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Former U.S. Secret Service agent and convicted hacker reunite for the first time on the GISEC Global stage

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GISEC Global 2024 Reunites a Former US Secret Service Agent and Vietnamese Cybersecurity Expert for the first time

Matt O’Neill and Hieu Minh Ngo share their unique story of redemption, as the pair seek to transform global understanding of evolving cybersecurity threats

A former United States Secret Service Agent and a Vietnamese former-hacker-turned-cybersecurity-specialist are set to reunite for the first time at GISEC Global 2024, Middle East and Africa’s largest cybersecurity event, to discuss their unique cat-and-mouse-style chase, which ultimately resulted in an arrest and conviction.

Matt O’Neill, a decorated agent, has dedicated his life to fighting cybercrime

Matt O’Neil is a retired U.S. Secret Service Agent who worked as the Managing Director of Cyber Operations, where he led the service’s global cyber investigative operations, digital forensics, mobile wireless tracking, and critical systems protection portfolio.

Arguably the biggest breakthrough in his career, the Ngo case saw O’Neil develop a plan to lure the hacker out of Vietnam and into Guam, resulting in a conviction and sentencing that led to countless other hackers being brough to justice from Hieu’s ensuing testimonies.

Matt O’Neil remains one of the most decorated agents in the history of the U.S. Secret Service, having received the U.S. Secret Service’s Special Agent of the Year Award and the Department of Homeland Security’s Gold and Silver medals, among others.

Hieu Minh Ngo’s story is one of transformation, redemption, and restoration

Hieu Minh Ngo – widely known by his online persona, Hieu PC – has been recognised as one of the most prolific identity theft hackers in U.S. history, having stolen and sold the data of over 200 million Americans before his arrest in 2013.

Hieu served seven years of his 13-year prison sentence, after which he returned to Vietnam in 2020 and shifted his focus towards improving cybersecurity practices and fighting against fraud.

His redemption story has been acknowledged by leading tech companies, such as Apple and Verizon, who have celebrated Hieu’s work in identifying and resolving security flaws in the global cybersecurity industry.

A historic session between agent and hacker

Hosted during GISEC Global 2024, from 23-25 April at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this will be the first time that agent and former hacker will see each other in person since Hieu’s sentencing in federal court in 2015.

The session will offer an unrivalled inside look at a major cyber-criminal investigation from the perspective of both the hunted and the hunter. It will also provide a platform for Hieu to share his transition from hacker to cybersecurity specialist, using his skills and knowledge of cybercrime to combat evolving threats and educate a new generation of digital professionals. 

Commenting on the opportunity, Matt O’Neil, former U.S. Secret Service Agent, said: “I’m looking forward to sharing more of my experience as a former U.S. Secret Service Agent and my involvement in investigating cybercrime. Sharing findings on what criminals are actually doing – and how they’re doing it – provides a tremendous amount of value to cybersecurity professionals tasked with protecting networks.”

O’Neil added: “I’m confident that this session with Hieu will provide incredible insight into financially motivated cybercrime, as well as the need to develop new ways of sharing information across the industry at scale, in real time, to disrupt the constant evolution of cyber threats.”

Hieu Minh Ngo, Cybersecurity Specialist and former convicted hacker, said: “My journey from being involved in cybercrime to becoming an advocate for cybersecurity signifies the potential for broader redemption across the industry. Taking to the stage with Mr. Matt O’Neill is a historic moment for me, and I’m excited to share more around my new-found passion for fostering an empowered community of cybersecurity professionals around the world.”

Ngo added: “From educating young kids, to addressing the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the cybersecurity industry is complex and demands collaboration that extends beyond country and company borders – and I believe GISEC will provide the platform needed to achieve this.”

Returning for its 13th record-breaking edition from 23-25 April 2024, GISEC Global will welcome over 20,000 visitors and 750 of the world’s foremost exhibiting companies, such as Huawei, Honeywell, du, Microsoft, Google Cloud Security, Kaspersky, Cloudflare, Qualys, Spire Solutions, and Pentera. More than 350 global cybersecurity speakers, and over 1,000 ethical hackers from 130-plus countries will come together at the Middle East and Africa’s largest and most impactful cybersecurity event.

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Tech Features

Sustainable AI Practices Driving Ethical and Green Tech

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By Mansour Al Ajmi, CEO of X-Shift

Mansour Al Ajmi, CEO of X-Shift
Mansour Al Ajmi, CEO of X-Shift

Sustainable AI practices are no longer optional—they are essential for shaping technology that benefits both people and the planet. As artificial intelligence transforms industries from healthcare to transportation, the challenge is to ensure its growth is ethical, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive. This means addressing not only energy efficiency and carbon reduction but also governance, fairness, and long-term societal impacts.

Why Sustainable AI Practices Go Beyond the Environment?

AI is now deeply embedded in investment strategies, medical diagnostics, media platforms, and public infrastructure. While reducing energy usage is vital, true sustainability also requires ethical governance and the elimination of bias.

For example, biased training datasets can unintentionally reinforce social inequality. Studies, such as those from the MIT Media Lab, have shown that some AI systems perform poorly with diverse populations, highlighting the risk of discrimination. Addressing this means conducting regular algorithmic audits, enforcing transparency, and ensuring diverse representation in AI development teams.

The Environmental Impact of AI

Training advanced AI models consumes enormous computational resources. The process can generate carbon emissions equivalent to hundreds of long-haul flights. To counter this, tech leaders are investing in renewable energy and designing energy-efficient processors and cooling systems.

However, sustainable AI practices should become the default, not the exception. From sourcing materials responsibly to rethinking hardware infrastructure, the focus must be on green innovation by design.

Embedding Sustainability at the Strategic Core

Sustainable AI practices work best when integrated into an organization’s core strategy. Aligning AI solutions with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can directly support climate action, reduce inequalities, and promote responsible consumption.

In the Middle East, initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence demonstrate how sustainability and AI can align with national priorities. These strategies not only meet ethical standards but also deliver competitive advantages, building consumer trust and fostering innovation.

Governance for Responsible AI

Strong governance is key to ensuring sustainable AI practices are upheld. Regulatory frameworks, such as the European Union’s AI Act, guide transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Governance should enable innovation while preventing harm. Public-private partnerships, global cooperation, and industry alliances are critical to creating ethical, scalable, and resilient AI ecosystems.

Preparing the Workforce for the AI Era

McKinsey estimates that AI adoption could displace up to 800 million jobs by 2030. Sustainable AI practices must include reskilling and upskilling initiatives to ensure inclusive economic growth.

By investing in training programs, organizations can help employees transition to new roles in AI-related fields. This proactive approach strengthens workforce agility and supports long-term resilience.

Leadership’s Role in Driving Sustainable AI Practices

AI can significantly advance sustainability goals, from optimizing supply chains to reducing environmental waste. Companies like Unilever are already using AI to achieve greener operations, proving its real-world potential.

Yet leadership commitment is essential. Executives must set measurable goals, model ethical behavior, and integrate sustainability into company culture. This ensures that sustainability is not a side project but a core business value.

The Shared Responsibility for a Sustainable AI Future

Creating a sustainable AI future requires collaboration between individuals, corporations, and governments. Citizens should stay informed and question how AI affects them. Companies must embed sustainability into their AI strategies, while governments need to establish policies that encourage responsible innovation.

By acting now, we can ensure AI evolves as a force for good—advancing technology without sacrificing ethics, equity, or environmental stewardship.

Check out our previous post on WHX Tech 2025 to Drive Global Digital Health Transformation

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Epicor CMO Kerrie Jordan to Drive Global Marketing Growth

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Kerrie Jordan - Epicor
Kerrie Jordan – Epicor

Epicor CMO Kerrie Jordan has been appointed to lead the company’s global marketing strategy. This move marks a pivotal moment in the enterprise software leader’s expansion. Epicor, known for its industry-specific solutions for the make, move, and sell economy, announced the news on August 12, 2025, in Dubai.

Jordan brings a rare combination of senior product innovation and strategic marketing expertise. She will strengthen the Epicor brand, expand market reach, and deepen customer engagement worldwide.

Epicor CMO Kerrie Jordan Brings Product and Market Expertise Together

Vaibhav Vohra, Epicor President and Chief Product & Technology Officer, eVaibhav Vohra, Epicor President and Chief Product & Technology Officer, emphasized the importance of the appointment.

“Kerrie’s ability to connect product strategy with market execution makes her an ideal fit. Her leadership has already shaped our Cognitive ERP vision, and we’re excited to see her bring that same energy and insight to our marketing efforts.”

Since joining Epicor in 2023 as Group Vice President of Product Management and ISV Partner Programs, Jordan has advanced the company’s Cognitive ERP roadmap. This AI-driven approach turns ERP from a system of record into a system of action and insight, empowering supply chain businesses to operate smarter and faster.

A Vision for Accelerated Innovation and Growth

In her new role, Jordan will unite product innovation, analytics, and go-to-market strategies to accelerate customer time-to-value. She will also foster innovation and support Epicor’s global expansion.

“I’m honored to expand my role at Epicor,” Jordan said. “Epicor is at the forefront of enabling essential businesses to thrive through AI-driven, connected technologies. I look forward to amplifying our impact, building stronger relationships with customers and partners, and driving growth across global markets.”

A Career Built on Technology Leadership

Before joining Epicor, Jordan served in senior product marketing positions at Oracle. She developed strategies for enterprise software solutions and helped drive adoption. Earlier in her career, she led strategic marketing programs for technology clients during her consulting roles at global marketing firms.

Jordan is a recognized voice in cloud ERP, digital transformation, and supply chain innovation. She hosts Epicor’s “Manufacturing the Future” podcast, which features industry leaders discussing trends shaping manufacturing and supply chain sectors. She is also a Forbes Tech Council contributor. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Santa Clara University in California.

Epicor’s Commitment to Industry-Focused Growth

Epicor has served customers across automotive, building supply, distribution, manufacturing, and retail for more than 50 years. The company’s solutions are tailored to industry needs and adaptable to fast-changing market conditions.

Check out our previous post on WHX Tech 2025 to Drive Global Digital Health Transformation

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In-Hand Comfort Meets Elegant Design – A UI You’ll Love and Performance You Can Count On– Meet Oppo’s Reno 14 Series!

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Oppo Reno 14 Series promotional collage highlighting design and performance

In today’s crowded smartphone market, very few devices make a lasting impression from the first hold. The Oppo Reno 14 Series does exactly that. Its rounded front design, sharp edges, and striking Iridescent Mermaid finish give it a premium look that stands out. At just 7.42 mm thick and 187 g, with aluminium-framed edges, it feels light yet sturdy in the hand.

The 6.57-inch LTPS OLED display offers a 120 Hz Full HD+ experience with HDR10+ support and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. While the brightness could be slightly higher, the rich colour tones make it ideal for streaming and gaming. The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive visuals.

Display & Performance in the Oppo Reno 14

Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 mobile platform, paired with 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the Oppo Reno 14 Series delivers fluid performance. Everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming feel effortless. Even after a month of use, there’s no lag, and the phone remains cool under pressure.

The signal reception is equally reliable, performing well even in remote mountain regions. For gamers, the combination of smooth frame rates and strong connectivity makes it a dependable choice.

Camera Setup Built for Creativity

The Oppo Reno 14 Series brings a 32 MP front camera and a triple rear camera system (50 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP). It supports 4K 60 fps HDR video recording, delivering sharp and vibrant footage. Oppo’s image processing handles lighting well, although the AI can occasionally produce slightly artificial tones. When it dials back the processing, the results are impressively natural.

Selfies from the front camera are detailed, making it a strong option for content creators. AI-powered tools such as AI Eraser, AI Reflection Remover, AI Unblur, AI Recompose, and AI Perfect Shot add versatility. Beyond photography, features like real-time translation and cloud-based voice transcription offer extra value.

Battery Life & Charging Speed on the Oppo Reno 14

Battery performance is one of the standout features. The massive 6,000 mAh battery easily lasts over a day of heavy use. Paired with 80 W fast charging, it goes from 0% to 100% in just 40–50 minutes, reducing downtime significantly.

Software and User Experience

Running on ColorOS 15, the interface is polished and responsive. The design is intuitive, though it comes with pre-installed apps that many users may want to remove for a cleaner setup. The combination of IP69 water and dust resistance, strong haptics, and a promised five years of major updates enhances its long-term value.

Verdict: A Strong Contender in Its Price Range

The Oppo Reno 14 Series blends premium design, solid performance, long battery life, and camera versatility into a package that offers excellent value. Whether for everyday use, creative projects, or gaming, it meets a wide range of needs without compromise.

For readers who enjoyed this review, check out our previous feature on Sustainable Tech: How Globant Shapes a Greener Tomorrow to see how innovation is shaping the tech industry.

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