Acrow fornecerá 186 pontes modulares de aço à República de Angola

Grande programa de infraestrutura irá melhorar as interligações e promover um desenvolvimento econômico transformador

PARSIPPANY, Nova Jersey, June 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acrow, uma grande empresa internacional de engenharia e fornecimento de pontes, tem a satisfação de anunciar um projeto, que fornecerá 186 pontes modulares de aço à República de Angola. As estruturas ajudarão no trabalho de modernização das infraestruturas rodoviárias e de transporte de Angola e serão instaladas em todo o país por engenheiros, técnicos e empreiteiros angolanos, que serão treinados pela Acrow para montar, instalar e fazer a manutenção das pontes.

Os acordos de financiamento do projeto foram formalizados durante a recente U.S.-Africa Business Summit (Reunião de Cúpula empresarial EUA-África), realizada de 6 a 9 de maio de 2024, em Dallas, no Texas. Sendo o principal evento anual do Corporate Council on Africa (Conselho Empresarial sobre a África), a Reunião de Cúpula foi um fórum para que mais de 1.500 executivos, representantes governamentais, investidores e empresários dos setores público e privado dos EUA e da África criassem parcerias comerciais sustentáveis.

A Acrow tem fornecido soluções de infraestrutura sustentável a mais de 150 países em todo o mundo, desde a sua fundação em 1951. Desde a década de 1990, a empresa já forneceu mais de duas mil pontes para mais de 40 países africanos. Essas infraestruturas duráveis e permanentes foram projetadas para resistir às condições mais adversas e são especialmente adequadas a redes de estradas rurais e secundárias. Fabricadas de acordo com os melhores padrões internacionais de qualidade, são facilmente personalizadas para atender os requisitos do local. Apresentam um bom custo-benefício, podem ser transportadas rapidamente até os mais remotos ou desafiadores locais, e montadas em dias ou semanas com mão de obra local e um mínimo de equipamentos pesados.

Por meio do modelo com financiamento completo do Programa de Desenvolvimento de Pontes, a Acrow pode utilizar uma rede global de instituições financeiras e outras fontes de capital para conseguir financiamento para projetos de pontes que atendem a certos critérios e facilitar o processo de obtenção de garantias de crédito de exportação e outros acordos de financiamento de desenvolvimento. No passado, a Acrow trabalhou em projetos de desenvolvimento de infraestruturas transformadoras de grande porte em vários países, dentre eles, projetos recentes em Gana, nos Camarões e na Zâmbia.

“Durante décadas, a missão da Acrow tem sido fornecer programas de desenvolvimento de infraestruturas transformadoras de pequeno e grande porte, mais voltados para a África. Nossa experiência em reunir os três elementos fundamentais desses programas – pontes, financiamento, treinamento – faz de nós um parceiro ideal para os mais complexos projetos”, afirmou Paul Sullivan, presidente de negócios internacionais da Acrow.

Bill Killeen, diretor-presidente da Acrow, acrescentou: “Na Acrow, entendemos a importância de infraestruturas de transporte sustentáveis de alta qualidade e o impacto geracional que podem ter nas comunidades servidas por elas. Estamos muito contentes em poder ajudar a República de Angola a fomentar a modernização das infraestruturas rodoviárias e de transporte em todo o país, e esperamos continuar a parceria à medida que o projeto se desenvolve.”

O projeto em Angola será financiado através do Standard Chartered Bank e apoiado por garantias de empréstimos emitidas pelo Export-Import Bank of the United States (Banco de Exportação e Importação dos Estados Unidos – EXIM), a agência oficial de crédito de exportação do país.

Em outubro de 2023, foi anunciado que os parceiros de projeto Acrow, o Standard Chartered Bank e o Ministério das Finanças da República de Angola foram os ganhadores do prêmio inaugural do EXIM, o Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Deal of the Year. A Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (Parceria de Infraestruturas e Investimentos Globais) é uma iniciativa da Administração Biden-Harris dedicada a desenvolver uma parceria de alto impacto, orientada por valores, com outras nações do G7 para atender as necessidades de infraestruturas de países de renda baixa e média.

www.acrow.com

Media contact:
Tracy Van Buskirk
Marketcom PR
001 (203) 246-6165
tvanbuskirk@marketcompr.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9171045

Acrow chargée de fournir 186 ponts modulaires en acier à la République d’Angola

Un important programme d’infrastructure améliora la connectivité et soutenir un développement économique transformateur

PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, 28 juin 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acrow, l’une des principales sociétés internationales d’ingénierie et de fourniture de ponts, a le plaisir d’annoncer un projet visant à fournir 186 ponts modulaires en acier à la République d’Angola. Les structures contribueront aux efforts de modernisation des infrastructures routières et de transport de l’Angola. Elles seront installées dans tout le pays par des ingénieurs, des techniciens et des entrepreneurs angolais qui seront formés par Acrow à l’assemblage, l’installation et la maintenance des ponts.

Les accords de financement du projet ont été formalisés au cours du récent U.S.-Africa Business Summit qui s’est tenu du 6 au 9 mai 2024 à Dallas, au Texas. Premier événement annuel du Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), le sommet a constitué un espace de discussion pour plus de 1.500 cadres des secteurs public et privé, représentants du gouvernement, investisseurs et entrepreneurs américains et africains, en vue de promouvoir des partenariats commerciaux durables.

Depuis sa création en 1951, Acrow a fourni des solutions d’infrastructure durable à plus de 150 pays dans le monde. Depuis les années 1990, l’entreprise a livré plus de deux mille ponts à plus de 40 États africains. Ces équipements d’infrastructure durables et permanents sont conçus pour résister aux conditions les plus difficiles et sont particulièrement adaptés aux réseaux routiers secondaires et ruraux. Fabriqués selon les normes de qualité internationales les plus strictes, ils sont facilement adaptables aux exigences du site. Ils sont rentables, rapidement transportés vers les sites les plus éloignés ou les plus difficiles, et peuvent être assemblés en quelques jours ou semaines en utilisant la main-d’œuvre locale et un minimum d’équipement lourd.

Grâce à son modèle de programme de développement de ponts à financement complet, Acrow peut tirer parti d’un réseau mondial d’institutions financières et d’autres sources de capital pour organiser le financement de projets de ponts qualifiés et faciliter le processus d’obtention de garanties de crédit à l’exportation et d’autres accords de financement du développement. Par le passé, Acrow a travaillé sur des projets transformateurs de développement d’infrastructures à grande échelle dans de nombreux pays, y compris des projets récents au Ghana, au Cameroun et en Zambie.

« Depuis des décennies, l’une des missions d’Acrow consiste à fournir des programmes transformateurs de développement d’infrastructures à petite et grande échelle, en mettant l’accent sur l’Afrique. Notre expérience dans le regroupement des trois éléments clés de ces programmes – ponts, financement, formation – fait de nous un partenaire idéal pour les projets les plus complexes », a déclaré Paul Sullivan, président de l’activité internationale d’Acrow.

Bill Killeen, PDG d’Acrow, a ajouté : « Chez Acrow, nous comprenons l’importance des infrastructures de transport de haute qualité et durables et l’impact générationnel qu’elles peuvent avoir sur les communautés qu’elles desservent. Nous sommes ravis de pouvoir servir la République d’Angola en soutenant la modernisation des infrastructures routières et de transport à travers le pays, et nous nous réjouissons de ou suivre ce partenariat à mesure que le projet se développe. »

Le projet en Angola sera financé par la Standard Chartered Bank et soutenu par des garanties de prêt émises par l’Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), l’agence officielle de crédit à l’exportation du pays.

En octobre 2023, les partenaires du projet, Acrow, Standard Chartered Bank et le ministère des Finances de la République d’Angola, ont été désignés lauréats du premier prix du « Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Deal of the Year Award » décerné par l’EXIM. The ‘Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment’ (le partenariat pour l’infrastructure et les investissements mondiaux) est une initiative de l’administration Biden-Harris visant à mettre en place un partenariat à fort impact, fondé sur des valeurs, avec d’autres pays du G7, afin de répondre aux besoins en infrastructures des pays à revenu faible et intermédiaire.

À propos d’Acrow

Acrow est au service des industries du transport et de la construction depuis plus de 70 ans. Avec une large gamme de solutions de ponts modulaires en acier pour des utilisations permanentes, temporaires, militaires et d’urgence, notre présence internationale étendue comprend le leadership dans le développement et la mise en œuvre de projets d’infrastructure de ponts dans plus de 150 pays à travers l’Afrique, l’Asie, les Amériques, l’Europe et le Moyen-Orient. Pour plus d’information, veuillez consulter www.acrow.com

Media contact:
Tracy Van Buskirk
Marketcom PR
001 (203) 246-6165
tvanbuskirk@marketcompr.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9171045

Acrow to Supply 186 Modular Steel Bridges to the Republic of Angola

Major infrastructure program will enhance connectivity and support transformative economic development

PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acrow, a leading international bridge engineering and supply company, is pleased to announce a project to supply 186 modular steel bridges to the Republic of Angola. The structures will contribute to efforts to modernize Angola’s road and transportation infrastructure and will be installed throughout the country by Angolan engineers, technicians and contractors who will be trained by Acrow in the assembly, installation and maintenance of the bridges.

The financing arrangements for the project were formalized during the recent U.S.-Africa Business Summit held May 6-9, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. The premier annual event of the Corporate Council on Africa, the Summit provided a forum for more than 1,500 U.S. and African public and private sector executives, government representatives, investors, and entrepreneurs to advance sustainable business partnerships.

Acrow has provided sustainable infrastructure solutions to more than 150 countries worldwide since its founding in 1951. Since the 1990s, the firm has supplied more than two thousand bridges to more than 40 African nations. These durable and permanent infrastructure assets are designed to withstand the most rugged conditions and are particularly well-suited for secondary and rural road networks. Manufactured to the finest international quality standards, they are easily customized to meet site requirements. They are cost-effective, quickly transported to the most remote or challenging sites, and can be assembled in days or weeks using local labor and minimal heavy equipment.

Through its comprehensive financed Bridge Development Program model, Acrow can leverage a global network of financial institutions and other sources of capital to arrange financing for qualified bridge projects and facilitate the process of securing export credit guarantees and other development finance arrangements. In the past, Acrow has worked on transformative, large-scale infrastructure development projects in numerous nations including recent projects in Ghana, Cameroon and Zambia.

“For decades, a mission of Acrow’s has been to provide transformative small and large-scale infrastructure development programs with a focus on Africa. Our experience in bringing the three key elements of these programs together – bridges, finance, training – makes us an ideal partner for the most complex projects,” said Paul Sullivan, President – International Business at Acrow.

Bill Killeen, Acrow CEO, added, “At Acrow, we understand the importance of high-quality, sustainable transportation infrastructure and the generational impact it can have on the communities it serves. We are delighted to be able to be of service to the Republic of Angola in support of the modernization of the road and transportation infrastructure across the country, and we look forward to a continuing partnership as the project develops.”

The project in Angola will be financed through Standard Chartered Bank and supported by loan guarantees issued by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), the nation’s official export credit agency.

In October 2023, project partners Acrow, Standard Chartered Bank and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic Angola were announced as winners of EXIM’s inaugural “Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Deal of the Year Award.” The Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment is a Biden-Harris Administration initiative dedicated to developing a values-driven, high-impact partnership with other G7 nations to meet the infrastructure needs of low- and middle-income countries.

About Acrow
Acrow has been serving the transportation and construction industries for more than 70 years with a wide range of modular steel bridging solutions for permanent, temporary, military and emergency use. Acrow’s extensive international presence includes leadership in the development and implementation of bridge infrastructure projects in over 150 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.acrow.com.

Media contact:
Tracy Van Buskirk
Marketcom PR
Main: (212) 537-5177, ext. 8; Mobile: (203) 246-6165
tvanbuskirk@marketcompr.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9171045

Fortrea Lança AI Innovation Studio para Galvanizar Tecnologia e Soluções Humanas para Aprimoramento da Entrega de Ensaios Clínicos

DURHAM, N.C., June 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE), uma organização líder global de pesquisa por contrato (CRO), anunciou hoje o lançamento do seu AI Innovation Studio, sinalizando um investimento estratégico na reformulação da execução de ensaios clínicos hoje e no futuro.

O Studio desenvolverá e implantará tecnologias de IA e aprendizado de máquina (ML) para impulsionar a velocidade, agilidade, qualidade e segurança aprimorada do paciente no processo de pesquisa clínica, equipando e capacitando as pessoas a se concentrarem no elemento humano tão essencial nos ensaios clínicos.

“Pacientes de todo o mundo estão esperando por novos tratamentos que irão mudar suas vidas. Com a IA, agora temos o poder – e a obrigação – de ajudar a fornecer soluções para esses pacientes mais rapidamente”, disse o diretor de informações da Fortrea, Alejandro Martinez Galindo.

“O AI Innovation Studio da Fortrea viabilizará os recursos tecnológicos aprimorados que permitirão que os sistemas habilitados para IA executem processos de ponta – como simulações de testes, análises preditivas e reconhecimento de padrões – além de tarefas repetitivas, administrativas e fáceis de operar. Isso permite que as pessoas possam contribuir com a criatividade humana e a conexão com o ensaio clínico futuro e se concentrar no que é o mais importante: o paciente.”

O AI Innovation Studio da Fortrea visa:

  • Estabelecer parcerias em toda a Fortrea e com nossos clientes para fornecimento de soluções tecnológicas para estratégias de inovação sob medida para locais e patrocinadores;
  • Desenvolver inovações tecnológicas novas e inovadoras que aprimorem holisticamente a entrega de ensaios clínicos para patrocinadores, locais, pacientes e nossas equipes; e
  • Apoiar a infraestrutura e as operações existentes com tecnologia aprimorada para viabilizar novas e aprimoradas maneiras de trabalho e criação das melhores experiências de usuário da categoria.

As tecnologias em desenvolvimento no Studio incluem coleta de dados habilitada para smartphones; grandes modelos de linguagens especializados para compreensão e geração de texto; IA simbólica com lógica de valor real (ou seja, criação de lógica de decisão com cenários e dados do mundo real); realidade mista e inteligência aumentada; mineração avançada de dados e análise preditiva; e geminação digital.

A aplicação estratégica dessas tecnologias deve resultar em avanços significativos no recrutamento e retenção de pacientes, criação/otimização de protocolos, monitoramento de qualidade baseado em risco e velocidade e qualidade gerais da entrega. Essas tecnologias também podem proporcionar uma melhor experiência para o paciente e maior produtividade para os clientes, locais e funcionários da Fortrea.

Os desenvolvimentos do AI Innovation Studio serão fundamentais para a plataforma de tecnologia clínica da Fortrea que está sendo projetada para integrar a tecnologia de ensaios clínicos em uma experiência de nível de consumidor, independente de localização, omnicanal e baseada em persona, acessível por meio de uma única tela.

“A Fortrea está focada em uma visão de futuro da indústria de CRO que nos permite criar Voltados para o futuro e Não para o passado”, disse Brian Dolan, Vice-Presidente de Inteligência Artificial e Aprendizado de Máquina. “Estamos sendo bem cautelosos e levando em consideração o desenvolvimento e a implantação responsáveis e éticos da IA, priorizando fazer a coisa certa pelas razões certas e protegendo a segurança e a privacidade do paciente e a propriedade intelectual dos nossos clientes.”

Sobre a Fortrea
A Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) é fornecedora líder global de soluções para o desenvolvimento clínico para a indústria de ciências da vida. Fazemos parcerias com grandes e emergentes empresas biofarmacêuticas, de biotecnologia, de dispositivos médicos e de diagnóstico para impulsionar a inovação na saúde que acelera terapias que mudam a vida dos pacientes. A Fortrea fornece gerenciamento de testes clínicos de fase I-IV, farmacologia clínica e serviços de consultoria. As soluções da Fortrea utilizam suas três décadas de experiência abrangendo mais de 20 áreas terapêuticas, sua dedicação ao rigor científico, insights excepcionais e uma forte rede de pesquisadores. Nossa equipe talentosa e diversificada que trabalha em mais de 90 países é dimensionada para fornecer soluções focadas e ágeis para clientes de todo o mundo. Saiba mais sobre como a Fortrea está se tornando uma força transformadora de pipeline para pacientes na Fortrea.com e siga-nos no LinkedIn e X (antigo Twitter).

Contatos da Fortrea:
Hima Inguva (Investidores) – 877-495-0816, hima.inguva@fortrea.com
Jennifer Minx (Mídia) – 919-410-4195, media@fortrea.com
Kate Dillon (Mídia) – 646-818-9115, kdillon@prosek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9170901

Fortrea lance un studio d’innovation en IA pour galvaniser les solutions technologiques et humaines afin d’améliorer la réalisation des essais cliniques

DURHAM, État de Caroline du Nord, 28 juin 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortrea (Nasdaq : FTRE), un organisme de recherche sous contrat (« ORC ») de premier plan au niveau mondial, a annoncé aujourd’hui le lancement de son studio d’innovation en intelligence artificielle (« IA »), marquant ainsi un investissement stratégique visant à remodeler l’exécution des essais cliniques aujourd’hui et à l’avenir.

Le studio développera et déploiera des technologies d’IA et d’apprentissage automatique visant à favoriser la rapidité, l’agilité, la qualité et le renforcement de la sécurité des patients dans le processus de recherche clinique en équipant et en habilitant les personnes à se concentrer sur l’élément humain critique des essais cliniques.

« Partout dans le monde, des patients attendent des traitements novateurs qui changeront leur vie. Grâce à l’IA, nous avons désormais le pouvoir — et l’obligation — de les aider à trouver des solutions plus rapidement », a déclaré Alejandro Martinez Galindo, directeur des systèmes d’information de Fortrea, avant d’ajouter :

« Le studio d’innovation en IA de Fortrea offrira des capacités technologiques améliorées qui permettront aux systèmes dotés d’IA d’exécuter des processus de pointe, tels que des simulations d’essai, des analyses prédictives et la reconnaissance de motifs, ainsi que des tâches administratives répétitives, « adaptées aux machines ». Cela permet de libérer la disponibilité des personnes pour qu’elles puissent apporter leur créativité humaine et leur connexion à l’essai clinique de demain et se concentrer sur ce qui compte : le patient. »

Le studio d’innovation en IA de Fortrea vise à :

  • établir des partenariats au sein de Fortrea et avec nos clients afin de fournir des solutions technologiques pour des stratégies d’innovation sur mesure pour les centres et les promoteurs ;
  • développer de nouvelles innovations technologiques nettes qui améliorent de manière globale la réalisation des essais cliniques pour les promoteurs, les centres, les patients et nos équipes ; et
  • soutenir l’infrastructure et les opérations existantes avec une technologie améliorée afin de permettre de nouvelles et meilleures méthodes de travail et créer les meilleures expériences pour les utilisateurs.

Les technologies en cours de développement dans le studio comprennent la collecte de données à l’aide de smartphones, des modèles linguistiques spécialisés à grande échelle pour la compréhension et la génération de textes, l’IA symbolique avec une logique à valeurs réelles (c.-à-d. la construction d’une logique de décision à l’aide de scénarios et de données en situation réelle), la réalité mixte et l’intelligence augmentée, l’exploration de données avancées et l’analyse prédictive, ainsi que le jumelage numérique.

L’application stratégique de ces technologies devrait permettre des avancées significatives en matière de recrutement et de fidélisation des patients, de création et d’optimisation des protocoles, de contrôle de la qualité en fonction des risques, ainsi que de rapidité et de qualité globales des prestations. Ces technologies peuvent également améliorer l’expérience des patients et la productivité des clients, des centres et des employés de Fortrea.

Les développements du studio d’innovation en IA seront essentiels pour la plateforme technologique clinique de Fortrea, qui est conçue pour intégrer la technologie des essais cliniques dans une expérience utilisateur, indépendante de la localisation, omnicanale et basée sur les personas, accessible à partir d’un seul écran.

« Fortrea se concentre sur une vision future du secteur des ORC, ce qui nous permet de construire POUR l’avenir plutôt que POUR le passé », a déclaré Brian Dolan, vice-président du Département d’intelligence artificielle et d’apprentissage automatique, avant d’ajouter : « Nous accordons une grande attention au développement et au déploiement responsables et éthiques de l’IA, en privilégiant les bonnes actions pour les bonnes raisons et en protégeant la sécurité et la vie privée des patients, ainsi que la propriété intellectuelle de nos clients. »

À propos de Fortrea
Fortrea (Nasdaq : FTRE) est l’un des principaux fournisseurs mondiaux de solutions de développement clinique dans le secteur des sciences de la vie. Nous nous associons à des entreprises émergentes et établies du secteur biopharmaceutique, de la biotechnologie, des dispositifs médicaux et du diagnostic pour stimuler l’innovation dans le domaine de la santé et accélérer la mise à disposition de traitements révolutionnaires pour les patients. Fortrea propose des services de gestion d’essais cliniques de phase I à IV, de pharmacologie clinique et de consulting. Nos solutions s’appuient sur 30 ans d’expérience dans 20 domaines thérapeutiques, une passion pour la rigueur scientifique, des connaissances exceptionnelles et un solide réseau de centres de recherche. Notre équipe talentueuse et diversifiée répartie dans plus de 90 pays est dimensionnée pour fournir des solutions ciblées et agiles à nos clients, partout dans le monde. Pour en savoir plus sur la manière dont Fortrea est un moteur d’influence du pipeline au patient, rendez-vous sur Fortrea.com et suivez-nous sur LinkedIn et X (anciennement Twitter).

Coordonnées de Fortrea :
Hima Inguva (Investisseurs) – 877-495-0816, hima.inguva@fortrea.com
Jennifer Minx (Médias) – 919-410-4195, media@fortrea.com
Kate Dillon (Médias) – 646-818-9115, kdillon@prosek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9170901

AACSB Sets Direction for Business Schools to Lead in AI

AACSB uses new report and global events to set strategic direction for business schools to advance education and lead boldly in AI.

TAMPA, Fla., June 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AACSB International (AACSB) is leading the way for business schools to utilize and innovate with AI. With a recently released report that explores how business schools can better understand and embrace the capabilities of generative AI (GenAI), in addition to its first AI conference in the U.S., AACSB is excited to announce renowned AI thought leader Ethan Mollick as a keynote speaker at its Deans Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada in February 2025.

Ethan Mollick is an Associate Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he studies and teaches innovation and entrepreneurship, and examines the effects of artificial intelligence on work and education. He also leads Wharton Interactive, an effort to democratize education using games, simulations, and AI. Prior to his time in academia, Ethan co-founded a startup company, and currently advises a number of startups and organizations.

This news comes shortly after AACSB hosted its first AI Conference in Santa Clara, California. This conference focused on the intersection of AI in business education and applied business, the importance of the capabilities of AI, and how AI improves efficiencies without replacing the soft skills; an important focus of business education. AACSB also plans to host a similar AI conference in Paris on October 9 and 10.

This work builds off of AACSB’s recently released report Building Future-Ready Business Schools With Generative AI, which takes an in-depth look at potential threats and opportunities for business education, outlining ways that schools can efficiently use GenAI in their curriculum and learner experiences, while achieving institutional goals.

The impacts of AI are just beginning to unfold in education, business, and society, and these efforts serve as a catalyst to further explore, discuss, and study the dynamics of this evolving digital technology.

About AACSB International

Established in 1916, AACSB International (AACSB) is the world’s largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners, and business to create the next generation of great leaders. With members in over 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation, and amplifies impact in business education. Learn how AACSB and business schools from around the world are leading boldly in business education at aacsb.edu.

For More Information Contact:
Leah McBride
1+813.367.5238
mediarelations@aacsb.edu

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9170636

Asia Pacific View: Foreigners looking for the most practical Smart Technology at the 2024 World Intelligence Expo


Bionic robots that speak both Chinese and English can have the same skin and nails as humans? A flying car powered solely by wind can have a maximum payload of 160 kg? A smart wheelchair can control its operation with just the ‘mind’? Kevin and Daria, two foreign bloggers, have experienced during the World Intelligence Expo held in Tianjin how the artificial intelligence can empower people’s future lives in industries such as technology, trade, logistics and cultural tourism.

With the theme of ‘Intelligent Travel Empowering Future’, the Expo integrates exhibitions, experiences and events, attracting more than 550 exhibitors and institutions from all over the world, including more than 70 well-known enterprises such as Huawei, Alibaba, Baidu and Danfoss, and 57 universities and research institutions such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, Nankai University and Tianjin University.

The Expo set up 10 major themes such as artificial intelligence, intelligent networked vehicles, intelligent manufacturing
and robots, covering the frontier hot spots of the intelligent industry. A number of cutting-edge new technologies, new products, and new experiences from all over the world were showcased centrally, reminding people that technology will completely change the lifestyles in the future.

At the exhibition site, various intelligent robot products such as humanoid robots, bionic robots, and intelligent robot dogs interact with the audience on the spot. They are no longer fantasies in science fiction or movies, but play an important role in monitoring, rescue, cultural tourism and other fields.

In the low-altitude economic exhibition area, a number of drones, flying vehicles, and aerospace technology companies collectively display advanced technology products. A low-altitude aircraft shaped like a helicopter brought by the German company Tensor can independently complete cargo transportation, takeoff and landing according to pre-set routes according to the instructions.

Robotic arms incorporating technologies su
ch as 5G, IoT, edge computing, rocker robotics, and artificial intelligence can shoot high-frame-rate video and support autofocus, achieving effects that cannot be achieved in traditional shooting modes. Viewers can also have more novel experiences with the help of smart technology.

The Expo also hosted three major events such as the Asia-Pacific Robotics World Cup Tianjin International Invitational, the World Intelligent Driving Challenge, and the International Intelligent Sports Conference. A number of technological achievements and innovative applications were demonstrated in the competitions.

For exhibiting companies, this Expo is also an opportunity to further promote the transformation of enterprises to information technology and digitalization, and will also bring huge business opportunities.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Digital Transformation Center: More women acquire digital skills


Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications and Digitalization, has expressed satisfaction at the turnout of huge women’s participation in the Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Project.

The project, which began in 2020, had so far trained over 22,000 people, exceeding the normal target of 17,200 persons across the country.

Out of this number, more than 14,000 (68 percent) of them are women.

It is being implemented by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), together with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Cisco, to train many Ghanaians in basic and intermediate digital skills.

‘I am happy that digital technology has benefited a lot of people across the country and the target beneficiaries including non-literate persons, women entrepreneurs, persons with disability, out of school youth, students, and school teachers, have all gained digital essential skills required for success in today’s unfolding digital world.’

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful, who was speaking at the cl
oseout ceremony of the DTC Project in Kumasi, noted that, last year the project partners extended it to the visually impaired persons, and it was heartwarming and gave credence to the desire not to leave anyone behind.

Digital transformation, according to the Minister, transcended challenges we faced as people adding that ‘I am glad that having trained trainers who can assist the visually impaired as part of GIFEC’s normal programming, will extend our assistance to them as well.’

She said under the project, many schools for persons with disabilities were provided with assisted devices and now can teach them to utilize those devices optimally.

The Minister said under the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project, which had just been introduced with funding from the World Bank, there was a key component targeted at assisting persons with disability working through their national associations, ‘and this comes to add another layer of support to our differently abled citizens.’

This could enhance their independence,
employability, and social inclusion.

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said the DTC had benefited communities and families and the nation as a whole, by way of advancing digital transformation.

She said the training would be part of GIFEC’s programmes to ensure its sustainability after the end of the project and called on stakeholders to assist in building upon the legacies.

Mrs. Eva Andoh-Poku, the Administrator, GIFEC, indicated that digital skills were no longer a convenience but a necessity in a society where technology permeated our daily lives.

She said GIFEC, since its establishment in 2004, had provided solutions to achieving universal access and digital inclusion in the remotest parts of the country and to all unserved and underserved communities.

The DTC Project was therefore essential to bridge the digital skills gap which became more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.

Source: Ghana News Agency

STMA supports arts and crafts artists with grants


The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has supported 52 arts and crafts artists with a grant total of GHC238,013.00 to produce innovative artworks inspired by Sekondi-Takoradi for exhibition in the Metropolis and Palermo in Italy.

Mr Abdul-Mumin Issah, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), said the gesture was part of efforts to position the visual arts and crafts sector as a pillar for local economic development while highlighting the critical role the industry played in creating employment, promoting tourism and the creativity of artists.

He was speaking at the opening of a four-day festival, dubbed: ‘Sakeva Transnational Cultural Festival,’ organised by the Assembly, through the European Union-funded Twin Cities in Sustainable Partnership Project (TCSPP).

It was on the theme: ‘Projecting Sekondi-Takoradi Through Creative Arts’.

‘Sakeva’ is an Ahanta dialect translation of ‘Sankofa’, an Akan word with the literal meaning: ‘Go back for it’.

Thus the festival is meant to rej
uvenate and promote ancient and indigenous artefacts, artworks of local artists, and heritage sites within Sekondi-Takoradi.

It was held in collaboration with the Centre for National Culture, Ghana Association of Visual Artists, Takoradi Technical University, Ghana Tourism Authority and Ghana Export Promotion Authority.

Mr Issah said the Metropolis, aside from its Traditional Kuntum festival, had become synonymous with diverse creative festivals such as ‘Potomanto’, ‘Yesu Asor’, TadiFest, West Side Carnival,’ Made in Taadi Concert and Western Trade Fair.

‘With all these events, the visual arts and crafts sector has not received the needed attention. It is for this reason that the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), through the EU-funded Twin-Cities in Sustainable Partnership Project (TCSPP), has introduced the ‘Sakeva Transnational Cultural Festival’, to celebrate the visual arts and craft players in the city,’ he said.

The festival was part of conscious efforts to develop and promote artworks
of local artists, heritage sites and artefacts in the Metropolis, Mr Issah said.

As part of the Assembly’s intervention in the arts and crafts sector, a technical team had been constituted to co-create a marketing strategy document that would address some of the challenges facing artists and establish effective market linkages with domestic and international buyers.

The document would also encourage the adoption of new technologies to improve finishing and bridge the linkage between academia and local artisans to improve production, marketing and research.

Mr Issah gave the assurance that the STMA would provide the necessary avenues to enhance the economic opportunities for the artists and increase market value and recognition of indigenous arts and crafts.

It would enhance collaboration between stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and development of the arts and craft industry in Sekondi-Takoradi.

Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, commended the STMA and partners for org
anising the festival and said it was a step in the right direction as it would help the youth within the Metropolis to reconnect with their cultural roots.

‘Western Region is fortunate and blessed with beautiful cultural diversity… Sakeva is a necessity towards efforts to restore our creative arts industry and our rich cultural heritage through sustained programmes such as what we have here today,’ he said.

He urged the youth and women to have renewed interest in the creative arts industry as a catalyst for socio-economic growth and wealth creation.

Mr Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said the tourism and creative arts space spanned across the various sectors of the economy and called for inter-sectorial collaborations to harness the full potential of the sector for national development.

He gave the assurance that the Ministry would put in place pragmatic measures to ensure the creative arts industry got the attention it deserved to reposition the country as the preferred t
ourism hub.

The maiden festival, which started on Thursday, June 27, will be climaxed on Sunday, June 30.

It featured activities such as an arts and crafts exhibition, a display of the eight Akan Clans totems, a symposium on arts and tourism, a drawing and cooking competition for students, and a traditional fashion show.

Source: Ghana News Agency

US Ambassador Calls on Ya-Na Abukari II in Accra


The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Virginia Palmer, has called on the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II at his residence in Accra.

The Ambassador was accompanied by the Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other staff of the Embassy.

The two discussed issues of mutual concern and importance such as human rights, inter-ethnic co-existence, the maltreatment of alleged witchcraft suspects and peacebuilding in Dagbon, and Northern Ghana at large.

The Ya-Na expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the work of the U.S. Government agencies in Ghana especially, the USAID and Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) among others.

He commended USAID for supporting the Dagbon Constitutional Review process, which the Overlord described as a new lease of life for the people of Dagbon.

He indicated that peacebuilding among all people in Dagbon, including minority tribes in the Kingdom was a top priority of his agenda as the Ruler of the ancient Kingdom.

H
e therefore underscored the need for all and sundry to support his vision of United Dagbon at its peace with itself and its neighbors, in prosperity.

Ambassador Virginia Palmer praised the Overlord for his sterling leadership and efforts, describing him as an example of leadership for African traditional rulers.

She mentioned the need for women and young people to receive greater attention in the Overlord’s development priorities.

Ambassador Palmer was happy that the Ya-Na placed more emphasis on eliminating the banishment of women on alleged witchcraft and maltreatment of poor and vulnerable people on similar allegations.

She mentioned the readiness of the U.S. Embassy to work with the Office of the Ya-Na to undertake projects and programmes that will enhance the capacity of the people of Dagbon and also increase information flow to all people in the area to increase development.

Dalun Lana, Tapha Mahamadu III on behalf of the Ya-Na presented the 10-year Dagbon Strategic Development Plan to the Ambassad
or during the meeting.

Source: Ghana News Agency