We are definitely living unprecedent times. I would have never imagined that the world, my country, my government, my ministry, my colleagues and neighbours, my family and I would face such a surreal situation. This unexpected turn of events makes one think of the important aspects of life, what is it that really matters and what binds us together as humans. Inevitably, this situation has also propelled forward the already accelerating role of technology in our everyday lives.
In the years to come, Covid-19 will be seen as that massive nudge that forced us to increase the level of digitalisation in our daily routines. Firstly, and mostly relevant to this current health crisis, technology is extensively being used in health professional services, from testing to surgical and medical procedures, preventive techniques using AI, to community services such as online counselling/psychology sessions and public information provision. Linked to the current situation, there have also been instances whereby national civil protection agencies in various countries have been using technology to assist them in managing the emergency measures being put in place, such as GPS signals.
On a more individual level, technology has now become the only way to keep in touch with some of our loved ones, including extended family members and our elderly. It is amazing to see the older generation getting to grips with social platforms such as skype, WhatsApp and facetime, and being able to navigate through their various features such as choosing between video and voice calls, managing wifi access and sharing photos. Telecommunication companies, including those in Malta, have definitely understood their pivotal role in this crisis. Operators have provided increased access to media channels, assisted Maltese residents stranded in foreign airports and provided our children with access to educational and entertainment content to keep them busy in times of school lockdown.
Talking about education and schools, Covid-19 was definitely a huge technological wake-up call, all over the globe. Physical classrooms remain irreplaceable, in that they provide our children with the adequate technical, human (through the network of friends), as well as soft skills necessary for their academic and holistic development. However, in a situation like today, we quickly realise that there is a key role to be played by technology. As we speak, our children are having online assemblies, receiving tasks/assignments remotely and chatting with their classmates online. Similarly, university lecturers are recording lectures and delivering interactive sessions.
We’ve also seen new ideas emerging, powered by digital tools, ranging from virtual (museum) tools, to online yoga and workouts and performing arts live streaming. All this innovation, which is currently replacing traditional mechanisms, will probably (and should) not fade out once we return to our normal physical interactions. And there is more to be done – for instance matching employment platforms or apps can help in quickly matching temporary labour supply shortages.
We have often wondered about what the workplace of the future would look like. Would it entail hot desking? Relaxing zones? Games’ rooms? The answer was definitely presented to us in the last few weeks. The order of the day is now video and conference calls, webinars, chat rooms and working from home. Many entities have moved their whole set-up remotely and, while most of us are still grappling with the best approaches to be adopted, there are definitely positive aspects which we are experiencing now and which, moving forward, will definitely revolutionise the working world.
Our businesses have also resorted to digitalisation in their B2C and B2B approaches. Over the years, companies had already been facing an “evolve or die” environment which had led many to develop a hybrid brick-and-mortar and online model. This crisis has, however, forced companies to move much faster than anticipated, requiring them to shift all operations completely online. Others have realised the importance of opening “online”, with the launch of new apps and related digital marketing and delivery services.
This shift has also continued to evidence the importance of government direct investment and private sector crowding-in, to invest in technology, including submarine broadband cables and the distribution network. While there are currently other immediate funding priorities, government reiterates its commitment to continue investing in this area, together with the private sector.
Let us therefore embrace technology and allow it to serve its original purpose of being an aid to us humans, even in this difficult period. Keep safe!
Clayton Bartolo is Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services and Digital Economy