Smartsocieties
I’m Eugene Sebastian. Through this blog I analyse technological developments in the Indo-Pacific region and their impacts.
I post commentary on the latest happenings and track how emerging technologies transform communities across this dynamic region.
With an optimistic yet clear-eyed lens, I aim to inform readers by making sense of key developments at the intersection of tech and society.
I welcome you to explore my site as a resource for tracking tech innovation news across the Indo-Pacific.
Below is a list of some of my other personal work:
Electric vehicles: Powering Indonesia’s next industrial growth
(2021)
Indonesia’s electric vehicle (EV) plans open opportunities for Australia’s services sector. As Indonesia develops policies and capabilities around EV and battery production, Australian firms can export relevant expertise. Cross-border trade and partnerships in engineering, technical services, and more can benefit companies in both countries amid Indonesia’s EV push.
A blueprint for trade and investment with Indonesia
(2021)
The Blueprint aims to help Australian companies grow commercial links and develop new opportunities following the start of the Indonesia – Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).
Insights, Outreach and Brokering: Taking Australia’s healthcare innovation advantage to Indonesia
(2020)
This paper draws attention to Australia’s healthcare innovation precincts and how the Australian Government can leverage precinct capabilities in healthcare technology, medical services, healthcare and pharmaceutical infrastructure to support Indonesia’s health- related challenges.
Smashing barriers for women in international science
(2020)
Research points to the concept of a ‘glass fence’ – obstacles women face, including structural, social, cultural and funding – that explains some of the many barriers that prevent women from engaging in international collaboration.
How COVID-19 is accelerating Indonesia’s digital transformation
(2020)
As the coronavirus pandemic forces millions of Indonesians online – for work, school and social activities – there is a clear and urgent need for improved ICT capacity, through infrastructure, skills and regulation.
Seaweed Nation: Indonesia’s new growth sector
(2020)
Seaweed can boost the economy and improve the livelihood of coastal communities. Indonesia is already the largest seaweed producer in the world. Recognising its potential, the national government has made seaweed strategic to its economy. This backgrounder looks at seaweed in Indonesia.
Monash plays the long game with pioneering branch campus
(2020)
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement on 10 February that Monash University has the approval to establish the first foreign campus in Indonesia came as a surprise to many. What is Monash’s ambitions in Indonesia?
Up the Game: Issues, risks and challenges in Indonesia’s e-commerce cybersecurity
(2019)
Indonesia’s digital economy is massively important, but without reliable cybersecurity systems, 150 million users remain exposed to security threats.
The time is now, but patience needed for Australian education in Indonesia
(2019)
Now that the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) is signed, Australia’s training sector has an opportunity to build on a small base.
PAIR – Partnership for Australia-Indonesia Research
(2019)
An outline of the Partnership for Australia-Indonesia Research (PAIR) – A program from The Australia-Indonesia Centre, funded by the Australian Government. PAIR will bring Australian and Indonesian academics and other local stakeholders together to assist the Government of South Sulawesi to find sustainable solutions to development challenges.
Stronger education partnerships: Opportunities for Australian providers in Indonesia
(2019)
For many reasons, Australian education and training institutions are uniquely well placed to help Indonesia realise its education, skills and training aspirations.
Australian universities play the long game in Indonesia
(2019)
Indonesia’s need for education and training opportunities is large and growing. Indonesian authorities recognise the growing skills gap in the economy and the increasing percentage of the workforce that is undereducated. The nation’s long-term economic prospects will reflect how well the country deals with this significant challenge.
Student experience is core to an offshore strategy
(2017)
Foreign competition in these countries intensifies as more education institutions find new ways to compete for growth.
Soft diplomacy along the New Silk Road
(2015)
China understands that spending big is not enough to achieve its goals. It needs to splurge hard cash with diplomacy to win hearts and minds.
Scientific ties that bind?
(2014)
Governments in Asia are spending big on science, technology and innovation to drive their economies. These governments also recognise that investing in system reforms alone is not enough. Spending on having programmes that help strengthen links is also important. Can closer international scientific ties help strengthen international links?
Critical success factors for transnational partnerships
(2013)
Partnership between leading institutions will be absolutely crucial to innovation and success in tackling major issues in a changing world. A small number of critical factors affect the long-term success of collaborations: the depth of the alliance; shared aspirations and strategies; unified governance; and the deployment of shared talent.
No stampede of foreign universities despite new laws – commentary
(2013)
No foreign university has applied to operate in Indonesia despite laws passed last year that were designed to make it easier for foreign institutions to set up on a non-profit basis in collaboration with local universities.
Universities web squared: Rethinking approaches to international education, research and engagement
(2010)
What do we know about university students and technology?
PROTEST FROM THE FRINGE: Overseas Students and their Influence on Australia’s Export of Education Services Policy 1983-1996
(2009)
The thesis investigates the motivations behind, the methods used in, and the results of the overseas students’ collective action contesting the measures, which the Australiangovernment introduced from 1983 to 1996.
Governance and privatisation in Indonesia
(2002)
The thesis investigates the motivations behind, the methods used in, and the results of the overseas students’ collective action contesting the measures, which the Australiangovernment introduced from 1983 to 1996.
E-Commerce in Singapore
(2002)
In the fast moving world of e-commerce, businesses are rushing to gain a share of this rapidly evolving market. Forrester Research predicts worldwide e-commerce will reach US$6.8 trillion from $657.0 billion in 2004. North America will continue to be the global e-commerce leaders, contributing US$3.5 trillion in online business but the region’s dominance will be eclipsed as some Asia Pacific and Western European countries hit hypergrowth over the next two years.
Smart Societies Lab 