Latest news with #AI-focused

Business Insider
4 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Internal Microsoft memo lays out its new strategy for selling AI as the company cuts salespeople
Microsoft's sales chief, Judson Althoff, is revamping his unit to make it more AI-focused, according to an internal memo viewed by Business Insider. Althoff, the company's chief commercial officer, sent the memo to the sales unit, called Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions (MCAPS), a day before the company announced a significant round of layoffs. Those layoffs affected many salespeople in Althoff's organization, sources familiar with them said. The memo did not mention the layoffs, announced beginning July 2 in separate communications to employees. Althoff's memo called for "continued agility" and "reinventing Microsoft and MCAPS" to become "the Frontier AI Firm," and outlined the five priorities of the sales organization: Establish a Copilot on every device and across every role Strengthen our M365 and D365 execution and penetration across all segments Create meaningful AI design wins Grow our cloud platform business by migrating and modernizing workloads to Azure Build a cybersecurity foundation to enable secure AI Transformation Althoff in April unveiled plans to slash the number of the sales team's "solutions areas" by half during the next fiscal year, which started July 1. BI obtained copies of slides from Althoff's April presentation, showing the company planned to condense its six previous areas into three: AI Business Solutions, Cloud & AI Platforms, and Security, according to those slides. AI Business Solutions will focus on getting "Copilots on every device across every role" and on selling Microsoft 365's suite of business applications and Dynamics 365 customer relationship management service, according to the July 1 memo. Cloud & AI Platform will include the company's Azure business, its AI "agent factory" Foundry, and data analytics platform Fabric. That group will be focused on frontier AI solutions and migrating and modernizing cloud workloads to Azure. Security focuses on selling Microsoft's security tools. "We have spent a lot of time playing defense over the last year, and it is now time to compete more aggressively," Althoff said, referring to the security solutions area. The changes come as Microsoft faces increasing competition for enterprise customers in AI from companies like OpenAI and Google. Microsoft has an advantage in that many large companies already use its other tools, but many of those companies' employees want the more well-known ChatGPT.


Economic Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
BigBear.ai stock skyrockets 365% — H.C. Wainwright boosts price target to $9 amid explosive AI defense growth
stock is making serious waves on Wall Street, jumping over 365% in the past year as H.C. Wainwright raised its price target to $9, up from $6. The AI defense company is riding a strong wave of new contracts, airport tech deployments, and international partnerships. With a growing backlog of nearly $385 million and solid revenue growth projections, is gaining serious investor attention. Even after outperforming the Russell 2000 Index, experts believe there's more room to run. If you're watching the AI-driven security space, this stock's explosive momentum could be just getting started. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why did H.C. Wainwright raise stock price target? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What new deals and partnerships are boosting growth story? What do other analysts say about stock? What does this partnership mean for the UAE's digital future? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How will customize its AI solutions for the UAE? Why is Easy Lease a crucial player in this deal? What role does Vigilix Technology Investment play? Company and Market Overview (NYSE: BBAI) currently has a market cap of approximately $1.1 billion . Over the past year, the stock has delivered a strong performance with a return of around 169% . currently has a market cap of approximately . Over the past year, the stock has delivered a strong performance with a return of around . In 2025, reported a revenue of $34.8 million , reflecting a 4.9% increase year-over-year , although it slightly missed market expectations. , reflecting a , although it slightly missed market expectations. The earnings per share (EPS) for the same quarter stood at –$0.25 , underperforming the expected EPS of –$0.05. , underperforming the expected EPS of –$0.05. Despite this, the company maintained its full-year 2025 guidance, projecting a 1.1% to 13.7% revenue growth. Easy Lease's Market Reach and Operational Strength Easy Lease , a key mobility solutions provider based in the UAE, manages a fleet of over 30,000 vehicles . , a key mobility solutions provider based in the UAE, manages a fleet of over . As a subsidiary of one of the world's largest holding firms, it brings extensive operational experience and local market access—an essential piece of this strategic AI collaboration. Is still a good AI stock to watch? FAQs: ( Originally published on Jun 30, 2025 ) Holdings (NYSE: BBAI) just got a major Wall Street nod. On Tuesday, H.C. Wainwright raised its price target on the AI-focused defense and analytics company from $6.00 to $9.00, while sticking to its Buy rating. That's a bold move—especially considering the stock has already soared over 365% in the past year, according to InvestingPro is valued at about $2 billion, and its recent numbers show it's growing, even if not yet impressing on every front. The company reported Q1 2025 revenue of $34.8 million, a 4.9% increase from the same period last year. However, that figure came in below FactSet consensus importantly, the company ended the quarter with a backlog of $384.9 million, up 30.1% year-over-year. That backlog provides clear visibility into future revenue. expects to deliver 2025 revenue growth between 1.1% and 13.7%, which may sound modest, but it's built on a solid base: $159.9 million in current revenue and $111.3 million in debt, backed by a healthy current ratio of 1.66, per InvestingPro metrics.H.C. Wainwright now values the company using a 12.0x revenue multiple, up from the prior 10.0x, citing improving fundamentals and stronger growth firm pointed to several strong tailwinds. First, 52.6% stock price gain in the first half of 2025 stands out. While most small-cap stocks struggled—the Russell 2000 Index dropped 2.5%— powered ahead. That kind of performance isn't random. It's being driven by a combination of contract wins, new customers, and the ongoing demand for AI-based defense and security to InvestingPro, the stock does come with some risk—it has a Beta of 3.05, which signals higher volatility—and it's currently in overbought territory. That means the price may be ahead of fundamentals for now, so investors should watch it carefully. But the broader momentum is clearly in its has been busy expanding its footprint globally. It recently rolled out biometric software deployments for Enhanced Passenger Processing at twelve international airports and ports of entry, helping improve security and passenger company also inked a strategic partnership with Easy Lease PJSC and Vigilix Technology Investment in the UAE, signaling its push into international markets for AI-powered defense tools. Add to that a collaboration with Analogic and a new partnership with Hardy Dynamics to support the U.S. Army's Project Linchpin, and it's clear is aggressively securing both public and private sector developments are not just PR—they reflect a business actively executing on growth, particularly in the AI-for-defense space, which remains one of the most lucrative and fast-moving H.C. Wainwright is bullish, Cantor Fitzgerald recently took a more cautious view. They lowered their 12-month price target from $6.00 to $5.00, though still maintained an Overweight rating, citing broader macroeconomic concerns that could affect performance in the near H.C. Wainwright points out that new $9 price target is below its 52-week high of $10.36 and far lower than that of AI peer Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR), which trades at more than 66.0x 2026 revenue estimates. That means there's room for further upside if continues to deliver and Wall Street begins to assign it a higher valuation partnership marks a significant step in the UAE's digital transformation journey. By bringing together tech leadership, Easy Lease's mobility experience, and Vigilix's strategic investment capabilities, the alliance is set to support various high-growth industries. These include sectors like mobility, logistics, industrial services, and smart city partnership is expected to enhance the UAE's R&D ecosystem and boost the deployment of practical AI-driven solutions across sectors. With acting as the primary innovation and technology lead, the collaboration ensures that the AI tools will be both locally adapted and globally plans to localize its technology stack to fit the UAE's specific requirements. That means AI tools will be adapted for local languages, regulations, business environments, and sectoral challenges. The goal is to deliver solutions that aren't just imported technologies but are deeply integrated into the fabric of UAE includes platforms for predictive analytics, autonomous systems, real-time decision-making, and AI-powered data visualization. These tools will target operational efficiency, mobility management, and digital service delivery—all key focus areas for the UAE's tech-forward Lease, under the IHC umbrella, already operates a broad mobility network and provides tech-enabled transport solutions across the UAE. By joining forces with Easy Lease can integrate AI into its core operations—from fleet management and predictive maintenance to customer experience platforms and route synergy is expected to enhance the company's service offerings and support the UAE's broader goal of becoming a global leader in smart Technology Investment brings in not just capital but crucial market expertise. As a regional investment and advisory firm, Vigilix will help tailor deployment strategies that suit the socio-economic and regulatory landscape of the UAE and surrounding role will include advising on public-private partnerships, identifying growth opportunities, and guiding the rollout of pilot programs in both government and enterprise sectors. Vigilix's participation ensures that the AI deployment is strategic, scalable, and sustainable over Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BBAI) has been spotlighted by hedge funds as one of the best AI stocks to buy right now, thanks to its expanding global partnerships and product pipeline. While this new UAE venture boosts its international credibility, investors are also watching how the company navigates the broader AI market, which is becoming increasingly said, some analysts believe there are other AI stocks with stronger short-term upside, particularly those positioned to benefit from Trump-era tariffs and supply chain realignments. However, remains a strong long-term bet, especially as it deepens its footprint in fast-growing markets like the Middle three-way collaboration is more than a business deal—it's a strategic alliance to shape the future of AI in the Middle East. With AI adoption accelerating across industries and governments alike, partnerships like this will play a vital role in ensuring technologies are designed with local relevance, global standards, and real-world expands its reach, the UAE stands to gain significantly through smarter infrastructure, more efficient services, and a stronger digital a joint effort with Easy Lease and Vigilix to boost AI innovation across UAE is gaining investor interest due to its global AI expansion and new regional partnerships.


Economic Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
US stock market futures rise as S&P 500 nears record high on Fed rate cut hopes and China trade progress; Dow, Nasdaq rise too as Nike, Nvidia, Palantir surge
US Stock futures rise as hopes for a U.S.-China trade deal lift investor sentiment, pushing the S&P 500 close to its all-time high. President Donald Trump confirmed a new trade framework with China, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed similar deals with 10 key partners are underway. Markets reacted positively, with S&P 500 futures up 0.3% and Nasdaq-100 gaining 0.4%. Rare earth exports and tech restrictions from China are easing, while investors eye U.S. inflation data today. This combination of trade optimism, easing tensions, and strong rebound sets the tone for a potentially record-breaking day on Wall Street. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Which stocks are moving the most today? Gainers Nike (NKE) jumped nearly 10% after its quarterly earnings beat expectations. The athletic giant also offered a more upbeat outlook than analysts had projected, even as it warned of a modest revenue decline. jumped nearly after its quarterly earnings beat expectations. The athletic giant also offered a more upbeat outlook than analysts had projected, even as it warned of a modest revenue decline. Core Scientific (CORZ) rose 5.5% amid merger rumors involving AI-focused firm CoreWeave. rose amid merger rumors involving AI-focused firm CoreWeave. Oklo (OKLO) surged 5.4% , continuing its upward streak alongside strong speculative interest in nuclear energy plays. surged , continuing its upward streak alongside strong speculative interest in nuclear energy plays. AeroVironment (AVAV) , Trade Desk (TTD) , and NuScale Power (SMR) also saw gains of 4% or more . , , and also saw gains of . Palantir (PLTR) added 0.7% , boosted by renewed investor interest in artificial intelligence. added , boosted by renewed investor interest in artificial intelligence. Nvidia (NVDA) climbed around 0.5%, keeping its lead as one of the year's top-performing tech giants. Losers Concentrix (CNXC) slumped 7.2% after delivering mixed Q2 results and offering a cautious forward outlook. slumped after delivering mixed Q2 results and offering a cautious forward outlook. Bruker (BRKR) dropped 4.4% , while Darling Ingredients (DAR) fell 2.6% , likely on broader weakness in the industrials and commodities sectors. dropped , while fell , likely on broader weakness in the industrials and commodities sectors. Gold miners like Newmont and Barrick slipped 2%–2.3% as gold prices softened amid rising yields. Is a new U.S.-China trade deal finally coming together? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How close is the S&P 500 to a record-breaking rebound? 'There is so much money that wants to come into the market that didn't for a while. And I just think if you don't have any negative news, the natural gravitational pull is across all these assets.' Could U.S. inflation data stall the market rally? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Headline PCE: +0.1% month-over-month, +2.3% year-over-year Core PCE (excluding food and energy): +0.1% from April, +2.6% from a year ago US stock market futures today: S&P 500 and Nasdaq rise ahead of inflation data and trade optimism US stock futures: Index Change Current Level S&P 500 E-mini +13.5 points (+0.22%) ~6,209.5 Nasdaq-100 E-mini +63–92 points (≈0.3%–0.4%) ~22,735–22,760 What does this mean for rare earths and tech restrictions? What economic reports are traders watching? Final June consumer sentiment report from the University of Michigan from the University of Michigan Scheduled speeches from key Federal Reserve officials Continued speculation around the next Fed chair pick What's next for Wall Street as global trade shifts? S&P 500 futures rose 0.3%, with the index just 0.1% below its all-time high. U.S.-China trade framework finalized, says Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. President Trump confirms a new understanding with China tied to the Geneva agreement. Rare earth exports and tech trade restrictions to ease. Inflation data at 8:30 a.m. ET could steer Fed expectations and market direction. FAQs: Stock futures rose early Friday, pushing the S&P 500 closer to a new all-time high, as investors grew more optimistic about a potential U.S.-China trade deal and awaited new U.S. inflation data that could impact the Federal Reserve's next move. With President Donald Trump confirming a recent agreement with China and top officials signaling progress on multiple trade fronts, Wall Street reacted tied to the S&P 500 climbed 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained by the same margin, while Nasdaq-100 futures advanced 0.4%. The S&P 500, now up 23.3% from its April low, is just 0.1% below its all-time intraday high of 6, are Friday's top stock movers as of premarket trading:Trade optimism surged after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Bloomberg that a framework between the U.S. and China had been finalized. Lutnick added that the Trump administration expects to close trade deals with 10 major partners in the near Trump added to the momentum by saying Thursday, 'we just signed with China yesterday.' While that statement caused brief confusion, a White House official later clarified it referred to 'an additional understanding of a framework to implement the Geneva agreement.'Meanwhile, China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed that both nations had agreed on a framework allowing rare earth exports to the U.S., and would also ease certain technology S&P 500 has staged a remarkable comeback since hitting its lowest closing point on April 8. Back then, markets were rattled by fears that Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods could hurt earnings and possibly drag the economy into a since that low, the index has risen 23.3%, fueled by improved earnings expectations, stronger economic data, and increased global trade optimism. As of Friday morning, it sits only 0.1% away from its all-time intraday peak of 6, Rieder, Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock, told CNBC's Closing Bell:Before the S&P 500 can hit new records, investors are watching for fresh inflation data. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index—a key inflation measure watched closely by the Federal Reserve—is due at 8:30 a.m. surprises here could sway sentiment sharply, especially with markets already pricing in potential Fed rate cuts later this stock market futures climbed early Friday, boosted by growing confidence in a U.S.-China trade breakthrough and ahead of the release of key inflation data. The S&P 500 E-mini futures rose by 13.5 points, or 0.22%, reaching around 6,209.5, while Nasdaq-100 futures gained between 63 to 92 points, trading near 22,735 to 22, uptick comes as investors anticipate the May PCE inflation report at 8:30 a.m. ET, which could shape the Federal Reserve's next move. Market sentiment is also supported by President Donald Trump's confirmation of a new trade framework with China, including the resumption of rare earth exports and relaxed tech restrictions.A lower inflation reading could strengthen expectations for a potential Fed rate cut in July. As of now, traders see a 20.7% chance of a rate reduction, according to futures standout detail in the China-U.S. agreement is Beijing's move to resume rare earth exports to the U.S. These minerals are crucial for electronics, EVs, and military hardware. Restrictions on them were a major concern for tech companies and defense China's promise to ease tech trade restrictions could benefit American chipmakers and hardware suppliers, many of whom rely on Chinese parts or markets for a large share of their development may lift sectors that had lagged during earlier trade tensions, potentially boosting both technology and industrial May PCE inflation report, due this morning, is the key focus for Wall Street. Analysts expect core PCE to rise around 2.6% year-over-year, slightly up from 2.5% in April. This figure will heavily influence future Fed policy decisions. Any indication of softening inflation would further boost rate-cut bets and risk-on on deck:The market is now watching for actual deals to be signed, especially with the Trump administration reportedly working on agreements with 10 major trading partners. If finalized, these could open new export markets and lift overall business are also closely tracking the Fed's response to inflation data, which could dictate the pace of future rate cuts or changes in monetary now, however, Wall Street appears focused on trade optimism, a resilient economy, and the potential for record highs in major futures rose on optimism about a U.S.-China trade deal and easing tech restrictions The S&P 500 is just 0.1% below its all-time high as markets rebound.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
US stock market futures rise as S&P 500 nears record high on Fed rate cut hopes and China trade progress; Dow, Nasdaq rise too as Nike, Nvidia, Palantir surge
Which stocks are moving the most today? Gainers Nike (NKE) jumped nearly 10% after its quarterly earnings beat expectations. The athletic giant also offered a more upbeat outlook than analysts had projected, even as it warned of a modest revenue decline. jumped nearly after its quarterly earnings beat expectations. The athletic giant also offered a more upbeat outlook than analysts had projected, even as it warned of a modest revenue decline. Core Scientific (CORZ) rose 5.5% amid merger rumors involving AI-focused firm CoreWeave. rose amid merger rumors involving AI-focused firm CoreWeave. Oklo (OKLO) surged 5.4% , continuing its upward streak alongside strong speculative interest in nuclear energy plays. surged , continuing its upward streak alongside strong speculative interest in nuclear energy plays. AeroVironment (AVAV) , Trade Desk (TTD) , and NuScale Power (SMR) also saw gains of 4% or more . , , and also saw gains of . Palantir (PLTR) added 0.7% , boosted by renewed investor interest in artificial intelligence. added , boosted by renewed investor interest in artificial intelligence. Nvidia (NVDA) climbed around 0.5%, keeping its lead as one of the year's top-performing tech giants. Losers Concentrix (CNXC) slumped 7.2% after delivering mixed Q2 results and offering a cautious forward outlook. slumped after delivering mixed Q2 results and offering a cautious forward outlook. Bruker (BRKR) dropped 4.4% , while Darling Ingredients (DAR) fell 2.6% , likely on broader weakness in the industrials and commodities sectors. dropped , while fell , likely on broader weakness in the industrials and commodities sectors. Gold miners like Newmont and Barrick slipped 2%–2.3% as gold prices softened amid rising yields. Is a new U.S.-China trade deal finally coming together? Live Events How close is the S&P 500 to a record-breaking rebound? 'There is so much money that wants to come into the market that didn't for a while. And I just think if you don't have any negative news, the natural gravitational pull is across all these assets.' Could U.S. inflation data stall the market rally? Headline PCE: +0.1% month-over-month, +2.3% year-over-year Core PCE (excluding food and energy): +0.1% from April, +2.6% from a year ago US stock market futures today: S&P 500 and Nasdaq rise ahead of inflation data and trade optimism US stock futures: Index Change Current Level S&P 500 E-mini +13.5 points (+0.22%) ~6,209.5 Nasdaq-100 E-mini +63–92 points (≈0.3%–0.4%) ~22,735–22,760 What does this mean for rare earths and tech restrictions? What economic reports are traders watching? Final June consumer sentiment report from the University of Michigan from the University of Michigan Scheduled speeches from key Federal Reserve officials Continued speculation around the next Fed chair pick What's next for Wall Street as global trade shifts? S&P 500 futures rose 0.3%, with the index just 0.1% below its all-time high. U.S.-China trade framework finalized, says Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. President Trump confirms a new understanding with China tied to the Geneva agreement. Rare earth exports and tech trade restrictions to ease. Inflation data at 8:30 a.m. ET could steer Fed expectations and market direction. FAQs: (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Stock futures rose early Friday, pushing the S&P 500 closer to a new all-time high, as investors grew more optimistic about a potential U.S.-China trade deal and awaited new U.S. inflation data that could impact the Federal Reserve's next move. With President Donald Trump confirming a recent agreement with China and top officials signaling progress on multiple trade fronts, Wall Street reacted tied to the S&P 500 climbed 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained by the same margin, while Nasdaq-100 futures advanced 0.4%. The S&P 500, now up 23.3% from its April low, is just 0.1% below its all-time intraday high of 6, are Friday's top stock movers as of premarket trading:Trade optimism surged after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Bloomberg that a framework between the U.S. and China had been finalized. Lutnick added that the Trump administration expects to close trade deals with 10 major partners in the near Trump added to the momentum by saying Thursday, 'we just signed with China yesterday.' While that statement caused brief confusion, a White House official later clarified it referred to 'an additional understanding of a framework to implement the Geneva agreement.'Meanwhile, China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed that both nations had agreed on a framework allowing rare earth exports to the U.S., and would also ease certain technology S&P 500 has staged a remarkable comeback since hitting its lowest closing point on April 8. Back then, markets were rattled by fears that Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods could hurt earnings and possibly drag the economy into a since that low, the index has risen 23.3%, fueled by improved earnings expectations, stronger economic data, and increased global trade optimism. As of Friday morning, it sits only 0.1% away from its all-time intraday peak of 6, Rieder, Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock, told CNBC's Closing Bell:Before the S&P 500 can hit new records, investors are watching for fresh inflation data. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index—a key inflation measure watched closely by the Federal Reserve—is due at 8:30 a.m. surprises here could sway sentiment sharply, especially with markets already pricing in potential Fed rate cuts later this stock market futures climbed early Friday, boosted by growing confidence in a U.S.-China trade breakthrough and ahead of the release of key inflation data. The S&P 500 E-mini futures rose by 13.5 points, or 0.22%, reaching around 6,209.5, while Nasdaq-100 futures gained between 63 to 92 points, trading near 22,735 to 22, uptick comes as investors anticipate the May PCE inflation report at 8:30 a.m. ET, which could shape the Federal Reserve's next move. Market sentiment is also supported by President Donald Trump's confirmation of a new trade framework with China, including the resumption of rare earth exports and relaxed tech restrictions.A lower inflation reading could strengthen expectations for a potential Fed rate cut in July. As of now, traders see a 20.7% chance of a rate reduction, according to futures standout detail in the China-U.S. agreement is Beijing's move to resume rare earth exports to the U.S. These minerals are crucial for electronics, EVs, and military hardware. Restrictions on them were a major concern for tech companies and defense China's promise to ease tech trade restrictions could benefit American chipmakers and hardware suppliers, many of whom rely on Chinese parts or markets for a large share of their development may lift sectors that had lagged during earlier trade tensions, potentially boosting both technology and industrial May PCE inflation report, due this morning, is the key focus for Wall Street. Analysts expect core PCE to rise around 2.6% year-over-year, slightly up from 2.5% in April. This figure will heavily influence future Fed policy decisions. Any indication of softening inflation would further boost rate-cut bets and risk-on on deck:The market is now watching for actual deals to be signed, especially with the Trump administration reportedly working on agreements with 10 major trading partners. If finalized, these could open new export markets and lift overall business are also closely tracking the Fed's response to inflation data, which could dictate the pace of future rate cuts or changes in monetary now, however, Wall Street appears focused on trade optimism, a resilient economy, and the potential for record highs in major futures rose on optimism about a U.S.-China trade deal and easing tech restrictions The S&P 500 is just 0.1% below its all-time high as markets rebound.


Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Indian techies to help upscale Thai tech ecosystem
Indian technologists will help Thailand upscale its tech ecosystem under an MoU signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangkok earlier this year, an official said on Wednesday. "We are now working on details on how to take further a technology MoU between the two countries that will see skilled technology manpower coming from India to Thailand," said professor Wisit Wisitsora-AT, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. "Thailand and India are two very good technology countries, and we have been working for several years on it together," Wisit told PTI on the sidelines of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI2025, a two-day conference from June 24-27 here. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ductless Air Conditioners Are Selling Like Crazy [See Why] Keep Cool Click Here Undo The development comes after the latest MoU for Cooperation in the field of Digital Technologies was signed by the two countries during Modi's official visit to Bangkok to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit hosted by Thailand in April this year. With these and other agreements signed during the visit, Thailand and India have elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and strengthened regional connectivity, trade and investment. Live Events Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a mega AI-focused programme at the opening of the UNESCO forum on Wednesday. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories "Under our National AI Committee, we are moving forward with key initiatives," said Shinawatra, listing out details, including the development of AI talent to have as many as 10 million users, 90,000 professionals, and 50,000 developers. Further, she committed $15.4 billion investment in AI infrastructure, building open-source AI infrastructure as well as a National Data Centre with an investment of over $61 million. "We will also establish the AI Governance Practice Centre (AIGPC) - to share ethical AI practices, promote training, and foster collaboration across sectors," said Shinawatra. "AI must be a force for truth, inclusion, and human-centred progress. Let us work together to ensure that AI upholds dignity, protects societies, and benefits all," she said. Commenting on the long-term working relationships between India and Thailand, as well as with the other member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), industry observers said Indian technologists, given the large number of engineers available in the country, could play a pivotal role in mega technology-driven programmes. The availability of Indian engineers in large numbers is not only advantageous to India but also serves well for other countries facing a shortage of technical and skilled manpower while trying to manage in a fast-accelerated technology ecosystem across all economic sectors, the observers said.