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3 essential digital steps for post-pandemic growth
Produced by SilverKris for TM ONE
Digital transformation continues to be a top buzzword in Southeast Asia. IDC’s 2020 Digital SMB Pulse Survey confirms that more than 90% of small and medium businesses in Asia Pacific increased their reliance on technologies in the search for increased market share, customer engagement and higher employee morale – and, of course, to enable remote working.
But while setting up remote work, e-payments and teleconferencing are a solid start, analysts warn there is much more to digital technology than meets the eye – such as understanding the best uses for automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT) and big data analytics, among others. In fact, a Boston Consulting Group white paper warns that successful digital transformations are rare, but getting that certain factors right can flip the odds of success from 30% to 80%.
The urgency for getting it right is significant: another study by the group, involving more than 200 companies, revealed that “digital leaders achieved 1.8x higher earnings growth than digital laggards – and more than double the growth in total enterprise value.” To ramp up speed to market, discerning business leaders are turning to partnerships as a preferred approach.
As a one-stop centre, TM ONE – the enterprise and public sector business solutions arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad – is an ideal partner, supporting you in the key digital areas of cloud computing, cybersecurity and smart services.
Here are three ways a partnership with TM ONE can make your digital transformation a success.
Step One: Cloud computing at the heart of transformation
Cloud computing has proved to be the primary enabler of remote work during pandemic lockdowns. More employees than ever before are using cloud-powered applications such as Google Workspace, iCloud and, of course, email.
Even before this, on a business level, cloud computing occupied a powerful role in fast-tracking the digitalisation of both the private and public sectors. According to IDC, Southeast Asia’s cloud computing market is growing and is expected to be worth US$40.32 billion by 2025. Reflecting this trend, the Singapore sovereign fund recently announced plans to invest US$3.9 billion in building a data centre portfolio to respond to the booming cloud computing demand.
And when the pandemic caught much of the world off guard last year, the Malaysian government, for example, was able to quickly scale its digital capabilities via cloud computing and disperse relief funds to vast numbers of businesses in need.
The same holds true for education ministries around the world that had to quickly upscale online learning with limited in-house digital infrastructure. In countries like Mexico, cloud computing mixed with AI was able to monitor hospital waiting rooms at a time when medical resources were overstretched.
Another prime public sector example, the government of Malaysia has said its Cloud First strategy aims to move 80% of public data to private-public cloud systems by the end of next year, as part of a move to improve the efficiency of its services.
Offering cost-effective, easily scalable, high-speed digital infrastructure, TM ONE is the only Malaysian provider selected to help build this necessary infrastructure in the coming months in a group that includes Amazon, Google and Microsoft.
In addition to government ministries, TM ONE delivers cloud computing services to healthcare organisations and financial institutions, all of which understand the importance of digitalisation to stay competitive, secure and resilient in an age which demands greater agility and resilience.
LEARN MORE: Read TM ONE’s cloud e-book on how digitalisation will impact the region
Step Two: Robust cybersecurity measures are a must
During the pandemic, Malaysia, Singapore and the rest of the region started experiencing a sharp rise of different types of cybercrime. Ransomware has been particularly pervasive and sophisticated. Remote working, especially with unsecured networks and unlocked devices, has seen malware more easily infiltrate organisations.
A Microsoft study showed that APAC had 1.7 times higher-than-average encounter rates for ransomware attacks than the rest of the world. Interpol’s 2021 cyber threat assessment expects cybercrime’s upward trend to continue exponentially in the ASEAN region.
As businesses and government bodies handle more personal data than ever before, a cyberattack poses a devastating risk to public trust, brand equity and revenue. Yet many organisations persist with reactive rather than proactive cybersecurity programmes, often entrusting these entrusted to already overstretched IT teams.
Analysts have warned that increasingly sophisticated, automated attacks demand advanced specialist cybersecurity skills. You can expect that the coming months will see a rise in specialised third-party cybersecurity partners offering real-time and comprehensive protection to your organisation’s devices, networks, applications, email systems and other digital properties.
On a more positive note, it is also worth noting that Singapore and Malaysia ranked among the top 10 nations in cybersecurity, coming in at the fifth (5) and eighth (8) spots respectively, according to this year’s Global Cybersecurity Index. Malaysia, in particular, punches well above its weight due to strong alliances with digitally advanced countries such as the US and the UK, have established a robust regulatory framework.
The right cybersecurity partner will help to ensure your organisation stays in compliance with these robust regulations and help to secure your digital journey.
LEARN MORE: Read IDC’s report on cybersecurity issues in the region
Step Three: The power of smart services
The third essential step is the real goal of digitalisation. Tapping the intelligent, smart aspects of technology – smart services – draws together many capabilities. These result in improved efficiencies, reduced costs, as well as creating an innovation space to develop new products and services.
“Smart services transform enterprises and the public sector by embedding intelligence into critical infrastructure and everyday objects,” TM ONE’s Head of Innovation Solutions Maznan Deraman told Business Today back in July this year.
In the business space, smart services are boosting collaboration, efficiency and security by drawing together an array of solutions including digital document management, payment platforms, e-learning and even body-temperature screening.
Echoing a Harvard Business Review paper that highlights the transformation of companies across all sectors into service companies, industry experts foresee that smart services will impact a wide range of public and private functions.
In urban planning for example, harnessing smart services helps make public spaces safer. Manufacturing and logistics can more efficiently harness the power of IoT and AI technologies to improve operations, process data and increase revenue. Meanwhile, healthcare services will benefit from collaborative end-to-end platforms that bring together medical stakeholders and provide seamless service to patients.
With 5G connectivity on the horizon, businesses, cities and countries are gathering the tools to design integrated ecosystems that ensure data can be shared in almost real-time through smart services.
With its experience of 5G demonstration projects over the past two years, TM ONE is well poised to provide smart services such as city-wide and in-building surveillance, traffic analytics, smart street lights and smart public parking.
For most businesses, coming to practical terms with technologies can be intimidating. Malaysia’s TM ONE, which already uses its expertise and experience to help government and enterprise clients create their smart services vision, is well-positioned to partner with you to establish your digital journey.
Discover more about customised solutions by TM ONE on their official website
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Tuesday, 28 September 2021
CDC raises Covid travel advisory level for Singapore and Hong Kong - CNBC
- CDC raises Covid travel advisory level for Singapore and Hong Kong CNBC
- U.S. Raises Covid Danger Level in Hong Kong and Singapore Bloomberg
- US: Avoid unnecessary travel to Singapore Coconuts
- US raises Covid-19 danger level for S'pore & Hong Kong Mothership.sg
- Japan Set to End Emergency; Biden Gets Booster: Virus Update BloombergQuint
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7 organisations we can support to protect endangered species
The birth of Kai Kai and Jia Jia’s baby cub at Singapore River Safari on 14 August 2021 was a step in the right direction for the conservation of giant pandas. Following many years of efforts, the wild panda numbers are finally rebounding, going from “endangered” to “vulnerable” on the global list of species at risk of extinction.
While things are looking up for the pandas, several other wildlife populations are still in danger. According to a recent report published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, over 35,000 of the species on its “Red List” are currently threatened with extinction. From land dwellers like big cats, elephants, and gorillas, to sea creatures like whales and turtles, there are many endangered animals that need our help. So how do we get involved?
One of the easiest ways to help endangered wildlife is to donate to causes that are supporting and caring for them. Donating can be direct, or through the purchase of goods like wildlife conservation jewellery that supports a great cause. Learn about the following seven organisations and find out how you can get more involved down the road.
1. World Wildlife Fund
The most well-known conservation organization on this list, the WWF’s mission is to protect wildlife on land and at sea. They work to preserve biodiversity around the world and have supported many species on the brink of extinction, including tigers, marine turtles, orangutans, giant pandas, elephants, and rhinos.
2. Defenders of Wildlife
Endangered species don’t have a voice, so the Defenders of Wildlife step in to speak up for them. Focused mainly in North America, the Defenders of Wildlife advocate for infrastructure changes, innovative technology and science, and policy changes that will support endangered animals. They work on the ground, in the courts, and on Capitol Hill to protect habitats and the creatures that need help.
3. Jane Goodall Foundation
Founded by Dr Jane Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist, the Jane Goodall Foundation is a global non-profit that’s primary focus is on protecting endangered chimpanzees and gorillas, and preserving habitats. In addition, the organization has worked to improve the health of women and provide education for girls as well as support positive community interactions with nature.
4. Save the Elephants
It is hard to believe, but each year, around 100,000 elephants in Africa are killed for their ivory. Save the Elephants is one of the leading voices in stopping this and protecting endangered elephants. With research into elephant behaviour as well as data collected from the communities they live in, Save the Elephants strives to keep elephant populations from diminishing before our eyes.
5. Panthera
Panthera is dedicated to protecting the 40 large wildcat species that are in danger around the world. These include tigers, lions, snow leopards, pumas, cheetahs, and jaguars. Panthera partners with local communities, governmental organisations globally, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and scientific institutions to advocate on behalf of wildcats. By aiding these large cats, they are also supporting healthy ecosystem and the growth of plants.
6. Sea Turtle Foundation
Sea turtles are long-lived and slow breeding, which makes their species as a whole particularly susceptible to dangers like climate change, the degradation of habitats, ocean pollution and the fishing industry. Through research, awareness building, advocacy, and action, this non-profit, non-government group works to protect sea turtles. Based in Australia, they send teams to rescue stranded sea turtles in North Queensland and train others to be able to do the same.
7. International Rhino Foundation
Like elephants, rhinos are at a grave risk of poaching, habitat and forest loss, and humans encroaching on their land. For 30 years, this organization has been fighting to protect the five species of rhino from extinction: the White Rhinoceros and Black Rhinoceros in Africa; the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, Javan Rhinoceros and Sumatran Rhinoceros in Asia.
SEE ALSO: Travel Pro: Meet Andie Ang, monkey whisperer and champion of primates
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Monday, 27 September 2021
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Tuesday, 21 September 2021
Key projects Singapore Airlines is supporting with their Carbon Offset Programme
Zero Emissions Day, on 21 September, has become a worldwide movement that aims to give the planet a day off. However, we can all agree it should not be limited to just one day. Whether it’s shopping for sustainable travel essentials, seeking out eco-friendly adventures in Singapore or planning 24 hours as an eco-warrior, there are endless ways to look after Mother Nature. Singapore Airlines (SIA), winner in the International Airline category of Newsweek’s inaugural Future of Travel Awards, is of the same mindset and invites us all to take part in their SIA Group Carbon Offset Programme, an initiative to empower passengers and cargo customers to voluntarily offset the carbon emitted during your flight.
With this programme, Singapore Airlines and Scoot customers will be able to offset carbon emissions on the respective airline microsites at any time before or after a flight. To encourage customers to participate, every offset you purchase during the first six months will be matched by the airlines. This will double your impact and ensure you fly carbon neutral.
So where do the contributions go? 100% of your carbon offsetting contribution goes towards a portfolio of verified carbon offset projects across Asia that are independently accredited and meet rigorous standards to ensure they make an impactful difference to our planet. Learn more about the key carbon offset projects supported by SIA.
Rainforest preservation in Indonesia
The Katingan Mentaya Project is the largest programme of its kind. They help to protect five critically endangered species, like the orangutan, and peatland in Central Kalimantan from being destroyed. Large amounts of carbon are naturally stored in the wetlands and by conserving them we are able to prevent it from being released into the environment. Each year over 7.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions are prevented and over 500 local people are directly employed to protect the forest. Through this project, it will also provide financial empowerment for over 850 local women through management workshops and distribution of microfinance, as well as learning resources and education for local students and the general public on ecosystem restoration and health impacts of forest fires.
Solar energy projects across India
Solar energy projects in Karnataka, Rajasthan and Maharashtra produce clean and renewable energy. Without these sustainable developments, power would be generated by a fossil-fuel fired power plant. In addition to producing electricity in the regions, the projects help develop local economies and create jobs for engineers, maintenance technicians, on-site operators and security guards in the local villages. Through this project, over 815,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been prevented each year. A portion of revenue generated from these projects also goes into supporting local access to healthcare including child health with check-up clinics and healthy nutrition education for families.
Cleaner cooking in Nepal
This project recognises that the majority of Nepal’s rural population prepare meals using traditional fires in poor conditions. Kitchens are often poorly ventilated with small windows. In addition to household air pollution, this often leads to chronic respiratory, heart and eye disease. The greatest health burden can be found among the women and children responsible for cooking. This project distributes efficient, clean burning cookstoves that aim to reduce smoke pollution and household expenditure on firewood by up to 50%. As these also require less wood, it also helps improve the future of native forests. So far, over 50,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been prevented each year and 47,000 families have received a stove in Nepal.
If you are looking at how to offset your carbon emissions on your future flights, visit the following websites to learn more:
carbonoffset.singaporeair.com.sg or carbonoffset.flyscoot.com
To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights, visit singaporeair.com.
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Vaccinated Travel Lane may be expanded to more places soon; 1 traveller so far tested Covid-19 positive on arrival: Iswaran - TODAYonline
- Vaccinated Travel Lane may be expanded to more places soon; 1 traveller so far tested Covid-19 positive on arrival: Iswaran TODAYonline
- Vaccinated Travel Lane scheme may be expanded soon; 1 Covid-19 case found among 900 visitors The Straits Times
- 1 out of more than 900 travel lane passengers to S'pore tested positive for Covid-19, more lanes soon Mothership.sg
- Singapore likely to add more countries for quarantine-free entry in coming weeks, months The Business Times
- Over 2300 approved to travel to Singapore from Germany, Brunei The New Paper
- View Full Coverage on Google News
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Monday, 20 September 2021
Vaccinated Travel Lane may be expanded to more places soon; 1 traveller under scheme tests positive for Covid-19 - TODAYonline
- Vaccinated Travel Lane may be expanded to more places soon; 1 traveller under scheme tests positive for Covid-19 TODAYonline
- Vaccinated Travel Lane scheme may be expanded soon; 1 Covid-19 case found among 900 visitors The Straits Times
- 1 out of more than 900 travel lane passengers to S'pore tested positive for Covid-19, more lanes soon Mothership.sg
- Over 2300 approved to travel to Singapore from Germany, Brunei The New Paper
- Singapore likely to add more countries for quarantine-free entry in coming weeks, months The Business Times
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