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The Effectiveness of Smart Tourism in Malaysia in Covid-19 Post-pandemic Era: A Case Study

• Conference paper
• First Online: 16 June 2022
• Cite this conference paper

• Chee Ling Thong 9 ,
• Lee Yen Chaw 9 ,
• Aswani Kumar Cherukuri 10 ,
• Abdulrahman Jalil 11 ,
• Su Mon Chit 9 &
• Chiw Yi Lee 12  

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNCS,volume 13337))

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• International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

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The use of technology in supporting business processes has become an integral part of business in the post-pandemic era. This study focuses on two aspects of technology which are digitization and digitalization of business processes in tourism industry in Malaysia. Due to movement constraints in Covid-19 pandemic, most of the related studies are conducted based on media report, peered review articles and research letters or empirical articles. There is a lack of case study to examine the effectiveness of various factors and how these factors impact the recovery of the post- pandemic tourism industry. A research case in earlier study implies that digitization and digitalization have an impact in recovery of tourism industry and insight gained motivates this study on effectiveness of smart tourism in Malaysia. Hence, this study aims to investigate effectiveness of smart tourism by using a self-developed mobile application which enables multiple trips organize in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Test cases are conducted among eleven managers in travel agencies and positive feedback are collected on system quality, perceived mobility, mobile usefulness, mobile ease of use and usage intention. Findings show that ICT has a major role in reviving business processes when tourism enters recovery phase. The study also discovered the importance of understanding the new patterns emerging which may include new tour packages or travel destinations that are emerging in future. In future work, artificial intelligence or machine learning based smart tourism models are introduced to analyse the new pattern emerging.

• Smart tourism
• Travel agency
• Post-pandemic
• Mobile application

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Acknowledgement

This research work is supported by UCSI University under Pioneer Science Incentives Fund (PSIF).

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Chee Ling Thong, Lee Yen Chaw & Su Mon Chit

Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India

Aswani Kumar Cherukuri

University of Computer Science and Engineering, 63000, Cyberjaya, Malaysia

Abdulrahman Jalil

UCSI College, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Chiw Yi Lee

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Thong, C.L., Chaw, L.Y., Cherukuri, A.K., Jalil, A., Chit, S.M., Lee, C.Y. (2022). The Effectiveness of Smart Tourism in Malaysia in Covid-19 Post-pandemic Era: A Case Study. In: Salvendy, G., Wei, J. (eds) Design, Operation and Evaluation of Mobile Communications. HCII 2022. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 13337. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05014-5_6

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April 2, 2024

9th Annual Singapore OpenGov Leadership Forum 2024, 14 - 15 May 2024 - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

We are creating some awesome events for you. kindly bear with us., malaysia to use tech to boost tourism.

• Alita Sharon
• August 26, 2019

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Malaysia will embark on a comprehensive digitalisation journey to transform its tourism industry with smart tourism initiatives in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), according to the nation’s Prime Minister.

By embracing the whole spectrum of digitalisation, the country will be able to provide the necessary tools for the tourism industry to be internationally connected, perform rigorous data analytics of tourism futures and shorten the supply chain.

For all these to materialise, a new investment climate is pertinent for a conducive environment to enable the technology-centred tourism industry to charge forward. Investment in hard and soft infrastructure needs to be balanced.

National policies need to allow for investment incentives in more intangible products such as data acquisition, content creation and online platform presence.

Industry stakeholders are venturing even more actively into sharing the economy, digital platform, social media integration, as well as big data analytics to customise tourism experience offerings to specific demographics across the globe.

The digitalisation of the sector is also crucial because technological advancement has also led consumers to utilise mobile devices and online platforms to access information, arrange, book and plan an entire holiday, he said.

In addition, specific incentives are now being formulated to attract both hard infrastructure investment as well as new technology-based investment in the tourism sector.

The tourism industry should also be the catalyst for environmental protection, preservation, and conservation of local culture and heritage. This will ensure that the wealth from tourism is spread widely to reach even the remote communities that offer unique experiences to the tourists.

As such, one area where this can be achieved is through sustainable ecotourism development.

Ecotourism is a high-value sub-sector that offers genuine experience and adventure that is unique to a particular locality. Naturally, due to its scarcity, it has the potential to become a premier destination, which brings in high-value tourists.

Ecotourism conservation can enrich tourists’ experience and fulfil their sense of responsibility in giving back to nature — which again will attract high-spending visitors, contributing to the increase in revenue.

Technology incentives for eco-tour package development, eco-resort building design and innovative business processes can be considered by governments and implemented by destination managers and tour operators.

With its over-130 million-year-old pristine rainforests, beaches, islands, spectacular natural wonders, and national parks; and diverse people, Malaysia is a preferred eco-tourism destination in the world.

Through its National Ecotourism Plan 2016-2025, the country is developing cluster-based ecotourism destinations with special concession packages that inculcate the use of technology and smart eco-management of destinations.

The government is committed to exploring new avenues through technology transformation in tourism and smart destination management to educate industry players, tourists and the local community.

Recently, Tourism Malaysia has https://www.ttgasia.com/2019/08/22/tourism-malaysia-teams-up-with-expedia-in-destination-promotion-efforts/ joined forces with an American global travel technology company on two tourism collaborative pacts to attract more tourists to Malaysia.

Aligned with Tourism Malaysia’s promotion strategies, the first agreement is a Memorandum of Collaboration to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination by showcasing the country’s unique wonders, attractions and cultures, as well as support tourism industry digital innovation.

In the second agreement, both parties would embark on the firm’s global campaign to promote inbound travel from Australia, Japan and the US to Malaysia. These three markets are the biggest points of sales for the firm.

As part of the overall collaboration, Tourism Malaysia and Expedia Group will also launch a series of key workshops in Malaysia to foster tourism industry digital innovation. Workshops for local hotel partners will include ways to leverage the Expedia Group’s Partner Central platform to accelerate skills development and build revenue and hotel management capabilities among local SME hotels.

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Singapore: NUS Pioneering Sustainable Microelectronics with Skyrmions

• April 1, 2024

Singaporean scientists have achieved a remarkable feat in the realm of microelectronics, unveiling a revolutionary device that boasts a significant reduction in power consumption compared to traditional memory technologies.

This groundbreaking development, led by the esteemed Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in collaboration with the prestigious National University of Singapore (NUS), marks a significant leap forward towards creating computing systems that are not only more sustainable but also vastly more efficient.

At the heart of this innovation lies a novel microelectronic device capable of functioning as a high-performance “bit-switch”, made possible through the utilisation of minute, stable magnetic whirls known as skyrmions. Published in the esteemed scientific journal Nature on  this innonation has the potential to reshape the landscape of computing technologies as we know them.

The imperative for sustainable and efficient AI computing has never been more pressing, particularly with the proliferation of data-intensive applications such as ChatGPT. The current trajectory of information and communication technologies, which already account for nearly 20% of global electricity consumption, signals an impending surge in energy demand, exacerbated by the exponential growth of large-scale AI models.

As such, the persistent pursuit of enhanced computing power has led to the relentless miniaturisation of the fundamental computing switch, or memory-bit, pushing it perilously close to its physical limits.

In response to this energy crisis, edge computing has emerged as a promising solution, enabling data processing within individual devices such as smartphones and smart home appliances. However, the computational capabilities of current edge appliances are severely constrained by their limited computing capacity and power requirements, underscoring the urgent need for a paradigm shift in microelectronic platforms to enable efficient and sustainable AI computing.

Enter skyrmions – minuscule magnetic whirls measuring thousands of times smaller than a human hair – which hold immense promise for the future of computing. Discovered a mere decade ago, these whirls exhibit extraordinary stability and compactness, making them ideally suited for large-scale data processing in AI technologies.

Realising the full potential of skyrmions necessitates the development of electrical pathways akin to those found in conventional computers. The breakthrough achieved by the research team involves the electrical readout and switching of skyrmion states, facilitated by a tunnel junction device. This pioneering advancement not only enables switching between states using a fraction of the power consumed by commercial devices but also permits the attainment of multiple states within a single device, eliminating the need for further size reduction to enhance performance.

Dr. Anjan Soumyanarayanan, the visionary leader of the research team, underscores the unparalleled efficiency and functionality offered by skyrmions for implementing various AI architectures. Leveraging the scalability and compatibility of their microelectronic devices with existing edge computing technologies, the team aims to expedite their practical integration into the computing ecosystem, thus catalysing widespread adoption.

Looking ahead, the team envisions further refining the electrical performance of their computing switch for seamless integration into microprocessors through collaborative efforts with semiconductor manufacturing companies and system integrators. This concerted endeavour holds the promise of ushering in a new era of computing characterised by sustainability, efficiency, and unparalleled performance, heralding a brighter future for humanity in the digital age.

GeM Revolutionising Public Procurement in India

• Samaya Dharmaraj

India’s Government e Marketplace (GeM) has carved a significant path in the realm of digitally-enabled public procurement , culminating in a landmark achievement of ₹4 lakh (US$53 billion) crore Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) at the close of this fiscal year. This milestone, representing a doubling of its GMV from the previous fiscal year, speaks volumes about GeM’s transformative impact on procurement processes across India.

One of the most notable facets of GeM’s growth trajectory is the surge in services procurement. With a staggering 205% increase in services procured through the platform, accounting for nearly half of the overall GMV, GeM has proven to be a pivotal force in facilitating efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in public procurement processes. This surge underscores the platform’s ability to adapt to the evolving needs of buyers and sellers, positioning itself as a comprehensive solution for all procurement requirements.

GeM’s inclusive approach has democratised access to government tenders, empowering small domestic entrepreneurs to participate in procurement processes with ease. By breaking down traditional barriers and creating a level playing field, GeM has provided marginalised segments such as artisans, weavers, MSEs, women-led enterprises, SC/STs, SHGs, FPOs, and startups with unprecedented opportunities. Nearly half of the orders placed on GeM have been awarded to these segments, showcasing the platform’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and economic empowerment.

The surge in GeM’s GMV is not solely attributed to increased procurement activities but also to heightened engagement from states and central entities. Leading states such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have played a pivotal role in driving this growth, surpassing earmarked public procurement targets for the fiscal year.

Additionally, central entities, including ministries and CPSEs, have significantly contributed to GeM’s success, accounting for nearly 85% of the ₹4 lakh crore (US$53 billion) milestone. This collaborative effort underscores the platform’s ability to serve as a catalyst for efficient and transparent procurement practices at both the state and central levels.

At the heart of GeM’s success lies its extensive network of government buyers and sellers, comprising over 150,000 buyers and 2.1 million sellers and service providers. Through comprehensive onboarding initiatives and integration with grassroots institutions such as Panchayats and Cooperatives, GeM has facilitated sustainable procurement practices and optimised public spending at the grassroots level. This grassroots engagement has not only expanded the platform’s reach but also strengthened its impact on local economies across India.

GeM’s journey towards achieving the ₹4 lakh crore (US$53 billion) milestone has been bolstered by continuous technological advancements. In collaboration with leading tech firm Tata Consultancy Services, GeM has embarked on a mission to revamp its technological infrastructure. By leveraging new-age technologies, GeM aims to enhance user experience, improve transparency, and foster greater inclusivity. This commitment to innovation underscores GeM’s proactive approach to staying at the forefront of digital transformation in public procurement.

As GeM continues to disrupt the domain of public procurement, it remains committed to its core principles of efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity. With over 12070+ product categories and 320+ service categories, GeM has emerged as a one-stop solution for seamless procurement processes, offering opportunities for sellers and service providers across India to showcase their offerings and participate in government tenders transparently.

GeM’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to achieving the ₹4 lakh crore (US$53 billion) GMV milestone is a testament to its unwavering commitment to driving digital transformation in public procurement. As it continues to evolve and innovate, GeM is poised to remain a pioneering force, revolutionising procurement practices and fostering inclusive growth across India.

Indonesia: ITS’s Next Generation of Robotics

• Azizah Saffa

The digital era has ushered in transformative innovations, especially in robotics and autonomous systems. An evolution emphasises the importance of processing data and making decisions closer to the data source or point of action, eliminating reliance and introducing a faster, more secure, and more responsive localised autonomy.

ITS, renowned for its engineering acumen, has taken a significant stride into the future of technology and robotics. This institution unveiled two pairs of advanced drones, each meticulously engineered: Semi-autonomous and Autonomous. This unveiling was a presentation of cutting-edge technology and a remark on ITS’s ambition and vision in the rapidly evolving robotics domain .

The semi-autonomous category features twin drones named Jati Sigma and Jati Theta, which are designed for remote control missions and showcase the blend of traditional control mechanisms with advanced technology. On the other hand, the Autonomous category introduces Soerongarep and Soeromburi, drones engineered to navigate and complete missions independently, utilising the NVIDIA Jetson Nano – a testament to the miniaturisation and power of current computing capabilities.

One of the team’s programmers, Achmad Iqbal Akbari, highlighted the innovative aspects of their creations. The drones in the Semi-autonomous category are operated with a wearable remote, allowing simultaneous control of both drones. This feature demonstrates an innovative leap in control technology and user interface design. The team has developed a path detection programme for autonomous drones that enables them to autonomously navigate their environment, illustrating the advancements in machine learning and computer vision.

The Bayucaraka ITS team’s preparations for the SAFMC, an event hosted by DSO National Laboratories and Science Centre Singapore in partnership with the Singapore Ministry of Defence, underscore the importance of international competitions in fostering innovation. The team’s rigorous preparation, based on evaluations from previous competitions and continuous system optimisation, reflects the iterative process of technological advancement.

The ITS team, comprising students from various engineering disciplines, represents a holistic approach to robotics, combining mechanical, electrical, and programming expertise. This multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial in the digital age, where complex systems require a broad spectrum of knowledge to design, build, and optimise.

As the Bayucaraka ITS team sets its sights on not just competing but excelling in Singapore by aiming for the Best International Team trophy and first place in the Autonomous category, their journey exemplifies the broader narrative of digital technology’s role in education and innovation. Beyond their immediate competition objectives, the drones serve as beacons of inspiration, encouraging students and the wider community to engage with technology and innovation actively.

Vice Rector I for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof Dr Ir Adi Soeprijanto, MT, was optimistic about this competition. He said this participation serves as a declaration of the evolving trajectory of engineering and technological innovation. “It highlights how digital technologies, such as machine learning, computer vision, and advanced computing platforms, reshape what’s possible in robotics and autonomous systems,” he explained. Furthermore, it showcases the critical role of education and competitive arenas in pushing the boundaries of these technologies, fostering an environment where theoretical knowledge meets practical application.

The ITS team’s endeavour at the SAFMC 2024 is a microcosm of the broader digital transformation occurring across the globe. It emphasises the importance of integrating digital technologies into education and the development of new solutions to complex problems. As the team looks forward to competing in Singapore, its journey from conception to competition embodies the digital transformation innovation in the robotic industry.

Malaysia-China Advancing Digital Competencies

Malaysia and China are poised to strengthen their collaboration in the realm of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), a move heralded by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi following his recent meeting with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

The discussions underscored China’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties by offering more comprehensive training series, sharing valuable experiences, and extending educational opportunities in technology and vocational fields, with a particular focus on benefiting Malaysian students and workers. This strategic partnership reflects a shared vision to bolster human capital development and advance technological competencies in both nations.

Ahmad Zahid stressed the significance of the collaborative efforts, highlighting China’s proactive stance in supporting Malaysia’s endeavours to elevate its TVET sector. The exchange of expertise and resources between the two countries is poised to enrich Malaysia’s educational landscape, equipping its workforce with the requisite skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital and technologically driven global economy.

By leveraging China’s advancements in technical education and vocational training, Malaysia aims to enhance the employability and competitiveness of its workforce, thus fostering sustainable economic growth and development.

Furthermore, the meeting between Ahmad Zahid and Liu Jianchao also delved into the forthcoming commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, slated for May 31. Both parties expressed optimism regarding the milestone event, viewing it as an opportune moment to reaffirm the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The celebratory occasion is expected to serve as a platform for fostering greater mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration, further solidifying the robust bilateral relations.

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the positive trajectory of Malaysia-China relations, citing the recent visits of several high-profile Chinese leaders to Malaysia as indicative of the growing synergy and mutual respect between the two nations. These interactions have laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, ranging from trade and investment to education and technology.

Ahmad Zahid reiterated the importance of nurturing these ties at both party and governmental levels, emphasising the need for sustained dialogue and collaboration to harness the full potential of the Malaysia-China partnership.

The meeting also witnessed the participation of other key Malaysian officials, including Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, and Majilis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive and multifaceted engagement with China, encompassing various spheres of mutual interest and benefit.

Amidst the discussions, the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing shared challenges and pursuing common goals was reaffirmed. Both Malaysia and China recognise the significance of collaborative endeavours in advancing their respective national interests while contributing to regional stability and prosperity.

The meeting served as a testament to the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Malaysia and China, laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation and mutual prosperity in the years to come.

Overall, the collaborative efforts between Malaysia and China in the realm of TVET represent a significant step forward in advancing human capital development and fostering technological innovation. As both nations embark on this journey of cooperation and mutual learning, they are poised to reap the benefits of a skilled and adaptable workforce equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Malaysia is actively seeking bilateral partnerships with other nations to mutually enhance the digital economy and accelerate digital transformation efforts for shared prosperity and innovation.

OpenGov Asia highlighted the collaboration between PPIT and ASPIMTEL as a significant step in addressing digital infrastructure challenges in Malaysia and Indonesia, with a focus on enhancing 4G infrastructure and introducing 5G networks, particularly in Indonesia, where previous 5G rollout projections were cautious.

Vietnam: Navigating the Global Digital Frontier

Promoting and nurturing Vietnamese digital technology enterprises to thrive on a global scale stands as a pivotal task, essential for fostering the stability and sustainability of the nation’s economy.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Phan Tâm, emphasised the pivotal role Vietnamese digital technology enterprises play during a recent conference on global digital cooperation. He stressed that as these enterprises enter a new phase of development, they must confidently and proactively introduce Make-in-Việt Nam digital products and services to the international market, addressing digital transformation challenges and propelling the digital economy to global recognition.

However, while expanding market reach and fostering international cooperation are noble endeavours, Deputy Minister Tâm highlighted the numerous challenges that come hand-in-hand with such a mission.

To transform these challenges into opportunities for growth, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has worked diligently alongside other state management agencies to issue vital documents facilitating the development of Vietnamese digital enterprises. These initiatives aim to support market expansion and enhance business cooperation with nations worldwide.

Echoing this sentiment, Vũ Văn Chung, Deputy Director of the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, shared that the nation boasts 1,720 investment projects abroad, totaling an impressive registered capital of US$22.12 billion across 80 countries and territories by the end of the previous year.

Furthermore, he noted a significant shift in the focus of overseas investment by Vietnamese digital technology enterprises toward developed economies like the US, the EU, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Investments predominantly target high-tech sectors, services, industrial production, and industries infused with modern technical prowess, signaling a promising trend in international engagement.

Specifically, the field of information and communications has seen remarkable strides, with 207 projects accumulating a total registered capital of $2.82 billion by the close of 2023, constituting nearly 13% of the total registered capital for investments abroad.

While small-scale projects primarily concentrate on countries like Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and the US, larger telecommunications endeavors increasingly focus on African nations.

Discussing strategies to facilitate opportunities for digital technology businesses venturing abroad, the Việt Nam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade highlighted its efforts in creating a robust foundation and legal framework to promote digital transformation. Additionally, the agency has spearheaded various trade promotion initiatives aimed at supporting the global presence of Vietnamese digital technology enterprises, ultimately paving the way for enhanced international market penetration and sustained growth.

In the dynamic landscape of global digital cooperation, it is imperative for Vietnamese digital technology enterprises to seize opportunities and navigate challenges adeptly. The evolution of digital technology has presented unprecedented possibilities for innovation, market expansion, and economic development. However, to capitalise on these opportunities, enterprises must be equipped with the necessary tools, resources, and strategic foresight.

At the heart of this endeavour lies the need for comprehensive support from governmental agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners. By fostering an ecosystem conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, Vietnamese digital technology enterprises can thrive and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness.

The journey to promote and develop Vietnamese digital technology enterprises is multifaceted, requiring collaborative efforts, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Vietnam stands poised to emerge as a prominent player in the global digital economy, driven by the ingenuity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of its digital technology enterprises.

New Zealand Pioneering New Frontiers in Space

Space has long been a pivotal aspect of Aotearoa, New Zealand, where the country’s clear skies create an optimal environment for space endeavours. Currently, the defence sector is venturing into space, with New Zealand strategically positioning itself to embrace this emerging frontier.

The successful launch of the “Korimako” payload into orbit marks a venture into the cosmos for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), facilitated by the ingenuity and collaborative efforts of the US Naval Postgraduate School. This initiative leverages digital technology’s cutting-edge capabilities, transforming how they interact with and understand the vast expanse beyond the planet.

Hitched to a research satellite aboard an Electron rocket, Korimako’s journey began from the Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, painting a new chapter in space exploration for NZDF. This monumental event unfolded on a serene last March New Zealand Time, signalling a leap forward in utilising space for scientific and defence purposes. The satellite, now orbiting earth. This advancement encapsulates human ingenuity and the boundless possibilities of digital technology.

Central to the operation and monitoring of Korimako is the NZDF’s Defence Science & Technology (DST) team, operating out of the Whangaparaoa Ground Station, strategically located north of Auckland. This team of skilled scientists and technologists stands at the vanguard of an era where digital communication and satellite technology intersect to advance national and global interests. Their role in this mission underscores the pivotal place of digital technology in navigating the complexities of space exploration and operations.

Initial reports post-launch indicate that Korimako is not just afloat but thriving in the harsh space environment, signalling a successful entry into orbit and operational commencement. This outcome is not merely a testament to the resilience of the technology but also the meticulous planning and execution of the mission by the DST team.

DST Director David Galligan’s remarks illuminate the essence of this endeavour, highlighting it as a pioneering move for the NZDF and a beacon for New Zealand’s burgeoning space enterprise. The underlying digital technology enabling Korimako’s deployment into space and subsequent operation represents a blend of innovation, ambition, and collaborative spirit. By stepping into the space arena, the NZDF is expanding its operational horizon and fostering a culture of technological advancement and experimentation.

Korimako serves as a non-operational platform, yet its value lies in the experiential learning and the cultivation of local expertise in space science and technology it offers. Through this venture, the NZDF, in collaboration with its international partners, is laying the groundwork for future space operations and missions. The digital technology that underpins this mission—from satellite design to data transmission and analysis—epitomises the cutting-edge of modern scientific exploration and defence strategy.

Beyond its immediate scientific and strategic implications, the Korimako mission is a beacon of international cooperation. It exemplifies how collaborative efforts across borders can yield advancements in technology and science that benefit humanity. Digital technology in this context is not just about the hardware in space; it’s also about the software, the data analytics, and the communication systems that enable humans to interact with machines in orbit.

Though modest in size, the US satellite that houses the Korimako payload plays a colossal role in this narrative. Orbiting the earth every 90 minutes at approximately 515 km is a marvel of modern engineering and digital technology. Invisible to the naked eye, it nevertheless bridges the vast expanse between earth and space, serving as a testament to what collaborative innovation can achieve.

Looking ahead, the anticipation surrounding the launch of a second experimental payload, Tui, further underscores the commitment to advancing space science and technology. Named after another of NZ’s native birds, Tui’s upcoming mission is poised to build on the successes and learnings from Korimako. This breakthrough pushes the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration and operations.

NUS GRTII’s Digital Innovation in Guangzhou

• March 30, 2024

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Guangzhou Research Translation and Innovation Institute (NUS GRTII) marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new building in Guangzhou, China. The institute, a collaborative venture between NUS, the People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality, and the China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City Administrative Committee, is poised to drive research translation, incubate startups, promote entrepreneurship , and offer educational programmes aimed at nurturing talents in Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area.

NUS GRTII, the university’s fourth overseas research institute in China, joins a prestigious lineup including the NUS Suzhou Research Institute, the Tianjin University-NUS Joint Institute in Fuzhou, and the NUS Chongqing Research Institute. Strategically located within the China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City, NUS GRTII aims to become a flagship initiative in the Greater Bay Area.

During the inauguration ceremony, NUS GRTII sealed strategic collaboration agreements with 13 partners, including leading Singapore enterprises, Huangpu District companies, and other industry players and organisations. Notable among these partnerships is the collaboration with WeRide in autonomous driving technologies, where NUS GRTII will engage in research projects focused on autonomous driving R&D and commercialisation.

NUS GRTII also welcomed its first cohort of 9 startups, set to be incubated within its state-of-the-art facilities, as part of its mission to foster entrepreneurial activities between Singapore and China. Through providing business incubation, technology transfer, and facilitating the commercialisation of research breakthroughs, NUS GRTII aims to benefit Singapore, Guangzhou, and the Greater Bay Area.

Among the startups joining NUS GRTII is JN Medsys, an innovative Digital PCR technology company based in Singapore. Dr Johnson Ng, Founder & CEO of JN Medsys, expressed optimism about starting the company in Guangzhou due to its favorable business environment and strategic location. Another startup, Yimiji Technology, an AI-based medical image processing analysis platform and smart surgical robotic technology, looks forward to leveraging NUS’ research development and capabilities to accelerate its growth and product development in the Guangzhou market.

In the realm of education, NUS GRTII pledges to train over 2,200 Chinese PhD and Master’s students, post-doctoral fellows, and professionals over the next decade, supporting talent development in the Greater Bay Area. Scholarships will be offered by the Huangpu District Government, Guangzhou City Government, and corporate sponsors to support aspiring Chinese students in pursuing their postgraduate studies at NUS in Singapore.

Established in September 2023, NUS GRTII is dedicated to research translation, technological innovation, startup incubation, and talent development in Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area. Its focus areas include Smart Cities, Information and Communication, Electronic Science and Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Biomedical Technology, and FinTech. The collaborations unveiled during the inauguration underscore NUS’ commitment to contributing to the scientific research, technology transfer, and postdoctoral training programmes in Guangzhou.

Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, expressed excitement about NUS GRTII’s role in the vibrant hub of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He highlighted NUS GRTII’s focus on key areas aligned with the technological developments and market demands in Guangzhou City, underscoring its potential to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

Professor Meng Qiang, Director of NUS GRTII, emphasised the institute’s dedication to advancing scientific research, nurturing exceptional talents, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. He believes that NUS GRTII will serve as a dynamic hub for science and innovation, forging partnerships with government agencies, enterprises, and key industry players to drive technological innovation and industrial transformation in Guangzhou and beyond.

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