China’s rise as a global leader in AI raises questions about the benefits & risks of collaboration. Is cooperation helping China overtake democratic nations or is it a threat to national security?
Author: Smart Societies
Smart Societies explores changes to emerging economies in Asia driven by science, technology, education, and innovation.
Tips for preparing a policy brief
Policy briefs raise awareness of current research on policy needs and succinctly communicate evidence-based recommendations. Some useful tips to help researchers.
How vocational education leaders can improve digital competencies of port workers
The article suggests that to address the gap in digital literacy skills in Makassar, vocational schools should enhance their supply chain management-related digital competencies curricula, improve teaching staff competencies, and develop stronger partnerships with industry. The article also highlights opportunities for Australian vocational education and training providers to partner with local institutions and the New Port of Makassar.
Riding the Rails to Prosperity
The railway line from Makassar to Parepare in South Sulawesi will transform the province’s economy, people, and livelihoods, but it’s not without challenges. A study by Partnership for Australia-Indonesia Research (PAIR) identified hazards, risks, and potential solutions, such as creating effective risk management plans, a pricing strategy to increase demand, intermodal freight transport plan, and Smart Transportation master plan for five regions. The railway also offers opportunities for transit and cargo-oriented development.
Pandemics and the Art of Visual Persuasion
Visual aids play a crucial role in shaping public understanding and government priorities during a crisis. A new study of the UK government’s COVID-19 press briefings highlights the importance of ‘visual narrative assemblages’ in communicating policy.
Why facts don’t change minds?
Researchers want their findings used to make good decisions and take action. Yet, often their efforts don’t work as well as they hoped. New research identifies myths and solutions to effective science communications and impact for researchers.
Why science is getting less disruptive
A recent study found that the amount of groundbreaking scientific research has decreased in recent years. The study, published in the journal Nature, analysed millions of scientific papers and patents from the last century and discovered that papers and patents from the 2000s were more likely to improve on previous research rather than make new…
Skill needs of Indonesia’s port industry: A case study of Makassar New Port
New study on port industry in Indonesia highlights need for specialised training and development for young workers in port engineering and port operations. Investing in human resources key to success of Makassar New Port and driving economic growth.
Revolutionising Manufacturing: How AI Can Overcome Industry Challenges
From sustainability to a skills shortage to geopolitical instability, the manufacturing sector is facing a range of challenges. Artificial intelligence is seen as a transformative solution for the industry.
Ranking games
Global university rankings have become a crucial part of the higher education landscape. Yet some countries are shifting their focus from catching up to the West, potentially signaling a new era in higher education in these countries.
Agricultural change in South Sulawesi
In the district of Maros, next to Makassar – South Sulawesi’s capital and on the route of a new rail line – young people are quitting the village and heading to nearby cities. It is now a familiar trend in developing economies. More youths are turning away from traditional farming roles. Even parents share a…
Indonesia Blueprint set to provide education bonanza
Education has been identified as a focal point in the Australian government’s Blueprint for Trade and Investment in Indonesia. 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). According to the education chapter authors, the pandemic has…
Five ways to turn Bali into a ‘Zoom island’ for global remote workers
The Indonesian government recently announced plans to send 8,000 Jakarta-based civil servants to work remotely in Bali to help the tourism-dependent economy rebound from the pandemic. If the government succeeds in fully vaccinating Bali residents, the idea makes a certain amount of sense. Hotels and restaurants are struggling to survive. According to Statistics Indonesia, hotel occupancy rates averaged…
Electric dreams: Indonesia’s ambitious battery electric vehicle plans
Indonesia’s transportation sector consumes about half of the country’s energy. Motorcycles uses a significant part of it with numbers increasing by 41% from 104,118,969 units to 146,858,760 between 2013 and 2018. But the government wants to change this energy pattern. And it plans to do it in three ways: increase renewables, reduce petrol and make…
Australia’s healthcare innovation precincts as competitive advantage
Australia is a recognised leader in healthcare innovation, science and research. It produces novel science, cutting-edge technologies and a strong talent pool. The medical technologies (MedTech) and pharmaceuticals sectors are among the most innovative and significant contributors to R&D globally and within Australia. Australia contributes 3% of the world’s biomedical research. It is one of…
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