Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

China’s First AI Standardization Research Institute Established in Beijing E-Town

Published

on

Artificial Intelligence

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 August 2024 – On August 25th, at the Artificial Intelligence Empowering Future Industries and Organizational Development Forum during the World Robot Conference 2024 (WRC 2024), China’s first artificial intelligence standardization research institute—Beijing Artificial Intelligence Standardization Research Institute—was officially inaugurated in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (also known as Beijing E-Town). The unveiling ceremony was attended by Gao Niandong, Deputy Director of the Beijing Standardization Committee and Secretary of the Party Leadership Group as well as Director of the Beijing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation; Yang Jianjun, Party Secretary and Deputy Director of the China Electronics Standardization Institute; Su Jun, Director of the Tsinghua University Think Tank Center, Director of the Institute of Intelligent Society Governance, and Director of the Tsinghua University Science and Education Policy Research Center; and Zhang Qiang, Party Working Committee Secretary of Beijing E-Town.

Artificial intelligence, as a foundational and strategic technology leading the new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, is a crucial engine for developing new quality productive forces. Promoting the standardization of the AI industry is of great significance in advancing technological progress, empowering enterprise development, leading industrial upgrades, and enhancing global competitiveness. With a forward-looking approach, Beijing E-Town has taken the lead in actively promoting the establishment of the Beijing Artificial Intelligence Standardization Research Institute. This institute aims to leverage the city-level engineering experimental platform for AI, supporting enterprises in their intelligent transformation, creating a standardized industry ecosystem, empowering global industry leadership, and contributing “Beijing Power” and “China Solutions” to the world AI industry.

The Beijing Artificial Intelligence Standardization Research Institute will focus on conducting full-chain standardization research in key areas such as cutting-edge AI technologies, industry application scenarios, and risk prevention and governance. The institute will concentrate on foundational support and key technologies, conducting standard research in areas such as computing power, algorithms, and data. It will also address potential risks to social governance brought about by AI development, including ethics and access issues, ensuring AI is safe, reliable, and controllable. Additionally, the institute will focus on building benchmark application scenarios, continuously advancing the standardization of AI products and industry applications, particularly in the robotics sector. Leveraging the Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robot Innovation Center, it will establish an open, collaborative, and innovative technology system, iteratively launch iconic innovative products, strengthen top-level design, address common issues among innovation entities, and drive the standardization of the embodied intelligence industry. The institute will further expand its standard output in vertical industries such as robotics and autonomous driving by using these key scenarios as samples.

In terms of serving industrial development and supporting enterprise growth, the Beijing Artificial Intelligence Standardization Research Institute actively promotes the mutual promotion of standardization levels and industrial innovation, providing multiple services to empower enterprise development. For instance, the institute offers an AI interoperability standard and evaluation platform that provides one-stop services such as data resources, algorithm models, testing, key standards, and industry solutions for industry chain enterprises. It also guides enterprises in participating in AI standard development at international, national, industry, and group levels, assisting in the application for national and municipal AI benchmark projects. The institute is developing a set of rules for selecting benchmark demonstration projects, guiding enterprises in exploring and practicing AI. “This will help enterprises better understand the market, more efficiently aggregate research and production elements, strengthen enterprise technological innovation, and synchronize the development of standards, technology research, and products, bringing new vitality and a new engine to enterprise development,” said Gao Feng, Chairman of Beijing Shenzhou Guangda Technology Co., Ltd., an AI enterprise in Beijing E-Town.

Currently, Beijing E-Town is striving to build a citywide AI hub, creating an innovation system that integrates algorithm breakthroughs, model development, scenario creation, and industrial transformation, deeply integrating AI technology with the construction of E-Town and industrial upgrading. Focusing on “large models + big data + high-performance computing power,” Beijing E-Town has established a high-performance computing cluster, building Beijing’s largest and the nation’s leading AI public computing platform with 5000P high-performance intelligent computing power already in use, and a planned computing power scale exceeding 10,000P. The area is also constructing Beijing AI Data Training Base, leveraging the Beijing Data Infrastructure Pioneer Zone to establish data aggregation platforms in areas such as healthcare, smart transportation, finance, and government services, creating a trusted data space with over 50 enterprises already settled in the training base. The region adheres to scenario applications driving AI technological innovation, releasing a quarterly AI application scenario list, encouraging joint technological breakthroughs and large model applications across various fields through a “list-based leadership” mechanism, and vigorously promoting “AI+” initiatives. This effort includes building benchmark demonstration application scenarios in ten key areas such as smart governance, autonomous driving, embodied intelligence, pharmaceutical health, and industrial manufacturing, with a total investment exceeding RMB 10 billion. Furthermore, focusing on the AI industry development ecosystem, the region is establishing the Beijing AI Application Scenario Research Institute, an open-source platform, and a full-chain investment platform while releasing supportive policies for the AI primary industry.

“Going forward, Beijing E-Town will seize the opportunities presented by the national AI innovation application pilot zone and the Beijing Data Infrastructure Pioneer Zone to support the Beijing Artificial Intelligence Standardization Research Institute in carrying out standard-setting, service, and event organization work, leading the development of the AI industry towards chain-based, cluster-based, and high-end development with high-quality standards,” said a relevant official from Beijing E-Town.

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

Published

on

Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

Published

on

Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Energy

Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

Published

on

African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Continue Reading

Trending