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Day: 2 November 2023

What is ‘Immersive Week’ at Monaco’s Maison du Numérique all about?

by: Niki Borisova
02/11/2023
maison du numerique

From sessions on artificial intelligence to experiencing the metaverse and realms of virtual reality firsthand, the very first ‘Immersive Week’ organised by the Maison du Numérique promises an expert-led exploration of the fascinating world of the latest technologies. Here are all the details.  

The Maison du Numérique, which opened in July 2023, has teamed up with the Government of Monaco, Monaco Telecom, Extended Monaco and the Mairie de Monaco to hold the very first edition of the ‘Immersive Week’.  

Starting on 7th and ending 10th November, the programme features a mix of conferences and workshops that are free and open to the public. Each will be led by an expert in their respective field and seek to both empower and inform participants who are keen to develop their own digital knowledge.  

An engaging agenda 

On the first day of the schedule is a session on how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising web marketing and content creation that will be taught by Mohamed Zaraa at 5.30pm.  

Participants can then dive into the world of ‘biodigitals’ – virtual entities shaping the future – in the company of Dr. Marie-Nathalie Jauffret, a renowned expert in this field, on 8th November at 12.30pm. On the same day at 6pm, Kevin Soler, CEO and founder of VIRTEEM, will lead a class on the mysteries of the metaverse, shedding light on the challenges, opportunities and impacts of this emerging digital landscape. 

A ChatGPT challenge will take place on 9th November at 10am and 12pm, where two teams will learn to harness the power of this innovative tool for storytelling. These two workshops are for International University of Monaco students only.  

At 6pm that day, visitors to the Maison du Numérique can explore the potential impacts, both positive and negative, of AI on daily life with a conference hosted by the House of Artificial Intelligence.  

Finally, don’t miss the chance to test out virtual reality and experience the metaverse firsthand thanks to a session with VIRTEEM’s state-of-the-art equipment on 10th November at 12.30pm.  

A glimpse into a digital future 

The concept of hosting the ‘Immersive Week’ started back in July, on the back of several events held during the early days of the facility that attracted 600 visitors, according to Anthony Boccone, the head of the Maison du Numérique.  

“We aim to gather valuable feedback and statistics during Immersive Week to fine-tune our offerings and set the stage for 2024,” he told Monaco Life.  

To sign up or for more information, please click here. 

 

Read more:

Monaco closes the “digital divide” with new Maison du Numérique

 

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Photo by Monaco Life

Monte-Carlo Boxing Showdown: a knockout night of boxing set to return to Monaco

by: Niki Borisova
02/11/2023

The heart of Monaco is set to resonate with the pulsating rhythm of boxing as Matchroom Boxing, in collaboration with the Casino de Monte-Carlo and Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, brings back an electrifying night of fights and world championships in English boxing. The Casino de Monte-Carlo will host this thrilling event, providing spectators with the unique opportunity to witness these incredible battles up close and personal.

The Monte-Carlo Showdown, publicly announced at a special presentation at One Monte-Carlo on Thursday, promises a spectacular night of boxing, featuring a stellar line-up of eight powerful boxers ready to grace the ring in their quest for world championship glory.

“On Saturday night, Monaco will be the worldwide capital for boxing,” said Laurent Puons, President of the Monegasque Boxing Federation.

Cordina vs Vasquez: a clash of determination

Among the headline bouts, Welsh fighter Joe Cordina will face off against the USA’s Edward Vasquez for the prestigious IBF World Super Featherweight Championship. Cordina and Vasquez are no strangers to the ring, and they’ve voiced their unwavering determination for this highly anticipated showdown.

“I feel like this is my time. I’m here for a reason,” Vasquez told the assembled press.

Cordina, who holds Monaco close to his heart as he last boxed in the Principality in 2019, declared, “I am ready to match whatever he brings and will do everything possible for Saturday’s fight”.

Sive Nontshinga (left) and Adrian Curiel (right) at Thursday’s press gathering. Photo by Monaco Life

Fighters ready to shine

Another thrilling contest on the card is the clash between South Africa’s Sive Nontshinga and Mexico’s Adrian Curiel for the IBF World Light Flyweight Championships. Curiel is brimming with ambition, stating, “We have a lot of hunger to win. I hope it will be me who gets the victory.”

The WBC Welterweight Silver Championship will be up for grabs as French pugilist Souleymane Cissokho goes head-to-head with Mexico’s Isaias Lucero. Lucero’s determination was obvious on Thursday: “I have lots of hunger to get that win, that triumph. I want to do my best going into this fight.”

Lastly, the IBF Intercontinental Super Bantamweight Championship will see a fierce battle between Mexico’s Julissa Guzman II and Ramla Ali, of Great Britain/Somalia.

There’s no doubt these fighters will provide an electrifying match as they aim to give the people of Monaco a show they will never forget, and a “good clean fight”, said Nontshinga.

Boxing’s grand legacy in Monaco

The Monte-Carlo Boxing Showdown is more than just a series of boxing championships, it promises to be a thrilling spectacle that celebrates not only the art of the game but also the art of boxing.

While this is not Monaco’s inaugural boxing event, the dedicated boxing enthusiast Michael Wittstock, a former rugby player and father to Princess Charlene, who was present at the Boxing Showdown press conference, has played a pivotal role in co-organising boxing tournaments in Monaco since 2012.

These events have garnered invaluable support from both the Société des Bains de Mer and Prince Albert II. Wittstock’s unwavering commitment to the sport reached its peak in October 2014 when he orchestrated the fifth edition of the Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza, held at Casino de Monte-Carlo. Another Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza was organised in November 2018.

The stage is set for boxing glory

As the countdown begins to the Monte-Carlo Showdown on Saturday 4th November 2023, the boxing world is eagerly awaiting the battles that will unfold. The fighters are ready, the stage is set, and the Casino de Monte-Carlo is preparing to host an unforgettable night of boxing.

With fighters like Cordina and Vasquez prepared to give their all, this event is poised to deliver exhilarating moments and memorable victories.

 

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Main photo: Isaias Lucero, Adrian Curiel and Julissa Guzman II, by Monaco Life

Interview: Collective power the key to prosperous season for Monaco’s Roca Team

by: Niki Borisova
02/11/2023

With the basketball season off to a flying star, Monaco Life sat down with star player Jordan Lloyd and coach Saša Obradović to find out more about the Roca Team’s expectations.  

Just last week, AS Monaco Basket celebrated a sixth consecutive victory with a win against Gravelines-Dunkerque in the Betclic Elite (91-76). Before that, the Monegasque side had cleared the 100-point mark in a match against Maccabi Tel-Aviv at home (107-79).

The coming weeks are going to be intense for the Roca Team; a heavy schedule is ahead, with near back-to-back meets in the French league and at European level.

And it was ahead of a Euroleague pitching against Olimpia Milano on Thursday night that Monaco Life met with professional US player Jordan Lloyd, who joined the Roca Team in 2022, and Serbian coach Saša Obradović to hear about the preparations and challenges ahead.

“I am excited to be back in the team and just helping them out,” says Lloyd, who returns to the lineup after overcoming a long and challenging journey following an injury that required surgery. 

His presence adds depth and expertise to the team, as well as that all important defensive factor. Monaco is a team that relies on its players’ confidence and a collective effort to really play to its strengths; something not lost on Lloyd, who adds, “Our success goes to the whole team, who pitch in where they fit.” 

The Salle Gaston Médecin in Monaco is the location for all Roca Team home games. Photo by Monaco Life

Collective power

Point guard Mike James might be the name most often in the headlines when it comes to Roca Team coverage, but this is far from a one-man show, and Lloyd explains that each player contributes to the team’s success by adapting to different situations, and by demonstrating their versatility and adaptability. 

For Coach Obradović, the focus is what is coming next – “To be us, to play our game, to do even better than the previous game,” he tells Monaco Life – although he also has a strong appreciation for consistent performance, especially on the road. 

The fixtures coming up in November include some formidable opponents, particularly in the Euroleague, and Obradović is keen for his team to learn lessons from the early season and come together.  

“There is not one strength,” he says, “the strength is supposed to be on each position. It’s not just about individual skills; it’s about how they come together as a cohesive unit, making the game easier and more dynamic”. 

“A goal reached” 

Collective power is going to be important, key even, if the team is to echo its achievements of last year, and hopefully even surpass them. 

“I would say that repeating last year’s success would be amazing, a goal reached,” Obradović continues.  

The French title win and reaching the Final Four of the Euroleague, making Monaco’s side the first ‘French’ team to do so since 1997, ensured that last season was one to be genuinely proud of, but it is in the past now. 

Obradović, Lloyd and the rest of the players, including recent signing Kemba Walker, are all looking ahead, and if the start of this season is anything to go by, the commitment to teamwork and shared success shown thus far could be the cornerstone of an even more promising campaign to come.  

RELATED ARTICLE:

Basketball: Triumphant Roca Team welcomed at Prince’s Palace

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Main photo of Jordan Lloyd by Monaco Life

Football: ASM sign Kassoum Ouattara on five-year contract

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/11/2023

AS Monaco has announcd the arrival of Kassoum Ouattara from Amiens SC. The 19-year-old French U20 international defender has signed up for five seasons and is now linked to the Principality club until June 2028.

Having trained at Amiens Sporting Club, the young left-back, also capable of playing as a left midfielder, played 10 games with the Picardy club this season before joining AS Monaco.

Born in 2004, Kassoum Ouattara made his professional debut on 20th August 2022 at the age of 17, during a victory against SC Bastia (2-1), and took part in 12 meetings during the 2022-23 fiscal year.

International U20 of the French Team

Constant progression and performances have allowed Ouattara to be regularly called up with the youth selections of the French team. First with the U18s in 2022, then immediately with the U19s and finally this season with the U20s, where he played, alongside Malamine Efekele, his first match against Denmark on September 8 (2-2) .

AS Monaco are set to take on Brest at the Stade Louis II on Sunday, kick off is 5pm.

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Photo source: AS Monaco Football

Date set for the grand reopening of the Café de Paris

by: Elsa Carpenter
02/11/2023
café de paris reopen

In less than two weeks’ time, the Café de Paris will reopen its doors after almost two years of extensive renovations, but the legendary brasserie on the Place du Casino will be taking reservations as early as 9th November. 

An iconic Monaco landmark that has been operating since 1863, the Café de Paris is on the verge of writing a new chapter in its fascinating history with a much-awaited relaunch following months of vast interior and extensive renovations believed to cost somewhere in the realms of €55 million. 

After the works were finally finished at the end of October, and staff were able to enter the revitalised premises for onsite training and orientation for the first time since early 2022, an official date for its grand reopening could be set. 

And now it has been announced and shared with the eager public: Tuesday 14th November. 

Reservations for the Café de Paris will be accepted as early as Thursday 9th November, and are advisable if you’re hoping to get a seat over the festive season as this is expected to be a very popular address from morning until night. 

The two inside spaces – a lavish ground floor bistro and a chic brasserie reminiscent of the early days of the establishment on the first floor – will be able to welcome 300 guests, while the terrace can accommodate an impressive 200.  

The Amazónico rooftop restaurant will come next year, adding even more seats to the house, as well as another dimension entirely to the traditional destination. Read more about the Latin American fusion franchise here.  

 

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Photo credit: Monte-Carlo SBM

Crypto assets to be a focus of upcoming anti-money laundering sessions in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
02/11/2023
monaco money laundering

Later this month, the Monegasque Training Institute for Judicial Professions will host two days of conferences on the issues of crypto assets as well as how overseas approaches could help the Principality better understand and prevent money laundering within its own borders.  

Monaco has stepped up efforts this year to ensure the country conforms with international standards in the fight against money laundering after a report by MONEYVAL in January 2023 found that there were areas in which the Principality could improve.  

Spurred on to make the changes and increase public and professional awareness on the issue, a range of different events have been organised in recent months, such as the upcoming two days of conferences organised by the Monegasque Training Institute for Judicial Professions (IMFPJ).  

On 9th November, the IMFPJ will host an event specifically designed for magistrates, clerks, investigators and members of the Monegasque Agency Financial Security (AMSF). Then, on 10th November, a half-day training session fully open to the public will consider “international issues in the fight against money laundering”.  

TRAINING SESSION 

Yves Strickler, Scientific Director of the IMFPJ and a professor at the University of Côte d’Azur, will head up the event, which will run from 9am to 12pm in the auditorium of the Lycée Rainier III.  

The topics on the programme include: crypto assets by Marina Teller, Professor at the University of Côte d’Azur, and Vincent de Bonnafos, a legal advisor at DL Corporate & Regulatory; and the “American approach to the fight against money laundering”, with insight from the three American magistrates. 

Registrations are open until 8th November at 6.30pm. Requests can be sent by e-mail to dlanzara@justice.mc.

 

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Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communication Department