Latest news with #Blending
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Integrating AI and technology responsibly in HR continues to be a top priority for future of work
Dubai, UAE — The 11th Annual HR Tech MENA Summit is set to return on 13th and 14th May 2025, bringing together regional and global HR leaders to explore the future of work and innovation in human capital management. The future of work is here — and it is bold, digital, and deeply human. The HR Tech MENA Summit 2025 will host the world's most visionary minds to explore groundbreaking themes such as Digital Transformation, Wellbeing, Visionary Leadership, Agentic AI, and the Digital Handshake: Blending Tech and Touch. With 66% of organisations in the region investing in AI and 93% of CHROs regularly attending board meetings, the strategic importance of HR is more evident than ever. As the workplace rapidly evolves in response to technology and societal shifts, the HR Tech MENA Summit is a critical platform to address the challenges and opportunities shaping tomorrow's organisations. From redefining employee experiences to integrating cutting-edge AI responsibly, the summit will offer fresh perspectives, practical strategies, and future-ready solutions. Leaders, innovators, and changemakers will converge to exchange ideas, spark conversations, and inspire action toward building more resilient, human-centric workplaces. At HR Tech MENA Summit 2025, experts look forward to highlighting the acceleration of AI-powered HR functions — such as predictive hiring, people analytics, and automation of workflows; the rise of wellbeing-driven and human-centred digital experiences to combat burnout and foster emotional resilience; and a shift towards skill-based workforce transformation, with continuous learning and agile team structures replacing traditional models. Opening Keynote Speaker Dr. Oleg Konovalov, #1 Global Leading Coach and the "Da Vinci of Visionary Leadership', emphasised, "We are here to reveal the greatness of each other. I look forward to the collaboration of the best minds in the creation of practical solutions, ideas turned into practice, and value for everyone beyond expectations. HR leaders have a critical role – to raise the giants of tomorrow! Vision allows 25-30 times greater monetary value than just a great product. I will share practical frameworks and approaches for turning their teams into visionaries and winning in the marketplace." Dr. Jassim Al Awadhi, Digital Transformation AI Implementation Expert, is also looking forward to interacting with the region's top HR Heads. He says "I am eager to interact with some of the most innovative individuals influencing the future of the workforce. HR Tech MENA is particularly significant this year as we transition from the experimental phase of AI to its strategic integration into the core of our organisations. In my session, "Tech as an Enabler, Not a Replacement," I will explore using technology, particularly AI, to amplify human potential rather than replace it. Attendees will gain a practical framework for integrating automation with human-centricity, real-world examples of organisations utilising technology to establish trust, culture, and innovation capability, and insights into effective upskilling strategies. It relates to the transition from tools to transformation." Dr. Mostafa Ghanima, Group Human Resources Transformation Director, Saudi German Health, shared, "I'm genuinely excited about connecting with forward-thinking HR and technology leaders who are shaping the future of work. I'm particularly looking forward to practical solutions that maintain our region's values while driving innovation. In my session, titled 'KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON – Make Room for Zen Room in Your Organisation,' attendees will walk away with a powerful reminder that in the race toward digital transformation, mental clarity and emotional balance are not luxuriesgic necessities." Larissa Redaelli, Expert in Happydemic Leadership, Wellbeing, and Talent Development, highlighted, "I'm looking forward to conversations that go deeper, beyond trends and tech, into how we're truly humanising workplaces. The Summit is a space where culture, tech, and people intersect, and that's where real transformation begins." Talking on what attendees expect to take away from her presentation at the Summit, she said, 'Attendees will leave with practical ways to model wellbeing, embody conscious leadership, and cultivate cultures of care and vitality. Because the best ROI today isn't just return on investment—it's ROV: return on vitality, and ROC: return on care.' Andrew Stotter-Brooks, Chief Learning Officer, concurred, "The summit offers a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, share invaluable insights, and explore the latest advancements in HR technology. The vibrant discussions, innovative solutions, and networking opportunities are all aspects that promise to make this year's event exceptional. I look forward to witnessing firsthand the pioneering technologies that will shape the future of HR in the MENA region and beyond." The HR Tech MENA Summit continues to be at the forefront of addressing the challenges of blending tech and touch, capitalizing on emerging trends and leveraging digital transformation to deliver value as well as wellbeing. Sidh NC, Director, QnA International, concludes, 'The HR Tech MENA Summit 2025 promises to be a landmark event for anyone passionate about the future of work. The HR Tech MENA Summit is not just about technology — it's about people. This year, we are proud to bring together global thought leaders who are reimagining the workplace with innovation, empathy, and purpose. We look forward to creating conversations that will inspire organisations to build truly future-ready, human-centric cultures."
Express Tribune
21-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Refineries for prioritising local production
Listen to article Pakistan's oil refineries have warned the regulator that over-reliance on imported fuels without properly prioritising local production will heighten risks to the energy supply chain and may cause disastrous consequences, especially at a time when the country is recovering from financial challenges. In a joint letter written to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) chairman, the industry players said that local refineries formed the backbone of heavy industrial development and were intrinsically connected to the country's defence and energy security needs. They also referred to Ogra's response in response to their earlier letter dated February 27, 2025 and a meeting with industry executives held on March 3, 2025 in Karachi. "We wish to express our concerns regarding the contents of Ogra's aforementioned letter, which, unfortunately, appear to differ from the mutual understanding reached during the meeting," the refineries said in their latest communication. During the meeting, they said, all refineries raised serious concern over the insufficient product offtake, resulting from the failure of oil marketing companies (OMCs) to procure the committed quantities of high-speed diesel and motor gasoline (petrol), as agreed in periodic meetings. The refineries requested Ogra's intervention, which was acknowledged by the authority. "However, we believe that the explanation provided in Ogra's letter regarding the determination of insufficiency of local production before approving imports is misconceived and misleading." As clearly stipulated under Rule 35(g) of the Pakistan Oil (Refining, Blending, Transportation, Storage and Marketing) Rules 2016, an OMC is required to give an undertaking to Ogra that it shall first lift the local product before opting for imports, the refineries said, arguing that it was the premise on which the OMCs were granted licences. "Enforcement of such compliance rests with Ogra, which is equally empowered to take action against any defaulting OMC under Rule 69 of the Ogra Rules 2016." Moreover, the refineries stressed that it was Ogra's responsibility to protect the public interest. Allowing imports when local production is not being lifted and at the expense of the country's foreign exchange and consumer prices (resulting from the higher inland freight equalisation margin), undermine the spirit of Ogra's statute and regulatory framework. As already explained in the refineries' joint letter, all the refineries have contractual and commercial agreements with the OMCs for the supply of petroleum products. "With regard to Ogra's statutory responsibilities, functions and the corresponding regulatory role, we believe it is essential for Ogra to ensure that the lifting of refineries' products is prioritised before allowing OMCs any deficit imports, in line with Rule 35(g)," they said. Additionally, Ogra must ensure that only those OMCs commence operations that hold a valid licence and have contractual or commercial arrangements with the local refineries. "We sincerely appreciate Ogra's initiative to incorporate a "take or pay" clause into our supply agreements with OMCs to address the uplifting issues. However, as already explained, the refineries have binding contracts with OMCs and any such changes can only be incorporated if they are mutually agreed upon by all stakeholders, with a clear implementation mechanism. Ogra must also ensure the enforcement of the overall supply chain arrangement," the refineries said. "You would agree that refineries are strategic assets of the country and their sustainability and continuity are essential for the prosperity and economic development of Pakistan." They assured Ogra that all refineries were fully compliant with the provisions of the Ogra Ordinance 2002 as well as rules, regulations, technical standards and directives of the authority in true letter and spirit. "In light of the above, we request Ogra's proactive role in addressing the local refineries' product uplifting issues on priority to ensure the smooth functioning of the supply chain," they added.
