China's open source time series database basic software Apache IoTDB ranks first in the world, according to the authoritative list of database transaction processing performance released by the Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC) at the International Conference on Very Large Databases in Guangzhou City on Friday.
The time series database is a new type of industrial software responsible for storing, managing, and analyzing massive data collected from industrial equipment sensors. It has become an important infrastructure for promoting industrial digital transformation.
Developed by the team of Professor Wang Jianmin of the School of Software, Tsinghua University, Apache IoTDB is designed to help enterprises control and predict equipment health and operating status in real time.
With breakthroughs achieved in core technologies of database software such as high data compression, end-edge-cloud connectivity, and large timing models since 2011, the enterprise version of IoTDB has provided basic enabling and security monitoring technologies for the development of complex equipment.
"For more than 10 years, we have used IoTDB as a carrier to actively explore new models for cultivating international high-end industrial software talents. Relying on the National Engineering Research Center for Big Data System Software, we have established the 'Industrial Big Data Software' Innovation Group supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. IoTDB related technologies and systems have been implemented in thousands of large-scale industrial enterprises around the world, including aerospace, energy and power, and engineering equipment, providing new quality productive forces for enterprises' digital transformation and development," Wang said.
In recent years, as the process of industrial digital transformation has deepened, the value of data in reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and improving quality in the manufacturing industry has gradually emerged. The Chinese government has constantly introduced policies to promote technological breakthroughs and industrial applications of basic software such as high-performance databases.
China's database software ranks first on international authoritative list
Many Singaporeans support raising the re-employment age, partly to stay busy and active in retirement, and to help address demographic challenges in the workforce.
Like many other Asian countries, Singapore is grappling with a rapidly aging population. The government predicts that by 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older, up from one in 10 two decades ago.
A survey on retirement and employment conducted last year in the country found broad support for raising the national retirement age, with about 88 percent of those aged 50 and above in favor.
Some supported increasing the retirement age because continuing to do what they love, rather than retiring, keeps them feeling youthful and fulfilled.
When Nancy Hor, a retired IT operations manager, left her job five years ago, she wasn't sure how to fill her time.
"I'm a workaholic. At the very first stage after I retired, I felt I could not find balance," she said.
Hor, now 70, said it took her some time to adjust. In her spare time, she stays busy line dancing and spending time with her family.
But she said that if she had had the choice, she would have liked to stay employed a little longer.
"I think it's good for the elderly that even they have some job to do, and keep them busy," said Hor.
In March, authorities announced plans to raise the retirement age to 64 and the re-employment age to 69 by 2026.
Singapore's Minister of State for Manpower, Gan Siow Huang, said the changes to the rules protect senior workers from dismissal due to age-related issues before they reach the statutory retirement age. Employers are also required to offer re-employment to eligible workers until they reach the statutory re-employment age limit.
This follows a similar move made two years ago to raise the retirement and re-employment ages to 63 and 68, respectively. The city-state is also aiming for a retirement age of 65 and a re-employment age of 70 by 2030.
"That is to reduce the impact on businesses, so it gives time for businesses to adapt their policy. This gradual increase in retirement age basically provides a framework for individuals like myself, who want to continue to be gainfully employed," said Patrick Chang, a retirement planning specialist and the author of the A to Z guide to retirement planning.
Chang said that businesses will need to make adjustments to accommodate the changes, including offering retraining for senior workers.
He noted that the changes won't impact those who still wish to retire earlier, but given Singapore's demographic challenges, the country cannot afford to remain idle.
"If we don't do it now, the social cost could be high. We cannot wait until the time when we need it today, and then we get something done. It will probably be a bit too late, and the cost of getting to that solution will be higher," said Chang.
Many Singaporeans support raising retirement, re-employment ages
