NIGHT OWL The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is harnessing the benefits of blockchain technology in improving governance and the delivery of public services. In 2020, the UAE government launched a blockchain-powered medical platform to improve the efficiency of its Ministry of Health and Prevention...
NIGHT OWL Portugal is one of the countries who has invested early on digital transformation and sustained it over the years to be among the world’s leaders in digitalization. It is a member of Digital Nations, a group of leading digital governments — whose founding members include Estonia,...
NIGHT OWL In 2022, the government of Austria launched its digital driver’s license. Called the mobile driving license (mDLs), Austrian citizens can now access their driver’s license through their smartphones after registering for the digital ID. Eventually, the Austrian federal government hopes...
NIGHT OWL In its desire to achieve real sustainable development and progress, the Arab Republic of Egypt has made it among its priorities to strengthen its information and communications technology (ICT) sector. In the UN E-Government Survey 2020, Egypt joined the high EGDI group. The E-Government...
NIGHT OWL From the onset, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has trained his sights on tourism as an important economic development tool that will bring in more income to the country and provide employment and livelihood opportunities to more Filipinos. It’s an industry crucial to the country’s...
NIGHT OWL When I first met with Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, I learned from him that Danes have electronic mailboxes that are used by Danish public authorities to communicate with citizens. Digital Post is used to communicate securely and digitally between public authorities,...
NIGHT OWL President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s (PBBM) report to the Filipino people through the State of the Nation Address (SONA) indicated that the Philippines is on its way to becoming a trillion-dollar economy. It continues to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The numbers...
NIGHT OWL In 2019, the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law was enacted to improve the delivery of health services to Filipino citizens. Among the fund sources for the implementation of the UHC is the income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro...
NIGHT OWL One of the first cities in Europe to adopt smart city technologies is the Spanish city of Barcelona. Digital technologies are integrated in many parts of the city. They provide free public Wi-Fi; they have LED lampposts with sensors that turn on when there’s a pedestrian and turns off...
NIGHT OWL Digital connectivity is no longer a luxury, but an essential. Learning, employment, livelihood, business, accessing essential services can all now be done online. Many opportunities are now available to those who have access online and equipped with digital skills. The lack of these,...
NIGHT OWL Last June 30 marked the first year in office of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. after being voted by more than 31 million Filipinos. There was no honeymoon phase for the President as he had to immediately roll up his sleeves and get down to work. He had to ensure strong recovery from...
NIGHT OWL Switzerland is already one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world. In the 2022 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, the country placed fifth among 63 global economies. The country’s aim is not only to be among the best, but to be a leading digital nation. Under the...
