Mediaboss Marketing

Georges Aoude and Karl Jeanbart are co-founders of Derq, a software development company that provides cities and fleets with an AI-powered infrastructure platform for road safety and traffic management that supports the deployment of autonomous vehicles at scale.

While in-vehicle technology for autonomous vehicles gets substantial attention, service providers and municipalities are just starting to discuss the road infrastructure technology that supports AVs and provides other traffic management benefits.

With advancements in artificial intelligence and 5G network connectivity, smart-road infrastructure technologies offer the promise of improving real-time traffic analytics and tackling the most challenging road safety and traffic management problems when theyre added to roads, bridges and other transit systems across the U.S.

Two technologies at the center of this discussion are AI-enhanced cameras and lidar: light detection and ranging devices.

The U.S. has hundreds of thousands of traffic cameras millions when you also count closed-circuit TV cameras used mainly for road monitoring and basic traffic management applications, such as loop emulation. Bringing the latest AI advancements to both cameras and data management systems, these assets can immediately improve basic application performance and unlock more advanced software applications and use cases.

AI and machine learning deliver superior sensing performance over legacy cameras computer vision techniques. By using algorithms that can automatically adapt to various lighting and weather conditions, they enable more robust, flexible and accurate detection, tracking and classification of all road users distinguishing between a driver, pedestrian, and cyclist on or surrounding the road. In addition, their predictive capabilities can better model road-user movements and behaviors and improve road safety. Transportation agencies can immediately benefit from AI-enhanced cameras with applications such as road conflict detection and analysis, pedestrian crossing prediction and infrastructure sensing for AV deployments.

Lidar can provide complementary and sometimes overlapping value with cameras, but in several safety-critical edge cases, such as in heavy rain and snow or when providing more granular classification, our experience has been that cameras still provide superior results. Lidar works better in challenging light conditions and for providing localization data, but todays lidar technology remains expensive to deploy at scale due to its high unit price and limited field of view. For example, it would take multiple lidar sensors deployed in a single intersection, at a hefty investment, to provide the equivalent information of just one 360-degree AI-enhanced camera, which is a more cost-effective solution.

For many budget-focused communities, AI-enhanced cameras remain the technology of choice. Over time, as the cost of lidar technology moderates, communities should consider whether to augment their infrastructure with lidar sensors.

As the cost of lidar technology comes down, it will become a strong and viable addition to todays AI-enhanced cameras. Ultimately, the go-to approach for smart infrastructure solutions will be sensor fusion the ability to combine data from both cameras and lidar in one data management system, as is happening now in autonomous vehicles to maximize the benefits of both to improve overall traffic flow and eliminate road crashes and fatalities.

SOURCE: Derq*Assumes presence of IR or good low-light sensor**Expected to improve with time

Contributed pieces do not reflect an editorial position by Smart Cities Dive.

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AI-enabled cameras and lidar can improve traffic today and support the AVs of tomorrow - Smart Cities Dive

The newMeta Immersive Learning Academy (MILA) will enable beginner and professional AR and VR creators to build their skills and capabilities. Singapore will be the first country to launch MILA in the region.

Meta has introduced two new programmes and two curriculum updates under the 2022 edition of its Upskill initiative, the company'slargest training initiative in Singapore.

Announced at a launch event attended byHuman Resources Onlineon Tuesday (14 June 2022), the programmes are namely:

Upskill is an initiative targeted at students, job seekers, working professionals, academics, and businesses, run by Meta and supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Enterprise Singapore (ESG), and Digital Industry Singapore (DISG). As part of this, the four above-mentioned programmes will run in phases from June 2022.

Commenting on the initiative, Damian Kim, Singapore Managing Director, Meta, said on Tuesday: "We are extremely encouraged by the reception we've seen for Upskill since its 2021 launch, and in just over a year, our initiatives have benefited more than 3,600 individuals and 300 SMEs.

"This is why we are proud to announce the four new upskilling initiatives today, as we continue to play an active role in supporting Singapores talent. To unlock the potential for our communities to use emerging technology to live, work and play, we need to invest in skills development and training. These new initiatives will further provide the Singapore community and local businesses not only with invaluable skills, but also enable them to find and create jobs and industries of the future."

"With the metaverse expected to add S$1tn to the APAC economy by 2031 and the need to increase Singapores digital workers to 1.2mn up 55% from current levels by 2025, Metas investment in these new initiatives is the companys contribution to ensure Singapores workforce has the necessary skills to participate in the next evolution of the internet," it was noted in a press release.

"Singapores burgeoning creators ecosystem will also receive a boost from MILA, which will help spearhead the next generation of creators to earn the necessary certifications to build a career in AR and VR."

In the same vein, Minister of Communications and Information Josephine Teo, who was present at the event, affirmed: "A future-ready workforce helps a nation seize growth opportunities, benefitting individuals and society. One area of growth is digital. In Southeast Asia, the digital economy is expected to more than double in size between end-2021 and 2025, according to a report by Google, Bain, and Temasek.

"Without the right skill sets, some workers will lose their relevance and find themselves in a very difficult position. With the right skill sets, those very same workers could thrive and bring a whole new lease of life to their careers, and invigorate their family circumstances and uplift the community that they are a part of."

Meta Immersive Learning Academy

Meta Career Programs: Software Engineering Professional Certificates

Meta Career Programs Job Board

Meta Boost

About the programme

The Meta Immersive learning Academy (MILA) offers a complete journey for anyone keen to explore the rapidly growing field of extended reality (XR) technologies. It is designed to deploy educational programmes such as the Spark AR Curriculum, which teaches creators how to build AR experiences using Spark AR.

Today, this ranges from AR effects that are applied to people and objects, and are increasingly applied to places and spaces in the world around us. The ILA also features a creators ecosystem that allows the next generation of creators to earn the necessary certifications to build a career in augmented reality, have a chance to be mentored by industry experts, participate in real life briefs, and monetise and market their Spark AR creations.

Meta provides 200 scholarships for Singaporean learners targeting entry-level software engineering learners regardless of education, background no degree or experience necessary. Our current career credentialing programmes are for anyone who wants to launch their career as a front-end developer, back-end developer, ios developer, android developer, and database engineer.

In these learning programmes, learners will be guided through each step to ensure they master the core skills at their own pace. They will also build on-the-job experience through hands-on projects that will help them land their next job.

The Meta Career Programs Job Board is an exclusive job search platform that connects Meta certified professionals with 200+ top employers who have committed to sourcing talent through Meta Career Programs.

Meta Career Programs offers free online courses where learners can gain in-demand digital skills in high-growth fields and earn an industry-recognized credential. 87% of certified learners experienced improved knowledge.

By sourcing talent through this Job Board, employers can also tap into a pool of highly-qualified candidates from diverse and inclusive backgrounds. 79% of employers say certified employees produce higher quality work.

The Meta Boost programme aims to provide free educational workshops and is designed to empower local businesses and communities with digital skills that can help them engage successfully.

The programme includes a range of digital formats that can be used to help deliver education and diverse perspectives from partners and businesses.

This years programme includes a range of webinars and a mentoring programme for local SMEs. The mentorship will cover social and digital marketing capabilities as well as crucial growth areas such as product development, HR, and finance.

Students and entry-level working professionals and career-switchers seeking to develop software engineering skills Scholarship eligibility requirements:

An initial 200 slots will be open.

Meta certified professionals who are looking to launch their career in the tech industry in Singapore.

Companies looking to hire Meta-certified tech talent in Singapore.

ALSO READ:Facebook's Singapore MD emphasises on work ethic and drive every single day of the week

Lead image / Journalist's own, taken at the Upskill 2022 launch event on 14 June 2022

[Pictured fromL-R Clara Koh, Head of Public Policy, Singapore and ASEAN, Meta; Damian Kim, Singapore Managing Director, Meta; Josephine Teo,Minister of Communications and Information; Aisyah Aman Aljunied, Upskill 2021 Graduate, and Rajeshpal Singh, Director of Government Affairs& Strategic Partnerships, SGTECH.

Human Resources Online is on Telegram! Follow us@humanresourcesonlineorclick herefor all the latest weekly HR and manpower news from around the region.

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An immersive learning academy, new certification programme for software engineers, and more: Meta's Upskill 2022 initiative - Human Resources Online

[co-author: Wolfram Ott]*

On May 12, 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued guidance addressing the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to employers utilizing software, algorithms, and artificial intelligence in hiring and employment decisions. Produced in connection with the EEOCs launch of its Initiative on Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness in October 2021, the EEOCs latest guidance reflects its goal of ensuring that employers utilizing technology in hiring and employment decisions are complying with federal civil rights laws. Notably, the guidance was issued a few days after the EEOC filed a complaint against a software company alleging age discrimination, potentially signaling similar actions related to the use of artificial intelligence in the employment context. Below are some key takeaways on the new guidance.

Scope and Definitions

The guidance implicates a broad range of technologies commonly utilized by employers including software, algorithms, and artificial intelligence:

Employers may use tools that include a combination of these terms. For example, an employer may utilize resume screening software that incorporates an algorithm created by human design or an algorithm that is supplemented by AI analysis of data.

Ways in Which Algorithmic Decision-Making Tools may Violate the ADA

The guidance discusses the three most common ways that an employers use of algorithmic decision-making tools could violate the ADA. This includes the following:

Employer Responsibility for Vendor Technology

Importantly, the EEOC guidance states that employers are generally responsible for the discriminatory effects of software utilized in the hiring process even when the software is utilized by third-party on behalf of the employer.

Best Practices for Employers

The EEOC offered so-called Promising Practices for employers seeking to ensure compliance with the ADA. These recommendations provide helpful suggestions about ways in which employers may protect themselves against claims of disability discrimination. Those recommendations include to:

Key Takeaways

May marked the first new developments out of the EEOC relating to AI since the launch of the Initiative on Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness. This new guidance provides much needed insight on how the EEOC will enforce the ADA with respect to AI going forward. Employers should utilize the provided Promising Practices to ensure compliance, and avoid possible liability.

Because this issue is still developing, we will continue monitoring developments in this area and provide updates as new information becomes available.

*Wolfram Ott is a summer associate in the Labor and Employment group and assisted with the drafting of this article.

Continued here:
EEOC Issues Guidance Regarding How Employer Software and Artificial Intelligence May Discriminate Against Individuals With Disabilities - JD Supra

Japan has updated its penal code to make insulting people online a crime punishable by a year of incarceration.

An amendment [PDF] that passed the House of Councillors (Japan's upper legislative chamber) on Monday spells out that insults designed to hurt the reader can now attract increased punishments.

Supporters of the amended law cite the death of 22-year-old wrestler and reality TV personality Hana Kimura as a reason it was needed. On the day she passed away, Kimura shared images of self-harm and hateful comments she'd received on social media. Her death was later ruled a suicide.

Three men were investigated for their role in Kimura's death. One was fined a small sum, and another paid around $12,000 of damages after a civil suit brought by Kimura's family.

Before the amendment, Japanese law allowed for 30 days inside for insults, or fines up to 10,000 ($75). The law now permits up to a year inside and imposes a ceiling of 300,000 ($2,200) on fines.

The law has been given a three-year sunset clause a reflection of debate about its possible chilling effect on free speech.

After the amendment was passed, Japan's Justice Ministry was asked if the change was appropriate given international efforts to exclude defamation from criminal law and ensure it cannot result in incarceration, and if Japan's efforts to protect online rights might therefore harm its reputation for human rights. A Ministry spokesperson rejected the possibility of that outcome.

Other nations have taken a different approach to curbing insulting online speech, with measures that compel platforms to take down posts that draw complaints, or that require the unmasking of anonymous trolls.

Australia recently floated a bill that would allow those defamed online to compel material to be taken down an extension of a court ruling that found the comments section on articles could make publishers liable for commenters' remarks. That bill was not passed before an election at which Australia's government changed, leaving its future in doubt.

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Japan makes online insults a crime that can earn a year in jail - The Register

As Chinas elderly population is steadily increasing alongside the public demand for high quality health services, internet healthcare may provide solutions in the near term, raising opportunities for foreign investments.

Chinas health industry has marched into the digital era, facilitating changes for many hospitals and private entities in the sector. Internet healthcare, featuring online medical consultation, is becoming a new reality for more and more Chinese citizens. The sectors development has been greatly boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic, receiving close attention from both government authorities and technology firms to expand market access.

Internet healthcare is a subcategory of the broader digital healthcare sector, which involves artificial intelligence and machine learning for diagnostics and treatment. Different from traditional settings, where patients and providers interact in clinics or hospitals, internet healthcare takes place through virtual platforms that are accessible via mobile devices and computers. These platforms enable a wide range of health services and products, including medical consultations, scheduling of hospital appointments, drug prescription, health information management, health insurance, and telemedicine.

Lifting the burden of visiting overcrowded hospitals, internet healthcare services bring more convenience to consumers who are seeking medical treatment. With more instant feedback, consumers who are worried about their symptoms can obtain reliable information for self-check and self-medication, reducing the need to meet a doctor in person. Such a service is also transforming the healthcare industry from its traditional focus on treatment to prevention.

Prices of internet healthcare vary by the service type. The most common channel is through text and image consultations, which gives patients access to certain interactions with their doctors over a specific period of time. Other services are voice and video consultations.

According to research data, the average price for a 48-hour text/image service package isRMB 65 (US$9.64), while RMB 8.32 (US$1.23) per minute for voice consultation, and RMB 17.56 (US$2.6) per minute for video consultation. Prices also vary considerably across platforms, reflecting differences in provider quality, marketing power, and consumers willingness to pay.

A key innovation in internet healthcare markets is the development of a reputation system to systematically collect and publish user feedback, assisting consumers to assess the quality of providers in a more transparent manner. Internet healthcare may also provide a solution to alleviate geographical disparities in access to high-quality medical services, lessening the systems pressure due to regional disparities in the state of healthcare infrastructure.

Internet healthcare is an integral component of the countrys Healthy China 2030blueprint to fulfill the countrys long-term economic and social development goals. Since its introduction in 2016, the Chinese government has stepped up efforts to back the health tech industrys development through a series of policies and regulations.

In April 2018, the General Office of the State Council released a document titled Internet Plus Medicine and Health, detailing an overarching framework to integrate internet and information technologies into healthcare. The regulations brought forward the supply-side structural reform to alleviate the unbalanced and inadequate development in the sector. Chinas health-tech boom came following the implementation of the comprehensive framework.

In August 2019, the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) launchedthe electronic medical insurance system regulating prices and insurance policies to allow internet-based medical services to be covered by the countrys medical insurance system. Patients can access hospital services via WeChat and Alipay platforms. This incorporation has been further strengthened with NHSAs guidance in October 2020 to actively promote the Internet+ medical service medical insurance payment and management.

In May 2020, the National Health Commission (NHC) issued a statement to encourage provincial governments to establish their own regulatory statutes to manage online medical providers and to accelerate the market access of internet-based hospitals. Later in September that year, the State Council noted again theneed to expand internet-based health clinics. Since then, many provincial governments have promulgated regulations to improve conditions for the online healthcare market.

Internet health is also a critical focus of the 14th Five-Year-Plan (FYP), which urges more connectivity among regions, balanced development between cities and countries, and utilization of big data. The governments next goal is to accelerate the incubation of the internet healthcare market and promote the industrialization and large-scale application of big data in precision medicine, health management, drug research and development, and medical insurance.

Internet healthcare has witnessed explosive growth during the COVID-19 outbreak, with drastically increasing number of users. As access to hospitals became restricted with lockdowns, many turned to online sources for medical services. Alibaba Health indicatesthat it has more than 15,000 contracted medical institutions, including nearly 400 Class III hospitals in 17 provinces, that are connected to medical insurance payment services. The company reported in the 2020 Q1 that the net total of frequent active users of Alipays health-care channel exceeded 390 million.

Many tech giants, sensing the opportunity, are rushing into this emerging industry. Currently, there are 1,748 internet healthcare startups in China. Among all those sharing the cake, Ping An Good Doctor, a Hong Kong-listed subsidiary of the insurance giant Ping An, reported 26.7 percent year-on-year growth in average daily online consultations to 831,000 in the first half of 2020, with revenue from online medical services doubling to RMB 694.9 million (US$101.56 million).

Lessons learned from managing the pandemic can profoundly shape the direction of Chinas healthcare market, which is expected to almost triple from RMB 6.5 trillion (US$960 billion) in 2019 to RMB 17.6 trillion (US$2.61 trillion) by 2030. Despite this growth, the market currently remains relatively undeveloped, with Chinas health expenditure including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, distribution, hospital, pharmacies, and insurance accounting for only 7.12% of the total GDP in 2021, while the US reached 18%in the same year. The gap leaves enough growth potential for healthcare companies.

The internet healthcare industry is still in its initial stage of development. Repeated construction with similar functions on various platforms may trap consumers and investors. More efforts are needed to clarify the value of each platform and to establish different operation strategies and service models according to distinct characteristics. With the governments conducive policies, more stable and sustainable planning will be crucial to promote and strengthen the industrys capabilities.

Nevertheless, the market still represents promising prospect. Chinas healthcare industry has demonstrated inviting performance with a cumulative return of 160% over the past ten years. The success of the digital health companies relies on the vast amounts of medical data from Chinese patients. Chinas demographics are a critical factor contributing to the boom, with the elderly population (65 years or above) projected to double from 10 percent of the population in 2017 to 20 percent by 2037.

Internet healthcare in China is expected to receive more prioritized attention from the government. Foreign investors engaging in providing healthcare services are well suggested to pay attention to this rapidly developing sector.

Additionally, the pace of urbanization and growing middle-class population are also underpinning the growth in domestic demand for higher quality healthcare products and services. Facing a rapidly aging population and citizens demanding higher quality services, Chinas healthcare sector is already positioned to become an area of priority government attention in the coming decade. As a major branch in the industry, internet healthcare, with its handy access to the public, sees great growth potential.

Healthcare remains a positive area for foreign investment. In the most recent Catalogue of Industries for Encouraging Foreign Investment (2020 Version), China encourages foreign investment in multiple sectors related to internet healthcare, including:

In all, internet healthcare, having experienced significant growth during the pandemic, presents bright opportunities for investors.

About Us China Briefing is written and produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Please contact the firm for assistance in China at china@dezshira.com. Dezan Shira & Associates has offices in Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, United States, Germany, Italy, India, and Russia, in addition to our trade research facilities along the Belt & Road Initiative. We also have partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh.

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China's Internet Healthcare Sector and Foreign Investment Opportunities - China Briefing