TIME TO BUILD RESILIENCE

Manilka Ediriweera explains how using digital tech helped combat COVID-19

Digital technology has transformed every aspect of our lives and revolutionised the likes of work, travel, communication, education, banking and even shopping. While most of these digital tech solutions influence business processes such as supply chain management, agile manufacturing, robotics and customisation, they also offer companies the possibility of gains in efficiency and customer intimacy.

The Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, AI, 5G, and other next generation telecommunication networks and blockchain technology are examples of digital technologies.

With the coronavirus outbreak and physical distancing in place, the digital transition began accelerating around the world. As a result, access to the internet and digital services has become an essential requirement in the daily lives of most people.

In spite of the uncertainties that COVID-19 brought with it – and due to the transformation in the way we work, live and interact – digital technologies are playing an important role in almost every aspect of our lives.

Over the past several months, countries have used digital technologies in numerous ways in their public health strategies when responding to COVID-19.

For example, Worldometer – which offers real-time insights into the number of known COVID-19 patients, new cases (and the distribution of cases by country) and severity of the virus – uses the IoT to provide health agencies access to such data.

By using big data, China was able to conduct a modelling study of ‘nowcasting’ and forecasting COVID-19 activity, which helped public health agencies to plan and control the outbreak.


Similarly, Singapore made use of digital tech to enhance public health education and communication by partnering with WhatsApp, to provide people with accurate information about the pandemic as well as government initiatives.

And while digital technologies have been used for monitoring, surveillance, detection and prevention of COVID-19, they’re also being adopted to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

Instances where digital technology has been used to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 include its application in virtual clinics where patients receive treatment without entering hospital. Medication has also been delivered to patients’ doorsteps in collaboration with blockchain companies.

With the increased use and dependence on digital tech over the past few months, data shows that we have leapt five years forward in consumer and business digital adoption. Here are some digital tech trends that have accelerated because of the pandemic.

E-COMMERCE Online shopping has been transformed into a necessity rather than a luxury – and continuous growth in e-commerce has been seen across all product categories. Grocery stores have also caught this trend, and shifted to online ordering and delivery processes. Similarly, the adoption of digital and contactless services has accelerated with delivery companies launching contactless services.

DIGITAL PAYMENTS Banks have adopted digital tools, and introduced new products and services for customers, along with flexible payment options for loans and mortgages. People are being encouraged to make contactless digital payments through cards or e-wallets instead of cash.

REMOTE WORKING To prevent the spread of the virus, corporates have initiated work from home (WFH) measures for employees. Though the lack of technology infrastructure is a major issue when working remotely, corporates are making arrangements to facilitate this process by implementing technologies such as virtual meetings through video calling services, virtual private networks (VPNs), cloud technology and facial recognition tools.

ONLINE LEARNING Schools and universities have begun providing online lessons and courses to avoid major disruptions to education because of lockdown measures. Digital platforms that facilitate online learning include Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Hangouts.

TELEMEDICINE With the coronavirus outbreak, there’s been a huge increase in the use of telemedicine. Doctors have begun caring for their patients remotely through modern digital technology. Chatbots, wearable IoT healthcare devices that help remote monitoring of health stats and vital signs, and telemedicine apps are among digital technologies used for telehealth services.

In addition to these trends, digital tech has also helped corporates develop global trading networks, gain new insights, and cause massive disruptions across demand and supply chains.

Therefore, it’s evident that to develop resilient societies, it is critical that we rely on digital technologies – and remain flexible and adaptable to embrace the latest digital trends.