The last two years have been difficult. These changes have reinvigorated the way in which people, firms and organizations should adapt to the digital age.
As some of the populous and diverse regions on the planet, the Asia-Pacific region will likely be a rapidly growing digital leader. Two-thirds of the world’s population would receive economic advantages price $1.7 trillion. McKinsey notes that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation internationally and within the Asia-Pacific region.
Many countries are making digitalization efforts to meet up with this trend. Singapore published Smart Nation 2025, Indonesia and Malaysia launched Go Digital strategies, Bangladesh published Digital Bangladesh, and Thailand announced its intention to turn into the digital hub of ASEAN.
The future Asia-Pacific region will need a digital economy supported by the perfect ICT solutions and an open, green industrial ecosystem to support innovation. We also need to deal with equality issues to level the playing field.
1. Develop digital ICT infrastructure
ICT has accelerated the economic recovery after the pandemic. Digital borders depend on connectivity and computers. Enterprises wish to cloud, connectivity and AI to maximise their operations as connectivity bridges the digital divide and creates latest prospects for education and employment.
The region’s digital readiness varies. China is entering a knowledge and data dividend phase, and Southeast Asia is at the height of its demographic dividend. The 5G network penetration rate in China exceeds 40%, and the 100+Mbps fiber bandwidth at home rate exceeds 90%. Several countries within the SEA region have just began using 5G. In the SEA region, 4G mobile coverage is just over 50% and fiber connectivity reaches a 3rd of homes. Less than 20% of SEA firms use the cloud, leaving room for data monetization and industry modernization.
5G technology is changing a very powerful industries. Siriraj Hospital, the biggest public hospital in Thailand, has launched the primary 5G smart hospital within the ASEAN region with smart logistics, 5G ambulance and smart inventory management (see image below). The 5G smart hospital project can be a brand new model for contemporary medical facilities, says Mahidol University professor Dr. Prasit Watanapa. 5G ensures the sleek flow of patient data and the operation of telemedicine devices.
Digital infrastructure is important in rural areas with limited 5G coverage. The Government of Bangladesh has made significant efforts and progress in implementing the network in over 2,600 municipalities, accounting for 60% of all municipalities within the country, and enabling e-government and finance.
In the “land of spices” in Malaysia, HEXA Food trained a chili identification model using Cloud ModelArts. The Atlas 500 image recognition function accurately recognizes the standard of the chili. AI-powered sorting minimizes errors and doubles efficiency.
2. Create a green ecosphere
Every country, company and one and all has recently been faced with the identical query: the best way to survive and thrive in an uncertain environment? Digitalization and decarbonization will create latest business forms, production partnerships and value distribution networks. The industry needs a healthier and greener ecosystem.
Digital Asia-Pacific requires an open and collaborative ICT ecosystem. These ecosystems will include government, partners, operators and users to remodel sectors. An example is the open laboratory in Singapore. All firms, scientists and government organizations can use this facility to research cutting-edge robotics solutions, digital twins and AI development kits.
Secondly, digital power generation technology will likely be crucial for carbon neutrality and higher digitization of energy. More than 1,200 convenience stores in Thailand have smart solar roofs. This will minimize CO2 emissions by 1,300 tons per 12 months. By integrating artificial intelligence and cloud in photovoltaics for optimal power generation, the solar energy plant becomes extremely efficient, protected and reliable, laying the muse for solar energy to turn into a mainstream energy source.
3. Chart an inclusive and sustainable course
Half of the world doesn’t have access to the Internet. According to the APNIC Foundation, the Internet usage rate within the Asia-Pacific region is 48.4%. This figure is anticipated to achieve 72% (3.1 billion users) by 2023, leaving 1 / 4 of the region’s population offline.
People cannot draw power from technology if they do not know the best way to use it. Mobile payments, government services, digital education and healthcare should help underserved areas, especially women, girls and older generations.
The ability to learn from anywhere has democratized educational resources. In the Philippines, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) promoted the School-in-a-Bag program. Each backpack comprises a laptop, 20 tablets and a Smart LTE pocket Wi-Fi kit. This stimulated students’ learning, lesson absorption and teaching methodology.
Digital future
Technology is a leveler. It can provide education, health care and jobs all over the world. It will transform business and industry and help manage global resources for a green future.
The digital economy in Asia-Pacific delivers social renewal and a resilient future. It facilitates the creation of nationwide public-private industrial partnerships. As we approach the digital future, we must seek a balance between the true and digital worlds.
Lin Baifeng, president of Huawei APAC
