Author: Paul Feng, CEO Levant Region, Huawei
As the world looks to establish a “new normal” amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, information and communication technologies (ICT) are coming to the fore in Lebanon as critical tools in protecting public health and in realizing socio-economic stability. Understanding this digital shift is important to both businesses and government authorities as they seek new ways to confront the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The reality is that everyone from healthcare providers to educators, retailers, manufacturers, and others are being affected by COVID-19. Nearly every industry in Lebanon is having to rethink how it does business and delivers value. That pivot requires new tools for success. Many of those are founded on digital platforms that not only enable work to be done as people are physically separated, but which enable faster, more intelligent decision making.
Over the last few months, we’ve identified some of the most important technologies that will play a role in this fight against COVID-19. New applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are, for example, being used to aid the many scientists and medical experts who are searching for a vaccine and treatments. Smarter collaboration tools are assisting teachers and students across Lebanon to stay connected, and for future generations not to fall behind in today’s knowledge economy. Advanced cameras and analytics systems are helping government authorities to monitor public spaces and even conduct remote testing, protecting community wellbeing in the process.
None of these scenarios would be possible without a robust ICT ecosystem. The applications of AI, cloud computing, and big data happening in Lebanon today are proving just how valuable technology collaborations can be when done in an open framework. In particular, the potential future rollout of 5G connectivity will help to improve network capacity and support even more robust tools in the fight against COVID-19.
That open and cooperative ecosystem is the absolute foundation for addressing COVID-19 challenges. Every sector of the economy now faces its own unique challenges and needs its own dedicated solutions. No single country or company can create all of these solutions by acting alone.
The fight against COVID-19 thus requires the sharing of knowledge and expertise like never before, particularly in the technology field. Leading solutions in video conferencing, Big Data and artificial intelligence can support Lebanese Ministry of Public Health and other government bodies to overcome the pandemic times. Most importantly is supporting the development of a local ICT talent ecosystem and enabling Lebanon’s to successfully lead into the future through national human resources who are up to taking advantage from the most advanced technologies to build Lebanon sustainable digital economy.
The growth of nearly every economic sector today is being stimulated by the ICT advancement. Public and private sector organizations in Lebanon have already recognized that technology is a tool to enable the creation of more connected businesses and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Lebanon has always had a good technology sector potentials given its highly educated and talented people.
By leading an open collaboration and good partnership between the public and private sector technology players in Lebanon, we can make a progress on the required actions for bridging the digital divide, creating the ICT ecosystem in Lebanon and consequently help in achieving the national plans and visons.
Innovation can be nurtured to activate local talents creativity, a national treasure to address the current challenges and future requirements from ICT perspective. Leveraging our collective strengths and recognizing the lessons learned to date, Lebanon ICT community can better design the systems that communities and businesses need to tackle during and after this emergency together.