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Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
AI-powered cyber security for the region is a must for smooth digital transformation
The Middle East is undergoing one of the most ambitious digital transformations the world has seen. National strategies such as Saudi Vision 2030, the UAE's Digital Economy Strategy, and Qatar's Smart Nation framework are setting bold targets for a connected, intelligent future. These plans are already reshaping key sectors including energy, transport, healthcare, and manufacturing. Technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT are central to this shift, but their rapid adoption is bringing a critical challenge to the surface. With every new layer of connectivity comes a growing cybersecurity risk. The region now finds itself at a decisive moment: how can it scale digital innovation while ensuring the security and resilience of the networks that support it? Hyperconnectivity brings new levels of risk By the end of the decade, over one billion IoT devices are expected to be deployed across the GCC. While this will unlock new efficiencies and services, it will also multiply the points of vulnerability. Already, 15% of organisations in the region have experienced data breaches costing over $100,000. The threat landscape itself is evolving. Cybercriminals are using AI to generate new malware, automate large-scale attacks, and even create convincing deepfake phishing campaigns. These tactics can easily bypass legacy security systems. Despite this, the region is demonstrating encouraging levels of cloud readiness. Only 24% of regional businesses feel unprepared for cloud-related threats, compared to 34% globally. This reflects a growing understanding of the importance of building resilience into cloud-native systems. But as risks evolve, so must the defenses. Predictive threat detection and real-time response will be key to navigating what comes next. Intelligent networks and cyber resilience To secure the future, Middle Eastern enterprises must embrace networks capable of defending themselves. This means embedding intelligence, automation, and continuous verification directly into the fabric of network infrastructure. AI is already proving its value in 5G security. A strong example is the generative AI assistant within NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome, built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI GPT, which demonstrates how large language models can enhance threat detection and accelerate informed decision-making during cyber incidents. Yet identifying threats is only the first step. True cyber resilience demands more. It requires a shift to Zero Trust models, where every user, device, and application interaction is continuously authenticated to eliminate assumptions of trust. It also calls for automated incident response systems that can take decisive action in real time, dramatically reducing human error and accelerating resolution. Just as importantly, networks must harness real-time analytics to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. These intelligent capabilities are no longer theoretical, they are being deployed across the region today. With the right tools in place, telecom operators and enterprises are beginning to move from reactive defense to proactive protection, where threats are anticipated and neutralized before they cause harm. A commitment to secure transformation Governments across the GCC are taking serious steps to strengthen national cybersecurity posture. The UAE's Cybersecurity Strategy is embedding AI into the country's digital infrastructure. Saudi Arabia's National Cybersecurity Authority is developing frameworks for critical infrastructure protection. Qatar is fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to strengthen cloud resilience. Together, these efforts signal that the region is ready not just to adapt to cyber threats, but to lead in shaping global standards. To do so, the next phase of investment must focus on scalable cloud-native security, AI-powered threat detection, and unified threat response platforms. Building a secure hyperconnected future As digital transformation accelerates, Nokia continues to support the region's cybersecurity goals through innovations that are specifically designed for telecom and enterprise environments. Our AI-driven threat detection platforms are significantly reducing the time it takes to identify and neutralise threats. Advanced solutions such as NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome use generative AI to proactively hunt threats, while our endpoint detection tools monitor the telecom infrastructure in real time. Our collaboration with hyperscalers and cloud providers, such as Microsoft, is enabling integrated, real-time threat visibility across multi-cloud and telecom ecosystems. Trust through autonomous security The Middle East's digital ambitions are bold and achievable, but they rest on a single foundational requirement: trust. As digital economies depend on interconnected networks, intelligent, autonomous security is not a luxury. It is essential. At Nokia, security forms the foundation of our Sense, Think, and Act framework. Built into every network layer, from physical infrastructure to cloud-based applications, our solutions shift from reactive defense to proactive protection. Advanced threat detection, robust encryption, and rigorous authentication at each network layer enable secure, autonomous operations. By embedding AI-driven resilience directly into networks, communication service providers can move towards proactive, self-healing systems that are secure by design. For the GCC, this presents an opportunity to lead the way in establishing secure, scalable, and sustainable digital infrastructure.
Business Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore has digital foundation for an AI-ready e-commerce sector
ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) – and more recently, generative AI – is changing the way businesses grow, engage customers, and operate. In the retail sector alone, AI is projected to generate between S$400 billion and S$660 billion in annual value globally, transforming everything from product discovery to customer service. Singapore has laid a strong foundation to lead in this AI-driven future. With strong digital infrastructure, a forward-thinking Smart Nation strategy, and robust policy support, the groundwork for AI adoption is already in place. Core sectors such as logistics and retail – both critical to e-commerce – are beginning to see the benefits of this transformation. Yet, there appears to be a disconnect between Singapore's readiness and actual implementation within the e-commerce industry. Despite substantial advantages, online sellers in Singapore remain surprisingly modest in their AI implementation, which signals a strategic vulnerability in this rapidly evolving digital economy. Sellers believe in AI, but adoption is lagging Our latest Lazada research highlights this perception-action gap clearly: while 93 per cent of Singapore sellers believe that AI can improve productivity and lower costs, actual implementation tells a different story. Sellers claim an average of 48 per cent AI adoption rate – but in practice, that figure is closer to 38 per cent. This gap stems from a practical challenge: many sellers are interested in using AI but do not know how to get started. Barriers such as implementation costs, limited technical expertise, and the complexity of integrating AI into daily operations make adoption difficult. However, the most critical gap is not due to a lack of technology or tools available but in operational enablement – the ability to connect technological potential to address different business challenges, which small businesses experience most acutely. While Singapore offers numerous support mechanisms through grants and platform tools, these resources only address part of the challenge. Practical enablement remains essential to help businesses move from potential to action – a strategic and critical shift as consumer expectations continue to rise. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Consumer expectations – the driving forces of AI adoption South-east Asian consumers today are not passively waiting for businesses to catch up, they are seeking enhanced digital experiences. In fact, across South-east Asia, 83 per cent of shoppers are already willing to pay more for AI-enhanced experiences – such as personalised recommendations, faster response times, or more intuitive interfaces. As these expectations solidify, sellers that are enabled by AI will gain a competitive advantage or be rewarded over time with customer choice and loyalty. As e-commerce sellers across South-east Asia grapple with how to adopt AI meaningfully, it is worth looking at markets that have already made that leap. One of the most instructive examples is China, a market that just a decade ago faced many of the same structural and operational challenges that are now common in South-east Asia. Both regions share a platform-based e-commerce model, mobile-first consumer behaviours, and a high concentration of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) navigating digitalisation with limited technological resources. What catalysed China's transition from basic digital storefronts to AI-powered e-commerce was not merely technological availability and scale, but strategic implementation approaches. Platforms such as Taobao and Tmall recognised that sellers needed operational pathways to AI adoption, which came through in phased tool roll-outs and guided platform-integrated capabilities that allowed sellers to implement AI incrementally across their operations. This approach of meeting businesses at their level of readiness rather than expecting them to bridge the technical gap independently offers a valuable lesson. With a strong infrastructure already in place, Singapore is well-positioned to enable the next wave of AI adoption, especially among SMEs that form the backbone of the digital economy. Creating a collaborative blueprint in the eCommerce ecosystem Singapore has already laid the groundwork for addressing this implementation challenge. Initiatives such as SMEs Go Digital provide crucial funding access and pre-approved solutions that significantly reduce adoption barriers. Complementary efforts such as SkillsFuture's TechSkills Accelerator demonstrate recognition that technical upskilling must extend beyond IT specialists to encompass entrepreneurs and business leaders who drive adoption decisions. To make real progress, we need to go beyond just tools and policies. Success in AI adoption will depend on closing the knowledge and adoption gap to ensure that sellers across the region can grow sustainably and competitively. This requires continued collaboration across platforms, policymakers, and industry associations, each playing a distinct role in enabling progress, to make tools simpler, training more practical, and resources easier to navigate. In my role, I have seen firsthand how structured guidance and practical support – from intuitive AI tools to integrated training support – can make adoption easier for sellers of all sizes. Sellers, too, have an important role to play. AI adoption doesn't require dramatic or overnight transformation, but small, steady steps: trying out available tools, seeking out training opportunities, and investing in small but continuous efforts to build internal AI capabilities. Upskilling does not have to happen all at once. Even incremental steps, such as automating routine tasks or experimenting with AI-powered product tagging, can lead to lasting change. The convergence of stakeholder efforts will be the crucial link between Singapore's world-class digital infrastructure and seller-level AI implementation. Today, AI is no longer a distant ambition. It is fast becoming the cornerstone of e-commerce. Sellers who integrate AI to improve how they operate and serve customers will be the ones to lead the next wave of growth, and those who enable them – through intuitive tools, relevant training, and accessible support – will be the architects of a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient digital economy in South-east Asia. The writer is chief technology officer of Lazada Group
Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Ensure reliable mobile connectivity in buildings and basements
I n today's digital age, reliable mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. While Singapore boasts excellent telecommunications infrastructure, many buildings and underground spaces such as basements, carparks and even some above-ground condominium units still suffer from weak or non-existent mobile signals. This not only inconveniences subscribers but also poses safety risks in emergencies. Currently, mobile operators are required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority to provide coverage of at least 85 per cent within buildings, including first-level basement carparks. With more new buildings having environmental decks and more basement levels for parking cars, this requirement seems grossly inadequate. Last-mile deliveries have become more important to daily life. With the Tripartite Workgroup for Last-Mile Deliveries aiming to enhance the safety of platform workers and minimise the inconvenience that delivery pickups and drop-offs may cause others, more buildings are situa ting their drop-off and pickup points in basements, and there is greater need for adequate telco signal provision. Telecoms providers and building owners must collaborate to improve in-building coverage, ensuring seamless connectivity for all users. Enhanced signal penetration in basements and high-rise buildings will not only improve service quality but also support Singapore's Smart Nation vision, where constant connectivity is vital for work, safety and daily life. I urge the authorities and service providers to prioritise this issue, ensuring that all subscribers – whether in a mixed development shopping mall, residential basement or high-floor residential tower – receive the reliable service they deserve. Dennis Tan President MCST Association of Singapore More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Time Business News
06-05-2025
- Time Business News
The Future of Cloud Gaming in Singapore: Microsoft Cloud and the Rise of Xbox Cloud Gaming
Introduction In recent years, cloud gaming has become a game-changer for the gaming industry, and its impact is increasingly evident in regions like Singapore. As cloud technology continues to advance, companies like Microsoft are at the forefront, transforming the way people experience gaming. One of the most significant players in the cloud gaming revolution is Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud), which harnesses the power of microsoft cloud service in Singapore to offer a seamless gaming experience across a variety of devices. This is shaping the future of gaming in Singapore, offering players greater flexibility, access to a broader range of games, and eliminating the need for expensive hardware. Cloud gaming refers to a service that allows users to play video games streamed directly from the cloud, eliminating the need for traditional gaming hardware like consoles or high-end PCs. Instead of downloading and installing games, players can access them on-demand, much like streaming movies or music. This technology leverages the power of data centers and cloud computing to process the game on remote servers and stream it to users' devices in real time. Singapore, a global tech hub, has been quick to adopt new technologies, and cloud gaming is no exception. The country's robust internet infrastructure, strong digital economy, and forward-thinking government initiatives like the Smart Nation program make it an ideal market for cloud gaming services. With high-speed internet connectivity and a tech-savvy population, Singapore is poised to become one of the leading regions for cloud gaming, and Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming is set to play a pivotal role in shaping this future. At the heart of Xbox Cloud Gaming's success is Microsoft Cloud services in Singapore, particularly the power of Microsoft Azure. Azure is Microsoft's cloud platform, providing a suite of services for cloud computing, analytics, storage, and more. For Xbox Cloud Gaming, Azure powers the backend infrastructure that delivers games to players across different devices, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Azure's global network of data centers ensures low-latency performance, which is crucial for cloud gaming. Latency is the delay between pressing a button on a controller and the corresponding action happening on screen. In traditional gaming, low latency is achieved by processing the game on the local device. In cloud gaming, low latency is critical because the game is running on remote servers. Microsoft Azure, with its data centers strategically located worldwide, minimizes this delay, providing players with a smooth, responsive gaming experience. In Singapore, the availability of Azure data centers ensures that Xbox Cloud Gaming can deliver high-quality performance to local users. Moreover, Microsoft Cloud services offer scalability and reliability, which are essential for cloud gaming platforms that need to handle large amounts of data and provide consistent uptime. Azure's robust infrastructure supports the heavy computational demands of streaming high-definition games and ensures that players can enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions, even during peak hours. One of the most significant advantages of Xbox Cloud Gaming powered by Microsoft Cloud is the accessibility it offers. Traditionally, gamers needed to invest in expensive gaming consoles or high-end PCs to enjoy the latest titles. This can be a barrier for many people, particularly in markets like Singapore, where the cost of premium gaming hardware can be quite high. With Xbox Cloud Gaming, this barrier is removed. Players can access a wide range of games on their existing devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and low-cost PCs, without needing to purchase a dedicated gaming console. The only requirements are a stable internet connection and a compatible device. This opens up gaming to a broader audience, including those who may not have the means to invest in expensive gaming systems. For gamers in Singapore, this is a significant advantage. The country's gaming market is growing rapidly, and Xbox Cloud Gaming offers a more affordable entry point for players who want to enjoy high-quality games without the hefty investment in hardware. Additionally, with the flexibility to play anywhere, whether at home, in a café, or on public transport, cloud gaming fits seamlessly into the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle of many Singaporeans. As Xbox Cloud Gaming grows in popularity in Singapore, it is having a profound impact on the local gaming ecosystem. Cloud gaming offers a new avenue for developers to reach a broader audience. Game developers no longer need to focus solely on creating games for specific hardware platforms. Instead, they can develop games that are optimized for cloud gaming and accessible on multiple devices. This reduces development costs and opens up the possibility of reaching a global audience, as games hosted on the cloud can be played anywhere with an internet connection. In Singapore, this shift is creating new opportunities for both local game developers and players. Local developers can create games that are optimized for cloud platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, tapping into the growing demand for digital content. Players, on the other hand, have access to a vast library of games without the need to worry about compatibility with their hardware. Moreover, the rise of cloud gaming is likely to drive the growth of eSports in Singapore. With cloud gaming, players can compete in online tournaments without worrying about the limitations of their hardware. This levels the playing field, allowing more people to participate in competitive gaming. Additionally, the ease of access to cloud gaming means that eSports enthusiasts can practice and compete from anywhere, further fueling the growth of Singapore's eSports scene. In addition to providing the infrastructure for cloud gaming, Microsoft Cloud services in Singapore enhance the overall gaming experience in several ways. One notable feature is Xbox Game Pass, which offers subscribers access to a vast library of games that they can stream or download. Through Xbox Cloud Gaming, users can access Game Pass titles on their mobile devices without needing to download them. This makes it easier for players to try out new games and enjoy a diverse range of experiences without being tied to a specific platform. Additionally, Microsoft's AI and machine learning capabilities in the cloud allow for enhanced gaming features, such as personalized recommendations and smarter matchmaking. By analyzing player behavior and preferences, AI can suggest games that players are likely to enjoy, making it easier to discover new titles. AI also helps optimize game performance in the cloud, ensuring that players experience the best possible performance regardless of their device. Microsoft Cloud services also enable features like cross-platform play, where gamers can play together regardless of whether they are using an Xbox console, a PC, or a mobile device. This feature is particularly important in fostering a connected and inclusive gaming community, where players from different backgrounds and devices can compete and collaborate. The future of Xbox Cloud Gaming in Singapore looks promising, driven by the ongoing advancements in Microsoft Cloud services and the country's strong gaming culture. As 5G networks roll out and internet speeds continue to improve, the experience of cloud gaming will only get better. With even faster and more reliable connections, players will be able to stream high-definition games with minimal latency, making the gaming experience even more immersive. Furthermore, the continued development of Microsoft Cloud services, including Azure's growing network of data centers in Asia, will ensure that Singapore remains a key market for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft is committed to expanding its cloud infrastructure to meet the growing demand for gaming services, and Singapore's strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it a critical hub for the company's cloud gaming ambitions. As cloud gaming becomes more mainstream, it is likely that Microsoft will continue to innovate, introducing new features and capabilities that further enhance the gaming experience. Whether it's through AI-powered enhancements, more game titles, or deeper integration with other Microsoft services, Xbox Cloud Gaming is set to play a central role in shaping the future of gaming in Singapore. The rise of Xbox Cloud Gaming, powered by Microsoft Cloud services in Singapore, marks a significant shift in the gaming industry. By offering greater accessibility, eliminating the need for expensive hardware, and providing a seamless gaming experience, cloud gaming is transforming how Singaporeans play and interact with games. With Microsoft's continued investment in cloud infrastructure and the rapid growth of the gaming market in Singapore, the future of Xbox Cloud Gaming looks incredibly bright. As technology advances, so too will the possibilities for gamers in Singapore, and Xbox Cloud Gaming is set to lead the way in this new era of digital entertainment. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Workato to Launch "The Work Revolution" National Developer Challenge
The Work Revolution, a nationwide developer challenge, supports the development of cutting-edge integration, automation and AI solutions for a transformed workplace. SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Workato, the leading Enterprise Orchestration platform, supported by Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), has launched "The Work Revolution" Developer Challenge, a nationwide developer challenge aimed at fostering innovation for the future of work. This initiative invites developers to create cutting-edge integration, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that transform workplace productivity. Empowering innovators to shape the future of work With 85 percent of business leaders anticipating a surge in skills development needs due to AI and digital trends in the next three years, this challenge presents developers with a unique opportunity to get ahead of this curve for the future economy. This challenge, open to students, developers, IT professionals, and citizen developers, will feature a prize pool of over S$18,000 in cash. Finalists will be pitching their innovative ideas to a distinguished panel of judges made up of public and private sector leaders. The Work Revolution Developer Challenge focuses on five critical domains relevant to modern enterprise solutions: security, employee experience, customer experience, operational excellence, and social sector impact. Participants of this challenge will have full access and hands-on experience with Workato's enterprise automation platform and its cutting-edge AI capabilities. Through this initiative, developers can also gain practical experience to build a robust AI foundation that enhances future career development. By championing innovative solutions across these areas, Workato and IMDA aim to unlock new possibilities for workplace transformation and technological advancement. "As a strategic partner of IMDA, Workato will continue to empower the broader community to contribute to the transformation of Singapore's digital economy. This new partnership looks outwards, tapping into the creativity and ingenuity of the wider community to drive the next wave of workplace innovation. This competition is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring innovators to put their ideas into motion and develop skills that will make a real impact on the future of work," said Vijay Tella, co-founder and CEO of Workato. The first-place winner will be awarded S$10,000 cash prize and the opportunity to speak at Workato's flagship conference. The second and third place winners will win S$5,000 and S$3,000 respectively. In addition, all finalists will receive Workato-led exclusive training and mentorship as they prepare for the final presentation. Driving digital transformation through collaboration This initiative aims to advance Singapore's Smart Nation vision by enabling local talent to tackle real-world business challenges. By providing enterprise-grade tools and the opportunity for hands-on innovation, it exemplifies Workato and IMDA's commitment to jointly foster inclusive growth and digital transformation across Singapore's workforce, reinforcing Singapore's position as a trusted digital innovation hub. "We look forward to seeing the winning solutions that will come out of this Developer Challenge, which is focused on driving innovation for the future of work. We believe Workato's enterprise automation platform will empower budding developers to create forward-thinking integration, automation, and AI solutions that will transform workplace productivity", said Edwin Low, Director of Enterprise & Ecosystem Development at the IMDA. Named a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for iPaaS, Workato enables enterprises to transform their business operations by orchestrating business processes end-to-end and operationalizing AI across the entire organization. Workato has helped leading enterprises in Asia Pacific, including Fullerton Health, Gulf Marine, and Jollibee Food Corporation, accelerate digitalisation across their business. Interested parties can register for the challenge and pre-event trainings happening once a month through the official website. The entry submission deadline is 18 April 2025, at 11:59 PM SGT. +++ About Workato Workato transforms technology complexity into business opportunity. As the leader in enterprise orchestration, Workato helps businesses globally streamline operations by connecting data, processes, applications, and experiences. Its AI-powered platform enables teams to navigate complex workflows in real-time, driving efficiency and agility. Trusted by over 12,000 global customers. Workato empowers organizations of every size to unlock new value and lead in today's fast-changing world. Learn how Workato helps businesses of all sizes achieve more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Workato Sign in to access your portfolio
