Latest news with #Montel
Techday NZ
18-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
AI revolution brings innovation & anxiety across global sectors
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is swiftly transforming the way businesses operate, heightening both innovation and complexity across sectors. As AI Appreciation Day brings global attention to these advances, industry leaders across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and beyond are urging organisations to not only recognise AI's achievements but also navigate its associated challenges with care, strategy, and inclusivity. AI - not just a tool but a vital resource Daniel Hein, Field CTO at Informatica Asia Pacific and Japan, highlights the rapid adoption of Generative AI in APAC, noting the region's ambition to stay ahead on the global stage. "AI goes beyond just a tool – it's a vital resource. It supports smarter adaptation measures, accelerates resilience planning, and fosters inclusive innovation that transcends industries and national boundaries," says Hein. He outlines the influence of Agentic AI in optimising decision-making for sectors such as energy and finance, while Generative AI is democratising problem-solving, empowering even non-technical users. However, Hein stresses that organisations must strengthen data foundations and prioritise continuous upskilling, especially in AI literacy. "Investing in strong data infrastructure and continuous upskilling is critical to fully harness AI's capabilities and future-proof organisations," he advises. AI extends beyond productivity gains AI's influence extends well beyond productivity gains. In cybersecurity, Bernard Montel, EMEA Technical Director and Security Strategist at Tenable, describes how AI is integral to modern defence strategies. Montel points to the technology's ability to analyse vast datasets, automate threat detection, and maintain secure systems. He emphasises that AI should be viewed as an augmenting tool, not a replacement for human talent. "This means designing systems where AI handles repetitive tasks, freeing humans to focus on complex problem-solving, innovation, and ethical oversight," Montel explains. Yet, as AI grows in sophistication, so do the threats. The proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes and automated malware has heightened the need for robust cyber defence strategies, including exposure management and comprehensive employee training. Montel urges organisations to embrace ethical AI development and continued vigilance to unlock the technology's full potential while protecting digital infrastructure. The benefit and risk of AI development The software development sector has also felt AI's rapid impact. Nick Durkin, Field CTO at Harness, acknowledges the increased speed of code generation delivered by AI, but warns of a wider 'blast radius' of errors if flawed AI-generated code enters production. "Generating code is easy, but getting it safely into production is the hard part," Durkin notes. He advocates for embedding AI throughout the software delivery lifecycle, not just in code writing, to support higher-quality and safer software deployments. Meanwhile, Michael Bachman, Head of Architecture and AI Strategy at Boomi Innovation Group, points to the emergence of the "Agent Economy," in which autonomous AI agents operate across platforms. With the increasing complexity and the risk of "agent sprawl," Bachman stresses the necessity for a centralised framework to govern AI agents and manage their interactions safely and effectively. AI adoption grows, but anxiety remains The legal field is no exception to AI's reach. Jennifer Poon, Legal Solutions Director at NetDocuments, observes that lawyers themselves are now leading technology adoption, recognising AI's potential to boost productivity by automating routine work. She recommends integrating AI directly into the workflows and systems lawyers already use, ensuring the technology enhances precision and security without disrupting established protocols. Model Context Protocol (MCP), described by Mehdi Goodarzi, Global Head – GenAI Consulting at Hexaware Technologies, offers a promising way to scale AI responsibly across enterprises. MCP enables large language models and agents to share context and interact "intelligently" across platforms, but Goodarzi highlights the need for ongoing development of governance and privacy standards as the technology matures. Despite the enthusiasm among business leaders, research from WalkMe has uncovered significant employee anxiety about AI adoption. Vivek Behl, VP Strategy, warns that many workers, especially from younger generations, feel overwhelmed and left behind by the swift arrival of new tools. Survey data from WalkMe and Opinium indicates that 71% of UK office workers feel new AI tools are being introduced faster than they can learn to use them, while nearly half report feeling more worried than excited about AI at work. Behl calls on organisations to focus on employee experience and support, warning that "digital adoption isn't just a nice-to-have – it's now essential to realising AI's full value." Ensuring that employees are comfortable and proficient with new tools is crucial to embedding AI successfully and mitigating risks associated with rapid technological change. Success isn't measured by innovation alone, but responsible integration As AI matures, its appreciation day serves as a timely reminder: success is not measured by technological innovation alone, but by an organisation's ability to integrate AI responsibly, support its workforce, and safeguard against new risks. The coming years will likely see even more transformative opportunities - and challenges - as businesses seek to balance AI's promise with prudent governance and a focus on human-centred values.
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
The weather phenomenon driving up Britain's electricity bills
A surge of windless heatwaves hitting Britain this summer is wreaking havoc on electricity markets and driving up bills for consumers, according to energy experts. The industry is already familiar with 'dunkelflautes' – the increasingly common spells of freezing windless winter weather when wind and solar farm output plummets. Now it is reporting a similar 'hitzeflaute' phenomenon in summer, with longer spells of warm windless weather also becoming more prevalent with climate change. Hitzeflaute comes from hitze – the German word for heat – and flaute, which means lull, reflecting the absence of strong winds in such spells. It means Europe and the UK are becoming increasingly dependent on solar power during the day but, in the absence of wind, having to ramp up gas, coal and nuclear power stations in the evening. The phenomenon also causes massive market swings with power prices often going negative in daytime when solar is peaking, but surging up to £200 or £300 per megawatt hour when the sun goes down, especially if wind output is low. The UK faces just such a spell this weekend, with a high pressure weather system bringing clear skies, sunshine and low winds that will coincide with the Wimbledon tennis finals. 'These spells are becoming longer and more frequent and hitzeflaute is emerging as the new term for them,' said Jean-Paul Harreman, a senior analyst at Montel, which specialises in European energy data and convening the first conference on hitzeflautes this week. 'The weather is changing at a time when the energy transition is making us more dependent on the weather to generate our electricity from wind and solar. So it is all causing a degree of chaos in the energy markets.'
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Love Island star finally confirms SPLIT from boyfriend – before hinting they're friends with benefits
A LOVE Island star has finally confirmed she has broken-up with a boyfriend. The reality star, 30, made the revelation benefits . 5 A Love Island star spilled the beans on her relationship status on last night's After Sun Credit: ITV 5 Kaz Crossley appeared on the show and revealed she was no longer with Montel McKenzie Credit: ITV 5 Kaz's villa BFF Gabby Allen revealed that her friend was 'friends with benefits' with Montel Credit: ITV 5 Kaz met Montel McKenzie on Love Island: All Stars Credit: ITV However, over the last few months On last night's Love Island After Sun host Maya Jama, 30, grilled The stunning star appeared on the Love Island Sunday night spin-off show alongside her villa BFF, READ MORE ON LOVE ISLAND When asked about Montel, Kaz replied that they were just "very good friends." Not missing a beat Gabby quickly chimed in: "With benefits!" The three women all began to laugh as Kaz cheekily replied: "Well a girl's got needs!" Kaz's break-up confession comes after months of Most read in TV The clip showed them looking close as they headed in for a kiss, before pulling away. 'There is NO way' say Love Island fans as couple reveal if they've split after weeks of rumours But now, after six months of dating , the villa couple have called it quits - although they are still on VERY friendly terms. Both Kaz and Montel didn't have the easiest time in the All Stars Villa in January. They got together just a week before After they were axed, they vowed to give their romance a go on the outside world. 5 Kaz and Montel teased fans with a TikTok clip before it was revealed they had broken up Credit: TikTok/@kazcrossley
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island star finally confirms SPLIT from boyfriend – before hinting they're friends with benefits
A LOVE Island star has finally confirmed she has broken-up with a boyfriend. The reality star, 30, made the revelation after weeks of speculation - but then went onto hint that they might be friends with benefits. 5 A Love Island star spilled the beans on her relationship status on last night's After Sun Credit: ITV 5 Kaz Crossley appeared on the show and revealed she was no longer with Montel McKenzie Credit: ITV 5 Kaz's villa BFF Gabby Allen revealed that her friend was 'friends with benefits' with Montel Credit: ITV 5 Kaz met Montel McKenzie on Love Island: All Stars Credit: ITV Kaz Crossley and Montel McKenzie, 27, got together when they appeared on Love Island: All Stars at the beginning of the year. However, over the last few months fans have been convinced they have split up - and now it's been confirmed. On last night's Love Island After Sun host Maya Jama, 30, grilled Kaz on the status of her relationship with Montel. The stunning star appeared on the Love Island Sunday night spin-off show alongside her villa BFF, Gabby Allen, 33. When asked about Montel, Kaz replied that they were just "very good friends." Not missing a beat Gabby quickly chimed in: "With benefits!" The three women all began to laugh as Kaz cheekily replied: "Well a girl's got needs!" Kaz's break-up confession comes after months of fans wondering what was going on with her and Montel. The pair last posted together in March where they teased they they were still together. The clip showed them looking close as they headed in for a kiss, before pulling away. 'There is NO way' say Love Island fans as couple reveal if they've split after weeks of rumours But now, after six months of dating, the villa couple have called it quits - although they are still on VERY friendly terms. Both Kaz and Montel didn't have the easiest time in the All Stars Villa in January. They got together just a week before they were brutally dumped from the island. After they were axed, they vowed to give their romance a go on the outside world.
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Fiberon Partners With ‘Military Makeover' to Honor Air Force Veteran With Donated Deck
MAUMEE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 3, 2025-- Fiberon Decking recently joined forces with the television program 'Military Makeover with Montel®' to build a deluxe deck for a military veteran. The company donated the materials for a 200-square-foot composite deck, creating an outdoor oasis for 20-year Air Force veteran Matt Kosto. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Fiberon Decking recently joined forces with the television program 'Military Makeover with Montel®' to build a deluxe deck for a military veteran. The company donated the materials for a 200-square-foot composite deck, creating an outdoor oasis for 20-year Air Force veteran Matt Kosto. 'Matt served multiple deployments with the military, and we wanted to show our appreciation for his service and honor those who make the sacrifice to serve their country,' said Kate Haws, director, brand communications. 'Matt loves spending time outdoors with his family, so giving him a revamped, low-maintenance space to do that is our small way of giving back.' The new deck features Fiberon's Good Life composite decking, perfect for creating a casual outdoor living space with an authentic wood look. Built in the color Bungalow from the Good Life Escapes collection, the deck resembles exotic hardwood in a deep, rich brown. Crucial for Kosto's Arizona-based home, the Good Life collection is Class B fire-rated, meaning it is designed to slow the spread of flames, provides an added layer of protection to the property and offers greater peace of mind. Good Life is made with 94% recycled material, combining recycled wood with the long-lasting resilience of recycled plastic. Its durable composite core resists splintering, rotting, cracking, insects and decay, and a three-sided cap layer helps resist staining and fading. The decking is backed by a 30-year performance, stain and fade warranty. As part of the project, Fiberon also provided its CountrySide railing in brown to enclose the deck. CountrySide railing strikes an ideal balance between beauty and strength, featuring an understated satin finish and clever sub-rail reinforcement. Round, matte black aluminum balusters finish the look with a unique contrast. Led by talk show legend, military advocate and veteran Montel Williams, 'Military Makeover with Montel®' enlists conscientious designers, contractors, landscapers and other home improvement professionals to transform the homes and lives of military families across the country. The episode featuring Fiberon's deck for Kosto will air Friday, June 6 on Lifetime TV and American Forces Network. To learn more about Fiberon's full portfolio of decking solutions, visit About Fiberon Fiberon is a leading U.S. manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railing and cladding distributed worldwide. Fiberon products are available in a wide range of styles and price points, all designed to respect nature while outperforming it. Fiberon is part of Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. (NYSE: FBIN). Learn more at About Fortune Brands Innovations Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. (NYSE: FBIN), headquartered in Deerfield, Ill., is a brand, innovation and channel leader focused on exciting, supercharged categories in the home products, security and commercial building markets. The Company's growing portfolio of brands includes Moen, House of Rohl, Aqualisa, Emtek, Therma-Tru, Larson, Fiberon, Master Lock, SentrySafe, Yale residential and August. To learn more about FBIN, its brands and environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments, visit About Military Makeover with Montel® Military Makeover with Montel®, a BrandStar Original, is America's leading branded reality TV show that offers hope and a helping hand here on the home front to members of our military and their loved ones. A veteran of both the Marine Corps and the Navy, talk show legend and military advocate Montel Williams, who creatively co-produces the show along with a colorful cast that seeks to transform the homes and lives of military families across the country. The cast includes co-hosts Art Edmonds and designer Jennifer Bertrand. This special series enlists caring companies of all sizes as well as non-profits and the local community. Military Makeover airs on Lifetime® and on the American Forces Network which serves American servicemen and women, Department of Defense and other U.S. government civilians and their families stationed at bases overseas, as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea. Help starts at home for veterans on Military Makeover. Join us as our makeover team engages to change the living situation – and the lives – of these deserving families. View source version on CONTACT: Melissa Peterson 317-873-8100 [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA OHIO INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TV AND RADIO MANUFACTURING CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY LANDSCAPE BUILDING SYSTEMS ENTERTAINMENT VETERANS OTHER MANUFACTURING DEFENSE OTHER CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY CHEMICALS/PLASTICS SOURCE: Fiberon Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/03/2025 10:13 AM/DISC: 06/03/2025 10:12 AM
