Myanmar is preparing to launch its first-ever satellite, joining an unlikely coalition of nascent space nations aiming to protect millions from environmental disasters.The future "super constellation" of micro-satellites from nine Asian countries will track typhoons, seismic activity and water flows, as well as provide data on land use, the growth of crops and disease outbreaks.It is the first space venture for Myanmar, the least economically developed country in a consortium that i

Modern technology has truly changed our lives for the better. It has transformed communication and how people stay in touch with one another. Information and news updates are readily available at our fingertips. In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, technology has paved the way for home-based learning and work-from-home arrangements while under quarantine or virus lockdowns.

In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, people are spending more time online with their devices to entertain themselves and to get COVID-19 updates during quarantine or virus lockdowns. An estimated 4.66 billion people now use the internet – more than half of humanity. This is an increase of more than seven percent since this time last year.

A tech-savvy population, a fast-growing economy, and the perks of being first in an emerging market - Vietnamese entrepreneur Le Thanh saw the potential in booming Ho Chi Minh City for his start-up transforming coffee grounds into masks. The 35-year-old chemistry graduate worked for two multinationals before stepping out on his own three years ago to launch ShoeX - a sustainable footwear company which nimbly pivoted to masks as the coronavirus pandemic struck.When he entered the work

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools around the world are using education technology (edtech) such as online learning, radio, and television among others to support access to remote learning during virus lockdowns.Edtech is fast growing in Southeast Asia thanks to its learner-centric platform which breaks down geographical barriers such as access to infrastructure like schools and even transport.Digital tools such as apps, eBooks, websites, quizzes, streaming media, online t

Nokia and Ericsson have been chosen as Singapore's main 5G network providers, telecom operators said, leaving Huawei with only a minor role as the Chinese tech giant faces growing US pressure.Huawei has been dogged by allegations of stealing American trade secrets and aiding China's espionage efforts, with Washington pushing countries to bar the company from involvement in their next-generation networks.Huawei has denied ties with the Chinese government.Singtel, one of the city-stat

The deadly COVID-19 virus has threatened the lives of billions worldwide. To date, over 470,000 have already succumbed to the novel coronavirus and more than nine million people have been infected with the highly contagious disease. This has prompted governments around the world to impose strict measures to contain the virus such as citywide lockdowns. Some countries have even resorted to a nationwide lockdown – travel curbs, restricted movements and shuttered borders.

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of a digital culture worldwide. Governments have imposed lockdowns and movement controls as preventive measures against the deadly outbreak. Urged to stay home and practice social distancing – people are now working from home, buying groceries online and using digital wallets. It seems like almost everyone has become a digital native. ASEAN member states are no exception.

ASEAN citizens are not unfamiliar with digital payments.In a survey by Visa, around 64 percent of consumers in Southeast Asia are confident of going cashless for a full day, highlighting the region’s strong drive towards digital payments.

While ASEAN is increasingly coordinating its efforts to reinforce regional cybersecurity, more needs to be done to address the constantly evolving threats.According to a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) report, one of the biggest concerns in regards to the current COVID-19 crisis is the increase in cyberattacks and data fraud. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of a digital culture worldwide.