Contract Furniture and Furnishing Market in Europe to Grow by USD 4.75 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by Rising Popularity, AI Impacting Market Trends - TechnavioSnap Inc. co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel and FYI CEO will.i.am are added headliners of the Variety Entertainment Summit at CES on January 8 in Las Vegas. The summit features a full day of panels and keynotes exploring how new technologies and innovations are steering the future of film, TV, digital media, music, podcasts, gaming and more. Spiegel will discuss his vision for Snap Inc. in 2025, and how Snapchat, which now reaches over 850 million people around the world, is continuing to innovate for its community and partners in the entertainment industry and beyond. Focused on the intersection of AI and creativity, will.i.am will talk about his latest initiative FYI (Focus Your Ideas), an AI-powered messenger and productivity platform built for creatives and their teams. The FYI app/platform was co-founded by will.i.am and Sunil Reddy. They join previously announced headliner Ravi Ahuja, the incoming President and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment as of Jan. 2. Also just added, Mark Marshall, Chairman Global Advertising and Partnerships, NBCUniversal will chat with Maria Taylor, Host Football Tonight in America and Big Ten College Countdown about NBCUniversal’s vision for blending its IP with innovative capabilities ahead of NBC’s 100th Anniversary. In other highlights, OnlyFans CEO Keily Blair will sit down with entrepreneur, fashion designer, OnlyFans creator, TV personality and mental health advocate Leah McSweeney to discuss how creators are strengthening followings and business interests over the platform. Tim Sims, chief commercial officer, The Trade Desk, Lee Brown, VP, global head of advertising business & platform, Spotify and Anjali Sud, CEO, Tubi, will walk the audience through a “day in the life,” demonstrating how new technologies are driving the personalized ad experience across channels. Additional newly added lineup highlights include: The event is open to all CES registrants at no additional charge. TheTradeDesk and WEBTOON Entertainment are premier partners of the event. TalkShopLive is an official partner of the event. Amazon Web Services, Deloitte, EY, Nagra Kudelski Group, RHEI, SAG-AFTRA, Shout! Studios and Vizio are supporting partners of the event. See the full agenda at variety.com/ces .
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), attended the 2024 graduation ceremony of Dubai Medical University, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The ceremony included the graduation of two new cohorts comprising 220 female students who completed various undergraduate and graduate programmes. This year, Dubai Medical University celebrates four decades since its founding. Over this period, it has undergone significant transformations, from a college offering specialised medical courses to a leading institution in the medical education sector. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has been a pillar of support for the university, which has several firsts to its name, including becoming the first academic institution in the region to adopt Artificial Intelligence technologies. This move aligns with the university's efforts to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements taking place globally. Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Medical University, recalled the historic transformation witnessed by the university as envisioned by its founder, the late Haji Saeed Lootah. That vision, he said, is embodied by the institution’s leadership, helping it chart an exceptional academic record spanning nearly half a century. Continuing its journey of leadership and excellence, the university continues to shape healthcare professionals endowed with high levels of expertise and human values, offering healthcare of the highest standards, he said, adding that the university’s vision aligns perfectly with the vision of UAE’s leadership to achieve leadership in diverse spheres. The graduation ceremony was attended by members of the Board of Trustees of the Saeed Ahmed Lootah Charity Foundation and faculty members of Dubai Medical University. The graduating students pledged loyalty and utmost dedication to their country and its leadership. Held under the theme ‘The Mother,’ the event spotlighted the vital role of mothers in shaping strong societies and communities by motivating and enabling their children to contribute positively to the advancement of humanity. Follow Emirates 24|7 onThe rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer's comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar." Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry's need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump's world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world's richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump's movement but his stance on the tech industry's hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry's need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent," he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump's own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump's businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country" and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country," he told the “All-In" podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump's budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.
Marta's magic helped get the Pride to Saturday's NWSL title game against the Washington SpiritFaber scores 35 seconds into OT as Wild rally from two goals down to beat Stars 3-2Many Australians know December 21 as “Gravy Day”. This is a reference to Paul Kelly’s song and new film How to Make Gravy , where a prisoner named Joe writes a letter to his family four days before Christmas. In it Joe, missing his wife and relatives, asks, “Won’t you kiss my kids on Christmas Day?”. It’s estimated half the men in Australian prisons are fathers. While they are incarcerated, maintaining contact with their children is vital, both for the dads and the kids . It allows fathers to keep contributing to their children’s lives and provides important social support. It can also reduce psychological distress for children. One important way to do this is via “video visits”, which were spurred on by COVID restrictions. In our recently published research , we look at how families experienced video visits in two New South Wales prisons. Our research Video visits can be challenging if there is a lack of facilities in homes and prisons or problems with technological support. But our study set out to understand how they might support father-child relationships, given their widespread use during lockdowns. We looked at one prison in an urban area and another in a regional area. A total of 27 fathers participated in interviews, of whom 11 identified as Aboriginal and four identified as culturally and linguistically diverse. We also interviewed 17 carers, who were mostly mothers. They looked after children ranging from infants to teenagers. Recognising each other One way video visits support father-child relationships is allowing children to see and get to recognise their father’s faces and for the father to see the growing child. As one carer said: She knew and recognised over the last two years that daddy’s on the phone, daddy’s on the iPad [...] So, even though it was once a week she got familiar, seeing his face. Fathers valued the visual contact with their children as well, to allow them to see how their children were changing and growing: [...] there’s a huge difference, such a big difference between a phone call and a video call. The visual contact, you can’t hear a smile. You can hear laughter, but you can only see someone’s joy in their face by seeing them visually. Another carer added: As you know, five years is a long time, especially for a little kid. So, he got to watch him grow every week. Part of family life Carers appreciated the flexibility of video visits and how they could integrate them into daily life. Visits could take place at children’s sports activities or the beach. They could show their fathers their rooms, their art or the dance they just learned. One carer said they organised events like blowing out candles on a birthday cake around video visits. When organised in the home, it means video visits are happening where children are secure and familiar. As one carer told us: [The child] does better on video than he does in person. On video, you know he’s in his home. He’s in his comfort [zone]. He can do whatever he likes. He can show [his father] his room. He can get new toys [...] his options are a lot more there. A father told us: They’re happy, they’re comfortable, they’re not shy, they actually want to talk to you. It’s not like they have to stay here and talk to you. They can run off and come back. Another carer described how video visits enabled the child’s fathers to observe some of his “firsts”: When [the child] first learned to crawl. I put the phone up against the lounge and I moved [the child] maybe about half a meter away from the phone and I said to [the child], ‘go on, crawl to Daddy’, and [the child] crawled straight up to the phone and gave the phone a kiss. Better for kids? Several carers pointed out that the prison environment could be distressing for children. Not only did this sometimes involve hours of travel, but there were people they did not know, long waits and security processes to go through. As one carer said, “it’s not somewhere you bring kids”. Another told us: [the child] was really quite scared at the other inmates around. And yeah, so he actually prefers the video calls. There are challenges Interviewees also described some challenges with video visits, noting younger children quickly lose interest and “run off”. They also said children could be upset at the end of a visit, particularly when it ended abruptly. You know you’d get a beep, and then it’s switch off [...] But you know there was times where that was very difficult, with [the child] in the middle of something like chatting about her day, and then, all of a sudden it will cut off, and she will get quite upset and not understand. What next? Our study strongly suggests these types of visits are important for families. Future work should focus on ways to improve the quality of visits and ask children for their views about what they want. This is not to suggest video visits should replace in-person visits but they can help fathers and their children maintain a genuine relationship. If they can’t be together, at least dads can give their children a virtual kiss on Christmas Day.Soon-to-be bride and groom Puja Joshi and Malhar Thakar's sangeet look lights up the evening - See photo
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LG Electronics, a multinational appliance and consumer electronics corporation, has introduced an innovative air conditioner in Nigeria that actively repels mosquitoes, and offers a new line of defence against malaria. The “Mosquito Away” AC, announced Saturday, utilises “ultrasonic wave technology” to create sound frequencies imperceptible to humans but disruptive to mosquitoes, effectively driving them away. The new technology, tested by the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT) at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, reported 92 percent mosquito repulsion rate and an 88 percent knockdown rate in indoor settings. Following successful launches in other West African nations, LG is now making the AC available across Nigeria through its sole distributor, FUOANI. In Nigeria, FUOANI is the sole distributor of LG & Hisense products in Nigeria/Africa, with over 20 years of experience in the Nigerian market. The timing is particularly crucial for Nigeria, a country heavily burdened by malaria. With an estimated 76 percent of the population living in high-transmission areas, Nigeria accounts for 27 percent of global malaria cases and tragically led the world in malaria-related deaths in 2019, according to the 2020 World Malaria Report. “The ‘Mosquito Away’ AC is a first for Nigeria. This technology offers not only greater comfort but also enhanced safety for families, addressing a critical need in the fight against this devastating disease”, Olugbenga Ogunbayo, a master trainer at LG Electronics, said. The locally manufactured air conditioners also feature a dual inverter compressor, which is supposed to consume up to 70 percent less energy than conventional models, including a “volt care” which “ensures uninterrupted operation even during voltage fluctuations in Nigeria’s often unstable power grid environment,” the company added.
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( MENAFN - GetNews) UK - 19th December, 2024 - BYD, the world's leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs), has officially opened its new branches in Bristol and Warwick, marking a significant milestone in its expansion across the UK. The new branches will bring BYD's advanced electric vehicle products and services to local consumers. Following the successful operations of the Canary Wharf flagship store and Lakeside branch, the openings in Bristol and Warwick further extend BYD's presence in the UK, allowing even more consumers to experience the brand's innovative technology and sustainable mobility solutions. The grand opening attracted a host of notable guests, including key figures from business, finance, culture, and media, alongside a warm reception from the local Chinese community. As a global leader in electric mobility, BYD continues to champion technological innovation and environmental sustainability, earning the trust of consumers worldwide. The openings of Bristol and Warwick not only broadens BYD's brand influence in the UK but also offers customers greater access to electric vehicle purchases and aftersales services. At the opening event of South Bristol, Adam Harkins, Head of Network Development of BYD UK, emphasised the company's commitment to driving the transformation of the automotive industry through electrification and intelligent technology. He said,“The opening of our new branch in Bristol marks a significant step in expanding our presence in the UK. It's not only a milestone in our growth but also an important move towards making green and sustainable mobility more accessible to consumers across the region.” Geetan Jessen, General Manager of Harmony BYD UK, added,“We're excited to see the Bristol branch opening as it offers more UK customers the chance to embrace eco-friendly transport solutions. This also strengthens BYD's position as a leader in the global electric vehicle industry.” During the ceremony, Sing Cheung, Branch Manager of Harmony BYD Bristol, shared insights into the current status and future plans for the Bristol branch, as well as offering a detailed introduction to the models currently available. He highlighted the new vehicles on display, along with the range of services available at the branch, introducing how the team is committed to providing exceptional customer care and ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors. The opening of the Bristol and Warwick branches further expands BYD's presence in the UK market. New branches are strategically located in key retail hubs, and areas with a concentration of automotive brands, attracting numerous consumers interested in eco-friendly mobility, technological innovation, and sustainable transport solutions. Inside the store, customers will have the opportunity to explore a variety of BYD's popular electric models, including the highly anticipated BYD SEAL, BYD DOLPHIN, BYD ATTO 3, and the newly launched BYD SEAL U DM-i. to learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles and BYD's latest technological advancements in the EV sector. New branches also offer a wide range of services, including spacious showrooms, test drive areas, and professional aftersales centres, allowing customers to thoroughly experience the vehicles' performance and features. Each branch is equipped with advanced multimedia interactive facilities, enabling customers to easily explore vehicle functions and enjoy the driving pleasure and convenience of BYD's leading-edge technology. BYD's dedicated sales and service teams are committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience, demonstrating the brand's commitment to fulfilling consumer needs at every stage. The opening of the Bristol and Warwick branches is the result of a successful collaboration between BYD and its long-standing partner, Harmony Auto. Following the successful openings of the Canary Wharf and Lakeside branches, this partnership continues to showcase BYD's expanding influence in the UK market and the growing consumer interest in electric vehicles. Harmony Auto is actively working to extend BYD's sales network across the UK, with plans to open new branches in locations such as Oxford, Romford, and Cambridge in the near future. This expansion is a clear indication of both Harmony Auto and BYD's determination and long-term strategy within the UK market. BYD is driving the sustainable transport through continuous technological innovation, providing UK consumers with more eco-friendly and efficient mobility options. In the years ahead, BYD will continue to strengthen its presence in the UK, contributing to the country's environmental objectives and vision for intelligent transportation. About BYD BYD is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Brazil, Hungary, Uzbekistan, and India. From energy generation and storage to its applications, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint now covers 6 continents, over 90 countries and regions. Listed in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company is known to be a Fortune Global 500 enterprise that furnishes innovations in pursuit of a greener world. About BYD Europe BYD Europe is headquartered in the Netherlands and is the first overseas branch of the BYD Group, with a commitment to deliver safe and efficient sustainable solutions in new energy vehicles through world-leading technological innovations. For more information, please visit About Harmony Auto China Harmony Auto Holding Limited (03836) is a leading comprehensive automobile dealership group in China, listed on the Main Board of Hong Kong since 2013. The company specializes in the sale of luxury and ultra-luxury vehicles and is expanding into the global ·market for intelligent new energy vehicle services. Harmony Auto is committed to providing customers with efficient, convenient, and high-quality travel experiences that promote harmony between people and vehicles. In 2023, Harmony Auto entered into a strategic partnership with BYD, a global leader in intelligent new energy vehicles. Currently, Harmony Auto successfully operates several new energy vehicle sales and service outlets in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, and other Asia-Pacific regions and countries. The company is also expanding its presence in European countries such as the UK and France. Harmony Auto plans to further expand its market reach to more regions and countries, providing intelligent and green travel services locally, and contributing to global energy conservation, emission reduction, and sustainable green development. MENAFN19122024003238003268ID1109014451 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. 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A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to continue competing in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship scheduled for later this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by nine current players who are suing the Mountain West Conference to challenge the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans women’s volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not publicly commented on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Judge Crews referred to the athlete as an “alleged transgender” player in his ruling and noted that no defendant disputed that San Jose State rosters a transgender woman volleyball player. He said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting that the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a forfeit in league standings. He also said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 – making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season’s awareness of her identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a political campaign year. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. San Jose State is seeded second. The judge's order maintains the seedings and pairings for the tournament. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada’s players stated they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” without providing further details. Crews served as a magistrate judge in Colorado’s U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as a federal judge in January of this year. Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Hanson from Helena, Montana.
Harnessing AI potential crucial for progress: Kh Salman LAHORE:Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has stressed that harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) potential is crucial for progress and it will open up new pathways for development. He said this while speaking at the Annual International Medical, Educational and Research Scientific Conference 2024 of Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) on Thursday. The provincial minister highlighted the significance of AI in revolutionising medical education and practice. He emphasised that AI will greatly benefit students in their learning journey and doctors in their profession. The minister announced that Fatima Jinnah Medical University will soon launch an artificial intelligence programme, underscoring the institution's commitment to embracing this advance technology. The conference was organised in collaboration with Alumni Associations Fatima Jinnah Medical College Alumni Association of North America (FJMCAANA) and Association of Fatima Jinnah Old Graduates (AFJOG), UK. This international conference brought together renowned medical professionals, educators, and researchers from around the world to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in medical education, research, and healthcare. Several guests, including Parliamentary Secretary Health Medium Rushda Lodhi, Vice Chancellor (KEMU) Prof Mehmood Ayaz, Prof Aamir Zaman Khan, Dr. Warda Shafi, Syndicate Member Mr. Syed Farrukh Ali Shah, Prof Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, Prof Sajid Maqbool, President (KEMCAANA) Dr Shehzad Khan, Prof Aftab Chaudhry, Prof Kamran Khalid Khawaja, Prof Shamsa Humayun, Prof Munazza Iqbal, Prof Noreen Akmal, and Dr Munira Ahmed attended the inaugural ceremony. Prof Ayesha Malik, Principal Prof Abdul Hameed, Prof Bilqis Shabbir, Prof M Nadeem, Deans Prof Alia Zahid, Prof Naveed Akbar Hotyana, Dr Saima Chaudhry, faculty members and a large number of students participated from the university. Their active participation in the inaugural ceremony of the Annual International Scientific Conference 2024 showcased the university's commitment to medical education, research, and innovation. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal acknowledged the significance of artificial intelligence in assisting medical experts, rather than replacing them. He expressed gratitude for the unparalleled services of the Fatima Jinnah Medical College Alumni Associations. Dr Khalid Masood Gondal highlighted the pre-conference workshops organised by Fatima Jinnah Medical University, focusing on the latest aspects of medicine, education, and research. He delivered a comprehensive lecture on the importance of career counselling in Pakistan. He enables the students to align their decision-making, skills, and interests with emerging opportunities in the country. He emphasised the need for career counselling services in Pakistan, particularly in the context of the country's growing youth population and evolving job market. Rushda Lodhi said that educational institutions have a lot to teach us. The use of artificial intelligence is increasing day by day and man is progressing through innovation, but artificial intelligence would be nothing without humans. Prof Mahmood Ayaz acknowledged the significance of artificial intelligence in today's era. He emphasised the vital role of affiliates and Alumni in providing valuable insights and expertise to organisations. He credited Prof Khalid Masud Gondal's vision and efforts for putting the university on the world map, making him a role model for others.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Northwestern Mutual today announced the appointment of to executive vice president and chief digital and information officer. In his role, Gordon will be accountable for technology and digital strategy, with oversight of the company's AI capabilities, software engineering, data engineering, enterprise architecture, technology infrastructure, and information risk and cybersecurity. He also has responsibilities for the company's digital products and foundational tech capabilities. Gordon will report to Northwestern Mutual and join the company's senior leadership team. "Dave's deep technology experience, collaborative style and track record of success make him well-positioned to lead Northwestern Mutual's overarching tech and digital strategy," said , president, Northwestern Mutual. "His leadership across a strong team of technology disciplines will ensure that we continue to enhance the relevance and improve the experience of working with Northwestern Mutual." Gordon previously served as vice president and chief technology officer with responsibilities for the software development of the company's customer experience, digitally enabled products and corporate solutions, since joining Northwestern Mutual in 2023. Prior to Northwestern Mutual, Gordon served as chief technology and data officer with USAA Federal Savings Bank, U.S. chief technology and operations officer with BMO Harris Bank, and credit card divisional CIO and head of IT operations with Capital One. He holds an MBA from the and a bachelor's degree in computer science from . Gordon succeeds , who recently stepped down from his role as executive vice president and chief digital and information officer to pursue new opportunities. "I'm thankful for Christian's leadership that spanned nearly two decades at Northwestern Mutual," said Gerend. "He's had a meaningful impact on our employees, financial advisors and clients throughout his tenure and has set us up successfully for the future." has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With over of total assets being managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than in revenues, and worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 110 on the 2024 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2024. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment client assets held or managed by Northwestern Mutual. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Northwestern Mutual
B.C. Premier David Eby said B.C. will slay its record-setting deficit of $9 billion through growth and sound fiscal planning, not "harsh austerity cuts" or "under-funding services" as he reached out to business leaders to make a case for investment in physical and social infrastructure. Eby made these comments while speaking in Vancouver Tuesday, (Dec. 10), at an event hosted by the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, which has previously raised concerns about B.C.'s fiscal direction. That tension surfaced during the opening of the informal question-and-answer session between Eby and Fiona Famulak, chamber president and chief executive officer. "We don't always agree, but we can always have — and we always do have — candid and frank conversations, and I know you are always up for tough questions, because you always answer them," Famulak said. "What you have just said minutes ago, a lot of good things have been said." Eby acknowledged relations could be better. "So my commitment is that you will find a government that is hoping, with your support, to hit reset on this relationship, to move forward with the tariff threat that we are facing in a unified way, with the massive opportunity in this province to deliver it for British Columbians and that four years from now...we can look back and go, 'man, we did a lot of good work together.'" Eby's prepared remarks touched on a range of subjects, including tomorrow's meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as well as provincial and territorial leaders to discuss threatened tariffs of 25 per cent on all Canadian goods by incoming-president U.S. Donald Trump. But if a singular theme ran through Eby's speech, it was his promise to reform permitting for natural resource projects. He pointed to yesterday's announcement that his government would free nine new wind energy projects from the required environmental assessments. He then added that those projects would go through a singular rather multiple permitting windows. Eby said these changes will help get these projects off the ground three to five years faster than otherwise in framing them as the first of many changes to speed up permitting in various areas. One of the central sectors concerned about permitting is the mining sector. More to come...In the ever-changing world of education technology, Neulight is carving out a unique niche by not just utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) as a trendy term, but by embedding it into meaningful tools that genuinely benefit educators. With a leadership team composed of seasoned Silicon Valley professionals, including CEO Jose Moreno and CTO Andrew Lawrence, PhD , Neulight is developing impactful, user-friendly solutions, supported by advisors with a lifetime of experience in education to ensure the needs of educators are always heard and addressed. This unique blend of Silicon Valley expertise and educational insight gives Neulight a distinctive edge in the EdTech arena. Their flagship platform, IntelliTier , is specifically designed to empower educators by offering personalized intervention strategies for students while prioritizing usability and data-driven insights. “We see many companies tossing around the term ‘AI’ as a buzzword. Our focus is bringing our users the value and insights of AI as intuitively as possible,” notes Jose Moreno, drawing from his rich experience that includes over five years at Microsoft and nine years at Netflix—where he was pivotal in launching the immensely successful Account Sharing initiative that helped to attract approximately 40 million new subscribers in just one year. Moreno underscores Neulight’s mission: “Here, we aim to bring that Silicon Valley mentality—world-class talent, rigorous data analytics, and a focus on customer experience—into the realm of education. Educators deserve better tools, which is why we initiated our journey with IntelliTier, focusing on personalized student support through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.” The Powerhouse Team Behind Neulight Neulight’s leadership team is a synthesis of cutting-edge technical knowledge and a profound understanding of educational needs. The background Moreno brings provides a unique lens through which to view the EdTech landscape. He envisions a seamless combination of top-notch engineering prowess with a strong emphasis on enhancing user experience. “It is all too common for educators and parents to express frustration with their experiences interacting with EdTech software,” Moreno explains. “Our mission is to change that narrative by injecting top Silicon Valley talent into this sector.” Andrew Lawrence, PhD, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, brings significant AI expertise to the table. With multiple patents and publications in prestigious conferences such as ICML and NeurIPS, he has extensive experience in machine learning. Before joining Neulight, Lawrence served as Director of Research at a London startup, where he helped pioneer Causal AI—a technology that mirrors human reasoning through cause-and-effect relationships. “What truly excites me about IntelliTier is its capacity to transcend basic AI functionalities,” Lawrence shares. “We’re employing AI in a purposeful manner—integrating it deeply into the platform to ensure educators can quickly obtain actionable insights that lead to tangible outcomes.” Neulight’s innovative approach is also supported by an impressive advisory board filled with educational professionals, including former school board members, retired assistant superintendents, and special education specialists. This collaboration between technological innovation and real-world educational experience ensures that Neulight's solutions not only leverage cutting-edge advancements but are also deeply aligned with the practical needs of educators. Lisette Mendez-Garcia , one of Neulight’s trusted advisors, as well as a school board member, school psychologist, and special education administrator in California, highlights the pivotal role and potential of AI in transforming education: "I am passionately dedicated to championing systemic strategies that empower teachers, elevate student success, and engage families as partners in education. As AI transforms industries, it's vital that we leverage its potential in ways that are safe, practical, and impactful for the classroom. IntelliTier is leading the way in streamlining behavior intervention, showcasing how innovative technology can improve support systems within our schools." IntelliTier: A Game-Changer for Educators At the core of Neulight's innovations is IntelliTier, a FERPA-compliant platform designed to help educators implement the MTSS framework effectively. IntelliTier simplifies the often complex challenge of providing personalized support for students' behavioral and social-emotional needs. This system enables educators to collect data, collaborate, and make informed decisions—all aimed at fostering students' social and emotional learning (SEL). “IntelliTier is designed to simplify data collection and analysis, delivering actionable insights that make educators' work more efficient and impactful,” Lawrence explains. “We understand that educators cannot afford to waste time on convoluted systems. That's why we’re ensuring the platform allows educators to save information, analyze it, and make quick decisions—so they can redirect their attention to what's truly vital: teaching.” A standout feature of IntelliTier is its ability to automatically discern which student interventions are proving effective and which require adjustments. By leveraging the ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) model for data collection, the platform can highlight students who require additional support and the type of interventions that can be most effective. This proactive approach allows educators to act swiftly, ensuring timely support for those in need. “We’re looking to move beyond the typical chatbot model,” Moreno adds. “Our AI actively brings relevant information to educators, rather than waiting for them to seek it out, fostering more proactive and informed decision-making. I’m excited to see how we continue to innovate in this area, but for now, we do include a chatbot that is knowledgeable about MTSS, the school, and the students so that educators receive immediate, informed support.” By detecting shifts in a student's needs, the platform not only alerts educators but also assists in adjusting intervention strategies, reducing the burden on educators to determine the necessary changes. With its meaningful incorporation of AI, IntelliTier evolves beyond the traditional chatbot model by actively presenting vital information to users instead of merely waiting for them to inquire. “We’re not here to simply follow trends,” Moreno states. “Our focus is on embedding AI in ways that practically assist educators. This involves creating systems that conduct in-depth data analysis and providing schools with actionable insights into what strategies are working versus those that aren’t.” Moving Beyond Buzzwords What sets Neulight apart is its profound integration of AI within the IntelliTier platform. Neulight weaves AI into the core functionalities of its platform, providing educators with real-time, actionable insights. This approach empowers schools to utilize their specific resources and policies, enabling IntelliTier to tailor its support accordingly. “Every school is unique, with distinct needs,” Lawrence observes. “IntelliTier is designed to consider the specific policies and resources of each school, allowing the AI to recommend interventions that are both effective and feasible.” IntelliTier’s AI-driven analytics surpass conventional data analysis by supporting educators in defining intervention plans that align with recognized frameworks such as Response to Intervention (RTI), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS). By doing so, the platform equips educators with the tools they need to implement these frameworks effectively while also aligning with SMART goals—ensuring that objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Impact on Education The potential impact of IntelliTier on educational practices is significant. Research indicates that when the MTSS framework is faithfully implemented, schools report improvements in student attendance, grades, and graduation rates. However, many schools encounter challenges in implementing MTSS effectively, with the majority of teachers expressing confusion regarding its application. “If we execute this correctly,” Moreno asserts, “we should significantly aid schools in reaping these benefits while alleviating some of the burdens on educators. Once we achieve that, we will begin exploring our next education-focused product.” By addressing these existing challenges, IntelliTier is set to transform the manner in which schools support their students, facilitating a smoother implementation of MTSS and yielding meaningful results. Looking Ahead As Neulight continues to expand, the leadership team is optimistic that IntelliTier is merely the starting point. “We are genuinely excited about the future of education and the role that technology can play,” Lawrence states. “Our mission is to ensure that AI transcends being just a buzzword and instead becomes a tool that genuinely improves the experiences of both educators and students.” For anyone interested in understanding how Neulight and IntelliTier are reshaping the EdTech landscape, Moreno succinctly articulates their vision: “We’re here to create a meaningful difference, and this is just the beginning. Please don’t hesitate to contact us . We’re always happy to learn more about your needs and how we can help.” Neulight aims to advance the field of educational technology. Through IntelliTier, the company introduces an AI-powered tool that simplifies the process of providing personalized support to students. By emphasizing user experience and integrating deep data analysis, Neulight ensures that educators can focus on what truly matters: the students. As they continue to advance, one thing is evident—Neulight isn’t just following trends; they’re working to make a meaningful impact in the evolution of EdTech.
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