Latest news with #Danker
The Star
08-07-2025
- The Star
PJ residents mark success of community-led patrols
(Left) Balbir (standing far left), Danker (standing sixth from left) with Section 10 RA committee members. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/ The Star SECTION 10, a multiracial neighbourhood in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, is proving that strong community spirit is the best defence against challenges. This residential area, established in the 1960s, has successfully re-energised its community patrolling efforts post-pandemic. The Section 10 Residents Association (RA) celebrated this togetherness in its 13th muhibbah dinner. The dinner, at SMJK Katholik, was attended by Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Shahrulnizam Ja'afar, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran and Church of St Francis Xavier parish priest Rev Father Alvin Ng Sze Syn. (Above) ACP Shahrulnizam having a chat with PJ residents at the dinner. RA community safety head Balbir Singh shared how residents, in collaboration with the police, are actively safeguarding their homes. 'We rotate among 10 active residents for the patrolling sessions, working alongside the police's Motorised Patrol Unit,' he said. With no guarded or gated system, these community-led patrols are crucial, said Balbir. 'In the past, we faced petty thefts because our neighbourhood is connected to open spaces like the park,' he added. Adding another layer of security, the neighbourhood boasts 20 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and four control stations strategically placed within residents' homes, said Section 10 RA chairman Ronald Danker. He said this initiative had been in place for a decade. Danker said the yearly maintenance cost for the CCTV system was approximately RM10,000. Despite challenges like lightning strikes and general wear and tear, he emphasised its value. 'The cost of maintenance is high, but we find the CCTVs useful to have in the neighbourhood. 'Sometimes the police even ask to view the CCTV footage for their investigations,' Danker said. About 115 residents attended the event, which was partly sponsored by businesses in the neighbourhood.
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
AI Impact Summit 2025: Watch Attendees Debate and Explore Demos on Day Two
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Attendees of Newsweek's AI Impact Summit returned for a second day of insightful conversations on Tuesday as speakers offered thought-provoking ideas about artificial intelligence in everything from health care to filmmaking and city planning to weather forecasting. To kick off the day, industry leaders gathered for breakfast on the lawn of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, where organic eggs, Belgian waffles and fresh coffee awaited them. Daniel Danker, the chief product officer at Instacart, was among the early risers at the venue. Sipping on a hot beverage from the specialty coffee cart, Danker told Newsweek it was important to meet with other leaders at events like the AI Impact Summit because, "We're all trying to figure out the same things right now." Sonoma, CA - Instacart CPO Daniel Danker speaks with Newsweek senior reporter Katherine Fung and Instacart associate manager Jane Ross before event programming begins at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June 24,... Sonoma, CA - Instacart CPO Daniel Danker speaks with Newsweek senior reporter Katherine Fung and Instacart associate manager Jane Ross before event programming begins at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. More NICK OTTO "Seeing the different approaches across different companies and different industries is very informative, because the paint is still very wet still," Danker said. "It's interesting to see which colors and how it's setting across different companies in different parts of industry." Danker sat down with Marcus Weldon, Newsweek contributing editor and president emeritus of Bell Labs, for a conversation about how Instacart is leveraging AI to "completely tailor the [grocery] store to the shape of your household, dietary needs, brands you like, whether you're more or less price sensitive, whether you're more value-oriented." Gina Ray, the senior director of corporate marketing, brand and corporate communications at ABBYY, also joined fellow attendees for breakfast on Tuesday, excited for another day of programming. ABBYY was among Newsweek's 2025 AI Impact Award winners, taking home the Best Outcomes, Accounting recognition. Sonoma, CA - AI Impact Summit guests eat breakfast and network before event programming begins at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Sonoma, CA - AI Impact Summit guests eat breakfast and network before event programming begins at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. NICK OTTO Halfway through the morning, attendees exited the pavilion to explore various demonstrations during the AI Intel networking break. Carrying their bright red Newsweek swag bags, many of them took the time to walk around installations from Cognizant, Google Cloud, EVOM AI Piano and Doctronic, among others. Doctronic's founders, Matt Pavelle and Dr. Adam Oskowitz, showed attendees how their AI works: Patients can make a telehealth appointment with Doctronic's AI doctor, who then transcribes notes that patients can take to a human provider. "Our north star has always been access," Oskowitz told Newsweek. Sonoma, CA - AI Impact Summit attendees walk to the AI Intel networking session at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Presenting companies include Cognizant, Google Cloud, The Marketing Cloud,... Sonoma, CA - AI Impact Summit attendees walk to the AI Intel networking session at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Presenting companies include Cognizant, Google Cloud, The Marketing Cloud, City of Denver, EVOM AI Piano, Doctronic, Serve Robotics and Zoom. More NICK OTTO He said one of the biggest obstacles is timing. Patients want to know what's happening to them immediately, not in three weeks or three months when their doctor's office might finally have appointment availability. Pavelle chimed in, "Our business model is to try to provide really inexpensive primary care and urgent care, which is obviously useful, and then refer out for specialists." "When we launched two years ago, the question was, did people want to talk to an AI doctor?" Pavelle told Newsweek. "The answer was an immediate yes. People just say things, and there's no embarrassment." Sonoma, CA - Doctronic co-founder Matt Pavelle offers visits to AI Impact Summit attendees during a networking break at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Sonoma, CA - Doctronic co-founder Matt Pavelle offers visits to AI Impact Summit attendees during a networking break at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. NICK OTTO By getting around that obstacle, Pavelle suggested that an AI doctor might be able to extract more accurate information from a patient than a real-life doctor because patients might feel less judged and, thus, provide more truthful and genuine answers about their health. He also reflected on the Newsweek summit, describing Tuesday's health care panel as "fantastic," praising the speakers for being "spot on," and recalling a "great" discussion from yesterday's industry roundtables. Tuesday's roundtable discussions included a conversation on whether organizations should build their AIs in-house or outsource that type of work. Executives across industries—from finance to energy to health care—debated the decision, remarking how building it yourself would foster greater innovation and allow you to create an AI that is more tailored to the needs of your company. On the other hand, buying AI can be faster, more reliable and more cost-effective. Sonoma, CA - Doctronic co-founders Adam Oskowitz and Matt Pavelle present their AI doctor and offer visits to AI Impact Summit attendees during a networking break at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday,... Sonoma, CA - Doctronic co-founders Adam Oskowitz and Matt Pavelle present their AI doctor and offer visits to AI Impact Summit attendees during a networking break at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. More NICK OTTO The roundtable was led by Vickram Kooblall, the chief information officer and chief information security officer at Scahill Law Group, who told Newsweek he was amazed by the slate of speakers at the summit. "It's phenomenal," Kooblall said as he made his way over to the lunch taco bar from the Kenwood Ballroom. "The quality of speakers at the conference really surprised me," he said. "It gives us greater insight into where we're going to be headed. They're kind of at the innovation standpoint. They're the ones creating the path, while we're following it, creating little adjacent roads outside and coming back into it." Sonoma, CA - Scahill Law Group CIO and CISO Vickram Kooblall leads AI Impact Summit attendees through the "Build It or Buy It" roundtable discussion at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June... Sonoma, CA - Scahill Law Group CIO and CISO Vickram Kooblall leads AI Impact Summit attendees through the "Build It or Buy It" roundtable discussion at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. More NICK OTTO Kooblall said he particularly enjoyed hearing from the Cognizant executives who attended the first and second day of the summit, describing their AI work as "an innovation, a solution that I'm really looking for." After a tasty lunch, Kooblall joined other attendees on a visit to the St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, where some elegant, fruit-driven wines awaited them. The guests then returned to the lawn after the wine tour for another networking reception to close out the second day of the summit. On Wednesday, AI leaders will take the Newsweek stage to discuss the age of the new workflow, returns of investment in the age of AI and how to enhance AI governance and privacy. Check out the full lineup here.
The Star
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
S'gor charity concert to uplift veteran musicians
Danker (front row, sixth from right) with fellow MFM committee members and band members who will perform at the charity concert. TO aid veteran musicians struggling with health issues and financial difficulties, Musicians for Musicians Association (MFM) is organising a charity concert. Themed 'Giving Through Music', the show will be held on July 5, from 3pm, at Dewan Tunku, Kelab Golf Negara Subang in Selangor. 'We are coming together not only to celebrate our shared love for music but to embark on a journey of compassion and generosity,' said MFM president Francis Danker. Highlighting the power of music, the veteran musician said, 'Music has a unique ability to transcend barriers, to heal and to inspire. 'It unites us in ways that words alone cannot.' The concert was a means for MFM to harness the combined power of the community to benefit many musicians in need of medical aid, and who faced age-related issues, Danker said at a press conference announcing the event. Set up in 2019, MFM works to assist local musicians in crisis. It improves their well-being and helps them achieve a decent standard of living while pursuing their creative passions. The organisation also fosters a socially conscious community and helps musicians obtain financial support from Employees Provident Fund, Social Security Organisation and via insurance. MFM has also continued to create work opportunities, promote equality and develop fair fee structures while engaging with performance venue owners and mentoring new musicians. 'Giving Through Music' will be an eight-hour showcase featuring 17 live bands and 100 talented musicians. Audiences can enjoy genres from jazz to contemporary, pop to retro and country to Top 40s. Notable performers include Alleycats, Strollers, Sons of Adam and Michelle Nunis & Friends. Danker encourages everyone to participate, saying, 'Let's fill the venue with love, laughter and the beautiful sound of music. 'Together we can amplify our efforts and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.' Tickets are available in three packages, from RM1,000 to RM5,000 per table of 10. For ticket bookings or sponsorship inquiries, contact MFM at 019-282 2290.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Alleycats, Strollers lead 17 acts for 'Giving Through Music' charity concert
PETALING JAYA: Next July 5, Musicians For Musicians Malaysia (MFM) is set to host a star-studded concert featuring some of Malaysia's most renowned 'otai' bands and soloists, all for a good cause. The event, titled 'Giving Through Music', is an eight-hour, non-stop celebration of Malaysian music across the decades. It will feature 17 bands and solo acts, specially organised to raise funds for musicians in need of medical assistance. According Musicians For Musicians Malaysia president Francis Danker, 'Giving Through Music' will take place at Dewan Tunku in Kelab Golf Negara Subang (KGNS) at 3pm. "We are coming together not only to celebrate our shared love for the art form that unites us, but also to embark on a journey of compassion and generosity," said Danker at the concert's recent launch in KGNS. "This concert is a heartfelt initiative aimed at making a meaningful impact in our community." Danker emphasised music's unique power: "Music has a unique ability to transcend barriers, to heal, and to inspire. It unites us in ways that words alone cannot. "With 'Giving Through Music', we aim to harness that power to support the many musicians who are in need, require medical aid, hospitalisation, and face age-related issues." Sadly, Danker noted that the industry had lost several members to illness and medical complications in the past year alone. "Currently, we are assisting a number of our members to help alleviate their medical expenses. Many would recognise household names such as Vernon Steele (amputee), Gerry Felix (cancer), and Zainal Rampa (stroke) who require our support." Danker added that every ticket sold, every note played, and every voice lifted will contribute to a cause close to the musicians' hearts. "We have an exciting line-up of talented artistes who are eager to share their gifts with fans," he said. "With big names from jazz to contemporary, pop to country, our performers will take you on a musical journey that promises to uplift your spirits and ignite your passion for giving." The participating musicians include the legendary Alleycats and Strollers, as well as Stag, Looking Good, Sons Of Adam, Raja Badri Shah, Michelle Nunis, Roland Choi And Stephen Jay, Bala, Revolution, the Michael Veerapen Quartet, Straits Kambradus, Sofa Sundays, Thompsons Country Band, Karen Nunis And The Namahages, Wild Roses, and Kaya.
Fast Company
06-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Instacart launches Fizz, a group ordering app for party drinks and snacks
Instacart is launching a new stand-alone app called Fizz, designed for groups to order snacks and drinks ahead of parties for a flat $5 delivery fee. The platform, developed in collaboration with the hugely popular event invite app Partiful, enables partygoers in the 30 U.S. states where alcohol delivery is legal to add items to a shared cart from nearby participating grocery stores. Instead of splitting the bill, each user is prompted to pay only for what they've added, with an option to include a tip for the shopper. Back in February, Instacart's chief product officer, Daniel Danker, approached Partiful CEO Shreya Murthy about partnering on the app. The teams began development in earnest in March, with Danker crediting artificial intelligence and mutual enthusiasm for the app's rapid progress. 'There aren't a lot of consumer apps being built these days, and there aren't a lot of people solving some of these really core needs for customers in a simple and delightful way,' Danker tells Fast Company. Murthy says she was intrigued by the opportunity to address the common challenge of figuring out what to bring to a party—and finding time to pick it up. 'Think about the last time you went to a house party. There was probably this implicit social expectation for you to bring a bottle of wine or a pack of beer,' Murthy says. 'As for me, as a guest who would go to parties, that was actually kind of annoying because I'd forget. . . . And I can't show up to this party empty-handed. 'We basically productized BYOB,' she adds, referring to 'bring your own bottle.'
