 (File Photo/IANS) New Delhi, November 20 (IANS) Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to become the biggest growth driver for India’s IT services and software export industry, with AI‑led projects projected to account for up to 20 per cent of the sector's revenue by 2030, a report said on Thursday. The report from investment bank Equirus Capital said AI is transforming delivery models and boosting productivity by 45-50 per cent of Indian tech firms. “AI adoption by Indian tech firms is leading to a shift in pricing models from Time and Material (T&M), which dominate at present, to Outcome-based pricing (OBP). AI tools, especially Agentic AI, are taking over tasks like testing, coding, and maintenance, leading to productivity jumps,” said Sandeep Gogia, Managing Director and Sector Lead – Tech and Digital, Equirus Capital. This sharp productivity lift is pushing Indian IT firms to build deeper AI capabilities across delivery, platforms, and talent development. The report said that three clusters will drive the next wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), such as AI-enabled delivery, AI-enabled platforms and AI skill advancement. Tech services firms will increasingly acquire companies with proprietary IP, automation frameworks, and AI-first delivery models. Enterprise software platforms that embed AI into product architecture early will see significantly higher revenue momentum and strong investor interest, Equirus said. "We forecast GCCs to surpass $100 billion by FY2030, as companies move high-value work from outsourcing to in-house centres, driven by policy support, expansion into tier 2 and 3 cities and India’s talent pool," said the report. AI adoption is playing a key role in improving unit economics, with leading businesses in India experiencing 200–400 bps margin expansion from AI-driven operations automation.Profitable digital firms are already seeing a 15–20 per cent valuation re-rating in CY25, the firm noted. AI projected to drive 20 pc of India's IT and tech companies' revenues by 2030 | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Digital lifeline for women running Asia's small businesses (2025-10-17T10:51:00+05:30)
 Vendors wearing protective masks sell food in Chinatown, after the government started opening some restaurants outside shopping malls, parks and barbershops during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bangkok, Thailand on May 3, 2020. (REUTERS Photo) KUALA LUMPUR, (Thomson Reuters Foundation): When the coronavirus stopped her husband working, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc's small business of selling cosmetics from home became the main income for this Vietnamese family of four. But her business took a hit as, unlike many micro-entrepreneurs, she could not exploit online platforms and deliveries beyond her personal Facebook page. Ngoc is typical of millions of small business women in the region who are keen to earn but feel locked out of a digital revolution that has mostly helped young men in cities. "I don't know how to use Facebook to attract more customers. It was a real headache," the 39-year-old mother told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from Vinh Phuc province, near the capital Hanoi. Now help is at hand, offering hope of a way through the crisis and laying the foundations for better business beyond. Ngoc will get digital training under a scheme for 200,000 people across Southeast Asia, part of efforts to close a digital gap that mostly hurts women and those in rural communities. DIGITAL GAP The coronavirus pandemic has threatened businesses around the globe, but the lack of digital know-how has exacerbated the risk for small businesses, many led by women in Southeast Asia. Although lockdowns have eased in many cities, experts said continued social distancing would push more businesses online, highlighting a need for digital skills among vulnerable groups. The $3.3-million programme starts next month and is funded by Google. Most trainees are women and young entrepreneurs, spanning 10 countries including Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. "The importance of digital literacy has never been greater," said Marija Ralic from Google.org, philanthropic arm of the U.S. tech giant which gives more than $100 million in grants each year to support innovation and technology. "We know the current outbreak has left many businesses in vulnerable situations, especially those in rural and under-served communities," said the head of its Asia-Pacific office. Training covers a host of skills, be it how to pin a business site on a map, use chat messaging or beef up security. For Thai seamstress Noraeri Thungmueangthong, an indigenous entrepreneur who sells traditional woven clothes, the digital training could inject new life into her ancient craft. "We sell about five pieces a month now. I hope technology can help my business grow and help our community," said the 45-year-old from the ethnic Karen group, a hill tribe people. WOMEN LOCKED OUT The Asia Foundation, a U.S.-based charity that runs the training, said the region's most connected citizens were urban men and it was important to ensure women were not left behind. Boys are 1.5 times more likely to own a phone than girls and the proportion of women using the internet globally is 48%, against 58% of men, according to the United Nations. Yet U.N. data shows there are more than 61 million women entrepreneurs who own and run businesses across Southeast Asia. "They often don't get as many opportunities," Meloney Lindberg, who leads the initiative at the charity, said by phone from Cambodia. "What we are doing is to bring the opportunity to their neighbourhood." Digital lifeline for women running Asia's small businesses | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Leadership for a Digital Era (2025-09-15T11:45:00+05:30)
 Press Release, Empowering the Workforce Through Digital Infrastructure: NETS International’s Vision for the UK The UK’s fibre and telecoms landscape is evolving rapidly. In just the past 18 months, the market has shifted from aggressive network builds to a sharper focus on operational efficiency and customer experience. In this new phase, empowering the workforce is more than a necessity – it is the foundation for sustaining Digital Britain. At the heart of this conversation is Jahangir Ahmad, Managing Director of NETS International Group, who will be joining the Digital Britain Stage at Connected Britain for the panel discussion “Empowering the workforce in the age of new and emerging technologies” (11:40 – 12:20 – Day 02). Under the leadership of its Group Managing Director, NETS International has grown from a regional player into a multinational company delivering mission-critical infrastructure across telecom, energy, and digital transformation. Today, NETS operates across the UK, Germany, USA, Canada, UAE, KSA, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan – with a consistent focus on inclusive growth, job creation, and digital skills development. At Connected Britain, NETS brings a people-first perspective: showing how technology and resilient operations can empower communities, industries, and workforces alike. NETS UK: Powering Connections and Operations In the UK, NETS International is recognised for its ability to deliver on-the-ground impact at scale.    Customer Installations: With nearly a 100 in-house engineers and a monthly capacity of over 6,000 installations, NETS has become a trusted partner for a number of UK ISPs and Altnets. The end-to-end service covers site surveys, civils, overhead/underground deployment, in-home cabling, ONT and router configuration, testing, and sign-off – ensuring customers are seamlessly connected. Operations & Maintenance (O&M): NETS provides SLA-driven, 24/7 operational support to ensure networks remain resilient and available. From preventive inspections and firmware updates to corrective fibre repairs, equipment replacement, and a dynamic back-office support team to manage your issues behind-the-scenes, NETS’ workforce leverages advanced digital tools – including SupportX, MapX, Power BI, and VR Technology – some of these being in-house tools, to enhance quality, transparency, and field-to-office collaboration. Together, these portfolios represent how NETS is not just deploying networks, but empowering the workforce that sustains them, giving technicians, engineers, and operators the tools, processes, and support needed to deliver excellence every day. A Broader Commitment For Jahangir, empowering the workforce extends beyond operational efficiency. It is about fostering digital inclusion, driving industry-academia collaboration, and building sustainable ecosystems where innovation thrives alongside resilience. As UK operators navigate cost pressures and shifting strategies, NETS offers a flexible engagement model designed to help them reduce Opex, and help operators strengthen efficiency and achieve sustainable growth, without losing focus on workforce empowerment. Join the conversation at Connected Britain. NETS is proud to be part of the UK’s journey toward a fully connected future. Catch Jahangir Ahmad live on the Digital Britain Stage at Connected Britain (11:40 – 12:20), and meet the NETS UK team at Booth 40 to learn how their Customer Connections and O&M services are contributing to Digital Britain. To arrange a meeting, contact: contact@nets-international.com Find more about NETS by following its LinkedIn and X, or visiting the website: https://nets-international.com/, Leadership for a Digital Era | Total Telecom |
Blykalla and Research Institutes of Sweden partner on SMRs (2025-09-10T12:14:00+05:30)
 The SEALER reactor is 'a compact 55 MWe unit' (Image: Blykalla)10-09-2025: Swedish lead-cooled small modular reactor technology developer Blykalla and the Research Institutes of Sweden have signed a memorandum of understanding to partner on accelerating the development of advanced nuclear reactors in the country. The agreement is to promote the technical development of Blykalla's lead-cooled reactor concept through applied research, prototype testing and joint business development. It aims to "raise the technology readiness levels of key components, develop sector-specific solutions for energy-intensive industries, and optimise verification and validation strategies through digital modelling". Malin Frenning, CEO of the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), said: "Nuclear power is part of Sweden’s work on climate transition, resilience, and competitiveness. Through our partnership with Blykalla, RISE contributes applied research, structured testing, system modelling, and industrial integration - key components that strengthen the foundation for the development and verification of advanced nuclear technology." The two parties will seek to identify real-world use cases and "build a competitive ecosystem for SMR technology in Sweden and internationally" looking at deployment in both industrial and municipal applications. Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla, said: "RISE's capabilities in applied research, structured testing, and system modeling give us valuable tools to strengthen and validate SEALER’s design. This collaboration will help us refine key components, streamline verification, and keep our development on track toward commercial deployment in Sweden." Blykalla is a spin-off from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, where lead-cooled reactor systems have been under development since 1996. The company - founded in 2013 as a joint stock company - is developing the SEALER (Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor) lead-cooled SMR. Blykalla plans to construct its first reactor, SEALER-One, in Sweden. It will function as a demonstration of its technology, and at the same time be used for pyrolysis, whereby industrial customers can utilise its steam for, among other things, decarbonised biochar production. The company aims to achieve criticality of SEALER-One by 2029. Blykalla has a letter of intent in place with nuclear technical services company Studsvik to develop SEALER-One on its site in Nyköping, Sweden. Licensing work is currently under way. In the long-term, Blykalla plans to deploy up to 1000 SMRs by 2050, delivering 500 TWh of clean energy annually to industrial users that cannot rely on intermittent power sources. It says SEALER is designed to serve sectors such as hydrogen production, process heat, and pyrolysis, with the potential of significantly reducing global carbon dioxide emissions and securing industrial resilience and growth.In April Blykalla entered a strategic collaboration with Norway's Institute of Energy Technology focusing on areas including the development of control room and operator environments, as well as the design of instrumentation and control systems to enable remote and autonomous operation. It broke ground in February for the construction of an electrical small modular reactor pilot facility near Oskarshamn to test proof of concept of its SEALER technology. Blykalla and Research Institutes of Sweden partner on SMRs |
Companies partner on AI platform to speed up nuclear deployments (2025-08-26T12:23:00+05:30)
_32620.jpg){kind=spacer} Software development company Palantir Technologies Inc is partnering with The Nuclear Company to develop and deploy an AI-driven, real-time software system that they say will transform the construction of nuclear reactors. The companies say their Nuclear Operating System - NOS - will be the first AI-driven, real-time software system built exclusively for nuclear construction, and will transform the construction of nuclear reactors into a data-driven, predictable process to achieve on-time, on-budget nuclear construction. NOS is the latest project in Palantir’s Warp Speed manufacturing operating system initiative to provide material resource planning enabling users to adapt and accelerate every product line according to unique constraints and objectives, in real time. The Nuclear Company emerged from stealth mode in 2024, with plans to reduce costs and shorten development times for the construction of new US nuclear capacity by integrating proven, licensed reactor technologies with digital innovation and a design-once, build-many, methodology, leveraging AI-powered real-time construction monitoring and advanced project management to streamline deployment. The companies say that NOS will provide schedule certainty by giving construction teams "instantaneous, context-aware guidance" adapted to real-time constraints so they can plan their work efficiently and avoid downtime. It will provide a tracked and verified supply chain, preventing shipment errors, material shortages and lost documentation, and allowing work to be prioritised or initiate backup options if delays are likely, providing cost savings. "The future of energy security and sovereignty will be shaped by our ability to deploy advanced technologies at scale,” said Mike Gallagher, from Palantir Technologies.The Nuclear Company's mission is to build nuclear power "fast, safe and at scale", founder and CEO Jonathan Webb said. "With Palantir, we have a technology partner who shares our sense of urgency and understands that nuclear isn’t just an energy issue - it’s a national security imperative." Companies partner on AI platform to speed up nuclear deployments
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Sustainability and digital transformation (2025-08-12T12:40:00+05:30)
 Just a click away: Digital transformation a driver for economic advancement. - Photo courtesy Freepik DR HRIDAY SARMA: 12 Aug 2025< IN THE nexus of sustainability and digital transformation lies a rare opportunity for TT to carve a resilient, inclusive, and thriving future. As the country positions itself as a digital pacesetter in the Caribbean, the digital economy must be seen not merely as a technology shift, but as a strategic enabler for social equity, economic competitiveness, and environmental resilience. With a mobile subscription rate of 148 per 100 people and an internet penetration rate of 84.7 per cent, TT’s digital infrastructure is robust. About 1.28 million citizens are online, and nearly 873,000, around 57.8 per cent of the total population, are active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. If effectively leveraged, this connectivity can drive inclusive and sustainable development across sectors. Nonetheless, approximately 231,000 citizens, mostly in rural areas, still lack internet access. This digital divide mirrors socio-economic fault lines, disproportionately affecting women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs. The National E-Commerce Strategy’s focus on digital literacy in marginalised communities is a necessary corrective. Teaching people not only to use but also to build digital tools can narrow the gap and ensure broader participation in the digital economy. Progress is already underway. The government’s US$3 million technical assistance grant from the Latin American Development Bank and the European Union reflects sound priority-setting. Projects like a national electronic ID system and a secure government data centre are foundational for delivering efficient and secure public services. These initiatives not only streamline state-citizen interactions, but also enhance transparency and build trust – pillars of sustainable governance. Digital technologies also offer practical solutions to environmental challenges. As the country shifts beyond fossil fuels, integrating digital tools into the energy sector holds significant promise. Technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and artificial intelligence can optimise energy use, monitor emissions in real time, and improve system efficiency. When deployed strategically, these tools can help TT meet global climate goals while fostering innovation in green industries. Digital innovation is equally vital for managing localised climate risks. The Tech4CoastalResilience project, which combines participatory methods with digital tools, shows how communities can strengthen resilience against environmental shocks such as flooding. When grounded in local context, digital transformation becomes a powerful enabler of sustainable development. The private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, has much to gain. With a median fixed internet download speed of 119.01 Mbps – among the highest in the Caribbean – businesses can operate advanced e-commerce platforms and digital services. Entrepreneurs, from virtual classrooms to creative start-ups, are bypassing traditional barriers to access global markets through platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. With over 70 per cent of internet users accessing the web via mobile devices, mobile-first strategies are essential. Yet rural participation remains uneven. Nearly 46.3 per cent of the population lives in rural areas, where digital infrastructure alone is not enough. Outreach must focus on building local capacity – teaching entrepreneurial skills, connecting artisans to e-commerce ecosystems, and supporting digital solutions for agriculture. Hybrid models that blend in-person support with online tools are key to bridging this divide. Every rural entrepreneur who launches an online store or adopts digital tools for farming represents progress in both equity and sustainability. These micro-transformations, when replicated at scale, contribute meaningfully to national development and economic diversification. Still, neither sustainability nor digital transformation can succeed in isolation. They require co-ordination and multisectoral collaboration. The recent memorandum of understanding between iGovTT and India’s eGovernments Foundation, aimed at digitising public services such as land deed management, demonstrates how international partnerships can catalyse change in urban governance, healthcare, and beyond. The private sector’s engagement is equally vital. According to the International Telecommunications Union, 90 per cent of businesses in the region believe government support is essential for digital adoption. Sustained public-private collaboration ensures strategies are responsive, scalable, and impactful. The digital future is no longer a distant prospect – it is a present imperative. TT’s challenge lies not in adopting technology for its own sake, but in embedding digital tools within a sustainability framework that is inclusive and equitable. A co-ordinated digital leap can create jobs, empower communities, and diversify the economy – balancing growth with social justice and environmental responsibility. But this leap must be collective. When communities, businesses, and governments act in unison, digital potential becomes real progress. In doing so, TT can go beyond regional leadership to serve as a global model. The opportunity lies not just in adopting new technologies, but in building a future where those technologies truly serve all members of the local community. Dr Hriday Sarma is a advocate specialising in cross-border trade matters and a senior fellow at South Asia Democratic Forum, Brussels Sustainability and digital transformation - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
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UAE Freelancer Economy: Driving Digital Transformation and Business Growth in 2025 (2025-08-11T11:14:00+05:30)
 By Aamna Aamna: The freelance economy in the UAE is booming. It is not only reshaping the manner of business in the Emirates, but also the way people work. The UAE is now one of the leading countries to adopt and accept the possibility of flexible work solutions, with more than 100,000 licensed freelancers helping to diversify the economy of country. It is not a mere shift in a trend because it essentially reflects a fundamental reorientation of the UAE in terms of the considerations of economic development and workforce management approaches. The global gig economy is already worth $455 billion in 2023 (twice what it was in 2018), and the UAE freelancer economy is among the first to come in terms of its evolution. The governmental efforts, the tools of digital infrastructure, and the progressive thinking policies have provided an adequate environment where freelancers are able to not only thrive but also make meaningful contributions to economic growth. How UAE Freelancers Are Transforming Business Operations The UAE freelancer economy covers different fields like technologies, media, education, healthcare, and the sustainable sector. This variety enables companies to employ special skills at the demand level and thus operations operate in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Freelancer services are also very beneficial to small and medium enterprises that would want to hire skilled workers on a targeted project but are not willing to be tied to an employment contract. Efforts to achieve digital transformation of businesses throughout the UAE have created a simple process of remote working, and freelancers can provide their services to clients all over the world, but still operate in the Emirates. This network has placed the UAE freelancer economy as a gateway market between international and regional markets, thus drawing global talent to the platform. The reforms at the governmental level have made the process of licensing easier, and the introduction of flexible categories of the visa devoted explicitly to freelancers. These developments have lowered bureaucracies and allowed anyone who has skills to set up in the freelance economy of the UAE. Future Growth Opportunities in the UAE’s Freelance Sector The freelancer economy in the United Arab Emirates is also robust in spheres that are essential to the country within its Vision 2071, such as artificial intelligence, innovation in technology, and the creative sector. 60% of freelance workers in the entire world are less than 35 years old, which means that they offer a new frame of thought and digital-native skills to business problems that have previously been approached in the same way. Expo City Dubai is one of the best examples of how the UAE wants to promote the development of freelancers due to the development of specific infrastructure and services. The city provides all-inclusive packages, including one-year permits, up to two-year plans with extra visa opportunities, and a favorable environment for professionals who work as freelancers. A strategic place of business centers, such as Expo City Dubai, connectivity to Dubai Exhibition Centre, Jebel Ali Port, and Al Maktoum International Airport, meet the needs of freelancers by connecting them to the global markets and networks. The existence of such links is essential to the further growth of the UAE freelancer economy.UAE Freelancer Economy: Driving Digital Transformation and Business Growth in 2025
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Take Your Next Step Into the World of Digital Assets: Codebase Technologies Partners With Fuze (2025-07-31T12:34:00+05:30)
 By The Fintech Times: Banks and fintechs across the Middle East will now have access to crypto and digital asset capabilities following a new partnership between Codebase Technologies, the open API banking solutions provider, and Fuze, the digital asset infrastructure company. According to a new report by Chainalysis, the blockchain data platform, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region saw over $566billion in crypto transactions between July 2021 and June 2022. This growth came from a rise of retail investors, banks and regulators all actively exploring how to bring digital assets into regulated financial environments. Codebase Technologies has helped with this growth, facilitating firms to launch their own digital banking propositions or even a fully-fledged digital bank. This has been made possible due to Codebase Technologies’ Digibanc platform, the digital banking suite, which helps firms launch digital propositions built around local market realities and tight timelines. Partnering with Fuze, Codebase is improving the infrastructure it can offer its clients. Fuze brings the experience and tools needed to help banks navigate the often-complex reality of launching digital asset products from infrastructure to ensuring compliance with regulators. Through a seamless integration with Digibanc, Codebase Technologies’ clients can plug into a set of tools that let them offer crypto products with less overhead and fewer moving parts. “We’re not trying to ride a trend,” said Omar Mansur, managing director – APAC, at Codebase Technologies. “Our clients are asking how to offer digital asset services in a way that fits into their existing systems and without undue burden on their compliance and operations teams. This partnership gives them a practical and fast way to do that, to capitalize on the significant market potential.” Taking the next step This partnership aligns two areas of deep expertise to deliver a practical, institution-ready pathway into the expanding digital asset market. For banks and financial institutions, it represents a tangible opportunity to evolve their offerings in step with market demand, without disrupting core operations.“Banks have been circling the digital asset space for a while,” said Mo Ali, CEO at Fuze. “What’s been missing is a setup that feels familiar, that fits how they already operate. That’s what we’re offering with Codebase Technologies.” Take Your Next Step Into the World of Digital Assets: Codebase Technologies Partners With Fuze |
UAE Freelancer Economy: Driving Digital Transformation and Business Growth in 2025 (2025-07-30T11:12:00+05:30)
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By Aamna Aamna: The freelance economy in the UAE is booming. It is not only reshaping the manner of business in the Emirates, but also the way people work. The UAE is now one of the leading countries to adopt and accept the possibility of flexible work solutions, with more than 100,000 licensed freelancers helping to diversify the economy of country. It is not a mere shift in a trend because it essentially reflects a fundamental reorientation of the UAE in terms of the considerations of economic development and workforce management approaches. The global gig economy is already worth $455 billion in 2023 (twice what it was in 2018), and the UAE freelancer economy is among the first to come in terms of its evolution. The governmental efforts, the tools of digital infrastructure, and the progressive thinking policies have provided an adequate environment where freelancers are able to not only thrive but also make meaningful contributions to economic growth. How UAE Freelancers Are Transforming Business Operations The UAE freelancer economy covers different fields like technologies, media, education, healthcare, and the sustainable sector. This variety enables companies to employ special skills at the demand level and thus operations operate in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Freelancer services are also very beneficial to small and medium enterprises that would want to hire skilled workers on a targeted project but are not willing to be tied to an employment contract. Efforts to achieve digital transformation of businesses throughout the UAE have created a simple process of remote working, and freelancers can provide their services to clients all over the world, but still operate in the Emirates. This network has placed the UAE freelancer economy as a gateway market between international and regional markets, thus drawing global talent to the platform. The reforms at the governmental level have made the process of licensing easier, and the introduction of flexible categories of the visa devoted explicitly to freelancers. These developments have lowered bureaucracies and allowed anyone who has skills to set up in the freelance economy of the UAE. Future Growth Opportunities in the UAE’s Freelance Sector The freelancer economy in the United Arab Emirates is also robust in spheres that are essential to the country within its Vision 2071, such as artificial intelligence, innovation in technology, and the creative sector. 60% of freelance workers in the entire world are less than 35 years old, which means that they offer a new frame of thought and digital-native skills to business problems that have previously been approached in the same way. Expo City Dubai is one of the best examples of how the UAE wants to promote the development of freelancers due to the development of specific infrastructure and services. The city provides all-inclusive packages, including one-year permits, up to two-year plans with extra visa opportunities, and a favorable environment for professionals who work as freelancers. A strategic place of business centers, such as Expo City Dubai, connectivity to Dubai Exhibition Centre, Jebel Ali Port, and Al Maktoum International Airport, meet the needs of freelancers by connecting them to the global markets and networks. The existence of such links is essential to the further growth of the UAE freelancer economy. UAE Freelancer Economy: Driving Digital Transformation and Business Growth in 2025 |
Vodafone Germany unlocks next-level network automation using digital twins (2025-07-15T11:13:00+05:30)
 Posted by Rob Chambers: Vodafone Germany has taken a decisive step in its digital transformation journey by deploying EXFO Context, a semantic modelling platform that creates a digital twin of its mobile and fixed networks. This move significantly advances Vodafone’s Zero-Touch Automation ambitions, positioning the company to deliver more efficient, resilient, and intelligent network operations. The deployment of EXFO Context allows Vodafone to gain unparalleled visibility into its multi-layered, multi-technology infrastructure. By modelling both service and network layers, the platform enhances end-to-end assurance and fulfilment workflows, streamlining processes such as root cause analysis, network optimisation and security management, all with minimal human intervention. For Vodafone, this investment strengthens its capability to drive automation through accurate, dynamic network data. The semantic model underpinning EXFO Context supports real-time insights, enabling faster service impact analysis and change audits. It also paves the way for Generative AI integration, introducing natural language interfaces to previously siloed datasets and empowering teams across the organisation to make more informed, autonomous decisions. Ultimately, this partnership with EXFO equips Vodafone Germany with a scalable foundation for closed-loop automation and future-ready network operations. By leveraging advanced modelling and AI, Vodafone reinforces its commitment to innovation, operational excellence and superior customer service in the highly competitive telecoms landscape. DISCLAIMER: This article relating to AI has been created by AI based on content supplied by EXFO – do let us know if you spot any inaccuracies and whether the method of creation impacts the value of the content. Vodafone Germany unlocks next-level network automation using digital twins | Total Telecom |
Vietnam – The next big playground for digital nomads (2025-07-08T11:59:00+05:30)
 Ho chi minh, Vietnam - When you earn Caribbean dollars, every cent has to stretch. Plant those same earnings in Vietnam and you suddenly unlock a lifestyle that would cost three to five times more in Port of Spain or Kingston. That math is why a growing wave of remote workers – from Europe, North America and now the Caribbean – are setting their sights on Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hanoi. 1. Your Caribbean pay cheque goes much, much further Monthly rents for a modern one-bedroom apartment start around US$424 in Ho Chi Minh City and dip below US$200 in heritage towns like Hoi An. Grab a bowl of steaming phở on the street for US$2 and you’ll still have change for cà phê sữa đá –Vietnam’s famed iced coffee. Budget walkers report living well on US$1,000 a month, including rent, food, co-working fees and weekend trips. For Caribbean professionals whose salaries often trail North American averages, that cost-of-living gap is life-changing: you can keep your job, negotiate a modest pay cut, yet increase your disposable income or simply save aggressively while tasting a new culture. 2. Visas that welcome remote earners Since August 2023, citizens of every country can apply online for a 90-day multi-entry e-Visa for just US$25. On the horizon are three longer routes: · Five-year Talent visa aimed at skilled professionals. · Ten-year Golden visa for investors, entrepreneurs and affluent remote workers. · Investor pathways that convert to permanent residency after five years.  -While these programmes are still in final drafting, the direction is clear – Vietnam wants the spending power and know-how of global nomads, not just short-stay tourists. 3. Rock-solid digital infrastructure Vietnam already ranks top-40 worldwide for both mobile and fixed internet speeds, with median downloads of 87 Mbps mobile and 159 Mbps fibre – and early 5G tests clocking 1.5 Gbps. Co-working operators report 85-99 per cent occupancy and are expanding into suburban districts to keep prices as low as US$99 per month for a hot desk. Reliable bandwidth plus an endless supply of work-friendly cafés removes the "can I actually get my work done?" anxiety that plagues many emerging markets. 4. Culture that keeps you inspired Street food tours at dawn, centuries-old temples at lunchtime and a thunderous motorbike commute to sunset surf – it’s hard to feel stuck in a rut here. Nomad forums rave about the friendliness of locals and the sense of community among expats who gather for weekly "phở Fridays" or Vietnam Nomad Fest in Da Nang. That social glue matters; it counteracts isolation and keeps travellers rooted long enough to contribute meaningfully to the local economy. 5. Why this matters for Caribbean professionals · Salary leverage – Pitch your boss on a remote arrangement: "Pay me 15 per cent less, save the company money and I’ll still double my quality of life." · Skill export – Faster internet and lower overhead give you headroom to upskill, whether that’s coding bootcamps at night or launching a side hustle. · Global perspective – Immersion in a rapidly developing tech hub sharpens the competitive edge you’ll bring back to the region. 6. Lessons for Caribbean governments · Simplify visas – A low-cost, multi-entry e-visa signals: "door open." Barbados’ 12-month Welcome Stamp proved the model; Vietnam is doubling down with even longer options. · Tax clarity – Vietnam exempts foreign-sourced income for stays under 183 days, a major draw for nomads. Clear, published rules beat ad-hoc exemptions every time. ·Invest in fibre and 5G – Reliable broadband is as critical as electricity. Vietnam’s push for 99 per cent 5G coverage by 2030 shows strategic intent. · Catalyse co-working ecosystems – Offer grants or tax breaks to private operators. The community effect magnifies tourism dollars into long-term economic participation. · City-level branding – Da Nang markets itself as a beach-tech hybrid; Hoi An positions heritage plus sustainability. Caribbean cities can borrow that playbook to diversify beyond sun-and-sand clichés. The takeaway Vietnam’s rise is no accident. Policy, infrastructure and cost advantages align to make it a springboard for talent whose wallets don’t match Silicon Valley pay scales. For Caribbean digital workers, the country offers a concrete path to a global experience without financial strain. It also offers regional policymakers a case study in how to turn affordable living, fast Wi-Fi and smart visas into a magnet for human capital. The question is no longer "Why Vietnam?" but rather "How fast can we learn – and perhaps, compete?" Keron Rose is a Caribbean-based digital strategist and digital nomad currently living in Thailand. He helps entrepreneurs across the region build their digital presence, monetise their platforms and tap into global opportunities. Through his content and experiences in Asia, Rose shares real-world insights to help the Caribbean think bigger and move smarter in the digital age.Listen to the Digipreneur FM podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Vietnam – The next big playground for digital nomads - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday |
India to continue as fastest-growing major economy globally: Report (2025-06-14T11:39:00+05:30)
 The structural growth outlook for India’s economy remains very much intact, with various signs indicating that the slowdown in 2024 will be transitory, the report said. "All in all, we believe India can comfortably maintain its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy, with GDP growth of around 6.5 per cent until at least 2029. Income growth and the rise of the middle class will likely continue in tandem. We expect India's wealthy and middle-class populations to expand by 400 million people. In particular, the number of people in India's wealthiest class could grow three-fold," the report said. "We also stay positive on India’s vibrant digital economy and its beneficiaries, as well as the structural growth potential in the healthcare sector," it said. India's economic growth slowed in 2024, with gross domestic product (GDP) year-on-year growth of just 5.4 per cent in the fiscal second quarter (July-September), the lowest in seven quarters. As a result, growth for the full fiscal year ending March 2025 will likely be 6.6 per cent, moderating from 8.2 per cent from a year earlier, based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) forecasts. The report said the slowdown is temporary, with deferred government spending in a general election year the primary cause. Heavy monsoon rainfall during the summer also proved disruptive to economic activities. Several high-frequency data points are showing improving underlying conditions for a recovery in growth. Government spending has been picking up since September, suggesting that it is gradually ramping up its spending on priority initiatives, particularly infrastructure and rural development. Importantly, a pickup in government spending and activities should synergise capital expenditure (capex) growth in the private sector. For instance, faster approvals for construction and engineering projects will bolster company confidence to invest and hire more actively. Private consumption is a major driver for India’s economy and it is showing stronger growth momentum in the second half of this year. Consumer sentiment also remains resilient and year-ahead optimism has held firm, indicating a post-election recovery. Consumption growth should find further support if inflation cools in 2025. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate will moderate from 5.7 per cent in the October-December quarter of 2024 to 4 per cent in the July-September quarter of 2025, based on RBI forecasts, the report said.The resumption of government spending, private sector capex growth and the resilience of domestic consumption, among other factors, may help India's economy return to normalcy in 2025. As growth accelerates again, the stage is set for earnings recovery, the report added. India to continue as fastest-growing major economy globally: Report | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
Oracle to invest $6.5bn in Malaysian cloud services region (2025-06-14T11:39:00+05:30)
 KUALA LUMPUR - Tech giant Oracle on Wednesday said it plans to invest more than $6.5-billion on cloud services data centres in Malaysia, joining a list of US titans rushing to build up their AI infrastructure in Southeast Asia. The firm said the cloud region would help organisations in the country modernise their applications, migrate their workload to the cloud and innovate with data, analytics and artificial intelligence. Oracle is working to expand its cloud infrastructure business globally. The company recently projected it will surpass $100-billion in revenue in fiscal 2029, driven by increasing demand for cloud services. Malaysia's new cloud region will be the firm's third in Southeast Asia, following two facilities in neighbouring Singapore. "Malaysia offers unique growth opportunities for organisations looking to accelerate their expansion with the latest digital technologies," Garrett Ilg, Oracle's executive vice president for Japan and Asia Pacific, said in a statement. "Our multi-billion dollar investment affirms our commitment to Malaysia as a regional gateway for cloud infrastructure as well as a comprehensive suite of software as a service applications deployed within Malaysia." The statement also quoted Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz as welcoming the investment, saying it would help firms with innovative and cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies to boost their global competitiveness. "Oracle's decision to establish a public cloud region in Malaysia underscores Malaysia's infrastructure readiness, and its growing position as a premier Southeast Asian destination for digital investments," he added. Oracle is the latest global tech giant to announce major digital investments in Southeast Asia. Google-parent Alphabet said in May it would invest $2 billion to house the firm's first data centre in Malaysia. Google on Monday said it plans to invest $1 billion to build digital infrastructure in Thailand, including a new data centre. Amazon and Microsoft have also announced investments worth billions of dollars in the region as demand for AI hots up. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday announced that the country plans to develop a National Cloud Policy. Anwar said it would focus on four core areas including boosting public service innovation and efficiency as well as strengthening user trust and data security. The government would also set up a National Artificial Intelligence Office to coordinate all initiatives related to AI technology.This, Anwar added, was in line with efforts to position the nation as a competitive player in the global AI landscape. Oracle to invest $6.5bn in Malaysian cloud services region |