On a sunny day in Helsinki, the Finnish Intelligent Transportation Systems Association had the honor of hosting a distinguished delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by His Excellency Eng. Saleh Aljasser, Minister of Transport, Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services. The event took place at the historic Katajanokka Hotel chapel and featured a series of insightful presentations from leading experts in the field of electrification, transportation and sustainable mobility.
Program Highlights
Welcome
Marko Forsblom, CEO, ITS Finland kicked off the event with a warm welcome, setting a collaborative tone and emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in advancing transportation technologies.
Greetings from Saudi Arabia by H.E. Eng. Saleh Aljasser
His Excellency Eng. Saleh Aljasser shared greetings from Saudi Arabia and highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts and initiatives in transforming its transportation infrastructure to be more sustainable and efficient.
Elias Pöyry, Co-Founder and CBDO of Virta Global
Digital EV charging platform as a prerequisite for sustainable mobility
Elias Pöyry presented Virta Global’s innovative digital EV charging platform, underscoring its crucial role in achieving sustainable mobility. His insights into how digital solutions can drive the adoption of electric vehicles were particularly enlightening.
Tommi Liuska, CSO, Kempower Oyj
The world’s most desired EV fast charging solutions for everyone, everywhere
Tommi Liuska showcased Kempower Oyj’s advanced EV fast charging solutions, which aim to make EV charging accessible to everyone, everywhere. The presentation highlighted the technological advancements and user-friendly designs that make these solutions highly desirable.
Mikko Ampuja, Founder, Vapaus
Transforming urban mobility for good with cycling
Mikko Ampuja introduced Vapaus’s vision for transforming urban mobility through cycling. His presentation focused on the benefits of integrating cycling into urban transport systems to promote sustainability and improve quality of life.
Ian Sacs, P.E. Market manager, Smart Mobility, Ramboll
Developing smart and sustainable cities
Ian Sacs discussed the development of smart and sustainable cities, providing a comprehensive overview of how intelligent mobility solutions can enhance urban living and reduce environmental impacts.
Janne Lautanala, Chief Ecosystem and Technology Officer, Fintraffic Ltd
Driving sustainability with traffic data and service ecosystems
Janne Lautanala elaborated on how Fintraffic Ltd leverages traffic data and service ecosystems to drive sustainability in transportation. His talk highlighted the importance of data-driven approaches in managing and optimizing traffic flow.
Johanna Kuismin, Head of operational development, Fintraffic Ltd
Digirail -Digitalizing Finnish railways
Johanna Kuismin presented the Digirail project, which focuses on the digitalization of Finnish railways. She explained how digital technologies are being used to improve efficiency, safety, and passenger experience in the rail sector.
Christoph Krause, Development and Sales Manager, Skoda Transtech Ltd
Smart Trams for smartest cities
Christoph Krause concluded the presentations by introducing Skoda Transtech Ltd’s smart trams, designed for the smartest cities. His vision of integrating advanced technologies into tram systems was well received.
After each presentation, the Saudi delegation provided very good questions and comments, which contributed to a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences.
Following the presentations, the delegation embarked on a guided private tram tour, which provided a unique opportunity to see Helsinki’s cityscape and key sites of interest for transport and logistics. The tour concluded at Senaatintori, where participants had the chance to reflect on the day’s discussions and experiences.
Closing Thoughts
The event was a resounding success, marked by rich exchanges of knowledge and visions for the future of mobility and transportation. The Finnish Intelligent Transportation Association extends its deepest thanks to His Excellency Eng. Saleh Aljasser and the entire Saudi delegation for their participation and contributions.
A heartfelt thank you to Business Finland and the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their excellent joint arrangements. Special thanks to the participating companies: Virta Global, Kempower Oyj, Vapaus, Ramboll, Fintraffic Ltd, Digirail and Skoda Transtech Ltd, for their insightful presentations and contributions.
The visit not only strengthened the bonds between Finland and Saudi Arabia but also underscored the shared commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in mobility and transportation.
