Telenor Group’s scientific research unit “Telenor Research” has unveiled the seventh edition of “Tech Trends,” highlighting how technology and digitalization can enable a green transformation which they believe will define the upcoming year. Grameenphone revealed the research findings through an engaging event at GPHouse, according to a press release.
The five anticipated Tech Trends for 2022 were revealed in a keynote and an expert reflection session at GPHouse. Bjørn Taale Sandberg, head of Telenor Research, virtually presented a keynote during the session. Higher officials from Grameenphone, including the CEO, Yasir Azman, and guests including Brig Gen Md Nasim Parvez, DG (Systems and Services), BTRC; Kamal Quadir, CEO, bKash; Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Chief Executive, BELA; and Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman, PKSF were present at the event. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, state minister for ICT, graced the occasion as chief guest.
“Today, under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the guidance of our ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the architect of Digital Bangladesh, we have not only achieved the target of vision 2021, but we also have exceeded our target in some areas with the Digital Bangladesh vision. We have developed IT training centres and labs according to the 4IR technologies across the country. We built the centre for 4IR – the digital leadership academy and many other digital infrastructure and services that will leapfrog our nation towards a knowledge-based economy. We are also building the Sheikh Hasina Institute of Frontier Technology, “SHIFT” for short, to support the youth, especially from the 6th to 12th grade.”, said Zunaid Ahmed Palak.
“I would like to congratulate Telenor and Grameenphone for always being there with different kinds of assistance and supporting the government’s digital dream on many fronts. For the 7th time, Telenor Research placed their predictions regarding the forthcoming chapters through “Tech Trends.” The report picked out the trends with justified causes and explanations. Thanks to Telenor and Grameenphone for their continuous efforts to publish this yearly Tech Trends, which help us focus on the tech discovery around the world and include them in the annual strategy,” he added.
Brig Gen Md. Nasim Parvez, DG (Systems and Services), BTRC, focused on the four core elements – Energy efficiency; Sight-level innovations; RAN (Radio Access Network) and Network equipment innovation; and better network planning and optimization – in his speech. “We need to find out the strategy on how we can decide or develop in a manner that helps us be aligned with the findings of the Tech Trends,” he said. “In this regard, BTRC has been taking number of measures which gives us optimization of resources. We are also working on preparing 5G guidelines. We are having sessions with the operators and incorporating their suggestions”. He also thanked Grameenphone for its handset recycling initiative, which is contributing to environmental conservation in Bangladesh.
Kamal Quadir, CEO, bKash, said, “With the five tech trends, Telenor has come up with a lot of ideas. The term ‘green’ should now be considered when designing anything based on servers and applications; simultaneously, customers need to be provided with the necessary training on how to use modern technology in their daily lives. At the same time, universities must take necessary measures to include these in the core disciplines to enable students to apply these ideas in their careers.
I find the concept of ‘greenfluencer’ quite interesting. Everyone must take the necessary steps to make this concept popular in our country. And by working together, we will be able to spread the word of energy efficiency among all and consequently build a sustainable world.”
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, chief executive, BELA, said, “At present, e-waste is one of the main causes of environmental degradation. We exactly do not know the risks of e-waste and what measures shall be taken in this regard. Technology companies need to focus on product sustainability if they really want to do something for the environment rather than bring new designs to market to attract customers.
Besides, another issue is human safety. Telecom operators need to be aware so that radiation from towers does not cause harm to human health.”
“As a result of climate change, countries like Bangladesh are facing numerous problems. We can improve this situation by taking environment-friendly measures. In addition, a number of steps can be taken to make people aware of climate change. Educational institutions and training centres need to focus on offering climate micro degrees and courses, which will help people learn how to use technology to solve climate problems,” said Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, chairman, PKSF.
“People everywhere are waking up to the need to act on climate change and environmental degradation. For us in Telenor, it is key to understand how technology can both avoid being part of the problem and help in the transition,” reflected Bjørn Table Sandberg, head of Telenor Research.
Yasir Azman, the CEO of Grameenphone, said, “With the evolving climate change, Bangladesh has frequently been facing extreme climatic events, hindering our vision of sustained economic growth. We have achieved remarkable progress in digitalization, and now our mission is to adopt a more climate-friendly approach and safeguard our future through a green shift.
This year’s tech projections show how technology and digitalization can play a pivotal role in making data transfer more energy-efficient, a battle for optimization, and climate enlightenment through digital micro degrees and greenfluencers are some of the trends that will deliver a more sustainable future. This year’s report also highlights how we can exercise good leadership to ensure that the next generation of workforce thrives in their workplace.”