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Sonia Bashir, 2 other Bangladeshis among 100 Global Tech's Changemakers
Bangladeshi tech entrepreneurs Sonia Bashir Kabir, Afeef Zaman, and Morin Talukder have been named on the Rest of World (RoW)'s 100 Global Tech's Changemakers' list.
RoW had set out to find 100 of the most influential, innovative, and trailblazing personalities in fintech, e-commerce, policy, digital infrastructure, and a range of other sectors that intersect with and influence technology.
From tech leaders, innovators, and investors to activists, it identified those people outside Silicon Valley and the West, whose efforts directly impact countries where the majority of the world's population lives.
Also read: Sonia Bashir to serve UN Technology Bank for another term
Among the three Bangladeshis, Sonia Bashir Kabir is the founder and managing director of SBK Tech Ventures, a Bangladesh-focused venture capital fund, which invests in startups that support the digital development of rural areas.
SBK's portfolio includes Dmoney, Solshare, and Praava Health.
Previously, as the country manager of Microsoft Bangladesh, Sonia partnered with donor agencies, banks, telecommunications companies, and students, to mobilise and grow the company's initiatives.
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She also worked to provide microloans to women to start IT businesses.
Afeef Zaman is an expert in problem-solving in emerging markets, especially in Bangladesh.
He is the CEO of ShopUp, the country's largest full stack business-to-business commerce platform for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
Afeef bootstrapped Ice9 – a venture builder providing solutions for emerging economies – to success in his 20s. Following this, he decided to help the entrepreneurs who run the country's 4.5 million popular mom-and-pop stores but struggle to access its formal financial system due to a lack of digital presence.
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Thanks to ShopUp, they can now access digital credit, B2B sourcing, logistics, and business management solutions. After closing South Asia's largest funding round worth $75 million in 2021, the company has added to its funds with a $34 million series B extension round.
Morin Talukder is the co-founder and CEO of Pickaboo, a Bangladesh-based e-commerce platform.
Though still in his 20s, he is a seasoned expert in the booming e-commerce industry, having founded the online shopping platform ehatbazaar.com in 2015, which he sold a year later to focus on Pickaboo.
During its six years of operation and five funding rounds, it has gained the confidence of its customers.
Read 10 Greatest Female Entrepreneurs of the 21st Century
To stay competitive, Morin has prioritised offering a high-speed delivery service with turnarounds of as little as three hours and has turned Pickaboo into one of the first e-commerce retailers in Bangladesh to introduce monthly payment plans and customer membership plans.
"Together, the individuals featured on our Global Tech's Changemakers list influence how products are made and distributed, how entrepreneurs are funded, and how tech is regulated and its users protected far beyond their local markets," RoW said.
"As a result of the extraordinary headwinds they face, our editorial team believes these leaders are more innovative, more thoughtful, and better at sharing new ideas than most people in the Western world understand."
Read Top 10 Richest Women in the World in 2021
Huawei recognised 2022 Gartner Peer Insights Customers' Choice for 3rd straight year
Telecom giant Huawei was recently recognised as a 2022 Gartner Peer Insights Customers' Choice for WAN edge infrastructure for the third consecutive year.
Huawei SD-WAN was also named the "Customers' Choice" in three categories – midsize enterprise, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in the Voice of the Customer report.
As of December 31, 2021, customers across various industries, such as finance, manufacturing, and services, had comprehensively reviewed WAN edge infrastructure products and solutions from multiple vendors in terms of product functionality, deployment, operation and maintenance, and service support.
Read: Seeds for the Future winners visit Huawei Bangladesh headquarters
According to the Voice of the Customer report, Huawei SD-WAN received 102 reviews and an overall rating of 4.9/5 stars from customers across industries around the globe.
For the first time, Gartner, an information technology research and consultancy company, has categorised WAN edge infrastructure vendors into four quadrants based on user interest and adoption, and overall rating.
Huawei received a 100 percent score in willingness to recommend and scored the highest overall rating of 4.9/5 stars.
Read: Bangabandhu global cyber security awareness award to be introduced: Palak
"We're thrilled to see all enterprise customers' trust in our SD-WAN solution. This is a testament to Huawei's longstanding dedication and outstanding market performance in the SD-WAN field," said George Lin, president of the enterprise business group, Huawei Technologies Bangladesh.
Huawei is an established player in the SD-WAN market, having served thousands of customers around the world, including in Italy, Spain, Japan, Thailand, Mexico, and China.
Used Laptop, PC Buyer Guide: What to look for before buying
When you need a computer, you should always get a new laptop or Desktop PC. However, there may be occasions in which this is not possible, and you will have to settle with a previously owned item. Unfortunately, purchasing a used computer is never a simple process. Ultimately, you must ensure that you are not being defrauded by an unscrupulous merchant. There are a number of factors to consider before purchasing a used laptop or Desktop PC. Thus, you may confirm that you are receiving the device you paid for.
Risks in Buying a Secondhand Laptop
To play high-end games or do professional 3D drafting, a second hand PC may not be your best option. Graphics processors continue to advance more rapidly than other computer components, and the upcoming release of new game consoles in the autumn will result in greater system requirements for PC games. However, a second hand laptop may still be suitable for picture and video editing since these applications do not need as much graphics capability.
A secondhand laptop often does not include top-tier customer service or warranty coverage, such as that provided by an AppleCare Protection Plan or an extended manufacturer warranty. There are second hand PCs available with one or two years remaining on their original warranties, and these warranties often transfer to new owners without issue. However, it is more typical to discover 30- or 90-day limited warranties that protect you if the computer is defective upon delivery but not much more.
Read Best Laptops for Graphic Designers in Bangladesh in 2022
Things to Check while buying a used laptop or computer
Secure Yourself
Laptops vary widely in price, but it's safe to assume that they are not inexpensive pieces of technology. When making a purchase for a substantial amount of money, you want to know that you have some kind of protection.
In this regard, large sites like eBay and Amazon are often safe bets. The protection provisions of eBay tend to favour the buyer, so if the laptop is in worse condition than you anticipated (or does not function), the seller must accept a return at their cost.
When purchasing a laptop from a website like Craigslist or Gumtree, the easiest method to protect yourself is to organise a pick up and examine the laptop personally. If you are really unable to do so, you should attempt to pay using PayPal, which provides comparable buyer protections to eBay.
Read Business Laptop Buyer Guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh
Signs of Damage
When purchasing a vehicle or a computer, it is prudent to inspect both the inside and outside. The state of the computer is an indicator of whether or not it is a good purchase. PCs include fragile electrical components. You should not purchase an item that has been through difficult circumstances. You should be on the lookout for dents and deep scrapes as indicators of neglect.
Additionally, you should look out for water damage. A discoloured casing or rust indicates that it may have been soaked or dipped in liquid. Physical damage is not always a red sign, particularly if the equipment has been properly fixed, but it provides you negotiating room.
Check the Accessories
When purchasing a desktop computer, is a monitor included? Is the display still operating normally? Does it create the correct colour still? Be sure to inspect all of the peripherals that came with your purchase so that you do not have to deal with damaged components or pay additional money to repair them.
Read Best Budget Laptops for Students in Bangladesh under 25000 Taka
You may also want to check that they are clear of dirt and dust. This is particularly true with keyboards, which tend to collect and retain dust, grime, hair, and other debris beneath the keys. After all, you wouldn't want to touch another person's accumulated filth.
Hard Drive
Everyone must verify hard drives, contrary to what most sellers or salespeople would state or show you. Frequently, 300, 550, and even 750 GB may be heard. You may verify it using cmd or PC properties.
System Type
On all laptops, either 65 Bits or 32 Bits of software platforms are installed. This information is provided because it may impact the installation of other applications. Typically, it is not possible to install 32 bits software on 62 bits. You may examine it using cmd commands or the PC's properties.
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Webcam and Speakers
Most cameras on laptops are subpar. Nonetheless, it is preferable to have a subpar camera than none at all. Not many people use their laptop speakers often, but it's still a good idea to determine the maximum volume and whether or not sounds are readily muffled or distorted.
Processor Specifications & Performance
The procedure reveals the laptop's speed and its ability to execute tasks. A processor with a superior combination of speed and functionality accomplishes numerous tasks simultaneously and at a high rate. Speeds between 3 and 4 GHz are considered optimal for gaming. You may examine it using cmd commands or the PC's properties.
RAM Capacity
You may often hear about 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB RAM. This can impact not only the speed of your laptop but it can also restrict or enable many functions, and many apps and software cannot work on 2GB and 4GB, especially for gaming. You may examine it using cmd commands or the PC's properties.
Read Walton launches new gaming laptop Karonda GX712H
Manufacturing Brand or Company
Except for Dell and HP, replacement parts for most laptop manufacturers are difficult to get on the market. This might have an impact on the value of a used laptop. You may examine it using cmd commands or the PC's properties.
Software Checks
There are a number of software tests that should be performed. First, verify the authenticity of the preinstalled operating system. Check the software licences provided with the laptop and ensure you have access to any product keys. Request the laptop's original software CDs, recovery CDs, drivers, and backup media.
Conclusion
With the growing cost of almost everything, people are searching for innovative ways to economise. For this reason, many students and young professionals buy second Hand or used laptops and PCs. Used laptops can not only save money but also provide access to a multitude of advantages. However, you should be careful before buying such devices. So far, we have discussed some of the most essential things to check while buying a used laptop or PC. Hope it helps!
Read Walton brings 11th Gen laptops
Fixing Wet Phones: What to do if your phone falls into the water?
No matter how intelligent your phone is, it cannot swim. During outdoor water activities or rain, your adorable Smartphone might get wet. Sometimes phones fall into water accidentally while you are staying indoors. So, what is the best approach to prevent water damage to your phone? Experts advise purchasing a floating, waterproof phone case. But not all budget and mid-range phones offer such features. So what to do when your phone falls into the water? Here are some vital suggestions.
How Can a Phone Get Damaged After Falling into Water?
When water enters the ports, jacks, and speakers of a mobile device, it becomes its kryptonite. After entering, the fluid flows into the circuits. The outcome? The water, which functions as a conductor, transmits a current that overloads the phone's circuit board with energy.
This is exacerbated by some behaviours, such as letting the phone dry on its own. Due to the minerals in the water, letting water sit in the phone causes corrosion of its circuits, coils, and resistors.
Read: Infinix Note 12 Review: Is it worth buying?
This one also confuses people since the harm is not often immediately obvious. Occasionally, it may take a bit longer for water to reach sensitive components. Because of this, a phone may be dropped in the water without suffering any obvious damage. The next day, though, those unfortunate folks will be unable to switch on their phones.
The other factor to consider is the water supply. If you put your phone in a puddle or the toilet, it will survive, but if you dump it in the ocean, you can say goodbye to it. Saltwater is very corrosive and will harm the components of a phone far more quickly than freshwater. Therefore, use caution while snapping selfies on your boat.
Tips to Fix a Water-Damaged Smartphone
Be proactive
You may wish to get a waterproof phone with a high IP rating to ensure that it can withstand a plunge. However, not all of us will have access to water-resistant smartphones. If your phone cannot take liquids and you know you will be putting it at risk on your next beach vacation, it may be worthwhile to invest in a waterproof phone bag.
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Turn It Off As Soon As Possible
It is difficult to respond swiftly after such a catastrophic occurrence, but you must! The longer your gadget is submerged, the less likely it is to survive. You must immediately excavate the area and get the phone from the water. Yes, even if it's in the restroom!
Upon removing the phone from the water, ensure that it remains off. Even if everything seems OK, it is essential to turn it off just in case. If the phone is still active, just turn it off.
Turning off the smartphone prevents water from reaching and damaging vital phone components while electronics are operating. Water that reaches operational components is more likely to inflict irreparable harm.
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GSMA sets out 5G Roadmap for Asia Pacific
New Report Finds Wide Disparity in APAC 5G Readiness, With Spectrum Planning And Management Key To Success
A new analysis of 5G across the Asia Pacific (APAC), published in April by the GSMA, has revealed wide disparities in 5G readiness across the region. The report found that a planned approach to spectrum availability and management are key differentiators for the successful roll-out of high-speed 5G services between competing APAC economies, especially in 700MHz and mid-bands.
The GSMA's 'Roadmaps for awarding 5G spectrum in the APAC Region' provides market analysis and a guide for 5G development in countries across the Asia Pacific. It outlines the steps governments and regulators should take to enable efficient and effective availability of spectrum. To reap the benefits of ultra-fast 5G networks, an average of 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum alone is predicted to be required in the 2025-2030 timeframe, but in many cases, the current path to meeting such spectrum demand is unclear.
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The APAC region has been a leader in 5G deployment; Korea and Japan were among the first in the world to test and launch commercial networks. However, in other parts of APAC, 5G preparedness varies hugely and countries are faced with a number of issues including a lack of spectrum availability, especially in the sub-1 GHz range, and cross-border coordination. In some cases, 5G spectrum is yet to be awarded.
Different demographics and economies across the diverse region mean that countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam will require enhanced or bespoke roadmaps. Meanwhile, India is moving ahead with a robust consultation programme as it develops its plans for affordable connectivity.
"The most successful countries are those with a defined plan for 5G deployment. Across APAC, we see a wide disparity in countries' readiness for 5G, and the key differentiator is spectrum management. This report will help governments and regulators in countries across the Asia Pacific to enable 5G in the most efficient way possible," said the GSMA's Head of Spectrum, Luciana Camargos.
Read: Realme to host 5G summit with GSMA, Counterpoint, Qualcomm
5G roadmap recommendations
5G roadmaps outline the necessary steps, including identification and clearance of spectrum; technology definitions and restrictions; spectrum valuation (an important roadmap element), and award design.
Click here [ https://www.gsma.com/spectrum/resources/5g-spectrum-in-the-apac-region-roadmaps-for-success/]
to download 'Roadmaps for awarding 5G spectrum in the APAC Region' from the GSMA.
To find out more, click here [ https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gsma.com%2Fnewsroom%2F%3Fp%3D18863%26preview%3Dtrue&data=05%7C01%7Cratherley%40gsma.com%7Cebeeaff7e9b042667a9808da243ab567%7C72a4ff82fec3469daafbac8276216699%7C0%7C0%7C637862132664738954%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bzmc9sDvJiD2dZd9V8g0G459gDPlv2Ndj0ZvJZmrZUQ%3D&reserved=0].
SOURCE: GSMA
Palak visits Nokia Bell Labs in New Jersey
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak has visited Nokia Bell Labs at Murray Hill in New Jersey of the US.
Nokia Bell Labs is the world-renowned industrial research arm of Nokia, having invented many of the foundational technologies that underpin information and communications networks and all digital devices and systems.
The Labs' innovation engine accelerates technology development for Nokia's core service provider and enterprise businesses, while also researching the fundamental technologies that will shape future society.
Also Read: Bangabandhu global cyber security awareness award to be introduced: Palak
Palak exchanged views with the high officials of the research arm of Nokia Thursday, according to the Press Information Department.
A power-point presentation was made highlighting the research activities of the Labs at this time.
The state minister was accompanied by Dr Bikarna Kumar Ghosh, managing director of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority.
Read Lightshore’s webinar aims to accelerate women's participation in IT Sector
Over its more than 90-year history, Nokia Bell Labs' research breakthroughs have produced nine Nobel Prizes, five Turing Awards and numerous other international awards.
X Fold: First foldable vivo handset launched in global market
Global smartphone manufacturing brand vivo has brought its first foldable smartphone, Vivo X-Fold, to the global market.
Vivo tablet pad was also launched for the first time.
The new devices were recently released in China. However, vivo has not yet announced whether it will release these devices to other countries, including Bangladesh.
Also read: Vivo Y33s available in new colour
The most notable advantage of a foldable smartphone is its dual-screen display. The device allows users to spread or open the screens while working or playing games. It can be folded again and kept in the pocket like a normal device.
"Vivo X-Fold is the first foldable smartphone in the world to have a 3D ultrasonic dual fingerprint sensor that will work on both screens. This 3D ultrasonic sensor supports 100 percent 3D data detection and unlocks 39 percent faster than conventional unlock systems," according to the company.
Like the other smartphones of vivo X series, this one also incorporates the Zeiss camera technology.
Also read:Vivo X Fold Review: Can it outsmart the other foldable phones?
Also, this device is equipped with Zeiss optics and Zeiss T coating. Apart from that, Zeiss portrait effects have been added.
Also, Vivo X-Fold offers a layer of ultra-thin glass (UTG) for added protection which ensures durability. SPU Snapdragon combined with hardware and software 8-Zen will secure data on the smartphone.
Vivo's 11-inch tab includes a 2.5K and 120Hz ultra vision display.
Read Best Upcoming Smartphones in May 2022 in Bangladesh
Bangabandhu global cyber security awareness award to be introduced: Palak
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak on Thursday said the ‘UNDP-Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Global Cyber Security Awareness Award’ will be introduced in the next year with a view to making the cyber world safe.
He said this at a press conference in the USA on the eve of the Golden Jubilee Bangladesh Concert in New York, said a press release.
The ICT Division is going to arrange the ‘Golden Jubilee Bangladesh Concert’ at Madison Square in New York on Friday (May 06) under the management of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority.
Also read: UNDP, ICT Division sign deal to launch cybersecurity awareness campaign
The concert is being arranged on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence to commemorate the unique initiative (Concert for Bangladesh) of Ravi Shankar and George Harrison during the 1971 Liberation War.
The State Minister said now the locally produced mobile phones meet 90 percent of domestic demand and the remaining 10 percent mobile phones are exported.
He said Walton is producing laptops in Bangladesh. Now ‘Made in Bangladesh’ is a popular name all over the world, he added.
Also read: Bangladesh wants to work as knowledge partner with Tripura: Palak
In the conference, it said that some 4,000 tickets for the Golden Jubilee Bangladesh Concert have already been sold. The earnings from the concert will be provided to UNDP fund for cyber security.
Managing Director of Bangladesh Hi-tech Park Authority Bikarna Kumar Ghosh presided over the function moderated by Consul General of the Bangladesh Consulate General in New York Dr Mohammad Monirul Islam.
Lightshore’s webinar aims to accelerate women's participation in IT Sector
Lightshore Foundation, BITM jointly organized a virtual meeting titled 'Girls in ICT Day” focusing on accelerating Women's Involvement in the IT Sector.
The mediators participated in an engaging discussion on challenges of women’s participation in the IT sector at the event moderated by Tanzila Munia, a member of the Lightshore Foundation.
Among the mediators were Emrajina Islam, Md. Shahriar Hossain, Nazia Hasan, Shubhashis Roy, ABM Jabed Sultan Piyas, Talukdar Mohammad Sabbir. The Zoom discussion was attended by about 60 women and youth from across the country.
Read: Speakers at webinar bat for move towards outcome-based education
According to the organizers, at present, about 25 percent of female students are studying information technology at the university level.
According to government estimates, only 12 percent of women work in information technology in the workplace.
Another survey by Bangladesh Open Source Network found that only 1 percent of female students studying information technology are interested in taking up programming as a career in the future.
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Emrajina Islam, Co-Founder of Emrajina Technologies said,” It's really a lot of hassle to do something as a girl in Bangladesh. However, if you have the desire, enthusiasm,smartness and a little bit of support from the family, it is very much possible. At my company, Emarajina Technologies, girls seem to work more honestly and harder than the boys. Dedication for work is also seen more in girls than in boys when they are provided a comfort zone.”
ABM Jabed Sultan Piyas, Head of Business of daily Prothom Alo, said “In Prothom Alo , women always get priority. A woman-friendly atmosphere has always existed in the media of Bangladesh. And you would be happy to know that there is a policy to follow while joining at Prothom Alo that all male colleagues need to read a book on feminism and strictly adhere to it”.
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Md. Shahriar Hossain Jisan, National Consultant of A2I ICT Division said “. The government has zero tolerance for harassment of girls on online platforms. However, support from the law can be obtained only when a written GD is filed. So we have to make these allegations with courage. And online careers are global, they have no boundaries. The range of online careers is much higher, especially for girls in this sector. Payment is also much higher, you can do this by developing your own skills.”
Shubhashis Roy, Head of Business of The Daily Star said, “Journalists now have to work and survive with the knowledge of ICT whether it is a boy or a girl. We are also moving forward along the path of digital Bangladesh. We need more girls in ICT, we have to bring equality of opportunity. It is necessary to create awareness in the society, more initiatives are needed from the government. Girls in ICT are essential to the future survival of the economy.”
Nazia Hasan, Head of Design at Design & API said, “We need a big change in the field of education, it should start from the very beginning. We have to try to create curiosity in children from an early age. Girls need to be encouraged to enter the ICT sector through various competitions.”
Read 3-day ‘WOW Virtual Bangladesh 2022’ begins celebrating women, girls’ inspiring stories
Talukdar Mohammad Sabbir, Director & CEO – BITM said, “At the beginning of the BITM course, the participation of girls was almost negligible. Yet that is not too much, about 15-20%. Probably a factor as to why they're doing so poorly. Boys are more likely to be seen in ICT sector courses, which is not desirable at all. Overall, where more than 40% of the girls should be present, more than 20% of us have never come here as participants, which is sad.”
Lightshow co-founder Sultana Razia said if women's participation in the ICT sector is not increased, women will lag behind in terms of empowerment. Lightshow will conduct training on STEMs, workshops on STEMs, hackathon on ARCTs and raising awareness on increasing ICT participation of women.
Daily Ittefaq , Radio Capital were the broadcast partners in this event. The youth collaborators were DEC Engineers Club, Lal Sabuj Society and UNICEB-Barisal Divisional Wing.
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Chattogram: Samsung Eid campaign winners get prizes
Samsung Mobile Bangladesh recently launched a special campaign, offering chances to win a trip to Dubai, a new Suzuki Gixxer SF motorbike, discounts of up to Tk10,000 and more prizes on the purchase of any smartphone of the brand.
Celebrating the conclusion of the campaign ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, Zohad Reza Chowdhury, musician and brand ambassador of Samsung Mobile, handed over prizes to the winners at port city Chattogram's Sanmar Ocean City.
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In addition to the campaign, Samsung offered zero percent equated monthly instalment (EMI) facilities to the consumers.