Digital Innovation Driving Singapore’s Maritime Success

Like Digg Del Tumblr VKontakte Buffer Love This Odnoklassniki Meneame Blogger Amazon Yahoo Mail Gmail AOL Newsvine HackerNews Evernote MySpace Mail.ru Viadeo Line Comments Yummly SMS Viber Telegram Subscribe Skype Facebook Messenger Kakao LiveJournal Yammer Edgar Fintel Mix Instapaper Copy Link The Port of Singapore has achieved a historic milestone by recording an unparalleled three billion gross tonnage (GT) in annual vessel arrival tonnage. This significant feat was highlighted by the notable arrival of the ONE OLYMPUS, a Singapore-flagged containership with an impressive 98,799 GT, at the Pasir Panjang Terminal. Chee Hong Tat, Acting Minister for Transport, emphasised the significance of this accomplishment during his presence at the event. He highlighted a crucial factor contributing to Singapore’s maritime success – the robust tripartite cooperation between unions, industry players and the government. Acting Minister Chee underscored the challenge faced by others attempting to replicate Singapore’s success, emphasising the difficulty in recreating the trusted tripartite ecosystem that propels Maritime Singapore ahead of the competition. “This is one of the key elements which gives us an edge to stay ahead of the competition and to take Maritime Singapore to even greater heights,” Acting Minister Chee remarked. The achievement is not only about the present success but also reflects a strategic vision to tackle both near-term challenges and plan for the medium to longer-term horizons. As part of this foresight, Singapore is forging ahead with the development of its next-generation container port at Tuas. In the past year, significant progress has been made in Tuas Port Phase 1, marked by the addition of three more operational berths, bringing the total to eight. The reclamation works for Tuas Port Phase 2 are currently 70% complete, with plans for Tuas Port Phase 3 reclamation well underway. In a bid towards resource sustainability and resilience, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is exploring the innovative use of treated landfill mixed materials from Semakau Landfill as an alternative to sand for reclamation. Tuas Port isn’t just about expansion; it’s a vision for creating a green and sustainable port. The adoption of electrified equipment and vehicles will replace diesel-powered prime movers, leading to a significant reduction in carbon emissions. The commitment extends further, with aspirations for net-zero emissions if electricity production reaches that milestone. Tuas Port’s super low energy building, designed for optimal efficiency, is poised to achieve almost 60% in energy savings compared to similar-sized structures, generating sufficient solar energy to offset its entire electricity consumption. Parallel to these sustainability initiatives, Singapore is steering towards enhanced port efficiency. The October implementation of the digitalPORT@SG Just-In-Time Planning and Coordination Platform represents a significant leap in this direction. The platform, providing near real-time data on vessel and port resources, not only streamlines arrival and departure planning for vessels but is also environmentally friendly and financially advantageous.This digital innovation reduces carbon emissions through shorter port stays and optimised voyage planning. This groundbreaking initiative is set to extend its benefits to tankers berthing at energy terminals and all vessels calling at the anchorages in 2024. The emphasis on digital platforms, electrification, and smart infrastructure positions the nation as a leader in technological advancement within the sector. In the digital economy, industries characterised by cutting-edge technologies and innovation are better positioned for global competitiveness. The Port of Singapore’s remarkable achievement and unwavering commitment to digitalisation in the maritime sector have profound implications for the digital economy. Besides, as the nation leads in digitalisation within the maritime sector, the potential for technology transfer and knowledge exchange opens doors to a future where digital best practices shape the global maritime landscape. Like Digg Del Tumblr VKontakte Buffer Love This Odnoklassniki Meneame Blogger Amazon Yahoo Mail Gmail AOL Newsvine HackerNews Evernote MySpace Mail.ru Viadeo Line Comments Yummly SMS Viber Telegram Subscribe Skype Facebook Messenger Kakao LiveJournal Yammer Edgar Fintel Mix Instapaper Copy Link In a significant move towards financial inclusion and empowerment, CGC Digital Sdn Bhd, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) have forged a groundbreaking collaboration agreement. Their collective aim is to drive inclusivity among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia by pioneering Alternative Credit Scoring solutions. This partnership holds tremendous significance, signifying a unified commitment to address a substantial RM90 billion financing gap for MSMEs. At the core of bridging this financial divide lies the innovative Alternative Credit Scoring, an initiative led by CGC Digital. This cutting-edge approach delves into alternative data to craft a robust model aimed at facilitating financial access. CGC Digital will spearhead the partnership by providing digital guarantees, while MDEC will leverage its expertise to connect fintech players and advocate for supportive policies and frameworks. PayNet, boasting an extensive data repository through products like DuitNow (Malaysia’s National QR Code), JomPAY, and FPX, will harness its payment data to support this initiative. The amalgamation of these resources is poised to benefit MSMEs, even those not registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia but with transactional data across these various payment channels. Yushida Husin, CEO of CGC Digital, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, “Collaborating with MDEC and PayNet, CGC Digital has identified potential fintech companies to embark on proof-of-concept initiatives. This aims to validate the effectiveness and viability of the Alternative Credit Scoring model, ultimately democratising access to credit guarantees and financial services for MSMEs.” Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC, stressed the commitment to drive innovation in the financial sector, “The collaboration underscores our dedication to innovating the financial landscape and addressing the MSME financing gap. Our national strategic initiatives aim to transform digital capabilities and foster tech growth, fostering partnerships to revolutionise credit assessment methods.” This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is envisioned to inspire and scale pilot programmes using Alternative Credit Scoring among industry players. According to Gary Yeoh, Chief Commercial Officer at PayNet, validating the efficacy of Alternative Credit Scoring in business credit assessment could revolutionise traditional methods, marking a tipping point in the financing ecosystem. The integration of innovative solutions like artificial intelligence and machine learning, leveraging non-traditional data sources such as transactional, utility, rental, and mobile payment records, holds promise in assessing MSMEs’ creditworthiness based on historical payment behaviour. Recognising the immense potential of Alternative Credit Scoring, the collaborative parties aim to co-create a data-sharing environment that nurtures a vibrant community of fintech companies. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to financial products for all businesses and individuals while customising financial services, promising to reshape Malaysia’s financial landscape for years to come. The growth of Malaysia’s gig economy in 2023, thriving amidst the normalisation of post-pandemic activities, showcases the nation’s evolving digital landscape, aided by incentives and growing awareness of digital potential. Moreover, Malaysia’s strategic investment of RM 510 million in R&D through MOSTI and MOHE aims to elevate the country to the Global Innovation Index’s Top 30 by 2025. An additional RM 76 million supports R&D and commercialisation efforts, fostering innovation and aligning with national growth objectives. Malaysia restructured its Cabinet, splitting the Communications Ministry from the Digital Ministry to streamline efforts and policies for advancing the country’s digital economy. Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil highlighted the need for unified coordination across ministries to strengthen the digital sector, addressing past fragmentation in managing crucial aspects. These moves mirror the nation’s strategic direction outlined in Belanjawan 2024, notably illustrated by initiatives like the groundbreaking Alternative Credit Scoring solutions developed in collaboration between CGC Digital Sdn Bhd, MDEC, and PayNet. Like Digg Del Tumblr VKontakte Buffer Love This Odnoklassniki Meneame Blogger Amazon Yahoo Mail Gmail AOL Newsvine HackerNews Evernote MySpace Mail.ru Viadeo Line Comments Yummly SMS Viber Telegram Subscribe Skype Facebook Messenger Kakao LiveJournal Yammer Edgar Fintel Mix Instapaper Copy Link This year, digital transformation in the country has progressed significantly. Tech-driven projects have yielded tangible results and positive impacts on overall socioeconomic development. The government successfully executed the National Digital Data Year and the National Population Database. Enhancements in online services and digital infrastructure have resulted in nearly 80% of the Vietnamese population now being connected to the Internet. There has also been an increased focus on cybersecurity and ensuring information safety. Vietnam secured the 46 th position in the 2023 Global Innovation Index (GII) by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, marking a two-place improvement from last year. The national digital transformation index experienced a significant increase of 48% over three years, progressing from 0.48 in 2020 to 0.71 in 2022, and is anticipated to reach 0.75 by the end of this year. Meanwhile, the digital economy has expanded at an annual average rate of 20%, which is three times higher than the GDP growth rate. Its anticipated contribution to the national economy is estimated to be 16.5% in 2023. This year, Vietnamese users embraced digital banking and new payment methods like mobile banking apps, e-wallets, QR code-based payments, e-commerce payment platforms, and mobile wallet debit or credit cards. Approximately four out of five consumers use e-wallets at least once a week. This surge is partly attributed to an increase in online shopping and e-commerce. The e-commerce sector could achieve an estimated US$ 20.5 billion this year. For two consecutive years, in 2022 and 2023, Vietnam ranked among the top 10 countries in terms of new mobile application downloads. The user base on digital platforms in the country witnessed a 46% growth compared to 2022. Furthermore, the number of digital technology firms in the country has witnessed a 30% growth, and there has been a 32% increase in industry revenue since 2019. There are more than 1,500 Vietnamese digital technology enterprises, with revenue from foreign markets, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2022. Digital Transformation Objectives for 2024 During a recent meeting of the National Committee for Digital Transformation, ministries, agencies, and localities were assigned tasks for digital transformation in the upcoming year. The Chairman, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, urged the committee and the steering committees for digital transformation in government agencies to formulate transformation plans for 2024. These plans should concentrate on developing the digital economy, focusing on four key pillars: the information technology industry, the digitalisation of economic sectors, digital management, and digital data. Chinh said online public service delivery must be more efficient, especially the 53 essential services. He wants the country to focus on advancing national digital infrastructure, including the establishment of the National Data Centre. Other priorities include upgrading the national axis for the early roll-out of commercial 5G services in 2024. The aim is to eliminate mobile signal dead zones across the country and provide all villages and hamlets with access to fibre-optic cable connectivity. He requested the rapid development of digital platforms, applications, and services. This includes artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, virtual assistants, the VNeID digital citizen application, digital payment applications, electronic invoices and contracts, and personal digital signatures. For the upcoming year, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has recommended that digital transformation efforts should focus on universalising digital infrastructure. The goal is to develop digital applications that will catalyse the growth of the digital economy, becoming a new driver for economic advancement and productivity. Like Digg Del Tumblr VKontakte Buffer Love This Odnoklassniki Meneame Blogger Amazon Yahoo Mail Gmail AOL Newsvine HackerNews Evernote MySpace Mail.ru Viadeo Line Comments Yummly SMS Viber Telegram Subscribe Skype Facebook Messenger Kakao LiveJournal Yammer Edgar Fintel Mix Instapaper Copy Link The culmination of the 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia marked not only the close of a prestigious event but also the unveiling of crucial data reshaping perceptions of urban ‘loveability’. At the heart of this revelation was the Values Measurement Machine, an innovative analogue installation commissioned by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), and organised by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA). Over the past six months, this remarkable installation collected data from more than 97,000 global visitors, offering unique insights into the desires and preferences that individuals have for their urban environments. At the core of the interactive installation were six key questions focusing on qualities deemed essential for creating a more loveable urban landscape. The aspects explored included agency, attachment, attraction, connection, freedom, and inclusion. Navigating through a blend of artistic renders and AI images, visitors engaged with the installation, pinpointing qualities that resonated with their ideal habitat. The subsequent data presented a dynamic display of collective desires, shedding light on what architects, developers, and city planners should consider in shaping future urban landscapes. The digital aspect of the installation was particularly noteworthy, with visitors interacting through their smartphones to express their preferences. Surprisingly, the data revealed that people were twice as likely to change their opinions or form new perspectives when engaging with the installation alone on their phones compared to group settings or community activities. This finding underscores the powerful impact of digital interaction on shaping individual preferences and perspectives in the context of urban planning. Some key revelations emerged from the data, challenging conventional wisdom. Two-thirds of visitors expressed a preference for homes seamlessly connected to nature and vegetation, blurring the boundaries between public, communal, and private spaces. Further, the data highlighted a strong inclination toward maintaining heritage places in their original state, and if redevelopment were to occur, a clear preference emerged for distinguishing between the old and the new. The co-curators of the Singapore Pavilion, Ar Adrian Lai, Ar Melvin Tan, and Ar Wong Ker How underscored the potential implications of the data. They hope that the findings could inspire collaborative planning processes and serve as alternative metrics for success in post-occupancy building evaluations. The digital engagement aspect, especially the surprising influence of smartphone interactions, prompted discussions on the role of technology in shaping urban preferences and perceptions. The team envisions a future where similar measuring installations become testbeds for insightful virtual dialogues, involving students, residents, and other stakeholders. Co-curators presented their findings at the World Architecture Festival in Singapore, emphasising the transformative potential of architecture and design in addressing societal needs. Ar Adrian Lai highlighted the vision of open homes and seamlessly overlapping public and private spaces inspired by rural aspirations, urging a collective effort to redefine and enhance ‘loveability’ within cities. The digital shift in urban ‘loveability’ has a profound impact on Singapore’s digital economy, shaping the cityscape to align with the preferences of its digitally connected population. By incorporating real-time data and insights into urban planning, Singapore ensures that its developments not only meet the functional needs of residents but also resonate with their aspirations. A loveable and digitally optimised urban landscape attracts talent, businesses, and tourists, reinforcing Singapore’s image as a global economic hub. The emphasis on technological integration, community engagement, and human-centric design positions Singapore at the forefront of the digital economy, creating a harmonious synergy between technological advancements and the well-being of its residents. Like Digg Del Tumblr VKontakte Buffer Love This Odnoklassniki Meneame Blogger Amazon Yahoo Mail Gmail AOL Newsvine HackerNews Evernote MySpace Mail.ru Viadeo Line Comments Yummly SMS Viber Telegram Subscribe Skype Facebook Messenger Kakao LiveJournal Yammer Edgar Fintel Mix Instapaper Copy Link Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar ((IIT- Bhubaneswar) has launched a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing Research Centre (AHRC) to conduct interdisciplinary and collaborative research. The AHRC is conceptualised as a National Research Centre and will foster collaboration with other eminent academic, industry, and government research organisations in India and internationally. It will bring together scientists and academicians from diverse disciplines, including engineering, computer science, medicine, agriculture, basic sciences, finance, and economics. Its objective is to address real-world challenges across various domains through the application of AI and HPC in research, innovation, and practical solutions. It will establish a shared resource and knowledge pool to effectively navigate the rapidly evolving fields of AI and HPC and develop integrated and holistic solutions to challenges encountered by both industry and society. Currently, scientists at AHRC are working on developing AI tools for diagnosing various diseases and conducting rapid screenings for life-threatening conditions in rural communities in Odisha. This collaborative effort includes scientists from All India Institutes of Medical Science (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar and the State University of New York in the United States. AHRC’s primary research and innovation focus is on the application of AI and HPC in critical areas directly contributing to societal welfare, including medicine, agriculture, environmental sustainability, community development, smart cities, and cybersecurity. Beyond forging research partnerships with over a dozen universities and industrial laboratories in the United States, AHRC will closely work with esteemed national institutions like the AIIMS, other IITs, as well as universities in Odisha, and the state government of Odisha. Shreepad Karmalkar, the Director of IIT-Bhubaneswar, is appointed as the Chairman of the AHRC Board. Ashwini Kumar Nanda will assume the role of the founding Centre Director, overseeing AHRC activities. Speaking about the initiative, Karmalkar stated, “This one-of-a-kind national research centre hosted by IIT-Bhubaneswar will provide a global platform to the researchers from the state and across India for leading-edge research and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence and high-performing computing, which is the need of the hour.” “The goal of AHRC is to bring global knowhow to serve the people of India, as well as make global technology impact and serve the global community through its world-class research,” Nanda noted. Top of Form The Indian government aims to tap into the potential of AI, projecting it could contribute US$ 967 billion to the economy in the next decade. According to the Minister of State of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Rajeev Chandrasekhar, India’s approach to AI is not just about chasing trends but is rooted in a strong belief and commitment that AI will actively drive the attainment of its one trillion-dollar economy goal. It will also cultivate substantial capabilities within the startup and research ecosystem, focusing on real-world AI use cases for development. In October, the IndiaAI report was unveiled, outlining ways to address gaps in the current AI ecosystem, focusing on computing infrastructure, data, AI financing, research, innovation, targeted skilling, and institutional capacity for data. Key recommendations include the establishment of AI centres of excellence, the introduction of the India Datasets Platform with an open-source architecture, monetisation of non-personal data, the creation of a non-personal data regulator by setting up the National Data Management Office, and the provision of funding for 725 AI startups. Like Digg Del Tumblr VKontakte Buffer Love This Odnoklassniki Meneame Blogger Amazon Yahoo Mail Gmail AOL Newsvine HackerNews Evernote MySpace Mail.ru Viadeo Line Comments Yummly SMS Viber Telegram Subscribe Skype Facebook Messenger Kakao LiveJournal Yammer Edgar Fintel Mix Instapaper Copy Link The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) hosted “Meet the Partners,” in collaboration with the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC). Representatives from more than 40 strategic enterprises spanning diverse sectors, including life and health technology, artificial intelligence, data science, financial technology, and advanced manufacturing and new-energy technology were gathered. The ITC representatives provided an extensive overview of the various funding schemes designed to support innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises. The discussions focused on programs aimed at fostering research and development (R&D), such as the Enterprise Support Scheme, Research Talent Hub, and the Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme, a recent addition launched by the government in October. Attendees also had the chance to address specific concerns with the ITC representatives. The ITC plays a pivotal role in administering the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), which seeks to enhance the added value, productivity, and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s economic activities. Currently, there are a total of 18 funding schemes under the ITF, offering support in five key I&T areas: “supporting R&D,” “facilitating technology adoption,” “nurturing technology talent,” “supporting technology start-ups,” and “fostering an I&T culture.” These schemes are tailored to meet the diverse business development needs of enterprises operating in the I&T sector. In his opening remarks, the Director-General of OASES emphasised the pivotal role of I&T as one of the key development areas for the current-term Government. Attracting high-potential I&T enterprises is seen as crucial to promoting the development of strategic industries and building a robust I&T ecosystem. OASES has been working in close collaboration with the Innovation, Technology, and Industry Bureau to support the Government’s efforts in consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s development, particularly in alignment with the objectives outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. The overarching goal is to expedite the transformation of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. Drawing on OASES’ experience over the past year, it has become evident that funding, talent acquisition, and policy measures are consistent major concerns for enterprises, irrespective of their size, industry, or development plans. Identifying and implementing suitable I&T measures and resources are seen as critical steps in facilitating the establishment or expansion of strategic enterprises in Hong Kong. This, in turn, is expected to attract their upstream, midstream, and downstream partners to the region, creating synergies across the entire industry chain. The Director-General underscored the importance of addressing these common concerns to create an environment conducive to the growth and success of I&T enterprises in Hong Kong. Looking ahead, OASES is committed to organising a series of promotional events aimed at providing networking platforms for strategic enterprises and stakeholders. These initiatives are intended to foster collaboration and partnerships, ultimately contributing to the vibrant development of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem. The strategic focus on I&T is aligned with the broader vision of positioning Hong Kong as a global hub for innovation and technology, with OASES playing a key role in driving this transformative agenda forward. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government is actively advancing its Innovation and Technology (I&T) agenda through the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) and collaborative efforts with the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES). The ITC administers the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), offering funding schemes to enhance economic activities in areas such as research and development, technology adoption, talent nurturing, and start-up support. OASES, in partnership with the Innovation, Technology, and Industry Bureau, focuses on attracting high-potential I&T enterprises. The government addresses common enterprise concerns, including funding and talent, demonstrating a commitment to fostering an I&T ecosystem. This aligns with the broader vision of transforming Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, as emphasised by its Director-General. Like Digg Del Tumblr VKontakte Buffer Love This Odnoklassniki Meneame Blogger Amazon Yahoo Mail Gmail AOL Newsvine HackerNews Evernote MySpace Mail.ru Viadeo Line Comments Yummly SMS Viber Telegram Subscribe Skype Facebook Messenger Kakao LiveJournal Yammer Edgar Fintel Mix Instapaper Copy Link In a bid to rectify the fiscal setbacks, Finance Minister Nicola Willis unveiled a comprehensive plan harnessing technology and transparent strategies to overhaul New Zealand’s financial landscape. Highlighting the need to recalibrate the current fiscal trajectory, Willis emphasised the need for transparent fiscal management. Previous strategies delayed surplus forecasts three times and an escalating public debt burden. With a focus on responsible fiscal governance, the coalition government has dismantled several unfunded financial risks, halting projects and commitments to crucial initiatives. The finance minister also pointed out potential funding cliffs and cost overruns in major infrastructure projects. Leveraging technology, Willis has mandated a review of capital projects at risk of delays or budget overruns, employing advanced data analysis for comprehensive fiscal risk assessment. Moreover, the government aims to address funding crises, ensuring continued support for crucial programmes and aligning financial commitments with public expectations. Through a tech-driven approach, the Treasury has identified fiscal cliffs, totalling an estimated cost of NZ$ 7.2 billion, necessitating careful considerations for future funding. In a bid for greater transparency and fiscal accountability, the government plans to enhance future economic and fiscal updates. Treasury’s immediate task includes quantifying risks and highlighting their collective impact, utilising technology to present a more comprehensive view of capital cost escalations and time-limited funding challenges. Moreover, Treasury will develop strategies to strengthen fiscal responsibility by entrenching these improvements into the Public Finance Act and supporting rules. These proposed measures aim to enhance disclosure of fiscal risks, regular reporting on significant capital investments, and detailed explanations for time-limited funding decisions. As New Zealand navigates its fiscal course, a tech-integrated approach promises greater transparency and prudent financial stewardship, envisioning a more resilient and sustainable economic future. The government champions fiscal transparency, vital in addressing past imbalances while supporting SMEs for digital growth. Through initiatives like the Digital Boost program and fostering alliances, it empowers SMEs with digital tools, reinforcing economic resilience in today’s digital era. Hon Andrew Bayly, New Zealand’s Minister, highlighted the significance of digital skills for SMEs, particularly within the nation’s robust digital infrastructure. The OECD D4SME Global Initiative seeks to foster a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors, catalysing SMEs’ embrace of digital transformation. The imperative nature of this initiative was underscored during the COVID-19 crisis, underscoring the urgency to accelerate SME digitalisation. Recognising the evolving economic landscape post-pandemic, the Initiative remains instrumental in guiding economies and societies through the aftermath, emphasising the necessity for SMEs to adapt to digital technologies, invest in intangible assets, and revamp organisational models. Amid the transformative potential of digitalisation, New Zealand’s incoming government places a strong emphasis on SME digital enablement, aiming to collaborate across multiple sectors to enhance productivity. A recent report posits that heightened SME digitalisation could potentially boost New Zealand’s GDP by NZ$ 8.5 billion. New Zealand’s dedicated efforts in this sphere include the Digital Boost programme, a response to COVID-19, offering SMEs access to free online learning platforms and diagnostic tools to augment their online presence. A key facet of this initiative is the Digital Boost Alliance, fostering collaboration between governmental and private entities, offering discounted services, digital training, and substantial support. Noteworthy statistics from an independent evaluation underscore the positive impact of Digital Boost, with a substantial percentage of businesses reporting improved revenue and increased digital presence, highlighting the programme’s efficacy in empowering SMEs. Acknowledging the global efforts in SME support, the Minister highlighted the significance of the D4SME Initiative in facilitating knowledge exchange among economies facing similar challenges. Despite the current policy focus on immediate hurdles, the need for long-term structural reforms to fortify SME resilience remains paramount. Like Digg Del Tumblr VKontakte Buffer Love This Odnoklassniki Meneame Blogger Amazon Yahoo Mail Gmail AOL Newsvine HackerNews Evernote MySpace Mail.ru Viadeo Line Comments Yummly SMS Viber Telegram Subscribe Skype Facebook Messenger Kakao LiveJournal Yammer Edgar Fintel Mix Instapaper Copy Link Flinders University’s forthcoming Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) has achieved an unprecedented milestone as the inaugural medical institute worldwide to secure a prestigious ‘platinum’ rating from WiredScore, lauding its cutting-edge digital capabilities. Anticipated for a mid-2024 unveiling, the $280 million HMRB emerges as the cornerstone of the expansive Flinders Village development, poised to inject a significant $1.5 billion into the economy while generating 600 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect employment opportunities within southern Adelaide’s biomedical research hub. According to Flinders University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling, the 10-storey HMRB has been meticulously designed and constructed to integrate state-of-the-art digital features. These advancements are primed to empower Flinders’ researchers to continually advance the boundaries of medical knowledge. “Drawing upon over five decades of Flinders’ healthcare and medical research, the HMRB will converge more than 600 researchers, clinicians, and support staff, revolutionising our comprehension, diagnosis, and treatment methodologies for enhanced community health and wellbeing,” Professor Stirling explained. The construction of the HMRB has been meticulously crafted to not only serve as an architectural marvel but also as a technologically advanced facility geared towards enabling breakthrough research initiatives. “The certification with platinum status not only establishes a global benchmark for digital prowess but also positions the HMRB as a pioneering nucleus for transformative research, signifying a remarkable leap for Flinders in spearheading healthcare innovation,” Professor Stirling added. Acknowledging the pivotal role of digital connectivity in research excellence, Professor Stirling expressed gratitude to independent assessor Stantec and WiredScore for acknowledging Flinders University’s forward-thinking approach with the platinum digital connectivity rating, highlighting the university’s dedication to impactful research. Ed Jennings, Head of ANZ at WiredScore, highlighted the paramount significance of achieving the platinum certification, commending Flinders for its unparalleled accomplishment. “To ensure uninterrupted business operations, laboratory facilities necessitate best-in-class digital connectivity. By judiciously planning infrastructure and making upfront investments in resilience, Flinders has curated an environment conducive to the optimal functionality of their lab facility,” Mr Jennings stated. He further underscored WiredScore’s pride in certifying the Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building as the premier medical research facility to attain WiredScore Platinum globally. Professor Billie Bonevski, Director of the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, expressed eagerness among researchers to use the cutting-edge facility’s technology to enhance community health outcomes. “Our research spans diverse disciplines, ranging from laboratory discoveries propelling medical breakthroughs to innovations in clinical and public health services, aimed at fostering health equity and improved global health outcomes,” Professor Bonevski elaborated. Highlighting the pivotal role of the HMRB’s advanced digital infrastructure, Professor Bonevski stresses how it would facilitate multidisciplinary collaborations, positioning Flinders at the forefront of innovation and discovery in healthcare. WiredScore’s recognition encompasses a myriad of facets within the HMRB, including robust site-wide digital infrastructure, high-speed internet services, scalable technology capabilities, mobile performance within the building, resilience, and the safeguarding of telecommunications spaces. Flinders University takes the lead in digital healthcare with a groundbreaking $1 million ‘safe@home’ project targeting chronic illness in underserved communities. Led by Professor Robyn Clark, this initiative aims to boost primary care through monitored virtual services, reducing hospital visits and wait times. Funded by a $1.1 million NHMRC grant, it promises scalable healthcare solutions for diverse regions. Flinders University, actively pursuing digital advancements in education, is embarking on a mission to empower healthcare professionals. In a collaboration, ten nurses and midwives are set to become trailblazers in digital health through subsidised placements in the Graduate Certificate in Digital Health Management. This 12-month, part-time program is a transformative opportunity for South Australian nurses and midwives in the public sector, equipping them with the necessary expertise to navigate the swiftly evolving digital health landscape. The course promises to furnish participants with profound insights into conceptualising, crafting, implementing, and overseeing digital and virtual healthcare ecosystems, leveraging the latest technological innovations.