of security, the advantages of a hybrid cloud far outweigh this assumption. It is crucial to understand that the hybrid model is not inherently insecure simply because private clouds are often perceived as more secure.
Hybrid cloud affords organisations the flexibility to implement security measures across various layers, including legacy systems, on-premise private clouds, and cloud-based data. This approach enables organisations to implement stricter security measures, outsource to specialised providers, establish secure connections through tunnels, and reduce the time spent on monitoring security subsystems and compliance risks.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can mitigate data compromise risks when transmitting data between legacy systems, on-premises infrastructure, and the cloud. Additionally, a hybrid cloud setup introduces redundancy, enabling organisations to implement backup plans and minimise downtime. Overall, the hybrid cloud model helps reduce risk and allows organisations to concentrate on their core business activities.
The OpenGov Breakfast Insight on 8 March 2024 at Equarius Hotel Singapore has delved into the critical role of hybrid cloud in modern business operations, highlighting its ability to provide flexibility, scalability, and enhanced security. With a focus on practical insights and real-world examples, the event provided delegates with valuable information on how to implement and manage hybrid cloud solutions effectively.
Opening Remarks
According to Mohit Sagar, the CEO and Editor-in-Chief at OpenGov Asia, businesses increasingly turn to hybrid cloud solutions for operational optimisation and competitiveness in the digital age. This architecture combines on-premises infrastructure with public and private cloud services, offering flexibility and scalability and allowing strategic workload, application, and data transfers across environments for enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness.
“Singapore has made significant strides in digital transformation by integrating on-premises infrastructure with public and private cloud services,” Mohit acknowledges. “This strategic approach offers unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and innovation, positioning Singapore at the forefront of technological advancement.”
Adopting a hybrid cloud is both a technical change and a strategic imperative for sustainable growth in the digital era, as exemplified by Singapore’s significant strides in digital transformation.
Businesses in Singapore maximise performance, manage workloads effectively, and balance security and compliance complexities with a hybrid cloud strategy. The hybrid model enables organisations to balance security, compliance, and innovation, supporting confident digital transformation.
“In Singapore, 67% of IT teams used a combination of private and public clouds, multiple public clouds, or on-premises and hosted data centres,” Mohit reveals. “Even with data management and complexity difficulties, more than two-thirds of Singaporean firms utilise a combination of private and public cloud and on-premises and hosted data centres.”
Elaborating on the advantages of a hybrid cloud, highlighting its ability to leverage the strengths of both on-premises and cloud systems, Mohit notes that global enterprise leaders believe that a hybrid cloud gives you the flexibility to operate and better control that suits the organisation better operate and better control that suits the organisation best.
The hybrid cloud allows seamless integration for developing digital products and services with agility, enabling data movement across various environments to foster business growth and generate new revenue streams. This is particularly relevant in scenarios where a company is acquired and it is necessary to migrate its legacy on-premises systems to one of the established cloud components.
Hybrid cloud adoption is seen as a tactical advantage, offering a comprehensive solution that combines flexibility, speed, and cost efficiency for organisations undergoing digital transformation. However, despite these benefits, organisations must also address several challenges.
A major challenge is the complexity of operating a hybrid environment that mixes on-premises infrastructure with public and private cloud services. Integration and interoperability challenges may arise, requiring careful design and implementation.
Another significant concern is the issue of security, which requires strong measures to balance accessibility and data protection. Organisations must establish comprehensive security plans to safeguard data, applications, and communication channels.
Additionally, managing the specialised skills, tools, and complexities of data transport and storage in a hybrid environment may increase costs.
Successfully addressing these challenges is crucial for organisations to realise the full benefits of hybrid cloud adoption.
Nevertheless, Mohit recognises that the hybrid cloud is a transformative force, far more than just a technological tool. It is a catalyst for change, a compass directing enterprises through new landscapes.
“With this in mind let’s create new paths together,” Mohit exhorts the delegates, “Empowered by the revolutionary potential of hybrid cloud solutions, we have the opportunity to shape a future characterised by boundless creativity and possibilities.”
Technology Insight
Dilipkumar B. Khandelwal, Chief Technology Officer for SG/SEA at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, provided insights into the advantages and obstacles associated with hybrid cloud utilisation. He also offered his viewpoint on cloud adoption strategies, effective implementation of hybrid approaches, and methods for tackling governance issues.
Dilipkumar recognises the critical importance of a hybrid cloud in modern business operations. This approach combines the best of both worlds, allowing organisations to leverage the scalability and flexibility of cloud services while maintaining control over sensitive data and applications. By embracing a hybrid cloud, businesses can adapt quickly to changing market conditions, innovate with agility, and drive growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
With a hybrid cloud, businesses can run sensitive workloads in their private cloud and transfer data between suitable public cloud data centres, adapting to regulatory changes and evolving requirements.
Business continuity, crucial for regulatory compliance, is improved with hybrid cloud support for application, data, and disaster recovery tasks, protecting against system failures, security issues, and physical disasters.
For example, a company could duplicate critical workload data from a local application to a public cloud, ensuring availability or recovery in case of data loss. In a more complex scenario, a business might scale or migrate a busy application from its private cloud to the public cloud to manage increased user traffic, preventing performance issues and improving user experience.
Enterprise applications and data resources inherently carry security, performance, and reliability risks. Hybrid clouds provide companies with the flexibility and control to strategically position applications and data according to changing business and technological needs.
Building on this idea, with a hybrid cloud, enterprises can choose the location of applications and data and determine the most effective way to allocate resources and services to achieve optimal outcomes for the business and its application users.
Dilipkumar acknowledged that deploying hybrid clouds can be challenging due to configuration and security complexities. IT staff must manage authentication and security measures for private and public cloud workloads and data, ensuring consistency and complementarity across both realms.
“It is crucial to ensure that security settings are consistent and complementary across both realms, as any change in one cloud may need to be reflected in the other,” Dilipkumar cautions.
In tackling these obstacles, Dilipkumar says that HPE provides unmatched simplicity in deploying hybrid cloud solutions. Referred to as a unified edge-to-cloud platform, HPE offers a streamlined and accessible method for building and overseeing hybrid cloud ecosystems.
It integrates critical features such as flexibility, scalability, security, visibility, and ease of management, allowing organisations to deploy traditional or cloud-native workloads across their entire IT ecosystem.
“In the dynamic digital landscape, the hybrid cloud is pivotal for businesses, offering agility and control,” concludes Dilipkumar. “By simplifying the adoption and management of hybrid cloud strategies, HPE empowers companies to leverage the latest technologies effectively and stay ahead. We support a hybrid-centric strategy.”
In Conversation With
A hybrid cloud is a sophisticated cloud computing system that integrates public and private cloud services to manage a wide range of applications effectively. This environment provides organisations with the flexibility to place their most sensitive workloads in an on-premise cloud (private cloud) while leveraging third-party cloud providers for less critical resources, thus allowing them to harness the advantages of both approaches.
For enterprises seeking greater control and security over their data while also requiring a cost-effective way to scale operations to meet fluctuating demands and support long-term growth, a hybrid cloud emerges as the optimal choice.
Sander Veraar, Vice President of Strategic Services at StarHub, underscored the critical role of cost management in companies contemplating cloud migration. While choosing a private cloud involves substantial fixed costs for owning and managing internal data centres, public cloud services offer a more adaptable cost structure with operational and variable expenses.
“A hybrid cloud environment offers companies the flexibility to store their sensitive business-critical data on their on-site servers while utilising the public cloud for less critical data and applications,” explained Sander.
This setup allows businesses to optimise their infrastructure costs by scaling resources according to demand. During periods of increased demand, companies can avoid significant capital expenditures by paying for the resources they actually use. Conversely, when demand decreases, costs are reduced accordingly.
Sander believes that organisations gain significant resource advantages with a hybrid cloud compared to traditional physical data centres. The hybrid cloud’s ability to efficiently allocate, deploy, and scale resources enables companies to respond to spikes in demand quickly. When demand exceeds the local data centre’s capacity, a company must have the capability to scale up immediately to meet the increase, a capability that a hybrid cloud environment provides effectively.
Sander points out that a swift response not only prevents missing potential customers but also protects the organisation’s brand reputation. A hybrid cloud setup allows companies to scale up applications to the public cloud to meet demand, ensuring extra capacity and scalability.
Organisations can proactively manage evolving security challenges in a hybrid cloud environment by tackling the following critical issues and adopting recommended strategies:
- Visibility Challenges: The integration of public and private clouds can introduce complexity and elevate security risks.
- Insecure Data Transmission: Data transfer between public and private clouds poses security risks, such as eavesdropping or cyberattacks. Robust encryption, including hardware security modules and cryptographic tools, is crucial to secure data in transit.
- Compliance Challenges: Hybrid cloud complexity can challenge compliance efforts. To maintain compliance, prioritise it from the start, conduct continuous security assessments, and follow data security guidelines. Encryption and adherence to standards can also help.
- Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Small vendors in the supply chain pose major security risks. Attackers may exploit these vulnerabilities to access larger targets. To mitigate this, use strong encryption and strict access control to secure data transfers and reduce hybrid cloud breach risks.
By effectively addressing these challenges and implementing best practices such as robust encryption, continuous security risk assessment, and stringent compliance adherence, organisations can enhance their security posture in a hybrid cloud environment and proactively mitigate emerging security concerns.
Dilipkumar B. Khandelwal, who serves as a Chief Technology Officer SG/SEA, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, explained that Hybrid cloud solutions combine on-premises and public cloud environments, enabling seamless collaboration and data integration across diverse sources. They enhance intelligence through:
Data Warehouse Integration: Combining data from AWS Redshift, Google BigQuery, and Azure Blob Storage into a centralised data warehouse for quicker insights and decision-making.
IoT Connectivity: Connecting IoT devices to a centralised data repository for improved operational efficiency and insights for predictive maintenance.
Machine Learning Model Training: Increasing accuracy and relevance by feeding machine learning models with real-time data from various sources.
Security Analytics: Strengthening security monitoring and incident detection by collecting and analysing log files and event data from multiple sources.
Customer Experience Enrichment: Improving personalisation and satisfaction by creating a comprehensive customer profile from various touchpoints.
These examples showcase how hybrid cloud solutions streamline data integration, leading to actionable insights, increased efficiency, and enhanced intelligence. They promote collaboration and innovation by connecting data sources and breaking down organisational silos.
In managing threat detection and continuous monitoring in a hybrid cloud environment, various strategies are used to mitigate security risks and promptly identify potential breaches. These include:
- Real-Time Threat Detection: Using advanced cloud security monitoring solutions to continuously scan logs and events across the hybrid environment for anomalous activities in near-real-time.
- Multi-Layer Security Approach: Implementing a combination of native cloud monitoring tools, third-party solutions, and best practices to ensure comprehensive coverage of the hybrid cloud infrastructure.
- Cloud Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Employing an SIEM tool to collect and analyse log data from both physical and virtual servers, aiding in the identification of suspicious behaviour and reducing false positives.
Additionally, employing machine learning algorithms and AI-powered threat detection engines can significantly enhance the identification of sophisticated threats. Collaborating with other organisations and security communities to share threat intelligence can improve defence mechanisms and reduce blind spots.
Applying a zero-trust model, where no entity is implicitly trusted, can help limit the impact of compromised credentials and reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.
“These approaches, coupled with staying abreast of the latest developments in cloud security, enable organisations to defend against the unique challenges of hybrid cloud architectures proactively,” Dilipkumar says.
Closing Remarks
Dilipkumar expressed gratitude to the attendees of the OpenGov Breakfast Insight, acknowledging their dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering professional connections in the digital era.
He views these gatherings not simply as conversations, but as opportunities to exchange valuable experiences and insights essential for navigating the complexities of today’s digital landscape. Dilipkumar is optimistic that these interactions will enable participants to leverage their newfound knowledge in their respective workplaces, promoting innovation and facilitating growth.
Dilipkumar reiterated the benefits of hybrid cloud solutions, which blend public and private cloud services to enhance operational efficiency and flexibility while safeguarding sensitive data. He highlighted their importance in digital transformations to maintain competitiveness and resilience in evolving business environments.
In such circumstances, it becomes evident that businesses can generate significant value for themselves and society at large by embracing technology wisely. He emphasised the necessity of continuous learning and adapting to technological advancements, acknowledging the dynamic nature of the technology sector and the ongoing need for education and evolution.
Furthermore, Dilipkumar encouraged continued collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to foster a robust business ecosystem. He is convinced that success in the digital era hinges on collective efforts and the sharing of insights and best practices. By working together, businesses can create an innovative and sustainable environment that benefits all stakeholders.
Dilipkumar expressed optimism about the delegates’ potential to drive technological innovation and address challenges in the digital era. He urged them to maintain their commitment to advancing technology and assisting companies and customers in navigating the evolving digital landscape.
“Given your experience and dedication, I am confident that you will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the technology industry and fostering business sustainability,” Dilipkumar concluded.
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The Data Innovation and Governance Institute (DIGI), under the Digital Government Development Agency (Public Organisation) or DGA, has organised the International Open Data Day 2024, a significant event aimed at promoting the use of data systems and highlighting the importance of open data in advancing towards sustainable open government. This forum emphasised the critical role that open data plays in driving technological advancements and digital transformations towards sustainable governance.
Open data serves as a powerful catalyst for positive technological change, offering insights into inequalities and disparities in income, wealth, and access to government services. It also helps measure the impact of development initiatives, establish benchmarks, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. By promoting data systems, the event aimed to underscore the transformative power of open data in advancing sustainable development through digital means.
Puchpong Nodthaisong, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (NDESC), previously highlighted the importance of the open data platform in improving the utilisation of government data accounts. The platform ensures that critical national development issues are adequately analysed and decided upon.
Based on the OpenGov report, Puchpong Nodthaisong emphasised, “data is a valuable asset in the country’s growth process, facilitating data analysis and decision-making in various disciplines, including scenario analysis for project planning, monitoring, and evaluation under the country’s economic and social thrust.”
At the forum, Dr Puangpetch Chunlaid, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, played a central role, presiding over the ceremony and delivering a keynote address that underscored the importance of information disclosure in the transition to a digital government. Dr Chunlaid emphasised the pivotal role of data in modern governance, stating that it is crucial for making informed policy decisions, enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation. He highlighted how data-driven approaches can lead to the development of more effective economic and social policies, ultimately fostering strong and sustainable growth.
Mrs Irada Lueangwilai, Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Digital Government Development Agency reiterated the DGA’s commitment to driving digital government development in Thailand. The agency aims to enhance government efficiency through digital technology, develop online services for the public and various sectors, and facilitate information exchange between government agencies, all essential aspects of a digital government.
International Open Data Day has highlighted the importance of information disclosure. In Thailand, the event, hosted by the DGA under the theme “Data-Driven for Sustainability,” emphasised data’s role in sustainable development. The event included activities organised by the DGA, demonstrating Thailand’s commitment to leveraging data for sustainable development and open government.
DGA has been committed to spurring the development of open data in Thailand. It has been proven since 2015, when the DGA’s establishment of the open government data centre, data.go.th, marked a significant achievement in promoting open government policy and strengthening public participation. With over 11,000 datasets released by government agencies, government data has been transformed into a valuable public resource, driving innovations that benefit the nation.
DGA continues to provide information on using open data in the public sector through DIGI’s social media page, Data Innovation and Governance Institute, showcasing the government’s dedication to harnessing data’s power for sustainable development and open government through digital technologies.
The overarching goal of this gathering was to cultivate a culture of data-driven decision-making, equipping individuals with the capabilities to extract profound insights from data. These insights are pivotal in informing decision-making processes and conducting in-depth analyses across various domains.
Moreover, these forums catalyse robust collaborations within a data community, extending beyond national boundaries. They facilitate the exchange of information at an international level, thereby contributing to the harmonisation and integration of diverse datasets. This effort results in tangible use cases that benefit the public and contribute to the further expansion of the economy.
In the future, DGA will consistently collaborate with other stakeholders, including academia, civil society, and the private sector, to expand the reach and impact of open data initiatives. By building partnerships and sharing best practices, DGA seeks to create a more vibrant and sustainable open data ecosystem in Thailand.
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The Ministry of Public Security is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative with the introduction of a draft proposal for Vietnam’s Data Law. This pivotal legislation addresses the pressing need for a centralised national data centre, marking a significant stride towards cohesive data management infrastructure.
Currently, several ministries grapple with inadequate infrastructure to support vital information technology systems. This deficiency results in disjointed databases plagued by issues of standardisation and uniformity. Moreover, existing data centres suffer from insufficient investment, non-compliance with standards, and lax security measures.
To tackle these challenges head-on, the proposed regulations aim to establish a national data centre. This centre will function as a centralised repository, fostering seamless connectivity among disparate databases and information systems.
The Ministry of Public Security is actively working towards the completion and operation of the inaugural national data centre in Hoa Lac (Hanoi) by the end of 2025. This aligns with the timelines set forth in Resolution No. 175/NQ-CP and the effective date of the Data Law on January 1, 2026.
The impact policy assessment report by the Ministry of Public Security underscores the benefits of the national data centre. It anticipates reduced investment costs for the state in digital transformation infrastructure and resources.
This initiative promises streamlined management and expertise for nationwide data activities, spanning collection, storage, management, exploitation, use, and sharing. Additionally, it ensures cost savings in administering information systems outside the state database of political and socio-political organisations.
Organisations, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to register and utilise services from the government-provided national data centre infrastructure and cloud computing services. This not only optimises investment resources but also mitigates concerns surrounding data leakage.
The Ministry of Public Security forecasts significant cost savings for ministries, departments, and localities in data collection and cleaning related to the population. Leveraging information from the national population database is projected to yield substantial savings.
Furthermore, entities currently leasing data infrastructure space at a considerable cost stand to benefit from transitioning to the national data centre. This shift ensures top-tier security and safety while enabling the state to reduce expenses associated with renting premises, operational costs, and business profits.
The Ministry of Public Security actively seeks input from agencies, organisations, and individuals for the draft Data Law. In recent years, Vietnam has demonstrated its commitment to establishing a robust legal framework for data management. Despite numerous laws regulating databases, the current framework is deemed incomplete, lacking unified standards and efficient deployment mechanisms.
The proposed Data Law aims to bridge this gap by addressing crucial areas such as data building, development, processing, and management. It also encompasses regulations on the national consolidated database, the national data centre, and associated products and services.
Ultimately, the Data Law seeks to bolster Vietnam’s digital government, digital economy, and digital society. By ensuring security, safety, and effective support for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this legislation heralds a new era of data management in Vietnam. The Ministry suggests aligning other relevant laws with the provisions of the Data Law to foster a cohesive legal landscape conducive to digital advancement.
As OpenGov Asia reported, Vietnam’s digitalisation journey is propelled by the recently approved National Data Strategy, envisioning ambitious technological advancements by 2030. Central to this strategy is transitioning all administrative procedures online, bolstering efficiency in government services.
To support this, Vietnam plans to interconnect national and regional data centres and high-performance computing hubs, enabling seamless data sharing nationwide. Intending to digitalise the entire national database, Vietnam aims to establish an e-government framework, promoting accessibility and transparency in governance.