Access. The quicker, the cheaper, the more efficient – the better. Thanks to technological innovations. At least, that’s how it seems to me, and I like it. Speedy access to information, cheaper communication and faster travel. That’s not all. Entertainment at our finger tips, health care options and business opportunities etc., etc. 

I like quick access, particularly, to information. I Google what I want. If Google can’t help me, there are other search engines like DuckDuckGo or Yahoo. It’s simple and it’s quick. There is a plethora of information on the Internet. From the frivolous to the complicated to the latest world news, information is accessible in real time. Naturally, I don’t believe everything I read. The onus is on me to use, and share information sensibly. 

Rewind to my university days. Back then, I had to physically visit libraries to gather information. Books were placed on aisles based on how much they were in demand. Red Spot meant books could only be borrowed for two hours. Relevant sections of a Red Spot book had to either be copied by hand or photostated. The latter meant queuing and paying for every page reproduced. I remember spending time and money collating information for semester papers and a thesis versus the now convenient world of arm-chair research, courtesy of the various browsers and search engines.

My communications superhero is WhatsApp. I can text, send photos, audio and video, and speak to family and friends, near and far, when I want – for free. Yay!  It wasn’t that long ago that telephone calls, especially international calls, were exorbitant. A 30-minute call actually set us back some RM300 when my husband worked in Manila and Taipei. In those days, we relied on landlines and sometimes even operators to connect us. Operators? What are those? Sounds almost primitive.

I can now fly from Malaysia to just about anywhere in the world. Distance and airfare are no longer restrictive. Innovations in technology facilitate booking tickets, accommodation and car rentals to support both holiday and business plans. My Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to go to Skyscanner first, then to the most value-for-money airlines followed by Agoda.com or Booking.com and car rental companies – all done while sitting at my computer. The process is not without hitches but it’s quicker and easier.  I like that it does not involve calling and physically visiting travel agents and reading brochures.

Entertainment at my whim and fancy. How nice is that? I can watch what I want, when I want – both old and new TV series and movies.  I can record a whole series and binge watch the episodes. Same with movies. As a child, I could only watch scheduled broadcasts on a box black and white TV while movies were reserved for the cinemas. Same with music. I can now download (although I don’t do much of this) and listen to songs I like when and where I choose. I like that there is no need to wait near the radio or buy singer specific or compilation CDs anymore.

I am grateful to have access to newer and better drugs and treatments in Malaysia. I’ve had my share of hospital visits, and a recent laryngoscopy left me both anxious and impressed. It was like something out of a sci-fi movie. The doctor pushed through a small telescope at the end of a cable up my nose and down my throat as I watched the procedure on a monitor.  Even more impressive was that she made a diagnosis in less than 15 minutes. I like that it was quick and efficient.

The internet and technological innovations have enabled, especially, small businesses, access to the world. Previously, entry into business and industry meant setting up a brick and mortar shop or plant in a location that served customers in a limited area. I like that access has, somewhat, helped level the playing field in business.

Over the years, I have witnessed many relevant and useful developments, thanks to clever, creative minds and their technological innovations. I am cognizant of the upsides and downsides of some of these developments. To me, on balance, there’s certainly more to like than not.