Let’s move forward with digitalization

22 Nov


The role of media and information cannot be underestimated in any given time period, but it is even more crucial now as we are forced to physically cut off from the real world due to COVID-19.


But our smartphones and computers have provided us with a plethora of mediums to stay connected with the world and keep ourselves informed. COVID has brought us closer to TV and other digital media, but we must also be vigilant in keeping our digital literacy updated in realtime.


Hate speech and misinformation are the negative byproducts of our constant connectivity to the world, but it does not need to be the price we have to pay. Indeed, all supporters of truth and justice are doing their part to root them out, and this was evident in recent the general elections where individuals and organizations alike spread the word of incorrect and often times inflammatory content that served to create chaos among the people.


The media provides us with information and entertainment, recreation and opportunities for creators to share their innovations with the masses. The elections might not have gone so smoothly during COVID if we had to rely on word of mouth or physically send campaign brochures and pamphlets to the people. The amount of manpower, national budget, time and resources (especially paper) would have been monumental.


And it is not just media, but digital transformations that will bring about greater benefits for the nation. The Central Bank of Myanmar recently upgraded their interbank payment network to cope with the rapid digitalization of banks and mobile wallets in the country. This will allow loans and cash relief to be distributed quicker, easier and farther to remote corners of the nation.


However, there is still a lingering sense of scepticism and distrust surrounding banks and financial institutions in the minds of the citizens due in part to certain economic mishaps and centralized authority on the financial sector that perpetuated throughout the nation for decades.


But just like the stakeholders of the peace process, we must turn our mistrust into lessons of tact and understanding as we need to move forward with the world. The new government has their hands full trying to implement projects for national development in all sectors and as dutiful citizens, we must give private and public media, financial institutions and government entities the benefit of the doubt while providing constructive criticism.


After all, they are not mutually exclusive to our lives, and by improving them, we are improving lives and the nation as well.