Latest news with #AdvisoryBoard
Iraqi News
20 hours ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq to carry out new projects to increase oil exports
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul-Ghani, highlighted on Monday the need to increase Iraq's oil export outlets by developing projects that improve export capacity and allow greater flexibility in exceptional scenarios. Abdul-Ghani's remarks took place during a meeting of the ministry's Advisory Board, when he stressed the importance of expanding and maintaining the country's export capability, which serves as the principal source of revenue for the state budget, Al-Arabiya News reported. Since crude oil supplies through the Turkish port of Ceyhan were stopped, Iraq's crude oil exports have been limited for years to the Arabian Gulf's primary outlets in the southern part of the country. The federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) were at odds over financial returns, marketing strategies, and how to settle disputes with foreign oil corporations operating in Iraqi Kurdistan. If the regional conflict increases, Iran blocks international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iraq stops exporting its crude oil at a pace of more than 3.2 million barrels per day, Iraq will be in serious danger. Iraq's integrated national energy strategy for 2013–2030 called for increasing its crude oil exports to 3.75 million barrels per day through ports on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea via a pipeline infrastructure that passes via Syria, Turkey, and Jordan. Nevertheless, the financial circumstances in Iraq hindered the implementation of these objectives. Iraq may stop exporting its oil to international markets, especially those in Asia, where it makes up around 70 percent of all oil exports, especially to China and India, as a result of the region's growing dangers, which include threats to block the Strait of Hormuz. Given that more than 90 percent of Iraq's annual federal budget needs are met by oil export earnings, this would put the country at risk of a serious financial disaster.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt forms advisory board to tackle overdependence on imported seeds
KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of the National Seed Council (MBN) Advisory Board, comprising various experts, was among the key decisions made at the MBN meeting chaired by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu today. In a Facebook post, Mohamad said other important decisions included appointing the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) as the lead agency for the National Seed Hub; developing pure lines of local broiler and layer chickens; and commercialising the 'Ayam Saga' breed. The meeting also discussed the Mafriwal 2.0 dairy cattle breed recovery programme, as well as freshwater prawn seed production under the Nucleus Breeding Centre (NBC) and the Shrimp Broodstock Multiplication Centre (BMC). "Malaysia still depends heavily on imported seeds, including 90 per cent of vegetable seeds and RM2.7 million worth of watermelon seeds. This is a major challenge we must address together for the future of national food security. "This seed security agenda is not only crucial for the agri-food industry, but also forms the backbone of national sovereignty and security. We need to produce high-quality, resilient local seeds that can meet the needs of our people," he said. He added that the implementation of the National Seed Security Agenda could help Malaysia achieve self-sufficiency in the local seed sector. "This isn't just about agriculture; it's about sovereignty and the future of the nation," he said.
TECHx
6 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
Endava Forms Global Advisory Board to Boost AI Strategy
Home » Tech Value Chain » Global Brands » Endava Forms Global Advisory Board to Boost AI Strategy Endava (NYSE: DAVA), a business transformation company, announced the formation of its Global Advisory Board. The move supports its AI-native strategy by bringing together top industry experts to guide its global expansion and technological innovation. The company revealed that this announcement follows 18 months of embedding AI across its operations. During this period, Endava collaborated with clients and partners to drive AI-powered business outcomes. The new advisory board will support Endava's leadership in identifying growth strategies in technology-related sectors. It will also provide insights on global market opportunities and help clients navigate the evolving digital landscape. The board is chaired by Alastair Lukies CBE, with Dame Alison Rose as Co-Chair. It includes experienced leaders from various sectors and regions: Lord Christopher Holmes of Richmond MBE, House of Lords Dr. Orlando Machado, former Chief Data Officer, LEGO Group Adam Banks, former CIO, Maersk John W. Thompson, Venture Partner, Lightspeed Other members include industry experts such as Simon Jones, Stephen C. Daffron, Garry Lyons, Sandi Thompson, Sam Balaji, and David Yates. Endava CEO John Cotterell said the board's insights will help the company better serve clients in a fast-changing technology environment. He stated that Endava has been leading technology-driven business transformation for over two decades and now plays a key role in helping companies become AI-native. Chair Alastair Lukies CBE added that this is a pivotal time for technology-led transformation. He noted the board's commitment to guiding Endava and its clients through this evolving frontier. The announcement reflects Endava's ongoing investment in leadership, innovation, and AI.
Campaign ME
6 days ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
Marketers share top strategies shaping the future of hospitality marketing
Several marketers who are members of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International – Middle East and Africa not-for-profit industry association, which serves the hospitality sales, marketing, revenue management and distribution community in the region, recently gathered to share their insights on what's next for hospitality marketing. The HSMAI MEA Marketing Advisory Board is led by Chair Loay Nour, Vice President Brand & Marketing, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; and Vice Chair Amal Harb, Marketing Advisor and Instructor, Dubai College of Tourism (DCT). Members who participated in the discussion included: Nicolas Hauvespre , Vice President Luxury Brands, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International ; , Vice President Luxury Brands, Middle East & Africa, ; Kiran Kumar , CHDM Regional Director of Marketing, United Hospitality Management ; , CHDM Regional Director of Marketing, ; Robert Singleton, Director, Loyalty Performance Strategy IMEA, IHG Hotels & Resorts. Other members of the Advisory Board include: Stephanie Abou Jaoude , Senior Area Marketing & Communications Director – Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Mediterranean, Radisson Hotel Group ; , Senior Area Marketing & Communications Director – Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Mediterranean, ; Robyn James-O'Connor, Vice President Marketing, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts; and Vice President Marketing, and Hana Fuchs, Regional Director of Marketing Communications MEA, Minor Hotels. Some of the key topics hospitality marketers are addressing include digital transformation, the role of AI and automation, authentic storytelling, the intersection between personalisation and privacy, new content strategies and purpose-led marketing to respond to the ever-evolving needs of the environmentally conscious traveller. Purpose-led and personalised marketing Looking at the evolving marketing landscape, the Advisory Board began the conversation responding to emerging trends and developments they believe will most significantly shape hospitality marketing in the next few years. 'I believe we will see a strong shift toward personalisation, emotional connection, and purpose-driven engagement, said Fairmont Hotels & Resorts' Loay Nour. 'Younger travellers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are looking for brands that align with their values and deliver meaningful, tailored experiences.' Echoing this sentiment, Marriott International's Nicolas Hauvespre said, 'A new generation of travellers is looking beyond traditional markers of luxury. Above all, they seek experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and purposeful. It's no longer just about opulence; it's the cumulative effect of authentic and emotionally rich interactions that make an experience truly unique, highly desirable, and unforgettable.' 'In addition, there are macro trends such as the rise of blended travel and the evolution of technology that are driving the global and regional tourism and hospitality sector,' said IHG Hotels & Resorts' Robert Singleton. Honing in on technlogy, hospitality marketing's future blends AI-driven personalisation and efficiency with enduring human connection. 'Where traditional marketing depended on broad segmentation, AI empowers us to craft deeply individualised journeys, drawing on real-time data and behavioural insights.' – Amal Harb United Hospitality Management's Kiran Kumar said, 'While technology analyses data for tailored experiences and operational gains, the personal touch and localised offerings remain key differentiators. A balanced approach, leveraging both tech and manpower, will optimise guest satisfaction and efficiency.' Emphasising the importance of a balanced approach, Dubai College of Tourism (DCT)'s Amal Harb added, 'At its core, our business is about human connection and we want to ensure that AI and automation are here to amplify it.' She explained that technology, including AI and automation, are transforming the guest experience, enabling a shift from reactive service to predictive, highly personalised engagement. 'Where traditional marketing depended on broad segmentation, AI empowers us to craft deeply individualised journeys, drawing on real-time data and behavioural insights,' Harb said. 'Through machine learning and predictive analytics, we can anticipate guest needs before they are even expressed, whether it's tailoring offers based on booking patterns, recommending experiences aligned with past preferences, or optimising the timing and relevance of our communications. This level of personalisation enhances guest satisfaction and drives stronger conversion and long-term loyalty' As a Loyalty Director, Singleton added to the discussion saying that in a competitive market, a well-designed loyalty programme helps differentiate a brand by offering unique benefits or experiences. Singleton said, 'Loyalty programmes have the unique opportunity to combine member stay data and preferences to enhance hotel service delivery and guest experiences. They also offer hotels the opportunity to offer tailored experiences and communication that can lead to greater member satisfaction and stronger emotional connections with brands.' Nour added, 'Loyalty platforms and direct digital channels will be key tools for gathering insights and nurturing lasting relationships with guests.' 'Hotels that transparently communicate their sourcing and sustainability efforts and empower their team members to engage and educate guests on these initiatives, will build stronger connections and loyalty.' – Kiran Kumar Marketers reiterate the call for contextual and authentic storytelling The importance of building strong emotional conections in hospitality marketing is shared by the panel, with authentic storytelling highlighted as one of the critial factors in achieving this. 'To resonate with the modern, more conscious traveller, brands must move beyond polished promotions and lean into purpose-driven, emotionally genuine storytelling,' Harb said. 'It's about showing the soul of a place and inviting guests to be part of something meaningful.' She added, 'Authentic stories often come from real people and real moments; the local artisans behind a hotel's design, the chef who sources ingredients from nearby farms, or the community partnerships that contribute to responsible tourism. Sharing these narratives through behind-the-scenes content, guest spotlights, or team member voices, creates trust and emotional resonance.' Hauvespre opined that the luxury hospitality market is at a critical inflection point. After years of strong growth driven by rate increases, consumers are beginning to question the value equation, which presents a powerful opportunity for marketing to refocus on creating culturally relevant, emotionally resonant experiences, brought to life through authentic storytelling, engaging content and tangible proof points. 'Brands that move guests emotionally — not just efficiently — will earn lasting loyalty and stand the test of time,' – Nicolas Hauvespre This also helps in effective communication with the next generation of guests that are increasingly conscious. Kumar explained, 'Hotels that transparently communicate their sourcing and sustainability efforts and empower their team members to engage and educate guests on these initiatives, will build stronger connections and loyalty. This proactive approach caters directly to the values of this growing demographic.' Harb added, 'It also requires consistency between message and action. Today's traveller can spot performative messaging from a distance. Brands must ensure their storytelling reflects reality, backed by credible initiatives and measurable impact.' However, marketers agreed that this starts with 'living the story, not just telling it.' 'Today's travellers, especially in the GCC, are highly aware and value transparency, purpose and cultural depth. Instead of polished ads, it's about honest, human content that shows what a brand truly stands for. When storytelling is rooted in place, people and purpose, it naturally resonates,' Nour added. Looking forward and reflecting on what this means for marketeers, he added, 'In this new landscape, the brands that will stand out are those that combine advanced technology, creative and immersive content, and a strong sense of authenticity to meet the expectations of today's more conscious and connected guests.' Other marketers echoed this sentiment, explaining that to thrive in the luxury space for years to come, we must also focus on advancing human intelligence: understanding people more intuitively, adapting more quickly and solving problems more creatively. 'Brands that move guests emotionally — not just efficiently — will earn lasting loyalty and stand the test of time,' Hauvespre said. Kumar added, 'A key challenge for hospitality marketers in 2025 and beyond is staying meaningfully connected with increasingly fragmented and hyper-personalised audiences. With consumer behaviour constantly evolving and digital platforms multiplying, it's no longer enough to rely on traditional campaigns or one-size-fits-all messaging.' As AI and automation reshape how marketers engage with guests, the challenge will be to humanise technology, ensuring that innovation enhances the guest experience rather than replaces the essence of hospitality. 'Ultimately, authenticity comes from listening as much as speaking. Brands that engage in dialogue with their audience, adapt to feedback and remain humble in their storytelling will continue to build relevance and loyalty with this more conscious, more discerning generation of travellers,' Harb concluded.
United News of India
23-06-2025
- United News of India
SC appreciates Tamil Nadu's use of preventive detention laws against cybercrime offenders
New Delhi, Jun 23 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday commended the State of Tamil Nadu for invoking preventive detention laws to tackle cybercrime, describing it as a "welcome trend" in combating growing digital frauds. A Bench comprising Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the observation while hearing a petition challenging the preventive detention of one Abhijeet Singh, a cybercrime accused. Singh's detention under the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, 1982, had earlier been upheld by the Madras High Court. "This is a good trend coming from the State , that preventive detention laws are being used against cyber offenders. It's a very welcome approach. Normal criminal laws are not proving successful against these offenders," remarked Justice Mehta during the hearing. The petitioner, Singh's father, argued that the detention order was unconstitutional and violated Article 22(5) of the Constitution. He contended that the alleged cyber fraud was a one-off incident and did not disturb public order. He also claimed that the notice for the Advisory Board hearing was served too close to the hearing date, preventing the detenu from making an effective representation. Singh, a Punjab native residing in New Delhi, was arrested on July 25, 2024, following a complaint of a cyber fraud amounting to Rs 84.5 lakh lodged at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Theni district. The complainant, Bhanumathi, alleged that Rs 12.14 lakh was transferred into Singh's account operated under the entity name M/s Creative Craaft. Investigations revealed that Singh had floated four companies and opened multiple bank accounts in the names of his family members to route the fraudulent funds. The District Collector issued the detention order on August 23, 2024, which was subsequently confirmed by the Advisory Board on September 25, and by the State Government for a 12-month period on November 9, 2024. The petitioner's counsel argued that Singh had no prior criminal record and emphasised that preventive detention for the maximum period was unjustified. In response, Justice Mehta observed, 'That is the discretion of the State. The period of detention cannot be decided by the court in writ jurisdiction. "If there is no basis for detention, the order itself has to go, the period cannot be curtailed independently.' The Court took note of the counter affidavit filed by the State and directed the Registry to upload it on record. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Earlier, the Madras High Court had dismissed the habeas corpus petition, holding that the detention order was backed by sufficient material, the procedures were duly followed, and there was no legal infirmity to warrant interference. UNI SNG
