As the Vice President of ICT & Public Safety at NEC, Tamer Bdran brings decades of expertise to the table. In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review, he shared his insights on the challenges and opportunities that for a Smarter Future, as well as the ultimate edge that sets NEC apart in creating an ICT-enabled society.
What challenges and opportunities does NEC's limitless initiative present in delivering more efficient responses to safety, security, healthcare, environmental issues, and beyond?
Fortunately, the challenges we face are not primarily technological but rather revolve around total cost of ownership and finding the right business models to succeed. One major challenge lies in transforming mindsets and people to embrace new ways of working and commercial models, as well as exploring new methodologies and use cases. Regulatory policies and processes in certain countries or organizations can also present obstacles. However, since these challenges are not technology-related, we have the opportunity to tap into limitless possibilities.
To illustrate the potential opportunities, let me provide examples from different industries where NEC is involved, particularly in the realm of AI. In the context of safer and smarter cities, we play a significant role by utilizing our AI-based solutions. For instance, we employ biometric facial recognition, iris tracking, and fingerprint technology to ensure seamless travel experiences without compromising on security. Additionally, within the domain of AI, we are currently witnessing the COP28 environmental crisis. AI can play a crucial role in preventing such crises by saving lives and reducing recovery costs. Our CEO highlighted several examples during his keynote address, emphasizing how cost reduction can contribute to safeguarding both people and the economy of countries grappling with environmental challenges.
Furthermore, in the telecommunications sector, we harnessed the power of AI to personalize user journeys and enhance customer experiences. This capability is already being utilized by several key customers in our region. These examples demonstrate the immense potential of AI-driven solutions to revolutionize various industries and create new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Drawing upon decades of expertise, what do you believe constitutes NEC's ultimate advantage in shaping an ICT-enabled society?
As a technology company with a rich history spanning over 120 years, we have been fortunate to establish ourselves as leaders in information and network technology. This early adoption of ICT has positioned us at the forefront of innovation. In fact, many of our products have been AI-adapted for over two decades.
Building on this foundation, we are committed to continuing our evolution in the field of AI and Gen AI. Our goal is to ensure that our products are fully equipped to meet the demands of ICT applications, whether it be for smart cities, safer cities, or the ongoing transformation of the telecommunications industry (in which we actively participate on a global scale). By embracing this continuous evolution, we strive to deliver cutting-edge solutions that drive progress and empower our partners and customers worldwide.
