This allocation will ensure a seamless experience for end-users

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore has announced plans to allocate more radio frequency spectrum to enhance Wi-Fi connectivity in the country. This will involve allocating 500 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band specifically for Wi-Fi use.

The lower segment of the 6 GHz band, ranging from 5,925 MHz to 6,425 MHz, has been identified globally as suitable for Wi-Fi use. This additional spectrum will enable the deployment of the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology, which supports wider Wi-Fi channels, including 160-MHz channels. These channels are 2 to 8 times wider than the current 20-MHz to 80-MHz channels in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

The availability of wider 160-MHz channels will offer faster theoretical maximum speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, doubling the current maximum speeds of up to 4.8 Gbps. Additionally, it will support lower latency use cases, providing an improved experience for bandwidth-intensive and low latency applications.

The allocation of more spectrum in the 6 GHz band is essential to meet the growing demand for data-intensive and low latency use cases, such as interconnected devices, robots with autonomous mobility, generative AI, and augmented or virtual reality experiences. It will reduce contention over Wi-Fi and maintain a good user experience as these applications become more prevalent.

Furthermore, this allocation will ensure a seamless experience for end-users as they transition between different connectivity options in Singapore. While the Nationwide Broadband Network (NBN) provides high-speed fibre broadband connectivity, Wi-Fi serves as the primary connectivity medium for in-unit or in-building wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi technology needs to keep pace with NBN developments to deliver the full potential of the next-generation technology upgrade.

For enterprises, the enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity will enable greater digital innovation, improving efficiency and productivity. It will support augmented and virtual reality experiences at scale, workplace training, and Industry 4.0 innovations like robotics and high-definition video monitoring.

For consumers, the improved Wi-Fi connectivity will enhance home connectivity for bandwidth-intensive activities like remote working, home-based learning, and entertainment. It will also ensure a seamless experience as devices transition between Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity.

IMDA plans to amend its regulations to allocate the 5,925 MHz to 6,425 MHz spectrum for Wi-Fi use. Commercial availability of Wi-Fi 6E-enabled equipment and devices in Singapore is expected by the third quarter of 2023.

Tags: IMDASingapore

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ACCC welcomes funding

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has expressed its support for the establishment of the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) by the Australian Government. The recently announced budget allocated $US58 million to the ACCC for the setup of the NASC over the next two years.

The funding will be used to develop the necessary technology infrastructure for high-frequency data sharing with various agencies, law enforcement, and the private sector. The goal is to make Australia a more difficult target for scammers. The NASC will bring together expertise and resources to disrupt scammers’ contact with Australians, raise consumer awareness about avoiding scams, and connect scam victims with appropriate services.

By sharing scam reports and implementing other initiatives, the NASC will provide valuable insights to the finance, telecommunications, and digital platforms sectors, enabling them to take timely and effective measures to prevent scams. The NASC will be phased in from July 1, 2023, with the development of data-sharing technology taking place over the next three years.

Additionally, the NASC will establish fusion cells to coordinate efforts between the government and the private sector to combat specific scam activities more effectively. This enhanced coordination and focus will help target anti-scam activities and reduce losses to scams.

During its initial year of operation, the NASC will collaborate closely with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to deliver a scam website takedown service and support the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in combating telecommunications scams.

The ACCC welcomes the government’s commitment to introducing an SMS Sender ID register, similar to Singapore’s, which will aid in disrupting impersonation scams and help consumers verify the authenticity of text messages.

While these steps are positive in the fight against scams, the ACCC emphasizes the need for effective cross-industry standards to prevent scammers from exploiting weak links. The ACCC has been consulting on the future work of the NASC since receiving seed funding in October 2022, with the aim of better protecting consumers from scams through increased coordination across government, finance and telecommunications sectors, and digital platforms.

Tags: ACCCAnti-scamNASC

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Unleashing innovative 5G mobile, fixed telecom services and system integration

Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited (HTHK) and HKBN Group (HKBN) have announced the expansion of their strategic collaboration to target the enterprise market in Hong Kong. In addition to their existing Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) collaboration, the companies will now offer 5G mobile, fixed telecom network services, and system integration (SI) solutions to corporate customers. This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive digital solutions to enterprises in sectors such as finance, retail chain stores, and public utilities.

By combining HTHK’s robust 5G network with HKBN’s fixed network services, the collaboration will enable fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) and offer advanced 5G mobile solutions, fibre optic network services, and diversified ICT services to meet the technical needs of enterprises in Hong Kong. HTHK’s 5G network provides high-speed connectivity, ultra-low latency, and extensive coverage across the territory.

Kenny Koo, Executive Director and CEO of Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Limited (HTHKH), expressed the company’s intention to expand the strategic collaboration with HKBN, leveraging the strengths of both companies to provide innovative 5G and fixed network enterprise solutions. The collaboration aims to support corporate customers in their digital transformation journey, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen the companies’ position in the business-to-business market.

William Yeung, HKBN Co-Owner and Executive Vice-chairman, emphasized the joint efforts to expand their presence in the corporate market, focusing on 5G, network solutions, and digital transformation. He highlighted the increased demand for network services and digital solutions from enterprise customers, particularly in the finance and retail industries. By leveraging their tri-carrier network and HTHK’s 5G mobile network solutions, the collaboration aims to provide competitive and comprehensive telecom and ICT services to customers, achieving synergy and mutual success.

Tags: HKBNHTHKPrnasia

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Technology buyers across Asia/Pacific are addressing their digital trust concerns

According to a recent IDC report titled, IDC Asia/Pacific (Excluding Japan) Trust and Resilience Update, the topic of digital trust is becoming increasingly important. The report also found there is an increased emphasis on consumer faith in cybersecurity, data privacy, and responsible artificial intelligence (AI).

This IDC report explores how security technology buyers across Asia/Pacific are addressing their digital trust concerns and challenges for 2023. This report also aims to help technology vendors better understand how macroeconomic factors are changing how organizations in the region view and deal with digital trust necessities.

“Trust, in its basic form, is a condition that enables decisions to be made between two or more entities with a level of confidence and quantifiable risk and subjective reputation for an exchange of mutual benefit to occur,’ says Christian Fam, Research Manager, Cybersecurity Services, IDC Asia/Pacific. “Yet, digital trust can only be borne out of transparency. To foster a trusted, long-lasting partnership, vendors must be transparent in validating and verifying the trustworthiness of their services, products, internal processes, and business operations,” added Fam.

At the foundational level, establishing trust and robust risk management processes are interlinked and interrelated so much that organizations in the region are heavily investing in creating trust throughout their organization, with their partners, and with their customers. According to IDC’s FutureScape: Worldwide Future of Trust 2022 Predictions – Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) ( APeJ ) Implications, by 2026, 25 per cent of APeJ organizations will replace net promoter score-like metrics with trust indices in request for proposals (RFPs) to align traditional security risk solutions with customer success, brand, and reputation.

At the aggregate level, erosion of trust is the biggest concern for organizations in the region, followed by financial loss, and reputational damage. But there is little consistency across the region regarding primary concern. Even though businesses are adopting more security solutions to counteract the evolving threat landscape, organizations continue to struggle with the frustration of managing disparate tools and chasing false positives. Without integration, security teams spend too much time making sense of data across the siloed tools and platforms, creating a hurdle for businesses wanting to establish trust, internally and externally.

“Digital trust is the confidence that users and customers have in the ability of people, process, and technology to create a secure digital world. With the rise in cybersecurity attacks, security hygiene, cyber resilience, and trust indices will be key demands from service partners,” ends Fam.

Digital transformation has expanded the availability, velocity, and mission-critical need of data. Enterprises need to be prepared to respond to any cyberattack, data breach, and privacy concerns. IDC’s Asia/Pacific Security Opportunities: Trust and Resilience provides a comprehensive look at the full breadth of the security market that includes hardware, software, services, and people. This research program examines security market trends, vendor performances, strategies, customer preferences, and buying behaviours for the Asia/Pacific region. It highlights unique perspectives in the Asia/Pacific region around cyber resilience, compliance, and digital trust issues. The service also provides an analysis of technology advancements, emerging trends, players, and best practices for the Asia/Pacific security market.

Tags: Asia Pacificdigital trustIDC

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The program aims to grow program will help health and medtech SMEs

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has launched a free program to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the growing health and medical technologies sector to develop new products and services.

Applications are now open for the 10-week Innovate to Grow program, which provides SMEs with the knowledge and tools to better identify and understand their research and development (R&D) opportunities, plus develop actionable business plans to advance their innovative idea.

Dr Susie Nilsson, Biomedical Manufacturing Research Director at CSIRO, said the health and medical technologies sectors play a pivotal role in growing Australia’s economy thanks to our aging population, disruptive technologies and COVID-19 driving local manufacturing capabilities.

“Australia is home to more than 1,000 companies working in the medtech and pharmaceutical sector alone, and many of these are small and medium enterprises who we know can sometimes struggle with the transition from R&D to a viable product,” Dr Nilsson said.

“Supporting these businesses as they pursue new treatments and technologies boosts not only our economy but most importantly helps people live healthier and more productive lives.”

Michelle Armistead, CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow Coordinator said the program is a great opportunity for businesses looking to turn an idea into a viable research and development opportunity and provides invaluable connections to industry experts.

“With assistance from experienced researchers and innovation experts, participants in the program will work with a mentor to examine their technical and business challenges, explore their research and development opportunities, learn tips for partnering with research organisations and develop strong funding applications,” Ms Armistead said.

“After completing the program, eligible participants may be able to access continued support through CSIRO, such as being connected to national research expertise or dollar-matched R&D funding to keep moving their ideas forward.”

Innovate to Grow: Health and Medtech is open to SMEs working in the following sub-sectors:

• Health & Nutrition
• Digital Health
• Botanical pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
• Diagnostics, Biosensors & Biomedical Devices
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Drug Discovery
• Vaccines & Biologic Therapeutics

Tags: CSIROSMEs

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ACMA investigations found 3 telco provides that were guilty

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has taken action against a number of telcos after compliance failures were used by scammers to send SMS road toll, Medicare and Australia Post impersonation scams to consumers.

ACMA investigations found Sinch Australia Pty Ltd (Sinch), Infobip Information Technology Pty Ltd (Infobip) and Phone Card Selector Pty Ltd (Phone Card) allowed SMS to be sent using text-based sender IDs without sufficient checks to ensure they were being used legitimately.

The ACMA found Infobip allowed 103,146 non-compliant SMS to be sent, which included scams impersonating well known Australian road toll companies. Sinch allowed 14,291 non-complaint SMS, which included Medicare and Australia Post impersonation scams.

Phone Card was also found to have inadequate systems in place to comply with the rules, however there is no evidence that scammers exploited the opportunities it created.

Text-based sender IDs can be used by scammers to pose as legitimate organisations such as government agencies, banks, and road toll companies. Under the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMS Code, Australian telcos must obtain evidence from customers that they have a legitimate reason to use text-based sender IDs (such as business names) in SMS.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the investigations showed scammers will readily take advantage of vulnerabilities created by telcos.

“While there is no suggestion the telcos were involved in scam activity themselves, scammers have used their failures to prey on Australians. This wouldn’t have happened if the companies had adequate processes in place and complied with the rules,” she said.

“Scams that impersonate reputable organisations can be particularly hard for consumers to recognise and there’s no telling how much damage could have been done as a result of these scam texts.”

The ACMA has given Sinch and Infobip formal directions to comply with the obligations, the strongest enforcement action available for code breaches. Phone Card has been given a formal warning.

Combating SMS and identity theft phone scams is an ACMA compliance priority and telcos may face penalties of up to $US250,000 for breaching ACMA directions to comply with the code.

The ACMA has also welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that the agency will develop an SMS sender ID register to help prevent offshore scammers impersonating trusted brands and government agencies.

“This initiative will help close a key vulnerability used by scammers. The ACMA looks forward to working with industry and trusted brands as we implement this new protection,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

Tags: ACMAAustralia

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The government is making new investments that align with their vision

The Australian Government has allocated an additional $US630 million to the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force to enhance Australia’s migration program and strengthen border and national security measures. These investments align with the government’s vision of a targeted and simplified migration system that serves the national interests and facilitates the integration of migrants into society and the economy. The key measures included in this investment are as follows:

Migration Program and Settlement Services: Approximately 70 per cent of places in the 2023-24 Permanent Migration Program will be allocated to the Skill stream to address skills shortages. Partner and child visas will continue to be demand driven. Efforts to address domestic skill deficits will be complemented by education, training, and sectoral reforms.

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): The TSMIT, which has been frozen for a decade, will be raised from $US53,900 to $US70,000 starting from July 1. This aims to eliminate wage suppression for both migrant and Australian workers.

Post-Study Work Rights: Temporary Graduate visa holders with select degrees will receive an additional two years of post-study work rights. This initiative aims to enhance the availability of skilled labour in key sectors.

Visa Processing and ICT Systems: An additional $US48.1 million will be allocated to support 500 visa processing officers, contributing to the management of visa applications. Furthermore, $US27.8 million will be invested in upgrading existing visa ICT systems to improve efficiency in visa service delivery and enhance Australia’s appeal to global talent, students, and tourists.

Youth Transition Support: $US9.1 million will be provided over 12 months to ensure the continuation of Youth Transition Support services. These services aim to improve employment, education, and social connections for refugees and vulnerable migrants aged 15 to 25.

Border Security: Additional funding will be allocated over the next two years to safeguard Australia’s borders. This includes maintaining the Airline Liaison Officer Program in the offshore network to deter and disrupt irregular travel. Furthermore, an initial investment of $US17.9 million in 2023-24 will be made to ensure the safety and global competitiveness of Western Sydney International Airport.

Critical Infrastructure and Systems of National Significance: $US19.5 million will be invested in managing threats to Australia’s critical infrastructure, enhancing security, and strengthening the resilience of systems and assets crucial to the nation’s functioning.

National Office for Cyber Security: In support of the establishment of a National Cyber Security Coordinator, the government will invest $US46.5 million over the next four years. This funding will facilitate leadership and coordination across the Australian Public Service in responding to major cyber security incidents. The National Office for Cyber Security will be established, and staff from the Department of Home Affairs will be assigned to bolster government information technology security.

Trade Modernisation: An allocation of $US8.0 million for 2023-24 will enable the Australian Border Force and Home Affairs to continue implementing whole-of-government reforms under the Simplified Trade System agenda. These reforms aim to diversify trade, improve supply chain productivity and resilience, and maintain effective border controls and community protection.

Tags: Australian GovernmentMinistry of home affairs

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Watcher economies are still in the early stages of their sustainability initiatives

The International Data Corporation (IDC) has identified three distinct country segments in the Asia Pacific market for sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) related technology products and services. These segments are called Pacesetters, Emerging Leaders, and Watchers, representing different levels of sustainability maturity based on national policies and regulations.

Pacesetter economies have a strong regulatory environment for sustainability/ESG adoption, leading to high demand for sustainability/ESG-related technologies and services. Companies in these economies are focused on expanding their sustainability initiatives and may require sophisticated emissions tracking and analytics technologies.

Emerging Leaders economies are experiencing increasing interest in sustainability/ESG initiatives, driving demand for ESG data management, supply chain data management, product lifecycle data management, ESG reporting, and decarbonization technologies.

Watcher economies are still in the early stages of their sustainability initiatives and are focused on establishing their baseline and extracting emissions data from their operations. They may not require advanced technologies at this stage.

The speed of regulatory changes in the Asia Pacific region is impacting the demand for technologies that enable companies to meet stricter sustainability and ESG reporting requirements. Organizations are re-evaluating their business models, asset utilization, and supply chains to improve their sustainability performance and ESG metrics.

Eight economies in Asia Pacific, including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, are identified as hotspots for sustainability strategies and technologies. Companies operating in these countries will have an increased need for ESG data management, supply chain management, ESG reporting, and decarbonization technologies.

Sustainability performance and ESG scores are becoming important for accessing cheaper capital through green financing and preferred procurement in government and enterprise contracts.

To succeed in this evolving regulatory environment, organizations need to stay updated on sustainability/ESG policies and regulations and invest in ESG-related technologies and services to enhance their data collection, monitoring, validation, reporting capabilities, and sustainability credentials.

The IDC Sustainability Research Framework, which measures the impact of regulatory drivers on the adoption of sustainability strategies and technologies, was used to derive these insights. The framework considers factors such as the rule of law, public policy implementation, business compliance, implementing structure, and the conversion of international sustainability commitments to national public agendas across 16 Asia Pacific countries.

Tags: Asia PacificESGIDC

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Average supply chain IT budget will be allocated to growth and performance

According to Gartner, Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs) are increasingly recognizing the opportunity to invest in new technology to drive growth in supply chain management. A survey of supply chain leaders revealed that 65 per cent of respondents believe it will be easier to fund new technology investments, with 73 per cent of supply chain IT budgets allocated to growth and performance enhancements.

Gartner has identified the top eight supply chain technology trends that will likely receive significant investment:

• Actionable AI: Actionable AI enables data-driven decision-making by mimicking human problem-solving and adapting to real-world circumstances based on past decisions and experiences.
• Smart Operations: Smart operations extend the concept of smart manufacturing to encompass all core operational capabilities, including manufacturing, service, and logistics. It involves orchestrating distributed processes and systems to transform businesses.
• Mobile Asset Optimization: Mobile asset optimization maximizes the use of an enterprise’s mobile assets through the combination of business process software, sensory technologies, and operational research techniques. This trend includes intralogistics smart robots in warehouses and transportation visibility platforms for improved collaboration.
• Industry Cloud Platforms: Industry cloud platforms combine SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS with specific functionality for vertical industry use cases. They serve as agile composable platforms with industry-specific packaged business capabilities, expanding technology innovation into business innovation.
• Employee Engagement: Employee engagement tools and applications aim to improve frontline worker performance, satisfaction, and retention. This trend encompasses mixed reality, mobile devices, wearables, collaboration tools, and more, anchored in a broader workforce strategy.
• Composable Application Architecture: Composable business applications follow the principles of modularity, autonomy, orchestration, and discovery to address specific business use cases. These encapsulated software components represent well-defined business capabilities.
• Cyber Resilient Supply Chains: As supply chains adopt advanced technologies, they become more interconnected, leading to increased cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Cyber resilience involves implementing tools, processes, and governance methods to mitigate cybersecurity risks.
• Supply Chain Integration Services: Supply chain integration services include technology platforms, integration teams, strategic decision-making on application connections, and cloud services to manage integrations. Integration is elevated to a strategic vision of a more interconnected world.

These trends reflect the evolving landscape of supply chain management, driven by the need for growth, resilience, and scalability. Organizations that stay informed about these technology trends and make strategic investments can enhance their supply chain capabilities and drive competitive advantage.

Tags: GartnerSupply chain IT

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The Ministry recognizes the integral role of the Internet in Indonesian society

The Ministry of Communications and Informatics (MCI) and the National Digital Literacy Movement (GNLD) Siberkreasi have organized the Digital Literacy Week in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, as part of the #MakinCakapDigital campaign. The one-day workshop, held on May 9, 2023, aimed to promote digital literacy to support digital transformation in the region.

The Ministry recognizes the integral role of the Internet in Indonesian society, including East Nusa Tenggara. The workshop aimed to educate the community and various groups in Ende Regency and other areas of the region about digital literacy and increase internet penetration rates in the country.

The importance of digital literacy was highlighted by Suprianto, Acting Head of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics in Ende Regency. He mentioned that many social media users are exposed to issues related to ethnicity, religion, race, and hoaxes due to a lack of understanding of the consequences of their actions. Thus, the Digital Literacy Week aimed to raise awareness among the communities in Ende.

Dr. Laurentius D. Gadi Djou, an Accounting Lecturer at Flores University, emphasized the importance of fundamental aspects in the digital world, such as respecting cultural norms, maintaining ethical conduct, and prioritizing personal and others’ safety online.

Indonesia’s digital literacy has been improving each year, with the Digital Literacy Index 2022 indicating a moderate level of digital literacy in the country. The index measures digital skills, digital ethics, digital safety, and digital culture. Initiatives by the Ministry have helped bridge the gap between digital literacy levels in urban and rural areas, leading to more even development of digital competitiveness in Indonesia.

Fernando Watu, the Head of West Detusoko Village in Ende Regency, emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities, villages, and the use of appropriate technologies to achieve the desired future. Digitalizing villages focuses on empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enhancing their competitiveness by leveraging the right technology. Digitalization provides benefits such as broader marketing, direct consumer communication, and 24-hour availability, eliminating barriers related to education, age, physical condition, and location.

To promote digital competitiveness, various initiatives have been undertaken, including accelerating ICT infrastructure, fostering digital talent competitiveness, and promoting financial literacy. The workshop in Ende Regency involved diverse groups, including the Waste Bank Community, Mobile Legend Community, and MSMEs, showcasing the enthusiasm of the local communities. The event concluded with performances by local bands, stand-up comedians, and exciting door prizes.

Tags: GNLDMCIPrnasia

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