Latest news with #FutureSkills
Arab News
15 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
New Huawei-MCIT center to advance digital transformation
Huawei and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology reinforced their commitment to empowering national talent and advancing Saudi Arabia's digital transformation agenda with the opening of the Future Skills Center in Riyadh. The ceremony was attended by high-level dignitaries, including Vice Minister of Communications and Information Technology Haytham Al-Ohali, Ambassador of China to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua, Assistant Minister for Development and Transformation at the Ministry of Education Murhaf bin Mohammed Al-Madani, Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology for International Cooperation and Partnerships Mansour bin Saleh Al-Qurashi, Deputy Minister of Future Jobs and Capabilities Safa Al-Rashed, and Chairman of the Board for Huawei Saudi Arabia Liam Zhao. The Future Skills Center offers immersive learning experiences in next-generation technologies including AI, 5G, and smart applications across various industries and communities. The center stands as an evolution of the successful 'Future Space' exhibition that opened in 2022 by Huawei and in collaboration with the Saudi Space Commission. The largest of its kind outside China, the exhibition showcases advanced technologies such as autonomous driving, 3D printing and brainwave robot control. It has welcomed more than 35,000 visitors since opening its doors to the public and has offered more than 270 training sessions to over 10,000 participants in three years. With the launch of the Future Skills Center, we are deepening our commitment to creating more value and accelerating Saudi's digital future, says Liam Zhao, Chairman of Huawei Saudi Arabia Al-Ohali said: 'Enhancing digital capabilities is a pivotal element in developing human capital and a fundamental driver of growth in the technology and economic sectors. The Future Skills Center contributes by providing an advanced training environment focused on developing digital skills in modern technologies, keeping pace with the rapid technological advancements and achieving the objectives of Vision 2030.' The launch follows Huawei and MCIT's joint announcement at the 2025 LEAP Summit earlier this year to expand the Future Space exhibition into a broader Future Skills framework. Now, the Future Skills Center has been redesigned as a dynamic hub for skill-building, technological exploration, and hands-on innovation. It offers immersive learning experiences in next-generation technologies including artificial intelligence, 5G, and smart applications across various industries and communities. Speaking on the newly launched center, Ambassador Hua said: 'This initiative stands as a powerful example of the deepening cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia across the fields of innovation, education, and technology. The Future Skills Center reflects our shared belief in the importance of knowledge exchange and capacity building to drive sustainable growth. China and Saudi Arabia have a rich history of collaboration, and we will continue to partner to build a strong digital future here in Saudi Arabia.' Meanwhile Chairman Zhao said: 'When we first opened Future Space three years ago, our aim was to inspire a new generation of Saudi innovators. Since then, that inspiration has evolved into real momentum. We witness a remarkable drive here to learn about emerging tech, and this aligns fully with one of Huawei's core priorities — to develop local talent and expand access to digital skills.' With the launch of the Future Skills Center, we are deepening our commitment to creating more value and accelerating Saudi's digital future.' The newly inaugurated center is aligned with the national strategy to build a digitally enabled society and develop a competitive knowledge-based economy. It will provide training, certifications, and real-world application scenarios that strengthen local capabilities and inspire future innovators.
TECHx
2 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
Huawei Opens Future Skills Center in Riyadh
Home » Latest news » Huawei Opens Future Skills Center in Riyadh Huawei and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) have announced the official opening of the Future Skills Center in Riyadh. The initiative reinforces their joint commitment to developing national talent and accelerating Saudi Arabia's digital transformation. The opening ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials. These included H.E. Haytham AlOhali, Vice Minister of Communications and Information Technology; H.E. Chang Hua, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Saudi Arabia; and Eng. Murhaf Bin Mohammed Al-Madani, Assistant Minister for Development and Transformation at the Ministry of Education. Other attendees included Eng. Mansour bin Saleh Al-Qurashi, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Partnerships; Safa Al-Rashed, Deputy Minister of Future Jobs and Capabilities; and Liam Zhao, Chairman of the Board at Huawei Saudi Arabia. Huawei revealed that the Center is an evolution of the Future Space exhibition, launched in 2022 in collaboration with the Saudi Space Commission (SSC). This exhibition is the largest of its kind outside China. It features emerging technologies such as autonomous driving, 3D printing, and brainwave-controlled robotics. Future Space has hosted over 35,000 visitors It conducted more than 270 training sessions for 10,000+ participants Vice Minister AlOhali emphasized the importance of digital skills in building human capital and driving economic growth. He stated that the Future Skills Center offers advanced training in digital technologies, aligned with the goals of Vision 2030. Huawei and MCIT previously announced plans at the 2025 LEAP Summit to expand Future Space into a broader Future Skills framework. The new center will serve as a hub for innovation, skills development, and practical learning in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and smart applications. Ambassador Chang Hua highlighted the collaboration between China and Saudi Arabia in education, innovation, and technology. He described the project as a symbol of shared values in knowledge exchange and sustainable growth. Liam Zhao from Huawei added that the launch reflects Huawei's ongoing efforts to empower Saudi youth and grow local digital capabilities. Huawei confirmed that the Future Skills Center aligns with national strategies to build a knowledge-based, digitally enabled society. It will offer certifications, training, and hands-on experiences to inspire the next generation of tech leaders in Saudi Arabia.
Coin Geek
20-06-2025
- Business
- Coin Geek
OpenAI rolls out first international learning platform
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, has entered into a strategic agreement with the IndiaAI Mission to introduce OpenAI Academy in India. This marks the platform's first-ever international Academy chapter, and the formal start of OpenAI's education and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy programs in India. The South Asian nation currently represents the second-largest market for ChatGPT users, highlighting the country's growing interest in AI tools and applications. The collaboration aims to expand access to AI education and training across the country. The partnership underscores India's broader efforts to make advanced technologies more accessible and inclusive as part of its national AI development strategy. 'Together with IndiaAI, we're working to equip the next generation of students, developers, and mission-driven organizations with the tools and training they need to build responsibly with AI,' the company said. As part of the agreement, OpenAI will contribute a range of educational materials and resources to support IndiaAI's 'FutureSkills' initiative, as well as the iGOT Karmayogi platform, which is focused on upskilling civil servants. Additionally, OpenAI will offer up to $100,000 in application programming interface (API) credits to 50 fellows and startups selected under the IndiaAI Mission. The initiative seeks to make AI skills accessible to a broad audience nationwide by providing both online and offline training in English and eventually other regional languages. A key goal of the initiative is to train one million teachers in the practical use of generative AI technologies. OpenAI also plans to organize hackathons across seven Indian states, aiming to engage around 25,000 students. Jason K., Chief Strategy Officer at OpenAI, reportedly said, 'India is emerging as one of the most dynamic hubs for AI innovation. We are thrilled to collaborate with IndiaAI to empower individuals with the skills and confidence to harness AI meaningfully in their daily lives and careers.' 'As demand for AI professionals is expected to reach 1 million by 2026, there's a significant opportunity and a need to expand AI skills, development and make sure people from every part of India can participate and benefit,' he added. The initiative comes at a time when OpenAI is navigating a challenging legal landscape in India, where it is attempting to argue that Indian courts lack jurisdiction over its United States-based operations. This position is likely to face scrutiny, especially given past instances where similar arguments by platforms like Elon Musk's X have been unsuccessful, and tech companies have come under pressure from Indian authorities over regulatory compliance. OpenAI is embroiled in a legal dispute initiated by the Indian news agency ANI. The case centers on allegations that OpenAI used copyrighted content without authorization, intensifying the legal and regulatory challenges the company faces in one of its most important markets. Major shift in Sam Altman's India vision In February, OpenAI's chief executive, Sam Altman, held discussions with India's Minister for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ashwini Vaishnaw, to explore collaborative opportunities in building an affordable and accessible AI infrastructure in India. The talks focused on areas such as the development of AI models, production of graphics processing units (GPUs), and the creation of practical AI-driven applications tailored to India's needs. 'Had super cool discussion with Sam Altman on our strategy of creating the entire AI stack – GPUs, model, and apps. Willing to collaborate with India on all three,' Vaishnaw wrote on X after the discussions. Altman's India visit marked a notable change in his outlook compared to his statements in 2023, when he expressed skepticism about the ability of countries outside the United States to develop cutting-edge AI technologies. His recent engagement signals a recognition of India's growing influence in the global AI landscape and its potential to become a key contributor to the next wave of AI advancements. 'India is an incredibly important market for AI in general, for OpenAI in particular. It's our second-biggest market, and we have tripled our users here in the last year… The country has embraced AI technology and is building the entire stack, from chips to models and applications,' Altman had said in February. India's AI market to more than triple to $17 billion by 2027 Altman's change in outlook toward India is no coincidence—it mirrors the nation's fast-growing influence in the global technology arena. Thanks to its vast digital population and abundance of skilled engineers, India is increasingly seen as a center for innovation, real-world testing, and large-scale implementation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. As the world's second-largest online market, boasting over 900 million Internet users, India presents a powerful combination of widespread mobile connectivity and strong digital infrastructure. This makes the South Asian powerhouse an ideal environment for launching scalable, affordable AI innovations tailored to both local and global needs. According to a report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), India's domestic AI market is projected to more than triple to $17 billion by 2027, making it one of the fastest-growing AI economies globally. This momentum is fueled by rising enterprise tech investments, a thriving digital ecosystem, and a robust talent base. 'India already has 600,000+ AI professionals, with the number expected to double to 1.25 million by 2027. The country accounts for 16% of the global AI talent pool, second only to the United States, a reflection of both its demographic advantage and STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education pipeline,' the BCG report said. The supporting infrastructure is also evolving rapidly. By 2025, the world's most populous country is set to establish 45 new data centers, adding approximately 1,015 megawatts of capacity to its existing network of 152 facilities. India's startup landscape is evolving just as quickly. The country is now home to more than 4,500 AI-driven startups, with nearly 40% founded in the past three years, the BCG report said. These companies are bringing innovation to a wide range of industries, including healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and financial services. Many of them are tackling unique Indian problems through AI-based solutions, which are increasingly gaining relevance on a global scale. 'With its talent, scale, infrastructure, and policy tailwinds, India is not just poised to adopt AI, it is positioned to help define how AI shapes the global economy,' the BCG report pointed out. In March 2024, the Indian government approved a funding package of approximately $1.24 billion for the IndiaAI Mission, to be implemented over a five-year period. This significant investment is designed to accelerate the country's AI ecosystem, drive innovation, and support entrepreneurial ventures. According to the Union Cabinet—the country's highest policy-making authority—the initiative is expected to benefit the public and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level. The IndiaAI Mission envisions the creation of a robust, inclusive AI ecosystem by addressing key areas such as equitable access to computing power, improved data quality, development of homegrown AI technologies, and fostering a skilled talent pool. It also aims to facilitate collaboration between academia and industry, support startups through risk capital, encourage socially beneficial AI applications, and uphold ethical standards in AI development. These goals are being pursued under seven foundational pillars that guide the Mission's framework. As part of its strategy, the Mission is building a scalable AI computing infrastructure tailored to the needs of India's expanding AI research and startup landscape. This includes setting up an advanced AI compute system equipped with over 18,000 GPUs, made possible through public-private partnerships. Eligible users will be able to access these computing resources at 40% reduced cost under the scheme, significantly lowering barriers to AI development and experimentation. In order for artificial intelligence (AI) to work right within the law and thrive in the face of growing challenges, it needs to integrate an enterprise blockchain system that ensures data input quality and ownership—allowing it to keep data safe while also guaranteeing the immutability of data. Check out CoinGeek's coverage on this emerging tech to learn more why Enterprise blockchain will be the backbone of AI . Watch: India posed to become leaders in Web3 title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
Cision Canada
16-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Seizing Canada's moment: Future Skills Centre announces $7.6 million investment in building skills and workforce resilience Français
TORONTO, June 16, 2025 /CNW/ - The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is driving innovation in skills development to help move the country forward through a $7.6 million investment funded by the Government of Canada's Future Skills program in 35 new projects to ensure Canada has a strong workforce for a resilient economy. With rapid economic shifts and the need for modernization of skills training, the FSC will invest in bold new ideas, scaling up proven solutions, and sharing insights across sectors and regions — so that Canada has people with the right skills, in the right places, at the right time. "This is Canada's moment to lead," says Noel Baldwin, FSC's Executive Director. "We see the challenges ahead – technological disruption, demographic shifts, global uncertainty – and we invest in workers and employers to build long-term, evidence-based solutions that will safeguard our future workforce. That's where FSC brings unique value." The new projects include both early-stage innovations and ready-to-launch programs that tackle today's most urgent skills challenges. They explore new ways to equip workers with green skills, strengthen digital and soft skills, support transitions to in-demand jobs, and help employers train and retain resilient teams. All funded projects align with the focus areas the Centre believes will support Canada's prosperity. "A strong Canada relies on a skilled workforce. To build the fastest growing economy in the G7, Canadians need skills training solutions that ensure they are ready for the careers of today and the future. Through these investments, over 103,000 Canadians across the country have gained access to skills training and employment opportunities that equip them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world," says Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. FSC's impact reaches every province, territory and sector. The centre anticipates where the labour market is headed so Canadians can be ready, works on solutions to stay competitive and grows partnerships to achieve change in the labour market for the better. FSC has secured funding until March 2027 and will continue informing policy and practice and supporting employers, workers and practitioners as they adapt to change. FSC is founded by a consortium whose members are Toronto Metropolitan University, Blueprint, and The Conference Board of Canada. 35 new projects being launched. Quick Facts FSC is awarding $7.6 million in funding to 35 new projects selected from more than 780 ideas submitted through the Skills Horizon open call for proposals to support an inclusive future of work. Through our new Designing Solutions initiative, FSC is working directly with 10 partner organizations to co-design community-rooted, skills-based interventions that bring promising ideas to life. Over the past six years FSC has invested $286 million in 390+ research and pilot projects to help workers, employers and policymakers meet the challenges of our evolving economy. 2,900+ project partners from coast-to-coast-to-coast are actively working with FSC to test solutions, further skills research and share insights through knowledge mobilization 103,000+ people have received hands-on training and/or new job opportunities through FSC-funded projects. 74% of projects support underserved groups including Black youth, Indigenous Peoples, and newcomers to Canada. About FSC The Future Skills Centre (FSC) is a forward-thinking centre for research and collaboration dedicated to driving innovation in skills development so that everyone in Canada can be prepared for the future of work. We partner with policymakers, researchers, practitioners, employers and labour groups, and post-secondary institutions to solve pressing labour market challenges and ensure that everyone can benefit from relevant lifelong learning opportunities. We are founded by a consortium whose members are Toronto Metropolitan University, Blueprint, and The Conference Board of Canada, and are funded by the Government of Canada's Future Skills Program.
Mint
05-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
OpenAI launches first global education platform in India in partnership with IndiaAI Mission
OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, has partnered with IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and IT to unveil its first international education platform, OpenAI Academy India. The initiative, launched on Thursday, marks a significant step in expanding access to artificial intelligence (AI) education and tools for diverse learner groups across the country. As part of the collaboration, OpenAI and IndiaAI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that outlines the shared objectives of fostering AI literacy and innovation. The Academy aims to bolster India's rapidly evolving digital ecosystem by empowering students, developers, educators, civil servants, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners with essential AI skills. You may be interested in The platform blends online and offline learning and will initially offer courses in English and Hindi, with plans to incorporate additional regional languages in the near future. OpenAI will also integrate its learning modules with the IndiaAI Mission's FutureSkills platform, alongside contributing educational content to iGOT Karmayogi, a capacity-building platform for government officials. 'This partnership represents a significant stride towards making cutting-edge AI tools and knowledge accessible to all,' said Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. 'By opening doors to future-ready skills, we are enabling our startups, researchers, and developers to innovate faster and more effectively.' To support grassroots innovation, OpenAI has committed to offering up to $100,000 in API credits to 50 startups or fellows approved by the IndiaAI Mission. Additionally, the Academy will organise a series of hackathons across seven Indian states, engaging around 25,000 students. Winners will be offered the opportunity to attend OpenAI's global Dev Day event. The Academy will also contribute to one of IndiaAI's most ambitious goals, training one million teachers in the application of generative AI technologies in education. Workshops and webinars conducted by OpenAI experts will take place in six major cities, further enriching the hybrid learning experience and community engagement. The programme's Knowledge Hub will provide free access to video lectures, interactive tutorials, real-world modules, and peer-based learning circles to encourage collaborative learning. Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer at OpenAI, lauded India's momentum in the AI sector, stating, 'India is emerging as one of the most dynamic hubs for AI innovation. We are thrilled to collaborate with IndiaAI to empower individuals with the skills and confidence to harness AI meaningfully in their daily lives and careers.'
