Plan9 launches ‘Whizkids & Summer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2019’ to Connect students with the tech-driven world

To place the students in the preliminary stages of entrepreneurship by workshops and trainings, ‘Whizkids & Summer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 2019′ has been launched as part of a collaboration of Punjab Information Technology Board`s Project Plan 9 and Information Technology University (ITU), the Punjab. The core purpose of Whizkids is to enable children discover their talents and develop their skills in the fast paced, tech-driven world.

The theme of the three-week long summer camp started on June 24, at Arfa Software Technology Park, is celebrating diversity both in terms of age and social stratification. Packed with interesting and educative workshops, it also offers exciting activities to students from ages 8-18. The coaching and guidance given during this summer camp would help the children to catch up with the global technology trends and identify their future paths.

With special focus on STEM learning, the courses offered will have a blend of technology and entrepreneurship. The courses include Scratch, Robotics, Snap Circuit, Graphic Designing, Marketing and App Development, etc. Additionally, Creative Content Writing will be offered to enhance the writing skills of children. Punjab Whizkids 2019 are divided into two groups of children. One group have children with ages from 8-13 years and the second with ages 14-18 years.

The innovatively designed summer program being organized with the support of PITB`s HR wing, aims at delivering and nurturing future STEM experts, helps our youth chart their future and has, since its commencement, offered workshops ranging from IT based learning to personal development and confidence building.

Romanian ambassador calls on Science & Technology Minister For Cooperation

Romanian Ambassador Meeting

Niculai Goa, Romanian Ambassador met with Federal Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad today.

As per the statement, Both parties discussed on the opportunities to enhance mutual cooperation in the field of science and technology.

Also the Ambassador admired Fawad Chaudhry’s for taking science and technology sector to an advance level in Pakistan.

Adding to this he spoke high for Prime Minister Imran Khan’s for his austerity drive in the country.

Raasta Mobile App, providing traffic solutions to nearly 200 thousand citizens, will be available for Sialkot soon

Raasta Mobile App, providing solutions to general public`s traffic related problems and queries has shown unprecedented acceptance by the citizens as so far 183460 users have downloaded this smart phone application, helping them to get updated information & alerts about traffic congestion, roadblock protests, sit-ins or blockages in result of any emergency situations on city roads.

The Application, developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in collaboration with City Traffic Police Lahore (CTPL) has been successfully launched in Lahore and later in Multan this year and will be available soon for Sialkot and other cities as well. Through this app, People can also register complaints with concerned authorities about broken road segments in the city.

Tech savvy commuters in Lahore and Multan use the smartphone application to check their routes for major traffic bottlenecks ahead of their trips across the city. They can get all traffic updates to improve their coordination and to prevent traffic hindrances as much as possible. Some other prominent features are E-Challan, E-Licensing, E-Testing, and complaints registration.

Raasta app keeps citizens informed about incidents regarding protests, accidents and ongoing constructions works. It also provides the information about nearest hospitals, parks and historical places as well. By entering their CNIC number, applicants can also track the details about driving license delivery, on one touch in real time.

The app is officially introduced on both iOS and Android. The total count of iOS downloads are 34,150 whereas Android users are on 150,210, received this year around. In addition, they will also be informed about the estimated time of the trip. They will be told about the alternate routes, in case the original and routine routes are obstructed. The citizens would be able to leave their comments, feedback, experience and uggestions for the betterment of the app and services.

In a reviewing meeting, Chairman PITB, Azfar Manzoor expressed his satisfaction over the performance of mobile app and the concerned team. It was also discussed that after Lahore and Multan’s successful operation, this app may be extended to other cities of Punjab anon.

Qeemat Punjab mobile app provides great relief to citizens in Ramadan with 30,000 plus downloads

Commodities price checking and complaint registering Qeemat Punjab mobile app developed and launched by Punjab Information Technology Board just before Ramadan has been proved worthwhile and valuable as more than 30,000 citizens downloaded till now, while out of 1324 registered complaints, 873 have been resolved and more than 1.3 million rupees fine has been collected from all the non-compliers hitherto.

The aim behind ‘Qeemat Punjab mobile app’ was to ensure the price control and to notify citizens about the prices of vegetables, fruits and other household items set by the government on daily basis. Besides Ramadan, consumers can also lodge a complaint throughout the year against any shop or seller, selling substandard products or at jacked up prices. They can also file a complaint against misbehavior of any shopkeeper.

To stop the profiteering by the shopkeepers, this citizen centric app was launched successfully in 36 districts of province Punjab on 23^rd April, 2019 and has helped citizens in informing and registering any irregularity observed or witnessed related to price controlling in the market. The portal is interlinked with district administration, enabling them to track non-compliers.

Furthermore, a special monitoring team is deployed under deputy commissioner of every district, which carries out the action against any complaint. Punjab Information technology Board also manages and monitor the textual and pictorial data received every day.

In a reviewing meeting Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor said that technology has made lives of common man easier and Qeemat Punjab is its best example. Director General IT Operations PITB, Faisal Yousaf appreciated the team for successfully developing the state of the art mobile app which is providing great relief to citizens.

PITB launches Learning Management System for Punjab Judicial Academy

Punjab Information Technology Board in collaboration with Punjab Judicial Academy has launched Learning Management System (LMS) through which two thousand Judicial officers and nearly Twenty thousand high court staff will be able to get online training via dedicated web portal while sitting at their remote areas. Chief Guest of the ceremony, sitting judge of Lahore High Court Honorable Justice Mr. Jawad Hassan inaugurated the LMS in presence of Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor, Director General PJA Nazeer Ahmad Gajana and other senior officials here today.

On this occasion, Justice Mr. Jawad Hassan lauded the efforts of PITB in facilitating PJA and making learning procedure easier and accessible on one click. It is our mandate to bring reforms in judiciary system and PITB has already played a key role in automating Lahore High Court system, he said.

Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor said that the system will surely assist all the stakeholders at Punjab Judicial Academy and will assist effectively in the administration of training programs, enhanced learning process and in making effective decisions in no time. Technology has played a transformative role in shaping all walks of life & this Learning Management System will provide self-registration mechanism for training and robust reporting mechanism, he added.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed in the ceremony between Punjab Judicial Academy and Punjab Information Technology Board for further enhancement of the Learning Management System in future. Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor and DG PJA Nazeer Ahmad Gajana signed MoU on behalf of their respective organizations

Addition Director General PITB Ms. Saima Sheikh gave a detailed presentation on LMS and demonstrated the solutions the system offers. She said the system will ensure the academy to have credible benchmark by steaming the process which will resultantly reduce the operational time and effort. LMS creates the centralized repository of learning resources that features trainings, trainees profiling, online resources and discussion forum and to automate internal systems such as emails, SMS, alerts etc, she added.

Director General Punjab Judicial Academy, Nazir Ahmad Gajana also thanked Punjab IT Board for providing full assistance and support. In the end, souvenirs were presented to the officials of PITB, PJA who contributed a great deal in the said initiatives.

Let’s paint the future together – the AkzoNobel startup challenge begins

Calling all startups, scale-ups, entrepreneurs and innovators!

The first edition of Paint the Future – the AkzoNobel startup challenge is now open and ready to discover new and revolutionary solutions that will accelerate innovation in the world of paints and coatings.

The challenge connects bright minds and promising solutions from across the globe with AkzoNobel’s expertise, global scale and resources. Innovators, challenge teams, institutions and industry experts will work together to enhance the submitted ideas, forming a truly collaborative ecosystem.

Spearheaded by the company’s Chief Technology Officer Klaas Kruithof, Paint the Future offers winners the opportunity to accelerate commercialization of their solution.

“We can’t wait to see what exciting developments this collaborative experience brings to the paints and coatings industry,” says AkzoNobel CEO, Thierry Vanlancker. “We’re driven to create value for our customers, passionate about what we do and always looking ahead. Now, we’re looking to go even further, painting the future together with the world’s coolest innovators.”

Adds Kruithof: “Paints and coatings is a dynamic, technology-driven industry. We know the future lies in working with others and being open to cross-industry solutions. Exploring the new technology frontier, we will be able to introduce new features, improved products and more ways to delight our customers – and accelerate some truly exciting innovations.”

Launched in partnership with KPMG, the challenge focuses on five key areas:

Smart application
Enhanced functionality
Circular solutions
Life science infusion
Predictable performance

Register at letspaintthefuture.com to join the platform, submit solutions and contribute industry expertise as part of the community. More information about the challenge, this year’s five themes and submission process are also available in greater detail on the website.

The deadline for new submissions is March 1, 2019, and participants on the platform will continue to explore, discuss and enrich ideas until March 12, after which AkzoNobel experts will select finalists to participate in the finals event in Amsterdam May 14 to 16. Shortly thereafter, the company will begin working with winners on sustainable business opportunities.

Brief challenge descriptions:

Smart application
How could your solution change or improve the way customers apply our products?

Enhanced functionality
What exciting new functionality can your technology offer to make coatings cleaner, more responsive or adaptive?

Circular solutions
How would your solution enable circular use of materials at any point in our value chain?

Life science infusion
How can your solution, containing bio-active technology, help bring better performance or innovative features to our coatings?

Predictable performance
How can we collect and augment data more innovatively to make predictions for real world surface performance more accurate?

About AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel has a passion for paint. We’re experts in the proud craft of making paints and coatings, setting the standard in color and protection since 1792. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. Headquartered in the Netherlands, we are active in over 150 countries and employ around 35,000 talented people who are passionate about delivering the high-performance products and services our customers expect.

Emirates develops innovative application to reduce aircraft turnaround delays at Dubai hub

Karachi / Dubai, Dec 26 2018– Emirates passengers travelling from or transiting through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can expect fewer instances of delays associated with aircraft turnaround thanks to a new innovative application built in-house by Emirates called the Hub Monitor.

Hub Monitor is being used by Emirates’ operational staff in Dubai to share and monitor real time information on the various activities that are carried out to prepare an aircraft for departure. Through its monitoring and proactive alerting system, the application helps avoid delays and improve on-time performance ultimately leading to a better passenger experience.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer said: “The Hub Monitor application is a unique and innovative tool developed in line with our vision to continuously re-examine our processes and introduce smart and more efficient means to improve our operations resulting in better passenger experience. Our Operations team in coordination with IT have led the development of the hub monitoring system in a record time of five months, building on an existing solution that was already developed by Emirates Engineering. The team examining the various functions of Hub Monitor in real time are working to roll out further modules and the next module will be implemented later this month.”

Emirates Aircraft Turnaround in Dubai

Emirates is the world’s largest international airline operating a fleet of 270 modern all wide-body fleet of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Every day around 255 Emirates flights depart from Dubai to destinations across six continents. Flights range in duration from less than an hour to over 17 hours. In order to avoid flight delays and inconvenience to passengers, it is critically important to efficiently turnaround the aircraft arriving in Dubai and prepare them for their next departure without compromising on quality or safety.

It currently takes about 105 minutes to turnaround the Emirates A380, the world’s largest commercial passenger jet, and about 90 minutes to prepare the Boeing 777 aircraft for departure at Emirates’ hub in Dubai.

There are a number of activities involved in the aircraft turnaround process. Some of these include a complete cleaning of aircraft interiors, water and toilet servicing, flight catering and loading meals for passengers, servicing the aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), refuelling the aircraft, maintenance checks, and loading passenger luggage and cargo. A delay in any one of these activities can have a cumulative impact on operations.

Hub Monitor

With Hub Monitor, cross-functional teams from departments including Engineering, Network Control, Airport Services, Flight Operations, and dnata Operations keep track of the turnaround activities on a real time basis. The application also triggers alerts to operational staff when there is a delay or deviation to any above or below wing activity against a pre-set Precision Timing Schedule (PTS). These pre-emptive alerts allow Emirates’ teams to identify and resolve the root cause of any potential delays. In fact, Hub Monitor has already demonstrated its potential, versatility and scalability and has been chosen as the platform for some of Emirates’ key internal initiatives on disruption and fulfilment.

Hub Monitor integrates data coming in from a number of internal platforms and real-time aircraft downlinks. It then provides the consolidated data through a single view interface to relevant internal stakeholders. Hub Monitor is also mobile enabled, meaning staff deployed on the aircraft, ramp and in other remote areas can also easily access the information.

The application provides information on all Emirates’ aircraft in Dubai, allowing teams the ability to proactively recalibrate and plan their activities to minimise the impact of any unavoidable or unforeseen delays. Initial results since the application was deployed in August indicate that Hub Monitor has the potential to bring about a significant delay reduction at Emirates’ Dubai hub every year.

LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 Smart Display with the Google Assistant

LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 with Touch Display, Powerful Stereo Sound and Meridian Audio Technology for the Ultimate Visual Artificial Intelligence Experience

LG Electronics Inc. (LG) begins rolling out a powerful and intelligent speaker with a unique Smart Display that combines the capabilities of the Google Assistant with unparalleled sound quality from Meridian Audio to create a powerful and beautiful device designed for the smart home. The LG XBOOM AI ThinQ model WK9 will be available starting in the United States with key markets in other regions to follow.

The advanced Smart Display was developed in collaboration with Google to ensure that the WK9 builds upon the capabilities that come with having a Google Assistant speaker with the added convenience of a touchscreen display. The WK9 leverages LG’s partnership with Meridian Audio, an industry-leading innovator in high-performance audio solutions, to deliver delivering high-fidelity sound, precise vocal definition and accurate bass, despite its compact size.

Equipped with a front-facing camera for video conferencing and stereo 20W speakers – the most powerful offered in a smart speaker –with Meridian technology, the WK9 offers crystal clear audio for communicating with loved ones or enjoying music and with an 8-inch touch display, consumers can enjoy their favorite YouTube videos and easily access resources like Google Maps or Google Photos.

In addition to its superior audio and video capabilities, the LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 enables control of other LG ThinQ products in their home such as LG TVs and home appliances as well as more than 10,000 smart devices from over 1,000 brands that work with the Google Assistant.

“Our partnerships with Google and Meridian Audio allows us to offer a new home entertainment experience with the smart capabilities of the Google Assistant and the premium audio know-how that only Meridian could deliver,” said Seo Young-jae, head of the convergence audio and video business division at LG’s Home Entertainment Company. “Unlike other AI speakers where sound quality takes a back seat to the brain, the WK9 is first and foremost a high fidelity audio product that also happens to be intelligent.”

Specifications:

Display: 8-inch HD Touch Screen

Speaker Output: 2Ch / 20W

Camera: 5MP

Operating System: Android Things

Size (W x H x D): 370 x 244 x 145mm

Weight: 1.51kg

Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Bluetooth

Power Supply: 5.6W

Color: Black

OPPO named by Counterpoint as a Leader in Premium Smartphones

OPPO has been named as the leading brand by market research firm Counterpoint in the lower premium Smartphones segment. This stunning result proves the brand is thriving amongst fierce competition in a largely saturated market. Furthermore, with more than 95% of flagship sales coming from the domestic China market, its clear OPPO has ample opportunity to grow its share and thus bring more beautiful smartphone products to young consumers around the world.

High-end smartphone market price range and OEM share (Source: Counterpoint)

Mr. George Long, CEO, OPPO Pakistan said “OPPO keeps on addressing its expertise to intended youth consumers through various fashion and lifestyle collaborations in mainstream culture. It has been a triumphant technique for OPPO in making the brand more useful to smartphone users with advanced technology. With our portfolio ranging mid-range smartphones offers high value for money and affordable to our target audience so that they discover ever-evolving technological innovations”.

The Counterpoint report concluded that the global high-end smartphone market grew by 7% in the second quarter of 2018, with excellent performance in high-end product shipments. OPPO accounted for 10% of the overall premium smartphone market and in the $400-600 price segment, OPPO ranked first with 22% market share, followed by Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and others. Within the hugely important China high-end smartphone market, the world’s largest, Apple ranked first and OPPO ranked second. Chinese smartphone manufacturers have “upgraded” their flagship products this year and OPPO has been at the forefront. The newly launched Find X has won unanimous praise from consumers and the media after a highly successful Paris launch. Not forgetting the company’s R series, which reinvigorated the industry at large with metallic colors and glass gradients.

In 2018 alone, OPPO has introduced several innovative technologies including the panoramic arc screen, AI-enhanced 3D Camera, Super VOOC flash charging, TOF and 3D structured light technology. OPPO has also inked partnerships with Stanford University on AI and internally, successfully tested 5G for use in the future development of 5G smartphones. There are many more reasons beyond product features that contribute to OPPO’s fast growth. In recent years, OPPO has put tremendous effort into manufacturing and hardware development with investment in R&D and Design centers around the world. In software, the company’s ColorOS continues to offer users a fast, smooth and intuitive experience. Both of these are exemplified by our number of applied technology patents, which has reached more than 32,000 globally.

So far, OPPO had entered more than 30 countries and regions and operate in more than 400,000 stores. In marketing and retail, OPPO continues to speak to its target audience of young consumers through numerous partnerships in sports, fashion, movies, gaming and other spaces in popular culture. OPPO had already partnered with FC Barcelona, India’s National Cricket team, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and America’s Next Top Model. In each of these, young users have been successfully reached and shown how the mobile can complement their lives. It’s has been a winning strategy for OPPO in terms of making the brand appealing to more and more people. One of the fundamental goals of OPPO has been to adhere to the ‘art of technology’ and meet user needs.

Jubilee Life Insurance Announces to Sponsor the Pakistan VS Australia Cricket Series

Karachi: October 4, 2018 -Jubilee Life Insurance, Pakistan’s largest life insurance provider in the private sector is the proud presenting sponsor of the Pakistan vs Australia cricket test series to be held in UAE. The announcement was made at a press conference in Lahore, Pakistan.

The audiences world over will witness two cricketing titans coming head on in this exciting tour which includes two Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals with the first Test beginning on Sunday October 07 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

“Jubilee Life Insurance has always taken a lead and been one of the top supporters as far as facilitating sports in Pakistan is concerned. We feel proud in playing a key role in bringing cricket back to our nation starting with the PSL 3, followed by the Pakistan vs. WIndies series that took place earlier this year. With the same enthusiasm, Jubilee Life Insurance has continued to lend its support to this current tour and brings cricket for its fans and passionate spectators of the country.” said Syed Usman Qaiser, Chief Manager Marketing, Jubilee Life Insurance.

“Once again we are honored to see Jubilee Life’s commitment towards cricket in Pakistan. Over a period of time, this company has become one of the pillars upon which cricket has constantly grown in this nation. We envision being on the right path to reviving cricket in the country and the support of organizations like Jubilee Life Insurance will definitely help us achieve our objectives. We now hope the Pakistan team has a successful tour and is victorious.” said Zakir Khan, Director International Cricket, Pakistan Cricket Board.

Jubilee Life Insurance has become synonymous with sports in the country and upholds the brand essence being ‘Live Free’. The company was the gold sponsor of the PSL 3. Jubilee Life Insurance was also the lead sponsor of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) outfit Quetta Gladiators last season, as well as, being the gold sponsor of Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka cricket series. Other than cricket, Jubilee Life has also supported other sporting events in Pakistan including snooker, polo, hockey and golf.

Jubilee Life Insurance has been the pioneer in Bancassurance distribution and is the market leader among private sector life insurance companies in Pakistan. With an average growth of 38% over the last five years, it is the most profitable and valuable life insurance company on the stock exchange.

Jubilee Insurance is a global brand of Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) that offers diverse insurance solutions (life, health and general) and is committed to the vision of being Pakistan’s best service provider from the insurance industry and is among the top 25 companies of the Pakistan Stock Exchange; it happens to be the only insurance company to make it to this prestigious list.