Latest news with #digitaltransition
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Que. minister Geneviève Guilbault could testify next week before the Gallant Commission
Quebec Transport Minister Genevieve Guilbault is expected to testify before the Gallant Commision into the SAAQclic fiasco. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press) Quebec Transportation Minister Geneviève Guilbault could testify next week before the Gallant Commission, which is investigating the failed digital transition of the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). The information was confirmed on Wednesday by a government source not authorized to speak publicly. The commission of inquiry into the management of the SAAQ's IT modernization, including the SAAQclic platform, will resume its public hearings next Monday after a two-month summer break. The hearings will be held in Montreal over the next three weeks. They will have a political flavour, as former ministers, current ministers, and cabinet staff will be called to testify. In addition to Guilbault, her predecessor, François Bonnardel, now Minister of Public Security, is expected to be heard during this period. Those who held the transport portfolio under Philippe Couillard's Liberal government, Laurent Lessard and André Fortin, are also expected to appear. In the spring, former PQ and Liberal ministers Sylvain Gaudreault and Robert Poëti testified before the commission chaired by Judge Denis Gallant. The commission is scheduled to submit its report by Dec. 15 at the latest. The public hearings are scheduled to continue until early October. Several key players still need to be questioned in connection with what has been dubbed the SAAQclic fiasco. These include the former CEOs of the state-owned corporation, Nathalie Tremblay and Éric Ducharme, who were dismissed by the Legault government at the beginning of the summer. Former vice president of information technology Karl Malenfant, one of those responsible for rolling out the SAAQclic platform, has not yet testified publicly, although he met with the commission behind closed doors last week. It should be noted that the SAAQ's failed digital transition is expected to cost taxpayers at least $1.1 billion, or $500 million more than anticipated, according to calculations by the Auditor General of Quebec. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Aug. 13, 2025.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Digital landline switch could sever telecare alarms, Gloucestershire council warns
Telecare alarm users are being urged to call their landline providers to ensure the lifesaving alerts remain on ahead of the switchover from analogue to County Council said around 1,700 people across the county rely on the Gloucestershire Telecare service to provide assistance in an monitoring system can alert call centres or carers if vulnerable or disabled people suffer a fall or experience a medical incident and require switch from traditional analogue landlines to digital landlines in the UK is scheduled to be completed by January 2027. Government ministers have urged people affected to seek help. Telephone providers are upgrading the landline network across the country from analogue to digital as copper networks become increasingly unreliable and spare parts are no longer this switch may disrupt telecare alarms, as many older telecare systems rely on the analogue infrastructure to communicate with monitoring your landline provider can enable them to update your equipment, or make the necessary arrangements to ensure you stay Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "We cannot afford to leave anyone behind during the vital transition to digital landlines."I urge anyone with a telecare alarm – or anyone close to a user of a telecare alarm - to pick up the phone and contact their provider to access the help that's available."
Times of Oman
08-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Conference explores the role of emerging technologies in higher education
Muscat: The second edition of an international conference titled 'Emerging Technologies in Multidisciplinary Fields' kicked off in Muscat on Tuesday. The conference explores the role of emerging technologies in developing higher education and shaping the future of universities with the context of digital transition. The opening ceremony of the two-day conference was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Nadir bin Al Julanda bin Majid Al Said as Secretary General at the Diwan of Royal Court. The conference is being attended by 35 local and international specialists who exchange views about issues related to emerging technology in the field of education and the latest trends in modern technology applications. The tasks of the conference include five sessions. The first session discusses the future of digital applications, artificial intelligence (AI), financial innovation and visions in Omani higher education institutions. The second session highlights the digital transition in education and human-based AI solutions. The third session explores solutions of innovative learning, notably through the integration of AI, the Internet of Things and virtual environments. The fourth session explores technology, ethics and innovation in the digital age. The fifth session focuses on the role of AI in linguistics and educational narratives, from classrooms to gaming consoles. In addition, the conference will include a review of AI applications in industry, security and storytelling. Three virtual sessions will be held as part of the conference. They will be titled as follows: 'Strategic Transformation from Green Competencies to Smart Decision-Making'; 'Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0 and Advanced Intelligence Systems for Resilience, Security, and Interoperability' and 'Digital Transition and Human-based Innovation in Health, Justice, and Markets'. On the sidelines of the conference, a student exhibition is being held. The exhibition showcases specialised projects and highlights student innovations and practical applications of emerging technologies in various fields, including humanities, IT, business administration, economics and English language studies. -ONA
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa accelerates its digital transition: 17.5% growth expected in the data centre sector
Africa accelerates its digital transition: 17.5% growth expected in the data centre sector 93.6% of industry leaders anticipate sustained growth, according to the ADCA INSIDER SURVEY 2025 presented in Johannesburg during the Data Centres in Africa event. On the occasion of the Data Centres in Africa conference, the Africa Data Centres Association (ADCA) unveiled the 2025 results of its annual ADCA INSIDER SURVEY. Conducted with analytical support from Rising Advisory and backed by partner STELLARIX, this benchmark study gives voice to industry leaders to gather and consolidate their perceptions and expectations regarding the economic landscape, investment, innovation, ESG, and human resources shaping the future of the data centre sector across the continent. A growth trajectory driven by digital demand The development of data centres is a lever for digital sovereignty, economic attractiveness, and regional integration. It allows Africa to control its data processing while strengthening the infrastructure needed to support emerging uses such as cloud computing, AI, digital finance, and e-government services. According to the survey, 93.6% of respondents expect strong or moderate growth over the next 12 months, with an anticipated average growth of 17.5%. None of the leaders interviewed foresee a decline, highlighting strong confidence in the sector's fundamentals. Respondents believe this momentum is primarily driven by the accelerating digitisation of African economies, rather than by emerging technologies. Between digital acceleration and structural limits 'This survey highlights a growing consensus: data infrastructure has become a cornerstone of economic development, it is not peripheral to development, it is foundational. ' says Faith Waithaka, Chairwoman of ADCA. The findings confirm the rise of a strategic sector that continues to face structural challenges. 77.4% of companies plan to make significant investments within the next 12 months, with an average profitability rating of 3.3 out of 5. The business climate is seen as favourable by more than 80% of respondents, despite persistent barriers such as access to reliable energy, financing issues, and regulatory constraints. 'The sector is progressing, but with greater maturity: the priority is to build solid, collaborative, and sustainable models, rooted in Africa's operational realities,' adds Paul-François Cattier, Managing Director of ADCA. ESG: Steady progress with a growing focus on energy efficiency Industry players give an average ESG performance rating of 5.87 out of 10, reflecting progress that remains cautious. The main focus is on tangible and immediate gains, particularly in terms of energy efficiency: 74.2% of respondents cite energy efficiency as their primary ESG criterion, well ahead of the use of renewable energy (22.6%). Talent, sovereignty, regional integration: the next frontiers Skills development is emerging as a central issue: 61.3% of surveyed companies report having created their own training programs to meet specific operational needs. While the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds great promise, it is still seen as having no significant impact on the data centre sector at this stage. Finally, digital sovereignty is gradually gaining ground as a strategic priority, reflecting African stakeholders' growing will to control their infrastructures and data flows. Didier Hung Wan Luk, CEO of STELLARIX, concludes: 'The potential is considerable. What we are building today are the digital foundations of a continent connected according to its own priorities. We believe in a sovereign digital Africa, anchored in reliable technologies tailored to local realities. Our commitment to ADCA reflects our intention to actively contribute to this continental transformation.' About the Survey The ADCA INSIDER SURVEY is based on in-person interviews with senior executives across several African countries. The results were analysed by Rising Advisory, a consultancy focused on strategic analysis and advocacy for African industry associations. It covers six dimensions: business climate, growth drivers, financing, innovation, human capital, and regional integration. About ADCA The Africa Data Centres Association (ADCA) is the leading organisation representing the data centre sector on the continent. It brings together operators, service providers and key stakeholders to build a sovereign, resilient, and sustainable digital ecosystem in Africa. About STELLARIX STELLARIX is a pan-African provider of data center services, specialising in tailored colocation, cloud computing, managed connectivity, and cybersecurity solutions. Our mission is to empower Africa's digital sovereignty by delivering sustainable, decarbonized infrastructure that supports seamless digital transformation for businesses and institutions across the continent. Copyright © 2022 - All materials can be used freely, indicating the origin Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Khaleej Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE launches graduate services package with Fazaa card, traffic file, banking support
The UAE Ministry of Interior has announced the launch of its services package for high school graduates for the 2024–2025 academic year. Timed with the release of high school results, the package offers a range of digital services designed to support students as they transition into university or the workforce. Key features include: Criminal record certificate issuance through the Ministry of Interior (MOIUAE) app. Electronic traffic file creation via the ministry's website to streamline traffic-related procedures. Fazaa discount card with access to student-exclusive offers through the Fazaa app. Banking services from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank tailored to young adults' financial needs. Now in its eighth consecutive year, the initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the Social Solidarity Fund for Ministry Employees (Fazaa), and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. Brigadier Nasser Khadem Al Kaabi, Director General of Happiness at the Ministry of Interior, highlighted the Ministry's commitment to delivering proactive and customer-focused services. He noted that the continued rollout of this package for eight years demonstrates fruitful cooperation with strategic partners and reflects the Ministry's ongoing commitment to supporting the future generation and raising the quality of life in Emirati society. The Ministry emphasised that the services are easy-to-use through digital platforms, eliminating the need for in-person visits and ensuring a smoother, faster user experience. This enhances the efficiency of service delivery and reflects the tangible efforts of the joint work teams that continuously contribute to improving and developing the package's content to ensure the best customer experience.
