News Update Times

• Seven papers submitted by OPPO were selected for presentation at the 2022 Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition Conference, breaking a new record for the company. The selected papers cover OPPO’s various R&D breakthroughs in a range of artificial intelligence disciplines.
• OPPO received a total of eight prizes in the CVPR challenges, including three first-place, one second place, and four third place prizes.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The annual Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition Conference (CVPR) came to an end in New Orleans, with globally leading technology company OPPO successfully having seven of its submitted papers selected for the conference, putting it among the most successful technology companies at the event. OPPO also placed in eight of the widely watched competition events at the conference, taking home three first place, one second place, and four third place prizes.

“In 2012, deep neural networks designed for image recognition rejuvenated the research and application of artificial intelligence. Ever since, AI technology has seen a decade of rapid development.” said Guo Yandong, Chief Scientist in Intelligent Perception at OPPO.

“OPPO continues to promote artificial intelligence to accomplish complex perceptual and cognitive behaviors. We empower AI with higher cognitive abilities to understand and create beauty and develop embodied AI with autonomous behavior. I’m delighted to see that seven of our papers have been selected for this year’s conference. Building on this success, we will continue to explore both fundamental AI and cutting-edge AI technology, as well as the commercial applications that will enable us to bring the benefits of AI to more people.”

The Seven papers accepted by CVPR 2022 showcase OPPO‘s progress in creating humanizing AI

Seven papers submitted by OPPO for CVPR 2022 were selected for presentation at the conference. Their areas of research include multimodal information interaction, 3D human body reconstruction, personalized image aesthetics assessment, knowledge distillation, and others.

Cross-modular innovation is viewed as the way to ‘humanizing’ artificial intelligence. Text data frequently includes an elevated degree of over-simplification, while visual picture data contains a lot of specific contextual details. OPPO researchers proposed a new CRIS framework based on the CLIP model to enable AI to get a more fine-grained understanding of the text and image modal data.

The biggest difference between human and artificial intelligence today lies in multimodality. Humans can undoubtedly figure out data in both words and pictures and draw relationship between the two sorts of data. The novel method proposed by OPPO improves multimodal intelligence, which could potentially lead to artificial intelligence being able to truly understand and interpret the world through multiple forms of information such as language, hearing, vision, and others, making the robot and digital assistants of sci-fi movies become a reality.

3D human body remaking is one more region in which the OPPO Research Institute has made significant progress. At CVPR, OPPO demonstrated a process for automatically generating digital avatars of humans with clothing that behaves more naturally. By analyzing RGB video of humans captured with a camera, the OPPO model can accurately generate 3D, 1:1 dynamic models that include small details like logos or fabric textures. Creating accurate 3D models of clothes has remained one of the biggest challenges. The new model effectively reduces the requirements needed to perform 3D human body reconstruction, providing technical foundations that can be applied to areas such as virtual dressing rooms for online shopping, AI fitness instruction, and the creation of lifelike avatars in VR/AR worlds.

Structured Local Radiance Fields for Human Avatar Modeling

 AI image recognition has now reached a stage where it can accurately identify a wide range of objects within an image. The ability of AI to evaluate images in terms of their perceived aesthetic quality is often strongly related to the big data used in training the AI model.

In collaboration with Leida Li, a professor from Xidian University proposed Personalized Image Aesthetics Assessment (PIAA) model. The model is the first to optimize AI aesthetics assessment by combining users’ subjective preferences with more generalized aesthetic values. In the future, the model will be used to create personalized experiences for users, not just limited to the curation of photo albums, but also provide recommendations on how to shoot the best photo and which content a user might prefer.

Personalized Image Aesthetics Assessment with Rich Attributes

OPPO has also chosen to make the PIAA model evaluation data set the open source for developers, with a number of research institutions and universities already expressing an interest in using the data to further their own efforts in personalized AI aesthetic assessment.

Further to this, OPPO also proposed a multi-view 3D semantic plane reconstruction solution capable of accurately analyzing surfaces within a 3D environment. Developed in partnership with Tsinghua University, the INS-Conv (INcremental Sparse Convolution) can achieve faster and more accurate online 3D semantic and instance segmentation. This can effectively reduce the computing power needed to perform environment recognition, which will enable such technology to be more easily adopted in applications such as automated driving and VR.

 OPPO makes AI ‘lightweight’ with second place win in the NAS Challenge

CVPR 2022 also saw a number of technical challenges take place, with OPPO placing third and above in eight challenges. These include the neural architecture search (NAS) challenge, SoccerNet, SoccerNet Replay Grounding, ActivityNet temporal localization, the 4^th Large-scale Video Object Segmentation Challenge.

From mobile photography to automated driving, deep learning models are being applied in an increasingly large pool of industries. However, deep learning relies heavily on big data and calculation power and consumes a lot of cost, both of which present challenges to its commercial implementation. Neural architecture search (NAS) techniques can automatically discover and implement optimal neural network architectures. In the NAS competition, OPPO researchers trained a supernetwork of 45,000 sub neural networks to inherit the parameters of the supernetwork by optimizing the Model.

Using the NAS technique, researchers only need to train a large super network and create a predictor to let the subnetworks learn by inheriting the super network parameters. This provides an efficient and low-cost approach to obtaining a deep learning model that outperforms those manually designed by expert network architects. This will ultimately bring previously unthinkable levels of AI technology to mobile devices in the near future.

During CPVR 2022, OPPO also participated in seminar presentations and three high-level workshops. At the SLAM seminar, OPPO researcher Deng Fan shared how real-time vSLAM could be run on smartphones and AR/VR devices. In AICITY Workshop, Li Wei proposed a multi-view based motion localization system to identify abnormal behavior of drivers while driving.

OPPO is bringing the benefits of AI to more people, sooner

This is the third year that OPPO has participated at CVPR. OPPO’s rising success at CVPR during these three years owes much to its continued investment in AI technology. At the beginning of 2020, the Institute of Intelligent Perception and Interaction was established under the OPPO Research Institute to further deepen OPPO’s exploration of cutting-edge AI technologies. Today, OPPO has more than 2,650 global patent applications in the field of AI.

Guided by its brand proposition, ‘Inspiration Ahead’, OPPO is also working with partners across the industry to take AI technology from the laboratory into daily life. OPPO’s AI technology has also been used to develop products and features such as the real-time spatial AR generator CybeReal, OPPO Air Glass, Omoji, and more. Through these technologies, OPPO is aiming to create more lifelike digital worlds that combine virtual and reality to create all-new experiences for users.

 

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) A delegation of K-Electric’s majority shareholders representing Saudi Arabia’s Aljomaih Holding Company, Kuwait’s National Industries Group (NIG) and Infrastructure Growth and Capital Fund (IGCF) called upon the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday.

Delegation was led by Sheikh Abdulaziz Aljomaih – Managing Director of Aljomaih Holding Company, one of the strongest conglomerates in Saudi Arabia with interests in diversified industries along with Riyadh Edrees – CEO of NIG. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that he has constituted a task force headed by former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to resolve the concerns related to K-Electric for improving the power utility’s cash flows and streaming generation of electricity from its power plants. Task force members including Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Federal Minister for Finance, Miftah Ismail, Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadiq Malik, and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Ahad Cheema were also present.

The delegation briefed the premier about the utility’s achievement in the last 17 years. “We enjoy good brotherly relations with Pakistan. This is why we opted to invest in the power sector – which is the backbone of any economy – of Karachi, which holds a special place as Pakistan’s financial and industrial hub,” highlighted Aljomaih who was also the first Chairman of the company post privatization.

“Aljomaih and I have been part of the KE journey since 2005. As part of the largest investment group of Kuwait, we are ambassadors of Pakistan in investment circles across the GCC. KE’s continued success can be instrumental in generating interest in Pakistan’s energy distribution sector,” shared Riyadh Edrees.

Post-privatization, over USD 4 billion has been invested in KE’s value chain, enabling it to upgrade the power infrastructure including addition of new power plants. The operational improvements since privatization have resulted in savings of USD 5 Billon to the national exchequer. Today, the company has doubled the number of customers, delivers twice the amount of energy units and has halved the transmission and distribution losses as compared to 2005.

The investors further informed that the transformation’s success has attracted investors like Shanghai Electric Power (SEP), one of the major players in the global energy sector. However, the acquisition process – which was formally initiated in 2016 – remained stalled due to unresolved issues, they informed.

The delegation also expressed its concerns over the industry’s growing challenges that are affecting KE’s financial sustainability. The delegation sought support from the premier on the resolution of long standing issues such as the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and the arbitration of historical dues between KE and various government entities, which are deterrents towards the sale of KE’s majority shares.

The group of investors were accompanied by Mark Skelton, Director of Infrastructure Growth Capital Fund, Shan Ashary, the Chairman of KE’s Board and Syed Moonis Abdullah Alvi, CEO K-Electric.

The delegation also called upon Dr Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Energy (Power Division) Khurram Dastgir, as well as Tauseef H. Farooqi, Chairman National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).

During the meetings, KE’s investors acknowledged Pakistan’s importance as an investment destination. They expressed that considering the historical ties and brotherly relations between Gulf countries and Pakistan, the investment was made at the time when the government was actively looking for investment in the power sector. The delegation also reiterated its firm commitment to resolving the challenges and securing the city’s energy future, which is inevitable for the country’s prosperity.

KE has 3.2 million customers whereas T&D losses have reduced to 15.8% today down from 34.2% in FY05. On the generation front, KE has added 5 efficient power generation plants and fleet efficiency has improved from 25% in 2005 to 38% in 2021.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Karandaaz held a full-day webinar on the challenges and opportunities of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Pakistan. Leading experts and stakeholders in the renewable energy and climate finance space deliberated on the challenges and opportunities in this emerging space. Pakistan’s energy demand in 2021 was 29,435 MWs, whereas the supply after line losses in the same period was 26,083 MWs. This gap existed despite the fact that Pakistan possessed a potential to supply 37,261 MWs with existing infrastructure. Innovative steps need to be taken such as, net metering through which consumers who own renewable energy facilities can supply excess produce to national grid in exchange for incentives, and energy efficient commercial construction and housing models. According to Ministry of Energy, Power Division’s 2021 figures, Pakistan’s energy mix remained heavily reliant on non-renewable sources with a meager share of renewable sources such as solar (400 MWs), wind (1235 MWs), and bagas (364 MWs) despite their vast potential.

Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson Karandaaz said, “Karandaaz’s research tabled for today’s deliberation offers perspectives on Pakistan’s key initiatives, which if pursued effectively, have potential to be a game changer in decarbonization subject to expeditious resolution of sector issues and challenges by fixing the enabling sector and regulatory policy frameworks, developing public private partnership to leverage private capital with appropriate risk mitigation and management frameworks. Few promising initiatives are noteworthy. 2019 Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy if proactively implemented will promote low carbon pathways as it targets a change in energy mix by lifting the share of renewables to 20% by 2025 and 30% by 2030.  Complementing this target is raising the share of hydel capacity to 30%. Advancement in this area will help resolve the energy crisis and reduce the dependence on imported energy fuel such as oil, coal, and LNG that exposes the economy to international price shock.  Climate mitigation anchored on renewables and energy efficiency will help ease the BOP and fiscal pressures that have put the entire economy at risk.   Pakistan is falling short of its targets already as the share of renewable energy in the total energy mix went down to 2.2% in 2021 so significant catching up is required in the next 3 years.”

Waqas ul Hasan, CEO Karandaaz said, “Pakistan remains among the group of countries most vulnerable to climate change. The ND-GAIN Index ranks Pakistan at 152nd, among 181 countries, based on its vulnerability to climate change and readiness to improve its resilience. Countries in developed and emerging economies alike are moving towards innovative solutions and technologies in energy efficiency and renewable energy through creative financing solutions such as bonds, climate adaption funds, and wholesale financing facilities. Through Karandaaz’s Green Initiative, we have also made several investments in the renewable energy domain and launched a challenge fund as well. We are particularly proud of an investment in a commercial green building in Karachi which will fulfill criteria of reputable accreditations. This investment can potentially be converted into Pakistan’s first Green REIT. So far, Karandaaz has supported 10.6 MWs capacity of clean energy in textile, SME and household segments through its investments in renewable energy.”

In her concluding remarks, Ms. Annabel Gerry, Development Director of the UK’s FCDO said, “I would like to commend the organisers and participants of this extremely important webinar to discuss issues related to renewable energy and energy efficiency that face Pakistan. The UK is leading global efforts to combat climate change and has already cut its own emissions by 43% since 1990, which is the fastest among the G-7 countries. The UK is also at the forefront of leading on international climate cooperation and in 2019, the UK Government announced plans to double its provision of international climate finance to £11.6 billion over the period 2021 – 2025 to support developing countries respond to challenges of climate change. Our work in Pakistan for the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficient businesses and housing through Karandaaz is part of the same approach.”

The webinar also had in-depth panel discussions on topics such as regulatory and financial constraints in the renewable energy generation, distribution, and efficiency; role of emerging technologies in accelerating the impact of renewable and efficient energy; potential for climate finance; need for energy efficient green buildings in Pakistan; and the potential benefits and modalities of commitment to Net Zero. During the webinar, Karandaaz also shared key findings of its two research reports. The first report on green financing, renewable energy, and energy efficiency in Pakistan is now available on Karandaaz website at:

karandaaz.com.pk/karandaaz_publication/ The second report for which key findings were shared during the webinar focuses on climate smart low-income housing and will be available publicly on Karandaaz website by mid-July, 2022.

Karandaaz Pakistan is a not-for-profit special purpose vehicle set up under Section 42 in August 2014. Karandaaz is the implementation partner of the Enterprise and Asset Growth Programme (EAGR) and Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) programme of FCDO. SEED is grant funded by FCDO whereas EAGR is co-funded by FCDO and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on grant basis. Karandaaz promotes access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized businesses through a double bottom line investment platform and financial inclusion for individuals by employing technology enabled solutions.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) As Pakistan is facing with severe natural gas shortage for the last couple of years, it has started relying heavily on Liquefied
Natural Gas (LNG), however, the government needs to explore other
energy sources to save environment as well as financial spending on
the LNG import. There are other green energy options like solar and
wind that can provide cheap environment-friendly energy sources and
the country needs go for these options.

This was the crux of one of the two reports “Gas Monitor – Pakistan” &
“Tabeer LNG Terminal, Socio-Economic & Environmental Analysis”
launched by the Indus Consortium held about the gas provision as an
energy source in the country at a ceremony here on Friday.

The reports launch was attended by representatives of academic
institutions, member of GROW Green Network, which is an umbrella of
environmental organizations of Pakistan working for the promotion of
renewable energy, independent researchers, member of Renewable Energy
coalition Pakistan and alliance for climate Justice and clean energy.

Sharing findings of the Gas Monitor – Pakistan report, Dr. Amanullah
Mahar, Director, and Center for Environmental Sciences, University of
Sindh, Jamshoro, said that since LNG, fossil gas is a very high carbon
intensive fuel and cannot be called “transition” fuel source to a
cleaner energy system. He explained that fossil gas (methane) can be
leaked from the re-gasification, transport, and consumption and
processing of it. After carbon dioxide (CO2), methane is the second
most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas and responsible for 20% of
worldwide atmospheric emissions. The methane is 25 times more potent
than CO2 at absorbing atmospheric heat.

While presenting findings of another report on “Tabeer LNG Terminal,
Socio-Economic & Environmental Analysis”, an independent
sustainability consultant Fatima Fasih said that keeping the global
LNG markets and their volatility in consideration, it is clear that
LNG is no longer a financially-viable source of fuel. She said,
“Instead of focusing on short-term monetary gains and quick gains in
energy for the economy, public and private institutions should focus
on building stronger energy security within Pakistan and develop a
greener economy through a just and equitable energy transition towards
renewable energy.”

She suggested that solar and wind power have shown remarkable success
in Pakistan from an economic perspective and should be invested in to
increase their ratios within the country’s energy mix and help the
country transition towards a just and sustainable energy transition.

Iqbal Hyder, Board member of Indus Consortium and Executive Director
Laar Humanitarian Development Program (LHDP), while concluding his
remarks, said that the livelihood of population inhabiting along the
coastal areas is directly dependent on mangrove forests. He said
cautioned that any additional construction or industrial operations in
these areas will exacerbate the declining socio-economic conditions of
the local communities. “We need to recognize the valuable indigenous
knowledge for local fishing and rejuvenate the current worsening
fishing populations.”

The Gas Monitor – Pakistan report focuses on the case of the
development of Pakistan’s gas sector, especially LNG. It discusses how
increasing reliance on LNG is posing challenges to the country’s
economy on one hand and the release of methane gas emissions is
deteriorating the environment on the other. The monitor also comes up
with a set of recommendations that present a potential way out of this
entrenched dependence and its associated impacts.

An analysis of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the
Tabeer LNG terminal, Port Qasim, Karachi, investigates the
Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and explores the
Corporate Social Responsibility criterion with a set of
recommendations.

Indus Consortium is an umbrella organization of over 60 civil society
organizations across Pakistan, working on DRR, climate change, green
development, and green finance. It also envisions a democratic and
equitable society where all citizens enjoy equal economic, cultural,
and political rights, with a mission to work for local communities to
enhance their resilience and participation in green development.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) On the occasion of UN Public Service Day, Careem, the Super App of the greater Middle East and Pakistan, has partnered with The Citizens Foundation (TCF) and Chughtai Labs to provide subsidized rates for quality education and healthcare to its Captains and their children.

As per the partnership agreement, TCF will provide a subsidized fee to 300 Careem Captains enabling their children to benefit from a rigorous curriculum development, maintaining global standards.

Through the collaboration with Chughtai Labs, Captains belonging to different grades will receive customized discounts for laboratory tests. Captains of platinum, silver and bronze categories will be able to ‌redeem discounts worth 30%, 27% and 24% respectively. Similarly, all other Captains will be entitled to a flat 8% off on medicines. Chughtai Labs will also share unique codes on a monthly basis that will be promoted and disbursed with Captains through the Careem Captain App and other internal channels, as per their grades.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Feroz Jaleel, Country Head, Careem Pakistan said, “Careem has always strived to improve the quality of life for its Captains and will continue to look after them and advocate for them as they are the backbone of our services. These partnerships are a testament to our determination of supporting the wellbeing of our Captains and their families, all while incentivizing them by offering a range of discounts on essential products and services”.

Careem has over 800,000 Captains registered on its platform so far and has invested up to $100 million since its inception in Pakistan in 2016. Transforming into a Super App; Careem offers multiple opportunities as it expands its services from the mobility of people to mobility of things (daily essential deliveries) and money (peer-to-peer credit transfer and mobile top-ups).