Chaiwut Thanakmanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES), recently met with Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, to discuss the possibility of establishing information and communication technology (ICT) and digital technology cooperation between Thailand and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The meeting encompassed ESCAP operations under the Asia-Pacific Information Expressway Initiatives (AP – IS Initiatives) and sharing experiences on projects that promote the development of digital technology personnel through public-private sector collaboration with the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT).
Thailand was voted to the Governing Council for the term 2022-2025, as well as collaboration in having Thailand be a Pacific Internet hub via the CLVT countries’ (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam and Thailand) Internet Exchange Protocol (IXP).
Key topics were discussed including experiences and policies on ICT and science, technology, and innovation (STI):
General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the Prime Minister of Thailand, congratulated the agency that won the National Outstanding Achievement in Cybersecurity Award for 2022. The government places a lot of importance on maintaining cybersecurity by promoting and supporting governance so that agencies can avoid, deal with, and reduce risks from cyber threats. Organisations received a total of 31 cybersecurity performance awards from 21 agencies.
The National Cybersecurity Commission (NHSO) organised the “Prime Minister Awards: Thailand Cybersecurity Excellence Awards 2022.” There were 133 agencies that took part. It brought together the executives of agencies that have received the excellence awards with the goal of promoting the operation and supervision of important information infrastructure by government and private agencies, as well as other agencies, to improve their ability to prevent, deal with, and reduce the risk of cyber threats and to adhere to the Cyber Security Act’s recommendations and meet international standards.
Furthermore, through Minister Chaiwut, the winning team of the 2022 World RoboCup, an international robotics tournament, met with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha. In this world-class robotics tournament, which featured more than 3,000 competitors from 45 countries, Thai children demonstrated their competitive spirit and won numerous awards.
The purpose of the event is to encourage AI research and industry development in particular the robotics and automation business and to establish a global network for the exchange of robotics-related knowledge between educational institutions of all levels and research organisations.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the organising team and the candidates who were prepared to advocate and watch the robot show performance as well as the student representatives from several universities.
By the middle of 2025, Singapore will have complete 5G standalone (SA) coverage over anchorages, fairways, terminals, and boarding areas as the construction of Singapore’s 5G@SEA, the world’s first public and largest 5G Maritime testbed to trial, create, and commercialise Maritime 5G use cases over the next ten years, would be made possible by the 5G coverage in the current port waters.
“As a nation with high ambitions for the transformative powers of 5G, we have rolled out our inland 5G coverage. In partnership with MPA, we now look to extend 5G coverage offshore. We look forward to being able to be one of the world’s first countries for automated ship movement and remote pilotage. IMDA is excited to see the next bound of Maritime innovation as we support Singapore’s efforts as a global Maritime capital,” says Lew Chuen Hong, Chief Executive, IMDA.
Maritime 5G coverage for Singapore’s offshore southern coasts will reduce turnaround time and improve efficiency for ships coming in and out of Singapore, which is home to one of the world’s busiest Maritime activities.
This collaboration, co-funded by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), will be a key enabler in supporting Singapore’s Maritime ambition to handle 65 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) upon Tuas Port’s completion in the 2040s.
The 5G Innovation and Ecosystem Development Programme of IMDA and the MPA’s Innovation Lab collaborated to create Singapore’s 5G@SEA Maritime testbed. A local mobile network provider will offer 5G SA network coverage as part of this partnership.
Singapore’s 5G@SEA Maritime testbed will speed up MarineTech research and development and enable the testing of new applications that can enhance Maritime innovation, job design & transformation, and safety once it is developed by the middle of 2025. Initial use cases will concentrate on Remote Assisted Pilotage Advisory (RAPA) for automation, productivity, and human safety as a starting point.
An MPA-licensed Harbour Pilot is required to physically board vessels 300 Gross Tonnes (GT) and greater entering the port of Singapore to give shipmasters instructions on how to manoeuvre the vessel safely through Singapore’s waters. A harbour pilot must currently travel from the pier to large boats in a tiny harbour craft before ascending a series of vertical ladders to the ship’s deck.
Using real-time video images that give them situational awareness of the ship, maritime 5G will allow these pilots to remotely guide the ship from a shore-based control centre. This eliminates the requirement for the pilot to physically board the ship. By converting the physically hard task of a harbour pilot to remote operations, RAPA will help to considerably increase service efficiency, resource utilisation, and safety.
Another potential future maritime use case is maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), which will allow businesses to create and test new systems for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications, autonomous manoeuvres and remote control of ships.
MASS’s sensors are anticipated to produce a significant amount of vital data for tasks like docking and collision avoidance. In our crowded port waters, maritime 5G can offer a secure, high-performance network for the exchange of navigational safety data between MASS and between MASS and shore-based control centres.
Other maritime 5G use cases include shore-to-ship delivery, in which drones may transfer vital components to ships at sea swiftly in place of ships docking for essential inspections and repairs. Telemedicine via HD video streaming will make it easier for ships without onboard medical staff to provide speedy diagnoses for less serious patients.
Vietnam has said it wants to collaborate with the United Nations on digital transformation in both policy formulation and implementation. This was announced at a meeting between the UN Under-Secretary-General and Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, Amandeep Singh Gill, and the Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the international organisation, Dang Hoang Giang.
Vietnam is willing to contribute to the UN’s policies and strategies in the field, including an initiative on a global digital agreement in the Secretary-General’s report on “Our Common Agenda”. Vietnam can share experiences with other countries and the UN on ensuring online education during the COVID-19 pandemic to prepare for future crises. Giang stated that he would connect the office of the UN Under-Secretary-General with Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and IT enterprises in contribution to the UN’s digital transformation efforts.
For his part, Singh Gill highly appreciated Vietnam’s achievements in IT development and digital transformation in recent years, especially the government’s implementation of a national digital transformation strategy for 2025, with a vision for 2030. He noted that the UN and Vietnam have a lot of potential for cooperation and plans to strengthen connections with businesses operating in Vietnam’s IT sector.
Last month, a Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation (CF) was signed between Vietnam and all UN resident and non-resident agencies in Vietnam for the 2022-2026 period. The framework guides and steers the government and the UN’s collaboration on accelerating progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights the joint commitment to deliver sustainable development for all.
The CF will be implemented at a time when Vietnam has strengthened its post-pandemic economic recovery, responded to climate change, and transitioned to a green, circular economy. The government has also been making efforts to improve institutions and policies to mobilise resources from all economic sectors to develop the country.
According to the Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung, together with other development partners, the UN plays an important role in supporting Vietnam in its growth, integration, and strong participation in global progress. It offers policy advice to the government, shares Vietnam’s experience with developing countries, and introduces international experience to ensure a sustainable, green growth economy that balances economic and social development.
Vietnam and the UN have outlined four key development outcomes, namely inclusive social development, climate change response, disaster resilience and environmental sustainability, shared prosperity through economic transformation and governance, and access to justice.
Digitisation will play a key part in delivering services to the public, especially citizens in remote and rural areas. Therefore, promoting e-governance is part of the country’s national digital transformation strategy for 2025. The plan aims to have 80% of public services at level 4 be online. 90% of work records at ministerial and provincial levels will be online while 80% of work records at the district level and 60% of work records at the commune level will be processed online. All national databases including those for population, land, business registration, finance, and insurance will be online and connected, with shared data on a government reporting information system.
Adelaide has been selected as the location for a new 5G Industrial Incubation Lab by a Finnish telecommunications company which is already supporting improvements in safety, productivity and efficiency at Adelaide Airport.
Based at the University of Adelaide, the federally funded 5G Industrial Incubation Lab was first announced in August 2021 following an agreement between the telecom and the South Australia Government’s Department for Trade and Investment.
The Lab is an exciting addition to South Australia’s economy and hi-tech ecosystem with 5G having the potential to contribute $8 trillion to global GDP by 2030 and covering a wide variety of industries, including mining, transport and health.
Opening the 5G Industrial Incubation Lab to a broad set of industries will encourage the development of an ecosystem of technology leaders in Adelaide and further positions South Australia as a true innovation hub for the entire Oceania region.
5G wireless technology has the ability to connect mobile robots, machines, sensors, computers, and people creating opportunities to relay data more rapidly. This, in turn, enables the automation and operation of robots and drones. The productivity improvements resulting from this automation will create significant economic growth in South Australia.
The Managing Director of the telecommunications firm for Oceania stated that the company is proud to bring its 5G technology leadership to South Australia and the exciting new 5G use cases that are being developed at the 5G Industrial Incubation Lab. Through the lab, and together with its ecosystem partners, industries are being shown the benefits of 5G for safer, more efficient and more sustainable operations.
The 5G Industrial Incubation Lab has deployed and commissioned a 5G network at the University of Adelaide, which has been placed inside a shielded room (Faraday cage) to ensure there is no interference with the public 5G network.
The Lab has undertaken three pilot projects supported by Adelaide Airport Limited, South Australian Power Network and the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, underpinned by the expertise of the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML). The projects cover:
Adelaide Airport Limited is one of the lab’s first industry customers. Currently, it is testing a variety of cameras and wearables including the HoloLens camera developed by an American multinational technology corporation. The aim is to determine the optimal 5G bandwidth required to most effectively run remote operations. The results are being used to determine how a 5G scaled deployment can improve the safety and efficiency of Adelaide Airport’s operations, across multiple sites, including Parafield Airport.
For Adelaide Airport, high-definition video streaming will be used for real-time analysis of airport inspection and safety monitoring. Using 5G wireless technology is a future platform for connecting mobile robots, machines, sensors, computers and people, creating opportunities for automation hasn’t been possible on a scale that up until now.
In this way, 5G-enabled networks will be essential for the automation of the world’s physical industries, leading to productivity gains.
The EGM for Technology and Innovation at Adelaide Airport Limited stated that working with the Industrial Incubation Lab has provided us with a much better understanding of the benefits 5G can bring to our airport’s business.
The telecom has already hired two full-time engineers to work on the National 5G Industrial Incubation Lab and further growth is anticipated in line with business demand. It is expected the firm’s expertise in 5G with the Azure Space platform will provide a national unique capability for industrial automation and other critical industries in South Australia. An ecosystem has been established to support and grow the lab’s 5G capabilities. These partners include the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), MIT bigdata Living Lab, Adelaide Airport Limited, SA Power Networks as well as the South Australian Government among others.
In a joint effort between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and other U.S. institutions of higher education, scientists have shown off an AI system with the ability to pick up on the nuances of human language with relative ease. In addition to being able to learn lower-level language patterns automatically, this model is also capable of automatically learning higher-level language patterns that can apply to numerous languages.
The researchers trained and evaluated the model using problems from 58 distinct language-specific linguistics textbooks. Each task contained a list of words with appropriate word-form modifications. For 60 per cent of the problems, the model was able to provide a correct set of rules to explain these word-form modifications.
This technique could be applied to the study of linguistic hypotheses and the investigation of minor parallels between the ways in which distinct languages modify words. The system discovers models that can be easily comprehended by people, and it learns these models from modest amounts of data, such as a few dozen words.
Additionally, the system makes use of numerous tiny datasets rather than a single large one. This is closer to how scientists propose hypotheses, which is to look at numerous related datasets and develop models to explain phenomena across those datasets.
The researchers chose to investigate the relationship between phonology and morphology in their endeavour to create an AI system that could automatically train a model from numerous related datasets (the study of word structure).
The researchers utilised a machine-learning method called Bayesian Programme Learning to create a model that could learn grammar or a set of rules for putting words together. Using this method, the model creates a computer programme to address a challenge.
The grammar that the model believes is most likely to explain the words and their meanings in a linguistics problem is known as the programme. They created the model using Sketch, a well-known software synthesiser created by Solar-Lezama at MIT.
Meanwhile, Parkinson’s disease is renowned for being challenging to diagnose because it primarily depends on the emergence of motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness, although these symptoms frequently occur several years after the disease’s onset. An AI model created by MIT researchers may identify Parkinson’s disease solely by observing a person’s breathing patterns.
The tool may determine whether someone has Parkinson’s disease based on their nocturnal breathing patterns, which are like the breathing patterns that occur while sleeping. A neural network is a collection of connected algorithms that mimics the way a human brain functions.
Cerebrospinal fluid and neuroimaging have been investigated as potential screening tools for Parkinson’s disease over the years, but these techniques are invasive, expensive, and require access to specialized medical facilities, preventing them from routine testing that would otherwise enable early diagnosis or ongoing disease progression monitoring.
The MIT researchers showed that a Parkinson’s assessment using AI may be carried out each night at home while the patient is sleeping and without having to touch them.
To do this, the scientists developed a device that resembles a Wi-Fi router for a home but instead of providing internet access, it emits radio signals, examines how they are reflected off the surrounding area, and then, without any physical contact, extracts the subject’s breathing patterns. There is no effort required from the patient or caregiver since the breathing signal is then sent to the neural network to passively assess Parkinson’s.
The study, which was conducted in partnership with other universities, clinics, and the Massachusetts General Hospital, has significant implications for the development of Parkinson’s medications and clinical care.
The Monash University Malaysia and The United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU-IIST) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the deliberative and participative deployment of critical technologies in Malaysia. The MoU was signed virtually, in June 2022 by the former Head of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, and the Director of UNU, Macau.
Led by Lecturer and Coordinator of the master’s in communications and Media Studies (MCMS), Dr Preeti Raghunath from the School of Arts and Social Sciences, the MoU will focus on cooperation and collaboration in research, and multi-stakeholder consultations and participation in Southeast Asia. It will also focus on capacity-sharing in critical technologies in Southeast Asia, focusing on Malaysia.
As part of the MoU, Dr Preeti is currently engaged in a research consultancy on Gender and AI in Malaysia. Multiple stakeholders are currently being interviewed for the project, including government officials, non-governmental entities, academics, and those from the private sector. She extended her gratitude for the support from the University’s President and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Matthew Nicholson, the School leadership and the Monash University Malaysia Quality and Governance team.
The Director of UNU, Macau stated that the organisation is thrilled to collaborate with Monash University Malaysia on gender-sensitive AI policy in Southeast Asia, as part of the Institute’s research programme on international AI ethics and policy. There is much work to be done in this field and we are looking forward to tackling this in future research projects together.
The partnership will also focus on co-supervision in research, training and capacity-sharing with policymakers. It will lead to joint research, workshops, conferences and other modalities. Dr Preeti will be the point of contact for the MoU and welcomes being contacted for collaborative efforts at Monash University Malaysia.
The United Nations University Institute in Macau is a UN global think tank on Digital Technology and Sustainability. UNU Macau conducts UN policy-relevant research and generates solutions, addressing key issues expressed in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through high-impact innovations and frontier technologies. Through its research, UNU Macau encourages data-driven and evidence-based actions and policies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
According to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of Australia, critical technologies are current and emerging technologies with the capacity to significantly enhance or pose risk to the national interest.
Meanwhile, the United States Government Accountability Office states that critical technologies – such as elements of artificial intelligence and biotechnology – are necessary to maintain the technological superiority of the nation. As such, they are frequently the target of theft, espionage, and illegal export by adversaries.
The United States Department of Defense (DOD) outlined a revised process to better identify and protect its critical technologies including those associated with acquisition programs throughout their lifecycle or those early in development. Prior DOD efforts to identify these technologies were considered by some military officials to be too broad to guide protection. The revised process is expected to address this by offering more specificity about what elements of an acquisition program or technology need to be protected and the protection measures DOD is expected to implement.
Researchers at New Zealand’s Eastern Institute of Technology are testing cutting-edge technology that it is hoped will significantly improve the economic and environmental outcomes of soil management for the agricultural and horticultural sectors. The new technology measures natural background gamma rays (which are given off by soils) and converts that into detailed soil maps.
The system utilises a Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS) mounted on an ATV and takes up to 800 data points every hectare as the vehicle is driven over the ground, measuring the background caesium, thorium, potassium and uranium radiation levels present in all soils. Three or four physical soil samples are taken to calibrate the readings for each block and detailed soil maps are produced resulting in significantly improved soil analysis.
The scans produce maps for physical parameters, such as organic matter, sand, silt and clay percentages, carbon content, soil water holding capacity and plant available water as well as the nutrient values, such as potassium, phosphate, calcium, pH, magnesium, nitrate as N, boron, copper, iron, manganese, sulphur, sodium, and zinc.
The information can be fed into a precision-agriculture enabled tractor to allow variable rate applications so growers can target “inputs” such as seed, fertilisers, water and lime to better meet the crop requirements, save money, improve crop production and meet the ever-increasing environmental requirements.
The research is being conducted by Dr Glen Robertshaw who lectures on the Environmental Management programmes at EIT’s School of Primary Industries. Chris, who is the project lead, and Glen, who is the technical lead, are conducting the research with industry support.
Chris Thorman stated that if this system is validated for New Zealand soil conditions, it could provide growers unparalleled detail of their soils and may help understand how growing operations can be better managed to sustainably protect soils while reducing the cost per tonne of produce.
The global soil analysis technology market is set to be worth US$684 million in 2022 and is estimated to surpass a valuation of US$ 1.26 billion by the end of 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2022 to 2032. As per a recent industry analysis, revenue from soil analysis technology accounted for around 5.7% share of the global environmental testing market in 2021.
Increasing levels of pollution, as well as natural soil erosion, have resulted in growth in the revenue of the agricultural testing market across the globe. Soil analysis technology helps to improve land quality by allowing for the inspection of the soil with regard to whether the soil conditions are suitable for agricultural activities. Materials such as lime are used in the neutralisation of pH where the soil is acidic. Soil analysis or soil testing services are confined to some specific regions. With advancements in technology, the reliability of off-site soil testing centres will increase in the future.
The roadmap of technology will change and new cost-effective methods for the synthesis of soil testing will emerge. With the rise in industrial infrastructure in rural areas across the globe, demand for soil testing equipment is likely to grow due to concerns about industrial runoffs and waste.
The report notes that growing awareness amongst end users about the quantitative assurance provided by international quality and safety standards is key to the increasing prominence of inspection, testing, and certification services. Such regulations, besides globalisation, are expected to boost the sales of soil analysis technology by 1.8X over the decade.
The Sangguniang Kabataan, or Youth Council will host the first barangay-based Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) in the Philippines initiated by the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Region IX+BASULTA in the province of Zamboanga City. Barangay is the country’s smallest administrative division.
“We celebrate a momentous occasion, a milestone for digitalising the regions. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is proud to launch the Digital Transformation Center in Mercedes, Zamboanga City. Now, the citizens of Zamboanga City can enjoy an Innovation Hub that will cater to their ICT needs,” says Ivan John E. Uy, Secretary, DICT.
The DTC will serve as the public’s I-C-T hub, delivering training specifically tailored to address community needs, a co-working space for creative collaboration, and an incubator for businesses with the purpose of utilising Filipinos’ superior ICT resources and abilities. Additionally, the DTC will develop and support local people with superior digital skills.
In the era of the digital economy, demand waves have been rising with time. While some vocations were rendered obsolete by technology, new opportunities also arose as a result. The only way to prosper is to embrace digital transformation and create a society that is ICT-enabled and equipped for the global economy.
Filipinos may achieve this by providing ICT training through the Digital Transformation Centre to their population, particularly the youth. The building for the ICT Hub will be provided by the local government, and DICT IX will give basic to advanced ICT training there while also donating 10 PCs, 5 tablets, and a printer.
The first Digital Transformation Centres were established in the Philippines by DICT in 2021, and they are situated in the regional DICT offices in the provinces of Isabela City, Basilan, Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga City.
It was in September 2019, that the DTC Initiative was introduced with the aim of assisting nations in enhancing citizens’ digital capabilities, particularly in underprivileged communities. The chosen DTCs join a global network of organisations that aims to hasten public adoption of digital technology and increase young entrepreneurs’ and SMEs’ chances of success in the digital economy.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHL), through its Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights (BCRR), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a company that operates a metaverse platform to support local content creators in their efforts to confidently create in virtual spaces and more effectively connect with a global audience.
Emerson G. Cuyo, Director of BCCR, claims that the metaverse gives creators and artists greater control over the use, commercialisation, and monetisation of their intellectual property in a way that has never been seen before.
Since the Philippines has long been known for its people’s intrinsic aptitude and creativity, whether people see the metaverse as an extension of the real world or a new digital universe, it stands to boost the country’s creative industry.
IPOPHL and the metaverse corporation agree to collaborate and promote the creation, protection, commercialisation, and internationalisation of unique Philippine-registered IP intellectual property products and services, as well as creative content, within the terms of the MoU. In addition, the metaverse will be an essential market for the promotion of unique Filipino content and creativity by Filipinos.
IPOPHL is the Philippine government agency tasked with administering and implementing state intellectual property (IP) policy to strengthen the country’s IP rights protection. In addition, the agency promotes the use of patent information as a tool for technological advancement.
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