In 2020, the world faced an unprecedented crisis, which led to digital transformation and the development of the digital economy as hot topics. Now, well into 2021, the world is embracing a ‘new normal’, driven by online, automated and intelligent trends and setting off a fast track to building digital competitiveness and resilience.
Top-performing companies are accelerating digital innovation and leveraging emerging technologies to emerge stronger on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Gartner’s annual global CIO survey, and “2021 will be a race to digital, with the spoils of those organizations that can maintain the momentum created during their response to the pandemic. “
Forrester also predicts that Asia-Pacific will emerge from the crisis first in 2021, ahead of the United States and Europe, in part thanks to the region’s strengths in digital and mobile technologies. Already, the recovery in Asia-Pacific is underway, with 30% of companies adapting and 26% returning to growth, but not all adapt at the same rate. The success of organizations will depend on how quickly and how well they harness technology.
The development of digital transformation policies is a priority
It is clear that industries that shift from reactive responses to proactive planning will benefit from creating new value and improving business competitiveness in the future.
Businesses need to redefine digital investment priorities to increase business resilience and prepare for digital transformation.
Engaged leadership from policymakers and industry leaders is expected to bolster digital engagement and capabilities, with digital agendas escalating to the top of socio-economic stimulus packages.
Governments should take a similar approach to fully utilize ICT technologies to develop the digital economy and promote digital transformation, driving the recovery process and ultimately determining the speed of economic recovery.
ICT technology and industrial applications at the heart of digital transformation
With ICT technologies, companies can not only maintain and even increase productivity, but also expand their existing activities to new markets and opportunities.
According to Huawei’s Global Connectivity Index 2020, digital infrastructure (including ultra-broadband, cloud services, and IoT) makes it easier for individuals and businesses to adapt to remote work and remote work. distance learning. Countries with well-developed ICT infrastructure are in a better position to embrace the new normal and leverage their digital footprint to promote economic recovery and a more resilient digital future.
High-speed connectivity enables reliable telecommuting and education. More than 100 million elementary and high school students worldwide received online training in 2020, according to Boston Consulting.
Flexible cloud computing provides a scalable infrastructure for the storage, processing, and delivery of information and services. In some industries in China (including online education, healthcare, and retail), up to 85% of companies have already started using cloud services.
In addition, technologies such as Big Data and IoT are driving the automation of low-cost business processes and services, increasing supply chain resilience and improving decision-making processes. Many workplaces have shifted to contactless operations, taking advantage of automation technology in factories and unmanned vehicle logistics services in fleets.
Along with the rapid development of the digital world, ICT technology plays a dual role in reducing carbon emissions. On the one hand, it can continuously reduce its own carbon dioxide emissions and provide efficient networks while saving green energy. On the other hand, as an innovative technology, it can enable thousands of industries to save energy and reduce emissions, ultimately achieving a symbiosis between science and nature.
As the world’s leading provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices, based on best practices and joint innovation, Huawei has unique capabilities to integrate ubiquitous broadband connectivity, cloud computing, big data, IoT and industrial applications. Huawei has worked with 253 Fortune 500 companies in more than 700 cities to help them meet their digital transformation goals and achieve real efficiency improvements, improve their new ICT professionalism and create real solutions. scenario-based.
Addressing the ICT talent shortage for digital transformation
In addition to ICT technology, talents and skills are essential for building a sustainable digital future. The lack of digital skills and the inability to develop and train local ICT talent in accordance with local conditions is one of the biggest challenges facing many countries and organizations undergoing digital transformation.
The unique conditions in each Asia-Pacific country mean that, in order to be successful in each of them, an appropriate model of talent resource development appropriate to the local situation must be in place.
Huawei’s partner ecosystem includes more than 22,000 channel partners, 1,200 solution partners and 3,900 service partners worldwide. 900 additional talent alliance partners complement our talent ecosystem with a focus on creating new ICT talent to fill the skills gap.
The Huawei ASEAN Academy started its activities in 2019, mainly using a multi-stakeholder joint operation with local governments, businesses, universities, operators and industry organizations to train digital talents, enable the digital transformation of the industry. local ICT, promote innovations within start-ups and SMEs, and facilitate the creation of an innovation ecosystem based on 5G. The program has already covered four countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia) and has trained a total of 23,465 ICT talents for the local community, with plans to benefit many more Asia-Pacific countries in the future. .
summary
2021 will be a year of economic recovery, marked by politics, technology and talent. Huawei is fully committed to being the preferred ICT partner in the region, sharing its experiences and contributing as much as possible to regional success. Asia-Pacific countries can come in all shapes and sizes, but the universal truth is that our future is digital, and embracing it better positions everyone to succeed in this new frontier.
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Copyright © 2021 IDG Communications, Inc.
