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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Survey on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ Credit Conditions for Third Quarter 2024

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published today (November 4) the results of Survey on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)’ Credit Conditions for the third quarter of 2024. According to the survey, SMEs’ credit conditions improved slightly.

     Regarding SMEs’ perception of banks’ credit approval stance relative to 6 months ago, excluding respondents who answered “no idea/don’t know”, 76 per cent perceived a “similar” or “easier” credit approval stance in the third quarter of 2024, up from 73 per cent in the previous quarter (Chart 1 in the Annex). 24 per cent perceived a “more difficult” credit approval stance, down from 27 per cent in the previous quarter. The perception of a more difficult credit approval stance may not necessarily reflect actual difficulties faced by SMEs in obtaining bank credit as the perception could be affected by a number of factors, such as media/news reports, business conditions and opinions of relatives and friends.

     Among respondents with existing credit lines, only 1 per cent reported a “tighter” banks’ stance, further down from 2 per cent in the previous quarter (Chart 2 in the Annex). In this survey, a tighter stance on existing credit lines denotes a range of possible measures or arrangements, such as reducing unused and used credit lines, raising the interest rate, imposing additional collateral requirements, or shortening loan tenor. Therefore, respondents’ indication of banks’ stance on existing credit lines may not directly reflect banks’ supply of credit to SMEs.

     The survey also gauged the results of new credit applications from SMEs. 3 per cent of the respondents reported that they had applied for new bank credit during the third quarter of 2024. Among the respondents who had already known their application outcomes, 79 per cent reported fully or partially successful applications, up from 70 per cent in the previous quarter (Chart 3 in the Annex).

     Owing to small sample sizes of SMEs with existing credit lines (13 per cent of surveyed SMEs) and with new credit applications (3 per cent of surveyed SMEs) during the quarter, the results could be prone to large fluctuations, and hence should be interpreted with care.

About Survey on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)’ Credit Conditions

     In light of the importance of SMEs to the Hong Kong economy and concerns about potential funding difficulties facing SMEs over the past few years, the HKMA has appointed the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to carry out this survey, starting from the third quarter of 2016. This survey is conducted on a quarterly basis, covering about 2 500 SMEs from different economic sectors each time. The results of this survey can help monitor the development of SMEs’ access to bank credit from a demand-side perspective.

     The results of this survey should be interpreted with caution. Similar to other opinion surveys, views collected in this survey may be affected by changes in sentiment due to idiosyncratic events that occurred over the survey period, which can make the results prone to fluctuations. Readers are advised to interpret the results together with other economic and financial information. In addition, views collected are limited to the expected direction of inter-quarter changes (e.g. “tighter”, “no change” or “easier”) without providing information about the magnitude of these changes.

     Detailed tables and technical information of this survey are published on the website of the HKPC (smecc.hkpc.org).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Interest rate of fifth interest payment for series of retail green bonds due 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, announced today (November 4) the relevant per annum interest rate for the fifth interest payment of the series of retail green bonds due 2025 (Issue Number: 03GR2505R; Stock Code: 4252) (the Retail Green Bonds) issued under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme (previously known as the Government Green Bond Programme).

     According to the Issue Circular dated April 26, 2022 for the Retail Green Bonds, the fifth interest payment of the Retail Green Bonds is scheduled to be made on November 18, 2024, and the relevant interest rate is scheduled to be determined and announced on November 4, 2024 as the higher of the prevailing Floating Rate and Fixed Rate.

     On November 4, 2024, the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate are as follows:

Floating Rate: +1.83 per cent (Annex)
Fixed Rate: +2.50 per cent

     Based on the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate set out above, the relevant interest rate for the fifth interest payment is determined and announced as 2.50 per cent per annum.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Parliament moves one step closer to deliver pay rise for early educators

Source: Australian Ministers for Education

Every day, parents trust early educators with the most important people in their world, and every day Australia asks early educators to do one of the most important jobs imaginable.

Today the Albanese Government has passed legislation through the House of Representatives to make sure those educators are fairly paid.

Once it passes through Parliament, the Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) Bill 2024 will deliver a 15 per cent wage increase for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workers.
This wage increase will be tied to a commitment from Child Care Centres to limit fee increases. We want to make sure workers can be fairly paid without the costs being passed on to families.

Since coming to Government, the number of ECEC workers has grown by more than 30,000, but we need more.

This $3.6 billion investment will help retain our existing early childhood educators, who are predominately women, and attract new employees.
By improving access to quality early childhood education and care we can also boost productivity and workforce participation in the short and long-term. Significantly, the wage increase also applies to workers in outside school hours care services – creating benefits for the parents of school aged children too.
This wage increase is an important next step in the Government’s reforms to the sector, building on the successful Cheaper Child Care changes.

The wage increase will be phased in over two years, and include a 10 per cent increase from December 2024, and a further 5 per cent increase from December 2025.
This means a typical ECEC educator who is paid at the award rate will receive a pay rise of at least $103 per week, increasing to at least $155 per week from December 2025.

For a typical early childhood teacher, they’ll receive an additional $166 a week from December this year, increasing to $249 from December of next year.
To be eligible to receive funding for the wage increase, ECEC services won’t be able to increase their fees by more than 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months from August 2024.

There will also be a limit on fee growth in the second year of the wage subsidy. The percentage limit on fee growth that will apply from August 2025 will be determined by a new ECEC cost index being developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Early learning providers can now apply for Commonwealth Government funding to deliver the pay rise.

This is a win for workers, a win for families and will help ease cost of living pressures.
Combined with the Government’s Cheaper Child Care initiative, this wage increase will help support the availability of early education and care for families and is a crucial step in charting the course to a truly universal early education system.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Jason Clare:
“The child care debate is over. It’s not babysitting. It’s early education and it’s critical to preparing children for school.
“They lift our kids up and now we are lifting their pay.
“This means wages up for workers and keeping prices down for families.
“A pay rise for every early childhood educator is good for our workforce, good for families and good our economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly:
“This is a wonderful outcome for a highly feminised workforce that has for far too long been neglected and taken for granted.
“We’re boosting the wages of early childhood education workers, while relieving cost of living pressures on Australian families.
“Properly valuing the early childhood education and care workforce is crucial to attracting and retaining workers and vital to achieving the quality universal early learning sector Australian families deserve.
“A quality early childhood education sector is necessary to support children’s learning and development as well as workforce participation in the broader economy.”

MIL OSI News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More pop up clinics arranged for winter vaccinations
Source: City of Wolverhampton

Similar to last year, those eligible for a free Covid-19 and flu vaccination include all adults aged 65 years and over, people who live in a care home for older adults, people aged 6 months to 64 years with health conditions that make them more vulnerable, frontline health and social care staff including those working in care homes for older adults, and pregnant women.

Eligible people can get one or both vaccinations and are invited to book an appointment via the NHS website, on the NHS app or by calling 119.

Alternatively, they can get their vaccinations at one of a number of community pop up clinics offering both vaccines without an appointment which are taking place across the city over the coming weeks, including:
- Phoenix Park, Dudley Road, today (Monday 4 November) and Monday 18 November from 9am to 3pm
- SMI Steps to Health, Showell Circus, tomorrow (Tuesday 5 November) from 9am to 3pm
- Sainsburys Wolverhampton, Raglan Street, on Thursday (7 November) and Thursday 21 November from 9am to 3pm
- Queen Square, Wolverhampton, on Friday (8 November) and Friday 22 November from 9am to 3pm
- Sainsburys Wednesfield, Bentley Bridge, on Thursdays 14 and 28 November from 11am to 6pm.
Anyone not eligible for a free flu vaccination is reminded that they can get it for a small charge at participating pharmacists.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s vital that everyone prepares for potential winter illnesses, especially those who are at higher risk.

“It can be easy to become complacent, however it’s important for those who are eligible to top up their protection, even if they have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or Covid-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.”

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Getting vaccinated will help you get winter strong so, I would encourage anyone who is eligible to take up the offer of a free flu or Covid-19 vaccination, or both.”
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Keynote Speaker – Mundy’s Mill HS 2006 Graduation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

Keynote Speaker – Mundy’s Mill HS 2006 Graduation

WHAT: Congressman David Scott (D-GA) will participate as the keynote speaker for the 2006 Graduation Ceremony of Mundy’s Mill High School. Constituents from the Clayton County community are encouraged to attend this special ceremony. WHEN: Saturday, May 27, 2006 – 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Twelve Oaks Stadium 1586 Lovejoy Road Jonesboro, GA 30236

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Scott to Attend Lockheed’s C-5M Rollout Ceremony

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

Congressman David Scott (GA-13) will attend Lockheed Martin’s ceremony to rollout the C-5M Super Galaxy. Media interested in attending the ceremony should contact Chandra Harris at 770-210-5073 or Peter Simmons of Lockheed at 770-494-6208 for more information.

WHEN: TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2006 10:00 A.M.

WHERE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company 86 South Cobb Drive Marietta, Georgia 30063

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Violent, illegal acts condemned

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice (DoJ) today strongly condemned an attempted knife attack on a magistrate, stressing that it will not tolerate any illegal or violent acts.

In a press release, the DoJ explained that the incident took place at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts this morning and emphasised that the attempted knife attack threatened the magistrate’s personal safety.

It also made it clear that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will not tolerate any illegal or violent acts, and Police will thoroughly investigate the case, strictly enforce the law and bring any offender to account.

Article 85 of the Basic Law clearly states that the courts of the Hong Kong SAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. Judges should handle cases in accordance with law and evidence. Intimidation, in particular violence of any form against judges who are performing judicial duties, will never be tolerated. Such illegal acts not only disregard the law but also undermine the rule of law.

Apart from saying that Police will follow up on the matter seriously, the DoJ appealed to the public to respect the rule of law and not to break the law.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: DIGZAX Enhances Collaborative Security System, Pioneering New Heights in Cryptocurrency Trading

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ARVADA, Colo., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Recently, the renowned cryptocurrency exchange platform DIGZAX announced the completion of its security system upgrade, further enhancing the protective capabilities of the platform. According to the details released, DIGZAX has showcased significant technological advantages, receiving high acclaim within the industry. This upgrade not only underscores the commitment of DIGZAX to user experience and asset security but also highlights the collaborative execution capabilities of the team throughout the process.

Fergus Kane, the founder and CEO of DIGZAX, has consistently prioritized security as the core driving force behind the development of the platform. Under his leadership, the DIGZAX team has not only driven technological innovation but also ensured steady business expansion. During the recent security upgrade, team members worked closely together, each fulfilling their respective roles, demonstrating remarkable cohesion, with every individual playing an indispensable part.

Charles Henry Anderson, the Chief Technology Officer, played a crucial role in this security enhancement, bringing extensive experience from the fintech sector. His technology team developed an intelligent security system capable of monitoring platform activities in real time, identifying and preventing anomalous behaviors, and employing multi-layered security measures to effectively adapt to evolving cybersecurity risks.

The successful implementation of this technology was bolstered by the close collaboration of Sterling Nash, the Chief Legal Officer, who provided critical compliance requirements during the system design phase. Given the varying data security and privacy regulations across different countries and regions, the guidance of Sterling ensured that the technological solutions progressed smoothly within a diverse global compliance framework, effectively mitigating potential legal risks. This close integration of technology and regulation not only enhanced the compliance capabilities of DIGZAX but also facilitated the robust expansion of the platform in international markets, solidifying its foundation for globalization.

Moreover, the operations team excelled during this security upgrade, led by Chief Operating Officer Michael Robert Davis. They worked closely with the technical department to ensure that every technological solution was effectively implemented while optimizing user experience. This efficient collaborative model allowed DIGZAX to advance its technological upgrades swiftly while maintaining platform stability and operational efficiency.

The collaboration of the DIGZAX team is evident not only at the technical level but also throughout the smooth progression of the entire project. From new features to user experience optimizations, every aspect has been meticulously refined and rigorously tested by the team, ensuring that efficient communication and close cooperation between departments facilitated the timely implementation of every innovative application and strategic adjustment.

Under the leadership of Fergus Kane, the DIGZAX team will continue to explore and apply cutting-edge technologies to ensure that the security and competitive advantages of the platform steadily improve. With ongoing technological updates, DIGZAX is moving towards a more secure and innovative cryptocurrency financial future, consistently providing users with high-quality investment experiences and greater development opportunities.

Media Contact:

Full company name: DIGZAX BLOCKCHAIN DEVELOPMENT INC

Company website: https://www.digzax.co

Contact Person: Darma

Email id: support@DIGZAX.co

Disclaimer: This content is provided by sponsor. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/56647c41-23b0-48dc-8bfe-7e2ee79d44ee

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New SEND Local Offer website launched
Source: City of Wolverhampton

The website has been created in partnership with children, young people and their families and includes:
- what to do if you’re new to SEND
- local support such as where you can find helpful advice, fun activities or services
- educational settings in Wolverhampton or nearby such as early years, primary, secondary, sixth form, colleges, further education and higher education
- travel assistance arrangements for children or young people attending schools, colleges or an early years setting
- how to get advice for young adults with SEND, like housing and employment support.
The new website has been developed in response to the Local Area SEND Inspection in 2021, which found that many parents and carers were not aware of the Local Offer and some of those that were found it difficult to access information on the site.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “The Local Offer website brings together a wide range of information about the education, health and social care support available in Wolverhampton and the surrounding area for children and young people with SEND, and their families.

“User acceptance testing is still being carried out on the new site and further development will be undertaken in response to feedback received. We are keen to hear your views to help us continue updating the website to meet your needs, so please take a look and if you have any comments, let us know via the feedback function on the website.”
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Mainland college students invited to visit Taiwan

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation announced Monday that it plans to invite 40 faculty members and students from seven mainland universities to visit the island, following a successful visit of mainland college students in 2023.
The visit is scheduled to take place from Nov. 27 for nine days and eight nights, said Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the foundation, at a press conference, adding that the foundation will submit applications to relevant authorities and hopes for swift approval to facilitate the visit.
The mainland students and teachers will be from Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhejiang University, Fujian Normal University and Beijing Sport University. The students will include Olympic champions, table tennis gold medalist Ma Long from Beijing Sport University, and shooting gold medalist Yang Qian from Tsinghua University, Hsiao said.
They will visit six universities in Taiwan, including Taiwan University, Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, Chengchi University, Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, and Chang Gung University, as well as the Taipei Municipal Zhongshan Girls High School, he said.
The itinerary will also include visits to scenic spots such as Sun Moon Lake so that mainland students will have an in-depth understanding of Taiwan’s history and natural beauty. Additionally, the foundation will arrange baseball experience activities, allowing mainland students to engage firsthand with Taiwan’s popular baseball culture.
This is the second such visit planned by the foundation. In 2023, faculty members and students from five mainland universities were warmly received across Taiwan, positively impacting cross-Strait relations.
In 2023 and 2024, Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, also led youth groups from Taiwan on visits to the mainland.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese PLA Support Base in Djibouti holds training with Djiboutian army
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
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MIL OSI China News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Air-defense missiles tear through the sky
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
A ground-based air defense system attached to an air-defense detachment of a brigade under the Chinese PLA 81st Group Army launches a missile against “enemy” target during a live-fire training exercise aiming to enhance the troops’ rapid reconnaissance and precise strike capabilities on September 1st, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Feng Hao)
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MIL OSI China News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Soldiers in reconnaissance and infiltration training
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

Soldiers assigned to a reconnaissance detachment of an army brigade under the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command cover each other in firing position while marching in the jungle during a reconnaissance and infiltration training exercise on August 29, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Xiao Zubin)

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MIL OSI China News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese PLA Support Base in Djibouti Holds Training with Djiboutian Military

Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

By Shao Bo

BEIJING, Nov. 4 — The Chinese PLA Support Base in Djibouti carried out a three-day joint training “Cooperation-2024.10. FAD” with the Djiboutian military from October 26th to 28th, 2024.

Themed on “joint anti-terrorism military operations”, the joint training consisted of land phase and sea phase and focused on such subjects as fire strike, armed escort, and counter-piracy.

The joint training involved more than 300 soldiers, five boats, and 40 armored vehicles, artilleries, logistic support vehicles.

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MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New Measures To Deter High Bids For Hawker Stalls

Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

Singapore, 4 November 2024 – Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Koh Poh Koon, announced at the Singapore Hawkers’ Seminar and Awards 2024 today that the National Environment Agency (NEA) will be revising the rental renewal policy for successful tenderers from the November 2024 hawker stall tender exercise onwards.

2          To deter overly high tender bids, NEA will be staggering the downward adjustment of tendered stall rentals over a longer period. Instead of an immediate full downward adjustment to the assessed market rent (AMR) at the point of first tenancy renewal, the rental for such hawker stalls will be adjusted downwards by 50% of the difference between their tendered rent and AMR for the second tenancy term. This will take effect from the next stall tender exercise in November 2024. This new measure seeks to encourage more prudent bidding behaviour.

3          To help prospective bidders make more informed tender bid price decisions, NEA will also provide more information and online business cost estimation tools to help prospective bidders make better cost and revenue estimates. These will be made available progressively from 2025.

Current Stall Tender Scheme and rental model

4          Vacant cooked food and market stalls are put up for tender monthly under NEA’s Stall Tender Scheme [1]. This open tender system ensures stalls are allocated in a fair and transparent manner. When stallholders obtain vacant stalls via the monthly stall tender exercises, their stall rental for the first tenancy term of three years is their tendered bid price. At the end of the 3-year tenancy term, stall rental is adjusted towards AMR, as determined by an independent professional valuation. The valuation considers factors such as footfall, stall sizes and tendered stall rentals at the hawker centre.

5          Currently, stallholders whose tendered rent is higher than the AMR at the point of tenancy renewal will see a full downward adjustment of their stall rental to the prevailing AMR. Stallholders whose tendered rent is lower than the AMR at the point of tenancy renewal will similarly see an upward adjustment of stall rental toward the AMR. This upward adjustment of stall rental towards AMR is moderated by NEA and has not exceeded $300 per tenancy term in recent years.

6          Popular hawker centres with high footfall and low vacancy have started to attract higher tender bids in recent years. Some bidders may have tendered high bids to secure choice stalls at their preferred locations. However, this is not the norm.

7          The median stall rental for non-subsidised cooked food stalls has remained relatively constant for the last 10 years at about $1,250 per month. Occupancy rates for cooked food stalls have remained high, averaging at around 97%. Most of the vacant stalls that are put up for tender will be occupied within three to six months.

8          While NEA does not regulate cooked food prices, we remain committed to provide a conducive environment for stallholders to operate, so that they can price their food affordably for the public and sustain their own livelihoods. Together with the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, we will continue to track stall rentals closely and adjust policies as necessary.

[1] Please refer to the ANNEX for an illustrated example of the Stall Tender Scheme.

~~ End ~~

For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

ANNEX

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s largest airports join forces in the fight against human trafficking

Source: Sydney Airport

Australia’s largest airports join forces in the fight against human trafficking

Monday 4 November 2024

In an Australian first, Sydney Airport and Melbourne Airport have joined forces to launch a public awareness campaign to fight human trafficking.  

The country’s two largest international airports have partnered with anti-human trafficking organisation, A21, to run the “Can You See Me?” campaign, with guidance and input from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).  

This initiative will educate people on how to recognise and report the signs of human trafficking.   

From today, digital screens and billboards at both airports will display images and messages, stating that slavery still exists and urging people: “If you suspect it, report it.” QR codes also link to videos and information on how to identify and stop these crimes. Digital screens in key areas will display these messages, including check-in counters, gates and baggage carousels.  

Combined, Sydney and Melbourne airports cater for 68% of Australia’s total international passenger traffic. While the “Can You See Me?” campaign runs over the next month, close to 7 million passengers are expected to pass through both the domestic and international terminals at the two airports.  

A21 has rolled out this program in high-profile spaces worldwide—from Times Square billboards, screens at Heathrow Airport, train stations in Thailand to inflatable screens in vulnerable Cambodian communities—reaching an impressive 3.4 billion people globally.  

Modern slavery is a growing issue in Australia, with the AFP receiving 382 reports in 2023/2024 financial year, a 12 per cent increase on the previous year. Cases include trafficking, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, debt bondage, forced labour, deceptive recruitment and organ trafficking. The Global Slavery Index estimates 41,000 people in Australia live under conditions of modern slavery.  

A united response to human trafficking  

Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO said: “Every person who steps through our airport deserves to travel safely, without fear of exploitation.”   

“We deeply value the AFP’s dedication to catching and prosecuting traffickers and the A21 ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign will amplify their efforts by raising critical public awareness and support.  

“Sydney Airport is proud to join forces with Melbourne Airport, united in our mission to tackle the scourge of modern slavery.”  

Lorie Argus, Melbourne Airport CEO said: “This partnership goes beyond just airports—it’s about people’s lives.”  

“By joining forces with Sydney Airport, the AFP, and A21, we’re taking a stand against modern slavery, a hidden crime that destroys people’s futures.  

“Knowing that human trafficking is a real and daily threat, we feel a deep responsibility to protect our passengers.”  

Acting Commander Human Exploitation Frank Rayner from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said: “The increase in reported cases of human trafficking and slavery in Australia highlights the urgent need for action.”

“Airports are key environments where traffickers seek to move victims across borders. It is important to remember that traffickers have many ways of controlling a person and a person can be exploited without physical restraint or abuse.

“Engaging travellers and frontline airport staff to recognise the signs and report suspected cases will help disrupt these crimes and protect vulnerable people.”

Nick Caine, A21 CEO, said: “Everyone has a role to play in the fight against human trafficking. Awareness is the first step, and we believe that through this campaign, more victims will be recognised and rescued.  

“The ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign has already changed lives across the world, and we are grateful to Sydney and Melbourne airports for bringing this powerful message to Australia.”  

Christian Elliott, Director of “Can You See Me?” said:  “As the director of the Can You See Me? campaign, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of awareness.”  

“This initiative goes beyond just sharing information—it equips every individual who passes through Sydney and Melbourne airports to become a part of the solution.  

“Human trafficking hides in plain sight, but through this campaign, we are making the invisible visible, empowering travellers, staff, and the public to take action. With just one report, one moment of recognition, a life can be saved. Together, we can stop the traffickers and protect the most vulnerable among us.”  

The Rotary Clubs of Botany Randwick and Marrickville have announced that all cash collected from 11 donation boxes across Sydney Airport over the next month will be donated to A21 to support survivors of human trafficking.  

Airport-specific signs & indicators of human trafficking  

Avoids eye contact and social interaction 

Is not in control of own passport/documentation 

Language barrier with their travelling companions 

Unusually submissive

Unaware of their destination  

Clothing is not appropriate/does not fit the route of travel  

More details: Human trafficking and exploitation – AFP  

How to make a report

If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 000 for help.    

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) protect people who are victims of modern slavery and can help keep you safe. If you suspect someone is at risk, you can:  

Make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000  

Call 131 AFP  

Report online  

MIL OSI News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Long-term public-private partnership to deliver thousands of affordable homes

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Pension Insurance Corporation, Muse and Homes England form £54 million joint venture, named HABIKO, a development vehicle to bring forward 3,000 low-carbon, low-energy affordable homes for rent

A significant long-term public-private partnership, focused on affordable housing delivery, has been announced by Pension Insurance Corporation, a major investor in UK housing and infrastructure, nationwide place maker, Muse, and Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency.

The new public-private partnership, named Habiko, is a joint venture that plans to deliver 3,000 low-carbon, low-energy affordable homes for the rental market, unlocking institutional investment. Habiko will become self-funding over its 12-year lifespan and aims to diversify the supply chain for future efficient housing developments.

Habiko is targeting up to 100% affordable homes for rent for those whose needs are not met by the market, with rents set at 20% below the local market rent. During the 12-year lifespan of the partnership, PIC will have the ability to continue to forward fund the development of the affordable homes and will ultimately own the homes and places they have helped to create through its investment and long-term stewardship approach.

The homes will be built across England in areas of high demand for this type of housing. The developments aim to create social value for these communities, including boosting the local economy through job creation and new skills to drive green innovation. The homes will be in accessible locations, close to employment opportunities and be designed to help residents save money on their energy bills.

Tracy Blackwell, CEO of PIC, said:

Meeting the UK’s affordable housing needs is a challenge that is best met through effective collaboration between Government, developers, and private investors. Habiko is a great example of public-private partnership, which brings forward thousands of low-carbon, low-energy affordable homes.

PIC has invested around £4 billion in social and affordable housing to date, helping provide the secure, long-dated, inflation linked cashflows to back the pensions of its policyholders over coming decades, creating considerable social value.

Phil Mayall, Managing Director at Muse, said:

The Government has set out a bold and ambitious challenge to deliver a significant number of new affordable homes over the next five years. Working together with PIC and Homes England, we can bring together our collective resources and unique experience to deliver thousands of low carbon and low energy homes which, by working alongside our local partners, meet the needs of communities across the country.”

Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England, said:

Attracting institutional investment into the housing sector is critical to build the new homes the country needs.

This partnership supports our partners’ objective to deliver low carbon, low energy, affordable homes, bringing together the technical expertise and capability of Muse with the financial capacity of one of the UK’s largest pension fund insurers, cementing PIC as a significant force in delivering affordable housing.

Notes to Editors

For more information about Habiko please visit www.habiko.uk

About Homes England

Homes England is the government’s housing and regeneration agency. We believe that affordable, quality homes in well-designed places are key to improving people’s lives. We make this happen by using our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to both – bring investment to communities and get more quality homes built.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/homes-england

About PIC

The purpose of PIC is to pay the pensions of its current and future policyholders. At half year 2024 PIC had insured 348,600 pension scheme members and had assets of £47.7 billion, accumulated through the provision of tailored pension insurance buyouts and buy-ins to the trustees and sponsors of UK defined benefit pension schemes. PIC has made pension payments of more than £15 billion to its policyholders, with a customer satisfaction rating of 99%, and has invested more than £13 billion in the UK infrastructure and housing, including in urban regeneration projects, social housing, and renewable energy, creating considerable social value. Clients include FTSE 100 companies, multinationals and the public sector. PIC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority (FRN 454345). For further information please visit www.pensioncorporation.com

About Muse – the nationwide placemaker

The nationwide placemaker, Muse, has 40 years of experience creating mixed-use communities across the UK.

Our track record of leading complex, mixed-use regeneration gives us the experience to deliver successful places, with the emphasis on sustainability, community and quality. We’re working with partners across the UK with more than 2000 new homes and over 600,000 sq ft of commercial space under construction over the past 12 months, with a gross development value of £877m.

We combine local insight with the resources and capabilities of a nationwide organisation. Our regional teams are based in Manchester, Leeds, London and Birmingham.

As part of Morgan Sindall Group, we have the financial strength of a leading UK construction and regeneration group with an annual revenue of £2.2bn

Our focus is on strong partnerships in the many places we work across the UK and our national strategic joint ventures, ECF – with Legal & General and Homes England – and Waterside Places with the Canal & River Trust.

We’re building a brighter future, together.

www.museplaces.com

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Updates to this page

Published 4 November 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Music Service offers qualification for learners with support needs

Source: City of Wolverhampton

The Awards and Certificates in Musical Development are industry first, innovative qualifications which set a new standard for fully accessible, inclusive music assessments. They enable children and young people with learning difficulties to achieve a fully regulated qualification in any music making context.

Daryl Pardesi, Hub Development Lead for Inclusion and Partnerships at Wolverhampton Music Service, said: “This is a much needed new inclusion opportunity for pupils in SEND settings to gain accreditation, just as their peers have done for a long time in primary and secondary settings.

“These innovative qualifications celebrate every learner’s journey, recognising musical achievements across all abilities and backgrounds.”

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, added: “These are ground breaking, fully accessible, regulated music qualifications open to all learners – from those with profound learning difficulties to those on the autism spectrum.

“These qualifications enable everyone to have their musical achievements and progress formally recognised, and I am delighted that we are able to offer them through Wolverhampton Music Service.”

Although geared towards learners with SEND or additional support needs, the Awards and Certificates of Musical Development are designed to recognise how everyone engages with music and is open to all learners working with the Sounds of Intent Framework, with no age restrictions or other limitations.

Wolverhampton Music Service provides high quality tuition and musical opportunities for youngsters from schools across the city, including the chance to perform with its flagship groups, Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra.

Last year, it delivered around 500 hours of tuition to nearly 7,000 children in 82 schools across the city every week, and runs 15 free ensembles enjoyed by over 500 children and young people on a weekly basis.

To find out more visit Wolverhampton Music Service.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: President Amherd to travel to Budapest for fifth European Political Community Summit

Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

The fifth European Political Community (EPC) Summit will take place in Budapest on Thursday, 7 November. President Amherd will represent Switzerland at the meeting, which will be attended by representatives from around 45 European states, the institutions of the European Union (EU) and other organisations.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Data Storage Corporation Provides Letter to Shareholders Highlighting Recent Achievements within CloudFirst Technologies Subsidiary

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MELVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) (“DSC” and the “Company”), a provider of diverse business continuity solutions for disaster-recovery, cloud infrastructure, cyber-security, and IT automation, today provided a letter to shareholders from its CEO, Chuck Piluso.

“To our Valued Shareholders:

We are excited to share significant updates on the transformative progress at our wholly owned subsidiary, CloudFirst Technologies. This year we have witnessed fundamental growth, driven by our commitment to establishing CloudFirst as an industry leader in cloud hosting, disaster recovery, and cyber-security. By focusing on these high-demand areas, we are positioning the company for sustainable long-term profitability, global expansion, and heightened operational efficiency. Below, we outline key highlights, strategic initiatives, and our outlook for the future.

Operational Highlights:

As of June 30, 2024, CloudFirst is proud to report the following:

We serve over 425 companies, representing diverse industries and a growing client base.

For 2025, the baseline billing in annual recurring revenue baseline, given all annual services renew, is expected to reach over $20.0 million, while our typical agreement for our enterprise cloud is 36 months, underscores our robust financial trajectory and confidence in CloudFirst’s market positioning.

CloudFirst today has over $31.0 million in remaining contract value for our enterprise subscription cloud hosting infrastructure, disaster recovery and cyber security solutions.

Additionally, we are pleased to report a contract renewal rate, for over a decade, greater than 90%, highlighting the strength of our customer relationships and the ongoing satisfaction with our team and our services.

These achievements reflect our strategic focus on cloud infrastructure, disaster recovery and cyber security services, which continue to deliver sustainable, high-margin growth.

UK Expansion:

In line with our growth strategy, we are pleased to announce our entry into the UK market where we expect to begin offering services in the first quarter of 2025. This expansion is key to our plan to increase CloudFirst’s global footprint.

We are partnering with Intel-based data centers to establish CloudFirst’s technical infrastructure across multiple data centers. These partnerships will allow us to leverage our enterprise IBM Power platform while Intel-based providers manage client referrals and billing.

Our expansion into the rapidly growing European market is expected to enable us to capture new demand for cloud services, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity while positioning us as a key player in the region.

These steps mark major milestones in CloudFirst’s goal of becoming a global leader in enterprise cloud-based services and offers us the opportunity to grow our client base and increase revenue in a growing market.

Flagship Solutions Group Integration:

We are also reporting the successful integration of Flagship Solutions Group into CloudFirst on January 1, 2024. Acquired in 2021, Flagship has undergone a transformation over the past few years:

Flagship moved from a negative EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022, to a positive result in EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023, a testament to our ability to streamline operations and create synergies across the two organizations.

A key driver of this turnaround has been our efforts to consolidate technical teams under CloudFirst’s CTO, unify our monitoring systems, and integrate various platforms, thereby optimizing the efficiency of our service delivery.

This strategic integration enhances CloudFirst’s operational efficiency and positions us to capitalize on new revenue opportunities by offering our full suite of cloud and recovery services to Flagship’s established client base.

Conclusion:

Looking ahead, we believe CloudFirst is well-positioned for continued success. Our expansion into the UK, the operational efficiencies we have achieved through the Flagship Solutions Group integration, and our strong financial performance are all expected to provide a solid foundation for sustained growth and shareholder value creation.

As we continue to execute our growth strategy, we remain focused on our core mission: to provide reliable, scalable, and high-margin cloud infrastructure, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity solutions. We are committed to driving innovation, delivering excellent customer experiences, and pursuing new market opportunities.

We sincerely thank you for your continued support and look forward to sharing more updates as we reach new milestones.

Sincerely,

Chuck Piluso
CEO, Data Storage Corporation”

About Data Storage Corporation

Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) is a leading provider of fully managed cloud hosting, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, IT automation, and voice & data solutions. With strategic technical investments in multiple regions, DTST serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, in sectors such as government, education, and healthcare. Focused on the fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar cloud hosting and business continuity market. DTST is recognized as a stable and emerging growth leader in cloud infrastructure, support and the migration of data to the cloud. Our regional data centers across North America enable us to deliver sustainable services through recurring subscription agreements.

For more information, please visit www.dtst.com or follow us on X @DataStorageCorp.

Safe Harbor Provision
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created thereby. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts, although not all forward-looking statements include the foregoing. The forward looking statements in this press release include statements such as continuing to grow revenue and increase profitability as the Company executes on its strategic initiatives, the consolidation of the CloudFirst and Flagship subsidiaries positioning the Company to optimize operations, leverage its technical teams, realize greater efficiencies, and improve internal resource allocation, while capitalizing on extensive cross-selling and upselling opportunities among its customer networks, having developed a robust business strategy that we will drive growth and secure sustainable profitability while maximizing long term value for shareholders and providing meaningful updates to shareholders as developments unfold. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include the Company’s ability to execute and advance its growth strategies. These risks should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was initially made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

Contact:
Crescendo Communications, LLC
212-671-1020
DTST@crescendo-ir.com

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Virtune AB (Publ) Launches Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP On Nasdaq Stockholm

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Stockholm, November 4, 2024 – Virtune, a Swedish regulated crypto asset manager, today announced the launch of Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP on Nasdaq Stockholm, the largest stock exchange in the Nordic region.

Key description about the product:

Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP offers investors exposure to an equal-weighted basket of up to 10 leading alternative crypto assets (altcoins), excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum. The product is 100% physically backed by the underlying crypto assets and provides investors with a simple and secure way to gain broad exposure to the crypto market beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. The product is rebalanced monthly, resetting the holdings to equal weight, and existing crypto assets can be excluded and new crypto assets may be included.

This launch marks a significant milestone in offering diversified investment opportunities within crypto through regulated exchange traded products across the Nordics, and this marks Virtune’s 13th ETP. Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP can be traded via an ISK, capital insurance, or a custodial account and is available at Avanza and Nordnet.

As of 31st of October 2024, the index that the product tracks, Virtune Vinter Crypto Altcoin Index, had the following weights:

Solana: 14.28%
XRP: 14.28%
Cardano: 14.28%
Avalanche: 14.28%
Chainlink: 14.28%
Litecoin: 14.28%
Uniswap: 14.28%

Only crypto assets that are part of the Nasdaq Crypto Index Europe can be included since the product is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

Key benefits of Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP:

Exposure to up to 10 leading altcoins (Bitcoin and Ethereum are excluded)
Equal-weighted holdings of each crypto asset
100% physically backed by the underlying crypto assets
Monthly rebalancing
2.50% annual management fee

Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP:

Full name: Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP
Short name: Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index
Index: Virtune Vinter Crypto Altcoin Index
Trading currency: SEK
First trading day: Monday, November 4, 2024
ISIN: SE0023260716
Exchange: Nasdaq Stockholm

Christopher Kock, CEO of Virtune:
“We are pleased to announce the launch of Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP, which is listed today on Nasdaq Stockholm. As the crypto market continues to evolve and new investment opportunities arise, this product enables investors to gain exposure to a basket of up to ten leading crypto assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Our partnerships with market-leading partners such as Vinter (index provider), Flow Traders (market maker), and Coinbase (custodian) ensure that we continue to deliver innovative and in-demand investment products to the market.”

This ETP caters to both institutional and retail investors, addressing the increasing demand for exposure to altcoins from Nordic investors.

If you are an institutional investor interested in exploring the potential of our current and upcoming ETPs for your discretionary asset management or wish to learn more about Virtune and our product offering, please feel free to contact us. Visit www.virtune.com for more information, and register your email address on our website to receive updates on upcoming ETP launches and other news related to crypto assets.

Press contact
Christopher Kock, CEO Virtune AB (Publ)
christopher@virtune.com
+46 70 073 45 64

Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges.With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.

Crypto investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice; investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, there is no guarantee of getting back invested capital. Read the prospectus, KID, terms at virtune.com.

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier to attend 8th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Nov. 4 — The eighth Greater Mekong Subregion Summit will be held in Kunming, Yunnan from Nov. 6 to 7. Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will chair the summit, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Monday.

Leaders of the five Mekong countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, and President of the Asian Development Bank will attend the summit upon invitation, Mao added.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Intricate model sheds a little light on iconic Smeaton designs

Source: City of Leeds

An impressive, brick-by-brick recreation of John Smeaton’s famous Eddystone Lighthouse has gone on display in Leeds alongside the 230-year-old designs which inspired it.

Civil Engineer and railway enthusiast Mark Calvert designed the model and then printed each part on a 3D printer, after an illuminating study into the famed Leeds-born engineer’s original masterwork.

Now his model has taken pride of place in an exhibition at Leeds Industrial Museum next to a stunning first edition book, penned by Smeaton himself, detailing his pioneering plans for the towering full-sized structure.

Coloured in the iconic red and white stripes which have become synonymous with the British seaside, the metre-high model is made up of scores of interlocking bricks, which mimic the huge granite blocks and dovetail joints of the full-sized version.

Mark, a former chair of the Yorkshire branch of the Institution of Civil Engineers, became fascinated by the intricacy of Smeaton’s plans, which were themselves inspired by the strong, sweeping appearance of an oak tree.

He said: “Smeaton’s lighthouse designs have always been fascinating, but it isn’t until you look at them in detail that you fully marvel at the incredible thought process which much have gone into their actual construction.

“Each individual block had to correspond exactly to the ones around, allowing them to interlock and make the lighthouse so strong and resilient against vast forces of the sea that had swept away the lighthouses that stood before Smeaton’s attempt.

“It was such a challenge to recreate these designs and a really proud moment to see my model on display alongside the designs which came from the mind of Smeaton himself.”

Born in Whitkirk, Leeds in 1724, self-taught engineer Smeaton was tasked with building a lighthouse to guide ships through the notoriously perilous passage through the Eddystone Rocks off the coast of Devon in around 1756.

Inspired by the tapered trunk of an oak tree and the kerbstones of London’s pavements, the completed lighthouse stood 59 feet high, and was first lit on October 16, 1759.

On loan from Leeds Central Library, the book of his designs itself took 35 years to complete and was dedicated by the author to King George III.

Both the book and Mark’s model are on display as part of Engineery: Building Better Futures, an exhibition exploring the story of civil engineering and the huge impact it has had on the world.

The exhibition is a collaboration between Leeds Museums and Galleries and Smeaton 300, a programme designed by local arts organisation Foxglove to mark Smeaton’s 300th birthday. Mark worked alongside Foxglove, who consulted him as an expert engineer as part of the programme.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “It’s incredible to see Smeaton’s designs are still encouraging creativity and innovation in Leeds centuries after he was born.

“There can be no more fitting tribute to his life and legacy than for his work to be on display today in his home city alongside modern day creations made by those he has inspired.”

For more information on Smeaton 300, visit: The Project – Smeaton300

For more details about Engineery, which is on now at Leeds Industrial Museum, please visit: Engineery – Leeds Museums & Galleries

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE launches declaration on products with embedded AI and calls for global cooperation to address regulatory challenges

Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

In response to the rapidly growing complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies embedded in everyday products and services, the UNECE Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6) has issued a declaration aimed at fostering increased global regulatory coherence. This landmark initiative addresses the urgent need for a coherent, international approach to regulating AI embedded in products, such as consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial systems and machinery.

The declaration builds upon the related Overarching Common Regulatory Arrangements (CRA), a framework designed to support the development of voluntary regulatory cooperation between governments, while safeguarding global trade and technological advancements. The CRA provides guidance on reducing technical barriers to trade, aligning regulatory approaches, and enhancing market surveillance.

“The fragmented regulatory landscape for AI, combined with global security concerns and geopolitical challenges, risks creating new barriers to trade. It is thus vital that digital risks are addressed with measures that are effective for the specific AI use cases,” said Heidi Lund, the Chair of UNECE WP.6. “This declaration underscores the importance of consensus-driven regulatory approaches to counter digital vulnerabilities and ensure that technological advancements benefit all economies.”

The key benefits of the declaration include:

Promoting Trustworthiness and Resilience: The CRA addresses the societal and technological risks associated with AI, ensuring that embedded AI systems are safe, secure, and resilient to cyber threats.

Supporting Sustainable Development: The CRA aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging AI implementations that advance environmental, economic, and social objectives.

The declaration represents a proactive response to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. It provides a unique platform for global regulatory collaboration, offering a flexible, non-binding methodology that adapts to the maturity levels of participating agencies. This flexibility ensures that agencies can implement best practices tailored to their specific regulatory needs, without the burden of binding commitments. The end goal is to ensure that products entered onto the market are safe for consumers and that the AI elements do not negatively impact human autonomy, mental wellbeing or individual freedoms.

The UNECE W.P.6 Project Leader, Markus Krebsz, emphasized the broader impact of the CRA, noting that it “not only facilitates trade and regulatory coherence but also addresses key societal challenges like trustworthiness, privacy, cybersecurity and reducing the global digital divide. The framework encourages continuous compliance and the sharing of best practices to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI technologies.”

Next steps for governments and agencies: Call for engagement

As the declaration moves forward, UNECE will soon launch a call for engagement, inviting governments and national agencies to participate in new implementation projects, aimed at bringing the principles of the CRA to specific sectors, such as medical devices, electrical appliances and/or toys. Governments and national agencies globally are invited to join this initiative, which offers a strategic path to shaping the future of AI regulation while contributing to a more integrated and efficient global market for AI-embedded products and services.

For more information, please visit this page or see, or see the UNECE WP.6 website, or contact [email protected].

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Oct much warmer than usual

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Mainly due to a weaker northeast monsoon over southern China, October was much warmer than usual, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) said today.

The monthly mean temperature of 27.3 degrees Celsius, mean maximum temperature of 30.3 degrees Celsius, and mean minimum temperature of 25.4 degrees Celsius, were all the highest on record for October.

There were three very hot days in the month, one of the highest on record for October.

On October 19, with light winds and plenty of sunshine, the maximum temperature recorded in the afternoon was 33.7 degrees, making it the latest very hot day of a year on record.

The month was also much drier than usual with a total rainfall of 11.3mm, only about 9% of the norm. The accumulated rainfall this year up to October was 2,115.6mm, about 10% lower than the norm for the same period.

Five tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in October, the HKO added.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Asia+ Festival’s concerts by Kinan Azmeh fuses Arabic music with classical and jazz elements (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     This year’s Asia+ Festival has invited Kinan Azmeh, a core member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and an award-winning clarinettist and composer, to perform in Hong Kong for the first time in November. He will be joined by percussionist John Hadfield and five emerging local musicians in a pair of concerts that showcase a broad range of music. The events are presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

     Born in Syria and now based in the United States, Azmeh is widely acclaimed for his genre-crossing repertoire that blends Arabic music with Western classical and jazz influences. His work has been hailed by The New York Times as “intensely soulful”, describing him as a “virtuoso”. In 2017, Silk Road Ensemble’s “Sing Me Home”, which he contributed to, won the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album. Within the album is his composition “Wedding”, in which he also appeared as a clarinettist.

     Azmeh has performed in many major venues around the world, such as the Bastille Opera House in Paris, Berliner Philharmonie in Berlin and the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In the upcoming Hong Kong concerts, he will perform four compositions of different styles, which will express emotions that are universally shared. “The Fence, the Rooftop and the Distant Sea” portrays the composer’s longing for his hometown, while “Ibn Arabi Postlude” exalts love and freedom, which he deems as sacred as religion. Another piece, “In the Element”, depicts Azmeh’s state of bliss as he becomes one with the natural environment he is familiar with. Lastly, “Suite for Improvisor and Orchestra” is his contemplation of the intriguing correlations between the composed and the improvised.

     Besides sharing the stage with Hadfield are the five local musicians, namely violinists Nina Wong and Sammi Chan, violist Martin Kuo, cellist Kelvin Lee, and double bassist Evette Chiu. Part of this programme was performed to critical acclaim for Azmeh’s collaboration with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in London Southbank Centre last year.

     “Concert by Kinan Azmeh” is one of the celebratory programmes of the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. It will be staged at 8pm on November 22 and 23 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Studio Theatre. Each performance will be followed by a meet-the-artist session. Tickets priced at $260 and $400 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288; or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”. Besides the concert, a composition and improvisation workshop, with tickets priced at $200, will be held on November 20 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Administration Building’s Podium Workshop. Azmeh will also coach Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts students in a clarinet masterclass on November 21 at the Academy’s Recital Hall. Members of the audience are welcome to view the class for free. For more details, please visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/concert-by-kinan-azmeh.

     The second Asia+ Festival is running from September to November, highlighting the arts and cultures of nearly 30 Asian and Belt and Road countries and regions. Apart from stage programmes, there are also thematic exhibitions, an outdoor carnival, film screenings, outreach activities and more, numbering over 100 in total. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 44

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Company Announcement No 52/2024

Peberlyk 4
6200 Aabenraa
Denmark

Tel +45 74 37 37 37
Fax +45 74 37 35 36

Sydbank A/S
CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
sydbank.dk

4 November 2024

Dear Sirs

Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 44
On 28 February 2024 Sydbank announced a share buyback programme of DKK 1,200m. The share buyback programme commenced on 4 March 2024 and will be completed by 31 January 2025.

The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of Sydbank and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, collectively referred to as the Safe Harbour rules.

The following transactions have been made under the share buyback programme:

	Number of shares	VWAP	Gross value (DKK)
Accumulated, most recent Announcement	2,570,000		907,853,910.00
28 October 2024 29 October 2024 30 October 2024 31 October 2024 01 November 2024	17,000 18,000 18,000 18,000 16,000	328.44 319.15 314.67 324.97 329.67	5,583,480.00 5,744,700.00 5,664,060.00 5,849,460.00 5,274,720.00
Total over week 44	87,000		28,116,420.00
Total accumulated during the share buyback programme	2,657,000		935,970,330.00

All transactions were made under ISIN DK 0010311471 and effected by Danske Bank A/S on behalf of Sydbank A/S.

Further information about the transactions, cf Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on market abuse and Commission delegated regulation, is available in the attachment.

Following the above transactions, Sydbank holds a total of 2,657,135 own shares, equal to 4.86% of the Bank’s share capital.

Yours sincerely

Mark Luscombe        Jørn Adam Møller
CEO        Deputy Group Chief Executive

Attachment

SM 52 UK incl. enc

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: Transactions in week 44

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Company announcement no. 49 2024

Group Communications
Bernstorffsgade 40
DK-1577 København V
Tel. +45 45 14 00 00

4 November 2024

Danske Bank share buy-back programme: Transactions in week 44

On 2 February 2024, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5.5 billion, with a maximum of 70 million shares, in the period from 5 February 2024 to 31 January 2025, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 2 2024.

The programme is being carried out under Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and the Commission’s delegated regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, also referred to as the Safe Harbour Rules.

The following transactions were made under the share buy-back programme in week 44:

	Number of shares	VWAP DKK	Gross value DKK
Accumulated, last announcement	21,075,378	201.8229	4,253,493,850
28/10/2024	155,000	199.1180	30,863,290
29/10/2024	131,000	196.7792	25,778,075
30/10/2024	172,000	196.6996	33,832,331
31/10/2024	55,000	201.9072	11,104,896
01/11/2024	39,458	205.5886	8,112,115
Total accumulated over week 44	552,458	198.5503	109,690,707
Total accumulated during the share buyback programme	21,627,836	201.7393	4,363,184,557

With the transactions stated above the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 2.51% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

We enclose share buy-back transaction data in detailed form of each transaction in accordance with the Commission’s delegated regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016.

Danske Bank

Contact: Stefan Singh Kailay, Group Press Officer, tel. +45 45 14 14 00

Attachments

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: HEROWORKS Embarks on Global Expansion with Hotel Revenue Management System

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SEOUL, KOREA, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HEROWORKS, a leading Korean hospitality tech company, announced its initiative to expand the global reach of its hotel revenue management systems, ‘DatAmenity’ and ‘REVIE.’

– Launches Review Management Service ‘REVIE’ Following Hotel Revenue Management System ‘DatAmenity’

– Enhances Services through Localization Strategies, Including Multilingual Systems and Development of Local OTA Crawlers

Focusing on the Korean market, HEROWORKS has provided ‘DatAmenity,’ a hotel pricing management service, and ‘REVIE,’ a review management service. Recently, through global data collection, the development of multilingual systems, and the creation of local OTA (Online Travel Agency) crawlers, the company is accelerating the expansion of its solutions, primarily targeting the Asian market.

HEROWORKS has completed the development of English and Vietnamese versions of the DatAmenity service and has finalized the development of the crawler for integration with major Japanese OTA platforms such as IKYU, RAKUTEN, and JALAN. By adding features optimized for each country’s market, HEROWORKS is significantly enhancing its accessibility in the global market.

‘DatAmenity’ is a hotel revenue management solution that collects and analyzes room data from all accommodations listed on OTAs to help set optimal room sale prices. The name combines ‘Data,’ meaning information, and ‘Amenity,’ which hotels provide, signifying HEROWORKS’ provision of data-driven revenue management services to hotels, akin to how hotels offer amenities to their guests.

Critical features of DatAmenity include ‘Managing the Lowest Room Prices for the Hotel,’ ‘Tracking Room Price Fluctuations,’ ‘Comparing and Analyzing Prices with Competitor Hotels,’ and ‘Accessing Weather and Festival/Event Information.’ DatAmenity comprehensively analyzes the lowest room prices, price fluctuations, and comparisons with surrounding hotels listed on OTAs, supporting users in developing optimized room sale strategies. Additionally, by providing information on festivals and events, users can predict tourism season demand and plan package deals linked to events to maximize revenue.

‘REVIE’ is a hotel review management system developed based on positive feedback and additional feature requests for the review management functionality provided by HEROWORKS’ ‘DatAmenity.’

Key features of REVIE include ‘AI-Based Automatic Generation of Review Replies,’ ‘Hotel Review Analysis,’ and ‘Comparison and Market Analysis of Reviews for Selected Hotels.’ The AI-based automatic reply generation supports four languages: Korean, Japanese, English, and Chinese, and can generate replies in two tones: ‘standard’ and ‘friendly.’ Hotel review analysis visualizes frequently mentioned keywords, mention counts, and positivity levels over time in tables or graphs. When a hotel of interest is specified, it allows for comparative analysis with the hotel’s review data.

CEO Lee Chang-ju of HEROWORKS stated, “REVIE was launched in response to requests from field practitioners, and we are proud that it is a service more suitable for hotels’ needs than any other hotel IT solution. Through the REVIE service, we expect to provide qualitative customer feedback and quantitatively analyzed hotel information, which can be utilized in marketing and branding strategies to support effective hotel operations.”

Meanwhile, HEROWORKS is a hospitality tech company that builds automated hotel revenue management systems. By developing and operating phased hotel revenue management solutions, the company aims to enhance the profitability of accommodations and improve customer satisfaction. The company provides solutions that efficiently support necessary tasks across four stages: hotel reservations, lead time, hotel usage, and post-checkout.

Currently, HEROWORKS operates ‘DatAmenity,’ the price management service required in the first stage, and ‘REVIE,’ the review management service needed in the final stage. The company plans to launch AI chatbots and AI marketing services required in the lead time and hotel usage stages, thereby establishing a comprehensive hotel revenue management platform that can enhance hotels’ competitiveness.

Social Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/e1kOthMDeUo?feature=shared

Blog: https://blog.naver.com/datamenity

Media Contact

Brand: HEROWORKS

Contact: Planning & Marketing Team

Email: help@heroworks.co.kr

Website: https://www.heroworks.co.kr

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE launches declaration on products with embedded AI calling for global cooperation to address regulatory challenges

Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

In response to the rapidly growing complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies embedded in everyday products and services, the UNECE Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6) has issued a declaration aimed at fostering increased global regulatory coherence. This landmark initiative addresses the urgent need for a coherent, international approach to regulating AI embedded in products, such as consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial systems and machinery.

The declaration builds upon the related Overarching Common Regulatory Arrangements (CRA), a framework designed to support the development of voluntary regulatory cooperation between governments, while safeguarding global trade and technological advancements. The CRA provides guidance on reducing technical barriers to trade, aligning regulatory approaches, and enhancing market surveillance.

“The fragmented regulatory landscape for AI, combined with global security concerns and geopolitical challenges, risks creating new barriers to trade. It is thus vital that digital risks are addressed with measures that are effective for the specific AI use cases,” said Heidi Lund, the Chair of UNECE WP.6. “This declaration underscores the importance of consensus-driven regulatory approaches to counter digital vulnerabilities and ensure that technological advancements benefit all economies.”

The key benefits of the declaration include:

Promoting Trustworthiness and Resilience: The CRA addresses the societal and technological risks associated with AI, ensuring that embedded AI systems are safe, secure, and resilient to cyber threats.

Supporting Sustainable Development: The CRA aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging AI implementations that advance environmental, economic, and social objectives.

The declaration represents a proactive response to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. It provides a unique platform for global regulatory collaboration, offering a flexible, non-binding methodology that adapts to the maturity levels of participating agencies. This flexibility ensures that agencies can implement best practices tailored to their specific regulatory needs, without the burden of binding commitments. The end goal is to ensure that products entered onto the market are safe for consumers and that the AI elements do not negatively impact human autonomy, mental wellbeing or individual freedoms.

The UNECE W.P.6 Project Leader, Markus Krebsz, emphasized the broader impact of the CRA, noting that it “not only facilitates trade and regulatory coherence but also addresses key societal challenges like trustworthiness, privacy, cybersecurity and reducing the global digital divide. The framework encourages continuous compliance and the sharing of best practices to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI technologies.”

Next steps for governments and agencies: Call for engagement

As the declaration moves forward, UNECE will soon launch a call for engagement, inviting governments and national agencies to participate in new implementation projects, aimed at bringing the principles of the CRA to specific sectors, such as medical devices, electrical appliances and/or toys. Governments and national agencies globally are invited to join this initiative, which offers a strategic path to shaping the future of AI regulation while contributing to a more integrated and efficient global market for AI-embedded products and services.

For more information, please visit this page or see the UNECE WP.6 website, or contact [email protected].

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 26, 2025

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