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Commits 5 Lakh Plus Trees to Support Dholera's <b>Sustainable</b> Growth

SmartHomes Launches 'Green SmartHomes. Green Dholera.' CSR Initiative; Commits 5 Lakh Plus Trees to Support Dholera's Sustainable Growth BusinessWire India Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 20: As Dholera Smart City transitions from vision to implementation and emerges as one of India's most ambitious urban development projects, SmartHomes Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. has announced a landmark environmental commitment under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Through its flagship initiative, 'Green SmartHomes. Green Dholera.,' the company has committed to facilitating the plantation of 5 lakh plus trees across Dholera and its surrounding region over the coming years, contributing towards the creation of a greener, healthier, and more environmentally resilient urban ecosystem. Dholera is being developed as India's first Greenfield Smart City and is rapidly emerging as a next-generation economic and industrial ecosystem driven by renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor investments, intelligent urban infrastructure, sustainable mobility, and world-class urban planning. With transformative projects such as the Dholera International Airport, Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, renewable energy parks, industrial zones, educational institutions, healthcare infrastructure, residential communities, hospitality projects, and commercial developments taking shape, Dholera Smart City is steadily evolving into one of India's most important economic, industrial, and innovation ecosystems. However, SmartHomes believes that true sustainability extends beyond infrastructure and technology. As this ecosystem continues to expand through large-scale industrialisation, infrastructure creation, urbanisation, logistics networks, manufacturing clusters, and commercial activity, the region's environmental footprint will naturally grow. Maintaining ecological balance alongside economic growth will therefore require a parallel commitment towards afforestation, biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration, and the creation of sustainable green assets. Recognising this responsibility, SmartHomes has chosen to initiate action at an early stage of Dholera's growth journey. As an early step under this initiative, SmartHomes recently submitted details of its ongoing plantation efforts under the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle

DEPA, Polish firm ink Phuket <b>Smart City</b> transport MoU

The agreement was signed on Tuesday (June 16) with support from the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), and was accompanied by a forum bringing together government and industry representatives to discuss priorities for Phuket’s smart city development. The MoU was signed by DEPA Acting Director-General Dr Supakorn Sittichai and Piotr Hołubowicz, President of the Management Board of Seedia Sp. z o.o. The ceremony was witnessed by Norbert Bak, Head of PAIH’s Bangkok Office, and DEPA Southern Region Director Pracha Asawathira. Dr Supakorn said smart city development remains one of DEPA’s core missions, with the agency working alongside government bodies, local authorities, educational institutions and the private sector to promote the use of digital technology and innovation in urban management. He explained that the Thailand Smart City Office is coordinating nationwide efforts to improve government services, enhance residents’ quality of life and support sustainable economic growth. DEPA is promoting smart city development across seven key areas: Smart Environment, Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart People, Smart Energy, Smart Economy and Smart Governance, he said. Mr Hołubowicz said the partnership aims to encourage the application of technology and innovation in Phuket, particularly in the fields of smart mobility and smart environment, in line with the province’s Smart City development plan. He added that the cooperation will also support project development and create opportunities for participation in international funding programmes. Following the signing ceremony, DEPA hosted a discussion forum on best practices and development priorities for Phuket’s smart city initiatives, with particular emphasis on transport and mobility. Panellists included DEPA Southern Region Director Pracha Asawathira, Phuket Provincial Transport Officer Atcha Buachanth, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation Deputy Mayor Anupap Wechwanichsanong, and Phuket City Development Co Ltd Chairman Waithat Upattisring. The participants exchanged views on the challenges facing Phuket’s transport system and explored how digital

UAE showcases its <b>future cities</b> model at BRICS Urban Forum in India

The UAE highlighted its pioneering experience in developing sustainable, resilient, and people-centered cities that leverage advanced technologies and data-driven approaches to support urban planning and decision-making at the 13th BRICS Urban Forum, hosted in New Delhi, India. The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), took part in the forum held under the theme ‘Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures.’ The delegation was headed by Sheikh Nasser bin Majed Al Qassimi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Regulation at MoEI and also included Eng. Saif Al Qaidi, Director of the Urban Planning Department and Eng Mohammed Fikri, Director of the Land Transport Affairs Department. During the forum, Sheikh Al Qassimi said the country had successfully established an integrated urban development model that balances economic growth, sustainability, and quality of life. This achievement is underpinned by proactive planning, digital transformation, and innovation, enhancing the readiness of cities to adapt to future challenges while supporting the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision. He highlighted the UAE’s continued efforts to advance a sophisticated urban planning ecosystem driven by data and emerging technologies. "This includes the development of national urban frameworks, the National Urban Observatory, and digital planning platforms, alongside the use of geospatial technologies and artificial intelligence to support decision-making and anticipate future community needs," he stated. Al Qaidi during his first panel discussion, titled “Building Inclusive Pathways for Resilient and Equitable Cities," presented the UAE’s experience in promoting inclusive urban growth through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and urban indicators to assess the distribution of services and community facilities, identify development needs, and enhance equitable access to infrastructure and public services. He also highlighted the contribution of the National Urban Observatory and digital planning platforms in enabling evidence-based planning, improving

Interview: China's governance model offers lessons for Global South, says former Egyptian PM

CAIRO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China's governance model represents a development path that combines modernization, cultural preservation, and people-centered policies, offering valuable lessons for countries across the Global South, former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf said in a recent interview with Xinhua. Sharaf, who has visited China many times since 2005, said the country's transformation over recent decades has been reflected in rapid economic growth, upgraded infrastructure, and improved living standards. He noted that China has evolved from a developing country facing enormous challenges into the world's second-largest economy, equipped with advanced infrastructure, including high-speed railways, modern ports, smart cities, and growing technological capabilities. "What really matters is how this transformation affected people's lives," he added, pointing to China lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, improving healthcare and education, and raising living standards. The former prime minister, who is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, said many countries now view China's rise not merely as an economic success story, but as a broader model that balances modernization with the preservation of national identity and civilization. During his visits to China, Sharaf said he witnessed firsthand the country's rapid development and the people's strong sense of trust in the government. The Chinese people trust their government and their party and are willing to work hard for their country's future, he said. In Sharaf's view, Chinese-style modernization has fueled growing interest among developing countries because it preserves cultural roots while pursuing economic progress. China has advanced its modernization drive without losing its cultural identity or civilization characteristics, he said, noting that this approach carries important lessons for Arab countries and the wider Global South. He also highlighted China's emphasis on a people-centered approach to governance, saying that this philosophy

How Environment, Sport and Skills Are Shaping Young Change-Makers in

Wrapped in her school jacket against the mountain chill, Nikita Sharma stood with an easy confidence. A student at Government Senior Secondary School in Narag, Sirmaur, she spoke about something most would overlook. In the hills of Himachal Pradesh, she explained, the Chir Pine is not just a tree but a source of living knowledge – its needles once woven into simple food baskets for carrying lunch to school. For UNESCO, the visit was meant to be routine: an assessment of Eco Clubs under Mission LiFE, alongside a quiz taken by more than 8,000 students to gauge awareness of environmental issues. But conversations like this quickly shifted the lens. What emerged was not a gap in knowledge, but a different way of seeing – where students, drawing on local knowledge, understood both problems and solutions in ways that formal education often misses. “In the past, Chir Pine lunch boxes were a sustainable way to carry food,” Nikita said. "Today, plastic has replaced them – even as we are learning how harmful microplastics can be, not just for the environment, but for our own bodies." A few hours away in Mandi, the pattern repeated itself. Another student, echoing Nikita’s clarity, spoke of a different reality – one shaped by a growing cycle of disasters that have struck Himachal Pradesh with increasing intensity. Landslides, flash floods and erratic weather have left deep marks on everyday life, but they have also, unexpectedly, brought communities closer. “Disasters have directly affected us,” the student said, “but they are also bringing people together – not just to talk about climate change, but to act.” What begins in the Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, she explained, does not stay in the classroom. Students carry these conversations home, where families and communities are starting to rethink everything –

China's governance model offers lessons for Global South, says former Egyptian PM

CAIRO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- China's governance model represents a development path that combines modernization, cultural preservation, and people-centered policies, offering valuable lessons for countries across the Global South, former Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf said in a recent interview with Xinhua. Sharaf, who has visited China many times since 2005, said the country's transformation over recent decades has been reflected in rapid economic growth, upgraded infrastructure, and improved living standards. He noted that China has evolved from a developing country facing enormous challenges into the world's second-largest economy, equipped with advanced infrastructure, including high-speed railways, modern ports, smart cities, and growing technological capabilities. "What really matters is how this transformation affected people's lives," he added, pointing to China lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, improving healthcare and education, and raising living standards. The former prime minister, who is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, said many countries now view China's rise not merely as an economic success story, but as a broader model that balances modernization with the preservation of national identity and civilization. During his visits to China, Sharaf said he witnessed firsthand the country's rapid development and the people's strong sense of trust in the government. The Chinese people trust their government and their party and are willing to work hard for their country's future, he said. In Sharaf's view, Chinese-style modernization has fueled growing interest among developing countries because it preserves cultural roots while pursuing economic progress. China has advanced its modernization drive without losing its cultural identity or civilization characteristics, he said, noting that this approach carries important lessons for Arab countries and the wider Global South. He also highlighted China's emphasis on a people-centered approach to governance, saying that this philosophy

How IT Pros Can Power AI and <b>Future</b>-Proof Their Careers

The fears about AI displacing experienced, educated workers are not the stuff of urban legend: the numbers are hard to ignore. Tech layoffs have surged in 2026, with more than 100,000 jobs already cut worldwide by early May. Of those cuts, nearly 48% have been attributed to reduced need for human workers due to AI and workflow automation, reports Tomâs Hardware. Anecdotally, AI adoption is already slowing hiring for junior developers and generalized IT roles. The good news? Specialized AI-focused positions remain in high demand, according to recent research by Motion Recruitment. IT infrastructure professionals who are willing to lean into the data challenges that AI creates can bolster their chances to survive layoffs and earn promotions. Enterprise organizations are at varying stages of AI maturity, but across the board, they need people who understand storage, data management, and governance at a deep level. See also: Adaptive AI and the Shift from Pilots to Enterprise Impact Converging Forces Two forces are converging right now that make this a pivotal window to shift toward AI-related skills and knowledge in IT: - First, enterprise storage costs are surging unexpectedly this year, driven by AI demand, with major storage vendors announcing price increases of 20% to 50% and growing. - Second, data readiness is a troubling gap in the market. According to a recent Cloudera/HBR report, only 7% say their organizationâs data is completely ready for AI adoption, and more than one-quarter (27%) report their data is not at all ready. Both problems are solvable by enterprise IT teams with the right skills and strategies. The Memory Pricing Crisis: Pushing IT Budgets Overboard The hardware situation has significantly worsened in 2026 due to SSD and DRAM shortages and a 30% to 100% price surge from IT vendors across servers, flash storage, PCs, and

How Agra's Communities Are Shaping Living Heritage Tourism

Across UNESCO’s work on culture and sustainable development, a central principle guides action: heritage is not only preserved through monuments, but through the people whose knowledge, livelihoods, and daily lives sustain it. In Agra’s historic neighbourhood of Taj Ganj – situated in the shadow of the Taj Mahal – heritage has long existed alongside everyday life. Artisans, drivers, and families have supported the city’s cultural ecosystem for generations, yet their contributions have often remained invisible within formal tourism structures. UNESCO through the “World Heritage, Sustainable Development and Local Communities” programme is quietly reshaping this relationship, demonstrating how heritage conservation, dignified livelihoods, and visitor experience can reinforce one another when local communities become interpreters of their own culture. When an Auto-Rickshaw Becomes a Heritage Platform “You’ve just found an auto-rickshaw that’s different from the rest – your gateway to the real Agra.” This is how Ninuaram introduces himself when visitors scan the QR code inside his vehicle. Driving since 1989, Ninuaram knows Agra by memory rather than by maps. For decades, he navigated visitors through historic streets – from the grandeur of Mughal monuments to the dense lanes of Kinari Bazaar. Like many mobility providers operating around heritage sites, his role was essential yet largely unnoticed. The curated auto-rickshaw initiative changed that. Developed and piloted in Taj Ganj, the initiative transforms an everyday mode of transport into a heritage interpretation platform and livelihood opportunity. Selected white and blue auto-rickshaws have been integrated into the initiative, with drivers oriented as cultural ambassadors rather than informal transport operators. Each vehicle carries a QR code introducing the driver through a personal audio narrative and profile in English. Before the journey begins, visitors already know who is guiding them. Trust is established through storytelling. The vehicle itself remains authentic local transport, yet thoughtfully curated. Drinking

Over 70 Awards Presented At ASEAN Property Developers, Top Quality Brand Awards 2025/2026

Over 70 Awards Presented At ASEAN Property Developers, Top Quality Brand Awards 2025/2026 KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- More than 70 prestigious awards were presented to outstanding property developers, visionary brands, and industry leaders at the ASEAN Property Developers Awards 2025/2026 and Top Quality Brand Awards 2025/2026 held tonight. The awards were presented by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Lo Su Fui together with Des Prix Infinitus Media Managing Director Hagenz Choo. Organised by Des Prix Infinitus Media, the grand ceremony celebrated excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievements across the property development and business sectors throughout the ASEAN region. In his speech, Lo said the ASEAN Property Developers Award recognises industry leaders whose developments are transforming cities and strengthening communities across Southeast Asia. "Their work contributes significantly to sustainable urban development and economic progress throughout the region, particularly in advancing sustainable cities and communities, where the focus is on creating inclusive, safe, resilient and environmentally responsible urban spaces," he said. Lo said the Top Quality Brand Award honour businesses that have built strong reputations through quality, innovation and consumer excellence, while increasingly embracing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-driven values as part of their long-term business strategies. “I am proud to see Kuala Lumpur continue to grow as a vibrant and progressive city, closely tied to responsible urban planning and Malaysia's commitment toward carbon neutrality,” he added. Meanwhile, Choo said the platform aims to spotlight organisations that are not only achieving outstanding results but also demonstrating bold leadership within their respective industries. "At Des Prix Infinitus Media, we are more than a publishing company, we are storytellers of success, creators of credibility, creators of the form that brings together industry leaders to recognise excellence and inspire progress. "The ASEAN Property Developers Award recognises developers who understand

Jakarta ranks 53rd in World's Best <b>Cities</b> 2026 list

Resonance Consultancy President and CEO Chris Fair described Jakarta as the world's second-most-populous metropolitan area that continues to dynamically evolve, despite structural challenges such as land subsidence and the ongoing relocation of Indonesia's capital to Nusantara. "Yes, the national capital is moving to Nusantara, but Jakarta's economic gravity is not," Fair said in a statement on Saturday. Jakarta ranked above Washington, D.C., which placed 57th, and Abu Dhabi, which came in 86th, but remained below cities such as Guangzhou and Kuala Lumpur. London, New York, and Paris occupied the top three spots. Jakarta ranked 28th globally in the "lovability" category, supported by attractions such as the revitalized Jakarta Old Town, rooftop venues in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), and waterfront areas at Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK). The city also ranked among the world's top 10 cities for shopping and family-friendly attractions. In social media popularity, the city placed ninth for Instagram posts and eighth for TikTok videos. Resonance noted that Jakarta's transportation connectivity continues to improve, helping ease the city's long-standing traffic congestion. The consultancy highlighted the growing integration of the Jabodebek LRT network and the continued development of MRT Jakarta Phase 2 extending toward the Old Town area. Connectivity to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has also improved through the airport rail service linking the airport with key stations in the capital. On the economic front, Resonance noted strong investment inflows into Greater Jakarta, including the expansion of data center facilities in the Bekasi-Cikarang corridor to support cloud computing and artificial intelligence demand. The consultancy also cited the development of premium office and mixed-use projects in the Sudirman-Thamrin, Kuningan, and TB Simatupang enclaves as indicators of the capital's economic strength. The World's Best Cities 2026 ranking uses the Place Power Score methodology, which combines city performance data with global public

Kochi Corporation to advance Digital Twin project in bursts of five divisions at a time

The GIS mapping-based Digital Twin project, aimed at identifying unauthorised constructions and facilitating future development within the Kochi Corporation, will be taken forward in bursts covering five divisions at a time. The plan is to sustain the project through revenue recovered from such unauthorised structures, including through revenue recovery proceedings. The initiative, implemented by UL Technology Solutions (ULTS), the digital wing of the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), has already been completed in eight area-based development divisions identified under the Smart City project during the pilot phase. The pilot project report has been handed over to the Corporation. Mayor V.K. Minimol has suggested the feasible approach of covering five divisions at a time under the project, with an estimated cost of around ₹12 crore. “The project will go a long way in enhancing the Corporation’s own revenue. It will help identify all constructions carried out with the Corporation’s approval and is part of the civic body’s larger digital infusion to ensure quick and scientific development works,” she said. ULTS will deploy drones and single-engine aircraft equipped with LiDAR cameras that combine traditional photography with laser-based distance measurement to capture three-dimensional imagery of the entire Corporation area. “While the data generated is highly accurate, we also conduct door-to-door verification to reinforce its reliability, which can then be cross-checked with the Corporation’s asset register. Covering five wards may take three to six months depending on the deployed staff strength,” said ULTS sources. The company also plans to recruit and train college students for the project, thereby generating jobs as well. Their services could be utilised for periodic updates of data. The 3D imagery captures virtually everything except moving vehicles. “It covers waterlogging, drain networks, Kerala Water Authority pipelines, and electric poles of the Kerala State Electricity Board. The data will be

Commuter Dashboard Apps : NYC Subway Widget

Navigating a busy city like New York requires fast and reliable access to transit information, so NYC Subway Widget is designed to bring real-time departure updates directly to your home screen, eliminating the need to open separate apps. The tool provides live metro departure times across multiple transit systems, including MTA Subway, buses, NJ PATH, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Metro-North, and ferry services. This makes it a centralized hub for urban commuting information. In addition to real-time updates, the app includes an offline map of the entire NYC subway system, allowing users to navigate even without an internet connection. The widget-based design ensures that key transit information is always visible and easily accessible, helping commuters plan their journeys more efficiently. NYC Subway Widget turns complex transit data into a simple, always-available commuter companion. Commuter Dashboard Apps NYC Subway Widget Shows Real-Time Transit Times On Home And Lock Screens Trend Themes - Glanceable Transit Interfaces — Always-visible mobility data creates space for commuter tools that reduce app friction and turn lock screens, widgets, and wearables into primary navigation surfaces. - Unified Commuter Dashboards — Centralized access to subway, bus, rail, and ferry updates signals potential for platforms that simplify fragmented urban transportation ecosystems into one personalized command center. - Offline Urban Navigation — Resilient map access without connectivity highlights a growing market for dependable mobility services designed for tunnels, congestion zones, and network-disrupted environments. Industry Implications - Public Transportation — Real-time departure visibility across agencies reflects a shift toward passenger-facing data products that can improve perceived reliability and commuter satisfaction. - Mobile Applications — Widget-first utility experiences suggest new differentiation for apps that deliver essential information instantly without requiring full-session engagement. - Smart Cities — Integrated transit intelligence supports broader urban infrastructure models where live mobility data becomes a foundation

Commuter Dashboard Apps

Navigating a busy city like New York requires fast and reliable access to transit information, so NYC Subway Widget is designed to bring real-time departure updates directly to your home screen, eliminating the need to open separate apps. The tool provides live metro departure times across multiple transit systems, including MTA Subway, buses, NJ PATH, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Metro-North, and ferry services. This makes it a centralized hub for urban commuting information. In addition to real-time updates, the app includes an offline map of the entire NYC subway system, allowing users to navigate even without an internet connection. The widget-based design ensures that key transit information is always visible and easily accessible, helping commuters plan their journeys more efficiently. NYC Subway Widget turns complex transit data into a simple, always-available commuter companion. Image Credit: NYC Subway Widget Why This Trend Is Growing - Glanceable Transit Interfaces - Always-visible mobility data creates space for commuter tools that reduce app friction and turn lock screens, widgets, and wearables into primary navigation surfaces. - Unified Commuter Dashboards - Centralized access to subway, bus, rail, and ferry updates signals potential for platforms that simplify fragmented urban transportation ecosystems into one personalized command center. - Offline Urban Navigation - Resilient map access without connectivity highlights a growing market for dependable mobility services designed for tunnels, congestion zones, and network-disrupted environments. Industries Being Reshaped - Public Transportation - Real-time departure visibility across agencies reflects a shift toward passenger-facing data products that can improve perceived reliability and commuter satisfaction. - Mobile Applications - Widget-first utility experiences suggest new differentiation for apps that deliver essential information instantly without requiring full-session engagement. - Smart Cities - Integrated transit intelligence supports broader urban infrastructure models where live mobility data becomes a foundation for connected commuting, planning, and public

5th Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Startups &amp; Innovation Pitch Competition 2026 ...

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group (www.IsDB.org) successfully concluded the 5th IsDB Group Startups & Innovation Pitch Competition 2026 during the IsDB Group Annual Meetings and Private Sector Forum held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Organized under the theme “Empowering Innovation, AI, Finance, Trade, and Entrepreneurship Across OIC Markets”, the competition brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, policymakers, and development partners from across IsDB Member Countries to showcase innovative solutions addressing key development challenges. The 2026 edition attracted more than 220 startup applications across six strategic innovation tracks: Artificial Intelligence & Deep Tech, AgriTech & Food Security, FinTech & Cybersecurity, Sustainability & Climate, Supply Chain & Smart Cities, and Human Development & Health. Following a rigorous evaluation process, selected startups participated in a three-day Bootcamp in Baku, receiving mentorship, investment-readiness training, and pitch coaching from leading local and international experts. The competition culminated in the Global Demo Day, where twelve finalist startups presented their innovations before an international jury comprising representatives from government institutions, development organizations, venture capital firms, and entrepreneurship networks. Following the jury's deliberations, the competition concluded with the recognition of three outstanding startups, each demonstrating exceptional innovation and impact across key strategic sectors. The First Place Champion award was granted to BIOSHELL, represented by Mr. Gurban Davudov, in the Sustainability, Climate & Infrastructure track. BIOSHELL was recognized for its innovative approach and strong potential to contribute to sustainable development and environmental resilience. The Second Place Champion distinction was awarded to Bayuti, represented by Mr. Anouar Adham, under the FinTech, Digital Payments & Cybersecurity track. Bayuti impressed the jury with its forward-thinking financial solutions and commitment to advancing secure digital ecosystems. The Third Place Champion honoured went to Park Hub Baku, represented by Mr. Orman Sultany, competing in the Supply Chain & Smart Cities track. The startup was acknowledged for its

Islands, Ideas, and Identity: Southeast Asia's Week of Innovation and Resilience

🌏 Islands, ideas, and identity: Southeast Asia’s week of imagination (Week 3, June 2026) From energy pressures and entrepreneurship to languages, gaming, and global travel recognition, the region showcased both its challenges and its creativity Your curated wrap-up from The Southeast Asia Desk. ✍️ Editorial Note Hello and welcome back, This week’s stories remind us that Southeast Asia is much more than a collection of economies and governments. It is a region of storytellers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and communities navigating change in their own unique ways. From conversations about energy security and urban resilience to celebrations of linguistic diversity and digital creativity, this edition highlights how Southeast Asians are shaping the future while staying rooted in their identities. Thank you for taking the time to explore the region with us. We hope these stories spark new ideas, conversations, and perhaps even a little curiosity about the people and places that make Southeast Asia extraordinary. ⛽ Southeast Asia faces an oil shock Rising global energy prices are once again putting pressure on households and governments across Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, the increase in Pertamax fuel prices has renewed discussions about energy security, subsidies, and the long-term transition toward more sustainable alternatives. Read more: https://www.thesoutheastasiadesk.com/p/southeast-asia-oil-shock-indonesia-pertamax-price-rise 🏙️ Jakarta Future Festival 2026: Building resilient cities Urban planners, innovators, and policymakers gathered at Jakarta Future Festival 2026 to explore what tomorrow’s cities could look like. From climate adaptation and smart infrastructure to digital governance, the event highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing urban centers. 👩💼 Empowering the next generation of women entrepreneurs Indonesia’s young women entrepreneurs took center stage through the Yumee–ESDF initiative, demonstrating how mentorship, digital skills, and access to networks can help build more inclusive economic growth across the region. Read more: https://www.thesoutheastasiadesk.com/p/yumee-esdf-indonesia-young-women-entrepreneurs 🎮 Southeast Asia takes the spotlight at

Palantir's client list just leaked,

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WIPO Japan Office Organized the “WIPO GREEN Technology Forum 2026”

On June 5, 2026, the WIPO Japan Office organized the WIPO GREEN Technology Forum 2026: Featuring Japan’s Innovations for a Sustainable Future. WIPO promotes the WIPO GREEN initiative to encourage the dissemination of green technologies and strengthen international collaboration. The Forum was held with the aim of promoting international matching between advanced environmental technologies developed by Japanese companies, universities and other institutions, and concrete technology needs in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly India and ASEAN, as well as the Middle East and Africa. It provided a platform to explore various forms of collaboration, including technology transfer, licensing, joint demonstration projects and research partnerships, in support of addressing global environmental challenges. 989 participants registered from Japan and around the world, including the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa, while around 80 participants attended in person, demonstrating strong international interest in environmentally sustainable technologies from Japan. In his opening remarks, Tomoki Sawai, Director of the WIPO Japan Office, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in delivering Japan’s excellent environmental technologies to regions where they are most needed to help address global environmental challenges, and noted that WIPO GREEN serves as a bridge in this regard. As a guest speaker, Yasuyuki Kasai, Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office (JPO), highlighted the importance of disseminating green technologies through the effective use of intellectual property, and expressed his expectations for the Forum as a venue that connects technologies with needs. Shinobu Yamaguchi, Director of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), stressed that achieving a sustainable and decarbonized society requires ;the rapid delivery of green technologies to regions that need them, and welcomed the efforts of WIPO GREEN. Masafumi Yamamoto, Executive Officer in charge of Global Intellectual Property Strategy at Daikin Industries, Ltd. and WIPO GREEN Ambassador in Japan, pointed

technology keynote speakers for corporate meetings &amp; virtual events online

19 Jun TECHNOLOGY KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR CORPORATE MEETINGS & VIRTUAL EVENTS ONLINE Top technology keynote speakers are futurist AI & IT consulting experts who help organizations understand, adopt, and leverage emerging technologies to improve performance, drive innovation, and create competitive advantages. And of course the best technology keynote speakers turn advanced technological developments into practical business opportunities. Pros hail from backgrounds in software development, engineering, technology leadership, entrepreneurship, research, consulting, product innovation, and digital transformation. And of course global technology keynote speakers explain how AI and IT, like automation, are remaking industries, customer expectations, workforce dynamics, and business models. Folks educate audiences on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, automation, data analytics, innovation, and future technology trends. Also celebrity technology keynote speakers advise organizations on technology adoption, digital strategy, modernization initiatives, and innovation programs. Thought leaders influence conversations about technological disruption, business transformation, and emerging opportunities. As business strategists, global technology keynote speakers help leaders align technology investments with long-term organizational goals. You’ll find leaders at conferences, innovation summits, leadership retreats, corporate events, industry forums, and educational programs. International technology keynote speakers help organizations prepare for technological change while maximizing the value of high-tech investments. 100 Products and Services Covered - Digital Transformation - Technology Strategy - Artificial Intelligence - Generative AI - Machine Learning - Deep Learning - Data Analytics - Business Intelligence - Big Data Solutions - Cloud Computing - Multi-Cloud Strategy - Hybrid Cloud Solutions - Edge Computing - Quantum Computing - Automation Technologies - Robotic Process Automation - Intelligent Automation - Software Development - Application Modernization - Digital Innovation - Product Innovation - Technology Leadership - Emerging Technologies - Future Technology Trends - Internet of Things - Industrial IoT - Smart Devices - Digital Twins - Blockchain Technology - Digital Assets - Technology Governance - Data

How European Union Global Gateway Investments Are Transforming One of Tanzania's ...

How European Union Global Gateway Investments Are Transforming One of Tanzania's Fastest-Growing Cities As part of her final field missions before completing her tenure in Tanzania, EU Ambassador Christine Grau visited Mwanza on 18–19 June to highlight the impact of Global Gateway investments supporting sustainable urban development, climate resilience, digital transformation and economic opportunities in one of Tanzania's fastest-growing cities. The mission showcased how the Team Europe approach — bringing together the European Union and its development partners France through Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Enabel (Belgium) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) — is translating European investments into tangible benefits for citizens through improved infrastructure and public services, strengthened urban governance, support to innovation and entrepreneurship, and greater opportunities for women and young people. Situated on the southern shores of Lake Victoria, Mwanza is Tanzania's second-largest city and a key economic hub with a rapidly growing population. As the city expands, investments in sustainable infrastructure, efficient public services and economic opportunities are becoming increasingly important to ensure that growth remains inclusive and resilient. During the visit, Ambassador Grau met the Team Europe partners working under the Green and Smart Cities SASA initiative, a EUR 75 million (TZS 214 billion) investment towards supporting sustainable urban development in Mwanza, Tanga and Pemba. The programme combines European expertise and financing to strengthen urban governance, improve climate-resilient infrastructure, expand access to basic services and create opportunities for local businesses and communities. One of the highlights of the mission was the launch of the ArcGIS System developed through the budget support component of the SASA programme, from which Mwanza City Council has directly benefitted. The digital platform will help modernise urban management by linking geospatial information with municipal revenue systems, enabling more efficient planning and service delivery. The initiative reflects the European