The common definition for the Digital Twin is “a digital replica of a physical thing”. Sure, that’s what it is. But what does it do? That’s what really matters, right? Well, it activates data, to power better decision making. And given its capability (see below), it helps you do more with less. And do that in a more engaging and transparent way. So, let’s not undersell the Digital Twin by calling it a digital replica of a physical thing. But what does this have to do with Smart Cities and New Zealand you ask? See the recording of this webinar below:
About the facilitator Jannat Maqbool
Jannat is an Australian born Punjabi and mother of three based in the Waikato, New Zealand. She is a CPA and former CIO with a Masters in Digital Business and is actively engaged in the New Zealand technology ecosystem. With a focus on leveraging technology in innovative ways to benefit individuals, organisations and communities, Jannat is Director – NZ at Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand.
Jannat’s initial career, spanning more than 10 years, was in the financial services industry leading mid to large-scale technology adoption initiatives including with a team that released New Zealand’s first online origination system for vehicle finance. Following that period of her life Jannat spent more than a decade in the vocational education sector designing and developing programmes and course material, teaching, and coordinating several collaborative projects and applied research initiatives involving students, staff and the wider community.
More recently Jannat has been involved with supporting digital inclusion and enablement initiatives, including as Smart Cities Advisor at Hamilton City Council and Tech Sector Lead at Te Waka: Waikato Regional Economic Development Agency, coordinating the development of the Digital Waikato 2025 strategy and delivering several large events and initiatives bringing together small businesses, schools, tertiary providers, the technology sector and general public.
Jannat is also a Trustee at Web Access Waikato Trust and Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust, Chair of the Waikato Intercultural Fund, on the Executive Council at NZ IoT Alliance and Techwomen NZ, a Board member at NZ Tech, Advisory Board member at the Waikato Wellbeing Project, and on the Executive Committee of the NZ AI Researchers Association.
