The Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst Research is based on responses from 6,600 IT and business decision makers across 40 countries, of which 200 of those responded are from Singapore. Although this Dell research suggests that while there is broad optimism for AI and GenAI, how well the organisations are prepared for the rapid pace of change coming from AI and GenAI, that’s another story.

87% say they are well position competitively and have a solid strategy. At the same time, over a third (36%) of the respondents are uncertain what their industry will look like in the next 3 to 5 years and nearly half (43%) report struggling to keep pace. They cite data privacy and cybersecurity concerns (44%), lack of right talent (38%), and outdated technology environments (28%) as challenges the organisations face in driving digital innovation and digital transformation.

GenAI Significant Potential – Moving from Ideation to Implementation

What is GenAI significant potential – Moving from Ideation to Implementation? 49% of the respondents cite GenAI’s transformative or significant potential to improve IT security posture. 48% of the respondents on streamline processes through improving customer experience, and provide productivity gains or ability to do more (47%).

They are also aware of challenges to overcome: 66% fear GenAI will introduce new security and privacy issues and 77% agreed that their data and IP is too valuable to be placed in a GenAI tool where a 3rd Party may have access.

From a broad perspective coming out from the Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst Research, the responses suggest that organisations are working through GenAI practicalities as they are transiting from ideation to implementation. 47% said that they have begun implementing GenAI.

As organisations increase adoption, concern centres around understanding where risks reside and who is responsible for them. 81% agree that the organisation, rather than the machine, the user or the public, is responsible for any AI malfunction or undesired behaviour.

“Singapore stands out as a prime location for AI adoption and development. Its leading role in the global AI landscape, coupled with the government’s strong commitment and investment, creates a fertile ground for innovation. Many businesses are taking action to harness the transformative potential of technologies like GenAI and bringing AI to their data to unlock value and drive growth,” shared Andy Sim, Vice President and Managing Director, Singapore, Dell Technologies. “Seizing the opportunity requires a strong ecosystem of trusted partners to create secure and scalable technology foundations for innovation, designed with sustainability in mind. In Singapore, success, innovation, and progress are intertwined.”

Cybersecurity – How are organisations rising to the challenge of current Threat landscape 

In a broad context, organisations continue to find cybersecurity to be a pain point for them. These concerns are well-founded, as 75% of respondents say that have been impacted by a security attack in the past 12 months. Majority of the respondents (88%) are pursuing a Zero Trust deployment strategy and 80% say they have an Incident Response Plan in place to recover from a cyberattack or data leakage.

The top 3 cited issues included phishing, data breaches and malware. On the issues with phishing, they are indicative of a wider problem highlighted in the report, which is the role employees play in the threat landscape. For example, 75% of respondents believe some employees go around IT security guidelines and practices because they delay efficiency and productivity, and 68% say that insider threats are a big concern. This indicates a need to focus on training as employees are the 1st line of defence.

Having Right Technology Infrastructure will help Organisations to Succeed

Having Right Technology Infrastructure will help Organisations to Succeed. From this Dell Technologies Research, it reveals the critical role of modern data infrastructure especially as GenAI gather pace and data volumes increase. This was cited as the no. 1 area of improvement for businesses to accelerate innovation – Adopting a data-driven approach to capture and realise innovation projects across the organisation.  Most IT decision makers (81%) say they prefer an on-premises or hybrid model, to address the challenges they foresee with implementing GenAI.

A key part of the digital innovation puzzle cited by the respondents, with close to 1 in 3 (32%) – The ability to share data across the business. They can turn data into real-time insights today to support innovation efforts. However, responses from the respondents suggest that organisations are acting on this challenge, with 91% saying that the data is the differentiator and their GenAI strategy must involve using and protecting that data. Almost half (51%) also claim that they anticipate that the bulk of their data will come from the edge in the next 5 years.

Other research findings include:

• Skills: Three-quarters (75%) claim there is currently a shortage of talent required for innovation in their industry. Logic, critical thinking & complex decision-making, learning agility and desire and AI fluency rank as the top skills and competencies for the next five years.
• Sustainability: 33% believe “driving environmentally sustainable innovations” is an important improvement area. Energy efficiency is high on the agenda, with 82% experimenting with as-a-Service solutions to manage their IT environment more efficiently and 81% using alternative cooling solutions to reduce energy use in data centres.
• Making IT a strategic partner: Currently, 77% of business decision makers have reasons to exclude IT decision makers from strategic conversations, yet both departments ranked a stronger relationship as the second most important improvement area.

Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst Research

The Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst Research was conducted by Vanson Bourne, commissioned by Dell Technologies. This study surveyed 6,600 respondents from organisations with more than 100 employees from across North America, LatAm, EMEA, APJ and Greater China, ranging from private and public sectors.

If you like to know and read more in-depth on Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst Research, please visit https://www.dell.com/en-us/dt/perspectives/innovation-catalyst.htm

* Information courtesy of Dell Technologies and BCW *

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Upgrade Your Networking Infrastructure

Investing in modern networking equipment, such as routers, switches, and access points, can greatly enhance connectivity within your office. Upgrading to gigabit Ethernet and utilizing the latest Wi-Fi standards can provide faster and more reliable connections for your employees. Additionally, implementing network redundancy measures, such as failover systems and backup connections, can ensure uninterrupted connectivity even in the event of network failures or outages.

Implement a Unified Communication System

Incorporating a range of communication tools like email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and VoIP into a unified system can streamline communication procedures and enhance connectivity among team members. This allows for seamless collaboration regardless of physical location. Moreover, investing in a comprehensive communication platform that offers features like presence indicators and integrated calendars can further enhance connectivity and facilitate real-time communication and collaboration.

Invest in High-Speed Internet Connection

In the contemporary workplace, a dependable and high-speed internet connection is crucial for uninterrupted communication and productivity. Consider upgrading to a reputable provider like Frontier fiber internet, known for its fast and stable connection speeds. With Frontier fiber internet, your office can experience low latency and high bandwidth, facilitating smooth video conferencing, file sharing, and online collaboration. Moreover, opting for a dedicated business internet plan with guaranteed uptime and prioritized support can further enhance connectivity and ensure uninterrupted access to critical business applications and services. By investing in a high-speed internet connection, your office can stay connected and productive, enabling your team to collaborate effectively and achieve their goals.

In addition to improving connectivity within the office, a high-speed internet connection also enables flexibility for remote work arrangements, allowing employees to stay productive from anywhere. This flexibility not only enhances work-life balance but also enables businesses to tap into a larger talent pool by recruiting remote employees. Furthermore, with the increasing reliance on cloud-based services and the adoption of digital tools for day-to-day operations, a robust internet connection is essential for maintaining competitiveness in today’s digital economy. By investing in high-speed internet, your office can stay ahead of the curve and thrive in an increasingly connected world.

Optimize Office Layout for Wi-Fi Coverage

Ensure that your office layout is conducive to good Wi-Fi coverage throughout the workspace. Strategically placing access points and minimizing interference from physical obstacles can help maximize signal strength and reduce connectivity issues. Additionally, conducting regular site surveys and performing wireless network optimizations can further improve Wi-Fi coverage and performance. Moreover, educating employees about Wi-Fi best practices, such as avoiding overcrowded channels and minimizing interference from personal devices, can help maintain optimal connectivity in the office environment.

Utilize Cloud-Based Services

Embracing cloud-based services for file storage, project management, and collaboration can improve accessibility and connectivity among employees, regardless of their location. Cloud platforms offer real-time synchronization and seamless integration across devices, enabling efficient workflow management. Moreover, utilizing cloud-based solutions for data backup and disaster recovery can improve data security and guarantee business continuity in the face of unexpected disruptions. Additionally, integrating cloud-based productivity tools, such as office suites and collaboration platforms, can further enhance connectivity and streamline workflow processes.

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Tech Mahindra  x IBM Synergy Lounge in Singapore 

The best practices gained here in Singapore will be shared with Tech Mahindra’s existing Synergy Lounge in Bengaluru and other Centres of Excellence to co-innovate and co-develop unique enterprise offerings and solutions.  This is built on the Hex-I concept, consisting of six stages: Ignite, Inspire, Ideate, Innovate, Infuse and Implement. The Synergy Lounge will feature different experience zones focusing on various technologies that will help enterprises solve complex business problems, improving customer experiences, reducing operational costs, and enhancing workforce efficiency.

Kunal Purohit, Chief Digital Services Officer, Tech Mahindra, said, “We believe in infusing AI and GenAI into every aspect of businesses and democratizing it responsibly. In our continuous endeavour to help customers embrace a digital-first future, the Synergy Lounge will function as a co-innovation and co-development center specifically focusing on AI, GenAI and next-gen technologies.”

The Synergy Lounge will be open to enterprises and businesses worldwide to explore joint solutions, testing out prototypes and proof of value (PoV) designed to drive innovation in various industries, such as communication, media and entertainment, automotive, manufacturing, transportation, banking and financial services and utilities, and healthcare, among others.

Chetan Krishnamurthy, Vice President, Ecosystem and Digital Sales, Asia Pacific, IBM, said, “Building on the success of the Synergy Lounge in Bengaluru and driven by our common vision to bring advanced technology like watsonx AI and data platform to solve complex business challenges, the opening of the new Synergy Lounge in Singapore will continue to help companies  improve productivity and competitiveness while bringing together the right talent, technology, and best practices for clients in Asia Pacific.”

There will be a dedicated team working out of the Synergy Lounge to maximise synergies between Tech Mahindra and IBM. They will be developing unique solutions based on both organisations’ strengths to drive technological innovation in APAC. The Synergy Lounge aligns with Tech Mahindra’s continuous endeavour to transform enterprises with advanced next-generation led offerings and solutions.

* Information and picture courtesy of Tech Mahindra and IBM Singapore *

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Impact of Cybersecurity and AI on the 2024 election season

A survey “Impact of Cybersecurity and AI on the 2024 election season”, were recently announced by Yubico, the leading provider of hardware authentication security keys, and Defending Digital Campaigns (DDC), a nonprofit and nonpartisan organisation committed to bringing free cybersecurity tools and resources to federal election campaigns.

This survey is conducted by OnePoll, a leading provider of international market research and data communication solutions, this survey polled 2,000 registered voters in the U.S. to better understand how voters perceive cybersecurity ahead of the 2024 U.S. elections, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the concerns they have about the cybersecurity of political campaigns, regardless of party affiliations.

“Given the sudden advancement and uncertainty of AI technology, it’s not surprising that over 78 percent of respondents are concerned about AI-generated content being used to impersonate a political candidate or create inauthentic content, with Democrats at 79 percent and Republicans at 80 percent,” said David Treece, vice president of solutions architecture at Yubico. “Perhaps even more telling is that they believe AI will have a negative effect on this year’s election outcomes (42 percent Democrats and 49 percent Republicans).”  

Key Findings from Impact of Cybersecurity and AI on the 2024 election season

What are some of the key findings from the survey of “Impact of Cybersecurity and AI on the 2024 election season”? What roles could AI play in this 2024 election season?

The threat of AI and deep fakes spreading misinformation is present, 85% of respondents don’t have a high level of confidence that political campaigns effectively protect their personal information.

Cybersecurity is now a top focus, if not campaigns run the risk of being breached, exposing personal data, experiencing a financial impact and more, all of which could have a negative effect on the entirety of the election campaign.

42% of those who have donated to a campaign said their likelihood of donating again would change if the campaign was hacked and 30% report his would even change the likelihood of a candidate receiving their vote.

“Campaigns are the heart of our democracy and every campaign must adopt basic cybersecurity protections. This year’s election is particularly risky for cyber attacks directed at candidates, staffers, and anyone associated with a campaign,” said Michael Kaiser, president and CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns. “Having the right cybersecurity in place is not an option — it’s essential for anyone running a political operation. Otherwise, campaigns risk not only losing valuable data, but losing voters.”

Additional key findings

• 43 percent of respondents believe that AI-generated content will negatively affect the outcome of the 2024 elections.
  • When an audio clip with an AI voice was played, 41 percent believed the AI voice was authentically human.
• 52 percent of respondents have received an email and/or text message appearing to be from a campaign that they suspected was actually a phishing attempt.
• From a data security perspective, 85 percent of respondents don’t have a high level of confidence that political campaigns effectively protect the personal information they collect.
• Registered voters would like to see campaigns and candidates:
  • Take precautions to prevent their websites from being hacked (42 percent)
  • Use strong security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) on their accounts (41 percent)
  • Have policies in place and train staffers and key volunteers on cybersecurity for the campaign and protecting personal information (38 percent)
• Over a quarter of respondents (26 percent) indicated they have not completed a transaction making a campaign donation because of concerns about the security of the transaction or how their personal information would be handled.

Importance of cybersecurity and authentication security

“Because campaigns are built on trust, potential hacks like fraudulent emails or messages sent out impersonating them via their social media accounts, where they are directly interacting with their audience, could be detrimental to campaigns,” added Treece. “It’s imperative that candidates take proper steps to protect their campaigns and more importantly, to build trust with voters by adopting modern cybersecurity practices like phishing-resistant authentication. Adding a layer of protection with a physical hardware security key, like a YubiKey, to online accounts is a crucial component to ensuring that campaigns remain secure.” 

Since 2020, Yubico has donated tens of thousands of security keys to DDC on behalf of its philanthropic initiative–Secure it Forward–where the company donates YubiKeys to journalists, human rights activists and organisations that work to preserve democratic integrity, further diversity in tech and protect human rights.

“Collaboration is one of the most important ways to strengthen cybersecurity,” said Kaiser. “At DDC we are extremely grateful for our partnership with Yubico, whose generosity allows us to provide free security keys to campaigns, enabling them with the strongest account protection possible. The keys allow a computer user to protect cloud, social, and financial accounts on the campaign, as well as personal accounts and all primary targets of bad actors.”  

What can election campaigns do to protect themselves and build trust with voters?

2024 election season is underway, what can election campaigns do to protect themselves and build trust with their voters?

Even though cybersecurity attacks are becoming more sophisticated with tools like AI, there are simple ways to help mitigate these risks, including using strong, unique passwords and storing them in a password manager, along with enabling multi-factor authentication whenever possible using physical security keys like those available from Yubico and the DDC.

DDC, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organisation, is committed to bringing free cybersecurity products, services, training, and information to federal political campaigns and committees and down-ballot candidates in a growing number of states. It has an extensive network of partners and resources to prepare political campaigns with the tools they need to stay secure. In partnership with Yubico, they provide YubiKeys at no cost to political campaigns regardless of party affiliation.

What would be the impacts and changes that AI is going to bring in 2024 and beyond?

Part of my ongoing TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on Artificial Intelligence (AI) that I started in 2023, I am have recently kickstarted my AI research/learning series for 2024. From the technology side of things, to the hardware powering AI, I am now entering into how AI comes into play into our society and daily life, beyond Generative AI powered apps/software answering your queries.

Although the AI threat to election is a U.S context, other countries holding elections this year 2024 and beyond 2024 will definitely study and observe how the power and impacts of AI could be on elections in their home country. There are still a lot of lessons and experiences that need to be learn, understand, review, tweak and improved for the future of AI technology, whether it’s in elections, or machines, devices, software and in our daily work and living.

As more AI related technology is launched, more hardware and gadgets using AI technology, the world might just be starting on a new journey ahead on utilising the full potentials and impacts of AI.

In my personal opinion, we still have a lot to learn about using and implementing AI. This elections season in 2024 is just one of the many real life scenarios to come that we can and must learn on implementing and using AI, as well as the good and bad of using AI technology.

* Information courtesy of Yubico *

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TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

My TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on Artificial Intelligence was launched in 2023 when I started going deeper into the world of AI, mainly from the technology writer and everyday user perspectives. From Q&A interviews to AI technology news coverage, it was a learning and enlightening journey, from both as a technology writer, as well as a photographer/creative perspective.

What do I feel and think about AI? Here are my personal thoughts and views on AI – This technology has huge potential and impacts that can help us better in our work/profession and daily life, yet this AI technology can (and already have) take away some of our work/jobs, on top of disruptions and changes.

Key AI articles published in 2023

Here are some of my in-depth articles that I published till date on the subject of AI

• Q&A on the impacts of AI, the human side of AI and fear of AI
• Q&A on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries
• Fireside Chat with Temus and Qlik on 8th May 2023 – Key Takeaways on AI

In 2024, I would be working to expand on those two areas further, along with other AI research interests as I engage and work with major technology companies on AI discussion topics.

Other AI articles coverage include:

• IBM-SMU AI-based Supply Chain Risk Optimisation Models Saves Millions of Dollars
• Acronis launch first ever AI-powered Cyber Protection Software
• Temus and AI Singapore sign MOU to accelerate AI innovation and adoption
• Hive 2.0 – High Tech Retail Innovation Hub by Stellar Lifestyle

ChatGPT 3.5 – Can you do a bio write up for Tan Geng Hui?

Before I begin on this, have a look at what ChatGPT 3.0 wrote my bio write up for my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog inside my About page. As I am began to kickstart, relaunch and continue on my in-depth learning, understanding, analysis, coverage and documentation of AI in year 2024, I decided to mark this start by asking ChatGPT 3.5 to do a bio write up for me.

Here’s the conversation between ChatGPT 3.5 and what they wrote about me:

You

Can you do a bio write up for Tan Geng Hui?

ChapGPT

Sure, here’s a bio write-up for Tan Geng Hui:

Tan Geng Hui is a multifaceted individual with a passion for photography, technology, and business. Based in Singapore, Tan Geng Hui has established himself as a prominent figure in these fields through his diverse interests and expertise.

With a keen eye for detail and a creative vision, Tan Geng Hui has made significant contributions to the world of photography. As a skilled photographer, he has captured the beauty of various subjects, including landscapes, architecture, and portraits. His work reflects a deep appreciation for aesthetics and storytelling, earning him recognition and acclaim within the photography community.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Tan Geng Hui is deeply involved in the realm of technology. With a strong background in tech-related fields, he stays abreast of the latest developments and trends in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and consumer electronics. His insights and analyses are valued by professionals and enthusiasts alike, and he often shares his thoughts through his writings and online platforms.

Furthermore, Tan Geng Hui is an entrepreneur and business enthusiast. He has demonstrated a knack for identifying opportunities and navigating the complexities of the business world. Through his ventures and initiatives, he seeks to drive innovation, create value, and make a positive impact on society.

Overall, Tan Geng Hui is a dynamic individual who thrives at the intersection of photography, technology, and business. His passion, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire others and contribute to the advancement of these fields.

Note: Non-edited or proof read by any of my human friends trained in communications and public relations. I would leave it as it is for now, as my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog About Me page.

Kickstarting TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on AI for 2024

Kickstarting my TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on AI for 2024, I would work on my earlier AI conferences/webinars that I attended online or in-person, with IBM and Dell Technologies.

As I pick up my pace, writing and coverage on AI, I reckon that would be more topics of more in-depth learning and understanding for myself and for my readers as well. I am planning to work closer with technology companies that I have engagements with over the years, to write and publish more insights and learning articles on AI, its impacts and potential.

The world of AI technology has tremendous potential, giving both positive and negative impacts along with disruptions to the world. All parties have to play a role to play, from the supply side of technology providers, to the demand side of companies/industries and last but not least, the everyday person on the streets.

Come along with me as I continue to navigate the world of AI from various hats, as a technology writer, as a visual storyteller/creative and as a daily user, sharing my knowledge, learning and experiences with you, through my TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on AI for 2024.

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myFirst Circle 2.0

Since the introduction of myFirst Circle in January 2023, myFirst Circle has rapidly connected nearly 30,000 users across 100 countries. There is a new smart location tracking and classification offers parents real-time insights into their children’s activities, providing parents with peace of mind throughout the day.

G-Jay Yong, Founder and CEO of myFirst, said: “In January this year, we created myFirst Circle because there is no platform that allows children to have authentic social engagements in a safe and controlled environment. We wanted to let children explore the world of social media, while ensuring we are there to guide them along the way. Today, we are proud to introduce myFirst 2.0, along with two new devices – a new smartphone myFirst Fone R2 and a new myFirst Frame. myFirst Fone R2 offers an incredibly lightweight design paired with a stunning display while myFirst Frame is an addition that not only enhances children’s digital experiences but also empowers grandparents to effortlessly connect with their grandchildren’s world, fostering meaningful family connections.”

Momojis for Expressive Communication

Introducing Momojis for expressive communication, this is central to myFirst Circle 2.0, adding a layer of expressiveness to children’s communication. These vibrant Momojis pop up on the screen with accompanying sounds, providing a lively and interactive way for kids to share their emotions with friends and family. With more friends on board, children can unlock a greater variety of Momojis, creating a delightful incentive for social interaction.

Knock-Knock Feature for Real-Time Moments

Introducing Knock-Knock feature for Real-Time moments, this would be a playful touch to communication, allowing users to share real-time moments through 60s videos or photos, creating a captivating and interactive exchange within myFirst Circle.

The sender initiates the interaction, prompting the recipient to respond with their own video or photo to update on what they’re doing. It’s a unique way to connect and share moments, inspired by the founder’s desire to stay connected with his daughter’s daily activities when he is busy at work.

G-Jay said: “I frequently check in on my daughter to stay connected with her daily activities, whether it’s during lunch, before bedtime, or while I’m working long hours or on overseas business trips. The inspiration behind the Knock-Knock feature comes from my desire to share these moments effortlessly. Now, I can check in, and she responds with delightful updates, like enjoying a bowl of strawberries at home. It’s a simple yet powerful way for us to bridge the distance and feel close, no matter where we are.”

Improved Location Scanning with Smart Classification

The topics of safety and peace of mind with their children are always in the minds of parents. The myFirst Circle 2.0 app addresses those concerns with enhanced location tracking. This update introduces improved location scanning with smart classification.

Unlike traditional methods, myFirst Circle 2.0 intelligently suggests and classifies frequent locations, providing parents with more context about their child’s whereabouts. By detecting motion and checking WI-FI SSIDs, the system ensures accurate tracking without the need for GPS data, offering parents real-time insights into their children’s activities, whether it’s at their best friend’s house, or in school or other places. This enhancement will provide parents with even greater peace of mind.

Unveiling myFirst Fone R2

Introducing the latest smartphone for kids – myFirst Fone R2, it was launched together with myFirst Circle 2.0. The myFirst Fone R2 now comes with a slimmer and lighter outlook, boasting a super-bright AMOLED screen, powered by a new processor for faster performance and reduced power consumption.

The auto ambience light sensor and low-powered AMOLED display work together to reduce power consumption by 20% by automatically adjusting the screen brightness based on the surrounding light and only consuming power when pixels are lit.

With a 16% reduction in thickness and 7g lighter than its predecessor, myFirst Fone R2 sets a new standard for sleekness and portability. The design team achieved a significant reduction in thickness, slimming down the device from its previous 16.5mm to an impressive 13.6mm, resulting in a sleek profile. The R2 is also 7 grams lighter than the R1s, and also adjusted to account for a more snug, comfortable fit around the wrist.

The newly introduced Magic Button on top of the watch lets you access custom functions with single, double, or long presses. For instance, a prolonged press enables the sending of a voice message to your mom, a double click opens the camera, and a triple click initiates music playback—tailored to your individual preferences.

Connecting Generations with myFirst Frame

Two more new gadgets are added into the myFirst Circle Ecosystem, the myFirst Frame Doodle and myFirst Frame Live. They are both unique additions designed to connect kids to their grandparents and extended family.

myFirst Frame syncs seamlessly with myFirst Circle app across all supporting devices. It displays personalised feeds of content shared by loved ones on myFirst Circle app, fostering a unique and customised experience. Developed to empower grandparents, myFirst Frame effortlessly connects them to their grandchildren’s digital world, offering more than just a digital frame. Grandparents can not only see but also interact with the posts their family shares on myFirst Circle.

Operating on FrameOS, myFirst Frame extends its functionality beyond traditional frames. It doesn’t just showcase photos and videos; it showcases the latest updates from your family and friends immediately upon their posting. This creates a more engaging connection with their grandchildren’s digital world.

G-Jay Yong concludes, “With myFirst Circle 2.0, myFirst Fone R2, and myFirst Frame, we’re not just introducing products; we’re creating a connected social ecosystem that brings families closer together in the digital age.”

Pricing and Availability

myFirst Circle is free, the app is available for download on Apple AppStore, Google Play and Huawei App Gallery.

The pricing for the following new myFirst products are as follows:

• myFirst Fone R2 – SGD$299
• myFirst Frame Doodle – SGD$139
• myFirst Frame Live – SGD$149

For more information on myFirst, please visit https://myfirst.tech/.

* Information courtesy of myFirst and Gloo *

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However, there are several times that business is a more broad term, and several practices remain consistent regardless of the specifics of the industry. Recognizing this might be able to help you stay one step ahead of your competitors through a reinvigoration of your approach.

Marketing

Perhaps the biggest deviation here comes from that previous discussion – marketing your brand and expanding your audience. It is, as always, a multi-faceted topic, though. While there certainly are companies that specialize in marketing for construction companies, and these help to utilize the trends within the industry to help you get ahead, does that mean that every beneficial form of marketing for such a business can only be found here? Such professionals can help to identify the best way forward for your specific business, tapping into those unique qualities that make your brand identity what it is.

However, have you ever used social media marketing? If so, you are in the same camp as a huge swathe of businesses from any number of different industries. While construction companies might use this tool in a specific way, there might also be some approaches that are simply more generally successful.

Social media is a great tool for gaining customer feedback, for example. You can do this by linking surveys to other platforms that host feedback forms or using the in-built tools that many of these social media platforms have to host polls or otherwise instigate discussion. The percentage of your audience on social media is worth considering when taking these results into account, however, as you do not want to make drastic decisions based on the opinions of a slim percentage. That being said, it can give you access to what some of your audience who use social media have to say, which is part of the greater whole.

A PR Situation

If your business finds itself in the unfortunate position where it is gaining a lot of negative public attention, you’ll need to think carefully about how you can best weather the storm. The response that you ultimately do (or don’t) make likely isn’t going to find its origins specifically in the industry you work in, though that certainly could help you identify some precedents. Instead, learning about how businesses should (and should not) respond to this kind of attention can help you avoid making the situation worse.

When criticism is mounting, it can be tempting to try and get out ahead of it by responding as quickly as possible, but this might be the exact kind of reaction that leads to a response that stokes the flames further. Conducting research into the dos and don’ts of PR can help you work with other business members to identify the best way forward, even if the answers lie in a field that feels completely disconnected from your own.

The reason that this is an area that often does not have the same kinds of industry boundaries as other elements is because of how audiences like to be treated. If you are in the public eye for a negative reason, it might be due to how there is a perception of what you’ve done wrong from the perspective of the public.

This might be something that is important to remember when you’re thinking about your response. Again, while the temptation will be there to very much defend yourself, it’s a time when all eyes will be on you, and every word you put out to address the situation will be heavily scrutinized. Utter transparency might not be something that you feel is in your best interest, but a certain level of sincerity and understanding can certainly go a long way when applied correctly.

Customer Service

In that case, it is no surprise that customer service is one of the elements that can remain consistent throughout different fields of business. There are going to be very specific variations in how you actually interact with your customers, of course – some types of customer service are going to be entirely digital or over the phone, while hospitality-based customer service is going to be much more about meeting certain needs. The basics, though, will remain very consistent.

This is useful for your business for several reasons, perhaps because you have an incredibly deep pool of history and knowledge to draw on when you are trying to improve yourself in this regard. Due to the differences that manifest in different industries, not every business will necessarily think it worth their time to invest as much time into this – especially if they do not spend a huge amount of time interacting with customers compared to others, for example.

Again, though, it does not take many negative interactions for a pattern to emerge. Even if you interact directly with your customers irregularly, if those interactions are consistently negative, that is an impression that might end up sticking and spreading. Mastering the basics, and ensuring that every relevant member of your team is trained to deliver solid customer service can prevent this from being an issue.

You might even be surprised at how often you do interact with your customers. While the term ‘customer service’ might make you think of interactions over the phone or at a counter, even how you respond to queries and comments on social media can make an impression. Sometimes, this will be about retaining your tone of voice, but you might often find that delivering quality, helpful, and informative service is more valued and remembered – even when the interaction is a brief one.

The post Which Aspects of Business Defy Industry Lines? appeared first on TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog.

DP Architects are well-known for iconic projects around the world, they are responsible for projects such as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and Singapore Sports Hub in Singapore, The Dubai Mall, Lusail Commercial Boulevard in Doha, and Guangzhou Knowledge City re-masterplan in China. They used Dell Technologies’s industry expertise to identify key areas to improve operational efficiencies across the business and better support its workforce with purposeful investments in the right technology.

Dell Technologies Enterprise Solutions Powering DP Architects Technology Infrastructure

What are the Dell Technologies Enterprise Solutions powering DP Architects technology infrastructure?

They have updated its high-performance computing (HPC) environment with a variety of Dell Technologies infrastructure solutions, such as the Dell PowerEdge R7525 servers with ME5024 storage. The architects at the company now have the computing power and capacity to support seamless, real-time collaboration around the globe in real-time and advanced design software and tools. They are also able to achieve higher productivity through increased speed of simulations of their architectural designs.

DP Architects utilises Dell CloudIQ, a cloud-based AIOps application that combines proactive monitoring, machine learning and predictive analytics to provide more intelligent insights. This would allow their IT personnel to react quicker and simplify operations of on-premises infrastructure and data protection in the cloud.

As for quick file sharing and heavy processing of data in DP Architects, they have the Dell PowerScale Storage. On the areas of data security and data recovery, they have Dell’s Superna Ransomware Defender, mitigating the risk of disruptions caused by cyberattacks.

Additionally, Dell ProDeploy was incorporated to ensure optimal performance and deployment of the updated infrastructure throughout the planning, configuration and implementation process. With Dell ProSupport, DP Architects have ongoing IT support and assistance available to them.

Dell APEX Flex on Demand

DP Architects also transitioned to Dell APEX Flex on Demand, a pay-per-use mode, for its storage solutions. This allows them to manage its operating expenditure and better channel their financial resources to the most appropriate use when needed.

“Dell Technologies’ comprehensive end-to-end IT portfolio helps companies harness the power of technology to create desired outcomes,” said Andy Sim, vice president & managing director, Singapore, Dell Technologies. “Working with DP Architects as their trusted technology partner, Dell is helping the company to enhance its IT infrastructure and achieve operational excellence across its business.”

“Investing in the right technology is key to advancing DP Architects’ Green-Well-Tech effort to design solutions that are grounded in sustainability and wellbeing, enabled by innovation and impactful technology. Building our technology capacity with partners such as Dell Technologies allows us to improve operational efficiency, multidisciplinary and global collaboration, and supports our outcome-driven approach,” said Derek Herbert, head of operations and chief information officer, DP Architects.

* Information courtesy of Dell Technologies and BCW *

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What this project is all about

This project has helped procurement professionals in IBM to identify potential risks, including delays, quality and pricing, and mitigate their impact on businesses, with the accurate quantification of risk and cost-effective decision-making.

The accomplishment was also recognised by the prestigious Manufacturing Leadership Council, a division of the National Association of Manufacturers, based in the United States of America. The Council named IBM the global winner of the 2023 Manufacturing Leadership award under the Digital Supply Chains category. This shows IBM as one of the few world-class manufacturing leaders that have demonstrated efficiency and value in creating resilient and responsive supply chain networks, and highlights the importance of SMU’s research to facilitate this essential process.

Where it all began

The collaboration between IBM and SMU began in 2021 when the ongoing pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities in supply chains and the urgent need to innovate and achieve supply chain resilience. As part of the agreement, SMU leveraged its expertise in supply chain logistics, together with multidimensional data provided by IBM, to build a new risk optimisation approach that informs decisions on emerging risks in procurement and logistics. IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimizer Studio was also applied to enable rapid development and deployment of decision optimisation models using data science, machine learning and AI capabilities.

The successful deployment of the source code developed by SMU’s School of Computing and Information Systems initially led to USD$1.8 million in hard annual savings for IBM’s hard disk drive (HDD) commodity category in one year, with a projected USD$35 million in hard annual savings realisable across the breadth of IBM Infrastructure globally. The outcomes from this first phase of collaboration were also integrated into IBM’s Cognitive Supply Chain Advisor 360 solution, potentially allowing organisations around the world to leverage this innovation to optimise their supply chains.

“The complexity and fragility of the global supply chain is impacting everything, from the speed and efficiency of operations to the ability to meet consumer expectations. ASEAN is no exception. Organisations need to start building resilient and sustainable supply chains to future-proof unanticipated disruptions,” said Matthias Graefe, Director of Supply Chain Transformation, IBM. “This trailblazing supply chain resiliency optimisation project with SMU is a great example of how academics and businesses can collaborate to develop new solutions for the world’s most pressing problems. We look forward to bringing this innovation and best practice to benefit organisations across the globe while continuing to support SMU as they work towards the next breakthrough.”

SMU Professor of Computer Science Lau Hoong Chuin, the Principal Investigator for the project, said: “Working with IBM’s supply chain and data science teams, we applied data-driven optimisation models and methods to help planners make more risk-tolerant, cost-effective global supply chain decisions.” He added: “In the next phase, we look to leverage the potential of quantum computing to improve the computational performance needed for augmenting supply chain decision-making capabilities in an age of heightened risks and uncertainty.”

* Information courtesy of IBM Singapore *

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Open Call – First time this year

For the first time this year, Samsung and UNDP conducted an open call for applications that rallied thousands of passionate young people to apply for Generation17. This new group of Young Leaders, chosen from a competitive pool of candidates, will add new perspectives to the initiative. Their projects will also bring forth new solutions in education, skills and training and health equity.

From Singapore – Mock Yi Jun (One of the newly appointed Young Leaders)

Hailing from Singapore, we have Mock Yi Jun, one of the newly appointed Young Leaders. Yi Jun is the co-founder of Advisory Singapore, an online portal dedicated to empowering young people from all walks of life to make informed education and career choices. He is passionate about providing quality education to youth to help them succeed in tomorrow’s economy.

2 other Young Leaders

The two other changemakers, Zubair Junjunia from the United Kingdom and Efe Johnson from Nigeria, have also been selected as Young Leaders. Zubair is the founder of ZNotes and Efe is a gender equality activist and founder of Xari Africa.

“I am truly excited about the selection of the three Young Leaders, especially Singapore’s representative Mock Yi Jun. We strongly believe that Yi Jun’s unwavering commitment and expertise will not only inspire the younger generation but also ignite their potential to drive impactful change. At Samsung, our commitment to nurturing and empowering youth runs deep, and we are always looking for opportunities to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to forge a brighter future,” stated Dennis Jang, President of Samsung Electronics Singapore.

“At Advisory Singapore, we believe that every young person, regardless of their family background or schooling history, deserves the opportunity to pursue their aspirations. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of an initiative like Generation17, which is an incredible platform for my team and I to empower individuals, particularly Singaporean youth, to take control of their education and career journeys. My goal is to inspire and support young people, helping them to pursue their aspirations and find meaningful work,” said Mock Yi Jun.

Solve for Tomorrow 2023 Competition

One of the initiatives that Yi Jun will be actively involved in is the Solve for Tomorrow 2023 competition. Aligned with his passion to deliver quality educational and career guidance to youth, the competition aims to give secondary school students the platform and experience needed to unlock their technological potential and help explore their passions. The experience will not only give them the opportunity to cultivate their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, but also help them grow and thrive as global citizens.

Generation17 – Amplifying Youth Leadership on a Global Platform

Together, Samsung and UNDP provide the Young Leaders with mentorship and the latest Galaxy technology needed to help progress their work. The Young Leaders also have the opportunity to participate in agenda-setting events to help elevate their platforms and connect with global decision-makers. Generation17 Young Leaders have participated in various events over the years, including Samsung’s Unpacked, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, UN ECOSOC Youth Forum, Stockholm +50 and the United Nations General Assembly.

Generation17 is grounded in Samsung and UNDP’s commitment to leveraging technology as a force for good. The two organisations first partnered in 2019 to create the Samsung Global Goals app, an education and donation-based mobile app that educates people about the Global Goals and encourages them to take action just by using their Galaxy devices. Since its launch, the app has been installed on nearly 300 million Galaxy devices worldwide, including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.

* Information and picture courtesy of Samsung Electronics and IN.FOM *

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