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Ivanka Trump at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017, Day 2
Published
7 years agoon
Ivanka Trump started the second day of the summit with a plenary session on the issue ‘Innovations in Workforce Development and Skills Training.’ The daughter of US President Donald Trump and his chief advisor Ms. Trump, was one of the panelists along with the MD and CEO of ICICI Bank Chanda Kochhar and British barrister and lecturer Cherie Blair. The panel was moderated by Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of Dell Karen Quintos.
Hyderabad’s Hon. IT Minister Mr. K.T. Rama Rao introduced the panelists for the plenary session which was aimed at boosting female participation in innovation and improving their access to skills, training, education and career counseling. Speaking about the need for women in entrepreneurship roles, Ms. Trump said, “Women make up half of the world’s population. We need to think of these issues not as women’s issues but as human issues. Having equal gender representation is a financial positive to businesses today besides being a social responsibility.”
According to Chanda Kochhar, there is no other country in the world other than India where 40% of the banking sector is headed by women, however, not even 25% of graduate women participate in the workforce. The panel discussion was centered around creating awareness and encouraging women to take up the tremendous opportunities that technology offers entrepreneurs. “It’s the desire, support and ecosystem of the organization where women work that will help them break the glass ceiling. Recognition of work keeps us going,” Ms. Kochchar added.
Stressing on the need for men to be a part of the discussion, Dell’s CCO Karen Quintos said, “The biases that exist in society have to be addressed and men need to be a part of that conversation. Business outcomes are great when you have diverse thinking.”
Founder of the Cherie Blaire Foundation, Cherie Blaire, speaking about working women said, “We have to find solutions so women can do better at what they do without giving up on their enterprises. Capacity, confidence, capital – the three things women entrepreneurs need to flourish.”
Along with the captivating panel discussion regarding gender gap in entrepreneurship, GES 2017 also hosted a panel discussion on the value of mentors, sponsors and networks in maximizing entrepreneurs’ potential and driving entrepreneurship in sports. Harsha Bhogle moderated the panel discussion regarding entrepreneurship in sports with Sania Mirza, Pullela Gopichand, Mithali Raj and Chatri Sityodtong as the panelist.
The recently crowned Ms. World Manushi Chhillar also attended the summit and spoke about the importance of women entrepreneurs and the need for both men and women to be treated equally.
Miss World @ManushiChhillar at #GES2017 to #womentrepreneurs: You don’t need to be Miss World to make a difference. @RonnieScrewvala pic.twitter.com/TLmhkGZv0Q
— GES2017 (@GES2017) November 29, 2017
Miss World @ManushiChhillar is about to share her views on #WomenAtWork at #GES2017. Watch her LIVE here: https://t.co/LL9QPn1Y55 @MissWorldLtd pic.twitter.com/jM2YH2hJLC
— GES2017 (@GES2017) November 29, 2017
Despite the focus on women entrepreneur and women empowerment, a 13 year old Australian entrepreneur stole the show at the summit with his five apps. This talented app developer Hamish Finlayson is an autistic child which is a serious development disorder impairing the ability to communicate or interact. Despite the disability, this class & student from Queensland has developed an app for helping people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and four more environmental apps. Hamish has strong values and hopes his apps can someday change the world for the better. But he strongly believes education comes first and saving the world later.
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‘Chai and Samosas’: US Hotels Cater to Indian Tourist Surge to Revive Revenue!
Published
8 hours agoon
December 22, 2024The US tourism industry is experiencing a welcome boost thanks to a surge in Indian visitors. This increase comes at a time when domestic leisure spending is dipping and travel demand from East Asia remains sluggish, highlighting the significance of Indian tourists in revitalizing the sector.
Numbers Speak for Themselves
Nearly 1.9 million Indian tourists visited the US in the first ten months of 2024, marking a nearly 48% increase compared to 2019. This upswing is fueled by a 50% jump in visas issued for business travel and a 43.5% rise for leisure trips, according to the US National Trade and Tourism Office (NTTO). Notably, India has emerged as the second-largest source of foreign visitors to the United States, surpassing Germany and trailing only behind the UK.
Factors Driving the Boom
Several factors are contributing to this surge in Indian travel:
- Growing Middle Class: India’s burgeoning middle class is increasingly able to afford international travel, leading to higher travel budgets.
- Increased Flight Options: The availability of more direct flights between India and the US has made travel more accessible.
- Changing Travel Preferences: While wealthy travelers from East Asian countries have opted for shorter trips within Asia, Indian tourists are exploring long-haul destinations like the US.
In stark contrast, visitor volumes from East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea have significantly decreased compared to pre-pandemic levels, with declines of 44.5%, 50.8%, and 23.9%, respectively.
Filling the Void
While European tourists are gradually returning to the US, overall visitor numbers from major European countries like the UK, Germany, and France have not yet reached 2019 levels. This has left a gap in the US tourism industry that Indian travelers are now helping to fill.
Laura Lee Blake, CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, stated, “Indian travelers are playing a crucial role in reviving the industry. Their interest in exploring beyond major cities is spreading economic benefits across more destinations.” Budget and mid-scale hotels are particularly popular with Indian tourists, with some properties offering amenities that cater specifically to their preferences—such as chai and samosas in the lobby and Indian TV channels in guest rooms.
A Trend on the Rise
Travel booking platform Tripadvisor’s Viator brand reports a surge in US bookings by Indian travelers, jumping over 50% in 2024 and tripling compared to pre-pandemic levels. Airbnb’s Chief Business Officer, Dave Stephenson, confirmed this trend: “We’ve seen nights booked by Indians traveling to the US increase by over 45% in the past three years.”
The scheduled flight capacity between India and the US has also risen significantly—up 42.3% in 2024 compared to 2019—further facilitating this growth.
Looking Ahead
The outlook for the US tourism industry appears promising as it adapts to changing global travel dynamics. Grzegorz Kowalski, CEO of hotel booking platform Tripoffice.com, anticipates “growth in occupancy rates and revenue driven by a younger, experience-driven audience from India” in 2025. As hotels and travel companies continue to cater to Indian preferences and expand their offerings, they are well-positioned to capitalize on this influx of visitors.
Conclusion
The surge of Indian tourists is not only filling gaps left by declining visitor numbers from other regions but also revitalizing the US tourism industry as a whole. With increased flight capacities and tailored experiences for Indian travelers, this trend is likely to continue shaping the landscape of international tourism in the United States for years to come. As both countries strengthen their ties through increased travel opportunities, Indian visitors will play an increasingly vital role in supporting economic growth across various sectors within the US.
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HCLTech Appoints Arjun A. Sethi as Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments!
Published
9 hours agoon
December 22, 2024HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has announced the appointment of Arjun A. Sethi as its Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments, with a specific focus on government and global private equity. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the company’s growth trajectory in these high-potential areas.
Background of Arjun A. Sethi
Sethi is a seasoned industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in consulting and digital transformation. Prior to joining HCLTech, he served as Senior Partner and Vice Chair of Digital Transformation at Kearney, where he played a pivotal role in shaping digital strategies for various sectors, including government, private equity, and financial services. His extensive international experience spans the Americas, Middle East, and APAC, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of diverse markets.
Sethi holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology in India and a post-graduate diploma in management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta. His academic background complements his professional expertise, positioning him well to lead HCLTech’s strategic initiatives.
Responsibilities and Goals
In his new role, Sethi will be responsible for driving growth and innovation within HCLTech’s strategic segments. He will report directly to C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director of HCLTech. Sethi’s key responsibilities will include:
- Expanding HCLTech’s Engineering-Led Technology Portfolio: Leveraging his expertise to enhance the company’s offerings in engineering-driven technology solutions.
- Enhancing Digital Services: Focusing on the development and delivery of advanced digital services tailored to meet the needs of government and private equity clients.
- Promoting Differentiated GenAI Solutions: Driving initiatives that incorporate generative AI technologies into HCLTech’s service offerings.
Strategic Importance
The appointment comes at a crucial time as HCLTech seeks to strengthen its presence in high-growth sectors. C Vijayakumar expressed enthusiasm about Sethi’s joining, stating, “We are excited to welcome Arjun to the HCLTech family. His deep industry knowledge and proven track record in digital transformation will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in these high-growth segments.”
Sethi’s experience in digital transformation is particularly relevant as organizations increasingly look to modernize their operations and adopt innovative technologies. His leadership is expected to unlock new opportunities for HCLTech, especially in navigating complex government contracts and engaging with private equity firms seeking technological advancements.
Conclusion
Arjun A. Sethi’s appointment as Chief Growth Officer for Strategic Segments at HCLTech marks a significant step forward for the company as it aims to capitalize on growth opportunities within government and private equity sectors. With his extensive background and strategic vision, Sethi is poised to play a crucial role in driving HCLTech’s initiatives forward, ensuring that the company remains competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
As HCLTech continues to expand its capabilities and services, Sethi’s leadership will be instrumental in fostering innovation and achieving sustainable growth in these vital areas.
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Inkers Technology Raises $3 Million to Revolutionize Construction with AI!
Published
2 days agoon
December 20, 2024Inkers Technology, a leading AI-powered construction technology startup, has successfully raised $3 million in a Series A funding round led by prominent investor Ashish Kacholia’s Lucky Investments. This funding will be instrumental in accelerating the company’s growth, expanding its team, and enhancing its innovative AI-powered platform, Observance.
How Observance Works
Observance is designed to transform the construction industry by automating complex data processing tasks and providing actionable insights. The platform leverages advanced AI algorithms to process vast amounts of construction data, including:
- Point Cloud Data: Captured from laser scans of construction sites.
- Images: Photographic evidence of site conditions.
- BIM Models: Building Information Modeling data that represents the physical and functional characteristics of facilities.
- Project Schedules: Timelines that outline project milestones and deadlines.
Key Features
With Observance, construction teams can:
- Identify Defects Early: The platform detects and prioritizes potential issues such as water seepage, concrete defects, and structural problems.
- Streamline Workflows: Automates routine tasks and optimizes resource allocation to enhance efficiency.
- Accelerate Project Delivery: Reduces project timelines and minimizes costly delays through improved planning and execution.
- Improve Decision-Making: Provides valuable insights that enable informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.
A Proven Track Record
Inkers Technology has already made significant strides in the industry, with its platform deployed across 150+ construction sites in major Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Observance has processed over 2 petabytes of data, identifying more than 40,000 defects, which has saved clients millions of dollars in potential rework costs.
The unique approach of Observance sets it apart from traditional methods. It can quickly scan large areas—up to 100,000 square feet per hour—and generate accurate as-built 3D models, thermal maps, and detailed reports within 24 to 48 hours. This efficiency drastically reduces the time required for project planning and execution compared to conventional practices.
Future Growth Plans
The newly acquired capital will be utilized to further enhance Observance’s capabilities and expand its reach within the construction industry. Inkers Technology aims to drive digital transformation by solving critical challenges faced by infrastructure projects across India and beyond. The company plans to enhance its product offerings by integrating more advanced features such as real-time analytics and automated reporting tools.
Founders’ Vision
Co-founded by Rohan Shravan, Manish Giri, and Srikanth Kannada, Inkers Technology is committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies like computer vision, deep learning, and hardware-level acceleration to optimize construction processes. Their vision is to create a more efficient and sustainable construction environment through innovative AI solutions.
Conclusion
With this fresh infusion of capital, Inkers Technology is well-positioned to revolutionize the construction industry and shape the future of building and infrastructure. By harnessing the power of AI through its Observance platform, the company not only enhances operational efficiencies but also contributes significantly to cost savings and improved project outcomes for its clients. As the construction sector increasingly embraces digital transformation, Inkers is poised to lead the charge with its innovative solutions.
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