| Cambodia
Huawei extends Asia dominance with Cambodia 5G rollout Nikkei Asian Review 26th Apr 2019
Cambodia plans to sign an agreement with China's Huawei Technologies as early as Sunday to help roll out a 5G data network next year, according to officials. We are going to run the 5G maybe around 2020," Meas Po, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, told Nikkei Asian Review. Po said that in addition to signing a memorandum of understanding with Huawei, Cambodia would also seek help from a South Korean company. Po said the ministry had also contacted Korea Telecom (now known as KT corporation) to discuss a feasibility study. KT and South Korea's two other major providers launched the world's first nationwide commercial 5G network earlier this month. KT did not respond to a request for comment. Cambodia's deal with Huawei is set to be signed in Beijing on Sunday, where Prime Minister Hun Sen is currently attending China's second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, another official said. Marc Einstein, chief analyst at Japan-based IT research and advisory firm ITR, said 5G technology would be “super important” for mobile-heavy places like Cambodia, which was a “little bit ahead of the game” relative to comparable countries such as Myanmar and Laos. Einstein said Huawei’s cost effectiveness would likely trump security concerns in the region, with Phnom Penh’s increasingly close ties with Beijing adding a “geopolitical aspect” to the cooperation.
Cambodia Could Be First ASEAN Country With 5G Tech Through Huawei Business Times 26th Apr 2019
Cambodia is working to be the first ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member country to have 5G technology as Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen is set to strike a deal with Chinese tech giant Huawei. According to Xinhua, Hun Sen is scheduled to meet with a Huawei representative over the weekend to discuss the deal, Sry Thamarong, a minister in connection with the Cambodian Prime Minister, revealed on Thursday.
Indonesia
Wiranto: My Warning Refers to Social Media, Not Mass Media Tempo 7th May 2019
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister Wiranto clarified his statement regarding his intentions in shutting down disobedient media platforms. According to the minister, the type of media he refers to are social media accounts that dwell in the realm of hate speech up to radicalism. “Do not misconstrue it with print media, which has its own regulations where they are overseen by the press council. Moreover, there are electronic-based media which is overseen by KPI,” said the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs.
Govt to spend Rp 140b on digital scholarships The Jakarta Post 6th May 2019
The Communications and Information Ministry will spend at least Rp 140 billion (US$98.3 million) on this year's digital talent scholarship program that will be open to 25,000 applicants.With the help of tech giants like Google, Cisco and Microsoft, the scholarships will equip participants under 29 years old across 20 provinces with various skills, including in cybersecurity, cloud computing, coding and digital entrepreneurship.Depending on the applicants' preferences and educational backgrounds, the classes will range from two weeks to two months with at least 11,000 online and 14,000 in classroom scholarships.
‘Satria’ to connect hospitals, schools The Jakarta Post 6th May 2019
The country’s multifunctional satellite that will provide high-capacity internet to government organizations, military facilities, schools and hospitals in remote areas will enter production later this year. The satellite, called the Republic of Indonesia Satellite and nicknamed Satria (knight), will have a capacity of 150 gigabits per second, the largest in Asia in its class. Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara signed on Friday an agreement on the production and operation of the satellite between the ministry, state infrastructure guarantee fund PT Penjaminan Infrastruktur Indonesia (PII) and private satellite operator Pasifik Nusantara Satellite (PSN).
Indonesia signs contract for multifunction satellite The Jakarta Post 3rd May 2019
The government on Friday contracted a French company to build a multifunction satellite that is expected to be put into orbit and begin operations in 2023. French manufacturer Thales Alenia Space is to start making the satellite, to be called the Satelit Republik Indonesia (SATRIA), in late 2019 and finish by 2022, according to a press release issued by the Communications and Information Ministry. “I believe the infrastructure development will support the economic activities in society in the next coming years,” Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution said after a ceremony marking the signing of an agreement for the project at the National Museum in Jakarta.
Malaysia
Malaysia's first commodities e-commerce trading platform launched New Straits Times 2nd May 2019
Malaysia today launched its first commodities e-commerce trading platform operated by a Malaysian company — Commodities Global Trade Sdn Bhd (CGTSB). Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said CGTSB held exclusive rights under the Bohai Commodity Exchange (BOCE) of China. “These rights primarily allows Commodities Global Trade to cater for the whole Asean market while making Malaysia the new gateway for Asean venturing into the China market.
Second RFP for Penang Free WiFi in the cards New Straits Times 9th May 2019
Penang will call for a second request for proposal (RFP) for the Penang Free WiFi (PFW) services. This as the tenderers for the first exercise failed to comply with the requirements set by the state. State Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said that the RFP was offered in April and five companies had submitted their bids.
PM: Digital IBS will boost govt efforts to build affordable housing New Straits Times 2nd May 2019
Digital technology used in the Industrialised Building System (IBS) method of construction will help in the government’s push to build more affordable housing. Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said digital IBS, which involved the use of robotics, would not only benefit the housing sector, but also upskill the local workforce. He said the technology had the potential to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign workers, thus preventing yearly outflow of capital.
Gobind upbeat over Internet connectivity New Straits Times 1st May 2019
IT has not exactly been a smooth start for Pakatan Harapan (PH), as the ruling party seeks to make sense of its position in helming the nation after coming into power nearly a year ago. While public chatter on its administrative ability has since shifted from unwavering confidence over its bold promise to meet a slew of promises within 100 days, one minister has found himself in the enviable trajectory of fulfilling pledges made under PH’s manifesto.
Muslim youth urged to use digital tech to boost mosque, surau economy New Straits Times 1st May 2019
Muslim youths have been urged to be more aggressive in applying digital technology and e-commerce to boost the role of mosques and suraus as places which promote knowledge and the local economy. Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said there were still mosques and suraus in the country which were left behind and had not taken advantage of developments in information technology, especially the older mosques and suraus which had limited scope for knowledge and economic activities.
Mobile journalism ensures fast, widespread information dissemination New Straits Times 29th Apr 2019
Minister of Communications and Multimedia Gobind Singh Deo said mobile journalism is capable of fulfilling the need for fast and widespread dissemination of news and information. He said in the context of a world without border, fast and widespread information dissemination was vital to quench the public’s thirst for information.
Philippines
Privacy and data-security mistakes to be avoided BusinessMirror 7th May 2019
Most companies lack the experience and resources needed to manage the plethora of security, privacy and compliance issues inherent in a growing technology-based business. Nevertheless, the legal and business implications of poorly managed privacy and data-security practices are too important to ignore. A single error can undermine the trust of investors and customers, attract unwanted regulatory attention or litigation. Here are eight common privacy and data-security mistakes that you must avoid: 1. Too frequently, company management and boards fail to pay sufficient attention to the significant problems that will arise from a company’s failure to provide adequate security or to comply with applicable privacy laws. Litigation involving privacy and security is becoming mainstream. 2. Too many pay little attention to the fact that businesses are governed by a wide range of laws and standards, and are expected to operate within commonly accepted practices. Among other things, they may ignore the fact that the collection, use and processing of most personal information is regulated here and abroad. Ignoring these laws may lead to significant errors and may in fact subject the company and its managers to legal and other action.
Poor regard for tech-vocational education philstar.com 7th May 2019
When the President signed into law the proposed Tulong Trabaho Act in late February this year, images of the past scandal involving the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) briefly flashed in our minds. Still fresh in our minds is a Commission on Audit (COA) report on TESDA released in 2013 that highlighted a number of questionable payments to 11 technical vocational institutions (TVIs) found to have overpriced tuition fees or shortened training schedules. It was during the time when the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), also known as pork barrel, was still in existence, and where 19 legislators were implicated in the TESDA anomalies, mainly for having supported the questionable TVIs.
DICT taps Singapore firm for rollout of national fiber optic cable network philstar.com 7th May 2019
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has inked a partnership with HyalRoute Group’s subsidiary Philippine Fiber Optic Cable Network Ltd. Inc. (PFOCN) for a billion-dollar fiber network investment. The parties signed last week a memorandum of agreement aimed at strengthening the network connectivity of the Philippines through PFOCN’s fiber optic cable network investment valued from $1 billion to $2 billion and which will be implemented in various phases between 2019 to 2028. Under the agreement, the DICT will provide assistance to PFOCN in procuring the needed permits and licenses for the successful implementation of the investment.
Slow ICT infra development delays BPO growth in Bohol philstar.com 7th May 2019
Premature Information and Communications and Technology (ICT) infrastructure in Bohol slows down the entry of more IT building investments to the province. Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director general Charito Plaza said her office has already identified possible IT Parks in Bohol, but property developers are quite hesitant to build IT buildings because of the slow development of internet data connectivity in the province.
Disqualified telco bidder taps Chinese partner Malaya 6th May 2019
A disqualified bidder for the third telecom slot has obtained the backing of a Chinese company in rolling out internet services nationwide. Tranzen Group Inc. (TGI) of mining mogul Salvador Zamora II has signed a deal with China-based technology firm CITIC Networks Co. Ltd. for the rollout of WiFi internet services.Zamora, TGI chairman and who also chairs Philippine Telegraph & Telephone Corp. (PT&T), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Luo Ning, chairman of CITIC. The MOU covers construction of infrastructure for nationwide WiFi internet connectivity in various capital cities and towns throughout the Philippines.Zamora said PT&T will undertake the implementation of the projects.
ePLDT expands ICT offering philstar.com 5th May 2019
Digital business solutions enabler ePLDT Inc., a member of the PLDT group, is expanding its information and communications technology offerings for local enterprises as it seeks to solve the biggest IT challenges of today. ePLDT now provides a comprehensive suite of solutions which include the protection of mission-critical data assets through global-class data center services, the enablement of agility and lower total cost of ownership through managed, hybrid, and end-to-end cloud services, the mitigation of increasing cyber threats through a cyber security portfolio, and the holistic management of information technology systems via full-spectrum managed IT services.
Globe ramping up free WiFi coverage nationwide | Philstar.com philstar.com 27th Apr 2019
Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. is increasing the coverage of its free WiFi service to more locations this year after undertaking a significant expansion the past year. In support of national development by providing access to user-friendly and cost-effective internet connectivity to more Filipinos, Globe is expanding its GoWiFi services to more sites around the country, which will range from health and educational institutions to some of the biggest retail establishments.
Singapore
Tharman calls for innovations in every sphere to reduce trade-off between growth and sustainability The Straits Times 9th May 2019
While more and more young people are seized by the green movement, there is a need for countries and companies to act urgently on the grave risks to sustainability, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam said yesterday. The window is closing fast before there is irreversible damage in living standards for future generations and loss of animal and natural life on the planet. In his opening address at an international sustainability symposium yesterday, Mr Tharman urged countries and companies to invest in innovations that are more energy efficient and less destructive to the environment.
Returning Singapore to the global stage of semiconductor production The Business Times 8th May 2019
In 1986, Singapore became the second nation in the world to enter the semiconductor foundry industry. This early start was instrumental in establishing Singapore as a key semiconductor hub, generating over a dozen semiconductor fabricators each with US$1 billion or more in investment, and putting the island nation firmly on the global technology map. During this time, China, a global semiconductor power player today, did not have a single semiconductor commercial foundry facility. The early move provided the catalyst for a rapidly emerging semiconductor ecosystem in Singapore, attracting global equipment makers, material developers, chemical manufacturers, and a range of support industries. Top civil leaders like Philip Yeo, alongside investment agencies such as Temasek and EDBI, are owed a debt of gratitude for their work in bringing this to fruition.
Parliament: Fake news law passed after 2 days of debate The Straits Times 8th May 2019
After a marathon two-day debate that stretched late into Wednesday evening (May 8), Parliament passed a comprehensive piece of legislation to combat fake news. The proposed law is not a political tool for the ruling party to wield power, said Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam, but is about shaping the kind of society that Singapore should be. Summing up the often-fractious debate on the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill, he painted a picture of a society in which lies are kept out and there are honest debates among people based on truth and honour.
New collaboration aims to enhance digital capabilities of law and accounting professionals The Straits Times 8th May 2019
Legal and accounting professionals will be given opportunities to develop their digital skills under a new collaboration. The Singapore Computer Society (SCS), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) will cooperate in promoting professional development after signing memorandums of intent on Wednesday (May 8). The agreements will aim to help the workers become more adept in coping with disruptive technological change, stay relevant in their industries, and meet the demands of a growing digital economy.
Summit on 3D-printing technology gives insights into its future The Straits Times 7th May 2019
From the printing of synthetic skin tissue for ethical drug testing to making spare parts for port equipment, the Republic has pushed for the growth of 3D printing in industries here. On Monday (May 6), the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (Namic) hosted its seventh 3D-printing, or additive manufacturing, summit. The one-week event at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre brings together over 300 local and international delegates who will explore 3D-printing tech start-ups involved in industries such as space and pharmaceuticals.
First 5G networks to be operated by at least 2 winning telcos from next year: IMDA The Straits Times 7th May 2019
By next year, at least two 5G networks will be rolled out in Singapore to enable the first next-frontier commercial applications such as driverless cars and virtual reality content-streaming services. The timeline will place Singapore among the front runners in 5G applications roll-out using the most advanced technologies that do not piggyback on existing 4G technologies. Towards this end, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has called for interested telcos to submit detailed proposals on their deployment plans, with the intention to assign 5G airwaves to two winning submissions.
Singapore’s Economy Will Slow in 2019, Says Central Bank Bloomberg 26th Apr 2019
Singapore’s economy will slow in 2019, reflecting a weakening in key trading partners and a further cooling of the electronics sector, the central bank said. The city state is set to expand slightly below the midpoint of a 1.5 percent to 3.5 percent forecast range for this year after growing 3.2 percent in 2018, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said in its Macroeconomic Review on Friday. The expansion will come in slightly below Singapore’s potential growth after two years of outpacing that yardstick, according to the report.
Thailand
Poll: Thais show willingness to swap privacy for perks Bangkok Post 9th May 2019
Thais are more willing to share their personal data in exchange for special privileges like cheaper loans, lower insurance premiums and personalised service relative to their global peers, according to Accenture. The consultancy said it expects a deeper variety of personalised service from banks and insurance firms in Thailand by the end of 2019. The Personal Data Protection Act will encourage a boost in spending on security systems, while not posing a hurdle to data monetisation.
Thai SME digital readiness third in region Bangkok Post 8th May 2019
The digital transformation of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was ranked third out of six countries surveyed in Asean, following Malaysia and Singapore, according to a study commissioned by Cisco Systems. Cisco partnered with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion (Osmep) to increase the digital capabilities of 200,000 local SMEs, which partly contributed to SMEs generating 43% of Thailand's GDP in 2019 so far. "Local SMEs were ranked third in Asean and 11th out of 14 countries in Asia-Pacific in terms of digital readiness," said Vatsun Thirapatarapong, managing director of Cisco Systems (Thailand).
China, Japan to join EEC smart city plan Bangkok Post 7th May 2019
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) smart city initiative is likely to be the second development project involving collaboration with China and Japan, following the high-speed rail network linking the three main airports of Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-tapao. Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the EEC Office, said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is conducting a feasibility study for smart city development in the EEC. The study covers the smart city evaluation framework, policies and incentives that could attract private companies.
Depa pins hopes on trio of R&D centres Bangkok Post 6th May 2019
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) plans to open and operate three R&D centres in June, comprising an artificial intelligence (AI) lab, an augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) lab and Maker Space, an innovative device design centre. Depa aims to promote and build scalable startups and serve the government's goal to push Thailand towards becoming a startup hub in Asean. The three units are expected to help spur projects at the digital park in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
SET calls for 'digital equality' to help startups Bangkok Post 5th May 2019
The governor of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has urged Thailand to loosen regulations and increase competition to bring about equality to give startup businesses an opportunity to grow. "Laws can be used to punish wrongdoers but they should still be flexible enough to support entrepreneurs," Prinn Panitchpakdi told an audience of the LSE (London School of Economics) Alumni Association of Thailand held at the British Embassy. Digital technology is gathering momentum at such a fast pace that the world is expected to become cashless within a decade, Mr Prinn said.
Data sharing stirs the pot Bangkok Post 2nd May 2019
The telecom regulator has begun discussions to amend details of the Telecom Business Act to allow the state to access general data regarding mobile phone usage (not including personal information), but is facing pushback from the major three telecom operators. The act only allows telecom operators to use general data from their customers for their own purposes. The move is expected to pave the way for greater benefits from general telecom service data being connected with the National Credit Bureau (NCB) system.
SEC readies for digital trade amendments Bangkok Post 2nd May 2019
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is urging all stakeholders to prepare for the amended Securities and Exchange Act of 2019, which should help Thailand's capital market welcome new participants and introduce digital trade using blockchain technology. One significant change to the Act, in effect since April 17, is expanding the coverage scope for scripless transactions to cover the primary market for all types of securities. The previous coverage applied only to the secondary market, SEC deputy secretary-general Tipsuda Thavaramara told the Bangkok Post in an exclusive interview.
Communications market to reach B629bn Bangkok Post 1st May 2019
Despite political uncertainty and slowing growth, Thailand's communications market is expected to continue growing 2.57% in 2019 to reach 629 billion baht, up from 2.23% in 2018, thanks to government policies and changes in consumer behaviour, according to a study by the Centre for International Research and Information (CIRI). However, 5G is not expected to have much impact this year and probably will not be widely available until 2021, as mobile operators still have 4G capacity and lack use cases for 5G.
Employers brace themselves as new Personal Data Protection Act looms Bangkok Post 29th Apr 2019
The draft Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) was approved by the National Legislative Assembly in February 2019, raising concern among business entities over the need for increased diligence to ensure adherence to the provisions. Running a business often entails handling the personal data of employees, contractors, suppliers, customers, and others. Any personal data collected could be subject to the provisions of the PDPA, and as employee data falls under the PDPA, all businesses, should be prepared to deal with the impact of the PDPA.
Political stalemate hits cybersecurity bill Bangkok Post 26th Apr 2019
The new cybersecurity bill may be delayed because many of the important posts and committees critical to the law's effectiveness will have to be appointed by the new government, whose formation date is uncertain, says a legal expert. "We expect the cybersecurity bill to receive royal endorsement and take immediate effect by this May," Paiboon Amonpinyokeat, who is on the interim cybersecurity preparedness committee, said at Thursday's seminar held by the Thailand Internet Service Provider Association (Tispa).
Vietnam
Vietnam takes lead in global mobile payment growth VietNamNet 7th May 2019
The growth of the number of people making mobile payments in stores in Vietnam is at the fastest, according to the Global Consumer Insights Survey 2019 by PwC. The country's mobile payments increased to 61 percent of digital payments in 2019 from 37 percent in the previous year. The PwC survey, conducted in 27 territories and countries worldwide, illustrated that Southeast Asia is leading the customer shift to mobile payments users.
Vietnam prioritises trade promotion on e-commerce platforms VietNamNet 6th May 2019
Vu Ba Phu, Director of the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade talks to Hải Quan (Customs) newspaper about trade promotion strategies to help Vietnam take advantage of free trade agreements. Vietnam seeks sustainable agricultural exports via official channelVietnam's agriculture applies science-technology for sustainable development
Vietnam's digital transformation expected to add US$162 billion to GDP VietNamNet 5th May 2019
Viet Nam could enjoy an additional US$162 billion to GDP in the next 20 years if the country succeeds in its digital transformation, said Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Vu Dai Thang.Thang was referring to research conducted by Australia’s Data 61 at a conference held in Ha Noi on Thursday, saying the digital economy had been rapidly growing and was having an impact on socio-economic life around the world.
Vietnam sets to have 50% of businesses operating on digital platforms by 2025 VietNamNet 3rd May 2019
A draft project on national digital transformation has set a target to have 50% of businesses operating on a digital basis by 2025. Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Thanh Hung announced the plan at a seminar on completing institutions and fundamental conditions for developing digital economy in Vietnam, taking place in Hanoi on May 2. The event was part of a series of workshops under the Vietnam Private Sector Economic Forum 2019, which opened the same day, co-chaired by the Government and the Party Central Committee's Economic Commission.
Institutions and legal framework go digital VietNamNet 1st May 2019
The government has been hard at work improving its institutions and legal framework for the digital economy. In mid-March, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc witnessed the inauguration ceremony for the National E-document Exchange Platform in Hanoi; an event considered an important milestone in building e-government in the country. Since the internet arrived in Vietnam in 1997, the country has become ever closer to a digital government and digital economy, with the government creating a legal framework in recent years to boost the development of the digital economy.
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