/ ?!9 \4l4.ԥ}>gh|_#:NZJapanese technology firm NTT Data is ramping up its India operations, betting big on the country's burgeoning cloud and data centre market. India will play a key role in the company's regional strategy, driven by the country's rapid economic growth and expanding digital economy, said John Lombard, NTT Data's CEO for the Asia-Pacific. "As one of the fastest-growing large economies, India will play a key role in NTT's strategy in APAC," Lombard told ET. "India's rapid economic growth, especially the expansion of its digital economy, will present numerous opportunities for NTT Data's full-stack proposition." NTT Data's Indian operations currently employ over 40,000 people, making it one of the company's largest global hubs. Lombard said the company was committed to expanding its Indian operations "In India, especially in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, the demand for data centres continues to be driven by hyperscalers and large enterprises due to the increasing need for cloud and cloud-based services," Lombard said. He added that this demand for data centre capacity is expected to grow, considering the expanding scale and complexity of enterprise workloads and the adoption of GenAI use cases and this is where the company plans to add more workforce in future. Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development 12-Factor App Methodology: Principles and Guidelines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass By - CA Himanshu Jain, Ex McKinsey, Moody's, and PwC, Co - founder, The WallStreet School View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Advanced Excel Course - Financial Calculations & Excel Made Easy By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Data Analysis Animated Visualizations with Flourish Studio: Beginner to Pro By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program NTT Group has already collaborated with premier academic institutions including IITs for joint programmes, student internships, startup incubators and more. "In India, NTT has invested in multiple R&D offices which work on global innovation projects and on developing solutions aimed at emerging markets," Lombard said. (The writer was in Japan at the invitation of NTT) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Bordering the west side of Horseshoe Lake , South Pekin Road in Woodland will soon feature significant safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists. The city of Woodland took a step toward ensuring pedestrian and cyclist safety along this key roadway last week when the Woodland City Council unanimously approved hiring Gibbs & Olson to conduct preliminary engineering and design work for a sidewalk and bike lane project. The improvements will span roughly 0.3 miles along the east side of South Pekin Road, adjacent to Horseshoe Lake. The project will take place on the road just south of Marty Loop, ending at South Pekin Road’s intersection with Whalen Road, at the end of city limits. The sidewalk and bike lane are both estimated to span 6 feet wide, respectively. The preliminary engineering phase will utilize $120,000 of grant funding from the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments, with the city contributing $18,700 in matching funds. “It’s always been a road of interest for completion,” Woodland Public Works Director Riley Bunnell said. “We recognize this as a portion where there was very limited walking availability alongside the lake right there. We identified it as a safety issue, and we’re very happy to be able to actually access this grant and move forward with this project,” Initial fieldwork will include outreach to local business owners and residents for public input. Gibbs & Olson will also provide a detailed construction cost estimate, oversee the bidding process and serve as the construction manager to ensure the selected contractor meets project deliverables. The consultants will also assess the need for a small retaining wall along the new sidewalk given its proximity to the lake. Bunnell said the project is a high priority on the city’s 2025-30 Transportation Improvement Program list. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s online media association said two reporters were killed and several others were wounded in a gang attack on Tuesday on the reopening of Port-au-Prince’s biggest public hospital. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and they forced the closure of the General Hospital early this year. Authorities had pledged to reopen the facility Tuesday but as journalists gathered to cover the event, suspected gang members opened fire in a vicious Christmas Eve attack. Robest Dimanche, a spokesman for the Online Media Collective, identified the dead journalists as Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. Dimanche said an unspecified number of reporters had also been wounded in the attack, which he blamed on the Viv Ansanm coalition of gangs. Haiti’s interim president, Leslie Voltaire, said in an address to the nation that journalists and police were among the victims of the attack. He did not specify how many casualties there were, or give a breakdown for the dead or wounded. “I send my sympathies to the people who were victims, the national police and the journalists,” Voltaire said, pledging “this crime is not going to go unpunished.” A video posted online by the reporters trapped inside the hospital showed what appeared to be two lifeless bodies of men on stretchers, their clothes bloodied. One of the men had a lanyard with a press credential around his neck. Radio Télé Métronome initially reported that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded. Police and officials did not immediately respond to calls for information on the attack. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. They forced the closure of the General Hospital early this year during violence that also targeted the main international airport and Haiti’s two largest prisons. Authorities had pledged to reopen the facility Tuesday but as journalists gathered to cover the event, suspected gang members opened fire. Video posted online earlier showed reporters inside the building and at least three lying on the floor, apparently wounded. That video could also not be immediately verified. Johnson “Izo” André, considered Haiti’s most powerful gang leader and part of a gang known as Viv Ansanm, which that has taken control of much of Port-au-Prince , posted a video on social media claiming responsibility for the attack. The video said the gang coalition had not authorized the hospital’s reopening. Haiti has seen journalists targeted before. In 2023, two local journalists were killed in the space of a couple of weeks — radio reporter Dumesky Kersaint was fatally shot in mid-April that year, while journalist Ricot Jean was found dead later that month. In July, former Prime Minister Garry Conille visited the Hospital of the State University of Haiti, more widely known as the General Hospital, after authorities regained control of it from gangs. The hospital had been left ravaged and strewn with debris. Walls and nearby buildings were riddled with bullet holes, signaling fights between police and gangs. The hospital is across the street from the national palace, the scene of several battles in recent months. Gang attacks have pushed Haiti’s health system to the brink of collapse with looting, setting fires, and destroying medical institutions and pharmacies in the capital. The violence has created a surge in patients and a shortage of resources to treat them. Haiti’s health care system faces additional challenges during the rainy season, which is likely to increase the risk of water-borne diseases. Poor conditions in camps and makeshift settlements have heightened the risk of diseases like cholera, with over 84,000 suspected cases in the country, according to UNICEF. Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
( MENAFN - IANS) New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the "architect of India's transition" and lauded his contributions towards Political stability, nation-building, and good governance on the occasion of Vajpayee's 100th birth anniversary. Born on December 15, 1994, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee, a poet and politician, served as the Prime Minister of India for three terms -- first for a term of 13 days in 1996, second, for a period of 13 months from 1998 to 1999, third, a full term from 1999 to 2004 -- becoming the first non-Congress Prime Minister to serve a full term in the office. He left an indelible mark on the country's political and social fabric. His birth anniversary is also celebrated as 'Good Governance Day' in India. In a heartfelt blog post, PM Modi described December 25 as a special day for the nation, marking the centenary of Vajpayee's birth. "Today, 25th December is a very special day for all of us. Our nation marks the 100th Jayanti of our beloved former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. He stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people," he wrote. Highlighting Vajpayee's pivotal role in shaping India's future, PM Modi wrote, "Our nation will always be grateful to Atal Ji for being the architect of India's transition into the 21st century. When he took oath as PM in 1998, our nation had passed through a period of political instability. In about nine years, we had seen four Lok Sabha elections." "The people of India were getting impatient and sceptical about governments being able to deliver. It was Atal Ji who turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance. Coming from humble roots, he realised the struggles of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance." PM Modi highlighted Vajpayee's achievements across sectors, stating, "His era marked a gigantic leap in the world of Information Technology, telecom, and communications. The NDA Government under Atal Ji made the first serious attempt to make technology accessible to the common citizens. Even today, most people recall the Golden Quadrilateral Project, which connected the length and breadth of India. Equally notable were the efforts to enhance local connectivity through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. His government also laid the groundwork for the Delhi Metro, which stands as a world-class infrastructure project." Touching upon Vajpayee's contributions to social reforms, PM Modi said, "An initiative like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan highlights how Atal Ji dreamt of building an India where modern education is accessible to people across the nation, particularly for the poor and marginalised sections. At the same time, his government presided over many economic reforms which set the stage for India's economic surge after decades of stagnation." PM Modi also cited the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests as an example of Vajpayee's resolute leadership. "On 11th May, India conducted the Pokhran tests, known as Operation Shakti. Any ordinary leader would have buckled under international pressure, but Atal Ji was made differently. India stood firm and resolute, conducting another set of tests on 13th May. This was a message to the world that India would no longer buckle under threats or pressure," he wrote. Despite facing international sanctions, Vajpayee articulated India's right to safeguard its sovereignty while advocating for world peace. PM Modi further noted, "Atal Ji presided over the creation of the NDA, redefining coalitions in Indian politics. He brought people together, making the NDA a force for development and national progress. His Parliamentary brilliance was evident throughout his political journey." Slamming the Congress, PM Modi remarked, "As Prime Minister, he blunted the criticisms of the Opposition with style and substance. Despite spending much of his career in Opposition, he carried no bitterness, even though the Congress stooped to calling him a traitor. He preferred to resign in 1996 rather than resort to horse-trading. In 1999, despite losing by one vote, he upheld integrity and returned with a resounding mandate." Recalling Vajpayee's commitment to democracy, PM Modi wrote, "He was deeply impacted by the martyrdom of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and was a pillar of the anti-Emergency movement. He agreed to merge the Jan Sangh into the Janata Party in 1977, prioritising the Constitution over personal or party interests." The Prime Minister also praised Vajpayee's pride in Indian culture, citing his speech in Hindi at the United Nations as External Affairs Minister, which showcased his immense pride in India's heritage and identity. Calling Vajpayee's persona "magnetic," PM Modi wrote, "A prolific writer and poet, he used words to inspire, provoke thought, and offer solace. His poetry, reflective of his inner struggles and hopes for the nation, continues to resonate with people across generations." Concluding his tribute, the Prime Minister acknowledged Vajpayee's foundational contributions to the BJP and his unwavering dedication to ideology over power. "On his 100th Jayanti, let us rededicate ourselves to realising his ideals and fulfilling his vision for India. Atal Ji's unwavering belief in the potential of our nation continues to inspire us to aim higher and work harder," he wrote. 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Where to watch UT vs. A&M: Looking ahead to matchup this Thanksgiving weekend
Haiti gang attack on journalists covering a hospital reopening leaves 2 dead, several wounded
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Penn State has won a closely watched trademark fight over an online retailer's use of its vintage sports logos and images. A Pennsylvania jury awarded Penn State $28,000 in damages on Wednesday over products made and sold by Vintage Brand and Sportswear Inc., two firms co-founded by former minor league baseball player Chad Hartvigson. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Given how much we use our iPhones to text, scroll through social media, and remind us of important events, it's easy to forget that, first and foremost, it's a telephone, albeit a very technologically advanced one. Whether you're a veteran power user or new to the brand, you've likely encountered a few surprising things about the iPhone while using it. As with any tech device, every now and then, your iPhone might do something you don't understand. When going through your iPhone's call logs, you'll come across things like incoming, outgoing, and missed calls. However, you might find one thing puzzling — the Canceled Call message that sometimes appears unexpectedly in an iPhone's call logs. While other call statuses that show up in an iPhone's call log are pretty self-explanatory, the Canceled Call message has caused more than a few people to scratch their heads and wonder what's going on. If this has happened to you, you might wonder if the person you're trying to reach has blocked your number or if your iPhone is experiencing some type of technical issue. The good news is that if you see Canceled Call in your iPhone's call logs, there's usually nothing to be concerned about; it just means a call was initiated but didn't go through. Have you ever called someone on your iPhone and hung up before they could answer or before their voicemail came on? If the answer is yes, the Canceled Call message has likely appeared in your iPhone's call logs, whether you noticed it at the time or not. This message doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your phone. When the right conditions are met, it'll appear in your call logs, whether you're using the futuristic iPhone 16 Pro or an older model. The Canceled Call status lets you know that a call was placed but wasn't completed. Something that often happens when we realize we've dialed the wrong number and quickly hang up. The person on the receiving end of your phone call won't see Canceled Call in their logs; instead, they'll see a Missed Call status, assuming the phone rang at least one time. If their network doesn't have time to register your call, they might not see anything at all. Canceled Call will also appear in your call logs if you call someone and get a busy signal. You may be asking yourself: How does a Canceled Call differ from an outgoing call? You'll see Outgoing Call in your call logs if you call someone and your iPhone dials the number, the recipient's phone rings, and connects. If your call doesn't go through all these stages, your iPhone will record it as a Canceled Call in your call logs.
Aldi's latest food range has been making waves on my TikTok ForYouPage, with one item in particular getting a glowing review. The supermarket's Protein Mousse has created a buzz among fitness enthusiasts, with many customers filming themselves buying in bulk. This dessert has been highly sought after for a few years now, with items flying off the shelves as soon as they're stocked. I must admit, I'm not a fan of mousse and so have never bothered to spend money on it. However, as an avid runner currently training for a marathon and vice-captain of a rugby team, I was keen to try out the rest of the range. Aldi's protein range includes a variety of options such as protein bars, powders, pancakes and ready-to-eat meals. It provides budget-friendly choices that cater to different dietary needs, including vegetarian and high-protein snacks. From what I could see, the range consists of 20 different products, but here are my thoughts on the standout items. I'm a fitness expert and this is the truth about carbohydrates and weight-gain Seven of the best gyms in Merseyside to join in time for your New Year goals Chicken Tikka Masala The first thing that struck me about this dish was the generous size of the chicken chunks. It seemed like good value for money, with plenty of vegetables included. The broccoli was a tad dry but was far from being a deal-breaker. This dish was just the right size for a lunchtime meal, but with the addition of naan bread or a few vegetable samosas, it could easily be transformed into an evening dinner. It packed 30 grams of protein and set me back £2.89. Thin Bagels One factor that heavily influences my bagel choices is whether they're pre-sliced or not. So, the Aldi protein bagels were already winning when I saw they were pre-cut. They made for a quick and easy breakfast and were satisfying when paired with a banana. I wasn't too keen on the look of the seeds, but thankfully, their taste wasn't that powerful. Each bagel contained 15 grams of protein. A pack of four cost me £1.19. Meatb all Pasta I was most excited about this pasta dish out of all the meals I'd picked up for my weekly shop. Like the tikka masala, it had a generous amount of meat - in this case, meatballs. However, I had an issue when I microwaved the dish as instructed - the sauce dried out quite quickly. But, with a few extra seasonings and a sprinkle of cheese from my cupboard, I managed to rescue the meal. Without this, I don’t think I’d be rushing back to add this to my weekly shop again. The pasta contained 28 grams of protein and cost £2.89. Sweet and Sour Chicken I was most sceptical about this Chinese-styled dish out of the five I bought. For context, I got food poisoning last year from the same dish at a restaurant and have been wary of it since. However, I decided it was time to face my fears and give it another try. Cooking it myself gave me some reassurance that I wouldn't end up ill this time. That being said, the meal felt like it was lacking something. In hindsight, it would have been better as a lunch option rather than dinner, as it wasn't the most filling of meals. The meal cost £2.89 and had 30 grams of protein in it. Overall All-in-all, I am now a converted fan to the Aldi range. Given the ease and the price of the meals, it would be hard to say no to some of the dishes and items again. Although, they weren't the only factor in reaching my weekly protein goal, they certainly contributed a lot and they took next to no time to make.Mid-American Conference football goes all in on November weeknights for the TV viewersSAN ANTONIO (AP) — Damari Monsanto's 22 points helped UTSA defeat Southwestern Adventist 117-58 on Thursday. Monsanto added six rebounds for the Roadrunners (6-5). Sky Wicks scored 20 points while shooting 8 for 12, including 4 for 7 from beyond the arc and added eight rebounds and three steals. Amir "Primo" Spears shot 5 of 10 from the field, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 6 from the line to finish with 16 points. Domonique Wilkins and Orlando Gooden each scored 19 points for Southwestern Adventist. Jason Garcia had 13 points, four assists and two steals. Monsanto led his team in scoring with 16 points in the first half to help put them up 61-24 at the break. UTSA extended its lead to 87-38 during the second half, fueled by a 13-3 scoring run. Wicks scored a team-high 10 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
( MENAFN - media OutReach Newswire) HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 December 2024 - Led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway (CLAP-TECH) has conducted its second annual survey, exploring the talent demands of the Information and Communications technology (ICT) and Creative Media industries. The survey delved into aspects including starting salaries, hiring process duration, in-demand positions and overall talent supply. It aims to provide insights into employer expectations regarding the skills of fresh graduates with higher diplomas or university degrees, while providing valuable reference for students and industries. Andrew Ho, Director of Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative - CLAP-TECH Centre, (left) and Patrick Tam, Principal Advisor at 3 Screens Strategic Advisors Limited (right), an industry partner of Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative - CLAP-TECH Pathway, discussed CLAP-TECH's survey findings and their implications. This year's survey results indicate a growing recognition among employers in both industries of the capabilities of higher diploma graduates. In the age of artificial intelligence, employers are placing greater emphasis on soft skills and acknowledging the role of Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) in cultivating talent with market-relevant expertise. Starting salaries for higher diploma and university degree fresh graduates remain between HKD 17,000 and HKD 23,000 Employers' recognition of higher diploma graduates improves compared to last year According to the survey, approximately 60% of employers believed that higher diploma graduates possess soft and hard skills comparable to, or even stronger than, those of university degree graduates. Employers' recognition of the soft and hard skills of higher diploma graduates has increased by 8.8 and 17.1 percentage points respectively, compared to last year. This growing acknowledgment is evident in graduates' starting salaries . In the Creative Media industry, most higher diploma graduates (77.2%) and university degree fresh graduates (66.8%) receive a starting salary of HKD 17,000 to HKD 23,000. Notably, the proportion of higher diploma graduates with starting salaries between HKD 20,000 and HKD 23,000 has risen by 9.7 percentage points compared to last year. In the ICT industry, the majority of higher diploma graduates (68%) fit within the HKD 17,000 to HKD 23,000 starting salary range, mirroring last year's findings (64.7%), while over half (56.4%) of university degree fresh graduates are in the same salary bracket this year. Regarding hiring process duration and salary increments , employers in the ICT and Creative Media sectors reported an average time of nearly three months to fill suitable vacancies, with 8.8% of ICT employers indicating that some positions may take more than six months to fill. Some 70% of responding employers expect salary increments for higher diploma and university degree fresh graduates in 2025 to be between 2% and 5.9%, aligning with market expectations. Andrew Ho, Director of the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative - CLAP-TECH Centre , said: "We are pleased to see a significant annual increase in employers' recognition of higher diploma graduates' soft and hard skills. Starting salaries for higher diploma graduates have also increased this year, particularly in the Creative Media sector. This reflects a growing market demand for quality graduate talent and demonstrates that higher diploma graduates with the right skills and qualifications are becoming increasingly competitive in the job market.” Academic achievements are a lesser priority, with soft skills gaining greater competitiveness in the age of AI As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape education and the workplace, the survey revealed that over half (54.6%) of the surveyed employers have fully or partially integrated advanced technologies like AI and generative AI into their daily operations, while over one-third (37.4%) are considering such integration. However, as businesses increasingly adopt these technologies, employers prioritise soft skills such as "curiosity and lifelong learning", "analytical thinking", and "resilience, flexibility, and agility". These skills are deemed more important than the knowledge and skills of AI and big data, which ranks fifth in importance in the next five to ten years. During job interviews, employers have shifted their focus from candidates' internships or practical experience to demonstrating soft skills such as communication (81.7%), problem-solving abilities (81.5%) and leadership potential (57.1%). Remarkably, the proportion of employers in the ICT and creative media sectors who value leadership potential surged, nearly doubling and increasing by over 1.7 times respectively compared to the previous year. More than 24.2% of employers in the ICT industry and 17.2% in the Creative Media industry believe that current candidates lack these skills, while academic performance and credentials are considered a lesser priority. Employers in the Creative Media industry indicate that in the next five to ten years, talent will need to acquire“creative thinking” and "technological literacy" along with skills related to "artificial intelligence and big data". Patrick Tam, Principal Advisor at 3 Screens Strategic Advisors Limited , an industry partner of the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative - CLAP-TECH Pathway, stated:“In today's fast-evolving digital landscape, employers are increasingly in need of team members who possess a balanced blend of soft and hard skills. While proficiency in industry-specific skills is crucial, we also value employees who exhibit a strong sense of curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in our daily workflow, it is imperative that our workforce applies their analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and judgement to ensure the responsible implementation of AI technologies. The qualities of resilience, flexibility and agility will render employees indispensable in today's dynamic work environment.” Andrew Ho, Director of the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative - CLAP-TECH Centre , said:“To ensure that the CLAP-TECH curriculum aligns with industry needs, we engaged with industry partners early on to gain insights into emerging career trends and the essential role of both soft and hard skills. Through a tripartite partnership among HKBU, industry partners and secondary schools, we are dedicated to nurturing talents equipped with the skills necessary for the future workforce. The findings of this survey validate our vision: industry participation is key for talent development, and the significance of soft skills must not be overlooked in today's rapidly evolving technology landscape." Over 90% of employers agree that vocational education produces more graduates with in-demand skills The HKSAR Government rebranded vocational education and training in Hong Kong as Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) in 2016, establishing a diverse range of teaching models and pathways for further education. The survey shows that over 90% of respondents believe VPET helps enhance the soft and hard skills, work attitudes and daily competencies of higher diploma graduates, thereby enriching the talent pool. Some 30% of the respondents stated that VPET can "significantly improve" practical skills. Andrew Ho, Director of the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative - CLAP-TECH Centre , said:“Our survey results indicate a greater awareness among respondents regarding initiatives such as Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), Industrial Attachment, and Career and Life Planning Grant. However, there remains a general lack of understanding regarding VPET. This highlights the need for the government to enhance VPET and its promotion to both employers and the public, emphasising its critical role in talent development and skills enhancement. This commitment will empower every talented young individual to chart their career paths, fully leverage their strengths and meet the future demands for various professional skills." Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Jockey Club Multiple Pathways Initiative – CLAP-TECH Pathway (CLAP-TECH) commissioned a market research company to conduct its second annual online survey in October this year, interviewing a total of 500 local employers who had been involved in the recruitment process in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and/ or Creative Media industries in the past 12 months. Over 60% of the respondents frequently hire employees (every few months or multiple times per month) and have final decision-making authority or influence in the recruitment process. MENAFN19122024003551001712ID1109014858 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
It's time for the holidays, which means robust family conversations and seemingly never-ending courses of food. But for the more tech-savvy among us, the journey home could also mean we'll be called on to provide a backlog of tech support to parents, grandparents and other family members. And with generative AI being used to supercharge some major cyber scams this year, it's also a good time to teach and not just fix. Here are some tips on how to manage your tech encounters this holiday season: Whether it's Windows, macOS, iOS or Android, simply keeping your operating system and apps up-to-date will help protect your family's computers and devices against a surprising number of security threats, such as malware, viruses and exploits. Most operating systems, especially those for mobile devices and their app stores, typically have auto-updates turned on by default. Be sure to double-check the device to make sure it has enough storage space to carry out the update. (More on this below.) Keeping apps updated may also reduce the number of "Why isn't this app working?" type of questions from your relatives. Chances are someone in your family is going to have a completely full mobile device. So full, in fact, that they can no longer update their phone or tablet without having to purge something first. There are many approaches to freeing up space. Here are a few you can easily take without having to triage data or apps. According to some admittedly unscientific studies, the average person has hundreds of passwords. That's a lot to remember. So as you help your relatives reset some of theirs, you may be tempted to recycle some to keep things simple for them. But that's one of the bad password habits that cybersecurity experts warn against. Instead, try introducing your forgetful family member to a password manager. They're useful tools for simplifying and keeping track of logins. And if you want to impress a more tech-savvy cousin or auntie, you could suggest switching to a more secure digital authentication method: passkeys. As scammers find new ways to steal money and personal information, you and your family should be more vigilant about who to trust. Artificial intelligence and other technologies are giving bad actors craftier tools to work with online. A quick way to remember what to do when you think you're getting scammed is to think about the three S's, said Alissa Abdullah, also known as Dr. Jay, Mastercard's deputy chief security officer "Stay suspicious, stop for a second (and think about it) and stay protected," she said. Simply being aware of typical scams can help, experts say. Robocalls frequently target vulnerable individuals like seniors, people with disabilities, and people with debt. So-called romance scams target lonely and isolated individuals. Quiz scams target those who spend a lot of time on social media. Check our AP guide on the latest scams and what to do when you're victimized. Home internet speeds are getting faster, so you want to make sure your family members are getting a high-speed connection if they've paid for one. Run a broadband speed test on your home network if they're still rocking an aging modem and router. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Rebalancing Your Portfolio for 2025? 3 Growth Stocks to Consider12 Tips To Keep the Whole Family's Spirits High During Holiday Travel
Lindsey Vonn competes in a pair of downhills, another step on her comeback trail at the age of 40