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Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
ZTE CDO Cui Li Highlights Efficient and Green AI as a Driver of SDGs Progress at AI for Good Global Summit
GENEVA, July 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- ZTE Corporation ( / a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, announced that Cui Li, the company's Chief Development Officer (CDO), was invited to attend the workshop themed "Navigating the Intersect of AI, Environment and Energy for a Sustainable Future" at the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 held in Geneva. During the session, she delivered a speech titled "Accelerating Progress Towards SDGs with AI-powered New Paradigm," where she shared ZTE's innovative efforts to drive efficient and green AI, and to deepen the integration of AI with ICT technologies and products, with the goal of accelerating AI accessibility and low-carbon transformation of society. Cui Li observed that the latest AI surge, driven by large language models, is sweeping the world at incredible speed. This rapid advance is accompanied by soaring computing demands and surging energy consumption. Achieving sustainable AI has therefore become an industry-wide imperative, and the key lies in defining a clear and efficient pathway. Framing the issue from two perspectives—"Energy for AI" and "AI for Energy"—she outlined how companies can scale AI in a greener, more efficient manner and, in turn, harness AI to drive an energy transition that cuts costs, improves efficiency, and supports a low-carbon future. In terms of "Energy for AI," Cui Li emphasized that the industry faces an "Inverted Triangle Dilemma" and efficiency holds the key to solving the dilemma. In response, ZTE is tackling the issue on three levels—developing efficient infrastructure, enabling efficient intelligence enhancement, and accelerating impact through efficiency—collectively driving the efficient and green development of AI. With respect to "AI for Energy," she highlighted that under the core strategy of "AI for All," ZTE has deeply integrated AI with its ICT technologies and products to build full-stack intelligent solutions. The company is now deploying AI capabilities across industrial, household and consumer scenarios, enabling cost-efficiency, operational gains and a lower-carbon trajectory for the wider economy.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Only 1 in 5 Indian youth is AI-skilled: Latest report flags massive opportunity gap
A report supported by and Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unveiled the major skill gap among Indian youth as the country races to transition to an AI-driven economy. The study reveals that only 1 in 5 young adults in India have participated in AI-skilling programmes, exposing a significant population to the risk of job displacement and missed opportunities in emerging sectors. Titled "AI for All: Building an AI-Ready Workforce in Asia-Pacific", the April 2025 report surveyed 3,000 individuals across 8 Asia-Pacific economies. It identifies Indian youth, especially those aged between 15 to 29, as a key demographic which could benefit from AI skilling. Even as a strong enthusiasm could be witnessed for adapting and learning about AI, participation numbers claim 80% young respondents are yet to enrol in any AI-related training course. The findings lay bare a stark preparedness gap in a labour market that increasingly prioritises AI fluency, digital decision-making, and automation skills over traditional academic qualifications. Hiring trends are shifting, but graduates aren't keeping up India's position is particularly urgent given its large and growing youth population. The report highlights a widening disconnect between industry expectations and the current skillset of young Indian jobseekers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pensia Pilon 3 NN Pensia Facultativă NN Vezi oferta Undo As workplaces integrate AI across functions, recruiters are placing greater emphasis on practical digital competencies, such as using AI-powered tools for automation, data processing, and workflow optimisation. Yet, much of the youth talent pipeline lacks exposure to such applied skills. The study notes one of last year's reports; 'only 10% of India's 1.5 lakh engineering graduates are likely to be employed in 2024', pointing to a gap between academic training and workplace readiness. These hiring patterns threaten to sideline even technically qualified candidates who lack AI literacy. Further, survey insights show that 40% of respondents prefer hands-on training focused on real-world scenarios, an indication that conventional classroom instruction is falling short. The report stresses the need for employment-oriented skilling models that integrate industry tools, user-centric design, and workplace simulations to better align youth capabilities with evolving recruitment benchmarks. The real barriers run deeper than access While lack of access to digital infrastructure is a major hurdle, the report identifies deeper structural challenges. One of the most critical is low digital literacy, especially in rural areas and among first-generation learners. In South Asia, which includes India, only 13% of under-25 individuals have home internet access, severely limiting participation in online skilling programmes. In addition to poor connectivity, social and cognitive barriers are limiting uptake. Women, informal workers, and people from non-urban regions face higher risks of exclusion. The study finds that mature and less digitally fluent individuals are twice as likely to face language-related challenges, and 1.6 times more likely to report concerns about trusting AI systems. Despite the existence of nearly 20,000 AI-focused digital skilling initiatives across the region, only 15% of surveyed respondents have engaged with them, revealing a significant gap between programme availability and awareness or usability. India still has a chance Despite the current shortfalls, the report presents a cautiously optimistic path forward. India's demographic edge, defined by its vast youth population, can still be converted into a strategic advantage with timely intervention. The study identifies India as one of the top three Asia-Pacific countries where urgent investment in workforce readiness could deliver outsized returns. The enthusiasm is there; many young Indians express interest in learning AI-related skills. What's needed now is delivery: skilling models that are modular, application-based, and accessible across languages, literacy levels, and geographies. India's existing ecosystem of training institutions and public-private skilling partnerships can serve as a launchpad for scalable change. With inclusive design and strategic policy support, the country can not only mitigate risks from AI-driven job disruption, but also build one of the world's most competitive and future-ready workforces. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
India must upskill fast to keep up with AI jobs, says new report
As the world continues to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), India seems to be at a tipping point. A new report backed by and the Asian Development Bank has thrown light on the opportunities and challenges for one of the largest economies. Despite having the largest workforces in the world, India urgently needs to offer accessible and effective AI upskilling, according to the report 'AI for All: Building an AI-ready Workforce in Asia-Pacific.' The report states that AI will contribute up to USD 3 trillion to the GDP of the Asia-Pacific region by 2030. And, India, with its young and fastest-growing population, is key to this potential. The report, however, warns that the forces that could propel growth also come with the risk of widening the inequality. This is a likelihood if workers are left behind. Further, the report revealed that administrative and support roles, such as data entry, scheduling, and customer service, are at risk considering the rapid advancement in AI-driven automation. According to the report, these roles are disproportionately performed by those from underserved communities, including women, informal workers, and those with low digital literacy. These groups contribute largely in sectors like manufacturing, textiles, and logistics. And, in the absence of focused AI skilling initiatives, these workers risk being left behind in the rapidly evolving job market. The report highlights that India has one of the largest populations of young people, yet many of them are either looking for their first job or hoping to upskill for better opportunities. However, there seems to be a disconnect between what is being imparted as skills and what employers are looking for. According to the report, the candidate profiles sought by employers today are dramatically different from those a few years ago. Traditional degrees are no longer the only requisite; today companies are looking for skills like critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to use AI tools effectively. The report also cites a Times of India report stating that in 2024 even students from prestigious engineering colleges in India struggled to find employment. The newspaper report claimed that 10 per cent of 1.5 million engineering graduates were expected to get jobs. This underscores the urgent need to reframe skilling and training to match up to the job demands in an AI-driven economy. Apart from students, India is also home to a large number of informal workers, meaning workers without job security, stable income or even access to formal training. The jobs in this sector include packaging workers, delivery staff, textile factory workers, etc. The report warns that AI and automation could impact these sectors hard, especially since most of these jobs involve repetitive manual tasks. Another major hurdle is digital access, as in numerous rural areas people either don't have smartphones or access to the internet. In order to have an inclusive AI future, the report recommends bridging these gaps. When it comes to women, they make up about 35 per cent of the Indian workforce and are also somewhat over-represented in roles that are at most risk of automation, such as office support and retail services. According to the report, many women also drop out of the workforce owing to family obligations, and the ones re-entering are confronted with the rapidly changing job market. The study claims that AI can help level the playing field, but only if these women are given fair access to reskilling. Further, the report suggests building flexible, contextual skilling programmes that are tailored for women, including mothers rejoining the workforce. Along with offering a nuanced view of the current job landscape in India with its challenges and opportunities, the report recommends several urgent steps that help India attain an AI-ready workforce. The steps are as follows: Offering tailored skilling for different groups: The report suggests that skilling efforts should be designed keeping in mind the diversity of jobseekers, such as recent graduates, informal workers, women, people with low digital literacy, and the elderly. According to the report, each group comes with different needs and challenges. Emphasis on practical training: As per the report, 40 per cent of survey respondents across the APAC region want real-world, contextual training over abstract technical expertise. Hence, India's AI skilling initiatives must focus on practical skills that could directly lead to job-readiness. More awareness: When it comes to skilling programmes, only 15 per cent of workers surveyed across Asia-Pacific have participated in any AI skilling initiatives. In India, this number could be lower, signalling the need for awareness campaigns that are needed to encourage participation. Boost for MSMEs: In India, micro, small and medium (MSMEs) make up over 90 per cent of businesses, and they employ a major chunk of the workforce. However, most of these MSMEs lack the resources to train employees in AI tools. There is a need for support from the government and private sector to make AI adoption possible for these businesses. Address gender gaps and digital access: According to the report, without concerted efforts to include women and digitally disadvantaged groups, AI adoption may exacerbate existing inequalities. This makes investments in accessible, multilingual, and gender-sensitive training imperative. It needs to be noted that there are bright spots; programmes such as Grow with Google have trained over 60 million people in the APAC region. Similarly, the AI Opportunity Fund, launched in 2024, aims to train over 500,000 workers across the region, including India, through partnerships with NGOs and local education providers. With the youngest and largest workforce in the world, India can either lead the AI revolution or struggle to embrace an AI-ready future. The report states that bridging the gap will need intentional, inclusive action from all. Since the future of work is here, according to the report, India must act now.
Hans India
10-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Empowering Mothers in the Age of AI: How Digital Tools Are Changing Caregiving in Modern India
Mothers in Indian households have always been multi-taskers. They balance caregiving with teaching, managing household finances, and making key decisions. However, in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, providing support to mothers to help them succeed and thrive has become not just important, but imperative. Armed with the proper information and resources, mothers can significantly enhance their interactions not only with their families but also with the broader community. The Digital Divide and the Challenges Faced by Mothers India is undergoing a massive digital transformation. Widespread access to the internet, with over 800 million users, and smartphones reaching the most remote places has made technology a necessity. However, several hurdles remain for mothers, including limited access to devices, low literacy, and societal norms that restrict their independence. Various government initiatives aim to bridge this digital divide and serve as social educators for women. Programs under various departments focus on providing digital education, especially in rural areas, helping empower mothers to access digital tools and resources. The National Commission for Women has also been at the forefront of advocating for women's digital literacy and empowerment, working to ensure that mothers are provided with the resources and support they need to succeed in the digital age. When presented with the right opportunities, mothers don't just learn—they can lead. Why AI Literacy Matters More Than Ever As social media and even healthcare AI become more integrated into daily life, understanding how these systems function is now crucial. It's no longer enough for mothers to simply use technology; their understanding of how it operates will help them make smarter decisions and protect their households in the digital environment. Government initiatives like the "AI for All" program, led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), aim to teach AI in a context applicable to everyday life. These programs focus on helping individuals understand how AI works and how it can benefit them, such as by managing children's screen time or accessing government schemes. This empowers mothers to assume the role of positive digital influences for their children and guide them through various online challenges and opportunities with confidence. Using AI to Improve Maternal Health Gaps in healthcare infrastructure pose significant challenges to expecting mothers in India, particularly in rural areas. AI technologies are beginning to address this gap. AI-enabled wearables and ultrasound devices make it easier to track pregnancies and identify potential risks early on. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also launched health apps that provide regionally adjusted guidance on nutrition, vaccinations, and other maternal health issues, which mothers can easily understand and apply, even in remote areas with limited access to healthcare professionals. Limitless Learning Empowerment comes with education, and AI provides opportunities for mothers of all ages and backgrounds to explore new learning avenues. The Government of India's "PMGDISHA" (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan) scheme aims to digitally empower rural citizens, with a particular focus on women. This initiative helps women gain digital literacy, including basic coding, digital marketing, and financial literacy. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) also incorporates AI in its vocational training curricula to customize lessons on e-commerce, data entry, and digital services. These programs are particularly useful for women managing homes and families while seeking financial independence. When children cannot attend school or face prolonged learning disruptions, mothers can use government-backed digital platforms to support their children. With AI-enabled programs, mothers can incorporate learning tools into their children's daily routines. Financial Empowerment Through Technology Mothers often manage household budgets but are frequently excluded from the formal banking system. Payments and savings have become easier with the introduction of AI-powered fintech resources. Platforms like "Jan Dhan" and "Aadhaar Pay" enable secure transactions and make banking more accessible in local languages, with features like voice commands. Government-supported initiatives like "Financial Literacy Week" and "Financial Literacy Centers" have also provided tools and resources for women to learn about budgeting, saving, and investing. Additionally, "Bank Sakhi" programs and initiatives by NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) help women in rural areas access banking services and obtain loans. These government-led solutions are enabling mothers to take control of their finances in ways previously unimaginable. Designing AI That Works for Everyone AI must focus on providing equal opportunity access to help women gain true power. Resources need to be affordable, provided in local dialects, and easy to navigate. Furthermore, reliable internet and mobile devices are essential, especially in under-connected areas. Many initiatives, led by the government and in collaboration with local NGOs, aim to boost digital skills for women, particularly mothers. The MWCD is working alongside ASHA workers and Anganwadi nurses to deliver these technologies to the most impacted communities. Additionally, each AI system must be designed with fairness in mind. Whether it's facial recognition, health diagnosis, or hiring algorithms, these systems must be based on diverse datasets to avoid unintentionally perpetuating discrimination. Mothers in India's Digital Narrative In caregiving terms, AI means more than just supervising children and managing the home. It refers to nurturing, managing education, health, and economic activities. Building digital capacities for mothers is not just a technology project—it's social change work. The impact on an entire family is evident when these women educate themselves through modern technologies. Mothers transition from being mere caregivers to active participants in shaping their families' futures. Supporting mothers in leading this shift will strengthen India's digital infrastructure. By increasing knowledge and fostering control, we not only empower the individual but also ensure that India's digital future becomes socially inclusive by design. In conclusion, empowering mothers through digital tools and AI is not just a technological advancement but a transformative societal shift. By providing mothers with the necessary skills and resources, we enable them to take charge of their health, education, and financial well-being, thus fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Government initiatives play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, ensuring that mothers—especially in rural and underserved areas—are not left behind in this digital age. The digital empowerment of mothers is an investment in the future, strengthening families and communities, and shaping a more resilient and progressive India. (Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson, National Commission for Women)
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vymo Launches CollectIQ to Transform Debt Collections for Financial Institutions
BANGALORE, India, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vymo, the Sales Engagement Platform trusted by over 350,000 financial sales people globally, has launched CollectIQ, marking its formal entry into the debt collections space. Designed specifically for banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), the solution brings together AI-driven prioritization, automation, and integrated agent enablement to help institutions drive better recovery outcomes. Vymo Logo The move comes at a time when India's financial sector is sharpening its focus on curbing non-performing assets (NPAs) and strengthening post-disbursal recovery efforts. According to the Reserve Bank of India's Financial Stability Report, the GNPA ratio for scheduled commercial banks could rise from 2.7% in March 2024 to 3% by March 2026 under baseline scenarios — underscoring the need for proactive, data-led collection strategies. "Collections teams have traditionally been underserved by technology, even though it plays a critical role in the health of a lender's portfolio," said Yamini Bhat, Co-founder and CEO of Vymo. "With CollectIQ, we are bringing automation, intelligence, and customer-centricity into collections — helping financial institutions recover smarter and more efficiently." CollectIQ acts as a single pane of glass for collections — bringing together case allocation, agent tracking, customer engagement, and integrated payment workflows into one intelligent system. It allocates accounts based on real-time inputs like agent proximity, performance history, and risk profiles. It provides live visibility into field activities through geo-verification and instant updates, and nudges agents toward the next-best action while enabling on-the-spot digital payments. The platform is fully integrated with lenders' core systems such as LMS, CRM, and payment gateways, streamlining both operations and reporting. By embedding intelligence and automation into everyday workflows, Vymo aims to help lenders not only recover more effectively but also do so in a way that enhances customer trust and regulatory compliance. For more information, visit About Vymo Vymo transforms how financial institutions manage sales and collections operations. Trusted by 350,000+ users across 70+ global enterprises — including AIA, HDFC Bank, Berkshire Hathaway, SMFG, Aditya Birla Capital and more. Vymo delivers AI-powered solutions that drive performance and operational excellence. Its human-centric, enterprise-grade platform ensures high adoption and measurable outcomes. Vymo has raised over $45M from Sequoia Capital, Emergence Capital, and Bertelsmann India Investments and is a winner of CB Insights' Demo Day and Microsoft's 'AI for All' awards.
