Category Archives: Business

AD Ports Group and NYU Abu Dhabi to Build and Pilot a High-Fidelity Intelligence Engine for Smarter Port Operations

Research-focused initiative to leverage stochastic AI models and spatial analytics for integrated vessel arrival prediction, berth allocation, and emissions insights

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 23 April 2026: Powering ahead in its adoption of next-generation digital capabilities, AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry and logistics solutions, today announced a strategic partnership and research collaboration agreement with NYU Abu Dhabi.

This multi-year partnership aims to build and pilot a high-fidelity intelligence engine based on stochastic models and spatial intelligence. The engine is designed to serve as a sophisticated decision-support layer for human operators, bringing together vessel arrival time predictions, berth allocation optimisation suggestions, and environmental impact considerations with high precision.

In an industry where global berth waiting times often stretch into multiple days at anchorage, the opportunity to improve planning precision is noteworthy. This high-fidelity intelligence engine aims to further de-risk port call uncertainty and continue port operations fluidity enhancement, resulting in smarter port calls that unlock more capacity without physical expansion.

Furthermore, depending on the vessel type, aligning arrival times with berth allocation can reduce idle time and save fuel burn considerably, minimising environmental harm and facilitating greener port calls.

Mohamed Jamal-Eddine, Group Chief Digital & Information Officer – AD Ports Group, said: “As we continue to reimagine logistics ecosystems to advance the frontiers of global trade, pioneering research and strategic partnerships remain key pillars of our digitally-led approach. By integrating our deep expertise in port operations and trade facilitation with advanced predictive arrival intelligence and resilient operational modelling, we are accelerating the pace towards a future of autonomous decision-support. Through strategic partnerships such as this with NYU Abu Dhabi, we are ensuring that our move to predictive precision is both robust and ethically sound, giving our global partners the certainty they need to navigate an increasingly complex trade landscape.”

This jointly-developed initiative aims to turn variability into reliability and significantly advance terminal-focused decarbonisation transparency, serving as an integrated operational and environmental digital decision layer. As part of a long-term commitment to technological evolution, plans are in place to pilot the initiative at select terminals and trade lanes, with the objective of scaling successful outcomes across the Group’s global network.

Arlie Peters, Provost – NYU Abu Dhabi, said: “At NYU Abu Dhabi, we focus on research that addresses real-world challenges. Our collaboration with AD Ports Group brings together academic expertise and practical insight to strengthen the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of modern logistics. This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader ambitions and the UAE’s leadership in trade and infrastructure. By connecting research with application, we aim to support the UAE’s continued role as a global hub for logistics. Led by Professor Ali Diabat from Civil and Urban Engineering, this work develops data-driven approaches to support better decision-making and improve long-term performance across port and logistics operations.”

This partnership represents a powerful synergy of specialised expertise and operational reach. NYU Abu Dhabi brings world-class analytical capabilities and advanced research, providing the scientific rigor needed for high-fidelity modelling. In line with internal data governance controls, AD Ports Group will support the initiative by providing secure access to relevant operational information and by facilitating controlled, real-world pilot deployments across selected terminals and trade lanes, helping translate the high-fidelity engine into an executable, field-tested solution.

Anytime Fitness Expands in Gurgaon with Vision to Transform India’s Gym Culture

Gurgaon, Apr 23: Strengthening its growth momentum in North India, Anytime Fitness, India’s fastest-growing fitness franchise and part of the world’s largest gym chain, has unveiled its newest club in Sec-82A, Gurgaon. The launch underscores the brand’s continued commitment to making premium, world-class fitness more accessible across fast-growing urban communities.

The newly launched club is owned and operated by Ruchi Prashar. Her entry into the fitness entrepreneurship space reflects the growing demand for structured, premium fitness solutions in cities like Gurgaon and the increasing awareness around preventive health and active lifestyles.

The Anytime Fitness Gurgaon club features state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, dedicated functional training zones, certified personal trainers, and Anytime Fitness’ signature 24/7 access, offering unmatched convenience and flexibility. Members will also benefit from access to the brand’s global network of clubs and its holistic approach to fitness, which combines personalized coaching, community engagement, and safe workout environments. This launch also features the new design theme, built to deliver a more immersive, modern, and member-first fitness experience.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director, Anytime Fitness India, said:

“We are proud to partner with entrepreneurs like Ruchi Prashar, whose entry into the fitness industry reflects how more women are breaking stereotypes and building successful businesses beyond traditional sectors. Their leadership is inspiring stronger, healthier communities through fitness. At Anytime Fitness, we have always believed in supporting passionate entrepreneurs who share our vision for fitness and community wellness. The launch of our Sector 82A Gurgaon club marks another significant milestone in our growth journey in North India, as we continue expanding premium fitness across high-potential markets like Gurgaon.”

Anytime Fitness has built a strong presence across India through its rapidly expanding network, serving a growing community of fitness enthusiasts. Gurgaon remains a strategic focus market for the brand, driven by rising health awareness, rapid urbanisation, and increasing demand for premium fitness experiences.

Since entering India in 2013, Anytime Fitness has grown to 180+ clubs nationwide, redefining fitness with its accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation. Beyond gyms, the brand has fostered community-driven initiatives like FitCraft and Be Fit Fest, bringing together members, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts to celebrate active living.

The new launch aligns with Anytime Fitness India’s vision to strengthen its presence in high-growth markets and contribute to building a healthier, fitter India.

Agora and Thymia Partner for Real-Time Voice Safety Intelligence

Bangalore, April 23: Agora, Inc  a global leader in real-time engagement and conversational AI, today announced a strategic partnership with thymia, the human state voice intelligence company that has built the first clinically validated infrastructure for reading the complete signal carried in voice – and acting on it in real-time.

 The partnership brings together Agora’s global, low-latency real-time conversational AI infrastructure and thymia’s clinically validated voice intelligence layer. Together, they enable a new class of voice applications that understand the human state during live interactions, delivering both safety and commercial value across healthcare, automotive, workplace wellness, education, and other safety-critical environments.

The collaboration is laying the foundation for voice communication systems that don’t just process what is said but understand how it’s said.

From Voice Data to Health Intelligence – In Real-Time

Voice is one of the most widely used interfaces in the world, yet most systems today focus only on transcription, intent, and commands. Signals carried in voice – including engagement, cognitive load, stress, fatigue, emotional state, and physical health – remain invisible to current systems.

thymia’s proprietary AI models analyze just 15 seconds of speech to extract acoustic, linguistic, and temporal biomarkers associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, respiratory disease, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic health. Built to clinical-grade standards, these models are already being used by healthcare systems, Fortune 500 companies, and safety-critical industries.

“Voice carries far more information than words alone; it carries signals about our mental and physical health, our emotional state, our cognitive load – the complete picture of our nervous system, of how we actually are. For the first time, that complete signal can be understood and acted on in real-time. Partnering with Agora brings clinically validated human state voice intelligence into real-world interactions at global scale, driving better outcomes, safer systems, and experiences that genuinely understand the human in the conversation,” said Emilia Molimpakis, CEO and Co-founder of thymia.

Agora provides the real-time orchestration layer that makes this intelligence actionable in production. Built on its Software-Defined Real-Time Network (SDRTN®) – processing over 80 billion minutes of engagement monthly – the platform delivers ultra-low latency, continuous audio fidelity, and network resilience required to apply voice intelligence within live interactions, not in post-processing.

Powering a New Health & Safety Infrastructure Layer

By embedding thymia’s voice intelligence directly into Agora-powered voice interactions, platforms can move from passive communication to active, real-time health and safety awareness.

Use cases include:

• Healthcare & Mental Health Platforms: Objective, biomarker-driven insights during and between sessions, supporting faster triage, better clinical decisions, and reduced clinician burnout.

• Automotive & Mobility: Real-time detection of driver fatigue and stress to reduce accidents and enable safer voice-first vehicle experiences.

• Workplace Wellness & Call Centers: Early identification of burnout, stress, and emotional distress, before performance drops or attrition increases.

• Education & Remote Learning: Insight into student and tutor mental states to improve engagement, retention, and learning outcomes.

This integration enables enterprises to deploy safe, production-ready voice AI systems without adding user friction or requiring new infrastructure.

Built for Enterprise Scale and Regulatory Trust

thymia’s technology is built to clinical-grade standards, validated across one of the largest datasets of its kind – including more than 75,000 unique voices – and trusted in healthcare and safety-critical settings for high-stakes decisions. Engineered on consent, transparency, and human oversight, the models ensure compliant and secure AI deployment.

Agora operates 200+ global points of presence, powered by its SDRTN®, and maintains SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA certifications, ensuring compliant, enterprise-grade infrastructure for deploying health and safety intelligence at scale. With 99.999% uptime, resilience under degraded network conditions, and multi-platform support across edge and enterprise environments, the platform ensures this intelligence is available where and when it matters most, not just in ideal conditions.

“Voice is becoming the primary interface between people and AI, yet the human state behind those words has remained invisible to most systems. Through our partnership with thymia, we’re introducing this critical layer into live interactions – combining real-time, production-grade infrastructure with clinically validated voice intelligence to enable safer, more secure AI experiences at scale,” said Tony Wang, Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Agora.

Shaping the Future of Voice-First AI

As voice becomes the dominant interface for AI agents, vehicles, healthcare platforms, and connected devices, Agora and thymia are defining what comes next: voice systems that are not only intelligent but safe, responsive, empathetic, and human-aware.

The next generation of voice AI will not be measured solely by accuracy or speed, but by its ability to understand the human behind the conversation. The gap between systems that process voice and systems that truly understand it is where safety, trust, and competitive advantage are won or lost.

Together, Agora and thymia enable voice-first experiences that put people at the center of every interaction, driving better outcomes, safer systems, and more responsible AI deployment across industries where the cost of not understanding people is simply too high.

Saviynt Appoints Tim Wedande as Field CTO for Asia Pacific and Japan

Bangalore, April 23: Saviynt, a leading provider of identity security solutions, today announced the appointment of Tim Wedande as Field Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region.

Based in Melbourne, Tim will lead regional technology strategy, support strategic customer engagements, and serve as a trusted advisor to enterprises navigating complex identity security transformations. He will work closely with customers, partners, and internal teams to accelerate adoption of Saviynt’s Identity Cloud and deliver measurable business outcomes across APJ.

With more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, Tim brings extensive expertise in security advisory and enterprise digital transformation. He has a strong track record of helping organisations modernise identity investments and align cybersecurity with business growth. In his most recent role as Partner at EY, Tim worked with global organisations across regulated industries to design scalable, resilient identity capabilities.

“APJ is a dynamic and rapidly evolving market where organisations are prioritising identity as their core security control,” said Alex Lei, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ), Saviynt. “Tim’s deep business consulting expertise and customer-first mindset will strengthen our presence in the region and help customers unlock the full value of identity security.”

The Asia Pacific identity and access management market continues to expand rapidly, with regional demand projected to grow significantly over the next decade as organisations modernise security, support hybrid work environments, and adopt cloud-first strategies. Industry research shows the APJ IAM market could more than double in size by 2030, with strong growth driven by digital transformation, compliance requirements, and rising cybersecurity risks.

“Having worked closely with customers and teams across Saviynt, I’ve seen firsthand how central identity has become to business resilience and growth,” said Tim Wedande, Field CTO for Asia Pacific and Japan. “As organisations across APJ accelerate digital and AI-led transformation, there is a clear opportunity to modernise identity as a strategic control plane, enabling stronger security, faster innovation, and measurable business value. Saviynt is well positioned to help enterprises navigate this complexity with clarity and confidence.”

 

The Backbone of Vehicle Electronics: Exploring the Role of Automotive Microcontrollers in Modern Cars

• Automate complex tasks
• Respond instantly to changing conditions
• Improve fuel efficiency
• Enhance driver and passenger safety
• Enable smart and connected features

• Power windows and seats
• Climate control systems
• Infotainment and touchscreen displays
• Keyless entry and push-button start

The Leela Gandhinagar Elevates Sustainable Luxury with Thoughtful E-Cycle Guest Experiences

Gandhinagar, Apr 23: On the occasion of Earth Day, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to redefine luxury hospitality by placing sustainability at the heart of the guest journey with the introduction of an immersive e–cycle experience, launched in collaboration with Svitch.

Blending mindful mobility with refined comfort, the thoughtfully curated e–cycle experience invites guests to explore the serene surroundings of Gandhinagar at a gentle, unhurried pace. Designed as a low-impact alternative to conventional transport, the initiative encourages guests to engage more consciously with their environment while supporting efforts to reduce overall carbon impact.

This initiative reflects a broader shift in luxury travel where guests increasingly seek meaningful, environmentally responsible experiences without compromising on comfort or sophistication. At The Leela Gandhinagar, sustainability is not positioned as an add-on, but seamlessly integrated into the overall guest experience, enhancing both wellbeing and awareness.

Commenting on the initiative, Vikas Sood, General Manager, said, “At The Leela Gandhinagar, we are committed to creating experiences that are both enriching and responsible. The introduction of e-cycles is a step towards encouraging mindful exploration, while reinforcing our ongoing efforts to embed sustainability into every aspect of the guest journey.”

The launch was marked by an Earth Day engagement, transforming the experience into a moment of collective reflection and participation. Guests, hotel associates, and members of the local community came together for a cyclethon that celebrated not just movement, but a shared commitment to sustainable living, fostering a deeper connection between people, place, and purpose.

Following the ride, guests were invited to unwind at the hotel’s signature Aujasya breakfast, an experience that complements the sustainability narrative with a focus on wellness and mindful indulgence.

Through initiatives like these, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to evolve the concept of responsible luxury where sustainability enhances the guest journey. By weaving eco-conscious choices into everyday experiences, the hotel is not only advancing its environmental commitments but also inspiring guests to embrace more mindful ways of travel.

Global Turbine Asia Advances Aerospace Growth, Capabilities and Talent Development Through Strategic Partnerships

EBG Foundation Launches ‘Sambhav Hai’ on Earth Day to Build Carbon-Neutral Villages Across India

New Delhi, Apr 22: As the world marks Earth Day, EBG Foundation has launched ‘Sambhav Hai’, a nationwide initiative spearheaded by EBG Group Founder and Chairman Dr Irfan Khan to drive climate action at the grassroots and build stronger, more sustainable rural communities. The programme begins with the adoption of Charla Thanda in Telangana’s Nalgonda district, laying the groundwork for a scalable, community-led transformation.

Positioned as a key pillar within the Foundation’s broader nation-building agenda, Sambhav Hai moves beyond fragmented development efforts through a unified, data-driven framework, with a long-term vision of developing carbon–neutral villages across India. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by 10–20 percent in the first year, progressing towards full carbon neutrality within three years.

The initiative will roll out in phases beginning with 50 villages in Year 1 with an allocation of ₹30 crore, expanding to 150 villages in Year 2 and scaling up to 750 villages along with the support of government institutions. This phased roadmap establishes Sambhav Hai as one of the most ambitious rural sustainability programmes in the country.

At Charla Thanda, the Foundation has initiated on-ground interventions beginning with household-level data mapping to establish a comprehensive climate and resource baseline. The programme will focus on improving access to safe drinking water, strengthening groundwater recharge systems, and implementing structured waste segregation and composting solutions.

Afforestation drives and regenerative land practices will further enhance green cover, while local volunteers are being trained to sustain these efforts. The village will serve as a live demonstration of the ‘Minus One Village’ model, creating a blueprint for replication across regions.

Speaking on the launch, Dr Irfan Khan said, “Real change cannot come from isolated interventions. With Sambhav Hai, we are building a model where environmental sustainability, economic progress, and community ownership go hand in hand. Our aim is to empower villages with the tools, data, and accountability systems they need to lead their own transformation and contribute meaningfully to India’s climate goals.”

In parallel with the phased roadmap, the Foundation will initiate work across multiple states as part of its broader national rollout, expanding the programme’s footprint beyond Telangana and strengthening its vision of a pan-India rural sustainability movement.

Suresh Goyal, Additional Director, EBG Foundation, said, “Sambhav Hai’s success will be tracked through a robust framework that integrates water, energy, waste, food and land systems, along with carbon footprint metrics under the ‘Minus One Village’ model. This ensures that the impact is measurable, accountable, and scalable across geographies.”

Commenting on the idea behind the initiative, Ranjitha M, Additional Director, said, “What began as a simple idea has evolved into a powerful movement for large-scale transformation. By placing villages at the centre of climate action and bridging the gap between policy and on-ground implementation, Sambhav Hai creates a pathway for communities to actively lead India’s journey towards environmental resilience.”

With its first on-ground implementation underway, Sambhav Hai reflects EBG Foundation’s long-term commitment to creating measurable, scalable impact by placing rural communities at the centre of India’s climate action journey.

The launch was attended by Chief Guests Prof. RK Kotnala, Chairman of the New Science Creators Institute (NSCI); Sachin Sengar, youngest Indian delegate at the World Economic Forum and ESG & Net Zero Strategist; Pattnaik Ompriya Mohanty, entrepreneur, environmentalist and social activist; Smt. Sarada Narella, Women’s Commission activist from TelangEBFEana, and Ajai Arora, orator, author, and expert in carbon accounting and energy management. The event was also graced by Hari Kiran, Co-founder of EBG Group.

Demanlink Unveils Sarawak’s First Telecommunications Smart Pole in Siburan and Debuts its First Built-to-Suit Tower in Bintulu

Infidigit Appoints Rettwij Hastu as SVP Revenue Growth to Accelerate AI-Led Expansion

Mumbai, April 21: Infidigit, a leading AI-driven digital growth partner, has announced the appointment of Rettwij Hastu as Senior Vice President – Revenue Growth, marking a strategic step in its transition from a traditional SEO agency to a revenue-focused growth partner in the AI-driven discovery era.

The appointment reinforces Infidigit’s focus on building scalable, outcome-driven growth systems that connect marketing investments directly to measurable business revenue.

Driving Revenue-Centric Growth Strategy

In his new role, Rettwij Hastu will lead the company’s revenue growth function with a mandate to develop a predictable commercial engine aligned with business outcomes.

His key responsibilities will include:

• Driving pipeline growth and revenue acceleration
• Strengthening new business development and strategic partnerships
• Expanding Infidigit’s presence across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia
• Aligning marketing, sales, and partnerships to measurable revenue impact

With over 15 years of experience across marketing and business leadership roles, Rettwij has previously held key positions at HARBOR365, RHAD, EMotorad, and WATConsult, where he helped scale marketing into a revenue-generating function across global markets.

Leadership Perspective

Speaking on the appointment, Kaushal Thakkar, CEO of Infidigit, said:

“Marketing today is no longer just about visibility; it must be accountable for revenue. As AI reshapes how customers discover brands, businesses need systems that connect discovery to measurable outcomes. Rettwij brings strong commercial expertise that strengthens our evolution into a true revenue growth partner.”

Perspective from the New SVP

Commenting on his appointment, Rettwij Hastu, SVP – Revenue Growth, Infidigit, said:

“As discovery becomes increasingly AI-driven across search engines and digital ecosystems, brands must rethink growth. I am excited to help build a scalable revenue engine that delivers measurable business impact in this evolving landscape.”

Focus on AI-Driven Discovery Transformation

Infidigit’s growth strategy is centered around helping brands adapt to evolving digital discovery models, including:

• AI-generated search responses and recommendations
• Zero-click search experiences
• Product-led and ecosystem-based discovery journeys

This shift is driving the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)—a new discipline focused on improving brand visibility within AI-powered platforms.

Strengthening AI-Led Growth Capabilities

With this appointment, Infidigit strengthens its position as a revenue-first digital growth partner, enabling brands to convert AI visibility into tangible business outcomes in an increasingly AI-native search environment.