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fa178 A 64-YEAR-OLD man who has been living on the streets since 1995 wants to reunite with his family for the New Year. Vernon Miller, who admitted that he was once a substance abuser living on the streets of Port of Spain, San Juan, San Fernando and even as far away as Icacos, says he has cleaned up his life after receiving help from a Government agency as well as a church. Miller came to Express House in Port of Spain, yesterday morning, saying that he wanted help to find his younger sisters and an older brother whom he said he had lost contact with. He gave their last known address as Silvermill, San Juan. He recalled that his sisters were renting an apartment there in 1995 but since then he cannot tell if they had changed their names or moved away from the San Juan area. He said all his siblings had the same surname since they had the same mother and father and gave their names as Angela, Margaret, Marjorie, Mary and his older brother Allan. He said he also had a 38-yearold daughter by the name of Vanessa. Miller told the Express that he spent some time in prison between 1999 and 2003 for drug possession and added that his road to recovery began in 2021 shortly before the socially displaced centre on Riverside Plaza in Port of Spain had closed its doors in 2022. 'I went to the socially displaced centre in Port of Spain and was helped by a woman named Mrs Wells She advised me to seek help in church. I started to go to church. I started to go the Wesleyan Church in San Juan where pastor Brian Lewis had taken me and along with his wife, they followed up with me until I recovered from that dark place. That illness,' Miller said, adding that at the beginning of his journey they would come to Riverside Plaza and pick him up routinely to go to church with them. In explaining what motivated him to seek help at the shelter in 2021, Miller said it began with his participation with former street dweller and soca singer Uncle Ellis (Ellis Reid) who sang 'I Doh Mind' in 2017. Miller said he was the one pushing Uncle Ellis around in the shopping cart in the music video. In the video, Uncle Ellis had said at the introduction that on the streets of Port of Spain he was subjected to unnecessary abuse by passers-by because he was living on the streets and labelled a cocaine user. Ellis also stated during the song's introduction that he wanted to be 'a beacon of light' for the people lying down on the street. 'I want to be an example. I want to motivate people living on the street. Not because we living on the street means we are not human,' Ellis said then. Miller said, 'I was dancing on the streets and many artistes began singing about 'Oscar' (Miller's street name) and I said look at this nah. Artistes were singing and saying, we got to say a prayer for Oscar and they were reaching out to me. I was fascinated in the way these people (soca artistes) were putting their words into music about me and I realised it was something that God was working out in my life like in a way to assist.' He said he realised he had to transform his life so others could inherit something good from his change. Elaborating on the help he got at the socially displaced centre at Riverside Plaza, Miller commended the patience of the manager named Wells. He said that he could hold a conversation with her, 'and she gave me words of wisdom such as how to keep myself in order to go back into society and about going to church. She gave me whatever I wanted.' He said that he was content to stay at the centre at that time and lamented that it was now closed. Asked about the ways the centre for socially displaced people at Riverside Plaza had helped him, Miller said at the time it was comfortable for him. 'Food was there, shelter was there, care-taking was in that area,' he said. However, Miller pointed out that a lot also depended on the people going for help there and if they actually wanted the change in their life. He asked his family to contact him at the Wesleyan Church in San Juan. Serious about change When the Express contacted Pastor Brian Lewis' wife, who asked that her name not be used, she said what was much noticeable about Miller when she first met him through his interactions with her husband at the church, was his seriousness in wanting to change. She said she noticed that demeanour even though Miller was still living on the streets. 'My husband would have kept in touch. Well, at the time the CSDP (Centre for Socially Displaced People) was closing off and placing them in different places. The first place was somewhere in Maraval and we would have arranged for someone to pick him up every Sunday to bring him to church until he moved to Champs Fleurs where we would pick him up and bring him to church. And then the last place was in San Juan where we continued to pick him up and then now he is no longer there,' she said. She recalled that Miller was also very hungry for the word of God. 'I remember him learning off whole passages in the book of Psalms and would have written songs and sang it in church. So much so, that one of the students in class said she remembered him being a vagrant in the Criosee (San Juan) and she was so shocked to see him in church.' Pastor Lewis' wife reminded that people reacted to life's challenges in different ways and said, ultimately, people had choices to make, noting that one of those choices was turning to God.Syria’s embassy in Lebanon suspends services as Lebanon hands over former Syrian army officers

Delhi’s Public Works Department (PWD) has written to the Union government to restart work at a Pragati Maidan underpass – the last of the six corridors around the tunnel leading to the complex – after work on the project was halted following floods during the 2023 monsoon, officials aware of the matter have said. Also Read : Delhi now capital of crime, people worried: Arvind Kejriwal writes to Amit Shah This underpass consists of two sections – a two-lane box and 3-lane box. The two-lane section, which is complete, will carry traffic moving from ITO-Ring Road towards Bhairon Marg while the 3-lane section, which is under construction, will take vehicles from Bhairon Marg towards Ring Road, the official said. Also Read : Kejriwal seeks meeting with Amit Shah on law and order in Delhi This 28m stretch is being built using box-push technology, but work stopped after two concrete boxes on the railway lines shifted and sank due to persistent waterlogging during the 2023 floods. Also Read : Farmers resume ‘Delhi chalo’ protest march, internet suspended in Ambala This corridor was initially supposed to be completed along with the Pragati Maidan tunnel and the other four underpasses in June 2022, but after delays, the project deadline extended to the end of 2022, and then further to early 2023. The deadline was then moved to September – just in time for the G20 Summit — but the floods delayed it further to December 2023. Built at a cost of more than ₹ 920 crore, the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor project is aimed at providing hassle free and smooth access “Bharat Mandapam”, the new exhibition and convention centre developed at Pragati Maidan. It is a part of the Pragati Maidan Redevelopment Project that was planned by the Union government to host G20 meetings. However, with problems persisting, officials said that no new deadline has been fixed as of now, and the work has been on standstill for over a year and a half now. PWD officials said this site is particularly vulnerable to frequent inundation as it is hardly 100m from the banks of the Yamuna, and groundwater levels in this area are high. “We have worked on several solutions and also approached Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Indian Railways to help us so that the problem can be solved. We have now formulated a proposal that includes design changes like reducing the height of the underpass to make it technically feasible and have sent it for approval. We are pursuing it and will hopefully get a go-ahead soon,” said a PWD official, on condition of anonymity. The site has three active railway lines above the junction, and construction and tunnelling work can only be done during a four-hour window every night. These issues were tackled with redesigning the drainage around the area, officials said. “We are pushing for the proposal to be approved soon so that we can start work by early next year. It will take at least six months, so we may be able to finish work before next monsoon, if we start on time,” said another PWD official. Experts said that there are various ground improvement techniques that can be employed to increase the strength of the site and pull the boxes back up, but proper surveys need to be done and the root cause of the problem has to be identified. “It is difficult to comment on any problem without visiting the ground and conducting surveys. However, grouting is one way in which the problem can be solved. There are many different kinds of grout mixes—some will swell after application, some travel through the gaps and fix them and others are quick-setting grouts. One of these can be used to treat the soil and strengthen the ground so that it can take the load of the boxes. Once the boxes are fixed and not floating anymore, further steps can be taken,” said Debi Prasad Kanungo, chief scientist at Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), whose team also helped find a solution to the cracks developed in the main tunnel.The Ohtani family’s roster is going to be a little bigger. Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child together, he shared on his Instagram account Saturday. “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!” Ohtani wrote in the caption of his post, which included an image of a covered-up sonogram, a salmon-colored onesie, baby shoes and their beloved dog, Decoy. It has been a whirlwind year-plus for Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers last December after winning two MVP awards with the Angels. In February, on the eve of the baseball season, Ohtani announced he got married in the offseason . “To all my friends and fans throughout, I have an announcement to make: Not only have I began a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have began a new life with someone from my Native country of Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married,” Ohtani wrote on social media then. It was revealed later that he had tied the knot with Tanaka , a former professional basketball player. On the field, Ohtani’s first season with the Dodgers couldn’t have gone much better as he claimed his third MVP award — and first in the National League — after becoming the first player in MLB history to join the 50-50 club with 50 homers and 50 steals . He capped it off with his first World Series win when his Dodgers beat the Yankees in five games.

In today's world, keeping an eye on your property has never been more crucial. The available on is a perfect choice to enhance your home surveillance system. Currently discounted at an incredible 65%, this camera promises excellent value with its high-tech features and reliable performance, making it an irresistible purchase. First and foremost, the offers 4MP HD Images and a 100ft night vision capability, ensuring you have crystal-clear footage around the clock. The 2.5K HD video quality during the day and its impressive range of night vision in total darkness mean you won't miss a thing, providing peace of mind that your property is monitored effectively 24/7. Another compelling reason to purchase the is its intelligent person and vehicle detection feature. This surveillance camera uses advanced technology to differentiate between people and vehicles, reducing false alarms and ensuring that only relevant notifications reach your phone via the ZOSI Smart App. Imagine being able to check on your home or business anytime, anywhere, with live views and easy playback options at your fingertips. Security isn't just about watching; it's about responding to threats. The has a smart light and sound alarm system that immediately alerts you to any potential danger. This real-time interaction can deter unwanted visitors, ensuring your space remains secure. Moreover, the two-way audio system allows you to communicate directly through the camera, whether it's to comfort a pet in distress or communicate with family members. Storage options make this camera even more versatile. With both local and cloud storage options, the ensures your recordings are safely stored. It supports up to a 128GB micro SD card for local storage and offers a 30-day free cloud storage service, giving you flexibility in managing and accessing your security footage. In conclusion, with its state-of-the-art features and current 65% discount on , the is a smart investment to secure your home. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your security with this top-rated, cost-effective surveillance solution. Secure your peace of mind today with this exceptional product.

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NoneNational firm MHA, the UK member of Baker Tilly International, has promoted three members of staff in its Thames Valley office. The firm has promoted Carina Ralfs to audit partner, with Ben Coleman and Gareth Matthias both promoted to audit directors. The three promotions are part of the firm's plans for 'continued growth' in the region. Carina Ralfs has been with the firm since 2013, providing audit and assurance services to the not-for-profit and education sectors, including academies and further education institutions. Gareth Matthias also joined MHA in 2013 on their ACA graduate scheme and after leaving in 2019, he returned in 2023 as a senior manager and has now been promoted to audit director. In his role, he provides audit and advisory to the technology and financial services sector. Ben Coleman joined the firm in 2017 from one of the Big Four accountancy firms, specialising in the life sciences and technology sectors. Justin Moss, chief operating officer and partner at MHA’s Thames Valley office, said: "The promotions of Carina, Ben and Gareth are testament to MHA’s people-first ethos in that we place a genuine investment in progression and development in our people. "Carina, Ben and Gareth are real assets to the firm and our Thames Valley office, and their promotions will prove fantastic news for the clients."

Home | Editorials | Rewind The Year When Half Of The World Voted Rewind: The Year When Half of the World Voted The largest election year in history, 2024 saw a rise in right-leaning governments and coalition formations across the globe but also underscored the resilience of democracy By Telangana Today Updated On - 28 December 2024, 11:51 PM Dr Akhil Kumar, Anudeep Gujjeti As 2024 draws to a close, it has been the largest election year in the history of global politics, with almost half of the world’s population exercising their franchise. Simultaneously, the year also witnessed protests leading to widespread public outrage over the organisation and outcomes of the elections. The Pew Research Center’s report, Global Elections in 2024: What We Learned in a Year of Political Disruption, elucidates growing frustration with political elites, challenges to traditional political parties and widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo. These factors created fertile ground for the rise of populist movements across the globe. The trend was evident in countries such as the United States and Germany where right-wing populism remains strong, and in Mexico, where left-wing populism is on the rise. No Free and Fair The conduct of free and fair elections is intended to facilitate a stable transition of power, but this has not been proven true in all cases. Bangladesh is a prominent example of this failure. The political landscape in Bangladesh faced significant challenges, beginning with the main opposition party’s boycott of the January elections, followed by widespread political unrest, culminating in deadly protests. By August, as the situation escalated, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country by seeking asylum in India. Within Europe, several countries experienced large-scale protests spilling onto the streets. In France, protests erupted over changes to New Caledonia’s voter registration rules. In Romania, unrest followed after the constitutional court annulled the first round of voting, citing concerns over alleged external interference from Russia while post-election protests continued in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, driven by discontent over the decision to put EU accession negotiations on hold. • There was a slight rise in left-wing populism in a few countries, such as Mexico, where the Morena party, only a decade old, now dominates the nation’s politics Within African nations, protests emerged in several countries: in Ghana, over alleged voter roll manipulation; in Senegal, against election delays; in Tanzania, over the dissolution of various administrative regions; and in Tunisia, against the repression of electoral opponents. Several other countries also witnessed protests over the manipulation of electoral rolls, such as Venezuela, Russia and Indonesia. In April, South Korean voters handed a majority of seats in the National Assembly to the opposition Democratic Party, signalling a rebuke to President Yoon Suk Yeol and his People Power Party. By early December, tensions escalated when Yoon declared martial law, accusing Democratic Party leaders of engaging in ‘anti-state’ activities. However, the National Assembly acted swiftly, voting unanimously to overturn his decision and lift martial law. • The most dramatic defeat for a long-time incumbent party may have occurred in the southern African nation of Botswana, where the Botswana Democratic Party lost power for the first time in nearly 60 years and was reduced to four seats in Parliament The elections in 2024 resulted in a rise in right-leaning governments, coalition formations, and populist movements across the globe. It was a challenging year for incumbents across the globe. In cases, where incumbents retained power, they did so with a reduced majority, like in India where Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost its majority in the elections held in April-May. In Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party — which has governed the country for most of the post-World War II era — and its coalition partner, Komeito, lost their majority in parliament. The African National Congress in South Africa failed to win a majority of National Assembly seats for the first time since the end of apartheid. Right Rises, Left Leaps Back Reflecting the rise of right-wing space in global politics, Conservative parties made significant inroads in the majority of these electoral contests, with mainstream centre-right parties taking the lead in countries such as Finland and Panama, while both centre-right and far-right parties achieved success in countries like Belgium and Portugal. Instances of increased vote shares for far-right parties were generally incremental, as observed in the European Union’s parliamentary elections. France, Romania, Germany, Portugal, Austria and the UK all witnessed the rise of right and far-right parties gaining a foothold as a result of the disenchantment with the political class in those countries. According to data from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance and the National Democratic Institute, elections were held in 62 countries, with right-leaning governments securing victories in 25 of them, representing 42.4% of the total share. • Putin won an unprecedented 5th term as president of Russia in an election marred by violence, alleged voter fraud and hardly any independent monitors to document irregularities. There were three token contenders but none offered voters any choice Left- and centre-aligned parties joined forces to block Marine Le Pen’s right-wing populist National Rally from gaining power in France. Despite this, Le Pen’s party significantly increased its seat count by winning 31.5% votes in the National Assembly. By early December, the National Rally, in an unexpected move, joined the New Popular Front, a coalition of left-leaning parties, to bring down the government of conservative leader Michel Barnier after just three months in office. In 2024, seven of the largest nations within the G20 voted in national elections. Of these, three countries elected right-leaning parties while three chose left-leaning. Vladimir Putin won an unprecedented fifth term as president of Russia in an election marred by violence, alleged voter fraud and hardly any independent monitors to document irregularities. There were three token contenders but none offered voters any real choice. There was a slight rise in left-wing populism in a few countries, such as Mexico, where the Morena party, only a decade old, now dominates the nation’s politics. The Labour Party won an overwhelming parliamentary majority, bringing 14 years of Conservative Party rule to an end in the UK. However, the most dramatic and significant electoral outcome occurred in Sri Lanka. Anura Kumara Dissanayake who won only 3% of votes in the last elections secured a landslide victory in both the presidential and parliamentary elections, with voters expressing their profound dissatisfaction with the traditional political elite in the history of Sri Lankan politics. It’s the Economy, Stupid This phrase was coined by James Carville, an American political consultant and strategist in Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 US presidential election. It is the economy that determines whether voters are satisfied with a government and if they will re-elect or vote it out. As per the survey by the Pew Research Center in June 2024, 64% of its respondents across 34 countries rated their economies negatively. In the same survey, 82% of South Koreans and 76% of Japanese rated their economy negatively. Interestingly, this year, polling itself came under significant scrutiny, raising questions about the methods and techniques employed to gauge voter sentiment. In several instances, pollsters predicted a tight race, such as in the US elections, or prematurely declared a clear victory for a single party like in India, only for the actual results to contradict these forecasts. The truth became evident: no one can truly know how the electorate will vote or which way the political winds will blow. • The Labour Party won an overwhelming parliamentary majority, bringing 14 years of Conservative Party rule to an end in the UK Amidst growing economic and geopolitical strife, with the Ukraine war, conflicts in the Middle East and rising trade tensions between the US and China, the world’s two largest economies, this wave of fractured mandates poses significant challenges for governance. Minority governments often struggle to make decisive policy choices, which could have far-reaching implications for global issues ranging from climate change to international security. 2025 — Multipolar Disorder The end of 2024 also marked the waning of the unipolar world order, giving way to what some describe as multipolar disorder. Traditional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas confrontation, continue to disrupt global supply chains and exacerbate humanitarian crises. Civil wars in West Asia, Africa and Myanmar have led to mass migrations, placing additional strain on already rigid borders in the US and Europe, where governments have frozen asylum applications and tightened immigration policies. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs projects that 305 million people will require humanitarian assistance in 2025. The sheer scale of humanitarian need underscores the urgency for global cooperation and resource mobilisation. China’s assertive rise has intensified tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, threatening free navigation and further destabilising supply chains. The geopolitical rivalry between the US and China is set to intensify, with Taiwan emerging as a focal point of contention. As Donald Trump prepares to take office, all eyes will be on his administration’s approach to trade and tariffs. Trump’s threats of additional tariffs on Chinese imports and his emphasis on defending Taiwan will likely escalate the already fraught relationship between the world’s two largest economies. The economic landscape in 2025 is laden with challenges, with the US-China trade relationship serving as a critical variable, potentially triggering ripple effects across global markets. • The most dramatic and significant electoral outcome occurred in Sri Lanka. Anura Kumara Dissanayake who won only 3% of votes in the last elections secured a landslide victory in both the presidential and parliamentary elections An often-overlooked consequence of these conflicts has been the surge in global defence spending. From Japan to Germany, countries are prioritising stockpiling weapons for deterrence. This arms build-up reflects a growing sense of insecurity in a fragmented international system. However, many of these nations are led by politically fragile governments, making decisive foreign policy actions risky. Domestic political considerations are expected to play a more significant role in shaping foreign policies, as leaders prioritise the survival of their governments over bold international initiatives. In 2025, as global discussions on AI governance gain momentum through initiatives like the AI Action Summit in Paris, Canada’s G7 Presidency and Rwanda’s focus on Africa’s AI role, developing countries must recognise that mere participation in regulatory frameworks is insufficient. While efforts such as the UN’s Global Digital Compact and the EU’s AI Act will shape global norms, they predominantly reflect the priorities of developed nations. Without significant investment in AI research, infrastructure and talent, developing nations, such as India, risk becoming passive consumers rather than leaders in the AI revolution. • In 2024, seven of the largest nations within the G20 voted in national elections. Of these, three countries elected right-leaning parties while three chose left-leaning Climate change will also be another defining issue next year. With Conference of Parties (COP) 30 scheduled to take place in Belem, Brazil, countries will face critical decisions about financing green technology and meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. However, Trump’s return casts doubt on the US commitment to international climate agreements. Potential withdrawals or renegotiations could shift the dynamics of global climate diplomacy, placing greater pressure on major economies like China and India to take the lead. Despite its limitations, the largest election year in history underscores the resilience of democracy. From Europe to Asia, voters exercised their democratic rights, even as their choices resulted in fractured mandates and minority governments. This raises important questions about the interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy. In a world where leaders are increasingly constrained by fragmented legislatures and polarised societies, foreign policy decisions will be scrutinised not only for their global implications but also for their domestic political impact. For instance, countries like France and Germany, which are grappling with internal political struggles, may adopt more cautious foreign policies to avoid destabilising their governments. As borders become more rigid and rightward political shifts reshape immigration policies, the world is entering a phase of cautious nationalism. The freezing of asylum applications for Syrian refugees in European nations and interlinking economic policies with national security reflect this trend. The world in 2025 stands at a crossroads. Political fragmentation, economic uncertainty and geopolitical rivalries define the landscape. Yet, this period of uncertainty also presents opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Whether it is resolving long-standing conflicts, addressing climate change, or managing trade tensions, the actions of leaders in 2025 will have profound implications for the future. (Dr Akhil Kumar is a PhD, Department of Political Science University of Hyderabad. Anudeep Gujjeti is Assistant Professor, Centre of Excellence for Geopolitics and International Studies, REVA University, Bengaluru, and Young Leader, Pacific Forum, USA) Follow Us : Tags 2024 elections Elections geopolitics global politics Related News Opinion: Falsehood trumps limping truth Pichai urges Google staff to ensure products remain trusted info source Vijay’s maiden political entry was successful: Rajinikanth Editorial: Diplomatic balancing actWhy everyone fears India like the plagueSusy Díaz, one of the most beloved and controversial figures in Peruvian entertainment, is back, but this time not in Congress or on a television set, but in the universe of sustainable fashion. The former congresswoman and celebrity launches a very special closet sale, in which she will make 13 of her most iconic garments available to the public. From December 6 to 25, fans of the former star will be able to purchase these unique pieces, which have witnessed memorable moments in her life, such as the famous outfits she wore in ‘The Value of Truth’. Through Resikla, the second-hand clothing buying and selling platform supported by Platanitos Susy invites everyone to join sustainable fashion, a trend that seeks to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry. This special sale will not only allow access to unique garments, but also includes the possibility of negotiating prices, replicating the experience of a traditional market. Susy Díaz announces that she will sell 13 of her most representative garments Susy Díaz’s closet comes out has generated great expectations in recent days, especially for the pieces that will be part of this exclusive sale. There will be 13 pieces of clothing that the former congresswoman has worn in different iconic moments of her life, many of them seen on the popular program ‘The value of truth’ (EVDLV), where he left his mark with his unique style and exuberant personality. Susy Díaz will sell her most representative clothing. Among the most notable items are party dresses that shined on Peruvian television, with shine and cuts that set trends at the time. Each garment has a story that goes beyond its design, a story that connects Susy Diaz with its audience and with the country’s popular culture. From dresses to gala outfits, all of these pieces reflect the essence of a woman who knew how to position herself as a media icon on television and in politics. What makes this sale even more special is that, through Resikla users will not only be able to purchase these unique garments, but will also have the opportunity to negotiate prices, as if they were at a traditional fair. This “haggle” feature makes the experience even closer and more authentic, attracting buyers interested in a more personalized treatment. Join our entertainment channel

Corning Mass Spectrometer in Action Corning Incorporated, a 173-year-old material science and innovation powerhouse, has a storied history of innovation in glass, ceramics, and advanced manufacturing processes. With annual revenues exceeding $12 billion, the company has made its mark in industries ranging from automotive to life sciences to display technology. Most people have likely used Corning’s innovations, such as Gorilla Glass for smartphones or catalytic converters for cleaner air, even if they’re unaware of it. The author of Corning's digital transformation is Soumya Seetharam, the company’s Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), who has held her role for the past two years. As CDIO, Seetharam oversees Corning’s global IT operations and its digital evolution. "Corning operates in 42 countries with over 80 manufacturing facilities and 50,000 employees," she said, emphasizing the complexity of keeping operations running smoothly. Her focus on digital initiatives aims to enhance how Corning operates and innovates. One of Seetharam’s core beliefs is that “in the future, everyone will be a technologist.” She further explained, “There won’t be jobs without interaction with data. The ease of tools like generative AI and low-code platforms means that anyone can leverage technology to solve problems.” This philosophy underpins Corning’s efforts to empower employees with cutting-edge tools while reducing the need for specialized training. Tackling Technical Debt to Unlock Innovation For Seetharam, managing technical debt is a cornerstone of enabling innovation. “Tech debt often fragments data, making it harder to harness insights and deploy AI or machine learning,” she noted. By addressing legacy systems, Corning has Corning Chief Digital and Information Officer Soumya Seetharam Microsoft Warns 400 Million Windows Users—Do Not Update Your PC ‘Black Doves’ Dethroned In Netflix’s Top 10 List By A New Show Google’s Security Nightmare—Just 14 Days To Change Your Phone significantly reduced its technical debt, saving $10 million annually and improving agility and cybersecurity. “Modernizing the network across many sites has created a strong foundation for innovation,” Seetharam added, highlighting that these changes not only cut costs but also unlocked opportunities to scale transformative technologies. Corning GPT: A Generative AI for the Enterprise One of Corning’s recent innovations is its private instance of ChatGPT, aptly named Corning GPT. This initiative reflects Corning’s dual focus on innovation and intellectual property protection. “We wanted to bring generative AI into our environment but without risking our intellectual property,” Seetharam explained. Corning GPT operates in a secure environment disconnected from the internet, infused with Corning’s proprietary data. “Our employees love experimenting with it,” she said, adding that early adopters and a community of practice have driven use cases ranging from operator assistance on factory floors to productivity enhancements across departments. A Tech-Savvy Board Driving Strategy Seetharam credits much of Corning’s digital momentum to its forward-thinking board of directors, which includes a dedicated Technology Committee. “Typically, technology discussions happen in audit or risk committees, which focus on regulatory compliance and cybersecurity,” she said. Although these are still salient topics at the board level, Corning’s committee also facilitates strategic discussions, aligning technology with the company’s growth objectives. “This forum allows us to not only discuss risks but also influence company strategy,” she explained. “It’s a powerful enabler for a CDIO to have a board that’s invested in driving digital transformation.” Harnessing Data for Decision-Making Looking ahead, Seetharam is focused on helping Corning capitalize on its vast data resources. “We aim to elevate data management and leverage generative AI to enable better decision-making across the company,” she said. This aligns with Corning’s broader mission to innovate across industries, from connectivity solutions for data centers to advanced display technologies. A Bright Spot in Challenging Times Despite financial challenges over the past 18 months, Seetharam’s team has been a source of optimism. “We’ve been the bright spot, investing and innovating in tech and digital,” she said. With initiatives like Corning GPT and a commitment to modernization, Corning’s digital transformation is poised to amplify its legacy of innovation. Seetharam’s leadership exemplifies how digital and IT can serve as catalysts for change, ensuring Corning’s next chapter continues its legacy of innovation in material science and beyond. Peter High is President of Metis Strategy , a business and IT advisory firm. He has written three bestselling books, including his latest Getting to Nimble . He also moderates the Technovation podcast series and speaks at conferences around the world. Follow him on Twitter @PeterAHigh .Trump asks US Supreme Court to pause law threatening TikTok ban