Page 88 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2024

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

Digital connectivity and emerging of a dedicated Cloud Hub will facilitate widespread 5G network infrastructure for
technologies are pivotal for future-ready ICT independent international connectivity and IoT solutions, harnessing the capabilities
ecosystems. Such environments are driven a collaborative digital economy expansion. of cloud computing, and integrating
by digitally skilled talents, progressive These countries should have a plan that advanced technologies like AI are
regulation, and early adoption of the latest emphasizes progressive network resource crucial elements for driving growth and
and future technologies, including Artificial management, the development of a thriving development across industries. This
Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Quantum 5G ecosystem and innovation testbed, will help in becoming leading players in
Computing. and the adoption of robust cybersecurity ICT application development such as
To efficiently steer, monitor, and track measures for international data exchange. Singapore’s National AI Program.
the overall execution of the strategic In addition, theirs plans should include 3. Attraction of international
aspirations and targets for the connectivity the implementation of a national Artificial telecommunications and technology
infrastructure, Smart countries will set Intelligence (AI) policy, a commitment players into the countries similarly to
clear governance guidelines and policies. to sustainability with new green data Singapore’s integration of international
This ensures that this vision is not only centers, and strategic investments in future collaborations in technology research.
ambitious but also effectively executed to technologies like 6G, open data models, and 4. The development of a critical national
bringing tangible benefits to the population quantum computing to ensure readiness infrastructure (CNI) sectors based on a
and businesses. for the evolving ICT landscape. secure digital environment, comprising a
strong cybersecurity, data protection, and
Strategic plans and regulatory framework To support such ambition, Smart countries cross-border data flow posture to protect
Smart countries are set to take on a leading are putting an effort in developing an their intellectual property and sensitive
role in the growth of the national digital optimal regulatory framework that will data, giving a competitive edge in the
ecosystem, bolstering attractiveness for focus on 5 dimensions: global market as seen in Hong Kong as
international investments, providing the 1. A robust domestic and international part of its investments in infrastructure
ecosystem for social development, and connectivity should be established to for the “Smart Living” national project.
fostering innovation. The aim of such function as the fundamental cornerstone 5. The investment in attaining net-zero
an ambitious vision is to integrate the of the nation’s rapidly expanding carbon emissions bolstering a green
advancement of the telecommunications ICT ecosystem, ensuring long-term infrastructure which emphasizes the
and digital ecosystem, propelling it toward sustainable growth. These countries promotion of sustainable practices
greater growth and prosperity. acknowledge the importance of sustained within the telecommunications sector,
investments in its telecommunications specifically targeting the development
The transformation into a gigabit society infrastructure as seen in Hawaiki Nui and adoption of environmentally-friendly
will offer high-capacity and quality network extension project, New Zealand. hardware, software, and energy solutions
services that will be accessible to the 2. The convergence of the physical such as Estonia’s largest carbon-free
population and businesses independent and software layers, fostering digital data centre in the Baltics.
on their conditions. The establishment transformation. Leveraging the

Source: Swiss Bank UBS

88 MAY-JUNE 2024