Ingenieur Vol 90 | Page 31

Digital technology gives people a sense of connectiveness , safety and happiness
EU and ASEAN , as well as informal ones such as APEC . Connectivity has no doubt served humanity well as the world embraces globalisation , a somewhat controversial phenomenon , which few would disagree has played an important role in the economic and social progress of the world . Like everything else , globalisation also has its negative side . It just needs to be managed . There are those who view globalisation as more damaging than beneficial . They claim the rich-poor gap in the world is widening because of globalisation . This is still being debated . It is because of the connectedness of the world that such debates educate the world better .
It is often said that an intrinsic characteristic of connectivity is that it is synonymous with networks , which can be physical or virtual . The science of networks provides a common language that helps to unify the tools and approaches to understanding connectivity and why it matters . Network analysis is useful in showing how any connectivity initiative influences the distribution of power between the connected parties , be they regions , cities , firms or communities . Through a network approach , we can understand how power is inherently relational . Connectivity has several important attributes and in its most common form it has a physical domain and information . The large resources aimed at connectivity are therefore aimed at lowering costs , often with an emphasis on physical connectivity . However , and in addition , all network-centric concepts share the simple idea that information sharing is a source of potential value . In commerce , such value is measured in terms of functionality , reliability , convenience and cost .
DIGITALISATION BRINGS CHANGE
Digitalisation is undoubtedly bringing change to the world . Change is not limited to individuals , families , enterprises and industries , but extends even to cities and countries . With the introduction of digital technologies such as AI , Cloud , IoT and 5G into all aspects of society , digitalisation is laying the foundation for building smart cities , driving the digital transformation of industries , improving consumer experience , creating new products and services , and promoting social progress .
For individuals , digital technology provides the availability of connections , giving people a sense of safety , connectedness , and happiness . For example , people are more able than ever before to work online , interact on social media , use digital entertainment , access education and healthcare online , and make digital payments . In home scenarios , new digital technologies are providing access to home broadband for previously unserved homes , extending better broadband coverage from buildings to homes and even rooms , and delivering a premium experience
29