Latest news with #Wikicommons
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Malaysia moving at own pace'
The TAI Anka is a series of UAVs developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries chiefly for the Turkish Air Force. Malaysia has bought three units for military use. — Wikicommons COUNTRIES like Singapore and South Korea have integrated artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance, predictive logistics and cyber command structures into their militaries. How does Malaysia's cyber and AI modernisation trajectory compare with regional peers and strategic partners, and what best practices or models can be realistically emulated? Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia's cyber and technology policy programme director Farlina Said says Malaysia is moving at its own pace, especially given fiscal, strategic priorities and policy considerations. Best practices from efforts like Singapore's Digital Defence and Nato's DIANA (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) 'are the interlinkages between basic cybersecurity practices, the need to ensure system and society resilience is high in times of conflict and times of peace, in addition to the role R&D and innovation would play for force development', she says. 'However, Malaysia would have to be prudent with adoption and projects so developments could grow at a measured pace.' Farlina says AI and cyber capabilities are no longer optional. — How will military modernisation transform the existing command structure? Farlina says AI can be employed in a number of ways to assist with decision-making and operational effectiveness. 'It can analyse images, detect threats, analyse data, conduct administrative tasks, generate efficient logistics suggestions, or support training in intuitive ways. 'As such, the military would have to develop the digital ecosystem and talent to operate and address these challenges. 'There are challenges in regard to talent, especially to train and sustain. Preparing for an AI-ena-bled or AI-combat ready proficiency does require preparing the ecosystem so it is capable of searching for and exploiting vulnerabilities which strengthens AI usage.' But it may not absolutely change command structures, says Farlina. 'Battlefield dynamics for joint operations may have greater considerations for sovereignty, and experts have already noted the difficulty in shared assets for the digital ecosystem, especially on the interoperability of algorithms.' Farlina says Malaysia has to consider both strategic and tactical goals in realising AI ambitions. 'Malaysia passed the Cyber-security Act last year which addresses protection of critical infrastructure. This also recognises the defence sector as critical thus mandating cybersecurity standards, processes and obligations in the supply chain.' On the types of AI-enabled or cyber-resilient equipment that should be prioritised in Malaysia's procurement strategy, Farlina says Malaysia 'may be in a place for talent acquisition and development'. However, she says Malaysia would have to consider the role of building or customising AI which could strengthen the armed forces' ability to achieve goals during operations. 'Tactics and strategy can change with ICT because perhaps there are assets you would have to protect that may not have been there before. Mapping strengths, weaknesses and functions of AI within specific teams could be useful to understand interoperability.'
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Strong homegrown ecosystem needed
UAVs, which come in different shapes and sizes. — Wikicommons TO reduce dependence on external vendors, Malaysia must develop a strong homegrown innovation ecosystem, says Universiti Malaya's International Institute of Public Policy deputy executive director Dr Muhammad Danial Azman. He says we can begin by forming close partnerships between government, industry and academia, supported by clear policies and stable funding. Danial outlines several key components that can be explored, including public-private-academic consortia to establish defence R&D clusters that unite universities, sovereign funds and established primes. 'Co-fund projects from bench to field via matching grants, ensuring pathways to commercialisation for breakthroughs. Or host annual 'Defence Innovation Challenges' to crowdsource AI and UAV solutions from local startups,' he suggests. Also proposed is the building of defence technology sandboxes which entails the creation of regulatory zones where SMEs can test ISR sensors, autonomy software and communication links on military bases; and fast-track certification for proven prototypes, reducing red tape from years to months. 'We can use data from sandboxes to improve doctrines and operational concepts.' The concept of modular, open- architecture platforms can also be considered. Danial says open interfaces can be mandated for AI payloads and drone subsystems, enabling plug-and-play upgrades from various vendors, other than encouraging local SMEs to specialise in niche modules –such as vision processors, secure data links, or payload dispensers – rather than entire platforms. 'Use commercial off-the-shelf hardware where possible, then gradually replace critical parts with Malaysian-designed components.' When it comes to policy and procurement measures, Danial suggests the enforcement of local content requirements in defence procurement, with clear metrics on technology transfer. 'Include co-development clauses in all major contracts, ensuring primes collaborate with Malaysian entities from the start. Allocate a portion of the Defence White Paper budget exclusively for early-stage, high-risk and high-reward indigenous projects.' At the same time, building public trust in defence procurement depends on three pillars: independent oversight, tiered transparency and adaptive contracting. 'These must collaborate to illuminate budgets and schedules without revealing sensitive capabilities or restricting commanders' flexibility.' Among others, Danial says governance mechanisms for accountability may include several policy options such as the establishment of an independent defence audit commission and empowering parliamentary oversight cells with security clearance to review classified annexes.
Local France
10-07-2025
- Local France
Diagonal du vide - What's really in France's so-called 'empty' middle?
Crossing through around 20 départements, the diagonale du vide (empty diagonal) is a term used by French people to describe a large band of rural areas that are allegedly empty of people, transport services and basic infrastructure. It's a French version of what Americans call the 'fly-over' states - but don't be fooled by the dismissive rhetoric, this strip contains some of the loveliest parts of France. Source: Wikicommons / to Commons by Tael What is the diagonale du vide? Coined in the 1980s by French geographers, the diagonale du vide is an area roughly ranging from the Ardennes department in the North-East to the Pyrénées mountains in the South-West. The diagonal goes right through the Massif Central, home to Europe's oldest and largest volcano (now dormant), in the heart of France. So, is it really empty? The simple answer is of course, no. The name just represents the bit of France with the lowest density of population, caused mainly by a rural exodus that began at the end of the 19th century up until the 1960s. Advertisement French students are taught in public schools that the 'empty diagonal' accounts for 42 percent of France but is home to only 6.5 percent of the population. These days, the term is often used to highlight the inequalities that some rural areas in France face compared to cities, such as lack of public transportation, lack of proper access to healthcare facilities, low tourism, etc. For example, the Ardèche department does not have a single train station and the département of Creuse does not have any dermatologists. Not so empty But as well as being a bit patronising, the term is also criticised for being inaccurate. 'It's criticised by local stakeholders because it's stigmatising," said Vincent Béal, professor of political and territorial studies at the Jean Monnet University in Saint Etienne. "How are they supposed to attract investors and inhabitants if you say there's nothing? There's not 'nothing' there. You have industries, inhabitants and things happening." In fact, the diagonal includes major cities such as Toulouse in the south-west or Reims, the capital of the Champagne region in the north east. Some major French armament industries are located in Bourges, smack bang in the middle of the "empty" diagonal and the global tyre manufacturer, Michelin, is headquartered in Clermont Ferrand - which is itself a thriving and vibrant town. Throughout the past thirty years, some areas have gradually repopulated, like the Puy-de-Dôme department, which is growing increasingly attractive thanks to beautiful landscapes, access to major cities and affordable housing. Vincent Béal lives not far from Ambert, a small town in the Puy-de-Dôme department which is close to Clermont Ferrand and Saint Etienne and which recently launched a "€1 home" scheme to attract more people to the area. He told The Local: 'It's a beautiful place in the heart of a regional natural park. It's not too touristy. "I know quite a few people who settled here recently. Last week, a friend of mine sprained his ankle on a hike and we got him to the hospital in ten minutes." 'Left behind places' As experts highlight, the diagonale du vide is nowadays too homogeneous a term to represent such a vast space. 'From a national perspective, it's true that the diagonal is the least densely populated area of France," said Max Rousseau, a geography and political sciences researcher and professor at the University of Lyon. Advertisement "But from a local point of view, things are moving in different directions - some areas are becoming more attractive while others are still declining." For example, former industrial areas in north eastern France, such as the Ardennes, Meuse or Haute Marne departments, are struggling to attract younger people and are considered to be in decline by experts. But more than that, the diagonale du vide tends to pit a declining countryside versus booming cities, which is a mistake according to Rousseau. 'It's wrong to say that the countryside is abandoned compared to big cities, which accumulate all the wealth. You'll find derelict areas just as much in the inner suburbs of Paris as in the de-industrialised countryside. Inequalities cut across the urban-rural divide,' he said. In fact, some rural areas in the diagonal are also home to extreme wealth. Advertisement 'In the Montagne de Reims, where all the (Champagne) vineyards are, it costs a million euro for a hectare of land,' Rousseau said. He is currently working on a project called 'Territoires Délaissés,' which is based on the notion of 'left behind places,' coined by British geographers. According to Rousseau, this term could adequately describe areas in decline in France without the imposed geography of the 'empty diagonal'. Today, you might hear a French person using the diagonale du vide either as a derogatory term against rural départements or as a way to reclaim a cliché and be proud of where they come from. 'The term was biased in the 80s, and it's even more so today. There is a saying that the 'empty diagonal is no longer what it never was,'' added Vincent Béal. But no matter the amount of people living there, the 'empty diagonal' has always been the heart of stunning heritage sites, castles hidden in sprawling forests, picturesque villages and their centuries-old churches, as well as wild landscapes.
The South African
19-06-2025
- The South African
6 Breathtaking escapes to nature
There's a reason glamping in South Africa is on the rise. The blending of glamour and camping offers all the comfort of a luxurious hotel and a sense of closeness to nature. South Africa is often described as a 'world in one country', thanks to the variety of stunning landscapes our country boasts. That's certainly true when it comes to the best glamping spots in the land. Treetop canopy? Coastal gem? Sparse desert landscape? You can take your pick! Last year, glamping generated a whopping $65 million (approximately R1.18 billion) for the South African tourism industry. So, if you're venturing into the bush with all your creature comforts packed, rest assured that you are in very good company. Nestled among ancient trees and fynbos, glamping in South Africa's coastal forests often means raised wooden tents or eco-cabins. The indigenous Knysna and Tsitsikamma Forests are perfect for birdwatching, hikes with plenty of shade, and off-grid relaxation. Glamping spots include: Teniqua Treetops (Sedgefield, Western Cape) or Misty Mountains Reserve (Storms River, Eastern Cape) The Karoo is a beautiful spot for glamping in South Africa. Image via Wikicommons. With vast open plains, endless silence, and almost zero light pollution, the Karoo is one of the best places in the Southern Hemisphere for stargazing. This South African glamping destination provides solitude and an intense, surreal connection to nature. Glamping spots include: Mount Camdeboo Pods (Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape) or Tankwa Tented Camp (between Ceres and Calvinia, Northern Cape) Picture waking up in a luxury tent with a 3000-metre mountain outside your door…With excellent hiking and birdwatching, the Drakensberg is full of dramatic scenery. But there's plenty of peace and quiet on offer, too, especially from a cosy tent with a view. Glamping spots include: Mahai Glamping (Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal) or AfriCamps Champagne Valley (Cathkin Park, KwaZulu-Natal) The Eastern Cape's Wild Coast is a sometimes overlooked gem. This remote stretch of coastline offers dramatic cliffs, green rolling hills, and untouched beaches. This is also an excellent glamping spot in South Africa for culture-lovers who want to experience Xhosa culture. Glamping spots include: Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve (Chintsa, Eastern Cape) or Mtentu Lodge (Bizana, Eastern Cape) Glamping tents are luxurious on the inside. Image via Hamiltons Tented Camp/Facebook. Before 'glamping' was a trend, luxury tented camps were already all the rage in South Africa's game reserves. They combine the thrill of a wildlife safari with all the comfort of a five-star hotel. If you're in a scenic position, you could enjoy not just the hum of the bush but a few zebra or elephant spottings, too. Glamping spots include: Hamiltons Tented Camp (Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga) or Honeyguide Ranger Camp (Mokopane, Limpopo) The arid beauty of the Cederberg includes red rock formations, ancient San rock art, and a meditative quiet. Glamping setups here often lean toward minimalist luxury. Because all eyes should be on the glowing mountains, after all… Glamping spots include: Cederberg Park (Kromrivier, Western Cape) or AfriCamps at de Pakhuys (Clanwilliam, Western Cape) Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
