Inclusive Innovation: Ensuring Technological Benefits Reach All Sectors

In conversation with Prisila, Correspondent, Asia Business Outlook Magazine. Zahid articulates his perspectives on how the surge in economic changes is challenging conventional ideas regarding employment, social security, and economic stability. Furthermore, he discusses the collaborative measures governments and industries can adopt to ensure equitable distribution of technological advancements' advantages.

Zahidul Haque, with a background in business administration and ICT, he has over two decades of diverse experience. From IT distributorships to global tech companies, he found his niche in digital banking. Zahid’s journey evolved from heading alternative distribution channels, spearheading digital transformation as head of digital banking, head of liability and wealth management to CTO. His unique perspective bridges technology and business, driving enhanced performance across divisions.

Transforming Notions of Work, Security, and Stability: Economic Changes on the Rise

The rise of the gig economy, unnoticed in earlier decades, transformed the workforce landscape. In the late 80s and early 90s, laborers offering services like gardening or construction could be hired for a day's work at a nominal fee. With technological advancements, this informal work evolved into today's gig economy, facilitated by digital platforms that connect workers and tasks. Technology brought convenience, allowing quick access to various services from plumbing to food delivery, redefining employment norms.

However, challenges emerged. Gig workers lack traditional job security, social benefits, and stable income. They face weather-related disruptions and lack formal recognition. Government regulation is crucial to ensure fair treatment. Economic stability depends on factors like infrastructure, political stability, and work-life balance. Initiatives like the Fair Work Foundation acknowledge gig workers' needs and voices. Technology's pivotal role, seen in mobile financial services and app-based work, underscores the gig economy's contribution to the economy. Balancing its growth with structured support is essential for sustained progress.

Fostering Equitable Progress: Collaboration Between Governments and Industries to Harness Technological Benefits

Technological advancements have led to unprecedented opportunities, often prompting individuals to migrate from remote areas to urban centers like Dhaka, seeking better income prospects. This displacement, although driven by progress, presents challenges and complexities. Consider an individual's journey from a village to a city job – a phenomenon observed across countries, including India. While technology empowers such moves, education emerges as a crucial solution to navigate through the associated hurdles.

The journey from village to city is an example of job displacement that underscores the transformative power of technology. Yet, this shift demands adaptation to urban norms, traffic rules, and societal etiquettes. Education emerges as the beacon guiding successful integration, particularly in the form of lifelong skill development and training programs. Collaboration between governments, industries, and businesses becomes pivotal in ensuring the efficacy of such educational initiatives.

The case of microfinance, like the Grameen Bank, exemplifies the intersection of technology, job displacement, and skill development. Individuals displaced from traditional occupations are equipped with new skills to engage in mobile top-up businesses. However, the challenges of unfamiliar environments can result in disillusionment and the yearning for former professions. This highlights the necessity for comprehensive policies that promote continuous learning and skill enhancement to harness the positive potential of technological advancements.

In this context, it is evident that while technology-driven advancements hold immense promises, they necessitate a concerted effort to mitigate the challenges posed by job displacements. The synergy between public and private sectors, along with strategic policies for lifelong education and skill development, forms the bedrock for harnessing the full benefits of technological progress while ensuring the well-being and prosperity of displaced individuals.

"The transformation of education during the COVID era highlighted the significance of digital learning platforms, driving socioeconomic mobility."

Revolutionizing Education: Innovative Approaches for Equitable Access and Relevance in Diverse Communities

The transformation of education during the COVID era highlighted the significance of digital learning platforms, driving socioeconomic mobility. Utilizing technologies like Zoom and mobile-based learning, education became accessible globally. While physical classrooms remain vital, a blend of digital and traditional methods emerges. Community-based learning, exemplified by NGOs addressing health and social issues, underscores the value of localized education. Arsenic poisoning and family planning challenges in Bangladesh were tackled through such centers. The potential of internet-enabled digital infrastructure in overcoming crises becomes evident. Blended learning, skill-focused curricula, teacher training, peer networks, and industry partnerships are shaping an accessible and impactful education landscape, fostering societal progress.

Balancing Urbanization: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Infrastructure, Housing, and Community Development

Urbanization presents a dual scenario of challenges and opportunities that demand a balanced approach for sustainable growth. The influx of rural migrants into cities, exemplified by the journey to Dhaka, strains infrastructure, causing traffic congestion, housing shortages, and environmental degradation. This surge can amplify social inequalities and disputes over limited resources. However, urbanization also fosters workforce growth and economic potential, bolstering services and innovation.

Addressing these complexities requires collaborative efforts. Comprehensive urban planning is pivotal, ensuring affordable housing, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation through tree planting and waste management. Social inclusion must be prioritized, empowering all to engage in policy-making and social activities. Communities should be encouraged to champion causes, and public-private partnerships can catalyze change. Equally crucial is capacity building for effective implementation.

By embracing these strategies, urbanization's pitfalls can be mitigated, and its benefits harnessed. A harmonious equilibrium can be achieved by nurturing both the challenges and opportunities, propelling cities towards inclusive, innovative, and sustainable futures.

Exploring Universal Basic Income: Potential Benefits and Drawbacks for Socioeconomic Transformation

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a concept with historical roots, aiming to provide automatic and unconditional financial support to all individuals in a society. UBI, while often seen as utopian or socialist, holds potential benefits. It addresses poverty, income inequality, and empowers marginalized groups. UBI can encourage entrepreneurship, skill development, and gender equality. However, challenges include funding, work disincentives, selective targeting, inflation risks, and government dependency. Political will, sustainability, and balancing UBI with existing programs pose implementation hurdles. UBI remains a complex yet promising strategy to foster economic security and social progress.