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Showing posts from April, 2023

Brave Girls in ICT: Inspiring Stories and Endless Possibilities

In a world where opportunities for women in technology were scarce, a trailblazing heroine named Ada Lovelace emerged. Born in the 19th century, Ada defied societal norms and dared to explore the computing world. Working alongside Charles Babbage, she crafted the world's first computer program, setting the stage for the future digital revolution. In the next chapter of this inspiring saga, we meet the indomitable Grace Hopper, a woman who held her ground in a male-dominated field. A United States Navy rear admiral and computer scientist, Grace developed the first compiler and significantly contributed to the COBOL programming language. Her perseverance and dedication continue to inspire women in computer science to this day. As the story unfolds, we encounter the remarkable Dr Erna Schneider Hoover, who revolutionized telecommunications with her groundbreaking invention of the computerized telephone switching system. Her innovative spirit and determination paved the way for the mod...

The Role of Research in Progress and Innovation

  The history of human progress is a testament to the impact of research for the sake of research. Visionaries like Galileo, Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein have expanded our understanding of the universe by fearlessly pursuing knowledge and sharing their discoveries through academic publications. The scientific method, which promotes the validation of any claim through verification, is a cornerstone of the research process and has driven transformative innovations. Consider the rise of smart cities, which integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance urban life. Between 2018 and 2021, Singapore produced more than 1,500 research papers on smart cities, while Amsterdam published more than 950 such papers. These contributions demonstrate the critical role research plays in realizing the potential of smart city initiatives. Where ever, there was an attempt to redefine the norm, it was the 'research' that made that happen. Bitcoin, a revolutionary digital currency, emerged from ...

Perseverance in Pursuit of Knowledge: Navigating Corporate Hurdles and Unexpected Outcomes

After getting a new job at a renowned company, I set out on a mission to get approval for an academic research paper for presenting at the upcoming research conference. Filled with determination and a desire for innovation, I started my journey to present my paper at an international research conference. Little did I know that my good intentions would be met with resistance from the very management board I aimed to impress. Although I made sure to work outside my regular office hours and keep my official responsibilities unaffected, I found myself confronted with a series of questions that felt like an intense interrogation. "What's in it for the company?" they demanded. I attempted to reason with them, explaining that presenting our findings at the conference would not only contribute to academic research but also display our company's dedication to its vision in academia. However, that wasn't enough. The management board's focus remained on the financial out...