European Union regulators have opened investigations into the tech giants in the first application of the new Digital Markets Act. The tech lobby has criticized the move, saying it was "rushed." US tech giants Apple, Google and Meta were targeted by European Union regulators on Monday, as the bloc opened its first investigations into "non-compliance" with its new Digital Markets Act (DMA). The sweeping DMA legislation was passed into law earlier this month. The law aims to prevent big tech companies from cornering digital markets while creating a fairer digital space by curbing how the biggest companies act online, including ensuring they give users more choices. "We are not convinced that the solutions by [Google parent company] Alphabet, Apple and Meta respect their obligations for a fairer and more open digital space for European citizens and businesses," said the EU's internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton. If found guilty of failing to comply with the new law, the EU Commission, the bloc's executive arm, can impose fines of up to 10% of a company's total global turnover, rising to 20% for repeat offenders. The DMA is an accompaniment to the EU's Digital Services Act groundbreaking legislation to put in force measures to moderate illegal content and prevent, for example, the promotion of hate speech on their online platforms. What have been the reactions?  The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), a leading international tech lobby group, criticized the move, which it said sent a "worrying signal." "As we all know, data takes time to collect. What we see now, however, sends a worrying signal that the EU might rush into investigations without knowing what they're investigating," said the head of CCIA Europe, Daniel Friedlaender, as reported by AFP news agency.  Google said that it has already made "significant changes" to the way its services operate in Europe to comply with the DMA – including recent changes to its Google Maps service. "We will continue to defend our approach in the coming months," Google's director of competition, Oliver Bethell, said. Apple said it is confident that its move to allow iPhone users to switch web browsers more easily complies with the DMA, and that it will "continue to constructively engage with the European Commission as they conduct their investigations."  

Chinese tech has been critical in bridging Africa’s digital divide but the support often comes with high and hidden costs. Digital technologies have many potential benefits for people in African countries. They can support the delivery of healthcare services, promote access to education and lifelong learning, and enhance financial inclusion. But there are obstacles to realizing these benefits. The backbone infrastructure needed to connect communities is missing in places. Technology and finance are lacking, too. In 2023, only 83% of the population of sub-Saharan Africa was covered by at least a 3G mobile network. In all other regions, the coverage was more than 95%. In the same year, less than half of Africa’s population had an active mobile broadband subscription, lagging behind Arab states (75%) and the Asia-Pacific region (88%). Therefore, Africans made up a substantial share of the estimated 2.6 billion people globally who remained offline in 2023. A key partner in Africa in unclogging this bottleneck is China. Several African countries depend on China as their main technology provider and sponsor of large digital infrastructural projects. This relationship is the subject of a study I published recently. The study showed that at least 38 countries worked closely with Chinese companies to advance their domestic fiber-optic network and data center infrastructure or their technological know-how. China’s involvement was critical as African countries made great strides in digital development. Despite the persisting digital divide between Africa and other regions, 3G network coverage increased from 22% to 83% between 2010 and 2023. Active mobile broadband subscriptions increased from less than 2% in 2010 to 48% in 2023. For governments, however, there is a risk that foreign-driven digital development will keep existing dependence structures in place. The global market for information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure is controlled by a handful of producers. For instance, the main suppliers of fiber-optic cables, a network component that enables high-speed internet, are China-based Huawei and ZTE and the Swedish company Ericsson. Many African countries, with limited internal revenues, can’t afford these network components. Infrastructure investments depend on foreign finance, including concessional loans, commercial credits, or public-private partnerships. These may also influence a state’s choice of infrastructure provider. The African continent’s terrain adds to the technological and financial difficulties. Vast lands and challenging topographies make the roll-out of infrastructure very expensive. Private investors avoid sparsely populated areas because it doesn’t pay them to deliver a service there. Landlocked states depend on the infrastructure and goodwill of coastal countries to connect to international fiber-optic landing stations. It is sometimes assumed that African leaders choose Chinese providers because they offer the cheapest technology. Anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise. Chinese contractors are attractive partners because they can offer full-package solutions that include finance. Under the so-called “EPC+F” (Engineer, Procure, Construct + Fund/Finance) scheme, Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE oversee the engineering, procurement and construction while Chinese banks provide state-backed finance. Angola, Uganda and Zambia are just some of the countries which seem to have benefited from this type of deal. All-round solutions like this appeal to African countries. What’s in it for China? As part of its “go-global” strategy, the Chinese government encourages Chinese companies to invest and operate overseas. The government offers financial backing and expects companies to raise the global competitiveness of Chinese products and the national economy. In the long term, Beijing seeks to establish and promote Chinese digital standards and norms. Research partnerships and training opportunities expose a growing number of students to Chinese technology. The Chinese government’s expectation is that mobile applications and startups in Africa will increasingly reflect Beijing’s technological and ideological principles. That includes China’s interpretation of human rights, data privacy and freedom of speech. This aligns with the vision of China’s “Digital Silk Road”, which complements its Belt and Road Initiative, creating new trade routes. In the digital realm, the goal is technological primacy and greater autonomy from Western suppliers. The government is striving for a more Sino-centric global digital order. Infrastructure investments and training partnerships in African countries offer a starting point. From a technological perspective, over-reliance on a single infrastructure supplier makes the client state more vulnerable. When a customer depends heavily on a particular supplier, it’s difficult and costly to switch to a different provider. African countries could become locked into the Chinese digital ecosystem. Researchers like Arthur Gwagwa from the Ethics Institute at Utrecht University (Netherlands) believe that China’s export of critical infrastructure components will enable military and industrial espionage. These claims assert that Chinese-made equipment is designed in a way that could facilitate cyber attacks. Human Rights Watch, an international NGO that conducts research and advocacy on human rights, has raised concerns that Chinese infrastructure increases the risk of technology-enabled authoritarianism. In particular, Huawei has been accused of colluding with governments to spy on political opponents in Uganda and Zambia. Huawei has denied the allegations. The way forward Chinese involvement provides a rapid path to digital progress for African nations. It also exposes African states to the risk of long-term dependence. The remedy is to diversify infrastructure supply, training opportunities and partnerships. There is also a need to call for interoperability in international forums such as the International Telecommunications Union, a UN agency responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies. Interoperability allows a product or system to interact with other products and systems. It means clients can buy technological components from different providers and switch to other technological solutions. It favors market competition and higher-quality solutions by preventing users from being locked into one vendor. Finally, in the long term African countries should produce their own infrastructure and become less dependent.   Source: Asia Times

A new report by a network of Tibetan researchers titled, “Weaponising Big Data: Decoding China’s Digital Surveillance in Tibet” has uncovered concerning the development of China’s digital surveillance apparatus in Tibet. The report from Turquoise Roof and Tibet Watch reveal alarming state diktats like the installations of ‘National Anti-Fraud Centre’ app on smartphones, initially purported to combat fraud, as part of a broader system of surveillance. The findings revealed the alarming extent to which the app is intertwined with broader surveillance and control mechanisms operated by the Chinese government in Tibet. The dynamic analysis of both the Android and Windows Desktop versions of the app highlighted that the data collected extends far beyond its purported purpose of internet fraud detection. By integrating with databases managed by the Criminal Investigation Bureau, the app becomes a tool not just for detecting fraud but also for facilitating broader surveillance and oversight activities.  The ‘Tibet Underworld Criminal Integrated Intelligence Application Platform’ described in the report appears to be a tool for law enforcement in the so called Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). Through an analysis of government procurement notices, it was uncovered that this system consolidates data from multiple existing Public Security Bureau systems within the TAR into a central Oracle database. Notably, this database system, built on U.S. technology, plays a pivotal role in a campaign that criminalises even moderate cultural and religious expressions, advocacy for language rights, and social work in Tibet, the report stated. The investigation into the weaponisation of big data analytics in Tibet by the Chinese security state also revealed a concerning trend of governmental intrusion into personal spheres. Beyond its implications for communication, this phenomenon extends to shaping societal norms and behaviours, leading to a pervasive “chilling effect” on individual thoughts, emotions, and social interactions. The widespread surveillance and monitoring facilitated by such technologies not only restrict freedom of expression but also impede genuine human connections, ultimately fostering a climate of fear and mistrust. Moreover, the report suggests that this pervasive surveillance apparatus contributes to a breakdown in societal cohesion, leading to individuals to feel compelled to censor themselves and distance themselves from one another. The integration of various advanced technologies in Tibet, including AI-driven systems that combine facial recognition with internet browsing and app-based monitoring, as well as DNA and genomic surveillance, and GIS tracking data, represents the emergence of a disturbing approach to governance in the 21st century. This convergence of technologies highlighted a shift towards a more intrusive and authoritarian approach to governance, where state control and suppression take precedence over individual liberties and autonomy. The report also uncovered the striking similarities in the deployment of spyware and Universal Forensic Extraction Devices (UFEDs) at police checkpoints in both Tibet and East Turkestan (Ch. Xinjiang). Additionally, sophisticated big data analytics platforms are operational in both regions, albeit with potentially differing specific systems. However, the overarching strategy of control and suppression through intelligence-led policing is evident in both cases.  Moreover, civilian AI-driven surveillance systems deployed in Tibet and East Turkestan (Ch. Xinjiang) can trace their origins back to military Command and Control (C4ISR) systems-of-systems and integrated PLA joint operations doctrine. Chinese software developers have openly acknowledged this evolution, likening cities and towns where people reside in battlefields. This militarised approach emphasises the extent to which the Chinese government views surveillance and control as integral components of its governance strategy in these regions.     Source: Phayul

A new report by Tibetan activist groups and experts shows new evidence that the Chinese government is increasing digital surveillance of Tibetans through practices such as the mandatory installation of apps at police checkpoints or utilizing big data policing platforms supported by technologies from American tech firms. Some analysts say these new findings provide a glimpse into Beijing’s security apparatus in Tibet. “The Chinese government’s apparatus in Tibet remains a black box in nature, but this report provides [the outside world] with a glimpse into how these systems work,” Greg Walton, senior investigator at U.K.-based security consulting firm Secdev Group and one of the report’s authors, told VOA by phone.   The report from Tibet Watch and a Tibet-focused research network called Turquoise Roof found that authorities have been asking residents in Tibet to install an app called “National Anti-Fraud Center” on their smartphones since 2021. According to some testimonies from Tibetans, police would routinely ask residents to install the security application on their smartphones at checkpoints while local authorities have been teaching the public how to download and use the app. Some Tibetans have expressed concern that the app may be used to track their movements and potentially access data on their phones. “It looks like a surveillance app that tracks not only our movement but also has built-in automatic voice recording and photo-sharing functionalities,” an unnamed Tibetan man told Tibet Watch in 2023, according to the report. Based on their analysis of the app, the report found that permissions that the app asked for from smartphone users could allow app operators to access sensitive user data or have control over certain device functionalities.   The report said the broad scope of permissions could let authorities conduct highly invasive surveillance, which is in line with measures that Chinese authorities typically use in regions like Tibet and Xinjiang to maintain public order. “Our analysis suggests that data controlled by the Anti-Fraud app could connect into wider systems operated by the Criminal Investigation Bureau [and] the mandatory installation of the app at police checkpoints could serve as a platform for harvesting a dataset used for monitoring and controlling the population, particularly in suppressing dissent and cultural expression,” the report wrote. In addition to the forced installation of the anti-fraud app, the report also investigated a big data policing platform used by Tibetan authorities called “‘Tibet Underworld Criminal Integrated Intelligence Application Platform.” Their analysis of government procurement notices suggests the platform, which is developed on top of technology originating from American tech company Oracle, combines data from several Public Security Bureau systems in Tibet and is an instrumental part of Chinese authorities’ campaign to criminalize moderate cultural and religious expressions or language rights advocacy. “The platform is presented as being designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement in Tibet,” the report wrote, adding that the platform can only be accessed through the Public Security Bureau’s internal network and authorities urge contractors to “replace the Oracle database” with a Chinese equivalent.   Walton from Secdev Group told VOA that the evidence suggests Chinese authorities’ law enforcement measures in Tibet are “more invasive” than the measures used in other parts of China. “The big data systems use machine learning to track Tibetans’ kinship networks or analyze their social networks to surface what the Chinese party-state defines as organized crimes,” he said. Since the big data policing platform is built on top of technologies from Oracle, Walton thinks foreign companies have clear responsibilities to ensure their products are not used to assist the Chinese government’s effort to crack down on civilians or ethnic minorities. “Human rights organizations have made clear the negative impacts that [big data policing system] driven by software sold by Oracle, [so] I think these companies should do human rights impact assessments to see what impact their software will have [when it’s used for policing purposes in China,]” he said. Oracle did not respond to VOA’s requests for comment. The report says that the Chinese authorities’ aim of using big data policing platforms in both Tibet and Xinjiang is to achieve “control and suppression through intelligence-led policing. Some researchers say the Chinese government’s crackdown on ethnic minorities is part of its overall effort to build up a “totalitarian social control state.” “The Chinese government is developing these more modern social control mechanisms that are supposed to make all aspects of society controllable,” Maya Wang, Interim China Director at Human Rights Watch, told VOA by phone.   “Since the ethnic groups are at the short end of the Chinese state repression and social control when the surveillance systems are running in the background in Tibet or Xinjiang, they are also vetting people, and those who are considered politically unreliable are held in re-education camps or prisons,” she added. In response to the report’s claim that Beijing is increasing digital surveillance on Tibetans, the Chinese embassy in the U.S. described the finding as “groundless accusations.” “China is a country under the rule of law, and the privacy of Chinese citizens is fully protected by law, regardless of their ethnicity,” Liu Peng-yu, the spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in the United States, told VOA in a written response. As Beijing increases its control over Tibet through digital surveillance, the report said these efforts are changing the way that Tibetans communicate and are creating a society-wide chilling effect across the region. “In many cases, this trend leads to a complete breakdown of contact,” the report said.   Some Tibetan activists say the digital surveillance architecture that the Chinese government is trying to “perfect” in the region will create a deep psychological impact on local residents, forcing them to practice self-censorship. “Tibetans will be even more careful with what they say or what they write on their phones,” Tenzin Choekyi, a senior researcher at Tibet Watch, told VOA by phone, adding that communication between Tibetans in China and the diaspora community will likely become more difficult to maintain.   Source: VOA

The government has decided to change Digital Security Act (DSA) 2018. The law will be replaced by Cyber Safety Act 2023. The Decision has came after a meeting of Cabinet Division chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday morning. Law Minister Anisul Huq confirmed the matter. The minister further said that after the amendment, there will no longer be any provision for jail term; only the provision of fines will be kept. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government is working for the people, he said, adding, "We have taken measures to stop the misuse and abuse of DSA through some amendments." The DSA was enacted on October 8, 2018 with the aim of preventing the spread of sectarianism, extremism, terrorist propaganda, and hatred against religious or ethnic minorities through social media, print media or any other electronic media. Earlier, Law Minister said that DSA will not be repealed, the act is undergoing a refinement process to prevent its misuse and will be amended by September during the tenure of this government.

RTV staff reporter Yeasmein Akter (Adhora) has been charged under the Digital Security Act (DSA) for publishing news about the misdeed of the 'Pir' Syndicate in the capital's Rajarbagh. On Saturday, May 13, 2023, Shakerul Kabir, one of the key figure of the 'Pir' Syndicate, sued the case against Yeasmein Akter (Adhora) at the Chattogram Cyber Tribunal. On Monday, July 10, Md. Rafiqul Islam, the investigating officer of this case, informed RTV through submitting a letter. It is known that RTV reporter Yeasmein Akter reported against Rajarbagh Darbar Shareef pir Dillur Rahman and his syndicate on various allegations including extortion, harassing to numerous people across the country, land grabbing, and various other crimes.  For this reason, Shakerul Kabir has been filed a case against RTV reporter Yeasmein Akter under section 24, 25, and 29 of the Digital Security Act 2018. Shakerul Kabir, a key accomplice of 'Pir' Dillur Rahman and a plaintiff in this case, has been accused of extortion, land grabbing, and violence against women. He has faced arrest multiple times and has been sent to jail. Earlier, when news was published against this Pir Syndicate, several journalists were allegedly harassed by Shakerul Kabir. These evidence have also been found in the investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).  Basically, journalists have reported news based on various court orders, the National Human Rights Commission, and the CID's investigations.  Meanwhile, journalists' organizations have strongly condemned and protested against the incident in the case of the Digital Security Act. They have demanded immediate action against this false case.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for the need for international initiatives for future generations, so that they can prepare themselves for the future world. "This is what we expect from international people, communities and organizations," PM Hasina said. The Prime Minister made this statement in response to a question immediately after ending the plenary session of the two-day 'World Work Summit: Social Justice for All' held at Geneva on Wednesday. At the summit, a high-level forum of global voices to address the need for increased, coordinated and coherent action in support of social justice, Sheikh Hasina said, "What I feel is that the international community needs to put social justice at the center of the international development agenda like SDGs."  In this context, she pointed out that there is a comprehensive social safety net programmes in Bangladesh and said, "The social safety net programmes are need for workers, farmers, elderly people, students and even working mothers or lactating mothers and disabled people." Pointing out that the (Bangladesh government) is giving them allowances, the Prime Minister said, "We have created a social safety net in our best way. I think it should be widespread. The International Labour Organization (ILO) can take the initiative and the international community must come forward to help people to ensure that no one is left behind." Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated her call that there can be no lasting peace or sustainable development without social justice. Another thing Sheikh Hasina mentioned is that the world is changing, new technologies are coming and the fourth industrial revolution is happening.  "We want that none should lost their their job." In this regard, she said, education is necessary to create job opportunities.  "Everyone must be educated with their digital device and learn how to use it." For this purpose she emphasized the need to prioritize training in new technologies, "so that people become skilled and that is what we are doing in our country."

Ashraya, a not-for-profit, has helped BVM Amphalla launch its first digital class in the true sense. Students need not carry textbooks and heavy bags when they go to study, thanks to digital education using tablets that are distributed by Ashraya. Teaching and learning now happen using tablets that are provided to students and teachers. Under the digitization of classrooms, tablets have been provided to all students and teachers of class 7 by the Ashraya under One Tablet Per Child (OTPC) and Digital Learning Ecosystem programs. Bhartiya Vidya Mandir, Senior Secondary School is in Amphalla, Jammu. It will become Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh's first class where all students have access to tablets. Students studying in the seventh grade can access the entire syllabus on their tablets, allowing teachers to teach students without requiring textbooks and blackboards. Special training has been given on how to carry out digital teaching and learning. Students can approach teachers whenever they come across any query and get it solved immediately, which is a distinctive and special feature of the "no bag, no textbook" exercise. Satish Jha, Chairman of Ashraya, said, "In today's era, Technology is the new voice of the world and cannot be separated from education. Our aim is to ensure every child in India gets world-class education irrespective of his or her financial background. Digital education through tablets will facilitate students to get state-of-the-art education, making them ready for the future." With the partnership with Thimble.io, Ashraya is offering a STEM Robotics & AI (Artificial Intelligence) program that is certified by the US curriculum. Under the STEM program, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are taught in an integrated manner, fostering creative thinking skills and 21st -century aptitude in students. As many as 3,480 students studying in Vidya Bharti schools have benefitted from the digital education and tablets distributed by Ashraya. Ved Bhushan Sharma, President, BSSJK, said, "Ashraya revolutionized the way technology is used in education. It is a historic step for schools in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Teaching through OTPC tablets and STEM Robotics and AI is an unprecedented moment in the field of education and technology. " Reena Rajput - Principal BVM Sr. Sec. School BVM Amphalla, said, "The use of technology in education will help students unlock a world of knowledge and opportunities. We got the honor to become the first school in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh to start the Digital Learning Ecosystem in school education. The digital revolution backed by robotics teaching and tablet use has certainly raised the aspirations of students. Digital tools such as tablets enhance the curiosity and willingness of students to learn new things and explore more, which would help them grow." Ashraya is a non-profit organization working in the field of education in seven states of India. Its work has benefitted over 9,000 students and teachers so far. It aims to provide inclusive and equitable education to every child in India. It seeks to use technology to bridge the gap between the level of education in India and global standards.

In an era driven by technology and digital innovation, India has been steadily harnessing its vast potential to emerge as a new leading power in the area. Over the past few decades, India has witnessed a significant transformation in its technological landscape. The country's commitment to innovation, research and development, and digital connectivity has paved the way for remarkable advancements in various sectors. Initiatives such as ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’ have played a crucial role in driving technological growth and positioning India as a hub for digital innovation. With the power of ensuring that the last person in the queue can become a direct beneficiary of government schemes through the medium, importance of technology has risen manifold becoming an important tool of India’s development initiatives.  Administrative reforms, curbing corruption, tax transparency, self-certification, Digital India, DBT-JAM trinity are all areas that sound like technology has touched and brought significant changes to. One of the key drivers of India's technological ascent has been the rapid expansion of digital connectivity and internet penetration. With over 700 million internet users, India boasts one of the largest online populations globally. The advent of affordable smartphones and the availability of affordable data plans have contributed to the democratization of internet access, bringing millions of Indians into the digital fold. This digital revolution has opened up new avenues for e-commerce, digital payments, and online services, transforming the way people live, work, and interact. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to state that the 21st -century would largely be led by those superpowers that adequately exploit technology and data. India's vibrant start-up ecosystem has been a catalyst for technological innovation and entrepreneurship. The country is home to numerous successful start-ups across various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, and health tech. The availability of venture capital funding, supportive government policies, and a growing culture of entrepreneurship have nurtured a thriving start-up ecosystem. These start-ups are driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to India's emergence as a global technological powerhouse. In fact, one of the biggest and most revolutionary innovations in this journey has been the building of a cashless economy through the introduction of digital payment platforms like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and mobile wallets which have revolutionized the way financial transactions are conducted in the country. Adoption of digital payments has not only provided convenience and security but has also played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion. Millions of unbanked individuals now have access to formal financial services, empowering the m to participate in the digital economy. India has recognized the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in driving technological innovation and economic growth. The country has made significant strides in AI research and development, with numerous start-ups and research institutions actively engaged in cutting-edge AI projects. The application of AI and data analytics in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and transportation has the potential to revolutionize these industries, making them more efficient, sustainable, and accessible to all.  Additionally, the‘Digital India’ and the ‘Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’ campaigns aim to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The introduction of initiatives like Aadhaar, a biometric identification system, and Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), a unified tax platform, has streamlined processes, improved transparency, and facilitated ease of doing business. These initiatives have laid the foundation for a digital governance framework and have enhanced efficiency and accountability in government services. In addition, 1.8 lakh gram panchayats have been connected to the fibre network in this year alone, 5.2 lakh Citizen Service Centres have come up across the country providing 400 types of government services and more than 40, 000 compliance requirements removed to improve the ease of doing business. India's abundant pool of skilled workforce and emphasis on technology education has been pivotal in its technological growth. The country is known for its talented pool of engineers, scientists, and IT professionals who are driving innovation both within India and globally. Leveraging the same, the DBT was brought in as a governance reform for greater transparency and accountability through which 100% amount is reaching the beneficiary account with no involvement from any middlemen. Through the same, in one year alone, Rs. 44,000 crores have been saved due to the leakage proof system in place now. As India continues its march towards technological dominance, the possibilities are immense. The convergence of emerging technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G networks presents new opportunities for innovation and growth. The government's focus on strengthening cybersecurity and data protection measures will further boost investor confidence and propel India's technological journey. In conclusion, India's transformation into a technological superpower is a testament to its commitment to innovation, digital connectivity, and entrepreneurship. The country's vibrant start-up ecosystem, expanding digital infrastructure, and skilled workforce have positioned it at the forefront of the global technology landscape. With a conducive environment for innovation and a growing appetite for digital transformation, India is poised to continue its upward trajectory, shaping the future of technology and influencing global digital trends. Source: timesofoman.com

TNEX, a Vietnamese digital bank, is currently seeking a new CEO as co-founder Bryan Carroll is scheduled to resign from the position by the end of March. Co-founder Bryan Carroll has announced on LinkedIn that he will be stepping down from his position as CEO of TNEX, a Vietnamese digital bank, by the end of March.  Instead, he will join the company’s board. Although Carroll did not provide an official reason for his decision, he admitted that it was a difficult one to make. Carroll expressed that TNEX was not just a job but a passion to improve the lives of the unbanked in Vietnam.  He wrote, “Being part of the journey has made me feel very emotional at times and a little proud.” TNEX was founded in 2019 by Carroll, David Jimenez Maireles, and Nga Pham Thi Nguyet as Vietnam’s first digital bank. It currently serves 1.6 million customers for online loan services and was launched in 2020 as the digital banking unit of Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB), where Carroll previously worked as the Chief Digital Officer.  Carroll has also worked for Bank of Ireland, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, and ACC Bank (now ACC Loan Management) in his financial services career. Carroll concluded by saying that he would miss the daily interaction, challenge, innovation, and spirit of his entire fintech team at TNEX. According to FlcQuangbinh, a popular Vietnamese finance news portal, Fintech has been rapidly growing in Vietnam and South East Asia, with many startups emerging to serve the region's unbanked population.  Vietnam's government has been supportive of fintech development, with regulatory frameworks and initiatives such as the creation of a fintech steering committee.  The country's first digital bank, TNEX, was launched in 2020 and currently serves 1.6 million customers. Meanwhile, other countries in South East Asia such as Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines have also seen the emergence of successful fintech startups, including payment platforms and digital lending services.  The region's large unbanked population and growing mobile phone usage have contributed to the growth of fintech, with many startups focusing on providing financial services through mobile devices. Despite the growth of fintech in the region, challenges such as regulation, access to capital, and competition from traditional financial institutions remain.  However, the potential for fintech to provide greater financial inclusion and economic growth in the region is significant, making it an area of continued interest and investment.