Pittsylvania County, Virginia, wanted to make its 1930s Moses Building, which houses the county sheriff’s offices, more energy-efficient and comfortable for workers. “The building was cooled with over 50 window AC units and steam boiler heat. Most of the time, the offices were too hot or too cold and the old windows were allowing moisture intrusion, which was causing peeling paint and failing plaster,” Pittsylvania County Public Works Director Chris Adcock told Smart Cities Dive. With several other major projects on the horizon, the county didn’t have the funds to construct a new building, he said. Instead, it signed an energy savings performance contract with Ameresco, an energy service company. The contract helps the county make cash flow-neutral energy upgrades to its aging buildings while still adhering to historic standards and regulations. Amaresco recommended that Pittsylvania County install new double-pane windows and a variable refrigerant flow HVAC system, “which worked really well for this project,” Adcock said. “It allowed us to create individually controlled zones without needing extensive ductwork, which was important because the 1930s-era building didn’t have much available space for chases or mechanical runs.” ESPCs, which debuted nearly half a century ago, are becoming an increasingly popular way to retrofit aging city buildings, said Peter Christakis, chief operating officer for Ameresco. “An ESPC is a wonderful vehicle for cities and towns that don’t have access to capital funds to really improve their facilities quickly,” he said. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, energy service companies, or ESCOs, like Ameresco typically work on ESPC projects with 10- to 20-year contracts worth at least $1 million. These contracts usually stipulate that the city or county owns the equipment the ESCO installs, and the ESCO maintains the equipment over the life of the contract. The ESCO also guarantees a fixed amount
Jun 16, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Qatar Participates in World Cities Summit 2026 in Singapore Singapore, June 16 (QNA) - The State of Qatar is participating in the 10th edition of the World Cities Summit 2026, hosted by the Republic of Singapore from June 14 to 16 under the theme "Liveable and Sustainable Cities: Act Now." The summit brings together government leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss key challenges and solutions related to sustainable urban development. Qatar's delegation is headed by Director General of Doha Municipality Eng. Jamal Matar Al Nuaimi, and includes Director General of Al Rayyan Municipality Mansour Ajran Al Buainain. During its participation, the Qatari delegation discussed a number of leading global experiences, initiatives, and smart solutions aimed at developing municipal services, enhancing the efficiency of city management, and strengthening sustainability and resilience in the face of future challenges, in line with Qatar's vision of building sustainable and renewable cities for future generations. The delegation also took part in the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize events, one of the world's leading awards recognizing cities that excel in urban planning, innovation, sustainability, and quality of life. The World Cities Summit, organized by the Center for Liveable Cities and Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority, is a leading international platform that brings together government leaders, industry experts, and academics to promote dialogue on the future of cities, exchange expertise and best practices, showcase integrated urban solutions, and build international partnerships that contribute to developing more sustainable and resilient cities. Qatar's participation comes as part of the Ministry of Municipality's efforts to support the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030, which stems from Qatar National Vision 2030, through strengthening international cooperation, benefiting from global best practices in sustainable urban development and smart cities, supporting digital transformation and environmental sustainability, enhancing quality
Jun 15, 2026 · via qna.org.qa
Kingston, Jamaica, June 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) today announced the development of EcoVista, a 283-acre smart city in Trelawny, Jamaica, designed to become the Caribbean's first university smart city. Anchored by a technology-enabled university campus for more than 5,000 students, the project will combine higher education, innovation districts, renewable energy infrastructure, research facilities, residential development, and hospitality assets within a single integrated development. EcoVista Smart City will be developed in Jamaica as the Caribbean's first university smart city The project is currently open to international university and investment partners, with an immediate capital raise of US$15 million required to complete land acquisition. The University of the Future? A Beachfront Smart City, an AI-Ready Campus, and the Caribbean's Next Big Investment Opportunity "International investors have consistently underestimated the education and digital opportunity in this region," says Dr Winston Adams, OD, JP, Founder and Group Executive Chairman of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC). Dr Adams has been building Caribbean higher education infrastructure since 1992, when he founded the Institute of Management Sciences in Kingston at a time when fewer than four per cent of Jamaicans of eligible age had access to any tertiary education. UCC is now the largest independent private accredited university in Jamaica and the Caribbean, built on the same logic that has driven every decision since: find the learner the system was not designed to serve and build around them. What UCC is now attempting is the same logic at a different scale. "The market, the technology, and the regional need have now converged. That convergence is not accidental, and it will not wait," says Dr Adams. In a region where tertiary enrolment is falling short of national targets, a digital skills deficit is widening, and AI is restructuring
Jun 15, 2026 · via markets.businessinsider.com
Kingston, Jamaica, June 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) today announced the development of EcoVista, a 283-acre smart city in Trelawny, Jamaica, designed to become the Caribbean's first university smart city. Anchored by a technology-enabled university campus for more than 5,000 students, the project will combine higher education, innovation districts, renewable energy infrastructure, research facilities, residential development, and hospitality assets within a single integrated development. EcoVista Smart City will be developed in Jamaica as the Caribbean's first university smart city The project is currently open to international university and investment partners, with an immediate capital raise of US$15 million required to complete land acquisition. The University of the Future? A Beachfront Smart City, an AI-Ready Campus, and the Caribbean's Next Big Investment Opportunity "International investors have consistently underestimated the education and digital opportunity in this region," says Dr Winston Adams, OD, JP, Founder and Group Executive Chairman of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC). Dr Adams has been building Caribbean higher education infrastructure since 1992, when he founded the Institute of Management Sciences in Kingston at a time when fewer than four per cent of Jamaicans of eligible age had access to any tertiary education. UCC is now the largest independent private accredited university in Jamaica and the Caribbean, built on the same logic that has driven every decision since: find the learner the system was not designed to serve and build around them. What UCC is now attempting is the same logic at a different scale. "The market, the technology, and the regional need have now converged. That convergence is not accidental, and it will not wait," says Dr Adams. In a region where tertiary enrolment is falling short of national targets, a digital skills deficit is widening, and AI is restructuring
Jun 15, 2026 · via globenewswire.com
"Smart Strategies, Giving Speed to your Growth Trajectory" The geomarketing market size was valued at USD 27.45 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 33.89 billion in 2026 to USD 182.79 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 23.45% during the forecast period. The geomarketing market is evolving rapidly due to increasing adoption of location-based technologies, geofencing platforms, spatial analytics, and real-time geographic intelligence solutions across multiple industries. Businesses are integrating geo technologies into marketing automation, logistics optimization, retail analytics, smart city infrastructure, and customer engagement systems. The growing dependence on mobile devices and cloud-based applications is accelerating the use of geo-enabled platforms for operational efficiency and targeted consumer interaction. The geomarketing market Report highlights increasing demand for AI-powered location intelligence solutions capable of delivering personalized user experiences and advanced geographic insights. Enterprises are investing in scalable geo platforms to strengthen decision-making and improve customer connectivity. The USA geomarketing market is witnessing strong expansion due to rapid digital transformation across retail, transportation, healthcare, telecommunications, and financial services industries. Businesses in the United States are increasingly deploying geolocation analytics, geofencing software, and real-time spatial intelligence systems to enhance operational visibility and customer targeting capabilities. The Geo Industry Analysis indicates rising adoption of cloud-based geo platforms and advanced mapping technologies among enterprises seeking improved mobility management and location-based marketing efficiency. Smart city development, connected vehicle ecosystems, and growth in e-commerce logistics are further supporting geomarketing market Growth across the country. Enterprises are prioritizing AI-integrated geo solutions to improve customer engagement and location tracking precision. The geomarketing market Trends indicate increasing adoption of AI-driven location intelligence platforms across retail, transportation, and digital marketing sectors. Enterprises are integrating real-time geographic analytics with customer behavior monitoring systems to improve targeted advertising and operational decision-making. Businesses are using geo technologies to optimize
Jun 15, 2026 · via fortunebusinessinsights.com
"Innovative Market Solutions to Help Businesses Make Informed Decisions" The global steel long products market size was valued at USD 790.30 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 831.21 billion in 2026 to USD 1244.75 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.18% during the forecast period. The global Steel Long Products market plays a critical role in infrastructure development, industrial manufacturing, transportation systems, and commercial construction activities. Steel long products such as rebars, wire rods, sections, and tubes are widely utilized across residential, industrial, and energy-related applications due to their high tensile strength, durability, and structural stability. Rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and increasing investment in smart infrastructure projects are supporting strong demand across emerging and developed economies. The Steel Long Products Market Report highlights growing adoption of high-performance steel grades, sustainable manufacturing technologies, and energy-efficient production processes to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact across the Steel Long Products Industry. The USA Steel Long Products market remains a major contributor to global steel consumption due to extensive infrastructure modernization programs, rising commercial construction activities, and expanding industrial manufacturing operations. Increasing government investment in highways, bridges, rail systems, and renewable energy infrastructure continues to strengthen domestic steel demand. The country is also witnessing increasing adoption of advanced steel processing technologies and recycled steel production systems to improve sustainability within the Steel Long Products Industry Analysis. Demand for premium-grade rebars, structural sections, and industrial tubes is growing steadily across automotive, aerospace, and heavy engineering sectors, supporting long-term Steel Long Products Market Growth. The Steel Long Products market is experiencing major transformation due to rising infrastructure investments, sustainable production initiatives, and technological advancements in steel processing operations. One of the leading Steel Long Products Market Trends involves the growing adoption of green steel manufacturing technologies that minimize
Jun 15, 2026 · via fortunebusinessinsights.com
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) yesterday said at the World Cities Summit in Singapore that his city’s efforts to build a technology corridor would lay the foundation for the next stage of the innovation-driven economy. The summit, which began on Sunday last week and ends today, brings together government officials, industry leaders and academics from around the world. Several local officials from Taiwan are attending, including Chiang, Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang (謝國樑) and Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang (張善政). During his speech at a forum attended by Singaporean Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat (徐芳達) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Chiang highlighted policies including Taipei’s “Fresh Milk Weekly” program for schoolchildren, which provides regular milk subsidies. Photo: CNA A truly smart city relies on efficient systems that reduce shortages and waste, Chiang said, adding that if fresh milk can be delivered reliably, it should also be possible to distribute essential supplies quickly during emergencies, reinforcing urban resilience. He also highlighted Nvidia’s decision to establish its overseas headquarters in Taipei, saying the move represents not only jobs and investment, but is also an opportunity to reshape the city’s future. Taipei’s planned artificial intelligence technology corridor would support the next generation of the innovation economy, he said, thanking the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize for recognizing the city’s efforts. The prize is one of the highlights of the summit, and Taipei was awarded a Special Mention for outstanding best practices in urban initiatives and innovative approaches to city transformation. According to the prize’s citation, Taipei’s fresh milk program was highlighted as an example of how public-private partnerships and integrated planning can address practical and social needs. “Taipei’s commitment to authentic civic engagement through collaborative governance and sustained infrastructure investment offers valuable lessons for dense cities worldwide facing similar challenges of demographic
Jun 15, 2026 · via taipeitimes.com
| 15.06.2026 | CitiTV Financial Literacy 101: How to Build Smart Money Habits in Ghana | CBF 2026 |
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Jun 15, 2026 · via modernghana.com
Inside Microsoft & Alaska Airlines American Biofuel Plant Microsoft and Alaska Airlines have joined forces with industrial technology company Twelve to bring a commercial-scale synthetic e-fuel plant online, focused on producing cleaner energy for aviation. AirPlant One is the first facility of its kind at this scale in the US, generating low-carbon jet fuel using captured carbon dioxide, water and renewable electricity. The process highlights the growing role of electrification and carbon utilisation in reshaping fuel supply. The output is a drop-in synthetic aviation fuel, compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, while offering lifecycle CO₂ emissions reductions of up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel. Back in 2022, Microsoft and Alaska Airlines committed to purchasing future production from the site, a move that helped Twelve unlock financing, reduce risk and move ahead with construction. In parallel with the offtake agreement, Alaska Star Ventures, the investment division of Alaska Airlines, took part in Twelve’s US$645m funding round. Microsoft also supported the initiative via its Climate Innovation Fund. Scaling sustainable aviation fuel Microsoft says its involvement reflects a broader strategy to address emissions linked to energy-intensive activities such as business travel. Melanie Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft, points to the importance of partnerships in accelerating new energy systems. "Our investment in Twelve helps scale energy solutions while laying the groundwork for cleaner aviation at a global scale," she says. “We look forward to sourcing future gallons of Washington-produced SAF to help reduce our business travel emissions." Strengthening domestic energy supply Alaska Airlines, working alongside Microsoft, plans to integrate AirPlant One’s E-Jet fuel into its domestic operations. "As Seattle's hometown airline, we are committed to supporting in-state production of sustainable aviation fuel, which is currently the best technology for the airline industry to reach net-zero carbon emissions", says Ryan Spies, Alaska
Jun 15, 2026 · via energydigital.com
Dive Brief: - Federal funding for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority was cut off Thursday by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as it launched an investigation into what it called “repeated false statements” and “irresponsible actions and failures.” - The pause in funding could impact the more than $220 million in Continuum of Care grants that LAHSA received in 2024 for the fiscal 2025-2026 operating year, and could lead to a permanent debarment of the agency pending the investigation’s outcome, according to HUD. - The investigation follows several scandal-plagued years for LAHSA, including a repeated failure to meet outreach goals and alleged conflicts of interest that led to a major leadership changeover last year. Dive Insight: Los Angeles County also pulled support from LAHSA last year, launching its own homeless services agency with the stated aim of “increased accountability.” LAHSA in April announced it would lay off 284 employees, largely due to the county’s decision to redirect its funding. In a statement following HUD’s Thursday announcement, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged shared concerns regarding LAHSA, but she urged HUD to work with the city to continue funding for homeless services, nonprofit news agency CalMatters reported. The investigation also comes amid a Trump administration push to eliminate Continuum of Care funding altogether and shift away from a “housing-first” approach to addressing homelessness. “Under President Trump’s leadership, HUD will fund results, not corrupt failure or the homeless industrial complex,” HUD Secretary Scott Turner said in a news release. “Year after year, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars were funneled to LAHSA with little accountability. Meanwhile, homelessness skyrocketed. Taxpayers will no longer bankroll an organization that puts its own self-interests ahead of the Americans it was created to serve.” Los Angeles has among the largest homeless populations in
Jun 15, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Dive Brief: - The U.S. Department of Energy is expected to reinstate $82.1 million in funding for 11 clean energy grants that were awarded by the Biden administration and canceled by the Trump administration after a federal judge vacated the cancellations on Thursday. - The plaintiffs — a coalition of groups led by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers — cited a similar case settled in January, in which DOE was ordered to reverse $27.6 billion in grant cancellations and did not contest that a primary reason for their cancellation was that the grantees were located in states that voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. - “Plaintiffs in the present case are seven DOE awardees who, like the Saint Paul plaintiffs, are located in a Blue State and had one or more DOE awards terminated in the same October 2025 set of DOE terminations that were at issue in Saint Paul,” the plaintiffs wrote. Dive Insight: The grantees in this case sought funding for projects in New York, Oregon, Connecticut, Minnesota and Colorado. One plaintiff, the New Buildings Institute, had four Oregon grants canceled. All 11 grants were issued by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which last year was consolidated into DOE’s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. “The Court enters judgment in favor of Plaintiffs,” wrote U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Judge Amit Mehta in his Thursday ruling. “This is a final, appealable judgment.” During a Wednesday appearance by Energy Secretary Chris Wright before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee regarding DOE’s fiscal year 2027 budget request, Congressman Gabe Amo, D-R.I., cited the resolution of the January case and asked Wright when the department would “restore funding to all the projects that were wrongfully terminated.”
Jun 15, 2026 · via smartcitiesdive.com
Renault and Software République have unveiled cleveR insights, an innovative solution designed to help cities collect, analyze, and use territorial data more effectively. At the heart of the project is the Renault Twingo E-Tech electric, transformed into a mobile data-gathering platform capable of delivering real-time insights for local authorities and public services. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between fragmented data sources and actionable intelligence. By combining mobile and fixed monitoring systems, cleveR insights provides municipalities with a clearer, more up-to-date understanding of urban environments, enabling faster and more informed decision-making. Turning the Twingo E-Tech into a Mobile Observation Platform The compact Renault Twingo E-Tech electric serves as the foundation for the cleveR insights ecosystem. Measuring just 3.79 meters in length, the city-focused EV can easily navigate narrow streets and densely populated urban areas while producing zero tailpipe emissions. To support its new role, the vehicle has been equipped with an advanced roof-mounted sensor arch containing cameras and a variety of environmental monitoring systems. These sensors can gather data related to air pollution, noise levels, drought conditions, infrastructure degradation, and other urban indicators. The platform can also integrate Apache technology, developed in partnership with Bruitparif. This system measures rolling noise generated by vehicles to evaluate road surface conditions and contribute additional environmental data. Together, these technologies transform the Twingo E-Tech into a moving monitoring station capable of continuously capturing valuable information throughout a city. Designed for Real-World Deployment Unlike many concept vehicles, cleveR insights is built on a homologated production vehicle, allowing rapid deployment without extensive modifications. This approach makes the solution practical for municipalities, service operators, and businesses seeking scalable urban monitoring capabilities. The vehicle features a dedicated modular cargo area that can be configured to carry equipment for a variety of missions, including: – Environmental measurement campaigns
Jun 15, 2026 · via electriccarsreport.com
| （Hong Kong, June 15, 2026）— AGTech Holdings Limited (“AGTech”or“the Group”, HKEX Stock Code: 8279) today announced its final results for the year ended march 31, 2026. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Revenue of the Group for the year ended March 31, 2026 amounted to approximately HK$760.5 million (Year ended March 31, 2025: approximately HK$615.0 million), representing an increase of approximately 23.7% compared to the year ended March 31, 2025. For the year ended March 31, 2026, revenue contributions were mainly derived from the following businesses: There was an overall increase in revenue by approximately HK$16.6 million to approximately HK$323.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2026, mainly due to the increase in transaction payment volume (TPV) driven by the rise in inbound tourists in Macau and increase in local consumption through digital payment benefiting from the consumption promotion campaign such as the “Community Consumption Grand Prize 2025”. Furthermore, the revenue from commerce enablement and local consumer services increased by approximately 85.2% to approximately HK$27.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2026, mainly driven by its continuous strategic initiatives provided to the local consumers and merchants. There was an overall increase in revenue by approximately HK$157.7 million to approximately HK$225.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2026, mainly due to (i) the consolidation of financial statements of ABM (Ant Bank (Macao) Limited) into those of the Group for the entire year, compared with only about seven months for the year ended March 31, 2025 following the completion of the Group’s acquisition of a controlling stake in ABM on September 2, 2024; (ii) the Group’s continuous innovations have led to a significant growth in both customer base and customer deposits. There was an overall decrease in revenue by approximately HK$28.7 million to approximately HK$211.2 million for the year ended March 31,
Jun 15, 2026 · via live.deutsche-boerse.com
The new urban planner doesn’t just build cities, but listens to them Innovation in the public sector is a willingness to experiment, collaborate, and co-create with stakeholders in the community, says a spokesperson from Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC). Innovation in governance isn’t only about tech but co-creation, says the CLC’s spokesperson, pointing to skills like design thinking, community engagement, and rapid prototyping for effective public sector work. Image: CLC's Building Community Resilience playbook When residents of Yio Chu Kang, a neighbourhood in Singapore, were asked to help redesign their estate, they didn’t just answer a survey, then hand it back to the planner. They shaped the urban planning process throughout. Over 100 caregivers and community stakeholders gathered in workshops and focus groups, contributing more than 1,000 data points on how dementia affects daily life in their estate. Prototypes were tested with the stakeholders, feedback was gathered, and adjustments were made quickly. Compared to traditional planning methods, an iterative approach led to shorter implementation timelines, and new urban design interventions across the estate, including colour-coded blocks and rest points to support wayfinding. More navigable streets were a visible benefit for residents. But underneath that was something much bigger: a new model of governance. While Singapore has long been admired for its top-down precision, the question for urban planners today isn’t so much about what gets built, but who gets to shape it. “A human-centric city is about putting people, their everyday experiences, needs, and aspirations, at the heart of how cities are planned and governed,” a spokesperson from the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) tells GovInsider. That means going beyond efficient services or economic growth, but designing policies and infrastructure that improve the quality of life in citizens’ own terms and lived experiences, he adds. CLC is a research
Jun 15, 2026 · via govinsider.asia
EESC: Advancing SDG 7 and SDG 11 through Sustainable Food Systems 15/06/2026 Location: Online and Brussels, Belgium Scope and Objectives On 15 June 2026, 10:00-13:00 CEST, the EESC’s Sustainable Development Observatory (SDO) and Permanent Group on Sustainable Food Systems (PG) will hold a joint public meeting to explore how sustainable food systems can advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in today’s geopolitical and environmental landscape. The meeting will focus on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), both under review at the 2026 UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). As the EESC prepares to participate in the HLPF, this discussion will examine the role of organised civil society and sustainable food systems in achieving these goals, while showcasing European policy solutions and best practices. The event will: - Open with a presentation of the IPES-Food report, The New Geopolitics of Food, analysing how geopolitical tensions, climate change, supply chain disruptions and market volatility are reshaping global food systems and food security. - Debate how to advance SDG 7 through the energy transition in agri-food systems, covering: - Innovative approaches to renewable energy deployment in agriculture. - Energy resilience and circular solutions in food production. - The role of farmers, cooperatives, businesses and communities in accelerating the transition to sustainable food systems. - Explore how sustainable public food procurement can contribute to SDG 11 by fostering sustainable cities and communities, including: - The role of public authorities, food system actors, workers’ representatives, researchers and civil society in promoting local, seasonal and sustainable food. - Strategies for resilient food systems that generate positive social, environmental and economic impacts. The meeting will bring together EESC members, EU institution representatives, local authorities, research organisations, civil society, social partners and food system practitioners, who
Jun 14, 2026 · via ieu-monitoring.com
Malaysia: Human Empathy Must Remain Central as AI Transforms Landscape Artificial intelligence and automation are increasingly shaping the customer experience (CX) industry, but human empathy and personal connection remain essential to effective service delivery. Speaking at the National Contact Centre Conference (NCCC) 2026, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil said technology should support — rather than replace — the human capabilities that underpin customer trust and problem-solving. Malaysia is now recognised internationally as a major regional hub for high-value customer experience operations serving global markets and the remarks highlight Malaysia’s efforts to balance digital innovation with talent development as the sector evolves. Anuar emphasised that the integration of AI tools across customer engagement operations must not overshadow the human dimension of service. The country’s CX and global business services ecosystem has expanded significantly over the past two decades, supported by strong digital capabilities and a multilingual workforce. Technology As An Enabler Of Human-Centred Services Industry leaders at the conference highlighted that while automation and AI can improve efficiency and streamline operations, the ability to understand customer needs and respond empathetically remains a uniquely human skill. “You can have all the tech. You can have all the ChatGPTs and all the tools in the world, but nothing replaces humans. Nothing replaces human empathy and nothing replaces the desire to be able to make a connection,” – Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Malaysia’s CX sector has progressed from traditional outsourcing operations into more sophisticated global business services (GBS) and customer engagement hubs. This transition reflects broader national efforts to expand high-value digital services as part of the Malaysia Digital (MD) initiative and the country’s ambition to become an AI-driven economy by 2030. These developments align with wider national initiatives exploring AI adoption across sectors,
Jun 14, 2026 · via opengovasia.com
What really powers the cloud? Behind every Google search, A... A lot of what defines a home isn’t visible at handover. I... Private equity has played a significant role in shaping Indi... Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ... Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -... Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Ltd (TPEVCSL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Varanasi Smart City Ltd (VSCL) to strengthen electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Varanasi. The partnership will identify and deploy charging stations at strategic locations, including public parking areas, transit hubs, municipal assets, commercial centres and tourist destinations. The initiative supports the city's sustainable mobility goals while aligning with the Smart Cities Mission and Uttar Pradesh's push towards cleaner transportation. Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Ltd (TPEVCSL), a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Varanasi Smart City Ltd (VSCL) to accelerate the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the city. The agreement aims to strengthen the supporting ecosystem for EV adoption by expanding access to charging facilities at key urban locations. Under the partnership, TPEVCSL and VSCL will jointly identify suitable sites for installing EV charging stations across Varanasi. The proposed locations include public parking areas, transit hubs, municipal properties, commercial centres and major tourist destinations, with the objective of creating a convenient and accessible charging network for EV users. The companies stated that the charging infrastructure will be designed to expand in line with the city's evolving mobility requirements. By focusing on high-footfall and transit-oriented locations, the initiative seeks to improve charging accessibility and encourage greater adoption of electric vehicles among residents and visitors. The MoU was signed in the presence of Municipal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of VSCL
Jun 14, 2026 · via propnewstime.com
Pioneering Singapore's first smart and sustainable district Singapore’s Punggol Digital District (PDD) represents a fundamental reimagining of urban development, demonstrating how cities can integrate design innovation, smart systems and collaborative ecosystems to address contemporary urban challenges. As spatial challenges rise in dense cities along with climate pressures, the PDD is a representative model for sustainable, connected and adaptive urban environments that prioritise both ecosystem building and environmental stewardship. Reimagining urban form: interconnectedness below the inverted skyline Most urban districts face a fundamental spatial challenge: how to accommodate dense built-up spaces while maintaining liveable environments and preserving nature. Traditional approaches often result in ground congestion where transportation networks and building services compete for limited space, creating fragmented urban environments that cannot address the interconnected challenges of climate change, energy resilience and community integration. The PDD addresses this through innovative spatial organisation that treats the district as a 3-dimensional ecosystem rather than a conventional 2D master plan. The district’s most striking feature is its ‘inverted skyline’ configuration, developed by WOHA Architects, which reverses the typical urban form. Rather than an upward “bar graph” skyline that limits solar renewable energy collection, the PDD’s inverted massing approach introduces a broad rooftop canopy layer hovering above connected public spaces and preserved green spaces below. This design maximises usable roof area while creating sheltered ground level environments that emphasise human comfort and community interaction in a tropical environment. Beneath the distinctive skyline, the PDD prioritises pedestrian connectivity through the strategic organisation of infrastructure. All heavy vehicle servicing, carparks, pneumatic waste bins and infrastructure such as a substation and district-cooling system are lowered into a subterranean network, reserving the ground level for the people. The district creates a fully walkable and car-lite environment with the pedestrianised Campus Boulevard at its heart. This is seamlessly connected to the
Jun 14, 2026 · via jtc.gov.sg
Saudi, Chinese companies sign 6 MoUs to enhance cooperation in vital sectors SHENZHEN — Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid Al-Hogail inaugurated the Saudi-Chinese Contractors Forum in Shenzhen, China on Sunday. Al-Hogail oversaw the signing of six agreements and memoranda of understanding between Saudi and Chinese companies. He also witnessed the awarding of new housing projects in Riyadh and Dammam, with a total value exceeding SR1.9 billion as part of efforts to strengthen the Saudi-Chinese partnership in the housing and construction sectors. The forum forms part of his official visit to China from June 13 to 16, aimed at strengthening strategic partnerships across the housing, construction, infrastructure, and smart technologies sectors, while opening new avenues for cooperation and investment between the two countries. The forum is one component of Al-Hogails’ broader ministerial visit, which includes a series of meetings with government entities and international companies specializing in urban development, housing, smart city technologies, and digital transformation. The discussions also focus on opportunities for technology transfer, localization of construction-related industries, and the follow-up of joint partnerships and initiatives that contribute to the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The forum reflects the continued expansion of economic and investment cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China, supported by strong strategic relations and their growing collaboration across infrastructure, technology, industry, supply chains, and urban development. In his address at the forum, Al-Hogail stated that the forum reflects the advancement of Saudi-Chinese relations and their progression toward deeper levels of partnership and integration. He noted that the Kingdom is rapidly advancing the development of the construction and housing sector by attracting global expertise, localizing modern technologies, strengthening local content, and building national capabilities. The forum saw broad participation from government entities and leading companies from both Saudi Arabia and China. Participants explored opportunities for
Jun 14, 2026 · via saudigazette.com.sa
Photo: Safety_AdobeStock_1680653843 Why simplicity matters in smart lighting 14 June 2026 Cities face growing pressure to improve sustainability, public safety and service delivery, with technology often expected to provide the answer. Yet the systems underpinning smart city initiatives can themselves introduce new layers of complexity. In this Q&A, Julia Arneri Borghese, CEO of Paradox Engineering, explains why simplicity has become a guiding principle for smart lighting projects, and how open, interoperable systems can help cities deploy and expand connected infrastructure without adding unnecessary operational burdens. What does simplicity mean in the context of smart lighting, and why has it become such an important issue for cities? Cities are confronted with a number of urgent and complex issues which span ordinary as well as extraordinary matters: traffic, service efficiency and quality of life, environmental sustainability and climate resilience, public safety and social inclusion, and financial stability to name a few. Technology must allow city leaders to focus on these priorities and the wellbeing of their communities, without spending time and money in unravelling the unnecessary complexity of the very technical infrastructure which should simplify their work. That’s why simplicity is more than just a keyword for us. It is about designing and delivering smart lighting solutions that are truly effortless to install, integrate, and operate, requiring the minimum possible maintenance. For cities to thrive on lighting as the backbone for urban innovation and growth, technology providers like us must solve the equation between advanced, feature-rich products and streamlined ease of use: complexity has high hidden costs, and it is our duty to spare our customers from it. Smart lighting is often perceived as complex and difficult to implement. What are the biggest challenges cities face when planning and deploying smart lighting infrastructure? From a technical perspective, a smart lighting system is
Jun 14, 2026 · via cities-today.com