Trinidad and Tobago and Israel have started discussions about cybersecurity and smart cities, among other possible projects. T&T last week received its first visit by a head of Israel’s International Development Cooperation Agency, during which high-level talks with Government officials centred on partnerships to develop cyber-security, smart cities, modern agriculture and healthcare. According to director general of MASHAV, Ambassador Eynat Shlein, T&T was identified as a key partner in regional development and both countries have renewed a commitment to further expand on long-standing bilateral relations. Following speculation on what was discussed by Government officials and the Israeli diplomatic team last Tuesday and Wednesday, Shlein emphasised that the agenda being pursued by MASHAV was primarily driven by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to which T&T is a signatory. In a telephone interview last Tuesday, Shlein said meetings were held with Government officials, including ministers, in areas of national security, planning and development, technology, public health care, foreign affairs, infrastructure, education and agriculture. Shlein said discussions focused on local and regional security, food security and climate resilience, especially for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Shlein said Israel has long been regarded as a “start-up” state and maintains this level of innovation today. She said it was hoped the high-level meetings would lead to partnerships that encourage the development of government platforms that support innovation. MASHAV will be reaching out to T&T after the meetings to see whether there is potential for partnerships. The Ambassador said the MASHAV mandate includes formulating frameworks that accommodate such partnerships. Shlein pointed out MASHAV’s emphasis on capacity building, through which over 350,000 global graduates (including some from T&T) have participated in programmes in various fields. Noting that her visit marked the first to T&T by a head of MASHAV, Shlein said the purpose of this
Aug 2, 2026 · via trinidadexpress.com
Appointment of the Associate Provost for Innovation and Entrepreneurship August 2, 2026 Dear AUC Community, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ayman Ismail as associate provost for innovation and entrepreneurship, effective August 1, 2026. This appointment follows an extensive international search during which we were fortunate to consider a number of highly qualified candidates. Ismail has been a member of The American University in Cairo family for more than 35 years. He earned his bachelor's degree in engineering, with a minor in computer science, in 1995 and his master of business administration in 1997 from AUC. He later received a master's degree in city planning and a PhD in international economic development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Following distinguished service with organizations including McKinsey and Company and the World Bank, Ismail returned to AUC in 2011 as assistant professor and Abdul Latif Jameel Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship. Since then, he has held several leadership positions, including founding director of the AUC Venture Lab, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and founding director of the AUC Innovation Hub. The Office of the Associate Provost for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a newly established unit dedicated to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and research impact across the University. The office will promote collaboration among researchers, students, industry partners and external stakeholders, both locally and globally. Its mission is to enhance AUC's contribution to society by fostering industry partnerships, supporting knowledge translation and advancing entrepreneurial activities across a broad range of fields, including sustainability, climate and water, energy, urban studies and smart cities, biomedical sciences, artificial intelligence and data-driven research. In this role, Ismail will lead and manage the Technology, Research and Innovation Laboratory, known as TRI-LAB, and will be responsible for: - Establishing and leading TRI-LAB as AUC's central hub
Aug 2, 2026 · via aucegypt.edu
From heat-reflecting pavements and solar-powered shade canopies to rooftop farms, augmented reality heritage trails and neighbourhood recycling hubs, municipal leaders are championing a new generation of smart urban projects aimed at making Bahrain’s cities cooler, greener and more sustainable. The proposals, which blend environmental innovation with community development, seek to address rising temperatures, strengthen food security, reduce waste, boost tourism and enhance residents’ quality of life. The initiatives are now being developed by relevant council committees ahead of an extraordinary municipal term later this year, following an order by His Majesty King Hamad to extend the councils’ tenure due to regional circumstances. Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said Bahrain’s future cities should embrace technology without ‘losing their human character’. Mr Tarradah “Smart cities are not simply about installing technology,” he told the GDN. “They are about creating public spaces that are more comfortable, sustainable and enjoyable for everyone.” He said introducing heat-reflective pavements and modern shade canopies along pedestrian walkways could help reduce the urban heat island effect, making walking and cycling more practical even during the hottest months. Comparison between conventional and heat-reflecting pavements “Combining shaded public spaces with solar-powered structures that provide lighting and phone-charging stations would transform our parks and plazas into vibrant community destinations,” he added. Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar believes Bahrain’s rich history can also benefit from modern innovation. Mr Al Naar “Muharraq’s heritage deserves to be experienced in new and exciting ways,” he said. “Augmented reality walking trails could allow visitors to see historical landmarks come alive through digital stories, three-dimensional reconstructions and interactive guides without altering the historic fabric of our neighbourhoods.” He said such initiatives would strengthen cultural tourism while creating unique educational experiences for younger generations. Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif called for greater use of
Aug 2, 2026 · via gdnonline.com
Provincial Urban Planners Review Tehran Smart City Projects EghtesadOnline: Urban planners and managers from Fars, East Azarbaijan, Qom, Isfahan, and Khorasan Razavi provinces were in Tehran on Thursday and reviewed projects that seek to transform the capital into a smart city. Tehran Municipality Information and Communication Technology Organization took the visitors on a four-hour tour of city, tmicto.tehran.ir reported. Tehran ICT Organization Chief Mohammad Farjoud, who headed the tour, emphasized the need and role of urban informatics in transforming metropolises into smart cities. Urban informatics is the study of people creating, applying and using information and communication technology and data in the context of cities and urban environments, according to Financial Tribune. Farjoud said, “Everyday, over 10 terabytes of data is harvested from sensors and monitoring devices across Tehran. Data is stored in 222 physical and 1,310 virtual servers owned by the municipality.” Following the municipality’s open data approach, startups and local technology firms are to be provided with access to the information, he said. “As per reforms to TM policies, instead of merely regulating startups, the municipality will also support the fledgling firms.” Facilities, Services The representatives also visited Tehran’s urban data center at the ICT Organization and Tehran Digital Observatory. Located on the premises of Milad Tower, the observatory includes a smart interactive 3D model of Tehran, along with real-time maps of the sprawling capital’s traffic and air pollution. Data from air population censors, traffic monitoring systems and water distribution network is available in the center. Dock-less bike-sharing service stations were also introduced to the visitors. Developed by a local startup 'BDOOD' (pronounced ‘BEE-DUDE’, literally meaning ‘zero-emission’), the smart bike rental platform was launched in two Tehran districts in December. Using eco-friendly and sustainable technology and to enhance urban transport, BDOOD is an affordable service, seeking to promote
Aug 2, 2026 · via eghtesadonline.com
APEKSI attended the 2026 Asia Africa Festival (AAF) held on July 11-12, 2026, in Bandung. This commitment demonstrates its support for the festival’s main theme, Unity in Diversity, Rising in Harmony. The spirit of unity in diversity and rising in harmony is not merely a slogan, but a solid foundation for building strong collaboration between city governments at the national and international levels.
Aug 2, 2026 · via apeksi.id
OCCI strengthens digital economy cooperation with Mauritania Published: 05:08 PM,Aug 02,2026 | EDITED : 09:08 PM,Aug 02,2026 The participation of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) in the official delegation of the Sultanate of Oman to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania underscores the Chamber's vital role in supporting the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to build a competitive digital economy and enhance the private sector's presence in regional and African markets. The Chamber was represented on the visit by Eng Ibrahim bin Abdullah al Hosni, Board Member and Chairman of the Chamber's Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence Committee. Meetings focused on exploring opportunities for cooperation in the fields of digital economy, digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Al Hosni emphasised that the visit reflected the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in the digital economy. He noted that the meetings, which brought together representatives from both the public and private sectors and included presentations of Omani digital experiences and technological solutions, represent a significant step towards building strategic partnerships and opening new horizons for Omani companies to expand into regional markets. The importance of this partnership lies in empowering Omani private sector institutions to export digital solutions and technical services, attract new investment opportunities and enhance cooperation in implementing joint projects in the fields of smart cities, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity and digital transformation. This contributes to increasing the competitiveness of Omani companies and expanding their operations in promising markets, particularly in West Africa. These partnerships also contribute to strengthening the digital economy's contribution to the national economy by expanding exports of technical services, attracting investments, developing national talent and stimulating innovation. These factors support increasing the added value of the ICT sector and enhancing its contribution to GDP, thus solidifying the
Aug 2, 2026 · via omanobserver.om
KUALA LUMPUR: Artificial intelligence (AI) companies are stepping up their global expansion as governments and industries ramp up investments in AI infrastructure, automation and intelligent systems, fuelling rapid growth across key markets. The United States remains the world's largest AI market, driven by major technology companies, cloud computing providers, generative AI platforms and semiconductor demand. The US AI market is estimated to exceed US$100 billion in 2025 and is expected to expand significantly over the coming decade. China ranks as the second-largest AI market, supported by strong government initiatives, a vast digital economy and widespread AI adoption across manufacturing, smart cities and industrial applications. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as one of the fastest-growing AI regions, with adoption accelerating in manufacturing, financial services, healthcare and logistics. The Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, is also positioning itself as a strategic AI hub, committing billions of dollars to AI infrastructure, data centres and sovereign AI capabilities. Against this backdrop, AI firm Robo.ai is expanding its presence in the Middle East through its proposed Abu Dhabi-headquartered subsidiary, Alif Holding, an intelligent industrial technology group focused on AI-powered solutions for critical industries. Robo.ai has appointed former Interpol president Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi as chairman of Alif Holding, strengthening the group's corporate governance, security framework and compliance oversight as it develops AI systems for government and mission-critical applications. Alif Holding will develop, integrate and manufacture AI systems in the UAE through two core platforms — intelligent software and intelligent equipment. Its solutions will target strategic sectors including energy, oil and gas, ports, public safety, utilities, mining, transportation, smart cities and critical infrastructure. The group is positioning itself as a provider of secure, reliable and government-grade AI solutions, with technology built on open architecture principles and aligned with the UAE National Strategy
Aug 2, 2026 · via nst.com.my
Dublin City Council to expand 'smart bins' to stop scavenging and improve collection Dublin City Council are planning to expand the prevalence of smart bins around the city, which cannot be accessed by 'bin scavengers' in search of Re-turn bottles and cans The expansion of smart bins around Dublin city aims to increase efficiency and deter ‘bin scavengers’ in search of Re-turn bottles and cans. Speaking at the Climate Action and Urban Resilience SPC Executive Manager Derek Kelly addressed the prevalence of people accessing bins and ripping open plastic bags to avail unused drink deposits. He admitted that the rims attached to some public bins have not been particularly successful, as “there’s coffee cups, banana skins, you could find half a pizza in it”. He admitted that many of the 3,500 bins Dublin City Council provide are easy to access for scavenging. “You can put your arm through the opening and just pull the lock from the inside and open it,” he said. While some people are “very clean” in their method of searching for bottles and cans, others “leave it in a state” and the council end up spend “€500 or €600” on an operation to clean up a bin that was overturned “in the hope for finding a single bottle for 15 cent”. While Mr Kelly said they don’t have a “silver bullet” for addressing this ongoing issue, he did say that smart Bigbelly Bins could point a way forward. Mr Kelly said they are working on a proposal to replace their standard bins with the Bigbelly option. These smart street bins include an internal compactor that holds more waste and allows the council to plan their collections more efficiently. Although this proposal is not directly about addressing scavenging, Mr Kelly explained the fact that they are locked
Aug 2, 2026 · via dublinlive.ie
- English News
- National
- Mind Controlled Wheelchair & Bhutan Anti Smart City | Top 5 News Stories
News With A TwistCouple married in under 90 seconds:Paralysed man builds mind-controlled wheelchair | Top 5 interesting stories
8 hours ago
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In Uttar Pradesh, a couple was married in just one and a half minutes.
Meanwhile, after the Cockroach Janata Party, now a Cockroach Cafe has opened in Bihar.
On the other hand, an anti-smart city is being built in Bhutan where buildings will not be constructed taller than trees.
A man in China created a mind-controlled wheelchair after suffering from paralysis.
Meanwhile, a book was returned to a library in Australia after 150 years, which, according to old rules, would incur a fine of approximately ₹19 lakh.
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Aug 2, 2026 · via bhaskarenglish.in
Insider Spotlight The property developer has introduced ViaBus, which it describes as the Philippines' first AI-powered real-time township transit tracking app. Developed with Thailand-based mobility technology company Via Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the platform initially covers seven Citylink shuttle routes serving Newport City in Pasay, as well as McKinley Hill, McKinley West, and Uptown Bonifacio in Taguig. The company said it plans to expand the service to Eastwood City, Southwoods City, and Boracay Newcoast. Why it matters The initiative reflects how property developers are increasingly embedding digital technologies into township operations to improve mobility, support sustainability goals, and enhance the experience of residents, workers, and visitors. The mobile application allows commuters to monitor Citylink shuttle buses in real time, providing live vehicle locations, estimated arrival times, and route information intended to make daily travel more predictable and efficient. “Promoting efficient and sustainable mobility has become an important part of what makes our townships continue to thrive. By combining electric mobility with AI-powered digital technology, we are creating a transportation system that is smarter, more reliable, and more sustainable to make daily life more convenient for our residents, office workers, visitors, and the communities we serve, while also advancing our long-term sustainability goals," Megaworld head of estate management Don Earl Caagbay said in a statement on Friday, July 31, 2026. The bigger picture Megaworld said the rollout complements its ongoing effort to convert its Citylink shuttle fleet in Metro Manila into a fully electric transport network. By pairing EV shuttle buses with digital transit tools, the company aims to encourage shared transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions across its townships. "Together with Megaworld, we are proud to bring ViaBus real-time transit platform to Citylink shuttle services across Megaworld’s townships. From today, passengers can see exactly where their shuttle is
Aug 1, 2026 · via insiderph.com
As a comprehensive research-oriented public university of international standing in Macao, the University of Macau (UM) continues to optimise its academic structure and strengthen its capacities in technology and innovation. Five science and technology faculties and two research institutes commenced operations today (1 August), namely the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Information Science and Computing, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Design, the Institute of Smart City Technologies, and the Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Brain Sciences. The strategic restructuring of academic disciplines and research platforms signifies UM’s continuous expansion in technology and innovation. The aim is to enhance the cultivation of high-calibre talent in science and technology, support the educational integration of Macao and Hengqin, promote Macao’s economic diversification, and establish UM as an internationally recognised university of excellence. Yonghua Song, rector of UM, said that the restructuring is designed to align with the national strategy of building the country into a science and technology powerhouse, to facilitate the integrated development of education, technology, and talent in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and to meet the needs of Macao’s economic diversification. The restructuring also embodies the Macao SAR government’s ‘Education for Macao, Talent for Macao’ policy. Following two years of systematic research, expert consultation, internal approval processes, and endorsement by the University Council, UM has integrated its high-quality teaching and research resources to restructure its faculties and research institutes, thereby strengthening its capacity in science and technology education and cutting-edge research. The five new faculties will transform UM’s academic structure for science and technology disciplines, creating a framework that spans basic sciences, engineering technology, information intelligence, modern medicine, and creative design, and driving the integration of medicine, engineering, information science, and intelligent technologies. Meanwhile, by leveraging Macao’s advantages under the ‘one country,
Aug 1, 2026 · via gov.mo
ASEAN and China must continue to strengthen collaborations: Chee Hong Tat - ASEAN and China must strengthen collaboration to build liveable, resilient, and sustainable cities, as demonstrated by the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City project. - Singapore and Malaysia share goals to improve urban liveability and discussed cooperation in housing, landscaping, construction technology, and urban planning. - International platforms like the World Cities Summit help cities learn from each other; Singapore aims to continue close work with China and ASEAN for future-ready cities. AI generated SINGAPORE – ASEAN and China must continue to strengthen collaborations in areas of mutual interest, said National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat on Aug 1, noting that Singapore and China cooperation has shown how countries can co-create solutions. He made these comments at the 4th ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing in Ipoh, Malaysia. Attendees at the roundtable discussed ideas on how the design of towns, buildings and homes can shape liveable, resilient and sustainable cities, said Chee in a Facebook post. During the roundtable, Chee spoke about the importance of international cooperation to build cities that are future-ready and provide a good living environment for residents. “For our cooperation with China, the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City has shown how countries can go beyond exchanging ideas to co-creating solutions that benefit our companies and citizens,” he said. At the regional level, Chee said ASEAN and China must continue to strengthen collaborations in areas of mutual interest, he added. And at the global level, platforms such as the World Cities Summit, which gathers city leaders from across the world, provide useful opportunities to learn from one another, he said. Chee met Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, co-convenor of the roundtable, on the sidelines of the meeting. Chee said Singapore and Malaysia share the common
Aug 1, 2026 · via straitstimes.com
Others Specials Asia's Future Cities Are Being Measured Differently. Here's Why That Matters. As Asia's cities continue to expand, the challenge is no longer simply accommodating more people. Increasingly, governments, investors and urban planners are asking a different question. How can cities remain resilient, livable and economically competitive in the face of climate change, aging infrastructure and rising expectations for quality of life? "I was born and raised in HCMC," Vietnamese content creator FABO Nguyen shared. "I have a lot of memories. My favorite thing was riding a motorcycle around the city, seeing how it was changing and getting inspired. But today, there are times during the day when you simply shouldn't go outside." He reflects on the city's rapid transformation with both admiration and concern. "The city has never stood still. Look around, construction cranes are reshaping the skyline. In the next 10 to 20 years, it's going to become even more crowded and busier." According to the United Nations, nearly 70% of the world's population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050, adding billions of new residents to cities already under pressure. At the same time, the IMD Smart City Index has shown that residents increasingly judge cities by their ability to improve everyday life through effective public services, mobility, environmental quality and transparent governance rather than technology alone. These shifts are also reshaping real estate. Investors are increasingly looking beyond location and scale to evaluate whether developments can demonstrate measurable environmental performance, operational resilience and long-term social value. International standards such as ISO 37122, which establishes indicators for smart cities, have therefore become an increasingly important benchmark for cities seeking to translate sustainability ambitions into measurable outcomes. Across Asia, younger generations increasingly expect cities to offer not only economic opportunity but also healthier environments and
Aug 1, 2026 · via ahmedabadmirror.com
Eurogia2030 aims to foster international collaborative projects targeting technologies that foster economic development and provide societal impact.
In line with sustainable growth and green transition objectives, the key R&D target challenges emphasized under the call include, but are not limited to:
- Carbon-free energy supply
- Green mobility and smart cities
- Smarter housings and constructions
- Bio resources and environment
Among the relevant enabling technologies; digitalization, IoT, AI, blockchain, cyber-security, communications, 5G/6G, drones, sensors, new materials, asset management, and recycling are also expected to play an important role in achieving these goals.
The 31st Call of Eurogia2030 is open for applications until 29 October 2026. Detailed information is available here.
Contact:
Mustafa Enes LOĞOĞLU, Hilal AKILLILAR
Aug 1, 2026 · via tubitak.gov.tr
ASEAN and China must continue to strengthen collaborations: Chee Hong Tat - ASEAN and China must strengthen collaboration to build liveable, resilient, and sustainable cities, as demonstrated by the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City project. - Singapore and Malaysia share goals to improve urban liveability and discussed cooperation in housing, landscaping, construction technology, and urban planning. - International platforms like the World Cities Summit help cities learn from each other; Singapore aims to continue close work with China and ASEAN for future-ready cities. AI generated SINGAPORE – ASEAN and China must continue to strengthen collaborations in areas of mutual interest, said National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat on Aug 1, noting that Singapore and China cooperation has shown how countries can co-create solutions. He made these comments at the 4th ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing in Ipoh, Malaysia. Attendees at the roundtable discussed ideas on how the design of towns, buildings and homes can shape liveable, resilient and sustainable cities, said Chee in a Facebook post. During the roundtable, Chee spoke about the importance of international cooperation to build cities that are future-ready and provide a good living environment for residents. “For our cooperation with China, the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City has shown how countries can go beyond exchanging ideas to co-creating solutions that benefit our companies and citizens,” he said. At the regional level, Chee said ASEAN and China must continue to strengthen collaborations in areas of mutual interest, he added. And at the global level, platforms such as the World Cities Summit, which gathers city leaders from across the world, provide useful opportunities to learn from one another, he said. Chee met Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, co-convenor of the roundtable, on the sidelines of the meeting. Chee said Singapore and Malaysia share the common
Aug 1, 2026 · via straitstimes.com
In an exclusive interaction, Shri Pankaj, IAS, Secretary and Director General of Urban Local Bodies Department and Mission Director of State Urban Development Authority, Government of Haryana, shares with Priya Singh of Elets News Network (ENN), on Haryana’s forward-looking urban mobility agenda. How is the Department of Urban Local Bodies orchestrating an integrated approach to urban mobility across Haryana’s cities? Could you share some of the flagship initiatives that are setting new benchmarks for other states to follow? Haryana is implementing a coordinated approach to land use and mobility, ensuring that growth is centred around high-capacity public transport rather than the reverse. Our Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) policy enhances this connection by designating TOD zones along the MRTS and major transit corridors, aligning density, permitted uses, and infrastructure investments to optimise access to public transport and foster mixed-use, walkable areas. This approach necessitates close collaboration among GMDA, HSVP, HSIIDC, local authorities, and transport agencies when approving new residential and commercial developments, ensuring that infrastructure (such as roads, footpaths, feeder services, charging stations, and last-mile facilities) is planned in advance. Pilot projects and demonstrations include the establishment of dedicated bus depots and terminals along key corridors to serve as mobility hubs, the integration of land-use approvals for new sectors with bus and feeder services, and initial TOD pilots around major MRTS/Metro and regional rail nodes to test higher Floor Space Index (FSI) and structured developer contributions linked to public transport provision. These pilots enable us to refine land-value capture mechanisms, developer responsibilities, and streamlined approval processes, ensuring that housing, services, and mobility are developed concurrently rather than sequentially. A few initiatives being undertaken/ conceptualised by the state are: Integrated Urban Mobility Strategy • Transformation of urban mobility through a combination of policy incentives, infrastructure upgrades, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. • Establishing a connection
Aug 1, 2026 · via smartcity.eletsonline.com
Nanda Bhagi Sandilya, President of Nikola Tesla Smart Cities Inc. (NTSC), has developed and articulated an integrated smart city framework designed to address the evolving infrastructure needs of the 21st century. His vision brings together renewable energy, intelligent mobility, digital governance, advanced healthcare, education, public safety, sustainable housing, artificial intelligence, and economic development into a unified, technology-enabled ecosystem. This holistic approach seeks to create resilient, efficient, and sustainable communities capable of improving quality of life while supporting long-term economic growth. The NTSC conceptual framework has attracted institutional interest because it addresses one of the most significant challenges in modern infrastructure development: integrating multiple sectors into a coordinated and scalable ecosystem rather than developing isolated projects. By emphasizing interoperability, sustainability, public-private partnerships, and emerging technologies, the framework provides governments, investors, developers, and strategic partners with a structured roadmap for evaluating and implementing future-ready infrastructure. Observers recognize Sandilya’s vision as an ambitious framework for reimagining how cities can be planned, developed, and managed, particularly in rapidly growing economies. His ability to translate complex systems thinking into structured, actionable concepts has enabled meaningful discussions with government agencies, infrastructure developers, financial institutions, and technology partners. This disciplined approach has helped advance the NTSC initiative from an early conceptual vision toward pilot-stage evaluation and institutional engagement. A distinguishing characteristic of Sandilya’s leadership is his emphasis on building collaborative ecosystems rather than standalone projects. His strategic philosophy focuses on bringing together experienced industry leaders, engineering experts, financial institutions, technology providers, policymakers, and implementation partners under a common framework with clearly defined objectives, governance structures, and long-term sustainability goals. Industry observers note that Sandilya’s integrated conceptual architecture provides the strategic foundation upon which experienced infrastructure and financial leaders can contribute their respective expertise. Professionals such as Dr. Sailesh Lachu Hiranandani, who brings decades of leadership experience in
Aug 1, 2026 · via oneindia.com
Bhutan Develops World’s First Anti Smart City Gelephu Mindfulness City offers a path of development where spirituality and harmony with nature blend with innovation, technology and economic vibrancy, says Sonit Kumar Goswami. Published : August 1, 2026 at 5:20 PM IST |Updated : August 1, 2026 at 6:02 PM IST Gelephu (Bhutan): Normally, the cities across the world are known for chaos, noise, concrete and pollution. But right across the Indian border in Assam stands a Bhutanese city that has come up in an altogether different way. Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), spanning 2,500 sq km, is located in the southern part of Bhutan. Established in 2024 by a Royal Charter, it is a Special Autonomous Region (SAR). It reflects Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's dream of establishing an oasis of mindfulness and prosperity amidst increasing global uncertainties and geostrategic challenges. The city seeks to offer the world a different path of development where traditional Bhutanese values of spirituality and harmony with nature blend with innovation, technology and economic vibrancy. GMC also serves as the King’s local vision to act as a catalyst of change for Bhutan’s administrative reform and economic advancement under the concept of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ with a royal mandate. The city is accorded full executive and legislative powers with an independent judiciary to govern the SAR separate from the Royal Government of Bhutan. Designed entirely on Buddhist principles of well being, sustainability and gross national happiness, the city is referred to as the world's first ‘anti-smart city’. Unlike Dubai, Singapore or New York where focus is on dense concrete verticality and rapid technological dominance, Gelephu is built around human wellbeing and environmental preservation. Designed by renowned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, the city ensures no building is taller than the trees. It functions as a green
Aug 1, 2026 · via etvbharat.com
Guided by the theme "Where the Light Tells Stories," Light Bloom is envisioned as an annual International Projection Mapping Competition and a pioneering platform for digital art in Vietnam. The competition celebrates the convergence of cultural heritage and cutting-edge projection mapping technology while fostering connections among creative communities from Vietnam and around the world. Through this initiative, Light Bloom aspires to transform Vietnam's iconic architectural landmarks into contemporary artistic canvases, enhancing the country's presence on the global projection mapping and light art landscape. The 2026 edition embraces the theme Heritage Lightscape, inviting artists and creative practitioners to reinterpret and reimagine cultural heritage through the medium of projection mapping. Participants are encouraged to develop their works around three creative directions - Global Roots, Heritage Mirroring, and Culture Remix, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and connecting Vietnamese heritage with global audiences, and exploring new perspectives on traditional arts in the digital era. The International Projection Mapping Festival 2026 marks the grand finale of the competition, featuring the finalist teams and their outstanding projection mapping performances. The program will also include live performances by the ICO Orchestra and renowned Vietnamese classical vocalists, the special UEH 50 Projection Mapping Showcase, an artistic fireworks display celebrating UEH's 50th Anniversary, and the competition's award ceremony. Held at UEH Campus N, part of the University's Smart & Green Campus, the outdoor plaza can accommodate approximately 3,000 attendees. More than a large-scale visual arts experience, the festival demonstrates UEH's commitment to fostering innovation, integrating art with technology, and expanding international academic and cultural exchange. Through the International Projection Mapping Festival 2026, UEH continues to advance its vision of becoming a multidisciplinary and sustainable university, creating a vibrant platform where education, research, art, and technology intersect while bringing Vietnam's cultural heritage to the global creative community through the transformative language of
Jul 31, 2026 · via ueh.edu.vn
Robo.ai Appoints Dr. Jasem Al-Mansory as Chief Executive Officer of Its Subsidiary Alif Holding Rhea-AI Summary Robo.ai (NASDAQ: AIIO) appointed Dr. Jasem Ibrahim Mansour Al-Mansory as Chief Executive Officer of its proposed Abu Dhabi-headquartered subsidiary Alif Holding, effective immediately. This, together with the previously named Chairman, completes Alif Holding’s core leadership and establishes its governance structure and management team. Alif Holding is intended to build “intelligent industries” through integrated intelligent software and intelligent equipment platforms, developing and manufacturing AI systems in the UAE for sectors such as energy, oil and gas, ports, public safety, utilities, mining, transportation, smart cities and critical infrastructure. Its Board will be chaired by H.E. Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, former INTERPOL President. Dr. Al-Mansory brings over three decades at the UAE Ministry of Interior and plans to focus on building a UAE-rooted management team, strong governance systems and translating technology and manufacturing capabilities into deliverable outcomes. Positive - Appoints CEO for proposed Alif Holding subsidiary, effective immediately - Completes Alif Holding’s core leadership and governance structure - CEO brings over 30 years’ UAE Ministry of Interior experience Negative - None. Key Figures Previous AI Reports | Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst | |---|---|---|---|---| | Jul 14 | Executive appointments | Positive | -0.3% | Local UAE executive team appointed at subsidiary Neurovia AI | | Jul 13 | Chairman appointment | Positive | +19.9% | Former INTERPOL president appointed chairman to oversee governance and security | | Jun 11 | AI infrastructure showcase | Positive | +7.5% | NeuroStream platform demonstrated at UAE data center infrastructure summit | | Jun 10 | COO appointment | Positive | -0.7% | Emirati executive appointed COO ahead of UAE infrastructure summit | | Jun 9 | AI technology showcase | Positive | +4.8% |
Jul 31, 2026 · via stocktitan.net