Some of the world’s most technically advanced drones will be competing against each other in Drone Light Battle 2024: Ever Glamour Nha Trang in the Vietnamese coastal city of Nha Trang later this month.
Billed as the world’s first international drone competition, teams from China, South Korea, France, and the United Arab Emirates, all boasting cutting-edge drone technologies, will compete under two themes, Glamour Nha Trang and Night of the Wonders.
Each night will showcase two teams, with 20-minute performances featuring a display of at least 1,000 drones each, lightening up Nha Trang's sky.
The festival will push the boundaries of drone technology, showcasing innovations such as super-light drones, ultra-lightweight drones, and pyro-drones.
The festival is expected to be on par with the largest light festivals in the world, such as Vivid Sydney (Australia), Fête des Lumières (France), Diwali (India), and Bright Christmas Festival (Brazil).
Vice Chair of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee, Dinh Van Thieu said the event would move beyond traditional light festival to bring unprecedented experiences “a feast of technology, light, music, and cultural activities by the sea”.
“This is a chance for Khanh Hoa Province and Nha Trang City to elevate the potential of cultural and art festivals and turn the city into one of the next top-of-mind international event hotspots,” Mr Thieu said
“We hope Drone Light Battle 2024 will elevate Nha Trang to become a not-to-be-missed arena for world-class drone performances."
Drone Light Battle 2024: Ever Glamour Nha Trang will take place from July 13 to 20.
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Space data to promote a greener Earth
The South Australian State Government has announced a partnership with the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre aimed at using space data and artificial intelligence to enhance environmental monitoring on Earth.
The $500,000 funding will use data captured by South Australian-built satellite, Kanyini to investigate ways to support Government Agencies and research institutions in the areas of thermal sensing and biodiversity mapping.
With climate change leading to more and severe heatwaves, one of the projects will use Kanyini’s onboard thermal imagery and AI-based analytics capability to monitor a more current picture of surface temperatures across South Australia.
Working with the Department for Environment and Water, the project aims to update heat maps to enable better planning and responses to the impacts of heatwaves, aiding infrastructure planning, mitigation strategies and community resilience.
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Merger boost for AI in Australia
Australian cyber-security business, CSO Group has announced a merger with automation systems and artificial intelligence (AI) integrator, xAmplify.
The merger will create the largest Australian-owned and operated integrator of AI, cyber-security, technology and business automation services.
Chief Executive and founder of CSO Group, Michael Simkovic said the merged business would deliver some of the most innovative and digitally-advanced AI, automation and cyber solutions to more than 110 private and Government organisations across Australia.
“It will span industries such as defence, as well as Federal and State Governments, energy, financial services, health, logistics, retail, construction and mining sectors,” Mr Simkovic said.
Chief Executive and co-founder of xAmplify, Wayne Gowland said the merger would create a fully-integrated national business that would work across every State and Territory, enabling clients to leverage AI, automation and cyber-security to deliver greater innovation, efficiency, assurance, and business value.
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WSN emphasises Asia-Pacific growth
WSN Consulting has established a presence in Australia in an attempt to build its growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
Paul Sakr, who will head the office in Sydney, returns to Australia following a seven-year stint at WSN’s New York headquarters.
Chief Executive of WSN, Alex Ciccotelli said the appointment was a natural evolution for Mr Sakr within WSN given his experience and familiarity within the region, combined with his knowledge of the company’s operations globally.
Mr Sakr said Australia had seen a steady increase in major institutions looking to build their presence in the Asia-Pacific, and WSN was hoping this was something it could capitalise on.
“I think Australia’s stability in the region, along with having a highly-skilled and educated workforce, makes WSN Consulting an attractive option for organisations,” Mr Sakr said.
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Report reveals AI boost for productivity
Freshworks Inc. has released its new Global AI Workplace Report, revealing how various workplaces are interacting with artificial intelligence since generative AI exploded onto the market 18 months ago.
The global survey of more than 7,000 full-time employees finds that AI has become a tool commonly used among knowledge workers. More than half (55 per cent) said they were currently using software applications enhanced with AI.
Moreover, nearly three in four of all workers surveyed (72 per cent) trusted AI to bring value to their work processes — and 81 per cent of employees trusted AI because they believed its quality of work was good, or it made their team more productive.
Chief Product Officer at Freshworks, Prakash Ramamurthy said the report showed that AI was delivering productivity gains.
“Knowledge workers are seeing strong productivity gains at work, which in turn is sparking strong employee interest in mastering AI skills,” Mr Ramamurthy said.
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SEE3D produces new, tougher alloy
Additive manufacturing company, SPEE3D has released a new material for its patented Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing technology.
The company has developed a commercially available nickel aluminium bronze expeditionary material, designed to be field-deployed and enabling production of parts in hours, rather than days.
The material is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy primarily known for its lubricity, resistance to cavitation damage, and stress corrosion cracking.
It is predominantly composed of copper, but with significant amounts of aluminium, nickel, and iron. Its strength and impressive corrosion resistance in seawater and similar aggressive environments make it an ideal choice for maritime applications.
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Accountants offered cloud-based cyber-security
United States cloud service provider, Rightworks has acquired Australian company, Practice Protect, which specialises in providing cyber-security solutions to the accounting profession.
The acquisition will enable firms to manage risk, secure client data, and achieve regulatory compliance while using cloud and desktop applications in Rightworks’ OneSpace.
Chief Executive of Rightworks, Joel Hughes said his company would integrate Practice Protect into its OneSpace intelligent cloud, strengthening the security, efficiency and seamless access accounting professionals needed to build thriving firms.
“As the accounting profession continues to evolve, firms are increasingly adopting cloud software to efficiently collaborate with clients and run their businesses. However, ever-present cyber-attacks are a lingering pain-point which we hope to address through this acquisition,” Mr Hughes said.
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Valeura puts hold on Wassana production
Valeura Energy Inc. says it has suspended production at its Wassana field, offshore in the Gulf of Thailand, after a crack was discovered in one of the rig’s jack-up legs.
The company believes the problem may potentially pose a risk to the structural integrity of the rig.
In a statement, Valeura said that “out of an abundance of caution, and in keeping with our strict standards for safety”, it had suspended production operations at the Wassana field while further inspection and analysis was conducted.
“Valeura stresses that there has been no incident in relation to this development, and hence no adverse impact to people or the environment,” the statement said.
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VCI buys into Asian big data company
VCI Global Limited will invest up to $US30 million ($A35.45 million) in TalkingData Group Holding Limited, one of Asia’s largest providers of big data analytics and AI-powered solutions.
The investment means VCI Global is a substantial shareholder in TalkingData with the exclusive rights for TalkingData’s data AI products and services in South-East Asia.
In return, TalkingData intends to leverage VCI Global’s expertise in both capital markets and technology to strengthen its presence and capabilities in South-East Asia.
Group Executive Chair and Chief Executive of VCI Global, Victor Hoo said the investment marked a significant milestone and catalyst for his company’s growth.
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Toyota comfortable with Pangea’s leather
Leather manufacturer, Pangea has received the Certificate of Achievement in Quality Performance for 2023 from the Toyota Motor Corporation.
The award recognises Pangea's outstanding quality performance in supplying leather for several Toyota and Lexus models produced in Japan, including the Lexus RX, Lexus ES, Ace, Camry, and Rav4.
Director, Global Customer Quality at Pangea, Ron Main said the award highlighted Pangea's significant upgrades in quality, displaying a remarkable 50 per cent improvement from 2022.
“This accomplishment underscores the company's unwavering commitment to excellence and its dedication to meeting the highest standards for its customers and organisations,” Mr Main said.
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