“We have seen the emergence of disruptive technologies. We have seen the historic changes – the advent of data, the emergence of AI/cognitive, the maturation of cloud, the internet of things, the IT and business platforms, the rise of blockchain, the coming-true power of quantum computing – these are each taking a part in transforming the way our businesses operate, and are fundamentally transforming the way we live,” said Patama.

Organisations need to have a hybrid, agile and flexible cloud infrastructure – open, secure and well managed – operating in seamless private, public and multi-cloud environments, to host and run automation, blockchain and AI solutions, he added.

Businesses need open cloud technologies, enabling them to move applications and data across multiple clouds easily and securely.

The rapid innovations in technology have caused companies across industries to rethink how they leverage digital tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented and virtual realities and more, into their daily operations.

“We are at a historic inflection point – when data is growing at an exponential rate and changing the way we work and live. Data is being referred to as the world’s newest natural resource, the ‘new oil’,” said Patama.

AI is both “now” and real, with each of us already interacting with this technology. Artificial intelligence is being used for customer queries at call centres and by farmers seeking recommendations for yield increases among numerous other services.

IBM Watson AI, for instance, can provide answers to questions based on a small amount of vertical data. It has now been adopted by more than 16,000 clients in 20 industries in 80 countries around the world.

This is the time to place ethics, trust and transparency at the heart of the discussion about artificial intelligence. Companies and their customers will never be able to realise the full potential of AI unless it is underpinned by trust and confidence.

For its part, IoT is fundamentally about the connectedness of things. Today, everything is invariably connected to everything else. Now, this connectedness allows people to link data and actions across previously disparate and discrete activities.

The use of connected industrial equipment, buildings and facilities and vehicles, industrial IoT (IioT), is creating exponential increases in data (80 per cent of it unstructured) and the opportunity to find completely new and useable insights.

These insights enable people to not only optimise the way everyday things are done, but more importantly to extend that to imagine and implement completely new ways of working.

“IoT gives AI the data needed to understand the physical world as everything becomes connected, while AI is needed to make sense of the vast amounts of data IoT is generating. And to allow people and things to work smarter and better as a result,” said Patama.

Meanwhile, Natavudh Pung-charoenpong, chief executive officer of Ookbee, said that AI and machine learning are playing an exponential role in the real world, especially in autonomous vehicles and voice command using natural language processing. We will have more home devices that can better understand the context of human conversation.

These will be the mainstream technologies in the near future, coming with a bigger impact on the business models of many industries (automobile, insurance, transportation and logistics) and on individual lives.

As for blockchain, Natavudh said the technology has high potential in digital currencies. Currently, big players across industries are moving to tap the opportunities.

The beauty of digital currencies is in cost saving and convenience for both service providers (across industries) and users. Digital currency by blockchain will play a more important role in the next digital disruption, he said. Meanwhile, Patama of IBM Thailand added that blockchain will do for trust and transactions what the internet did for communications and data.

“Disruptive technologies have already changed our work and life. In Thailand, businesses have a great appetite for exploring disruptive technologies.

AI, the cloud, blockchain, IT systems and cybersecurity are coming to life here,” said Patama.

Vatsun Thirapatarapong, managing director of Cisco Thailand and Indochina, said that AI, blockchain and IoT will continue to disrupt businesses and people’s lives in the next few years. There will be more industries affected by these technologies, following the media, retail, technology, and finance sectors affected in the first round.

“Corporates need to focus on customer experience, business process, and tech talent when going through a digital transformation,” said Vatson.

People, as individuals, will also face a bionic transformation that will see a lot more blending between the digital and physical worlds. We will experience a lot more offerings, such as omnichannel and online-to-offline services, he predicted.

These series aim to help small and medium-sized businesses improve productivity with the reliability and convenience of a securely shared and environmentally friendly printing workplace, Fuji Xerox said in a press statement.

Dependable

Both DocuPrint 4405 and DocuPrint 375 series are standard-equipped with automatic duplex printing and have two-way printing output with front and optional back output trays. Using the optional back output tray ensures a straight paper path – enabling stable printing on special paper stock such as heavier papers or envelopes. The printers can handle various types of paper with diverse thickness and weights, including regular or recycled paper as light as 60 grams per square meter (g/m2) to heavier paper weighing up to 200 g/m2 and 220 g/m2.

The DocuPrint 375 series has the Secure Function Lock feature that allows administrators control over who accesses and uses the various functions of the machine such as copy, scan or fax. For example, page limits can be set to help administrators manage costs.

DocuPrint 4405 d and 3505 d are durable enough to withstand an output of 1.8 million pages and the DocuPrint M375 z offers single pass duplex scanning to multiple destinations.

Secure

In response to increasingly complex and compounding security threats, Fuji Xerox has strengthened its printers’ network communication security. DocuPrint 4405 series can be connected to two separate networks – enabling secure communication within the workplace. This series is the first Fuji Xerox printer series that is compatible with the Authentication Adapter with Touch Panel – a 4.3-inch touch panel with a server-free authentication adaptor which allows print authentication using IC cards, thereby preventing information leakage.

Convenience

Users can print documents stored on mobile devices using Fuji Xerox Print Utility, Mopria® Print Service, Apple Airprint©*4 and documents stored in cloud with Google Cloud Print©. The DocuPrint 375 series has a Carbon Copy mode which offers the convenience to print the same document onto different media types in a single print job. Users can save up to 48 of their preferred settings as Shortcuts to reduce time and boost productivity.

Environmentally friendly

DocuPrint 4405 d and 3205 d offer the lowest typical energy consumption in their class. The DocuPrint 4405 series also includes a Super EA-Eco Toner which contains a new polyester resin that effects the viscosity of the toner when changing temperature. This enables the Super EA-Eco Toner to achieve a lower fusing temperature of 10-15 degree Celsius, reducing power consumption by up to 20 percent, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 35 percent*7.

Behind its Smart Work Innovation strategy, Fuji Xerox will continue to provide products that help improve office productivity – focusing on liberating workers from various constraints and enhancing customer operations.

The new portfolio of Dell mobile business PCs is designed with IT departments in mind and aims to get business users productive faster and keep them productive longer, no matter when, where or how they work, Dell said in press statement.

Redesigned portfolio boosts productivity, offers powerful security features

A powerful integration of hardware and software that transforms how IT departments deploy, manage, secure and support their devices, the new Latitudes include a bevy of express technology options. ExpressCharge™ provides an up to 80% battery charge in just one hour, while ExpressCharge Boost™ charges to up to 35% in just 20 minutes . Select systems also feature Dell’s innovative ExpressConnect, which intelligently detects and connects to the strongest WiFi for up to 40% faster throughput than a conventional antenna, resulting in fewer dropped connections, more reliable file transfers and faster email syncs.

A recent Ispos survey conducted on behalf of Dell found that full-time working adults consider built-in security features to be one of the three most important factors when choosing a work PC. In fact, nearly 80% believe having security features built into their work PC helps keep their company’s data safe.

To address these concerns, the notebooks add new layers of enterprise-class security that saves users the hassle of remembering passwords and offers lightning-fast, secure sign-on. Many new Latitudes now can be equipped with fingerprint readers built into the power button and Windows Hello-capable IR cameras for a more trusted, biometric authentication. Many systems also can be equipped with Dell SafeScreen, new camera privacy shutters and FIPS 201 contacted Smart Card Reader or contactless Smart Card Reader with SafeID to protect user credentials. The laptops also support Dell’s recently announced SafeBIOS utility, that gives customers added visibility to BIOS changes by verifying the firmware’s integrity securely in the cloud.

The 10^th generation Latitude portfolio is optimized for the new Dell Technologies Unified Workspace while giving workers a frustration-free, ready-to-work experience.

“The modern workforce’s computing needs have changed. They’re not at their desks nine to five. They’re in motion between meetings, remote or frequently travelling, and one-size-fits-all laptops won’t cut it,” said Rahul Tikoo, vice president and general manager, Commercial Mobility Products at Dell. “Our new Latitudes make it easier and more enjoyable to work, collaborate and innovate anytime, anywhere. With security concerns looming over both employees and IT departments, businesses can rely on our new Latitudes, combined with Dell Technologies Unified Workspace, to make it simple for IT to ensure workers have the best device for their needs – up and running fast, working smarter and always secure, wherever they are.”

Smaller, lighter business-class PCs designed for the way the world works

With more style than ever, plus the choice to be equipped with 8th Gen Intel^® Core™ vPro processors and Intel^® Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) solutions to give employees faster connections, there’s a new Latitude for any remote worker, corridor warrior or on-the-go pro.

In addition to the award-winning Latitude 7400 2-in-1 launched this year at CES, the new Latitude line includes:

Latitude 7000 series 

In 13- and 14-inch form factors, the Latitude 7000 series are the world’s smallest premium business-class notebooks available. Encased in durable new machined aluminum or carbon fiber materials, the laptops feature a variable-torque, drop-hinge design that enables easy, one-finger opening of the anti-glare, narrow-border display. Designed to minimize battery drain when in use, the innovative digital SafeScreen technology narrows the screen’s field of view for security while working in public.

The portfolio also includes the Latitude 7200 2-in-1, which sports a thinner, lighter design, brushed anodized aluminum premium finish and backlit keyboard.  This 12-inch, fully IT serviceable device is Dell’s most secure, manageable and feature-rich detachable Latitude, as well as Dell’s smallest, for those who prioritize portability in tablet mode.

All the laptops can be equipped with up to 32GB of memory and up to an impressive 20 hours of run time on select configurations —up to 25% more than the previous generation. For the ultimate mobile professional, the Latitude 7000 also offer the first narrow border 4×4, CAT16, cellular antenna with dynamic antenna tuning in the PC industry, delivering gigabit LTE speed on the go for faster downloads.

Latitude 5000 series 

The world’s smallest mainstream business notebooks in their class also offer a broad range of business features and configurability. The Latitude 5000 series form factors (13-, 14- and 15-inch) in new carbon fiber reinforced chassis and a targeted industry-leading run time of up to 20 hours mean users can enjoy uninterrupted focus. Narrow-border HD, Full HD or touchscreen display configurations and powerful 8th Gen Intel^®Core™ processors with optional discrete graphics take on the most demanding tasks.

In addition, Dell Technologies is introducing the new Latitude 5300 2-in-1, the world’s smallest mainstream business-class 13-inch 2-in-1.  With a starting weight of just 3.15 lbs, the Latitude 5300 360^o hinge-convertible features a durable Full HD edge-to-edge Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen display with anti-glare coating for a screen that’s easier to read. This 2-in-1 can be configured with up to 32GB of memory and up to 1TB of storage.

Latitude 3000 series 

The new Latitude 3000 Series sets the standard for entry-level business notebooks with enterprise-class capabilities for essential productivity, while remaining accessible to any company. Now with an even smaller footprint and an updated look, the laptops are available in 14- and 15-inch form factors as well as a stunning, new 13-inch model, which is the world’s smallest and lightest 13-inch essential business notebook.

World’s most powerful charging docks

Dell’s latest commercial docking stations are the world’s most powerful charging  and first modular docks with upgradeable power and connectivity. Available with three connectivity options – Thunderbolt™ 3, dual USB-C or single USB-C and featuring ExpressCharge™ and ExpressCharge Boost™ technology support for Dell laptops – the new docks provide up to an 80% charge in one hour and up to a 35% charge in just 20 minutes on compatible systems.

The docks’ upgradable connectivity and power delivery meets the ever-changing needs of a modern workspace, making them an ideal investment to be used for several generations of PCs. Intelligent management capabilities to streamline deployment and management through unified firmware – mean that IT departments to perform updates quickly without disrupting end users.

Pricing and Availability

Dell’s 10^th generation Latitude portfolio is available for sale on May 1 at Dell.com.

• Latitude 7×00 laptops
• Latitude 7200 2-in-1
• Latitude 5×00 laptops
• Latitude 5×01 laptops
• Latitude 5300 2-in-1
• Latitude 3×00 laptops

“The online audio visual industry is flourishing in the country, with more and more audio visual products of increasingly high quality being created,” said Cui Chenghao, deputy Party secretary of the research center of the National Radio and Television Administration, during the summit.

Cui, who is also the deputy editor of the report, points out that major online video platforms in China, including Tencent platform iQiyi, have been pouring capital into the production of original content and the quality of most works have reached a level that is comparable to those produced by broadcasting companies.

“For instance, most original online shows no longer depend solely on the star factor of famous personalities. More and more new actors are appearing in these programs,” he says.

Cui also claims that technological advancements have been driving growth in the online media market since 2018 when technology such as 4K (ultra-high definition) and 8K resolution as well as virtual reality started becoming more prevalent in the industry.

According to a joint survey conducted by the research center at the administration, the Center of Shanghai International Film and TV Festival and the audiovisual communication research center at Peking University, about 1,500 films were screened exclusively online in 2018, a drop from 2,400 in 2016.

The drop is partly a result of the rising budgets for online movies, which as the survey also shows, have grown a hundredfold, surging from several hundred thousand yuan in 2015 to tens of millions of yuan in 2018.

“We hope to see the quality of films continue to improve as more budget is allocated to such projects,” says Lu Di, director of the research center at Peking University.

Ma Zhongjun, founder of Shanghai-based Ciwen Media and a Chinese playwright, stated at the summit that some key elements of quality online works are innovation, either in characters or plots, and a smooth and rigorous film production process ranging from the choice of scripts to the completion of a film.

Ye Ning, vice-president of Huayi Brothers Media Group, says an excellent film should resonate with the audience, evoke emotions and create a new world in the viewer’s mind.

The trial aims to gradually improve robotic application in training, remote diagnosis and medical treatment to improve the efficiency of treatment and patient care.

“The clinical trial simulation will help accelerate hi-tech applications in diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr Bui Van Chien, director of Hai Phong Children’s Hospital.

“In the near future, doctors in Hai Phong will be able to discuss directly with their Korean peers about different cases around the clock,” said the director.

Training courses and seminars between the two hospitals will also be organised with the assistance of the robot.

In the future, the use of robots in diagnosis and treatment will be applied in hospitals nationwide, especially in remote, mountainous areas and islands.

Dr Pham Thu Xanh, director of Hai Phong’s Healthcare Department, said the use of robots was considered the first step of using artificial intelligence in healthcare services.

The proposal was raised during the China Food Safety Publicity Week, which is jointly initiated by 23 departments, including the food safety commission of the State Council and the National Health Commission.

China has been pushing hard to enhance food safety. A total of 25 enterprises were rewarded as national model units for their innovative moves in improving food safety, according to a meeting held amid China Food Safety Publicity Week.

China should focus on helping the food service industry improve management in supply chain, purchasing and food processing, and therefore, allows administrations in multiple levels to conduct inspections, real-time analysis and precautions, according to Li Li from the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine.

The China Food Safety Publicity Week is an annual event initiated in 2011. The campaign will last from June 18 to 30 this year.