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CIO100 ASEAN Awards 2024: and the finalists are …

Set for Tuesday 19 November, the CIO100 ASEAN Awards event will bring together the top senior technology executives and teams in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong driving innovation and influencing rapid change. These awards are aligned with Foundry’s global awards programme and viewed as a mark of excellence within the enterprise. This collaborative environment is designed to offer CIOs the competitive advantage required to be successful, showcasing examples of best practices while laying the building blocks for future growth. In 2024, CIO100 ASEAN saw expansive entries from the entire region – with tech leaders and teams represented across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. source

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Unifying security and networking the AI-native way

In today’s enterprise environments, security and networking teams may be siloed for a variety of reasons. Perhaps legacy organizational structures divided their responsibilities and expertise, or different priorities resulted in a lack of interdepartmental collaboration. The root cause might be technological, with teams using tools and platforms specifically tailored for their separate domains. Yet there’s now widespread agreement that the drawbacks of siloed security and networking operations far outweigh any historical advantages.  Siloed teams find it difficult, if not impossible, to adequately address today’s increasing security threats and heavier demands on network performance. Poor communication prevents effective collaboration. Mismatched policies lead to compliance failures. Fragmented visibility delays responses to threats.  Enterprises with siloed operations are faced with degraded network performance, inefficiency, high operational costs, and inability to scale at a time when modernization and digital transformation are critical to meet their customers’ fundamental needs. Unifying security and networking teams is clearly the solution, but what’s the best way to get there? The AI-native approach Artificial intelligence (AI) offers promise to quickly unify security and networking silos without disrupting enterprise operations. Specifically, adopting solutions with AI at their core, rather than attempting to layer AI over existing dysfunctional systems, enables the seamless integration necessary to achieve more efficient and scalable operations.  The AI-native approach combines holistic security threat management with improved network performance. The immediate benefits are greater resiliency, heightened efficiency, and reduced costs. Plus, enhanced security outcomes lead to impressive reputational dividends.  By unifying visibility over users, applications, and devices, the AI-native approach allows network and security teams to share insights, breaking down silos. Better teamwork accelerates security decision-making, enabling faster, more effective responses to threats, which in turn supports optimal network performance.  AI-powered automation amps up operational agility. The collection and analysis of data across domains enables real-time threat detection and improved accuracy. A single policy engine reduces configuration errors and improves management of access and compliance with regulations.  Juniper’s secure AI-native edge solution  Juniper offers a Secure AI-Native Edge solution that goes beyond the basics. It is the only solution that integrates networking and security in a unified portal with AI for IT Operations (AIOps), offering unparalleled agility and proactive threat management. Integration with network access control (NAC) operations enhances visibility and policy enforcement. By providing consistent, zero-trust security from the edge to the data center, Juniper Secure AI-Native Edge enables real-time threat detection and behavior analysis that results in reduced time to resolution. What customers want   One of the main requirements for unifying enterprise security and networking operations is the ability to make a seamless transition from legacy systems with minimal disruption. Security and IT executives are seeking flexible, cost-effective solutions that protect their organization’s current investments. They want to ensure that security controls do not unnecessarily impact business performance or user experience.  Juniper Secure AI-Native Edge meets those needs by providing a secure infrastructure with exceptional visibility and operational agility. By reducing complexity, it lowers costs and improves efficiency overall. Organizations that embrace the AI-native approach to breaking down security and networking silos will enjoy improved agility, reduced risks, and substantial cost savings. AI-native unification is essential to ensure a future of secure, high-performance networking.  Juniper Secure AI-Native Edge source

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Companies to shift AI goals in 2025 — with setbacks inevitable, Forrester predicts

“As they look to operationalize lessons learned through experimentation, they will deliver short-term wins and successfully play the gen AI — and other emerging tech — long game,” Leaver said. “Strengthening foundations will serve companies well as they navigate looming unknowns, from the outcome of the US presidential election to early enforcement of the EU AI Act.” AI headed for reset On the AI front, Forrester predicted that AI technologies will continue to grow at an unprecedented pace, but businesses are evincing skepticism about the business value it delivers. Jayesh Chaurasia, analyst, and Sudha Maheshwari, VP and research director, wrote in a blog post that businesses were drawn to AI implementations via the allure of quick wins and immediate ROI, but that led many to overlook the need for a comprehensive, long-term business strategy and effective data management practices. In 2025, they said, AI leaders will have to face the reality that there are no shortcuts to AI success. Their top predictions include: source

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Layoffs, AI demand create mismatched talent market for IT skills

“When it comes to specific skillsets, our data indicates there aren’t enough candidates with the preferred skills for all open roles, which is fueling competition for top talent. In this case, employers are having to adjust their approach to hiring to attract the right talent, and that includes remaining competitive with salaries, flexibility, and other perks,” says Vick. The impact of AI adoption on hiring AI is a double-edged sword for IT careers — will it replace jobs or aid workers in being more productive and efficient? The jury is still out, but it does seem to be impacting entry-level workers, as generative AI tools increasingly take on organization’s entry-level responsibilities. Forrester’s Mark points to this trend in which entry-level and early-career roles are being reduced, leaving less-seasoned candidates struggling to find work and gain more experience. “AI is a top focus for organizations, and tech talent with AI skills are much more in demand than those without AI related skills. As we look to the future — skills that relate directly to AI, such as NLP [natural language processing], working and training LLMs [large language models], as well as skills related to AI such as cloud architecture and engineering, data science, and management skills — these are continuing to see demand, at the expense of other IT skills,” says Mark. source

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Securing the digital future: How Huawei is tackling cybersecurity in the GCC

As the GCC countries continue to evolve into global digital hubs, the adoption of technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT is accelerating rapidly. These advancements offer immense economic growth and innovation potential, but they also introduce new cybersecurity challenges. To explore how organizations in the Gulf region are addressing these challenges, CIO Middle East discussed with Sultan Mahmood Malik, Chief Security Officer at Huawei Gulf North, who shared insights into the latest cybersecurity trends and how Huawei is helping its clients secure these cutting-edge technologies while ensuring data privacy and regulatory compliance. The introduction of 5G has been a game-changer for the region. Malik noted that 5G has been in the GCC for more than five years, enabling both carriers and industry customers to explore the possibilities of a truly digital world. “New technologies like AI and IoT are coming into play,” he said, underscoring how these innovations are driving transformation across sectors. However, the increasing integration of AI and IoT into everyday operations also brings new risks, including the potential for cyberattacks on interconnected devices, data breaches, and vulnerabilities within complex networks. Securing these technologies is paramount in a region where digital infrastructure is critical to national development. source

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Google Cloud chief moves to ServiceNow as COO

In an earnings call with analysts on Wednesday afternoon, ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott championed Zavery’s hiring. “During his tenure, he helped build Google Cloud into the fourth-largest enterprise software company by increasing annualized revenue from $7 billion to over $41 billion. Before joining Google Cloud, Amit had a distinguished career at Oracle, where he presided over their growth and Platform as a Service and data analytics,” McDermott said. “With sterling educational and career credentials, Amit is a world-class engineer and engineering leader. From a commercialization perspective, he’s also an expert in packaging and pricing.” In his farewell LinkedIn post, Zavery said leaving Google was “the toughest goodbye,” but added, “I’m excited about the new adventures and opportunities ahead.” One of his first adventures at ServiceNow will be figuring out how best to package and price the company’s new tools for creating AI agents, introduced in September in the Xanadu release of the company’s Now Platform for managing workflows. source

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4-Step guide to avoid e-invoicing penalties around the globe

Governments all over the world are pushing forcefully for unified tax collection and paperless data exchange. One of the biggest shifts is related to the e-invoicing regulations, which are becoming obligatory in an increasing number of countries.  Why are so many countries going paperless? The main benefits of embracing e-invoicing include: Reduced tax fraud and increase revenue for governments Cost optimization, given e-invoicing can cut costs by as much as 60% to 80% compared to paper invoices Facilitate automation Minimize risk of human errors by eliminating manual tax reporting Environmental concerns However, the process of moving towards electronic invoices is quite complicated and lengthy, with different countries embracing different formats, mandates, integrations with governmental platforms, and – most of all – dates for when the new approach to data exchange will become mandatory.  Staying on top of these changes is crucial, as not abiding by the new rules may pose a serious problem – not only due to disrupted communication with your clients and partners but also because of the penalties that certain countries plan to impose on taxpayers who issue incorrect invoices. How to avoid e-invoicing penalties  Due to the number of different e-invoicing mandates, governmental guidelines, and potential fines, there’s unfortunately no “one size fits all” approach to avoiding e-invoicing penalties. But these tips can help your organization reduce the likelihood of e-invoicing non-compliance – and adopt some optimal solutions going forward. 1. Generate your e-invoices on time One of the more universal penalty instigators is late e-invoice generation. Understand the country or countries in which your invoicing mandates apply – and generate your e-invoices as soon as feasibly possible after producing a taxable supply. 2. Ensure e-invoicing accuracy Whether it’s from negligence or on purpose, governments will treat inaccuracies the same. While many countries may have a “slap on the wrist” policy for first-time offenses, these can still be costly errors. Thoroughly review e-invoices for accuracy, and make sure the format and information are in accordance with the governing body. 3. Stay ahead of potential changes E-invoicing mandates are on the rise, and governments around the globe are quickly adapting to digitalization and modernization to reduce their indirect tax (e.g. VAT) gaps. Be aware of upcoming changes and give your organization time to adapt and adjust your systems to remain compliant. 4. Utilize dependable e-invoicing partners As mandate adoption continues to spread, organizations (especially those with a global footprint) will find e-invoicing to be a massive headache. The growing complexities will only lead to increased penalties. Take a proactive approach to the global shift in e-invoicing requirements by choosing the right platform and getting ahead of upcoming regulations.  Interested in learning more about the global landscape of e-invoicing mandates? Download the new white paper, “Mandatory e-Invoicing Penalties Around the World (And How to Avoid Them),” available for free HERE. source

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Anthropic updates its risk governance framework

The launch this week by Anthropic of an update to its Responsible Scaling Policy (RSP), the risk governance framework it says it uses to “mitigate potential catastrophic risks from frontier AI systems,” is part of the company’s push to be perceived as an AI safety first provider compared to its competitors such as OpenAI, an industry analyst said Wednesday. Thomas Randall, director of AI market research at Info-Tech Research Group said that while there will not be immediate business benefits that come from the changes, the firm’s founding was “grounded in two OpenAI executives leaving that company due to concerns about OpenAI’s safety commitment.” In the executive summary of the updated RSP, Anthropic stated, “in September 2023, we released our Responsible Scaling Policy (RSP), a public commitment not to train or deploy models capable of causing catastrophic harm unless we have implemented safety and security measures that will keep risks below acceptable levels. We are now updating our RSP to account for the lessons we have learned over the last year. This updated policy reflects our view that risk governance in this rapidly evolving domain should be proportional, iterative, and exportable.” source

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IT pros: One-third of AI projects just for show

“This can lead to a dangerous cycle where decision-makers become skeptical of AI’s potential, reducing future investment,” Nagaswamy says. “The long-term impact is even more worrying — companies risk falling behind competitors who are implementing AI strategically. Their teams miss out on crucial learning experiences, leaving them ill-equipped to handle genuine AI deployments down the road.” Misunderstanding AI A huge part of the problem is a lack of understanding of AI’s capabilities, adds Matt Rosen, CEO of digital consulting firm Allata. In many cases, board members, investors, or executives push for projects that AI is ill-suited to address. “You don’t have business leaders, or even IT leaders taking some basic AI literacy classes,” he says. “There’s some fundamental misunderstanding about what problems AI solves, and there needs to be a continuous curiosity and learning, not only from the IT professionals, but from the IT leadership and then the business executives that are expecting technology solutions to be delivered.” source

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