At the 12th edition of the Telecom Review Excellence Awards, held as part of the 17th Telecom Review Leaders' Summit, Vikram Sinha, President Director & CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or IOH), secured the prestigious Merit Leader CEO of the Year - Asia accolade. The event, a culmination of the Leaders' Summit, recognized outstanding global and regional companies, as well as industry leaders, for their noteworthy contributions in 2023.
Digital payment, or the electronic transfer of funds between parties facilitated through digital channels, has changed the way financial transactions are carried out in today's digital age. This modern form of payment eliminates the need for physical currency or traditional banking instruments, instead relying on electronic systems and technology to ensure safe and efficient transactions. Mobile wallets, online banking transfers, and credit/debit card transactions are just a few of the many digital payment methods available, each with its own set of advantages and benefits.
Data has evolved, becoming a new form of currency for industries around the world, particularly in Asia. The economic enhancement in Asian countries has been facilitated by the digital transformation, which has facilitated numerous opportunities through diverse applications of data.
The development of 5G technology has resulted in positive impacts and brought about great waves of innovation throughout the Asia-Pacific region in recent years. The advanced network has enhanced performance and operations among industries. This has inspired industry leaders to develop more technology using the 5G network, such as the integration of wearable technologies.
In recent years, the Asia Pacific region has emerged as a frontrunner in embracing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, particularly in the realm of data center operations. With the exponential growth of digitalization and the increasing demand for data storage and processing capabilities, the sustainability of data centers has become a critical concern.
Asia has been one of the leaders when it comes to technological innovation and economic growth during the era of digital advancement. However, the advent of technology has come with the ever-present danger of cyberattacks, which are getting more sophisticated and more frequent.
Building upon its legacy of innovation and resilience, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or IOH) concluded FY 2023 on a high note, posting impressive financial results and solidifying its position as a key player in Indonesia's digital landscape. With revenue surging by 10% and EBITDA soaring by an impressive 23% YoY, Indosat's performance in 2023 underscored its strategic prowess and operational excellence.
Statistical data in the Philippines has shown a clear digital divide. According to DataReportal's Digital 2023 Report, the country garnered 85.16 million internet users at the start of 2023, representing an impressive internet penetration rate of 73.1%. However, beneath these figures lies a stark reality: while urban areas frequently have strong connectivity and access to digital resources, rural and marginalized communities face limited or nonexistent internet infrastructure. This disparity highlights the critical need for coordinated efforts to close the digital divide and ensure equitable access to the internet's transformative power across the country.
Malaysia is proactively pursuing a digital transformation journey that is revolutionizing the country's economic landscape and digital economy. Driven by a steadfast dedication to innovation, Malaysia has utilized new technologies to move forward into digitalization.
Telecom companies in the Asia-Pacific region face increasing cybersecurity threats and must protect their systems and customer data. This is challenging given the ever-evolving nature of cybercrime. However, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning offer promising solutions. These technologies can greatly enhance cybersecurity in the telecom sector across the Asia-Pacific by enabling companies to stay ahead of threats. Implementing the right solutions can help protect infrastructure, services, and subscribers while fostering innovation.
