# data[].attributes.body
Statement:
Using Blockchain Technology against Instances of corruption in Malaysia's government sector

Introduction:

Forms of corruption + Examples of documented corruption incidents in Malaysia

Consequences of corruption

Low levels of economic literacy. Limited knowledge of government expenditure

Blockchain is a tamper-evident and permanent ledger. Helps back-tracking in the event of any scandal outbreak

Blockchain alone cannot prevent crimes, it has to be paired with thoughtful legal frameworks

Supportive arguments:

1. Provide transparency and in public procurement (government expenditures)

Flow of government funds are publicly auditable

National reserves and transaction records  are publicly auditable

Automated smart contracts established by objectivity means, also publicly auditable

Elimination of intermediaries limits potential misconduct

Publicly auditable corporate ownership registries. (Prevent the creation of underground companies used for money laundering, pay bribes, or sway governmental investment.)

2. Reestablishment of trust between government authorities and the locals

Public involvement in major and minor reformations via secured online votes and surveys

Higher statistic accuracy (and deeper understanding) of poverty, middle income, and high-income groups, through secured feedback portals

Public inclusivity promotes a higher degree of democracy

Counter Arguments:

1. An already corrupted government system lack incentives to initiate reformations

2. The technology in its infancy cannot guarantee 100% foolproof (A number of loopholes and issues with the tech, seen in other countries)

3. Abusive govt authorities may rather use Blockchain technology against their citizens (by excessive surveillance or censoring)

Solution:
Conclusion:
Research Prompts:

# data[].attributes.body
Statement:
Advocate a high level of accountability and transparency for Malaysia's future general elections with Blockchain Technology

Introduction: The What

Current voting systems cannot be done remotely. Nevertheless, online security gaps are also challenging to overcome.

Blockchain is a high encrypted digital ledger.

Functions are not just limited to financial transactions, such as bitcoin; but any type of high-value data transmission.

Supportive arguments: The How and Why

1. The (decentralized) distributed ledger exploits peer-to-peer networks as a multi-layer verification system.

2. Public domain Blockchains are fully auditable by the public. Vote counts are explicit.

3. The absence of central authorities eliminates data storage terminals. Hackers have no access to any accumulated data

4. Proof-of-Work mechanism obstructs external influence, tampering, and electoral fraud.

5. Encryption technology provides identity protection for all voters. Voter's anonymity provides closure and eases intimidation

6. Remote voting procedures are made possible with internet networks

Counter arguments

1. The infancy of Blockchain Tech appears unfamiliar. People with poor levels of computer literacy are not accustomed to it.

2. Social inequalities challenge the inauguration of a 100% online voting system. Not everyone has access to updated technologies and the internet.

3. Implementation of such complex technology requires broad learning, training, and education. Pre-execution measures will take long periods of effort.

4. Corrupted government quarters have no incentives to advocate accountability and transparency

Solutions:
Conclusion:
Research prompts:

# data[].attributes.headline
Paraphrased Counter Arguments to sound more legit (I guess)

# data[].attributes.subject
Paraphrased Counter Arguments to sound more legit (I guess)

# data[].attributes.body
1. Blockchain technology appears unfamiliar. People with poor levels of computer literacy are not accustomed to it.
2. Due to social inequalities, the technology will face challenges when inaugurating a 100% online system. Not everyone has access to the internet.
3. Implementation of such complex technology requires broad learning, training, and education. Pre-execution measures will take long periods of effort and development.
4. Government sectors are uncompetitive and corrupted. There are no incentives to employ such blockchain technology and provide transparency in the government sector.
5. The parallelity of digital currency with the Islamic Financial System based on Syariah principles is unclear. This will spark many political debates.
6. The deduce dependency of foreign exchanges may damage international relations (?)
7. Reprecaussions may occur under a wrong/abusive authority

# data[].attributes.headline
Key Points/ Counterarguments: Blockchain Technology Can Reduce Instances of Corruption in Malaysia's Government Sector [Revised]

# data[].attributes.subject
Key Points/ Counterarguments: Blockchain Technology Can Reduce Instances of Corruption in Malaysia's Government Sector [Revised]

# data[].attributes.body
1.0 Intro
Thesis statement: This paper shows that blockchain technology can reduce instances of corruption in Malaysia's government sector by improving integrity with regards to governance, increasing transparency in government spending, and fostering increased involvement from the public.

2.0 - Argument 1
Greater Integrity in Governance
- More Accountable Politicians
(Digital wallets can be monitored)
- Publicly Available Beneficial Corporate Ownership Registries
(Funds cannot be siphoned off to crony companies)
- More Transparent Elections
(Tamper proof ballots, and no voter intimidation)

3.0 - Argument 2
More Transparency in Government Spending
- Public Auditability
(Project details and spending is viewable on public ledger)
- Smart Contracts
(Transactions and details on the blockchain cannot be modified)
- Removal of Intermediaries and Middle Men
(Prevents extra fees and markups from unnecessary parties)

4.0 - Argument 3
Fosters Involvement of the People
-  More Public Involvement on Important Decisions
(The public can vote on decisions quickly and securely)
- Increased Understanding On Public Needs
(Public can provide direct feedback on their needs securely)
- Rebuilding Trust in the System
(Overview on the challenges faced to implement this)

5.0 - Counterarguments and Refutations
Not 100% Foolproof
- Technology is still in its infancy
(A number of loopholes and issues with the tech, seen in other countries)
- Government opposition
(A corrupt government will oppose the implementation any way they can)
- Solution: Change starts with Malaysians
(Malaysians must insist on a fair and trustworthy government, and should be open to accepting new technologies that can facilitate this change)

LINKS
General Links:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/07/5-ways-blockchain-could-help-tackle-government-corruption/

# data[].attributes.headline
Key Points/ Counterarguments: Blockchain Technology Can Reduce Instances of Corruption in Malaysia's Government Sector

# data[].attributes.subject
Key Points/ Counterarguments: Blockchain Technology Can Reduce Instances of Corruption in Malaysia's Government Sector

# data[].attributes.body
1.0 Intro
Thesis statement: This paper shows that blockchain technology can reduce instances of corruption in Malaysia's government sector by improving integrity with regards to public procurement, facilitating more transparent elections, and making beneficial corporate ownership registries publicly available.

2.0 - Argument 1
Greater Integrity in Public Procurement
- Tamper proof smart contracts
- Source and destination of government funds is easily auditable by the public.
- Blockchain wallets of politicians can be monitored by the public

3.0 - Argument 2
More Transparent Elections
- Tamper proof ballots
- Circumvents voter intimidation and other malicious tactics that are usually used

4.0 - Argument 3
Publicly Available Beneficial Corporate Ownership Registries
-  Prevent the creation of secretly operated companies that can easily be used to launder money, pay bribes, or sway governmental investment.

5.0 - Counterarguments and Refutations
Not 100% foolproof yet
- Technology is still in its infancy
Hurdles in implementing
- Nearly impossible to implement if governments are already corrupt
- Blockchain technology can likewise be used against citizens by spying on them and censoring them.

LINKS
General Links:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/07/5-ways-blockchain-could-help-tackle-government-corruption/

# data[].attributes.headline
Key Points/ Counterarguments: Malaysia Should Introduce Its Own CBDC/ Digital Ringgit 

# data[].attributes.subject
Key Points/ Counterarguments: Malaysia Should Introduce Its Own CBDC/ Digital Ringgit 

# data[].attributes.body
1.0 Intro
Thesis statement: This paper shows that Malaysia should introduce its own Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) or digital Ringgit because it can help foster competition and innovation in the payments sector, improve financial inclusivity for individuals residing in Malaysia, and reduce its dependence on the USD and other third-party services which have vested interests.

2.0 - Argument 1
Fosters Competition and Innovation in the Payments Sector
- Seen with AliPay, WeChat Pay, and the digital Yuan in China
- Reduced costs (fewer ATMs to be set up, fewer physical notes need to be printed)

3.0 - Argument 2
Financial Inclusivity
- Allows access to digital payments systems for unbanked individuals, including migrant workers employed in Malaysia
- Aid packages/ stimulus for the B40 group can be fine-tuned to better meet individual needs

4.0 - Argument 3
Reduced Dependence on the USD and Third Party Intermediaries for Cross-Border Payments
- Increased independence from third-party systems like Swift which are open to spying by the American government
- Circumvents potential economic sanctions

5.0 - Counterarguments and Refutations
Drawbacks of CBDCs
- Privacy issues
- Governments and Censorship/ Refusal of Service
- Doesn't address present issues with fiat currency like inflation
Hurdles in Implementing the Technology

LINKS
General Links:
China's Digital Yuan Explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew9b3OLZ3Xc&t=283s

Blockchain solutions for CBDCs
https://101blockchains.com/central-bank-digital-currency-cbdc-blockchain/

# data[].attributes.headline
Key Points/ Counterarguments: Malaysia's Elections Can be More Transparent with Blockchain Technology 

# data[].attributes.subject
Key Points/ Counterarguments: Malaysia's Elections Can be More Transparent with Blockchain Technology 

# data[].attributes.body
1.0: Intro
Thesis statement: This paper shows that Malaysian elections can be more transparent with blockchain technology by reducing instances of voter fraud, easing voting access for disenfranchised groups, and circumventing acts of voter intimidation and dirty tactics.

2.0 - Argument 1
Reduction in Voter Fraud
- Blockchain is tamper-proof
- Multi-step verification for voters
- Open-source and fully auditable by the public

3.0 - Argument 2
Eases Voting Access for Disenfranchised Groups
- Online voting for overseas citizens, the disabled, etc.

4.0 - Argument 3
Circumvents Intimidation/ Dirty Tactics
- Full anonymity for voters
- Voter intimidation

5.0 - Counterarguments and Refutations
Drawbacks of Online Voting
Hurdles in Implementing the Technology

LINKS
General Links:
https://bitcoinpricenews.co/2018/12/how-can-blockchain-make-elections-more-transparent/

https://hedgetrade.com/election-security-on-blockchain-pros-and-cons/

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2018/05/30/how-blockchain-could-improve-election-transparency/

# data[].attributes.body
Blockchain Tech
1. Malaysia's Elections Can be More Transparent with Blockchain Technology - democracy/electoral fraud, trust, and legitimacy(?) | Increased Integrity, Allows Disenfranchised Groups Access to Voting, Public Citizen's Audit;

2. Blockchain Technology Can Reduce Instances of Corruption in Malaysia's Government Sector - underlying power dynamics, bribery, backtracking flow of funds(?)
3. The current infrastructure, communication channel, political system and is outdated - inefficiency, decelerating development (?) | The Blockchain Can Streamline the Everyday Operations of the Malaysian Government
4. Direct crowdfunding system rather than taxes - domestic aids, public services, natural wealth, closing the inequality gap(?) | The Blockchain Can Improve the Delivery of Aid to Malaysians Living in Poverty
5. Direct broadcast of government policy updates - legitimate information, authentic new media (?) |

Cryptocurrency
Malaysia Should Introduce Its Own Digital Ringgit

# data[].attributes.body
What is cryptocurrency?

- Cryptocurrency is best thought of as digital currency (it only exists on computers). It can be transferred between peers w/o going through a financial institution (banks). Transactions are recorded on a digital public ledger (blockchain), and transaction data and the ledger are encrypted using cryptography.

How does cryptocurrency works?

- Funds are transferred between peers using their digital wallets. The wallet software transfers balances from one account to another. When a transaction is made, a new block is created to record this event and added to the public ledger. The transaction amount is public, but participants of the transaction are encrypted (transactions are pseudo-anonymous).
- Each transaction leads back to a unique set of keys. Whoever owns a set of keys, owns the amount of cryptocurrency associated with those keys

- All users of a given cryptocurrency have access to the ledger if they choose to access it; by downloading and running a copy of the software called a “full node” wallet (instead of holding their coins in a third party wallet like Coinbase).

What is cryptocurrency mining?

- Cryptocurrency mining refers to the process of solving cryptographic puzzles and digitally adding transaction records to the blockchain (the public ledger holding the history of every bitcoin transaction). Mining is a record-keeping process executed through immense computing power.

- Each Bitcoin miner around the world contributes to a decentralized peer-to-peer network to ensure the payment network is trustworthy and secure; they are rewarded a block of coins as an incentive to mine.

- Once all Bitcoin has been mined the miners will still be incentivized to process transactions with fees.

What is the purpose of solving cryptographic puzzles?

- Double spending is a problem in a decentralized network. The record of transactions is distributed (no central authority) and digital tokens can be easily copied and spent multiple times.

- Solving cryptographic puzzles attaches each block to a proof of work. The main purpose of the proof of work is to avoid double-spending.

Why does cryptocurrency have value?

- It is commonly known that traditional currencies have value because they can be used as a store of value and a unit of exchange. Successful currencies have six key characteristics: scarcity, divisibility, utility, mobility, durability, and counterfeitability.

- Cryptocurrency has value because it holds up very well when it comes to these six characteristics. In Bitcoin’s case, the upper limit was set by its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, at exactly 21 million. For other cryptocurrencies, this cap can vary considerably—ranging from as low as 18.9 million for Monero (XMR) and Dash to as high as 100 billion for the likes of XRP and Tron (TRX).

# data[].attributes.body
How can blockchain change society (TedTalk)

Blockchain by Investopedia (Investopedia)
How does cryptocurrency work?

Why does cryptocurrency have value?

What is the purpose of solving cryptographic puzzles?

What is cryptocurrency mining?
Dissertation topics on cryptocurrency:
https://blockduo.com/cryptocurrency-dissertation-topics/
Blockchain Use Cases
https://www.channels.theinnovationenterprise.com/articles/24-hot-blockchain-topics

# data[].attributes.headline
Preliminary Research - Blockchain Technology

# data[].attributes.subject
Preliminary Research - Blockchain Technology

# data[].attributes.body
Centralized network architecture is built around a single server that handles all the major processing. Individual workstations connect to the server and submit requests rather than performing them directly e.g. Facebook, Amazon, Wikipedia

Decentralized network architecture distributes workloads among several machines, instead of relying on a single central server.

Blockchain an online distributed system that stores information, based on interconnected blocks open to the masses. A blockchain is essentially a digital diary/ledger/spreadsheet of transactions, distributed across the entire network of computer systems on the chain (all participants get a copy) The decentralized database managed by multiple participants is known as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) - there is no central place for it to be stored; therefore it is stored in computers or system across all the networks.

How does blockchain work? Taking a closer look, each black contains data, hash, and the hash of the previous block. The data stored is dependant on the type of blockchain. (i.e. bitcoin blockchain stores details about the transaction, sender, receiver, and amount etc.) A hash is the fingerprint of a block. It is always unique to identify the block - changes made to the block will create a new hash, new block The hash of the previous block is what effectively creates a chain of blocks

Why blockchain technology stands out?

1. New changes to the information are not rewritten, they form a new block showing the changes made - it is a non-destructive way to track data changes over time (ledger method)

2. Unlike old ledger systems that are stored in a single system, blockchain is decentralized - all participants of the chain has access to the proof of work and to verify it, reducing possibilities of tampering - creating trust

3. Since all participants are interacting directly with the data, intermediaries are no longer required to verify our information/records - with the elimination of a middle man, money and time is saved while limiting exposure and risks.

4. Blockchain is a technology, rather than a single network - it can be implemented in many different ways. Some blocks can be completely public, and some have limited accessibility

Not only blockchain is secured with the use of hashing and proof-of-work mechanism; peer-to-peer networks also help blockchain to verify that everything is still in order. P2P interaction with our data can revolutionize the way we access, verify, and transact with one another.

# data[].attributes.body
Statement:
Introducing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to Malaysia

Introduction:

We have entered the Digital Age of computer eras. Data is a valuable resource and information exchange is a rapid practice.

Technology is creating many new jobs, there are immense incentives for business innovation and competition.

As a digital variant of central bank money, CBDC is a new age solution for a cashless society

People's Bank of China announced a new digital currency as a cash replacement in the financial circulation

Elaborate on what are CBDC and digital currency. Explain how they work

Supportive arguments:

1. Improve financial inclusivity for individuals and organizations

More streamlined international transactions made possible

Eliminates dependency on intermediaries and central authorities.

Circumvents international economic sanctions

2. Foster a competitive and innovative environment in the payment processing industry

Innovative startup companies have access to efficient investment funding programs.

B40 groups have access to efficient crowdfunding programs, aid packages, and stimulus.

3. Spending patterns can be traced to evaluate creditworthiness

Fine-tuned and personalized aid packages based on individual needs.

4. Online and "offline" transactions all recorded, economic activities can be assessed more precisely.

Tax evasion may be eradicated

5. Cost reduction with fewer banknotes and ATMs uses

Counter arguments:

1. Breeching of privacy rights due to the high level of consumer supervision

2. Potential discrimination by abusive authority. Refusal to service

3. Monetary inflation is unpredictable as CBDC is still in its infant stages.

4. The infancy of Blockchain Tech appears unfamiliar. People with poor levels of computer literacy are not accustomed to it.

5. Social inequalities challenge the inauguration of a 100% online financial system. Not everyone has access to updated technologies and the internet.

6. Implementation of such complex technology requires broad learning, training, and education. Pre-execution measures will take long periods of R&D.

7. Corrupted government quarters have no incentives to liberate the payment processing industry

8. The parallelity of digital currency with the Islamic Financial System based on Syariah principles is unclear. This will spark many political debates.

Solutions:
Conclusion:

Research prompts:

Computer eras, digital age

how much is data worth

examples of innovating technological startup companies utilizing blockchain tech

S.W.I.F.T

CBDC and inflation

payment processing industry

payment service provider