Latest news with #DigitalInnovation
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
James Moore: Canada is a getting a fresh start on artificial intelligence. Let's not waste it.
James Moore is a former federal cabinet minister under prime minister Stephen Harper, and a columnist for The recent federal election provided Canada with a much needed reset on the debate on artificial intelligence (AI), and we should all be thankful for it. There is a new member of Parliament who is the new minister for the file: Evan Solomon. Thoughtful and studious, the new Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation — the first we have had — provides an opportunity for a fresh start on the file. Evan Solomon, AI Evan Solomon fist bumps a guest as he heads to be sworn-in as Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby) Further, all the opposition critics of the AI file from the last parliament — Conservative MP Ryan Williams; Bloc Québécois MP René Villemure; and NDP MP Brian Masse — were all defeated on election day in their respective ridings. This dynamic of personal change, coupled with some good faith on policy development, should give a clear opportunity for the government to re-engage the AI issue with gusto. To start, I think it would be a mistake for the government to simply re-introduce the old Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) (Bill C-27) from the previous parliament. A great deal was exposed about the imperfections, concerns of overreach, governance and questionable spending in the debates around AIDA after its introduction in April of 2023 that should signal the government to walk away from the previous AI policy efforts. There are six areas of AI policy challenges, and they are interconnected and complex. Public safety First, is the need to balance public safety and innovation. Complimenting and supporting a thriving AI ecosystem (and the increasingly mature hubs in Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal) while protecting people and firms from the risks of unregulated AI systems is a difficult challenge. The risk of overregulating is real and could result in a flight of startups. But at the same time, there will be public collapse of the tolerance and integration of AI into our lives if the harms of surveillance, disinformation and bias are not addressed. Privacy The second issue that needs consideration is the need to address data privacy and consent. AI systems consumed massive datasets which raises concerns about the protection of data and the informed consent of the public for the use of that data — particularly when it comes to health, family, and biometric data. Consent loopholes and data scraping are constant challenges and need to be mitigated in the public interest. And, of course, these protections need to be as borderless as we can possibly secure. Accountability The third issue to be addressed must be the public sector use of AI data and systems. It is reported that agencies are increasingly using AI to try to drive efficiency, but there are credible concerns that they are doing so without adequate public facing accountability or transparency. This needs to be fixed. Any algorithmic decision making by the government needs to be disclosed and the principles of the Privacy Act need to be modernized and ported into any use of AI technology. Jobs Fourth, the impact of labour displacement could trigger a torrent of anxiety and disruption that is greater than we imagine. The impact on jobs and skills development will be substantial and we need to gauge — with the provinces and territories — how best to reskill and retrain workforces who may find their lives sideswiped by AI implementation. Public risk Fifth, the government must apply a national security lens to the AI opportunity/challenge. One of the dominant concerns about AI technology is the lack of accountability given the possible risks that may cause harm to individuals when wrong decisions are made autonomously. For example, there is no common description in law that agreed to or enforced with respect to using AI-based lethal robotic systems for selecting targets with possible lethal force. There is a clear need for defence and intelligence policies to be modernized and continually scrutinized in collaboration with our allies. Competition And sixth, as Canada marches forward with our AI policy that serves Canada and our needs, we need to consider where global standards are headed in the E.U. and U.S. and align our interests accordingly. We must be able to compete internationally, contribute to emerging global norms on AI ethics, governance and safety and avoid regulatory fragmentation that leaves us at a disadvantage with our competitors. In sum, AI presents a complex, fast-evolving set of policy challenges that touch nearly every aspect of society. Policymakers must be agile, principled, and ambitious in the coming Parliament. AI is reshaping economies, transforming workplaces, and redefining our economic boundaries. The opportunities are incredible and the policy challenges associated with the opportunities demand the best efforts our leaders to get it right.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
James Moore: Canada is a getting a fresh start on artificial intelligence. Let's not waste it.
James Moore is a former federal cabinet minister under prime minister Stephen Harper, and a columnist for The recent federal election provided Canada with a much needed reset on the debate on artificial intelligence (AI), and we should all be thankful for it. There is a new member of Parliament who is the new minister for the file: Evan Solomon. Thoughtful and studious, the new Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation — the first we have had — provides an opportunity for a fresh start on the file. Evan Solomon, AI Evan Solomon fist bumps a guest as he heads to be sworn-in as Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby) Further, all the opposition critics of the AI file from the last parliament — Conservative MP Ryan Williams; Bloc Québécois MP René Villemure; and NDP MP Brian Masse — were all defeated on election day in their respective ridings. This dynamic of personal change, coupled with some good faith on policy development, should give a clear opportunity for the government to re-engage the AI issue with gusto. To start, I think it would be a mistake for the government to simply re-introduce the old Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) (Bill C-27) from the previous parliament. A great deal was exposed about the imperfections, concerns of overreach, governance and questionable spending in the debates around AIDA after its introduction in April of 2023 that should signal the government to walk away from the previous AI policy efforts. There are six areas of AI policy challenges, and they are interconnected and complex. Public safety First, is the need to balance public safety and innovation. Complimenting and supporting a thriving AI ecosystem (and the increasingly mature hubs in Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal) while protecting people and firms from the risks of unregulated AI systems is a difficult challenge. The risk of overregulating is real and could result in a flight of startups. But at the same time, there will be public collapse of the tolerance and integration of AI into our lives if the harms of surveillance, disinformation and bias are not addressed. Privacy The second issue that needs consideration is the need to address data privacy and consent. AI systems consumed massive datasets which raises concerns about the protection of data and the informed consent of the public for the use of that data — particularly when it comes to health, family, and biometric data. Consent loopholes and data scraping are constant challenges and need to be mitigated in the public interest. And, of course, these protections need to be as borderless as we can possibly secure. Accountability The third issue to be addressed must be the public sector use of AI data and systems. It is reported that agencies are increasingly using AI to try to drive efficiency, but there are credible concerns that they are doing so without adequate public facing accountability or transparency. This needs to be fixed. Any algorithmic decision making by the government needs to be disclosed and the principles of the Privacy Act need to be modernized and ported into any use of AI technology. Jobs Fourth, the impact of labour displacement could trigger a torrent of anxiety and disruption that is greater than we imagine. The impact on jobs and skills development will be substantial and we need to gauge — with the provinces and territories — how best to reskill and retrain workforces who may find their lives sideswiped by AI implementation. Public risk Fifth, the government must apply a national security lens to the AI opportunity/challenge. One of the dominant concerns about AI technology is the lack of accountability given the possible risks that may cause harm to individuals when wrong decisions are made autonomously. For example, there is no common description in law that agreed to or enforced with respect to using AI-based lethal robotic systems for selecting targets with possible lethal force. There is a clear need for defence and intelligence policies to be modernized and continually scrutinized in collaboration with our allies. Competition And sixth, as Canada marches forward with our AI policy that serves Canada and our needs, we need to consider where global standards are headed in the E.U. and U.S. and align our interests accordingly. We must be able to compete internationally, contribute to emerging global norms on AI ethics, governance and safety and avoid regulatory fragmentation that leaves us at a disadvantage with our competitors. In sum, AI presents a complex, fast-evolving set of policy challenges that touch nearly every aspect of society. Policymakers must be agile, principled, and ambitious in the coming Parliament. AI is reshaping economies, transforming workplaces, and redefining our economic boundaries. The opportunities are incredible and the policy challenges associated with the opportunities demand the best efforts our leaders to get it right.
Biz Bahrain
21-05-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Submissions for eGovernment Excellence Award 2025 starts May 21st until June 28th
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) announced the 13th edition of the eGovernment Excellence Award 2025. Running from 21st May to 28th June 2025, public and private organisations, NGOs, and individuals are invited to submit their ICT initiatives via the award's website The 2025 categories are divided into Public and Private Sector Awards, including Best Website, Best Practice in eParticipation, Best Integrated eServices, Best Work Environment for Digital Innovation, Best Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Best Project for Digital Transformation, Best Applications for Smart Devices, and the Citizen Award category, which includes the Best Digital Idea or Initiative. The Information & eGovernment Authority emphasised that the Best Digital Initiative Award encourages individuals to submit proposals for launching or enhancing eServices that contribute to national digital development. Public and private sector organisations with an innovative digital environment that supports digital transformation, including advanced infrastructure, digital skills training programmes, and flexible, innovation-driven policies, are invited to compete for the Best Work Environment for Digital Innovation Award, highlighting exemplary practices for others to follow. The Best Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence Award recognises how organisations leverage AI to enhance services and operations. The award provides a platform for showcasing AI innovations and learning about national efforts in the Kingdom. Organisations can also compete in other categories including Best Website, Best Practice in eParticipation, and Best Integrated eServices. Regarding the Best Applications for Smart Devices Award, this category is catered to private sector and NGOs only, in line with the government's policy to merge mobile apps and provide services through three key apps: MyGov for citizens, AlTajir for businesses and investors, and Bahrain App for visitors. Participants from public, private sectors, NGOs and individuals must submit initiatives and projects that have not won the 2023 eGovernment Excellence Award. Reviewing the eligibility criteria on the award website before submission is recommended. The iGA will host a briefing session for interested participants, with details to be announced shortly. For further information, participants can contact the Government Services Contact Centre at 80008001 or visit BNA(R)
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Zain Group's Data Office holds workshop on the enormous potential and deployment of AI strategies across the mobile and ICT industry
Attended by Zain technology and data-focused talent from across all operations, three-day internal workshop held in partnership with Cloudera and ZainTECH Amman, Jordan – Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative ICT and digital lifestyle services operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, concluded a captivating 'Data and AI' three-day workshop, organized by Zain Group Technology's Data Office team in partnership with Cloudera and ZainTECH, Zain's digital enterprise arm, held last week in Amman, Jordan. A key element of Zain's Group Technology department, the Data Office team has firmly established itself as an AI and Digital Innovation leader by embedding world-class data governance practices and analytics to the heart of Zain's business across the organization. The Forum represented a unique opportunity for Zain's data-focused talent groupwide to collaboratively discuss and elevate innovation and deployment issues related to digital data and AI capabilities, given the growing importance of these technological advancements across all industries, globally. The intention of the workshop was to accelerate the adoption of data and AI in accordance with Zain's '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' strategy, with a particular emphasis on the 'Customer Delight' and 'Digital Zain' pillars. Participants interacted with industry experts and thought leaders, gaining valuable insights into current trends and best practices in data and AI implementation that enhance innovation and improve customer experiences throughout Zain's digital ecosystem. This is set to be achieved through the further development of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, and building out digital infrastructure further. Mohammad Al-Marshed, Zain Group Chief Technology Officer commented, 'AI's ability to rapidly and accurately analyze massive amounts of data has resulted as the latest driving force in many industries, transforming and increasing efficiency on how tasks are undertaken, and decisions are made. This Forum provided our Data Office focused teams at Group and operations the opportunity to understand the true potential of AI across industries and jointly devise strategies with Cloudera and ZainTECH on how to best deploy and monetize it. Zain is serious on driving innovation, improving customer experience and helping business users make the right decisions.' The first day of the Forum focused on theoretical and strategic insights, featuring keynotes, industry trends, and platform overviews, notably learnings of Cloudera's latest advanced AI tools and models. The second day involved hands-on collaboration Datathon exercise, with teams working in breakout groups to develop real-world use cases. The third day was dedicated to showcasing outcomes, as teams presented their solutions to industrial challenges to a judging panel, reinforcing the forum's emphasis on practical application, innovation, and cross-regional synergy. The winning team of the Datathon completed the entire process, from brainstorming a business use case to demonstrating its value and deploying it, incredibly under 48 hours, all while utilizing Cloudera Agent Studio. The occasion also saw Zain Group Strategy executives present the groupwide Data and AI strategy to attendees which forms a key pillar of the company's '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' strategy. Cloudera is the only truly hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI, and is deployed across all Zain's operations. With 100x more data under management than other cloud-only vendors, Cloudera empowers global enterprises to transform data of all types, on any public or private cloud, into valuable, trusted insights. The company's open data lakehouse delivers scalable and secure data management with portable cloud-native analytics, enabling customers to bring GenAI models to their data while maintaining privacy and ensuring responsible, reliable AI deployments. Within Zain, AI is being used to optimize network performance, personalize customer experiences, and predict equipment failures before they occur, among other things. This has led to higher service quality, less downtime, and overall cost savings for Zain, contributing to business growth and enhancing competitiveness in an ever-changing market. Through its strategic partnership with Cloudera, Zain's Data Office in collaboration with ZainTECH, has been able to eliminate data silos and is taking a holistic approach to analysis across the organization. By standardizing a Data Management framework, facilitating data literacy initiatives, and enforcing data stewardship, Zain's Data Office team fosters a data culture throughout the company that effectively drives innovation, business efficiency and utilization of customer-centric services across Zain.
Al Bawaba
06-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Burgan Bank Appoints Danah Faisal AlJasem as General Manager of Corporate Communications
Burgan Bank announced the appointment of Ms. Danah Faisal AlJasem as General Manager of Corporate Communications. This strategic appointment reflects the Bank's ongoing commitment to investing in Kuwait's top national calibers and empowering women in leadership positions as part of its dedicated human capital investment strategy. It also reflects Burgan's strategic focus on enhancing its corporate communications strategy and framework to support its long-term growth objectives. Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Naqeeb Amin, General Manager – Human Resources and Development for the Group at Burgan Bank, said: 'On behalf of Burgan's Board and Executive Management, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Ms. AlJasem on her new role. This appointment underscores our great faith in her rich insight and experience, which we are certain will add a wealth of value to the Bank's dynamic and innovative marketing and communications strategy.'He added: 'Today, Burgan's fast-paced growth, development, and constant adoption of new technologies rests on several key pillars, including our robust and engaging communications with our community and stakeholders, guaranteeing that our business momentum remains harmonious with the market's aspirations and needs. Guided by Burgan's vision to be the most progressive bank in Kuwait, and by our deeply embedded values of ownership, transparency, teamwork, and passion, we are committed to fostering an environment where talent is empowered and potential is realized.'On her part, Ms. AlJasem said: 'I am honored to join the Burgan Bank family during this transformative period, and look forward to contributing to the Bank's vision and success journey, driven by its commitment to digital innovation, customer-centric solutions, and sustainable growth. By enhancing our corporate marketing and communication strategies, we aim to amplify our brand presence and cultivate stronger engagement and connections with our customers, employees, and the broader community.'Ms. AlJasem brings to Burgan Bank over 20 years of experience across the ICT & Telecommunications sector and the Investment Banking sector, with a solid track record in strategic communications, brand management and transformation, public relations, sustainability and stakeholder engagement. Most recently, she held the position of General Manager of Corporate Communications at Kuwait Telecommunications Company (stc), where she spearheaded various areas within the communication arena and played a pivotal role in positioning stc as the preferred digital enabler. Some of her milestone achievements were the transformational launch of 5G, launching entrepreneurial and educational initiatives within the ESG agenda, and launching the rebranding exercise of VIVA to stc to achieve the brand unification and expansion strategy amongst stc Group and to that, Ms. AlJasem started her career at The World Bank in Washington DC before moving back to Kuwait. She then served as Vice President and Head of the Marketing Department at KAMCO Invest, one of Kuwait's leading investment firms, and a subsidiary of KIPCO Group. During her career in investment banking, she was responsible for overseeing the company's brand strategy, driving marketing innovation, and supporting business development efforts through integrated communication addition, Ms. AlJasem served as a member of KIPCO Group's CSR committee as well as the Union of Investment Company's (UIC) marketing committee. She also sat on the committees of Corporate Governance and Business Continuity & Crisis Management at stc. Ms. AlJasem holds a degree from The George Washington University, School of Business, in Washington D.C., USA with a major in Management Information Systems, providing her with a strong academic foundation in business and communications that complements her extensive professional experience.
