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Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Hatim Alshammari IFGICT: Smart City Professional
Riyadh, KSA – In a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 and its burgeoning smart city initiatives, Hatim Alshammari has officially become the first individual in the Kingdom to earn the prestigious Smart City Professional (SCP) certification from the International Federation of Global ICT (IFGICT). This achievement not only highlights Alshammari's dedication to cutting-edge urban development but also underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to building intelligent, sustainable, and high-quality urban environments. IFGICT, recognized as the world's largest ICT federation and a proud partner of the United Nations (UN), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), stands at the forefront of global ICT standards and certifications. Their Smart City Professional certification is a rigorous program designed to equip individuals with the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to conceptualize, implement, and manage smart city projects effectively. The certification covers a wide array of critical areas, including understanding smart city frameworks, compliance standards (including IFGICT, IEEE, and ITU guidelines), methodologies for smart city auditing, evaluating initiatives through KPIs, and addressing crucial ethical considerations like privacy and data protection. For Hatim Alshammari to achieve this certification first in a nation actively pursuing mega-smart city projects like NEOM and The Line, it signifies a deep understanding of the global best practices and the intricate challenges involved in urban digital transformation. Hatim Alshammari's journey to becoming Saudi Arabia's pioneering certified Smart City Professional is rooted in a rich and diverse professional background. With over eight years of experience as a process engineer in the demanding oil and gas industry, he has cultivated a robust skill set spanning operations, project execution, and, significantly, digital transformation initiatives. This foundation in optimizing complex systems and leveraging technology for efficiency directly translates to the demands of smart city development. His Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University provided him with a strong analytical and problem-solving framework. Beyond his engineering prowess, Alshammari has consistently sought to broaden his expertise, holding certifications from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and credentials in critical domains such as governance, risk management, compliance, and AI governance. These varied certifications demonstrate a holistic understanding of how technology, strategy, and ethical considerations intertwine in large-scale projects. 'My professional interests have evolved to include sustainability, smart city development, and the integration of emerging technologies with global development objectives,' states Hatim Alshammari. This evolution is a testament to his foresight and adaptability, recognizing the shifting global landscape towards sustainable and technologically advanced urban living. His background in managing complex industrial processes and spearheading digital transformations within a vital industry provides a unique perspective on implementing smart solutions on a city-wide scale. He understands the importance of robust infrastructure, data-driven decision-making, and seamless integration of various technological components – all vital for a truly smart city. Saudi Arabia is not just dabbling in smart city concepts; it is investing heavily in realizing a futuristic urban landscape as a cornerstone of its Vision 2030. Projects like NEOM, with its ambitious concepts such as 'The Line,' and the Red Sea Project, are globally recognized as exemplars of smart and sustainable urban planning. These initiatives aim to leverage cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and renewable energy to create environments that prioritize efficiency, connectivity, environmental sustainability, and an unparalleled quality of life. The Kingdom's strategic emphasis on smart cities necessitates a highly skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of these mega-projects. Hatim Alshammari's IFGICT Smart City Professional certification positions him as a key asset in this transformative national endeavor. His expertise will be instrumental in ensuring that these projects adhere to international best practices, uphold ethical standards in technology deployment, and effectively utilize data to optimize urban services. The presence of a certified Smart City Professional like Hatim Alshammari in Saudi Arabia brings several critical advantages: IFGICT's SCP certification ensures that professionals are well-versed in globally recognized standards and methodologies for smart city planning and implementation. This means Saudi Arabia's smart city projects can be developed with an assurance of quality, interoperability, and long-term sustainability. A core component of smart city development is the effective use of data. Alshammari's expertise in process engineering and digital transformation, combined with his SCP knowledge, will facilitate the creation of data-driven strategies for everything from traffic management and resource allocation to public safety and environmental monitoring. With a personal interest in sustainability, Hatim Alshammari's certification will contribute directly to Saudi Arabia's goals of building environmentally conscious cities powered by renewable energy and optimized for resource efficiency. This is crucial for achieving the Kingdom's long-term environmental objectives. His background in governance, risk management, and compliance, augmented by the SCP certification, makes him invaluable in navigating the complex regulatory and ethical landscapes of smart city development, particularly concerning data privacy and the responsible use of AI. As the first in KSA to achieve this significant certification, Hatim Alshammari serves as an inspiration for other Saudi professionals to pursue specialized knowledge in smart city development, thereby building a local talent pool critical for the Kingdom's future. Hatim Alshammari's achievement is more than just a personal accolade; it's a significant stride for Saudi Arabia as it continues its journey towards a technologically advanced and sustainable future. With his unique blend of engineering expertise, digital transformation leadership, and newly acquired smart city certification, he is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the Kingdom's urban landscapes into intelligent, livable, and truly innovative centers. His pioneering spirit exemplifies Saudi Arabia's commitment to Vision 2030, demonstrating that the nation is not just dreaming of smart cities, but actively building them with globally recognized expertise. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Herald Sun
17-07-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Reward outweighs risk for these West African gold miners
Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. West Africa has been the best place to explore for gold in the past 15 years And if you can handle the risk, the rewards remain rich according to SCP Resource Finance Many Peaks among the smallest stocks to catch SCP's eye Despite a higher sovereign risk profile, the West African gold space punches well above its weight in terms of discovery and corporate activity. ASX 200 producers Perseus Mining (ASX:PRU) and West African Resources (ASX:WAF) have established themselves among the lowest cost and most consistent gold miners on the ASX, paving the way for others to follow. A new report from SCP Resource Finance analyst Justin Chan described West Africa as the most dynamic region over the past 15 years for gold discoveries, new mine builds, M&A and the emergence of new mid-tier miners. 'What makes West Africa special is the combination of geology, year-round exploration/construction, fast permitting, and 'low-hanging fruit' that enables companies to find and build a mine within one gold price cycle, enabling investors to avoid the 'washing machine cycle' of projects stalling in bad markets or waiting for permits,' he said. 'Moreover, while Africa has its challenges, the silver lining is we think the executives and operators in Africa are serious and driven to achieve a discovery, build a mine, or transact quickly; Africa is no place for 'lifestyle' companies.' Punching above its discovery weight Unlike more mature jurisdictions, Chan pointed out that it was still possible for explorers to find open-pittable deposits with attractive grades, metallurgy and low capital intensity in West Africa. 'The numbers speak for themselves: more than 70 million ounces have been discovered in West Africa from 2010-2024 versus 37Moz in Canada, 30Moz in Australia and 30Moz in the USA over the same period per S&P Market Intelligence,' he said. That's despite West Africa attracting a third of the spend of those other jurisdictions. Major discoveries in recent years include Predictive Discovery's (ASX:PDI) 5.5Moz Bankan in Guinea and Montage Gold's 6Moz Koné project in Côte d'Ivoire, the latter of which is in construction. Last year, Turaco Gold (ASX:TCG) reported an initial resource of 2.5Moz for its Afema project in Côte d'Ivoire just five months after completing the acquisition. The resource has since increased to 3.6Moz. Rapid builds SCP said despite the high rate of discoveries, mine builds had outpaced them over the past 10 years. New builds in the past five years have included West African's Sanbrado in Burkina Faso, Perseus' Yaoure in Côte d'Ivoire, Orezone's Bomboré in Burkina Faso, Tietto Minerals' Abujar in Côte d'Ivoire, Fortuna Mining Corp's Séguéla in Côte d'Ivoire, and Endeavour Mining's Lafigué in Côte d'Ivoire and Sabodala-Massawa in Senegal. Just over two weeks ago, West African confirmed it had poured first gold at its Kiaka mine in Burkina Faso, ahead of schedule and under budget and just 3.5 years after acquiring the project from B2Gold. SCP said the builds had cleared 'two generations' of projects from the development pipeline. 'We think projects that can start building in the 2026-2028 window are in the sweet spot: we think nearly all the Africa focused producers will be or are actively looking for projects within this window, and nearly all of them have built mines recently, thus are not afraid of a buy and build,' Chan said. Deals flowing M&A has also progressed at a frenetic rate. In the past five years, Perseus Mining acquired Orca Gold and Orecorp, Cardinal Resources was swallowed by Shandong Gold, Azumah Minerals was consumed by Ibaera Capital, Oklo Resources was picked up by B2Gold, Chesser Resources annexed by Fortuna and Tietto mopper up by Zhaojin Capital. And that's just on the ASX. In Toronto, SEMAFO merged with Endeavour, Fortuna collected Roxgold, Chifeng Jilong took over Golden Star Resources and AngloGold Ashanti made away with Centamin. SCP expects Perseus to be an active acquirer with its 17.8% stake in Predictive Discovery in focus. Chan also sees West African as a natural acquirer that would benefit from jurisdictional diversification now that its second mine build is done. SCP's other top candidates to be potential predators were Allied Gold Corporation, Robex Resources Inc (ASX:RXR) and Montage, but considered Resolute Mining (ASX:RSG), Orezone, Galiano Gold, Fortuna and the Chinese miners as other potentially active players. Montage, backed by Lundin and Zijin, has recently been busy building stakes in Côte d'Ivoire explorers Aurum Resources (ASX:AUE), African Gold (ASX:A1G) and Sanu Gold. Robex recently listed on the ASX and Orezone last week lodged a prospectus for a $75 million ASX listing, which would loosen its paper to pick up Aussie companies. The next generation 'We think the window is wide open for West African gold explorers, with the gold price consolidating above US$3000/oz, risk capital available for high quality management teams, and a competitive M&A environment for build-ready projects,' Chan said. In the report, Chan initiated coverage on Turaco, with a buy rating and $1.20 price target, and already covers Canada's Newcore Gold, which is advancing the Enchi project in Ghana. SCP expects that Turaco could become one of the next 150,000-200,000oz per annum producers in the region with a resource of 4-5Moz and permits and a final investment decision in hand by the end of next year. 'We also highlight our top picks of the explorers – Sanu in Guinea; Aurum, Awalé and Many Peaks in northern Côte d'Ivoire; and African Gold and Kobo in central Côte d'Ivoire,' Chan said. 'We think these companies have the right combination of ground, quality management and attractive locations to potentially make a discovery and move to production this cycle.' No resource? No worries Many Peaks Minerals (ASX:MPK) has the smallest market cap of the ASX-listed companies mentioned in the report and is the only one yet to report a resource. However, the company has been making rapid progress since acquiring the Ferké gold project from Turaco last year, which has caught the attention of SCP. Chan said the mineralisation at Many Peaks' Ouarigue target is hosted in a tonalite intrusive unit, which is a similar host setting to the multimillion-ounce Bankan and Fekola deposits. 'We like what we've seen so far for two reasons,' he said, pointing to the consistency of the tonalite mineralisation and the high-grade zone. On Tuesday, Many Peaks reported that drilling had extended mineralisation along strike and at depth, with increasing widths of the mineralised zones intersected reinforcing the potential for a bulk tonnage target. New results included 87m at 1.67g/t gold from 221m, including 29m at 3.46g/t gold; and 84m at 1.53g/t gold from 58m, including 2m at 18.1g/t gold and 8m at 2.11g/t gold, including 2m at 7.43g/t gold. On Wednesday, Many Peaks raised $13.5 million in a heavily supported private placement at 72c per share, a 5% premium to the company's 15-day volume-weighted average price. The funds will be used to complete drilling and studies for the preparation of an initial resource estimate. SCP forecasts an initial resource of 300,000-700,000oz of gold at 1-2g/t gold. 'That doesn't include the higher-grade zone – thus we think circa 500,000oz is a good target for an initial MRE at Ouarigue South with potential to expand along strike to the north and south.' At Stockhead, we tell it like it is. While Many Peaks Minerals is a Stockhead advertiser, it did not sponsor this article. Originally published as West Africa can't be ignored for investors looking to play the gold boom
Business Wire
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Wolters Kluwer ranked as Leader in Nucleus Research Supply Chain Planning Technology Value Matrix
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional information, software solutions and services, has been named Leader for the fifth consecutive year in the Nucleus Research Supply Chain Planning (SCP) Technology Value Matrix. The report recognizes the finance-forward CCH ® Tagetik Supply Chain Planning solution for leveraging AI and integrating supply chain, financial and operational data to expedite and improve company-wide planning. Karen Abramson, CEO of Wolters Kluwer Corporate Performance & ESG, said: ' Wolters Kluwer's repeated Leader rankings in the Nucleus Research SCP Technology Value Matrix demonstrate our commitment to excellence and innovation. Our AI-powered CCH Tagetik Intelligent Platform enables the digital transformation of the office of the CFO and enhances organizational visibility into supply chain, financial and operational data. We remain committed to product excellence and innovation, anticipating market trends and delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.' For 2025, Nucleus Research highlighted new CCH Tagetik capabilities including Ask AI, a super agent that harnesses agentic AI to enable the simplification of scenario planning, forecast analysis and user interaction through visual dashboards, graphs and reports AI-based predictive intelligence and extended planning solutions. In addition, the report highlights further AI-enabled enhancements including driver-based analysis that supports Supply Chain Leaders, CFOs and their peers to identify opportunities and optimize operational efficiencies, resulting in faster, more accurate and better-informed decisions. Charles Brennan, Senior Analyst, Nucleus Research, said: ' Many businesses struggle to manage their vast amounts of data effectively. Organizations need a supply chain planning tool to analyze and integrate this data for better decision-making and cost reduction. Nucleus found that Wolters Kluwer's investments in AI and integrated business planning enable CCH Tagetik customers to manage complex data more effectively, enhance enterprise planning and achieve stronger returns on investment.' Wolters Kluwer Corporate Performance & ESG (CP & ESG) division is the world's leading provider of integrated software solutions for EHS, ESG, Corporate Performance Management and Audit and Assurance. Through innovative technology and unique expertise, Wolters Kluwer CP & ESG enables business leaders to make informed, strategic decisions driving transformation, performance and risk management for a sustainable and resilient world. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in healthcare; tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2024 annual revenues of €5.9 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,600 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. For more information, visit follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
SCP Security manager urges homeowners to boost security measures
SCP Security is urging residents to improve their home safety following a noticeable rise in thefts across Randburg. According to Jaun van der Westhuizen, manager at SCP Security, there has been an increase in gate motor thefts, as well as the theft of bicycles, gas bottles, and outdoor lights. He believes this is largely due to homes being poorly secured or residents becoming too relaxed. Read more: SCP Fire and Rescue Unit is the saving grace of green spaces 'People leave things out in the open,' said Van der Westhuizen. 'It might not seem like a big deal, but criminals see an opportunity. Out of sight, out of mind.' He recommends that homeowners prioritise three main upgrades: Secure your gate with an anti-lift bracket and gate alarm. Maintain your electric fence by ensuring it's working and free from overgrown plants. Have a working alarm system that's linked to a reputable armed response company and tested weekly. 'Your alarm system is your early warning. It can save your life,' Van der Westhuizen said. SCP has seen success through the use of gate alarms, which have helped prevent crimes and led to several arrests during attempted thefts. For those on a budget, Van der Westhuizen suggests starting with good lighting and securing your main gate. SCP also offers affordable packages, including a mobile panic app, entry-level alarm systems, and camera installations. If suspicious activity is noticed, residents are urged to press their panic button or contact their security company immediately. SCP, SAPS, and Community Policing Forum (CPF) members also monitor local crime WhatsApp groups. Van der Westhuizen advised that SCP Security offers free home and fire safety assessments. Visit or email [email protected] to book an inspection. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Congress ‘digging pit' to oust Siddaramaiah: K'taka BJP
Karnataka BJP claimed on Monday that Congress is digging a pit for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the wake of the recent developments in the ruling party. Karnataka Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said that just as the Congress high command dug a 'political pit' for President Mallikarjun Kharge, it is now doing the same for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Narayanaswamy said the Congress High Command is resorting to various political strategies to remove Siddaramaiah from the post of Chief Minister. He sarcastically said that the party had already dug a pit for Mallikarjun Kharge, taken him to Delhi, and sidelined him by making him a namesake president. 'Even though Kharge is the president of the AICC, whenever he speaks, he seems to refer to a different high command. Now, they've dug a pit for CM Siddaramaiah. It appears Siddaramaiah has understood the game plan of the AICC,' he added. Meanwhile, Narayanaswamy reiterated his earlier claim that the Congress government in Karnataka is anti-Dalit and is systematically ruining the Dalit community. He demanded that the government release a white paper on the justice it has delivered to officials during its tenure. He also accused the government of misusing funds earmarked for Dalit welfare - specifically SCP (Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan) and TSP (Tribal Sub-Plan) funds - for loan guarantees, thereby denying Dalits their rightful benefits. Responding to a question about CM's Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy's remark, 'Do you want roads or guarantees?', Narayanaswamy said: 'Rayareddy is effectively speaking on behalf of the Chief Minister. He is a financial expert, an advisor to the CM, and represents both the Congress party and the government's voice. The underlying message here is: 'We've given guarantees, so no one else should question us.'' He accused the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of using Rayareddy to indirectly communicate what they could not say themselves. He demanded a response from the leaders who often project themselves on TV as champions of Dalit causes. He reminded that B.R. Ambedkar had once said the Congress was like a burning house for Dalits and had urged them to leave the party. 'This proves beyond doubt that the Congress party is anti-Dalit,' he concluded. Even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has denied being appointed by Congress as Chairperson of the party's National OBC Advisory Committee, the BJP has said this is a step towards ousting him from the post.
