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CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Singapore needs to 'think harder' on ways to integrate AI into work: PM Wong
SINGAPORE: Singapore will have to put more thought into helping businesses, especially smaller ones, harness the use of artificial intelligence in their work processes, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (Jul 29). To this, Mr Wong said Singapore is well positioned to do so "company-by-company" given its compact size, adding that the country should also "not just rush headlong" into AI and think hard on how to redesign jobs and retrain workers at the same time. He was speaking during a dialogue at an Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and Singapore Business Federation (SBF) conference titled "Global-City Singapore: SG60 and Beyond". The dialogue was moderated by IPS director Janadas Devan and covered a wide range of topics including US trade tariffs, Singapore's social compact and inequality in Southeast Asia. In response to a question from Ambassador-at-large Tommy Koh about how prepared Singapore is to harness the benefits of the technology, Mr Wong said there is a lot of potential to be unlocked when it comes to AI. "We will have to think harder about how we can help every company, big and small, especially our smaller enterprises, make full use of AI." That will involve integrating it into processes, transforming businesses and industries, and elevating productivity in a more significant way. While AI is relatively accessible, most people still do not make use of its full potential, Mr Wong said. 'Most of us use AI the way we use Google. That's not exactly the best way to use AI.' Mr Wong said he recently spoke with a chief executive officer who set aside some time with his management team to think about how AI can transform their company. The team realised there were 'tremendous advantages' that they had not thought about before. 'That kind of a transformation – if we can make it happen, company by company – can yield significant advantages for us. 'If there is any country that can do that, it is us, because we are small, we are compact, and we can do this, company by company.' A pre-conference survey by IPS found that c ompanies in Singapore are less ambitious than firms in other Southeast Asian countries when it comes to future automation plans. Most of the Singapore companies polled in the survey also expect automation to have a limited impact on employment compared with firms in some Southeast Asian countries. Mr Wong said that there are rewards for countries that are technology pioneers and are on the cutting edge. 'But in fact, the big advantage of technology is when there is broad-based adoption, when countries really, truly harness technology across the entire economy,' he said. 'That's when you reap the real benefits.' AI'S IMPACT ON JOBS While adopting AI, however, Singapore will also need to think 'equally hard' about doing so in a way that creates jobs for locals. History suggests that jobs will disappear and evolve because of technology, but the newly created jobs are usually better and higher paying. But there are concerns that AI will be different because it can do so many things that humans can. 'People are worried, people are wondering, and there are good reasons to be concerned,' said Mr Wong. Singapore has no choice when it comes to adopting technology, but should try to do so in a 'meaningful and deliberate manner' that creates jobs. 'It's up to us,' he said. 'And again, we can do it in Singapore because we have the ability as a compact system.' The government has a good relationship with employers and unions, and can discuss how to redesign jobs and retrain workers. 'That's what we must do in Singapore, not just rush headlong into AI,' he said. 'Embrace it, adopt it, but always make sure that the technological changes that we harness, the power of technology, benefits workers not replaces them, and always ensures that workers will thrive in this new environment.' GLOBAL CITY AMID GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS Mr Wong also responded to a question from Mr Janadas about how Singapore is preparing to face global challenges such as trade tariffs and an uncertain economic outlook. Beyond the immediate issues, however, Singapore's government and society need to think about how to prepare for a very different environment. 'We will need to update and refresh our economic strategies for a changed world,' he said. The Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce is thinking about how best to do this, and will be making some announcements in due course,' Mr Wong said. The taskforce was formed in April to help businesses and workers deal with the effects of the US tariffs. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who heads the task force, will be speaking at the same conference later on Tuesday. Even in a fragmented world, there will be a 'global network of cosmopolitan cities' that stand out. 'We want to be one of them – a shining node where the human spirit thrives, where people want to be here to do business and to make things happen,' he said, when asked what Singapore's place is in a changing world. Singapore does not have to copy others, but should have confidence to chart a path. 'We will never be like New York or Paris, and we don't have to be. Here, we are cosmopolitan, but we are Asian, we are multicultural,' he said. He acknowledged that some will say Singapore is boring, and there is some truth to that even as the country tries to be more exciting and have more lifestyle offerings. 'But at the same time, we are stable, we are predictable, we are reliable, and we are trusted,' he said. 'And these are intangible assets that others would die to have.' Singapore should embrace its strengths and competitive advantage, build on them and add value to the world. 'We can make it happen. We already are, in many ways, successful, because of our track record, because of our reputation, and we can build on these strong foundations to do even better.'
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Gurugram power infra to be upgraded to 9K mW by 2034-35 to meet demand
The Haryana power department has laid out a plan to scale Gurugram's power supply infrastructure capacity to 9,000 megawatts (MW) from the current 6,000 MW over the next decade to meet future energy demands arising from rapid urbanisation and upcoming mega projects, officials said. A senior DHBVN official said power demand in Gurugram is currently growing at 6–7% annually (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo) The decision was made during a joint meeting on Monday between senior officials of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN), responsible for power distribution, and Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL), which handles transmission. The state-funded upgrades will be phased, with the target set for completion by financial year 2034-35, officials said, adding that the estimated cost of the project is being ironed out. 'To meet future demand, the city will require at least 70 new substations of 33kV, 66kV and 220kV, along with new feeder lines across Gurugram,' officials said. Currently, Gurugram consumes a maximum of 3300 MW, despite an installed capacity of 6000 MW. 'But with ongoing and upcoming residential, industrial and commercial developments, demand will rise sharply,' ,' said Ashok Kumar Garg, managing director of DHBVN, on whose directions the meeting was held. Garg cited large-scale projects like Global City and the Gurugram Metro Rail as key drivers. The first phase of Global City, a ₹940 crore project on 1,000 acres, began last year and is expected to finish in 10 years. The ₹5,500 crore metro extension is targeted for completion by 2029-30. DHBVN chief engineer (operations, Delhi zone) VK Aggarwal said the upgrade will eliminate outages and voltage fluctuations. 'Power supply across all consumer categories will become seamless. In the event of a disruption, supply can be quickly restored from alternate points through the interconnected ring-main system. It will also ease overloading in high-demand areas,' he added. A senior DHBVN official said power demand in Gurugram is currently growing at 6–7% annually. 'Factoring in future developments, this rate is expected to increase. There's a need for at least 55 to 60 new 33kV substations, but only a handful exist now.' To address this, Vipin Gupta, DHBVN director (operations), said officials have been directed to upgrade aging substations in Sectors 1 to 57 by adding new transformers and to identify land in developing areas for new substations. 'Early acquisition will save time and reduce costs compared to purchasing land five to ten years later,' he said. HVPNL officials said six 220kV substations have been built in Sectors 65, 69, 72, 85, 95, and 107 in the last 18 months. Another in Sector 99 is expected to be operational by year-end. Proposals for seven new 220kV substations in Sectors 61, 62, 67, 75A, 78, 102, and 110 are under consideration. HVPNL is also exploring alternate locations in case of land issues. Currently, Gurugram and Manesar have 51 HVPNL-controlled substations, including 16 of 220kV and 33 of 66kV. One 400kV substation is government-run, while three more (in Sector 72, Sohna Road, and Kadarpur) are operated by private or central agencies. DHBVN runs seven 33kV substations independently.
News18
07-07-2025
- Business
- News18
India's 1st Disneyland Park Likely In Haryana, 500-Acre Land Identified In Manesar: Check What CM Says
Last Updated: 'Disneyland in Haryana will be a game-changing project. This entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural, and social benefits to the whole country,' says CM Nayab Singh Saini. Disneyland-Themed Park In Haryana: In order to push Haryana's tourism appeal on the global stage, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has said the state is preparing to host India's first-ever Disneyland-style amusement park. The proposed site, a sprawling 500-acre land parcel near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar (Gurugram district), has already been identified for the mega project. Strategically located along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, the site is being hailed as an ideal spot due to its robust connectivity and proximity to the bustling Delhi-NCR region. Chief Minister Saini termed the upcoming project as 'game-changing" for Haryana and for the nation at large. 'Disneyland in Haryana, particularly in the Delhi-NCR area, will be a game-changing project. This entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural, and social benefits not only to the state but to the country as a whole," he said after meeting Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi to seek support for the tourism-focused vision. The CM said the amusement park is aimed at tapping the market potential of Gurugram, which already hosts headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies and is emerging as a prominent economic engine for the state. 'The upcoming Global City project in Gurugram will be another milestone. Hence, Gurugram is the most suitable location for the proposed Disneyland," Saini added. The ambitious plan is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost regional infrastructure, and attract international tourists — offering a massive economic uplift to the area. 'The objective is to capitalise on market potential and connectivity to create a world-class amusement centre," the Chief Minister said. Beyond the Disneyland project, Haryana is also pushing to position itself as a hub of cultural and spiritual tourism. The state government has proposed to expand the scale of the annual International Gita Mahotsav, a spiritual and cultural event that celebrates the message of 'karma' from the Bhagavad Gita. The event features cultural programs, a crafts mela, and participation from international artists and artisans. 'The International Gita Mahotsav is a major platform for establishing Haryana as a unique spiritual tourism destination," the CM said, urging the Centre to extend financial assistance to organise it on a grander scale. To further enrich Haryana's cultural landscape, the state plans to organise two new annual events — a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair — at Surajkund, in addition to the world-renowned International Surajkund Mela held every February in Faridabad. This fair attracts artisans, performers, and cultural troupes from across India and overseas, showcasing India's rich handicrafts and folk traditions. With these projects, the Saini government aims to transform Haryana into a leading destination for entertainment, spiritual experiences, and cultural celebration — making a strong pitch to both domestic and international tourists.
NDTV
06-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Disneyland In Haryana? Chief Minister Saini Floats Idea For Economic Growth
New Delhi: In a significant initiative to transform Haryana into a global tourism hotspot, the Nayab Singh Saini government is gearing up for a series of ambitious projects that promise to boost the economy, create jobs, and firmly place Haryana on the international map. From building a world-class Disneyland in the heart of the Delhi-NCR region to expanding the scale of the International Gita Mahotsav, the Haryana government is set to become a hub of cultural celebration and spiritual heritage. Additionally, to establish the state as a global destination for pilgrimage, a proposal has been made to organise three Melas every year at Surajkund and to celebrate the International Gita Mahotsav on a larger scale, with a request for financial assistance from the Central Government. Leading this vision, the Chief Minister on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to discuss these ambitious projects. During the meeting, Mr Saini discussed ways to promote tourism in Haryana and preserve the state's rich cultural heritage, with the aim of establishing the state as a prominent tourist destination on the global map. CM Saini said that Disneyland in Haryana, particularly in the Delhi-NCR area, will be a game-changing project. This entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural, and social benefits not only to the state but to the country as a whole, he said. The Chief Minister stated that the project's objective is to capitalise on market potential and connectivity to create a world-class amusement centre. It will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, develop infrastructure, and bring major changes in the surrounding areas, he said. Nayab Singh Saini said that many Fortune companies have their headquarters in Gurugram, which is a major contributor to the state's economy. The upcoming Global City project in Gurugram will be another milestone for the region. Hence, Gurugram is the most suitable location for the proposed Disneyland, he said. He informed that approximately 500 acres of land near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar, Gurugram district, have been identified for the project. This site is strategically located on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, said the Chief Minister. He stated that the Disneyland project will significantly contribute to Haryana's economic growth. If Disneyland establishes its park in India, it will boost tourism and attract international tourists, thereby increasing revenue for both the state and the country, he said. The Chief Minister further shared that the International Surajkund Mela is held annually in the Faridabad district to position Haryana as a tourism hub and to provide a large platform for artisans from across India and abroad. The Mela showcases a unique blend of Indian art, culture, handicrafts, music, and cuisine. Every year, artisans, artists, and folk performers from around the world participate and exhibit their regional products and cultural heritage. The theme of the fair changes annually, focusing on a different Indian state to highlight its unique traditions and folk art. The Surajkund Mela is not only a celebration of Indian diversity but also a key cultural event that promotes tourism, he said. The Chief Minister stated that, considering the popularity of the Surajkund Mela, the government plans to organise a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair at Surajkund as well. This initiative will provide an excellent platform for artisans, artists, and folk performers from local, state, national, and international levels to showcase their talent, he said. The Chief Minister stated that the Haryana Government organises the International Gita Mahotsav every year to disseminate the message of 'karma' conveyed by Lord Krishna to the world. During the event, a crafts Mela and cultural programmes are held, attracting a large number of international artists and artisans, thereby fostering cultural exchange, he said. He emphasised that the International Gita Mahotsav is a major platform for establishing Haryana as a unique spiritual tourism destination with high potential to attract global tourists. To achieve this vision, active support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is essential. Hence, he urged the Central Government to provide financial assistance for organising the Gita Mahotsav on a grand scale, so that Haryana can emerge as a key pilgrimage destination on the global map.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Disneyland in Gurgaon: Haryana CM says talks on for India's first Mickey Mouse & Co park near Manesar
Gurgaon may soon have India's first Disneyland. The Haryana government is discussing the project with Disney. A 500-acre site near Manesar has been identified. The amusement park is expected to boost tourism and create jobs. It will be located near the KMP Expressway. The government also plans to expand other tourist events. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Strategic location near KMP Expressway Disneyland plan may bring wide-ranging benefits Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Plans to boost other tourist events too Past attempts and political response Gurgaon may soon become home to India's first Disneyland amusement park. Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday said the state government is in talks with Disney officials and has identified 500 acres of land near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar for the project, a TOI report a meeting with Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Delhi, the CM said the planned amusement park would be a significant boost to the region's tourism and economy. 'The project will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities and bring major changes to the area. It will attract international tourists too,' Saini said Gurgaon was selected as the location because of its economic importance and infrastructure. 'The upcoming Global City project in Gurgaon will be another milestone for the region. Hence, Gurgaon is the most suitable location for Disneyland. The site in Manesar is strategically located along KMP Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor (HORC). People from across NCR can easily visit,' he Global City project is a 1,000-acre planned mini-city spread across sectors 36, 36B, 37 and 37B. It will include links to Delhi-Gurgaon and Dwarka expressways, and follow a walk-to-work model with access to all essential CM said the Disneyland-style entertainment hub would deliver economic, cultural, and social benefits to both the state and the country. 'The project will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities and bring major changes to the area,' he it materialises, this will be Disney's first amusement park in India developed through official collaboration. In February this year, the Maharashtra government had announced a similar plan for a Disney-themed park in Navi from the Disneyland proposal, Saini said the Haryana government is looking to expand the annual International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra. He added that the popular Surajkund Mela may also be held three times a year.'Considering the popularity of the Surajkund Mela, govt is planning to organise a Diwali mela and a book fair at Surajkund as well… We have also sought support from the Union tourism ministry and the central govt to organise Gita Mahotsav on a grand scale,' he said.A similar proposal was made in 1989 by then Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala to bring Disneyland to Gurgaon. However, the project was shelved following opposition from political parties and land-owning Thursday, INLD national president Abhay Singh Chautala raised questions over the current government's stand. 'BJP was supporting INLD govt in 1989 but it sided with Congress to oppose the project back then,' Abhay said.
