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SUSTAINABLE MARKETS INITIATIVE UNVEILS SUPPORT TO COMMONWEALTH MEMBER STATES AT CHOGM

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In support of His Majesty King Charles III’s visits to Australia and Samoa, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), SMI launches further support for Commonwealth Member States

  • Pacific Hub launched in Australia to enhance alignment of industry, finance and country efforts to accelerate delivery on global climate and biodiversity targets.
  • Marine Mangrove Sanctuary launched in partnership with SpaceX and Rotary International in Samoa to restore mangrove ecosystems, mitigate sea level rise, increase community connectivity and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
  • Private Sector Training Programme for government officials extended to enhance public-private partnerships and project delivery in the Commonwealth.
  • SMI’s Impact Accelerator, along with a recommendation to establish High-Level Climate Investment Authorities, launched to provide end-to-end support for governments to develop industry partnerships and investment ready projects aligned with sustainable transition. 
  • The SMI’s Nature-Risk Tool, developed by AECOM, has been made available to all Commonwealth member states to assist them in assessing Nature-risks associated with physical infrastructure and urban planning.
  • The Natural Capital on African Governments’ Balance Sheets Initiative launched to explore making natural capital assets as a core component of national balance sheets.

APIA, Samoa, Oct. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In the presence of His Majesty King Charles III, as well as leaders from the Commonwealth as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting’s Business Forum, the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) has launched several initiatives to further enhance its commitment and support to Commonwealth Members States.

His Majesty King Charles III, founder of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) when he was The Prince of Wales, during a roundtable organised by the SMI
His Majesty King Charles III, founder of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) when he was The Prince of Wales, during a roundtable organised by the SMI
  • Pacific Hub: Connecting SMI’s global CEOs with CEOs and climate leaders in Australia, the SMI launched its Pacific Hub to enhance alignment of industry, finance and country efforts to accelerate delivery on global climate and biodiversity targets.
  • Marine Mangrove Sanctuary: In collaboration with Rotary International and Space X, the SMI is launching a Marine Mangrove Sanctuary in Samoa to restore and maintain the mangrove ecosystem, mitigating sea level rise and preserving cultural heritage.
  • Private Sector Training Programme: SMI introduces a climate-based training programme for government officials in Commonwealth Member States. This programme will support the delivery of climate and biodiversity-related projects and the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions.
  • Impact Accelerator:  SMI launches its Impact Accelerator for Commonwealth Member States which provides end-to-end support for Governments to develop industry partnerships and investment ready projects aligned with sustainable transition.  The SMI further recommends establishing High-level Climate Investment Authorities within governments to better coordinate and crowd-in private sector support and investment.
  • Nature Risk Tool: SMI’s Nature Risk Tool, developed by AECOM, will now be available to all Commonwealth nations to assess the impact of infrastructure on local biodiversity globally.
  • The Natural Capital on African Governments’ Balance Sheets Initiative was launched as an institutional investor-public partnership, led by the SMI Africa Council. This initiative aims to embed Nature as an investable asset class.

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi M.V.O., CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, emphasised the urgency of these initiatives: “It is an honour to be in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Being welcomed into the community of Nono’a Saleimoa to launch their Mangrove Sanctuary, we saw first-hand how Pacific communities are on the front lines of climate change and biodiversity loss. With future generations in mind, we also saw the passion of community members for restoring harmony with Nature.  The SMI is delighted to bring private sector CEOs together with Commonwealth governments at CHOGM, and through our new Pacific Hub, to accelerate practical, scalable actions that advance a genuinely sustainable future for all.”

Recognizing the importance of biodiversity restoration across the Commonwealth, Dr Hubert Danso, Co-Chair of the SMI Africa Council, highlighted that “Africa’s natural capital forms the backbone not only of our economies, but also of global business models and societies. To protect and expand this value, we must invest at scale in our ecosystems. Through mandate-aligned institutional investor-public partnerships with governments, we can unlock risk and Nature-adjusted returns, that drive benefits for Nature, people and planet.  Through these efforts we aim to demonstrate that what’s good for Africa and the world, can also create sustainable value for investors.”

Pacific Hub

The new SMI Pacific Hub, is the latest addition to the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s regional engagement activities, joining a cohort of five other Hubs and Councils including North America, Africa, China, India, and Greece.  As part of its regional and country approach, the Pacific Hub will provide a forum for CEOs to look more practically at sustainability efforts across industry and finance while exploring how the region’s private sector is actively working with governments to support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and biodiversity targets in the region.

Marine Mangrove Sanctuary

The Sustainable Markets Initiative announces the Marine Mangrove Sanctuary in collaboration with Rotary International and SpaceX. The sanctuary in Nono’a Saleimoa, Samoa will restore and maintain the mangrove ecosystem to mitigate the onset of sea level rise.  Starlink will enable project leads to record, in real-time, key data points regarding the progress of the project such as: number of mangrove seedlings planted, growth of seedlings, time spent planting and maintaining the site, and general updates from site visits. The project demonstrates the value of remote access connectivity to support underserved and remote communities across the Commonwealth. The SMI’s partnership with Starlink includes a focus on rapidly scaling support for Nature-capital and post-disaster monitoring.

Government Training Programme

The Sustainable Markets Initiative will now offer Commonwealth Member States access to its highly successful Government Training Programme, which has so far had over 800 participants from over 85 countries register worldwide. The programme has convened subject matter experts from across the public and private sectors along with non-governmental organisations to develop climate-based training that can help support government officials (and others) responsible for delivering and developing climate-related projects and the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

SMI Impact Accelerator and High-Level Climate Investment Authority

The SMI also offers support through its Impact Accelerator.  The private sector is ready to mobilize capital, however to date there is a limited pipeline of “investment-ready” projects. The Sustainable Markets Initiative strives to fill this gap by offering end-to-end support for project development, industry partnerships and capacity building.  Recognizing the urgency and complexity of public-private partnerships for transition, we strongly recommend that High-Level Climate Investment Authorities (HCIA) be established to offer an empowered and coordinated docking point that is focused on private sector partnerships and capital mobilization.  The SMI has a range of guidance available on how to best establish these HCIAs.

SMI Nature Risk Tool

The Sustainable Markets Initiative has recently launched its SMI Nature Risk Tool and is now offering it to all Commonwealth Member States.  The SMI Nature Risk Tool recognizes that infrastructure development often leads to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Powered by AECOM, and using datasets from the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the SMI Nature Risk Tool enables infrastructure investors and promoters to analyse any piece of land globally, providing expert-reviewed descriptions of the location’s habitat and biomes early in the site selection process.

About The Sustainable Markets Initiative

Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 2020, then the Prince of Wales, the Sustainable Markets Initiative has become the world’s ‘go-to’ private sector organisation on transition.  Launched in 2021, the Terra Carta serves as the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s mandate with a focus on accelerating positive results for Nature, People and Planet through real economy action.  Complementing the Terra Carta, the Astra Carta was launched in 2023 to support a default sustainable approach to space while leveraging space resources for sustainability on Earth.  Read more: www.sustainable-markets.org

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Feldspar to Build World’s First Sensor-Enabled Running Track To Boost Athlete Performance And Transform Live Sports Experiences

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  • For the first time, integrated sensing technologies will capture athletes’ footsteps directly on the track, transforming performance analysis through real-time data.
  • Through patent-pending technologies, the performance running track will enable athletes to achieve faster running speeds, beyond what is currently possible.
  • Paving the way to new visually captivating experiences for live sports fans, the track is the first of its kind to offer historically hard-to-reach insights and real-time analytics.
  • AI-driven data analytics tool to help transform coaching, allowing athletes to train and compete more effectively, identify risk areas of potential injuries.

LONDON, July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Feldspar Limited [“Feldspar”], the UK-based technology company, today announced that it is building the world’s first sensor-enabled performance running track, poised to redefine athletic performance and live sports entertainment. This pioneering innovation represents the first major technological advancement in track and field running in nearly 60 years, laying the foundation for an unparalleled new immersive experience in live sports.

For the first time, Feldspar’s performance running track will incorporate advanced sensors in addition to camera-based methods to directly measure the movement of athletes through their footsteps and stride to capture data in real-time, bringing new levels of precision in analysing running performance. 

Feldspar’s next-generation modular sports flooring and tracking software solution will integrate patent-pending technologies and state-of-the-art materials into the track design, enabling a novel and unprecedented way of energy return and conversion*. This performance innovation will allow athletes to achieve a faster running speed compared to what is currently possible today and push the boundaries of human performance.

Offering complex and historically hard-to-access data, such as stride length, acceleration rate and max velocity in real-time, this technology has the potential to revolutionise the spectator experience at live sports events as well as to attract new enthusiasts who value innovative, visually captivating, and tech-driven premier sports entertainment. 

To further enhance performance, Feldspar will also integrate an AI-powered data analytics tool and sports tracking software intended to redefine professional coaching and optimise training for athletes. This includes adjusting competition strategy before, during and after races, and identifying potential areas of injuries based on granular individual data and in-depth athlete profiles. 

Alvina Chen, Founder and CEO of Feldspar said, “While we have seen a high level of innovation in running shoes, apparel, and training methods in recent years, it’s incredible that the modern synthetic running track itself has remained largely unchanged since the 1968 Summer Olympics.”  

Chen continued, “There is a huge opportunity in revolutionising this sport. By digitising the running track Feldspar is not only providing new avenues for athletes’ development and pushing the boundaries of human performance but also moving athletics towards a new era of exhilarating, high-energy live international events, similar to what we see in other sports, like football and motorsports.”

Chen added, “Our ambition with our next generation running track is to set a new benchmark for athlete performance and fan engagement for future world competitions, including the Olympic Games, and beyond.” 

Feldspar is working with the UK’s top engineers, industrial designers, and data scientists to develop the high-performance, premium running track prototype, with real-time testing set to begin later this year. Production of the flooring solution is expected to begin in 2025.

Founded by former professional track runner Alvina Chen, the inspiration to reinvent the running track struck during her international racing career.

The company has secured initial backing from Hong Kong-based investors which will be used to develop the high-performance running track prototype.

Follow Feldspar to receive the latest news on the product and the what’s next.  

* Feldspar’s performance flooring is intended to be able to convert significantly more of a runner’s energy from vertical to horizontal, which enables a faster running speed. It also has the potential to provide substantially higher energy return, compared to other commercially available sports flooring used in premier athletic competitions today. This is based on Feldspar’s modelling.

About Feldspar 
Feldspar is a technology company with a vision to transform athletics with the world’s first integrated smart flooring system. Engineered to boost the performance of athletes and elevate fan engagement at global sports events, the innovative solution seamlessly integrates cutting-edge flooring and sensor technology into the modular track, setting a new standard in the industry. For more information, visit www.feldsparsport.com.

Media contact: press@feldsparsport.com 

Video – https://www.youtube.com/embed/g7vXILBxCZ4?autoplay=0

Feldspar's next-generation running track set to transform live sports experiences
Feldspar’s next-generation running track set to transform live sports experiences
Feldspar's digital running track boosts athlete performance.
Feldspar’s digital running track boosts athlete performance.
PR Newswire

SETIGO: A New Way of SETI and Gamification of Public Science, AI Avatar Supported by Openverse

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VANCOUVER, BC, March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a bold step forward for the exploration of extraterrestrial intelligence, SETIGO announces its initiative aimed at revolutionizing public science engagement and introducing a new era of accessibility and inclusivity in the quest for cosmic understanding, technically supported by Openverse on 3D real-time avatar technology.

The SETIGO focuses on next-generation gamification and social network to encourage public participation in the search for extraterrestrial civilizations, through user-level mobile applications (Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality / Mixed Reality) and AI-driven real-time gamified community operation.
The SETIGO focuses on next-generation gamification and social network to encourage public participation in the search for extraterrestrial civilizations, through user-level mobile applications (Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality / Mixed Reality) and AI-driven real-time gamified community operation.

The SETIGO project focuses on next-generation gamification and social network to encourage public participation in the search for extraterrestrial civilizations, through user-level mobile applications (Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality / Mixed Reality) and AI-driven real-time gamified community operation.

At the heart of SETIGO lies a visionary approach to public science, where individuals from diverse backgrounds are invited to join the exploration of the cosmos through immersive 3D digital platforms. Powered by next-generation gamification and social networking, SETIGO’s innovative model fosters active participation in the search for extraterrestrial civilizations, transcending barriers and inspiring a new generation of public scientists.

The SETIGO project has garnered support from a wide range of scientists and experts in the fields of astronomy and SETI, as well as from prominent telescope projects globally.

Central to SETIGO’s mission is its commitment to collaboration and innovation. Through a multi-platform mobile application, users are transported into immersive simulations of outer space environments, where they can explore celestial phenomena and engage in scholarly discourse with seasoned astronomers and enthusiasts alike.

The gamified community, inhabited by E.T. Avatars (ETA) and fueled by wearable NFTs, Drake Equation Artifacts (DEA), offers a dynamic space for collective exploration and discovery. “SETIGO is more than just a project; it’s a movement to make science popular and fun,” remarks the founder of Openverse, the early stage supporter of SETIGO initiatives.

For more information about SETIGO and its missions, visit setigo.org.

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About SETIGO

SETIGO is a pioneering initiative aimed at revolutionizing public engagement with scientific research, particularly in the field of extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). By harnessing immersive gaming technologies, SETIGO invites individuals of all backgrounds to join the exploration of the cosmos through immersive digital platforms and collaborative networks.

About Openverse

Openverse, smart IP maker, a Singapore based technology company specializes in world-class IP development and commercialization, using patented AIGIS (AI-generated IP Service) technologies to empower creators. It provides comprehensive services, integrating diverse IP operations to connect communities, and span across specific domains including science, trends and entertainment.

PR Newswire

3D Printing Trailblazer ELEGOO Announces Initiative to Boost Women’s Roles in STEM

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SHENZHEN, China, March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of International Women’s Day, ELEGOO, a trailblazer in the 3D printing industry, has initiated a project dedicated to inspiring and empowering women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This long-term endeavor is designed to highlight their stories and encourage a greater number of women to participate in these fields.

Annika Mordelt, a PhD researcher in neuroscience and immunology, is one of the women featured in the project. Specializing in stem cell disease modeling, Annika innovated a strategy for co-maturing immune cells and neurons from stem cells last year, enabling developmental interaction studies.

Throughout her research, Annika Mordelt has found 3D printing technology to be an invaluable tool. “In the field of stem cell research, scientists are engineering and 3D-printing with biomaterials to create platforms for the cells to grow in,” she said. “By adjusting parameters, we can create different platforms to study cell growth, proliferation rates, and general function in different environments. That can be customizable with the 3D printing.”

“Especially for students, during lectures or presentations, it’s nice to let people see the actual models we are doing. Not merely as 2D representations on a screen, but in their full 3D splendor, brought to life by 3D printers,” Annika explained.

Annika also discussed her journey’s challenges. She once equated scientific prowess with being less “girly”. However, her growth in the scientific world led to a realization: her off-work interests don’t define her research quality. Ultimately, it’s the research quality that matters, she doesn’t need to be less “girly” to excel as a scientist.

Moreover, Annika encourages other women in scientific research to be bold and try new things. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can do or what you cannot do,” she said. For women who underestimate themselves and stick to mastered areas, Annika said, “you can learn and grow into things. Trust yourself more and dive into the things that you always wanted to know more about it.”

Rebecca Ngau, branding director of ELEGOO, said, “as a 3D printing leader, we’ll continue to highlight the achievements of women in the field. Our goal is to promote gender equality and diversity, inspiring more women to delve into STEM and the exciting realm of 3D printing.”

For more information, please visit http://www.elegoo.com/. 

PR Newswire

StringsSG Revolutionizes Aircon Servicing in Singapore Over the Last 12 Months

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SINGAPORE, Feb. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — StringsSG, a leading player in the aircon servicing industry, is proud to announce its revolutionary impact on the market over the past 12 months. Through innovative approaches, data-driven pricing, strategic partnerships, and streamlined operations, StringsSG has redefined the standards of aircon servicing in Singapore.

1. Data-Driven Pricing:

StringsSG has set a new benchmark by consolidating over 20K data points since August 2018, leading to unparalleled precision in pricing. This extensive data collection empowers StringsSG to standardize and determine the most cost-effective aircon servicing rates in Singapore. The utilization of artificial intelligence in pricing calculations has resulted in a remarkable 91.2 percent probability that StringsSG offers the most competitive prices for aircon servicing, repair, or chemical wash services.

2. Partnering with the Best:

StringsSG’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its collaboration with some of the finest aircon contractors in Singapore. These partnerships enable StringsSG to deliver top-notch services, ensuring that customers experience optimal functionality of their air conditioning units. By aligning with experienced and reputable contractors, StringsSG prioritizes quality in every service provided.

3. Streamlined Operations:

StringsSG’s unique approach extends support to both customers and contractors, driving efficiency in operations and reducing costs:

Marketing: StringsSG handles marketing efforts, effectively promoting contractors’ services, eliminating the need for costly advertising investments.

Job Management and Scheduling: Efficiently managing appointments, scheduling, and assignment, StringsSG optimizes routes and minimizes downtime for contractors, resulting in cost reduction.

Invoicing and Accounting: StringsSG provides a centralized platform for invoicing and accounting, reducing overhead costs for contractors by eliminating the need for expensive accounting software or additional personnel.

4. Cost Efficiency Benefits Customers:

By helping aircon contractors cut down on overall expenses, StringsSG significantly reduces the cost of aircon services for customers. This cost efficiency allows consumers to enjoy the benefits of professional aircon servicing without compromising quality or breaking the bank.

StringsSG Pte Ltd stands as a beacon of innovation and cost-effective solutions in the aircon servicing sector, reinforcing its commitment to providing unparalleled services to the residents of Singapore.

StringsSG Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based tech startup dedicated to transforming professional and home services. Through advanced technology, StringsSG enhances user experiences and optimizes service efficiency, meeting the evolving needs of Singapore residents.

PR Newswire

Xccelerate AI Unveils Groundbreaking Achievement for Lightning Fast Engineering Simulations

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Revolutionary AI-based tool makes complex simulations more than 10,000X faster.

HOUSTON, Dec. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Xccelerate AI is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking AI-based framework that is set to revolutionize the world of engineering simulations. This innovative leap promises to swiftly predict simulation results, dramatically speeding up complex engineering simulations unleashing a whirlwind of benefits for industries far and wide.

Complex simulations in engineering traditionally demands extensive computational power and time, sometimes taking days to weeks to complete, wreaking havoc on project schedules and budgets.

‘At Xccelerate AI, we are deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering and product development,’ states Dr. Burak Ozturk, CEO of Xccelerate AI. ‘Our innovative AI-based framework is a testament to this commitment, providing a transformative solution that not only accelerates simulation times but also empowers designers and engineers to innovate more freely, explore new possibilities, and achieve excellence in product development. We are ushering in a new era of speed, precision, and efficiency, and we’re excited to see the incredible impact this will have across various industries.’

What’s more, this innovative approach isn’t confined to a single industry. It’s an industry-agnostic solution, catering to anyone who relies on digital simulations for product design and manufacturing. Originally crafted to expedite structural analyses in the automotive sector, its applications have now expanded across various industries.

The framework operates on a straightforward concept: it learns from existing simulation data to predict results for new designs. Many organizations already possess the requisite simulation data for model training, enabling implementation of a bespoke surrogate model for their products in just a few short days. For those without pre-existing data, Xccelerate AI offers extensive expertise in modeling complex phenomena and can assist in cost-effectively acquiring the necessary data.

‘This framework represents a monumental leap forward in simulation technology,’ says Dr. Kaan Inal, the lead visionary behind Xccelerate AI’s cutting-edge framework. ‘By leveraging advanced machine learning, we’ve turned what used to be weeks of computation into mere seconds, without sacrificing accuracy. This is more than just a step change; it’s a whole new paradigm that opens limitless possibilities for innovation across industries.’

About Xccelerate AI:

Leveraging a decade of unparalleled research, Xccelerate AI has developed simulation tools that integrate the predictive capabilities of machine learning to substantially expedite product development. Collaborating with major automotive OEMs and other leading entities in Silicon Valley, as well as across North America and Europe, our technology has transitioned from research laboratories to industry, where it solves complex real-world industrial challenges.

At Xccelerate AI, our team of industry experts, simulation consultants, and data scientists, can help you blend simulation and AI expertise to accelerate your design process. Whether you require a surrogate model for a particular application or a comprehensive solution to a specific challenge, our team is ready to assist. Book a free consultation to discover how our service-based model, client-focused collaboration, and profound AI and simulation knowledge can provide tailor-made solutions, ensuring precision-engineered performance and unparalleled results for your unique needs.

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HKUST and Tsinghua University Jointly Organize International AI Forum

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Gathering World’s Top Experts to Construct Global Framework for AI Governance

HONG KONG, Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Tsinghua University jointly launched the ‘International AI Cooperation and Governance Forum 2023’ from December 8th to 9th.  The two-day forum brought together over 50 world-renowned artificial intelligence (AI) experts, scholars, industry leaders, government representatives and international organization delegates to explore the opportunities and challenges brought by cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI, and discuss strategies for building a comprehensive global governance framework for the new technology.

The rapid development of generative AI in recent years has embarked a new era of AI research and development, however, there were numerous security considerations in its applications. The US and European governments have taken steps in regulating generative AI through different rules and orders. As a significant international conference in the field of AI governance, this forum has gained support from organizations worldwide including the United Nations (UN) Development Program and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It also attracted representatives from government departments in the Mainland, European Union, Singapore, Brazil, South Africa and Malaysia, as well as academicians from the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Top AI experts from countries such as UK, US, France, and Germany, as well as senior executives from well-known science and technology innovation enterprises, addressed and discussed the challenges as a result of the paradigm shift brought by AI.

Officiating guests of the forum were Ms. LU Xinning, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (CLO), Mr. FANG Jianming, Deputy Commissioner of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, Prof. Harry SHUM, HKUST Council Chairman, Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, Prof. WANG Hongwei, Tsinghua University Vice President, Prof. XUE Lan, Dean of Schwarzman College and Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University, Dr. YBhg. Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor AZMAN HASSAN, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia, and Prof. WANG Weiming, Director-General of Educational, Scientific & Technological Affairs at CLO. 

Prof. Tshilidzi MARWALA, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Manuel Innocencio DE LACERDA SANTOS JR., Consulate General of Brazil in Hong Kong, Mr. Thomas GNOCCHI, Ambassador of the European Union office to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr. Mojalefa MOGONO, Consulate General of South Africa in Hong Kong & Macau, addressed the audience after Prof. GUO Yike, HKUST Provost and Prof Xue Lan from Tsinghua University delivered introductory remarks.  About 600 people have joined the two-day forum, other viewers watched live broadcast online.

Turing Prize Winner Prof. Yoshua BENGIO, Founder and Scientific Director of Mila – Quebec AI Institute hailed by the media as one of the “Godfathers of AI, delivered a keynote speech on the second day of the forum. He shared on how to strike a balance between the two management models that manage frontier AI risks: democratic governance, which prioritizes public interest and regulation, and techno-libertarianism, which emphasizes autonomy and innovation, in order to achieve social inclusion and sustainable development of AI.

Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said in his opening speech, “Hong Kong is sparing no effort to seize the opportunities brought by AI for digital innovation, while we are also aware of the challenges it posed. The Government has developed the Ethical AI Framework which provides guidance in implementing AI projects and managing the associated risks, while promoting responsible AI practices. I would like to express my gratitude to HKUST and Tsinghua University for co-hosting this Forum, which will be a catalyst to generate intelligently more innovative ideas about AI development and provide more pointers to the robust development of the AI industry in terms of stronger cooperation and enhanced governance.” 

Prof. Harry Shum, renowned AI expert, Co-chairperson of the Forum’s Academic Committee and HKUST Council Chairman, said in his welcome remarks, “The strides we have made in AI in recent years have surpassed what we could have imagined just a decade ago. Both corporate and academic worlds are pushing the boundaries, endeavoring to reach human-like competencies in a wide range of tasks. Yet, as we navigate the complexities of AI, it is equally crucial to consider the societal repercussions it may bring, and the importance of establishing some guiding principles and framework. HKUST is privileged to co-organize this forum with our long-standing partner Tsinghua University, providing a platform for critical discussions that will guide the future trajectory of AI.”

Prof. Nancy Ip, Co-chairperson of the Forum’s Organizing Committee and HKUST President, said in her welcome remarks, “Governance is vital to advance and popularize the use of any new technology. This forum we are holding with Tsinghua today provides an invaluable platform for collaboration and thought-provoking discussions on how we could apply AI to create a better, more inclusive and sustainable world. HKUST is committed to advance the AI ecosystem. While we continue to strengthen international collaborations in this area and pioneer AI’s application and development in different fields, we will also enhance our infrastructure capacity through the construction of an Innovation Building that promotes cross-disciplinary and collaborative research, as well as a high-performance computational facility to further enhance our research capabilities in AI.”

Prof. WANG Xiqin, President of Tsinghua University and another co-chair of the organizing committee, said in his welcome remarks, “AI governance is crucial for humanity’s fate. As the birthplace of technological innovation, leaders in social development and inheritors of human civilization, universities have greater responsibilities in strengthening global governance of AI risks. Tsinghua University attaches great importance to scientific research, innovation, ethics education, and governance in AI, and sincerely look forward to working with global partners to empower the world and contribute to the construction of a shared future for mankind.”

Prof. Wang Hongwei, Vice President of Tsinghua University and co-deputy-chair of the organizing committee, said, “Tsinghua University is committed to using this forum as a platform to foster extensive exchanges and cooperation with partner universities and institutions, including HKUST. Together, we will advance the healthy and sustainable development of AI and improve the global governance framework.”

Meanwhile, HKUST and Peng Cheng Laboratory also signed an agreement at the forum to conduct collaborative research and jointly cultivate talents in AI related areas.

Keynote speakers for the first day included Mr. Brad SMITH, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, Prof. GAO Wen, Director of Peng Cheng Lab and CAE Academician, Prof. DAI Qionghai, Dean of Information Science and Technology and Director of Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology at Tsinghua University, and Dr. Stephen CAVE, Director of the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence at the University of Cambridge. They presented on topics spanning security issues in the development of next generation AI, intelligent photoelectronic computing, and the three waves of AI ethics.

Keynote speakers for the second day were Prof. ZHANG Bo, CAS academician and Honorary Dean of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Tsinghua University, Prof. Dame Wendy HALL, Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton, Prof. Shahbaz KHAN, Director of UNESCO’s Cluster Office in Beijing, and Turing Prize winner Prof. Yoshua Bengio from the Université de Montréal. 

A highlight of the forum is the roundtable discussion chaired by Dr. Liesbeth VENEMA, Chief Editor of the authoritative scientific journal Nature Machine Intelligence. She was joined by Prof. Pascale FUNG, Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAiRE) and Chair Professor in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering at HKUST, Prof. ZHENG Liang, Vice Dean of the Institute for AI International Governance of Tsinghua University, Prof. Rostam J. NEUWIRH, Head of Department of Global Legal Studies at University of Macau, Dr. Serge STINCKWICH, Head of Research at the United Nations University Institute in Macau, and Prof. TAN Jianrong, a CAE academician from Zhejiang University. The panel engaged in in-depth dialogue over the development of a global governance framework for AI.

Other key sessions included a dialogue on the development of AI ethics among Prof. Pascale Fung, Chloé BAKALAR, Chief Ethicist of Meta’s Responsible AI division, and Joaquin Quiñonero CANDELA, AI Technical Fellow at LinkedIn. The trio discussed how to achieve a balance from three aspects of mathematics, ethics and politics, in the process of practicing and applying AI.

Scholars from renowned institutions including Technical University of Munich, Sorbonne University, University of Edinburgh, University of Southampton and Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, as well as senior executives from well-known scientific and technological enterprises such as Anthropic, xAI, Huawei, and Baichuan AI, also shared their insights on the strategies to address challenges such as those posed by generative AI.

Download photos of the forum here: http://udz039.ust.hk/~meu/AI_Forum_2023 

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Global Methane Hub Announces the Enteric Fermentation Research & Development Accelerator, a $200M Agricultural Methane Mitigation Funding Initiative

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The Largest-Ever Globally Coordinated Funding Investment in Livestock Methane Mitigation Research Announced at the COP28 Business & Philanthropy Climate Forum

The public, private and philanthropic partnership includes Bezos Earth Fund, Quadrature Climate Fund, Gerstner Philanthropies, High Tide Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Zegar Family Foundation, Danone and more

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, at COP28, the Global Methane Hub (GMH) announced a more than $200 million funding initiative between public, private and philanthropic partners including the Bezos Earth Fund, Quadrature Climate Fund, Gerstner Philanthropies, High Tide Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Zegar Family Foundation, Danone, the Governments of Ireland, New Zealand and the United States, for research and development (R&D) technologies to meaningfully address and reduce methane emissions from livestock. 

The Enteric Fermentation R&D Accelerator, or Accelerator, is the largest-ever, globally coordinated investment of breakthrough research tackling livestock methane emissions. The Global Methane Hub announced the intention to establish the Accelerator at COP27 as an AIM for Climate Innovation Sprint. The Accelerator will unite funders, guided by a science oversight committee, to invest in a globally coordinated research plan. This strategy aims to address gaps in current research and enhance existing efforts. The strategy includes work on exploring new and alternate livestock feed additives, tools to breed low-methane livestock, immunological studies for a methane vaccine, understanding the organisms in the rumen and their functions, and lowering the costs of measurement, essential to generate evidence for regulatory approval and validation of mitigation technologies.

About 40% of the world’s methane emissions come from agriculture, and 70% of that is due to enteric fermentation. This process happens in cows’ digestive systems when sugars are broken down into methane and released through belching. Unfortunately, current research on enteric fermentation is not extensive or coordinated enough to provide efficient and transformative solutions to significantly benefit farmers.

This is the latest milestone to mark the impact GMH is having on global methane reduction efforts since its founding in December 2021.

“The Accelerator is a prime example of the role philanthropy can play in driving substantive climate action and strategically aligning the key players working to solve the most pressing issue of our time,” said Hayden Montgomery, Agriculture Program Director at the Global Methane Hub. “With this effort to synchronize and consolidate public-good research on enteric methane, we aim to make multiple solutions to reduce enteric methane available quickly and provide proof of the efficacy of livestock mitigation technologies.”

“We know that cattle are responsible for most agricultural methane emissions. Promising technological and scientific solutions exist, but for too long, monetary and regulatory barriers have slowed progress and prevented critical research,” said Andy Jarvis, Director of Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund. “The Global Methane Hub’s Enteric Methane R&D Accelerator stands to change all of this, unlocking the resources needed to discover and develop low-cost solutions that will dramatically reduce methane emissions from livestock by 2030.”

“Through the Accelerator, we are poised to make a significant impact in driving innovation towards solutions to reduce enteric methane globally,” said Richard Lawrence, director and co-founder of High Tide Foundation. “I would like to thank Danone for stepping up as the first corporation committed to the Accelerator and I encourage others to do the same.”

“As a dairy company, curbing methane emissions is the fastest and most impactful way to slow down global warming,” said Olivier Verdelet, Vice-President Agriculture Cycle at Danone. “To do so, collaboration will be instrumental as we seek for new solutions, speed and sizable impacts. We are eager to collaborate with the Global Methane Hub and other partners to accelerate and test scalable innovations in the field. We believe this will help us build a sustainable, future-fit dairy category that is at the core of our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible.”

Agricultural methane is projected to increase 40% by 2050. We would have to reduce emissions by 50% in order to meet the accords of the Paris Agreement to keep the global temperature rise to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Reducing methane emissions from all sectors, including agriculture, is the fastest way to mitigate climate change.

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Chengdu showcases technological strength at high-tech expo

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CHENGDU, China, Nov. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Chengdu, capital of Southwest China’s Sichuan province, demonstrated its strength in sci-tech innovation at the 11th China (Mianyang) Science and Technology City International High-Tech Expo, which kicked off on Wednesday in Mianyang, Sichuan province.

Chengdu showcases technological strength at the 11th China (Mianyang) Science and Technology City International High-Tech Expo.
Chengdu showcases technological strength at the 11th China (Mianyang) Science and Technology City International High-Tech Expo.

Co-sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Sichuan provincial government, the expo covers a total exhibition area of 40,000 square meters, with over 300 participating companies and more than 3,000 exhibits.

Scientific research institutions and innovative enterprises based in Chengdu brought over 30 leading technological achievements to this year’s expo, according to Chengdu science and technology bureau.

Zou Sifei, a staff member of the Tianfu Xinglong Lake Laboratory, one of the key laboratories under Sichuan’s Tianfu Laboratories plan, said his laboratory has conducted in-depth research into revolutionary optoelectronic materials, optoelectronic devices and optoelectronic systems, and has been promoting the transformation of its research achievements.

The laboratory displayed its latest achievements in scientific research transformation at the expo in fields including information metamaterials and wireless communication, material photonics, and advanced optical devices, he said.

He Weizhi, an executive at Tsinghua Sichuan Energy Internet Research Institute, said the institute holds more than 560 invention patents and is facilitating the transformation of technological achievements to empower regional economic development.

The institute demonstrated a number of products which have been transformed from its technological achievements, including a “Floating-Crawling” dual-mode underwater inspection robot and a miniature intelligent electric current sensor.

“In addition to showcasing our technological prowess at the expo, we also hope to attract more versatile talents to join our institute for further studies,” he said.

Xu Huawei, an executive at Sichuan Tengden Sci-tech Innovation Co Ltd, said the expo showcases cutting-edge achievements from home and abroad, creating a plethora of growth prospects and collaborative opportunities to the company.

As a leading player in Chengdu in the field of industrial UAV, Tengden displayed the models of its self-developed UAVs, which can be widely used in fields including artificial rainmaking, emergency communication and forest fire inspection, Xu said.

Shi Da, sales engineer of Chengdu Jiujin Technologies Co Ltd, whose products are used in fields such as antenna testing, wireless communication and aerospace, said the expo gathers professionals from various industries, creating a perfect chance to promote the company’s image and products and to facilitate communication with partners.

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Big Science Art: Openverse’s black hole spins visualization on NATURE journal

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HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The following is a report about Openverse originally published by WSJ.China.

Humanity has always been curious about the supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy. “A black hole is the most ideal and simplest celestial body to verify the correctness of the theory of general relativity, it occupies a significant position in theoretical physics.” Cui Yuzhu explained why the scientific community has persistently studied the black hole problem during the century since the theory’s emergence.

Since enrolling as a doctoral student in 2017, Cui Yuzhu’s research direction has been firmly anchored on the M87 black hole. In the same year, she participated in the Event Horizon Telescope Project (EHT) to work on data and picture processing. In addition, she is also responsible for processing and analyzing data from the East Asia VLBI Network (EAVN) composed of telescopes in China, South Korea, and Japan. Via the Event Horizon Telescope observations, Cui Yuzhu can obtain information on micro-scales and slightly larger scales, including observations of black hole scales and jet structures.

The first author of the paper "The M87 black hole is confirmed to have spin" Cui Yuzhu. The Co-founder of OPENVERSE, digital designer Budda. The Schematic diagram of the tilted black hole accretion disk model, produced by OPENVERSE's independent Big Science and Art Studio intouchable®
The first author of the paper “The M87 black hole is confirmed to have spin” Cui Yuzhu. The Co-founder of OPENVERSE, digital designer Budda. The Schematic diagram of the tilted black hole accretion disk model, produced by OPENVERSE’s independent Big Science and Art Studio intouchable®

Cui Yuzhu found the M87 black hole jet shows a periodic swing of about 11 years, and the swing amplitude is approximately 10°. “Demonstrating this breakthrough result via visualization was not smooth, I was learning 3D software and planned to make this cover myself.” Cui Yuzhu said with a smile. At this time, Cui Yuzhu encountered the Openverse founder, former senior IP lawyer Jo Xu (Xu Wen), and co-founder digital designer Budda. Based on the simple schematic diagram and detailed text description hand-drawn by Cui Yuzhu, the Openverse team used AI-empowered patented technology to quickly complete the rendering from sketch to flat 2D to 3D stereoscopic drawing. The most significant difficulty in the process was the alignment of ideas between designers and scientists due to widely differing knowledge backgrounds. The digital designer Budda said: “Scientists have very high requirements for the accuracy of model performance, including which angles should be selected to show the precession of the accretion disk, and how much it swings, all of which must be able to correspond to the observation data. This scientific research result visualization has a strong visual impact, like a graphic artwork. This is where Openverse shows its talents as a soul painter.”

This image released with the discovery of the spin of black hole M87 has received enthusiastic attention from all over the world. ” As Smart IP Maker, what we are doing is not simply to use technology to do the ‘transformation of scientific research results’ or ‘cross-border cooperation in science and art’, but to use the power of IP to start a sustainable value cycle, “Budda said, in his view, scientific discoveries themselves have great IP potential, just as the famous astronomer Carl Sagan launched world-renowned popular science works ‘Cosmos,’ which are not only timeless but also have incredibly high commercial value.

After the visual realization of this accretion disk precession model picture, Dr. Cui Yuzhu, who has made intellectual contributions, can use it permanently and free of charge in the academic and popular science fields. Openverse focuses on this black hole IP’s development, management, and commercialization, “such as making IP into a digital art collectible with part of the revenue donated to scientific research institutions including Zhijiang Laboratory,” Budda said, “This mechanism is similar to that of donors or sponsors supporting potential artists and researchers in the 15th century Renaissance period.” At the same time as the interview was being conducted, the 10,000 digital collectible of the “M87 Black Hole Jet Accretion Disk Precession 3D Model” was sold out within 1 second by Openverse on the Whale Explorer platform.

When we asked Openverse how the “Make Science Popular” slogan came up, Budda answered: “The European Renaissance Movement inspired it.” The Openverse team looked back at that period of human civilization, which shows that art and science were not as distinct as they are today but were integrated and intertwined. This inspired the Openverse team to initiate the concept of “Big Science and Art.” After accumulating strength for decades, Chinese science and technology is experiencing an explosion of results. Budda said: ‘We jokingly say to the scientists, if you save time on drawing pictures, you may win the Nobel Prize earlier, and Openverse hopes to become the name behind the most Nobel laureates.”

Finally, we asked Cui Yuzhu: What is the significance of the research on black holes to ordinary people? She smiled: “Today, people will ask about the significance of studying black holes. More than 50 years ago, about the significance of exploring Mars. More than 60 years ago, about the significance of lunar exploration. More than 480 years ago, about the significance of ‘heliocentric theory.’ Many years ago, people would ask about the meaning of ‘geocentrism,’ just like hundreds of thousands of years ago, people would ask about the importance of ‘fire’… so if you look at it with too much pragmatism, it is difficult to get the expected answers in a short period time. The progress of scientific research subtly changes the way we look at the world around us, consolidating the steps of human thinking and scientific and technological progress, and our world view and even the universe.”

In the vastness of the universe, mysterious black holes have never been the limits of human exploration. The fusion of art and science will gradually expand human cognitive boundaries into the lives of every ordinary person, one step at a time.