Latest news with #NCAI
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
'We have truly lost the titan of the art world'
Late Zeitz MOCAA Executive Director and Chief Curator Koyo Kouoh. Mehdi Benkler Image: Mehdi Benkler Those who wish to honour and pay their respects to the remarkable legacy, leadership, and dedication of Koyo Kouoh, may do so at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) Scheryn Arena. Cameroonian curator Kouoh, the head of the top contemporary art museum in Africa and first African woman appointed to lead the Venice Biennale, died Saturday, the Zeitz MOCAA confirmed. The museum had closed to the public and suspended all public programming, and reopened on Tuesday. Those who wish to pay their respects to Kouoh, can visit the Zeitz MOCAA's Scheryn Arena on Level 0. Guests can also leave messages of condolence and remembrance in the space. Those unable to visit the museum are welcome to add a message to the digital tributes by visiting the museum's website. 'Our thoughts are with Koyo's family at this time,' Zeitz MOCAA said. Tributes have been pouring in from around the globe, highlighting the impact of Kouoh's life on the art world. Iziko Museums of South Africa said her sudden passing was a profound loss to the cultural heritage and museum sectors, impacting the arts fraternity in Cape Town, Africa, and across the globe. 'Her legacy will continue to inspire and influence the arts community for years to come.' Goodman Gallery said: 'Together with both the South African and global art community we mark the loss of a curatorial leader whose vision shaped global dialogues.' The National Gallery of Zimbabwe said it was with great sadness that they learnt of the sudden death of friend and constant collaborator, Kouoh. 'Koyo's influence and encouraging presence here in Zimbabwe, on the globe, will be a void that will be felt. She worked with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe over the course of the last decade and her contribution to the development of Zimbabwe art is unfathomable. 'We have truly lost the titan of the art world." The Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) said the influential curator shaped contemporary African art and inspired a generation of artists and curators. 'Koyo was a dear friend and steadfast supporter of NCAI from our very beginning, having been present at the first gathering where the idea for NCAI was born. Her unwavering belief in our vision helped transform what was once just a dream into the vibrant community we are today. 'Her visionary work not only left an indelible mark on the African and global art world but charted a path forward for so many who followed in her footsteps. Koyo served as a lodestar in our community - a champion of spirit and imagination who made so much possible for countless artists, curators, and institutions across the global art community.' Cape Times
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AI in Egyptian Tourism: Unlocking Innovation, Overcoming Challenges
The Egyptian tourism industry is embracing the power of digital transformation to enhance visitor experiences and streamline operations. With its rich history and cultural heritage, Egypt can benefit significantly from artificial intelligence (AI) applications like augmented reality (AR). However, while AI offers substantial economic potential, challenges remain in its implementation. Addressing these hurdles presents both risks and opportunities for investment and development, paving the way for a brighter future in Egypt's tourism. AI Innovation in Egyptian Tourism The National Council for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) recently launched the second edition of Egypt's National AI Strategy for 2025-2030. This coincides with a significant global, regional, and local surge in AI development. By 2030, the information and communication technology (ICT) sector is projected to contribute 7.7% to Egypt's gross domestic product (GDP), with the number of AI professionals and experts anticipated to reach 30,000, according to the strategy. As part of this digital transformation, AI integration is becoming a key factor in the evolution of several economic sectors, including tourism. Dina Samir ElWakkad, an economics instructor and economist, tells Arab Finance: 'AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants improve customer satisfaction by providing 24/7 multilingual support and instant responses to inquiries.' 'Personalized recommendations also increase visitor engagement and retention, fostering tailored traveler experiences. Moreover, AI enables airlines and hotels to attract more tourists via competitive dynamic pricing.' Meanwhile, Daria Lavender, a tourism professional, acknowledges AI's role in making travel more convenient and accessible. 'Despite AI's effectiveness in processing data and suggesting optimal solutions, the final analysis of information should still be left to humans,' she says. 'The integration of AI-powered tools such as AR, virtual reality (VR), and robotics opens new perspectives for tourism. For example, AR guides in museums and VR tours allow people to explore attractions remotely. Such technologies make travel more interactive and accessible,' Lavender highlights. Additionally, ElWakkad notes that AI-driven predictive analytics can help tourism stakeholders forecast demand, control crowds, and allocate resources. This would enhance services in congested areas such as airports and historical sites. 'Improved smart surveillance and AI-enabled security solutions provide safer travel experiences, further improving Egypt's reputation as a tourist destination,' she adds. AI in Egyptian Museums Egyptian museums have already started deploying AI tools. From November 2023 to January 2024, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) hosted the Immersive Tutankhamun Exhibition, allowing visitors to experience the golden king's life through interactive, cutting-edge digital projections. In November 2024, to mark the Egyptian Museum's 122nd anniversary, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities partnered with Meta to launch the "Revival". This initiative utilizes Instagram's AR filters to digitally restore artifacts at the Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). The goal is to enhance visitor engagement and promote digital cultural preservation. Eman, a 32-year-old archaeology graduate and a stay-at-home mother, shares her experience with Arab Finance: 'The AR experience transformed my museum visit. I gained a deeper understanding of the artifacts in an engaging and accessible way, eliminating the need for a guide. I did not miss crucial details. It felt like I was truly experiencing history.' 'As a parent, I found the AR experience fantastic for engaging children. It made learning about history fun and accessible, without boredom. My five-year-old daughter absolutely loved it, and I believe it fosters a genuine appreciation for museums and history.' Challenges and Opportunities of AI Integration in Tourism Integrating AI in Egypt's tourism sector comes a number of challenges. ElWakkad clarifies, 'Regardless of AI's capabilities, multiple obstacles prevent its acceptance in Egypt's tourism industry. One primary issue is unaffordability in AI-associated infrastructure and the overall digitization efforts, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Government grants, financial aid, and other public and private collaborations would help smaller businesses adopt AI.' Another significant challenge is the lack of AI proficiency and basic digital skills among professionals, ElWakkad points out, adding that many companies struggle to adopt AI due to a shortage of qualified employees. This issue can be addressed by introducing AI training programs tailored to hospitality and tourism, along with specialized seminars for older employees in the sector. Despite these challenges, ElWakkad highlights the great investment opportunities AI offers for tourism in Egypt. 'Investing in smart tourism systems, including AI-based travel planning, virtual tours, and AR tours, is a major opportunity.' 'Another great investment opportunity would be the development of AI-powered mobile applications, such as travel planners and AI guide specialists,' ElWakkad adds. The hospitality industry can also benefit from AI, as smart hotels can adopt innovations such as energy-saving automation systems, facial recognition for check-ins, and voice-controlled guest room features. Investing in AI-driven hospitality solutions can evolve Egypt into a modern tech tourism destination, according to ElWakkad. AI and digitalization sector hold immense potential for enhancing visitor experiences and streamlining operations in Egypt's tourism. AI applications like AR are transforming the way tourists interact with historical sites and cultural artifacts, offering personalized and immersive experiences. By embracing innovation and sustainability, Egypt can ensure a vibrant future for its tourism sector, balancing economic growth with cultural preservation. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Associated Press
11-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Think Tech, Think Pakistan: Pakistan Software Export Board to Participate in LEAP 2025
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pakistan is making bold strides in the global tech landscape, emerging as a key player in artificial intelligence, digital finance, and startup innovation. As the Pakistan Software Export Board prepares to take the spotlight at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, it presents a compelling narrative of digital transformation, investment potential, and technological excellence. This marks Pakistan's biggest ever participation at an international event with over 100 companies and 1,000+ delegates on board, showcasing a booming IT industry, progressive policies, and a rapidly growing talent pool that is poised for unprecedented growth in the digital economy. A Digital Nation on the Rise At the heart of Pakistan's transformation is the Digital Nation Pakistan (DNP) Act. This landmark policy is designed to bolster innovation, attract both foreign and domestic investment, and empower entrepreneurs. By strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and nurturing a knowledge-driven economy, the DNP Act is positioning Pakistan as a premier destination for global tech players looking for new markets and opportunities. Working under the proactive guidance of the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT), alongside the broader Digital Pakistan Policy, these initiatives are cultivating an environment where technology fuels every aspect of economic and social development. Pakistan-Saudi Arabia: A Strategic Tech Partnership Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a long-standing relationship that is now evolving into a powerful alliance in technology and innovation. Both nations are increasingly exploring avenues for collaboration in digital transformation and tech-driven projects. Early initiatives and discussions ranging from cybersecurity and smart infrastructure to startup investments, signal a growing commitment to shared growth. Moreover, Pakistan's robust business ties with the Kingdom are underscored by the significant presence of Pakistani companies operating in Saudi Arabia, further strengthening economic bonds and opening up new markets for innovation. A Unified Digital Vision for LEAP In line with LEAP's focus on shaping the future of technology, Pakistan is presenting a unified digital vision that weaves together its advancements in AI, fintech, and digital solutions. A key component of this vision is the work undertaken by the National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), a collaborative network of research labs across leading universities. The NCAI has already developed over 221 AI-driven solutions that are transforming sectors such as healthcare, media monitoring, and intelligent transportation. By integrating AI into its digital strategy, Pakistan strengthens its commitment to innovation and leadership in emerging tech. A Flourishing Startup Ecosystem Pakistan's startup landscape is experiencing remarkable growth. With over $800 million raised in venture capital funding in recent years, the nation's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in its dynamic ecosystem. A youthful, tech-savvy population combined with forward-thinking policies and an investor-friendly climate has given rise to groundbreaking startups in fintech, edtech, AI, and e-commerce. At LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, Pakistan will not only showcase its vibrant startup ecosystem from its dedicated pavilion but is also expecting to generate approximately $15 million in business over the next year! A Vision for Digital Empowerment Pakistan's commitment to digital empowerment spans all sectors. Government initiatives, led by the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT), are driving the adoption of smart technologies in education, healthcare, and public services, ensuring that the benefits of digital innovation reach every corner of society. This strategic approach is designed to create an ecosystem where technology acts as a catalyst for inclusive growth, enhanced quality of life, and sustainable development. By nurturing local talent and fostering innovation hubs, Pakistan is building a resilient digital economy that is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Why Pakistan? The Ultimate Tech Destination Several factors make Pakistan an attractive hub for technology and innovation: Strategic Location: Positioned as a gateway to South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, Pakistan offers access to diverse and emerging markets. World-Class Talent: With over 600,000 IT professionals and more than 75,000 IT graduates entering the workforce annually, Pakistan boasts a robust talent pool ready to drive technological advancements. Proactive Policies: The government's commitment to digital transformation is reflected in its investor-friendly regulations, special tech zones, and substantial incentives for startups and tech companies. Expanding Digital Infrastructure: Rapidly growing broadband access, advanced research hubs, and cloud computing developments are laying the groundwork for a future-ready digital ecosystem. A Call to Global Innovators Pakistan is not only transforming its own digital landscape but is also building bridges with key partners like Saudi Arabia to catalyze regional innovation. This strategic collaboration is opening up exciting opportunities for cross-border investments, joint research projects, and talent exchanges that promise to accelerate technological advancements on both sides. At LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, Pakistan extends an open invitation to investors, innovators, and tech leaders to join in its extraordinary journey toward a digitally empowered future. With its robust ecosystem, forward-looking policies, and strong international partnerships, Pakistan is ready to shape the future of technology for generations to come.
