Latest news with #Kearney
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Nation urged to increase spending on AI storage
Businesses and technology providers will look to foreign countries if Australia does not build digital infrastructure to house artificial intelligence, experts say. AI is stored in data centres - massive facilities that process data from cloud servers, with complex operations being needed by millions of customers. Industry figures say the nation's AI storage facilities are lacking. Australia currently has 314 data centres, with tech giant Amazon pledging to build more after meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in June. However, KPMG's national technology lead Simon Dubois said Australia is in a position to do much more, and not capitalising on it could see a productivity slump. "If we're going to keep pace and get productivity like the government and everyone wants, we need to invest in the infrastructure that's going to power that," Mr Dubois said during a panel talk in Canberra. "If we don't invest and give (businesses and entrepreneurs) the ecosystem behind them to do it, they will find a way. Most likely that way will be a going to (another) place." Chief technology officer at computer hardware manufacturer Firmus, Daniel Kearney, said having data stored onshore is important as most Australians would not want their health or financial data stored overseas. "It's a billion dollars for a 100 megawatt data centre," Dr Kearney told the panel. "So when you see people throwing around numbers like 300 megawatts, 500 megawatts, that's a significant amount of investment." Dr Kearney said storing foreign data could also benefit the economy. He spoke about the European Union whose economy is "stagnating", and will not be able to capture the economic benefits that AI can bring because of regulation. While the US has been more open to AI innovation, he said Australian lawmakers should take inspiration from both when drafting AI legislation. Australia does not currently have strict AI laws, and chair of corporate regulator ASIC Joe Longo recently cautioned against over-regulation. He urged governments not to address a perceived problem by simply throwing more rules at it. But winning over the public's perception of AI is a challenge of itself, as a KPMG report found that only 36 per cent of Australians trust AI. Mr Dubois said there is a fine balance between storing AI ethically and powering our economy through data centres. AI is expected to become a major focus at the government's economic roundtable in August, however, unions are calling for appropriate safeguards for employees. Businesses and technology providers will look to foreign countries if Australia does not build digital infrastructure to house artificial intelligence, experts say. AI is stored in data centres - massive facilities that process data from cloud servers, with complex operations being needed by millions of customers. Industry figures say the nation's AI storage facilities are lacking. Australia currently has 314 data centres, with tech giant Amazon pledging to build more after meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in June. However, KPMG's national technology lead Simon Dubois said Australia is in a position to do much more, and not capitalising on it could see a productivity slump. "If we're going to keep pace and get productivity like the government and everyone wants, we need to invest in the infrastructure that's going to power that," Mr Dubois said during a panel talk in Canberra. "If we don't invest and give (businesses and entrepreneurs) the ecosystem behind them to do it, they will find a way. Most likely that way will be a going to (another) place." Chief technology officer at computer hardware manufacturer Firmus, Daniel Kearney, said having data stored onshore is important as most Australians would not want their health or financial data stored overseas. "It's a billion dollars for a 100 megawatt data centre," Dr Kearney told the panel. "So when you see people throwing around numbers like 300 megawatts, 500 megawatts, that's a significant amount of investment." Dr Kearney said storing foreign data could also benefit the economy. He spoke about the European Union whose economy is "stagnating", and will not be able to capture the economic benefits that AI can bring because of regulation. While the US has been more open to AI innovation, he said Australian lawmakers should take inspiration from both when drafting AI legislation. Australia does not currently have strict AI laws, and chair of corporate regulator ASIC Joe Longo recently cautioned against over-regulation. He urged governments not to address a perceived problem by simply throwing more rules at it. But winning over the public's perception of AI is a challenge of itself, as a KPMG report found that only 36 per cent of Australians trust AI. Mr Dubois said there is a fine balance between storing AI ethically and powering our economy through data centres. AI is expected to become a major focus at the government's economic roundtable in August, however, unions are calling for appropriate safeguards for employees. Businesses and technology providers will look to foreign countries if Australia does not build digital infrastructure to house artificial intelligence, experts say. AI is stored in data centres - massive facilities that process data from cloud servers, with complex operations being needed by millions of customers. Industry figures say the nation's AI storage facilities are lacking. Australia currently has 314 data centres, with tech giant Amazon pledging to build more after meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in June. However, KPMG's national technology lead Simon Dubois said Australia is in a position to do much more, and not capitalising on it could see a productivity slump. "If we're going to keep pace and get productivity like the government and everyone wants, we need to invest in the infrastructure that's going to power that," Mr Dubois said during a panel talk in Canberra. "If we don't invest and give (businesses and entrepreneurs) the ecosystem behind them to do it, they will find a way. Most likely that way will be a going to (another) place." Chief technology officer at computer hardware manufacturer Firmus, Daniel Kearney, said having data stored onshore is important as most Australians would not want their health or financial data stored overseas. "It's a billion dollars for a 100 megawatt data centre," Dr Kearney told the panel. "So when you see people throwing around numbers like 300 megawatts, 500 megawatts, that's a significant amount of investment." Dr Kearney said storing foreign data could also benefit the economy. He spoke about the European Union whose economy is "stagnating", and will not be able to capture the economic benefits that AI can bring because of regulation. While the US has been more open to AI innovation, he said Australian lawmakers should take inspiration from both when drafting AI legislation. Australia does not currently have strict AI laws, and chair of corporate regulator ASIC Joe Longo recently cautioned against over-regulation. He urged governments not to address a perceived problem by simply throwing more rules at it. But winning over the public's perception of AI is a challenge of itself, as a KPMG report found that only 36 per cent of Australians trust AI. Mr Dubois said there is a fine balance between storing AI ethically and powering our economy through data centres. AI is expected to become a major focus at the government's economic roundtable in August, however, unions are calling for appropriate safeguards for employees. Businesses and technology providers will look to foreign countries if Australia does not build digital infrastructure to house artificial intelligence, experts say. AI is stored in data centres - massive facilities that process data from cloud servers, with complex operations being needed by millions of customers. Industry figures say the nation's AI storage facilities are lacking. Australia currently has 314 data centres, with tech giant Amazon pledging to build more after meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in June. However, KPMG's national technology lead Simon Dubois said Australia is in a position to do much more, and not capitalising on it could see a productivity slump. "If we're going to keep pace and get productivity like the government and everyone wants, we need to invest in the infrastructure that's going to power that," Mr Dubois said during a panel talk in Canberra. "If we don't invest and give (businesses and entrepreneurs) the ecosystem behind them to do it, they will find a way. Most likely that way will be a going to (another) place." Chief technology officer at computer hardware manufacturer Firmus, Daniel Kearney, said having data stored onshore is important as most Australians would not want their health or financial data stored overseas. "It's a billion dollars for a 100 megawatt data centre," Dr Kearney told the panel. "So when you see people throwing around numbers like 300 megawatts, 500 megawatts, that's a significant amount of investment." Dr Kearney said storing foreign data could also benefit the economy. He spoke about the European Union whose economy is "stagnating", and will not be able to capture the economic benefits that AI can bring because of regulation. While the US has been more open to AI innovation, he said Australian lawmakers should take inspiration from both when drafting AI legislation. Australia does not currently have strict AI laws, and chair of corporate regulator ASIC Joe Longo recently cautioned against over-regulation. He urged governments not to address a perceived problem by simply throwing more rules at it. But winning over the public's perception of AI is a challenge of itself, as a KPMG report found that only 36 per cent of Australians trust AI. Mr Dubois said there is a fine balance between storing AI ethically and powering our economy through data centres. AI is expected to become a major focus at the government's economic roundtable in August, however, unions are calling for appropriate safeguards for employees.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Nation urged to increase spending on AI storage
Businesses and technology providers will look to foreign countries if Australia does not build digital infrastructure to house artificial intelligence, experts say. AI is stored in data centres - massive facilities that process data from cloud servers, with complex operations being needed by millions of customers. Industry figures say the nation's AI storage facilities are lacking. Australia currently has 314 data centres, with tech giant Amazon pledging to build more after meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in June. However, KPMG's national technology lead Simon Dubois said Australia is in a position to do much more, and not capitalising on it could see a productivity slump. "If we're going to keep pace and get productivity like the government and everyone wants, we need to invest in the infrastructure that's going to power that," Mr Dubois said during a panel talk in Canberra. "If we don't invest and give (businesses and entrepreneurs) the ecosystem behind them to do it, they will find a way. Most likely that way will be a going to (another) place." Chief technology officer at computer hardware manufacturer Firmus, Daniel Kearney, said having data stored onshore is important as most Australians would not want their health or financial data stored overseas. "It's a billion dollars for a 100 megawatt data centre," Dr Kearney told the panel. "So when you see people throwing around numbers like 300 megawatts, 500 megawatts, that's a significant amount of investment." Dr Kearney said storing foreign data could also benefit the economy. He spoke about the European Union whose economy is "stagnating", and will not be able to capture the economic benefits that AI can bring because of regulation. While the US has been more open to AI innovation, he said Australian lawmakers should take inspiration from both when drafting AI legislation. Australia does not currently have strict AI laws, and chair of corporate regulator ASIC Joe Longo recently cautioned against over-regulation. He urged governments not to address a perceived problem by simply throwing more rules at it. But winning over the public's perception of AI is a challenge of itself, as a KPMG report found that only 36 per cent of Australians trust AI. Mr Dubois said there is a fine balance between storing AI ethically and powering our economy through data centres. AI is expected to become a major focus at the government's economic roundtable in August, however, unions are calling for appropriate safeguards for employees.
Irish Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
'It's not looking good' - Prisoner savagely beaten in Mountjoy remains in a coma
A prisoner is gravely ill and still in a coma almost eight weeks after he was attacked in Mountjoy Prison. It is understood Stephen Kearney, 39, a convicted killer, is suffering from severe head injuries. He was being treated in the Beaumont Hospital but he is now back in the Mater Hospital where he was originally sent following the savage assault on June 6 last. A Mountjoy Prison source said: "It is not looking good, he has not come out of the coma. There does not seem to be a lot anyone can do for him. They have moved him back from Beaumont to the Mater. Prison guards still have to mind him." Kearney was attacked and beaten savagely by a gang of four men in one of the Mountjoy exercise yards. It is understood each one of them were identified by the prison authorities and that they were subsequently interviewed by Gardai behind bars. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week No charges have been brought against them yet but Garda sources say it will happen in the future and that the investigation is still ongoing. Stephen Kearney was due to be released at the end of June. He had previously served nine years for manslaughter after killing Francis Gallagher, 18, in a row on October 25, 2004. He was 20 years-old at the time and punched and kicked his victim to death. Kearney was attacked after an internal row between a number of criminals in Mountjoy Prison. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Fashion Network
23-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Prada scandal proves the power of India's troll army
Historically, the sandals were produced for specific communities. For farmers who worked in the fields, they were robust and able to withstand wear-and-tear; for the courtier class and nobles they were more delicate and ostentatious. In 2019, the footwear was awarded the Geographical Indication status, viewed as a mark of authenticity. (Other Indian items to have received this tag include Darjeeling tea and Alphonso mangoes.) But Prada didn't credit India for the designs, prompting a brutal social media backlash. The nationalistic sentiment whipped up by this controversy boosted sales of the traditional sandals. The country's online community is renowned for its digital ferocity — it accused the brand of cultural appropriation, and the furor forced the fashion house into damage control mode. It issued a statement saying it recognized the sandals were inspired by traditional Indian footwear. The luxury brand's experience is a reminder that in India, foreign firms have to be aware of how reputational risk could affect future revenue. Internet penetration is rising, with 55% of the population connected. Social media is growing fast, too: It's estimated the world's most populous nation is home to 462 million social media users. India is a rising global power, one international brands are keen to break into. But local and foreign firms face various challenges: Bureaucracy, shoddy infrastructure and unique consumer behaviors that include a fierce defense of India's rich heritage. All of these factors require a tailored approach. Success in the market lies in the ability to balance local authenticity and global appeal — and the willingness to 'learn to love and speak to India,' as Francois Grouiller, chief executive officer of the luxury consultancy IndLux recently noted. Foreign brands can't afford to ignore India's luxury market, which reached $7.74 billion in 2023, and is projected to approach $12 billion by 2028, a recent Kearney report notes. Other estimates predict the sector could more than triple by 2030, growing to upward of $85 billion. The number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals — people with a net worth of at least $30 million — is expected to grow by 50% by 2028. These forecasts come with the obvious caveats — most notably, there is still a huge wealth gap in the country. While the 100 million wealthiest people are splurging, 400 million of their middle-class counterparts have cut back. Global economic conditions are becoming less supportive, as US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs fuel trade tensions and put pressure on future growth. Still, viewing consumers as a long-term opportunity rather than just a short-term play would help these firms thrive. Even more important is understanding that India is home to a diverse market with distinct needs. Some brands have grasped this already — high-end jeweler Bulgari SpA offers a pricey Mangalsutra necklace inspired by a chain traditionally worn by married women — tapping into the desire for luxury with home-grown sensibilities. The Italian brand is not the first — and neither will it be the last — to fall foul of cultural norms. Earlier this year, Gucci made the mistake of calling Bollywood star Alia Bhatt's custom-made sari-lehenga (a fusion of the traditional sari with a long skirt) a gown. Another online frenzy was set off in May, when a viral social media trend was criticized for calling the dupatta — a traditional South Asian shawl — a Scandinavian scarf. Prada doesn't own any retail stores in India, depending instead on the super-rich diaspora and wealthy Indians who travel overseas. But the firm — which has seen its shares lose about 30% since February as investors took fright at its purchase of Versace — isn't taking any chances. In a conciliatory move, it's now working with traditional artisans to understand the history behind the famed Kolhapuris. The luxury fashion house has learned the hard way that cultural fluency is no longer a 'nice to have'— it's central to business survival.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kearney's 2025 Circular Fashion Index reveals unmet scaling potential
The Circular Fashion Index Report (CFX 2025), now in its fifth year, provides an extensive analysis of the industry's progress in adopting circular practices. It encompasses 246 apparel brands from 18 countries, covering five key product categories namely fashion, footwear, sports, outdoor and underwear and lingerie. The report measures brand performance across seven dimensions that span the entire lifecycle of a product and beyond. Kearney Americas fashion and luxury lead and co-author of the report Nora Kleinewillinghoefer said: "While our top-ranking companies continued to pull ahead, the majority of brands find themselves stuck between ambition and execution, making progress in some facets, but not transforming themselves across all dimensions in an integrated way. "For most companies we researched, circularity efforts are too often siloed in sustainability departments, rather than being embedded into product development, sourcing, supply chain, and commercial operations." Key findings of CFX 2025 Over 70% of brands score in the "moderate" range across the CFX dimensions, indicating that circularity is becoming a standard part of their strategic commitments and initial programmes. Only 3 to 5% of brands demonstrate "extensive" implementation levels, highlighting a major conversion gap in scaling up these practices. Europe and North America are at the forefront with average scores of 3.6 and 3.4 respectively. Driven by improvements in several markets, Europe has seen a substantial increase since 2024. It is also influenced by a stricter regulatory environment that includes incentives for repair, extended producer responsibility schemes, and upcoming eco-design requirements. Kearney's industrial redesign practice, PERLab partner and Americas lead Namrata Shah said: "Even in the strongest-growing areas, progress in the adoption of circular design principles and raw material reuse was mostly limited to shifts from 'limited' to 'moderate' maturity. What's needed now is a strategic reframing and circularity must be treated as a lever for growth, not just a compliance exercise. This means embedding it into how brands design, source, sell, and service their products." Commenting on the analysis, Kearney partner Dario Minutella said 'execution gaps' stem from the absence of critical enablers that include scalable infrastructure, integrated systems, cross-functional ownership, and business models that are financially sustainable. 'The message in this research is clear: while directionally correct, the industry's pace must now shift gears. As regulation moves from policy to enforcement, incremental gains are no longer sufficient. Brands need to move from declaring ambition to delivering evidence, systematically, and at scale," Minutella added. "Kearney's 2025 Circular Fashion Index reveals unmet scaling potential" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
