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Microsoft launches new initiatives to skill and scale AI transformation in Singapore

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Announces skilling initiatives with SkillsFuture Singapore and NTUC LearningHub to empower businesses and employees with future-ready skills to thrive in an AI-enabled economyUnveils Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program with five pioneering organizations to spearhead business and sectoral transformation to scale benefits of AI for organizations of all sizes through co-innovation of AI use cases and capability buildingNew collaborations with Enterprise Singapore and AI Singapore to help small and medium-sized enterprises accelerate adoption of Microsoft Copilot to boost productivity, and with IMDA on generative AI implementation for small and medium-sized enterprises

SINGAPORE, March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Microsoft is reinforcing its commitment to advancing AI capabilities for businesses and employees through new skilling initiatives with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and NTUC LearningHub. In addition, Microsoft also launched the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program, starting with five pioneering organizations – Certis, HTX, Mediacorp, Seatrium, and Synapxe – to create real-world AI solutions that will drive transformative impact for organizations and key industry sectors.

Left to right: Mr. Chan Tsan, Chief Executive, Home Team Science & Technology Agency; Ms. Tham Loke Kheng, Chief Executive Officer, Mediacorp Pte Ltd; Mr. Chris Ong, Chief Executive Officer, Seatrium Limited; Mr. Jeremy Ong, Chief Executive Officer, NTUC LearningHub; Ms. Ngiam Siew Ying, Chief Executive Officer, Synapxe Pte Ltd; Mr. Ahmed Mazhari, President, Microsoft Asia; Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education; Ms. Lee Hui Li, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore; Mr. Desmond Tan, Deputy Secretary General, NTUC; Mr. Allen Lew, Chairman, Certis Group; Mr. Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive, SkillsFuture Singapore

To help organizations of all sizes scale the benefits of AI innovation, Microsoft will also collaborate with Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), AI Singapore, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to accelerate AI adoption.  

Microsoft aims to play a key role in supporting Singapore’s AI skilling and scaling initiatives by empowering organizations and uplifting AI skills and capabilities of employees across all levels, as part of the national SkillsFuture movement. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with the partners today, in the presence of Minister for Education Mr. Chan Chun Sing, and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Mr. Desmond Tan.

Driving AI skills enablement and adoption with SkillsFuture Singapore, Institute for Adult Learning, NTUC LearningHub, and Enterprise Singapore

Microsoft’s collaboration with SkillsFuture Singapore will benefit 2,000 SMEs over three years. It builds upon the strong foundation that Microsoft has done as a SkillsFuture Queen Bee to upskill SMEs in its network. The collaboration will deliver practical programs that will equip SMEs with the expertise needed to harness AI solutions, enabling them to transform, seize new opportunities and be future-ready in today’s dynamic business environment.

“We are very encouraged to see Microsoft stepping up to help equip our companies and workers with deeper skills in AI. This builds on the already solid work Microsoft has done as a SkillsFuture Queen Bee. This is also a timely initiative, coming in the wake of the budget announcement on the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme. It takes a twin commitment by industry and Government to the SkillsFuture movement, to give Singapore workers the competence and confidence to adapt to change and to seize new opportunities. We look forward to more companies stepping up likewise,” said Mr. Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore.

Microsoft will also partner the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) to innovate and incorporate AI into adult education approaches. They will co-develop and test new AI tools and methodologies to enhance the learning experiences of adult learners.

The MoU with NTUC LearningHub marks a pivotal step toward upskilling NTUC members with fundamental and essential knowledge and skills in AI. Microsoft and NTUC LearningHub will partner to train up to 100,000 NTUC members in such AI skills to enhance their AI literacy understanding and ensure that they are ready for the changing workforce.

“This collaboration with Microsoft marks an important milestone for NTUC LearningHub as we empower our members with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Through this partnership, we have developed a series of digital and in-person training programs to drive AI knowledge and how it can be applied at the workplace. We are committed to ensuring that our members are ready for the future of work and to building a resilient workforce capable of harnessing the power of artificial intelligence for both professional and personal growth,” said Mr. Jeremy Ong, Chief Executive Officer at NTUC LearningHub.

In addition, Microsoft is collaborating with EnterpriseSG and AI Singapore to accelerate adoption of Microsoft Copilot by local SMEs, and curate industry collaboration events to uncover and scale impactful sectoral use cases of generative AI. The partnership also features co-development of resources to equip SME leaders to handle change management and redesign business workflows, as well as explore deeper and more customized AI use cases for their businesses in the longer term. These efforts will enable SMEs to scale the benefits of AI and improve their productivity and operations. Microsoft will further partner with IMDA to support digitally mature SMEs in accessing expertise and resources to implement generative AI solutions.

Mr. Soh Leng Wan, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Manufacturing & Engineering, EnterpriseSG said, “EnterpriseSG is always keen to work with leading organizations to support local SMEs. AI has significant potential to enhance employee productivity and business workflows, and solutions like Microsoft Copilot can be an easy way for our SMEs to get started. Copilot will enable SME employees to streamline work processes and augment their tasks to free up time for higher-value work. We look forward to working closely with Microsoft and AI Singapore to curate industry-specific capability building programs and events that will support SMEs to harness AI at scale in their operations.”

Partnering leading organizations to drive transformation with AI and scale its benefits

The Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program aims to enable organizations in Singapore to realize scalable, impactful AI-powered solutions that will have transformative impact on their businesses and sectors. Starting with five pioneering organizations – Certis, HTX, Mediacorp, Seatrium, and Synapxe – the program will facilitate co-creation and co-innovation of AI use cases and foster an AI-first culture and ecosystem. Through this, the program aims to inspire new ways of work and support organizations in building capabilities to tap opportunities in the era of AI.

Leveraging Microsoft’s AI innovation factory and capabilities, industry-leading AI experts, and practitioners, the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program includes:

Envisioning and prioritizing AI roadmap for strategic AI use cases with clear business ROI and outcomesOperationalizing prioritized AI use cases to deliver business impactEstablishing an AI Center of Capabilities (CoC) that includes AI accelerators and toolsets, responsible AI framework and program governanceIncorporating AI enterprise skilling through comprehensive training programs

Furthermore, the participating organizations will have the opportunity to collaborate with Microsoft Research and partners within the Microsoft ecosystem on cutting-edge AI innovation.

The program also includes the rollout of Microsoft Copilot for business functions such as HR, finance, and marketing to drive AI adoption across organizations, especially for SMEs.

“Microsoft is excited to be collaborating with SSG and NTUC LearningHub to empower enterprises and employees with AI skills to thrive in the era of AI. We are also dedicated to making AI real and scaling its benefits for businesses of all sizes. By partnering with leading organizations under the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program, we will co-innovate meaningful and impactful AI solutions and establish AI Centre of Capabilities for their respective organizations and sectors. Finally, in partnership with Enterprise Singapore, AI Singapore, and IMDA, we aim to accelerate and scale AI innovation for SMEs, as we enable every person and organization to achieve more,” said Ms. Lee Hui Li, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.

Please refer to Appendix for more information on the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program pioneering organizations.

About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Appendix – List of Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program Pioneering Organizations

Organization

Creating impact across industries with the Microsoft AI Pinnacle Program

 

Certis

Certis is adopting an extra pair of ‘AI’s’ by harnessing this technology to augment the skill-sets and capabilities of its 38,000-strong workforce. This will further drive its goal to digitize its operations, improve efficiency, and deliver enhanced operations-tech solutions to its clients.

 

Mediacorp

Mediacorp is harnessing the power of AI to build capabilities, enhance operational efficiencies, and push the creative boundaries of storytelling and content delivery. These will enable Mediacorp to continue fulfilling its purpose as Singapore’s national media network by strengthening engagement with audiences, while delivering more innovative and cost-effective solutions to its clients.

 

HTX (Home Team Science and Technology Agency)

HTX is using AI to enhance operational efficiency for first responders such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services by boosting their effectiveness, coordination, and response capabilities. HTX is taking a proactive approach in leveraging cutting-edge solutions to better prepare for, and respond to, emergencies and critical conditions.

 

Seatrium

Seatrium will leverage the transformative potential of AI to redefine our engineering and business processes. By harnessing AI technologies, Seatrium aims to optimize engineering workflows, enhance project planning and execution, and improve data-driven decision-making for more efficient and successful project outcomes.

 

Synapxe

Synapxe, the national HealthTech agency, harnesses AI technologies to improve healthcare outcomes for everyone and ensure a future-ready health system for Singapore. Through the safe and responsible use of AI, Synapxe unlocks its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes and drive efficiency.  

 

 

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SOURCE Microsoft Singapore

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DKSH Healthcare and Euris Unveil CRM & MCE Platform “ConnectPlus” to Revolutionize APAC Healthcare Distribution

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DKSH Healthcare and Euris have launched “ConnectPlus”, a complete Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Multi-Channel Engagement (MCE) platform set to transform healthcare distribution across APAC. This data-driven, agile solution enhances efficiency by providing a comprehensive view of healthcare professionals and optimizing omnichannel engagement strategies. From January 2025, ConnectPlus will strengthen DKSH Healthcare’s commitment to commercial excellence by boosting engagement with clients, customers, and patients across the healthcare ecosystem in Thailand.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DKSH Healthcare Business Unit, in partnership with Euris, is introducing ConnectPlus, a data-driven Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Multi-Channel Engagement (MCE) platform aimed at transforming healthcare distribution across the Asia Pacific region. Designed to enhance productivity and operational efficiency, this platform provides a 360° view of healthcare professionals, streamlines MCE, and strengthens DKSH Healthcare’s ability to tailor interactions and marketing strategies. The roll-out will start in Thailand in January 2025. With this new platform DKSH Healthcare reinforces its dedication to commercial excellence by enlarging possibilities and improving interactions with clients, customers, and patients.

Bijay Singh, Head of Business Unit Healthcare at DKSH, emphasized the transformative potential of ConnectPlus, “With ConnectPlus, we are not just improving our operations, we are setting a new benchmark for healthcare distribution across Asia Pacific. By integrating technology with our deep market expertise, DKSH Healthcare is enhancing its role as a strategic healthcare partner. This platform will not only empower our teams to engage more effectively with healthcare professionals but will ultimately contribute to better health outcomes by improving patients’ access to quality care. ConnectPlus represents a pivotal step in our journey toward data-driven excellence and reinforces our commitment to leading with agility in an evolving healthcare landscape.”

The introduction of ConnectPlus underscores DKSH Healthcare’s commitment to harnessing digital solutions that orchestrate and maximize impact of both client and patient interactions, while upholding a high standard of operational excellence. ConnectPlus empowers DKSH to tap into the vast potential provided by the global healthcare big data market[1] by delivering precise, targeted engagement strategies that cater to the unique needs of healthcare professionals, clients, and patients across the region.

Furthermore, ConnectPlus is strategically designed to leverage the existing preference of face-to-face sales visits[2], by orchestrating personalized digital touchpoints, based on data driven insights, to prepare and enhance in-person interactions. The platform’s ability to blend in-person and digital strategies is essential for maximizing outreach and driving meaningful engagement[3].

By integrating advanced AI and analytics, ConnectPlus not only streamlines communication and marketing efforts but also personalizes interactions based on real-time data, ensuring relevance and impact. This marks a crucial milestone in DKSH Healthcare’s journey towards fully integrating digital innovation into its operations, reinforcing its leadership in driving agility and efficiency within the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Delphine Poulat, CEO at Euris, remarked, “As the partner of choice for healthcare stakeholders globally, we are thrilled to collaborate with DKSH Healthcare, who have chosen Euris SmartReps Suite, as the CRM & MCE platform for ConnectPlus. In today’s healthcare environment, personalized, data-driven interactions are critical. ConnectPlus is designed to provide DKSH Healthcare with the insights needed to understand their customers better, foster stronger face-to-face interactions, and ultimately drive sales growth. Our flexible, closed-loop marketing approach leverages data to deliver tailored content and deepen customer relationships, all while ensuring agility in meeting local market needs. We are proud to support DKSH Healthcare by offering a complete SaaS CRM & MCE platform putting the healthcare professional knowledge and experience at the center of the strategy.”

[1] Source: Patient engagement technology market to rise by $37.4b through 2028, https://healthcareasiamagazine.com/healthcare/news/patient-engagement-technology-market-rise-374b-through-2028 

[2] Source: Overcoming HCP Engagement Fatigue with Data-Driven Insights, https://www.pharmexec.com/view/overcoming-hcp-engagement-fatigue-with-data-driven-insights 

[3] Source: Did Pharma Overshoot Digital Sales Rep Calls? Study Charts Decline in Effectiveness, https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/did-pharma-overshoot-digital-sales-rep-calls-study-charts-decline-effectiveness#:~:text=Last%20month,%2044%%20of

About DKSH  

DKSH’s purpose is to enrich people’s lives. For almost 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 29,040 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2023. As a strategic healthcare business partner, DKSH Business Unit Healthcare distributes pharmaceuticals, consumer health, and over-the-counter products as well as medical devices. With around 8,140 specialists, the Healthcare Business Unit generated net sales of CHF 5.6 billion in 2023. www.dksh.com/hec

About Euris

Euris is an IT group specialized in healthcare and pharmaceutical industry operating in over 50 countries. Euris delivers a comprehensive IT value chain through 2 business units: Healthcare SaaS CRM edition & Integration and Health Data Hosting. Euris’ Suite of Commercial and Marketing excellence modules, named SmartReps®, is recognized among the best-in-class solutions in the Gartner Market Guide for CRM in Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology. www.euris.com

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SOURCE DKSH

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Cisco and LTIMindtree Expand Partnership to Deliver Next-Generation Secure Access Globally

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News Summary:

LTIMindtree will leverage Cisco Secure Access as its new security service edge (SSE) solution to protect its 80,000 hybrid workers with secure internet access, advanced zero trust network access and embedded AI.Extending its networking partnership with Cisco, LTIMindtree now offers next-generation SSE to its global clients via Cisco Secure Access.Clients can work jointly with both companies to adopt a broad set of cloud security functions in a single, easy-to-use dashboard with Cisco Secure Access.

MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — CISCO LIVE — Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), the leader in enterprise networking and security, announced that LTIMindtree is now leveraging Cisco Secure Access as its security service edge (SSE) solution to enable secure hybrid work experiences for its employees and customers worldwide.

“With Cisco’s zero trust approach and embedded AI, it was an easy decision to replace our long-standing SSE solution with Cisco Secure Access,” said Nachiket Deshpande, Chief Operating Officer & Whole-time Director, LTIMindtree. “We were able to quickly deploy the solution, and it now protects our hybrid workforce while delivering a better user experience and simplified IT management.”

Cisco and LTIMindtree have also extended their partnership to deliver integrated Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions based on Cisco technology to LTIMindtree’s global client base. LTIMindtree’s expertise in tailoring solutions to the specific vertical requirements is the perfect complement to Cisco’s technology, including Cisco Secure Access and SD-WAN, delivering seamless and secure connected experiences for both remote and in-office workers.

“Great workplaces require great security. With AI-powered threats rising, we are combating sophisticated attackers across a more expansive landscape. Our customers need their security to operate in the background, at machine scale to make the experience seamless and secure for hybrid workers,” said Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Cisco. “LTIMindtree’s rapid deployment of Secure Access is a great testament to Cisco’s platform strategy and differentiation. Together with our partners, we are changing what user protection means for a modern workplace.”

With Cisco Secure Access, decisions about how users connect to applications are handled behind the scenes via a unified agent, so users get to what they want more quickly. With low-latency connections and transparent identity-based authentication, users are more secure with less hassle. For IT organizations, Cisco Secure Access provides an easy pathway to zero trust and zero trust network access (ZTNA), while also simplifying operations with a unified console and AI-guidance. Secure Access is part of the Cisco Security Cloud, its unified, AI-driven, cross-domain security platform.

To learn more, visit cisco.com/go/security.

Additional Resources:

Introducing Cisco Secure Access

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

About LTIMindtree
LTIMindtree is a global technology consulting and digital solutions company that enables enterprises across industries to reimagine business models, accelerate innovation, and maximize growth by harnessing digital technologies. As a digital transformation partner to more than 700 clients, LTIMindtree brings extensive domain and technology expertise to help drive superior competitive differentiation, customer experiences, and business outcomes in a converging world. Powered by 84,000+ talented and entrepreneurial professionals across more than 30 countries, LTIMindtree — a Larsen & Toubro Group company — solves the most complex business challenges and delivers transformation at scale. For more information, please visit https://www.ltimindtree.com/.

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SOURCE Cisco Systems, Inc.

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PixArt Imaging Unveils the “Magic Sensor”, PAC9001 Smart Pixel Optical Sensing Device: A Revolution in AI-Driven Sensor Technology

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HSINCHU, Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the demand for intelligent automation grows alongside AI and IoT, PixArt Imaging proudly introduces its latest innovation, the “magic sensor,” PAC9001 Smart Pixel Optical Sensing Device. Designed to revolutionize object presence detection across industries, the PAC9001 combines exceptional real-time performance and high efficiency in a compact, privacy-focused sensor.

The PAC9001 uses advanced AI-powered pixel processing to analyze visual information directly at the pixel level, a breakthrough that reduces data transmission needs and minimizes power consumption. This “smart” processing capability enables the PAC9001 to support rapid, high-accuracy applications in sectors such as retail, logistics, manufacturing, smart home, and PC peripherals. With its high sensitivity, the PAC9001 functions seamlessly even when concealed, providing essential insights without capturing identifiable images. This ensures enhanced privacy, making it ideal for settings like crowd control and security.

PixArt’s industry-leading expertise in imaging and sensor technology allows the PAC9001 to achieve low latency and energy efficiency while fitting effortlessly into devices, thanks to its compact module form of just W3.79 x L3.63 x H1.67 mm³. Its ability to detect and respond to object motion makes it invaluable in real-world applications, especially for edge devices requiring timely, precise sensing.

PixArt Imaging’s CEO, Sen Huang, commented, “Our vision is to enable smarter, more adaptive devices that transform the way we interact with technology. The PAC9001 represents our commitment to pioneering the next generation of sensor technology, combining the best of AI and pixel-level processing to deliver powerful, actionable insights. We’re thrilled to introduce this product to a world where privacy, efficiency, and real-time responsiveness have never been more important. Like a ‘magical’ presence working behind the scenes, the PAC9001 not only enables front-facing applications but also powers big data, enabling smart systems to collect valuable insights for user behavior predictions.

The PAC9001 also features PixArt’s proprietary Smart Motion Detection (SMD) and Pixel Difference Mode (PDM), enabling it to adapt to environmental changes and deliver high-precision data in varying lighting conditions, from bright daylight to darkness, at distances up to 5 meters. This advanced sensing capability ensures minimal false alarms compared to traditional PIR systems, making the PAC9001 a versatile and scalable solution for a wide range of industries and applications.

Combining advanced sensing, processing, and energy-saving technologies, the PAC9001 stands out as a game-changer for those seeking efficient, integrated solutions for next-generation smart devices.

For more information, visit PixArt Imaging

About PixArt Imaging Inc.

Founded in July 1998 and headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, operates offices in the USA, Denmark, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, and China, providing services in IC design, R&D, manufacturing and sales. Specializing in sensing and navigation IC design, we focus on CMOS imaging, capacitive touch, MEMS sensing technologies to put into ASIC for human-machine interfaces and machine vision. Leveraging on our expertise in sensing and system design technologies, PixArt is strategically broadening our product lineup across diverse application markets. Our focus is on delivering top-tier image quality, optimizing for ultra-low power usage, compact designs, and seamless system-on-a-chip (SoC) integration; allowing us to drive innovation and meet evolving market demands in a versatile, energy-efficient, and highly integrated structure, positioning us to make impactful strides across varied technology sectors.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pixart-imaging-unveils-the-magic-sensor-pac9001-smart-pixel-optical-sensing-device-a-revolution-in-ai-driven-sensor-technology-302301941.html

SOURCE PixArt Imaging Inc.

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