Technology

FII8 Day Three Ends with $70 Billion in Deals Announced

Published

3 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute wrapped up Day 3 of its 8th annual gathering in Riyadh, with an “Investment Day” under the theme of “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow.” Leaders, investors, and innovators explored avenues to drive impactful investment in emerging markets, venture capital, and sustainable growth strategies, setting the stage for the future of global finance and economic development.

Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, commented on the day’s events: “Today’s discussions underscored the power of targeted investments to transcend traditional boundaries, creating opportunities in markets that promise to shape the next economic era. Our collective focus on deploying capital with long-term vision and sustainability will guide us as we navigate an ever-changing landscape.”

Standout Moments from FII8 Day 3:

1. Opening Remarks by H.E. Faisal F. Alibrahim

H.E. Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy & Planning for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia opening remarks set the tone for the day, emphasizing the role of investment in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, highlighting non-oil growth as pivotal for future diversification.

2. Panel on Alternative Asset Growth in Emerging Markets

Key insights were shared during a session featuring H.E. Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, Chairman, Capital Market Authority (CMA); Rishi Kapoor, Vice Chairman & CIO, Investcorp; Chip Kaye, Chairman, Warburg Pincus LLC which focused on new frontiers in alternative asset growth. This panel explored trends driving investments in emerging economies, spotlighting regions set to lead the next growth phase.

3. Capital Allocators Roundtable

A high-level discussion gathered influential leaders to discuss 2024’s projected impact for alternative assets and the diversification trends shaping institutional portfolios. The roundtable featured a diverse array of experts, including institutional investors, and thought leaders, all sharing insights on how alternative investments are becoming crucial in navigating economic uncertainties.

4. Venture Capital Hotspots: Catalysts for Disruption

In this session, the panel explored the evolving landscape of innovation funding, with a particular emphasis on developments in burgeoning markets like Saudi Arabia.

5. Health Humanity Initiative

In a global effort to secure a healthier future for all, FII Institute launched the Healthy Humanity Initiative inviting over 100 corporations, 10 health insurance companies insurers and governments from the Global South and North to join the movement to impact lives by providing free preventive health checkups for citizens every two years, waive up to 50% in health bills and ensure tax-free benefits. So far, this initiative has garnered support from Saudi Health in All Policies (HIAP), Claure Group, Moderna, Merck GCC, ⁠Ausmed Global, ⁠Qi Ming Venture Partners, ⁠Burjeel Holdings, SCAI, CURA, Genrait and Cleveland Clinic.

6. Health Longevity Compass

The FII Institute presented findings from the Healthy Longevity Compass, which surveyed 22,600 respondents across 21 countries in partnership with The McKinsey Health Institute. The study revealed that 70% of individuals aspire to adopt healthier living habits, yet 43% in developing countries are dissatisfied with access to nutritious food. Read the Full Report Here.

7. Investment Day

FII8 Investment Day launched a dynamic new chapter for the entrepreneurial ecosystem, transforming bold visions into actionable solutions that drive progress. At the inaugural global program hosted by FII Institute, five start-up companies showcased their cutting-edge tech solutions tackling world’s most pressing global challenges in artificial intelligence and robotics, sustainability, health and education. Among the innovators were: Oxccu, Sakuu, Beyond-Aero, Archireef and Bytelearn.

In the finale, Sakuu emerged as the winner and was crowned FII8 Innovator 2024. Each participating company received 2025 FII Institute complimentary membership and access to the FII Venture Program – powered by General Atlantic and Lakestar. This comprehensive support system is designed to accelerate their growth, offering unparalleled opportunities for market expansion, knowledge sharing and global visibility. Additionally, the innovative start-ups are eligible for a market expansion package providing over $10 million in financing grants and startup support. They may also benefit from soft landing program through NTDP (Saudi Arabia) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.

8. Closing Remarks by H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, KSA Minister of Foreign Affairs. H.H. Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of global citizenship in addressing today’s pressing issues. He highlighted that collaboration across nations is vital for tackling conflicts, climate change, health crises, and economic disparities.

9. Announcements: During the four days of the FII8 conference, over 30 plus announcements worth 70 billion dollars were made that focused on promoting sustainable development and innovative solutions for humanity. Additionally, strategic partnerships were established highlighting collaboration across various sectors, including technology, quality of life, and innovation.

As FII8 wrapped up, the narrative of a united front for positive change was clear. The collective voices of leaders and innovators echoed the sentiment that the future is not just a vision; it’s a movement we are all part of Day 3 at FII8 demonstrated the Institute’s commitment to connecting capital with impactful initiatives, further strengthening the global investment landscape. The FII Institute continues its mission of fostering sustainable and forward-looking investments that empower change across diverse geographies.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@fii-institute.org

About FII Institute

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability.

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SOURCE Future Investment Initiative Institute

Technology

CHINT Shines on Forbes Global Brand Top 30

Published

46 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

SHANGHAI, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The “2024 Forbes China Go-International Brands Top 30” results have been officially announced. CHINT has earned a spot on the prestigious list and is recognized for its outstanding performance and significant contributions on the global stage. This honor highlights CHINT’s high recognition in international markets and marks a solid step forward in advancing Chinese brands globally.

After more than two decades of overseas development, CHINT Group has steadily expanded its business to over 140 countries and regions worldwide, covering key industries such as low-voltage electrical appliances, smart electrical equipment, instrumentation, and green energy. CHINT Global’s globalization strategy is reflected not only in its extensive business layout but also in the localization of talent and R&D.

Globally, CHINT employs over 50,000 people across five business regions and more than 40 subsidiaries, with a local talent rate exceeding 66%. The company has established 20 research institutes worldwide, focusing on the customized development of localized products, investing 3%-12% of its annual sales revenue in R&D, accumulating over 8,000 authorized patents, and participating in the formulation of industry and international standards more than 400 times.

Regarding localized manufacturing, CHINT Group has 28 manufacturing bases globally, including eight overseas, with product lines covering the full range of products. Regarding localized delivery, local logistics centers have been established in all five business continents, increasing international project coverage by over 50% and shortening the average delivery cycle by more than 60 days.

The Forbes Brand Going Global award for CHINT means a high recognition of its efforts in implementing globalization strategies, promoting localized operations, and driving innovative development. This honor is not only an affirmation of the past but also an inspiration for the future. CHINT Global will continue to forge ahead, striving to become a global leader in the full industry chain of smart electrical energy solutions, and will continue to contribute to the development of the global energy and electricity industry.

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Technology

KBR’s Market-Leading Ammonia Technology Selected by AMUFERT, Angola

Published

46 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

HOUSTON, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today that it has signed an agreement with AMUFERT for the development of a new ammonia plant in Soyo, Angola.

Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide a technology license, proprietary engineering design, equipment and catalyst solutions for AMUFERT’s 2,300 metric tons per day ammonia plant. Leveraging KBR’s proprietary technologies and expertise in ammonia, the planned facility will assist Angola and its neighboring countries move towards greater food security and self-sufficiency.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this project and support AMUFERT’s efforts in accelerating sustainable agriculture in Angola through our leading ammonia technology,” said Jay Ibrahim, KBR President, Sustainable Technology Solutions. “KBR has a proud legacy in Angola, and we look forward to working closely with AMUFERT and our partners to ensure the success of this important project.”

KBR is a world leader in ammonia technology and has been at the forefront of innovation in the ammonia market for decades. Since 1943, KBR has licensed, engineered or constructed over 260 grassroot ammonia plants worldwide.

About KBR

We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in over 30 countries.

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit www.kbr.com

Forward Looking Statements

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future project performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond the company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which discuss some of the important risks, uncertainties and assumptions that the company has identified that may affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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SOURCE KBR, Inc.

Technology

At Its European Innovation Day 2024, Huawei Advocates Collaboration to Unlock Europe’s Potential

Published

46 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

PARIS, Nov. 22, 2024 /CNW/ — Huawei hosted the 2024 “Europe Innovation Day” in Paris, an event where European tech leaders, business representatives, and innovation experts explored opportunities for cross-border and cross-industry collaboration. Under this year’s theme of “Unleashing the Potential of European Innovation,” the event addressed critical challenges in Europe’s digital transformation, offering strategies to strengthen regional ecosystems and enhance global competitiveness.

Driving Europe’s Digital Progress through Cooperation

Jesus Contreras, Chief Operations and Financial Officer of EIT Digital, stated: “Innovation is never a solo endeavor; it relies on collaboration and exchange among all parties.” He emphasized that digital innovation flourishes when global partners and customers with diverse perspectives unite, bringing energy and momentum to collaborative efforts.

Nicola Caputo, Regional Minister of Campania (Italy) and Member of the European Committee of the Regions, highlighted the challenges Europe faces in its digital transformation, such as insufficient digital literacy, lagging commercial adoption, and uneven 5G coverage. He called for governments to strengthen cross-border cooperation to boost Europe’s global competitiveness in the digital economy.

Ximo Puig, Spain’s Permanent Representative to the OECD, stated: “Innovation is essentially a framework. Governments, businesses, and society must leverage this framework to collectively foster long-term development and build a fully connected world.”

Laurent Lafforgue, a renowned mathematician at Huawei Technologies France, said: “The rapid advancement of technological innovation relies on solid foundational theories. Robust theoretical research is essential to achieving sustainable and long-term technological progress.”

Huawei’s Commitment to Long-Term Investment

“Innovation is a long-term process,” remarked Yu Liang, Vice President of Huawei Cloud Global Ecosystem. He affirmed Huawei’s dedication to fostering open collaboration that drives both societal and commercial value. Yu further announced Huawei’s partnership with Station F to launch a sustainability-focused incubation program, aiming to support 10 startups in sectors like retail, automotive, and industrial manufacturing, enabling them to achieve rapid growth within a seven-month incubation period.

Advancing Digital Transformation and Building Europe’s Future

At the “Driving Digital Transformation for Europe’s Emerging Innovators” forum, co-hosted by Euronews and Huawei, participants underscored the necessity of cross-sector collaboration and open ecosystems. Key speakers included Horst Heitz, Chair of SME Connect Steering Committee; Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa, Director of Digital Transformation & AI at the UN Industrial Development Organization; Alexander Pisemskiy, CEO of Zenpulsar; and Gaurav Tripathi, CTO of Partex NV. They emphasized the need for open data-sharing platforms and collaborative ecosystems to cultivate a more inclusive and adaptable innovation environment.

“Huawei Cloud will continue to invest in Europe by delivering stable and reliable cloud infrastructure, working with government agencies and universities to cultivate digital talent, and supporting startups to scale across regions,” said Zhu Xiaoming, Vice President of Huawei Cloud Global Industry Development. He noted that Europe’s digital transformation is advancing slower than the targets outlined in the Europe Digital Decade 2030 plan, particularly in areas such as data and artificial intelligence.

Promoting Inclusivity and Women Innovators

Berta Herrero, Head of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion at Huawei Europe, moderated a panel discussion on empowering women innovators. Panelists included Rebeca de Sancho Mayoral, Senior Adviser on EU Innovation & Access to Finance at the European Commission; Egle Ciuoderiene, Founder of Duevo; Iva Tasheva, Co-Founder and Cybersecurity Lead at CyEn; and Gaia Verzelli, an alumna of Huawei’s Women Leadership School. They shared insights into EU funding and policy initiatives designed to support women entrepreneurs and called for greater female participation in the tech innovation ecosystem to foster an inclusive and diverse environment.

A Call to Action

Closing the event, Tony Yong Jin, Director of Business Environment Affairs of the European Region at Huawei, called on all parties to take decisive action to drive digital innovation and build a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable Europe. He stated, “Today, I call on all of us to embrace digital innovation—not just because of its promises, but because of its profound impact on every individual, family, and community.”

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SOURCE Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd