South East Asia (SEA)

On November 26, 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. started on a crucial working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During his meeting with UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both leaders praised the strong bilateral ties that have grown over the years, encompassing new areas such as culture, energy transition, legal cooperation, artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and investment. They also explored prospects for partnership in security, research, technology, and environmental sustainability, with a particular emphasis on climate action and plastic waste management. A key highlight of the visit was the emphasis on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which both leaders believe will drive mutual prosperity and strengthen economic relations. President Marcos also took the opportunity to express his deep appreciation for the UAE’s humanita...

The coalition administration has completed its first-ever trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a noteworthy milestone in global commerce. A historic agreement between the two countries was reached this morning when Trade Minister Todd McClay and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoud effectively concluded negotiations. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is being lauded as the most "trade liberalizing" CEPA that the United Arab Emirates has ever signed. It promises to strengthen commercial relations between the two nations and provide new opportunities for exporters from New Zealand. With effect from now until three years from now, levies on 98.5% of New Zealand's exports to the UAE will be eliminated under the terms of the CEPA agreement. This audacious move is anticipated to open up new commercial prospects in the United Arab Emirates, a vital export hub in the Gulf. McClay underlined the agreem...

In the heart of Abu Dhabi, a team of visionary computer scientists has ignited a revolution in the world of artificial intelligence . Last year, under the auspices of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), a group of 25 experts embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor to develop an advanced deep learning algorithm. Despite the substantial investment by the Abu Dhabi government, led by ATRC director Faisal Al Bannai, the decision to release the finished model, named Falcon, to the public for free was a bold move. This gesture, driven by the belief that the model's prowess would speak for itself, proved to be a stroke of genius. Upon Falcon's release in September, it immediately captured the attention of the global AI community. Surpassing renowned offerings from tech giants like Meta and Google, Falcon emerged as one of the premier open-source large language models in existence. Its exceptional performance not only showcased the UAE's technological capabilities but al...

As the world grapples with the daunting challenges posed by climate change and a rapidly growing population, innovative solutions that offer a glimmer of hope for a sustainable future are worth celebrating. One such solution has emerged from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where an ambitious waste management company has devised a groundbreaking method to convert 100,000 tonnes of waste into clean energy, capable of powering 2,000 homes for an entire year. This remarkable feat represents a significant stride towards achieving a circular economy and combating climate change. The UAE has long been known for its ambitious and forward-thinking approach to sustainability, and this waste-to-energy breakthrough is another testament to the nation's commitment to environmental stewardship. The company at the forefront of this initiative is leading the charge in addressing two pressing issues: waste management and renewable energy generation. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the wast...