Sampo plc, stock exchange release, 10 October 2024 at 8:30 am EEST
Sampo plc’s share buybacks 9 October 2024
On 9 October 2024, Sampo plc (business code 0142213-3, LEI 743700UF3RL386WIDA22) has acquired its own A shares (ISIN code FI4000552500) as follows:
Sampo plc’s share buybacks
Aggregated daily volume (in number of shares)
Daily weighted average price of the purchased shares*
Market (MIC Code)
5,692
40.73
AQEU
43,507
40.74
CEUX
1,612
40.72
TQEX
41,556
40.73
XHEL
TOTAL
92,367
40.73
*rounded to two decimals
On 17 June 2024, Sampo announced a share buyback programme of up to a maximum of EUR 400 million in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052. On 16 September 2024, the Board of Directors of Sampo plc resolved to increase the share buyback programme to EUR 475 million. The programme, which started on 18 June 2024, is based on the authorisation granted by Sampo’s Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2024.
After the disclosed transactions, the company owns in total 8,316,283 Sampo A shares representing 1.51 per cent of the total number of shares in Sampo plc, taking the issuance of shares on 16 September 2024 into account.
Details of each transaction are included as an appendix of this announcement.
On behalf of Sampo plc, Morgan Stanley
For further information, please contact:
Sami Taipalus Head of Investor Relations tel. +358 10 516 0030
Distribution: Nasdaq Helsinki Nasdaq Stockholm Nasdaq Copenhagen London Stock Exchange The principal media FIN-FSA DEN-FSA http://www.sampo.com
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northen Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) responded to a large grass fire in Humpty Doo yesterday afternoon.
Around 2:50pm, Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received repots of a large grass fire on Trippe Road, Humpty Doo.
A short time later, NTFRS members arrived on the fire ground and commenced a response.
Twelve NTFRS career and 4 Volunteer firefighters attended with 12 appliances including Grassfire Units, as well as 4 waterbombers, 1 helicopter and 5 appliances from Bushfires NT.
Multiple inoperable vehicles and an uninhabited structure were affected by the blaze.
Initial reports indicate that the fire was not suspicious, and it ignited from a backfiring exhaust.
A second suspect has been arrested following investigations into a violent incident at Gulfview Heights in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
About 3.45am on Wednesday 9 October, police were called to a home on Nelson Road after reports that a group of armed males forced entry into the property and stabbed two occupants.
A 53-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy were both taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A third person was also taken to hospital with minor injuries after being assaulted.
A 16-year-old boy from Pennington was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass and cause serious harm. He appeared in the Adelaide Youth Court today.
Further investigations by Operation Meld and Northern District CIB detectives today resulted in the arrest of a 20-year-old Rosewater man. He was charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass and cause serious harm. He was refused police bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court tomorrow, Friday 11 October.
Investigations are continuing. Police do not believe this to be a random incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – 4th year students with Faculty of Geology and Geophysics, NSU — Polina Anisova, Valeria Belitskaya, Irina Voronina, Arina Goryacheva, Ksenia Gladysheva and Kristina Raiko — took part in the 28th Far Eastern Energy Forum “Sakhalin Oil and Gas”. This major event brought together leading industry experts to discuss current issues of energy development and the region’s ecology.
At the forum, students attended lectures and seminars on offshore projects, hydrocarbon production and processing, logistics issues, sales markets, and the professional development of young specialists. During the plenary session, the results of 30 years of work in the field of offshore projects were considered, as well as strategies for developing the energy sector in Sakhalin and the Far East. Liquefied natural gas technologies, support measures for oil and gas projects, and the role of interaction between science and industry in the process of developing and implementing innovations were discussed.
In addition to the business program, the participants were able to enjoy a rich cultural and entertainment program: exhibitions, concerts and excursions made the forum even more memorable. This year, a special track for young people was organized, within the framework of which NSU students met with company representatives and HR managers, leaving their resumes for possible employment.
— The forum left a deep impression — the atmosphere was filled with energy and innovation. Excitement for the future and the desire to develop were felt in every conversation. We felt how important it is to exchange experience and knowledge in our field, and the opportunity to directly interact with professionals inspired new ideas and undertakings. The cultural program added bright colors, allowing us not only to study, but also to relax, find like-minded people and strengthen connections. It was a unique experience that charged us with optimism and confidence in our future, — Irina Voronina shared her impressions of the forum.
In addition to the business part, the students were also able to enjoy the natural beauty of Sakhalin Island.
— Sakhalin Island captivated us with its stunning mountains, beautiful beaches and green forests. The region’s desire for development is also clearly visible. Sakhalin left vivid memories and a feeling that this place combines a rich history and a dynamic future, — Irina notes.
The Sakhalin Oil and Gas Forum became a unique opportunity for our students not only to deepen their professional knowledge, but also to establish useful contacts for further development in the energy industry.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS’s subsidiary, EfTEN Tähesaju tee OÜ, sold its property located at Tähesaju road 5, Tallinn in September. The property was sold for 4,675 thousand euros, which is 452 thousand euros below its book value. The sale generated 1.9 million euros in cash proceeds after loan repayments. The fund invested the proceeds from the sale into advance payments for logistics centers located at Härgmäe Str. 8 / Piimamehe Str. 7 and Paemurru road 3 in Tallinn.
EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS generated consolidated rental income of 2,551 thousand euros in September, which is 26 thousand euros less compared to August. The decrease in rental income is primarily due to the sale of the Tähesaju property. The fund’s consolidated EBITDA for September was 2,191 thousand euros, an increase of 26 thousand euros from the previous month.
For the first nine months of this year, the consolidated rental income of EfTEN Real Estate Fund was 23,045 thousand euros, reflecting a 1.2% increase compared to the same period last year. The fund’s investment properties generated net operating income (NOI) of 22,252 thousand euros over nine months, up by 0.2% from the same period last year. The fund’s EBITDA for the first nine months of this year totalled 19,653 thousand euros, which is 0.2% lower than the previous year.
During the nine-month period of 2024, EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS earned 8,006 thousand euros consolidated free cash flow (EBITDA minus loan repayments minus interest expenses), which is 897 thousand euros less than in the same period last year. The decrease in cash flow is related to the increased EURIBOR. Based on the results for the first nine months of the year, the potential gross dividend is 59.19 cents per share, representing a 9.9% decrease from the previous year. Due to an active banking market, the fund’s management sees an opportunity to increase the dividend payment in the spring of 2025 through partial refinancing of bank loans.
The weighted average interest rate on the fund’s subsidiaries’ bank loans was 5.35% at the end of September, a decrease of 0.18 percentage points from the previous month and 0.56 percentage points from the EURIBOR peak at the beginning of the year.
The net asset value per share of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS as of September 30, 2024, was 20.1467 euros, and EPRA NRV of 20.9623 euros. The net asset value per share increased by 0.5% in September. Excluding the extraordinary loss from the sale of the Tähesaju property, the fund’s net asset value per share would have increased by 0.7% in September.
Ascom is pleased to announce the expansion of its innovative App “Security Support System”, to nine penal institutions in Canton Zurich. The rollout of the first installation in Winterthur’s prison is scheduled for late 2024 and will continue through 2026 to eight additional correctional facilities in Canton Zurich. The entire project has a total value exceeding 3 million CHF.
Ascom’s Security Support System has been exclusively designed to improve supervision and care in prisons and reintegration institutions to increase the safety and operational efficiency of employees working in prisons. It displays inmate profile for identification and location tracking data, and records further information for optimal care support. Currently, there is no comparable application in the market.
The core of the solution is the Ascom’s Alarm Management System, featuring the Ascom Security Support Software and the Myco 3 and Myco 4 DECT/WiFi devices. Key features are:
Real-time communication and alarm management: Improving response times for correctional staff and ensuring continuous access to critical information.
Infrastructure integration: Compatibility and seamless integration with existing facility systems such as telephone, security systems, and mobile devices, allowing smooth deployment without the need for extensive upgrades and ensuring minimal disruption and maximum operational efficiency.
Enhanced supervision and monitoring capabilities: Ensuring a higher level of safety for both inmates and staff.
In close collaboration with the Department of Justice and Home Affairs of the Canton of Zurich, the Ascom Security Support System has been successfully tested and recently implemented at the Zurich West Prison and will now be extended to nine other prisons. The project includes the installation of the solution into the facilities’ existing infrastructure (Ascom Unite Platform), and a 5-year contract for software maintenance and support services for each location.
Nokia to publish third-quarter and January-September 2024 interim report on 17 October 2024
10 October 2024 Espoo, Finland –Nokia will publish its third-quarter and January-September 2024 interim report on 17 October 2024 at approximately 8 a.m. Finnish time (EEST). The report will be made available on the Nokia website immediately after publication.
Nokia only publishes a summary of its financial reports in stock exchange releases. The summary focuses on Nokia Group’s financial information as well as on Nokia’s outlook.
The detailed, segment-level discussion will be available in the complete financial report hosted at http://www.nokia.com/financials. A video interview summarizing the key points of our Q3 results will also be published on the website. Investors should not solely rely on summaries of Nokia’s financial reports, but should also review the complete reports with tables.
Analyst webcast
Nokia’s webcast will begin on 17 October 2024 at 11.30 a.m. Finnish time (EEST). The webcast will last approximately 60 minutes.
The webcast will be a presentation followed by a Q&A session. Presentation slides will be available for download at http://www.nokia.com/financials.
Media representatives can listen in via the link, or alternatively call +1-412-317-5619.
About Nokia At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.
As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.
With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future. Media inquiries Nokia Communications, Corporate Email: Press.Services@nokia.com
The Government today published details of the nomination period for the upcoming Rural By-election in the Gazette.
Fifty-eight Rural Representative vacancies will be open for nominations from October 22 to November 4.
The by-election will return a Resident Representative for each of the 35 existing Villages, an Indigenous Inhabitant Representative for each of the 22 Indigenous Villages, and a Kaifong Representative for one Market Town on Cheung Chau.
Nomination forms are available from the Home Affairs Department, New Territories District Offices and on the Rural Representative Election website.
Completed nomination forms must be submitted in person to the Returning Officer of the relevant village by November 4.
A gazette notice on valid nominations will be published within 14 days following the nomination period. Each validly nominated candidate will be informed separately.
If there is more than one validly nominated candidate for the same village or market town, a poll will be held for that location on December 1.
President Lai receives congratulations from foreign guests attending 2024 National Day celebration President Lai receives congratulations from foreign guests attending 2024 National Day celebration 2024-10-10
On the morning of October 10 at the Presidential Office Building, President Lai Ching-te and the First Lady, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, received congratulations from members of the foreign diplomatic corps and foreign organizations stationed in Taiwan, as well as guests from around the world attending the 2024 National Day Celebration of the Republic of China. From 9:30 a.m. more than 140 foreign guests, including Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu, who was accompanied by his wife, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining Cordel Hyde of Belize, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Works, Land and Surveys and Physical Planning Montgomery Daniel of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senate President Alvina Reynolds and Speaker Claudius Francis of Saint Lucia, and Minister of State Gustav Aitaro of the Republic of Palau, came forward in turn to offer congratulations to President Lai and Vice President Hsiao, who expressed their appreciation to them for attending the celebration. Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an (潘孟安) and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) were also in attendance. In addition to the delegation led by Prime Minister Teo and those from our other diplomatic allies, foreign guests who came to offer their congratulations included US Congresspersons Debbie Lesko, Andy Biggs, and Carol Miller, who was accompanied by her husband; a Japanese Diet congratulatory delegation: Japanese House of Councillors Members Santo Akiko, Yamamoto Junzo, Takinami Hirofumi, Umemura Mizuho, and Wada Masamune; Members of the Scottish Parliament Jamie Greene, Rhoda Grant, and Karen Adam; Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman and other members of the diplomatic corps; representatives of foreign organizations stationed in Taiwan: American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene, who was accompanied by his wife, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki, who was accompanied by his wife, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Guellner, who was accompanied by his wife, Singapore Trade Office in Taipei Trade Representative Yip Wei Kiat, Australian Office in Taipei Representative Robert Niel Fergusson, Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Executive Director James Stafford Nickel, who was accompanied by his wife, French Office in Taipei Director Franck Paris, German Institute Taipei Director General Jörg Wolfram Polster, who was accompanied by his wife, and British Office Taipei Representative John Dennis.
Attributable to Senior Sergeant Richard Miller, Eastern Bay of Plenty Police:
Police have today located the body of a person who died following a single vehicle crash into Waioeka River, Ōpōtiki on Friday.
Emergency Services responded to the scene around 10:20am on 4 October after we were alerted that a vehicle had gone down a bank into the river, around 2.5km south of the Tauranga Bridge, State Highway 2.
Search and rescue teams, including a boat, helicopter and Coastguard jet skis conducted sweeps of the river and riverbank on Friday. Unfortunately, the person and vehicle were unable to be located.
Since that time Police and rescue teams have been on standby ready to respond once the river conditions were right to safely deploy a team to the area.
Today, the river conditions had cleared sufficiently and Police along with search and rescue teams, local jet boat operators, and the Police National Dive Squad responded, searching the river. The vehicle was located at about 12:05pm, around 400 metres from the original crash site.
The victim was located deceased inside the vehicle and has since been successfully recovered.
While located deceased, police are pleased to have been able to reunite whānau with their loved one.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
Around the world, roughly one in every eight people are living with a mental disorder. No community or society is spared. Suicide remains a major cause of death among young people, and millions of individuals continue to suffer in silence.
This year, World Mental Health Day focuses on prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Sixty percent of people over the age of fifteen are in employment, spending the majority of their time in the workplace. And these spaces are far more than just where we carry out our jobs. Safe, healthy workplaces can provide a sense of purpose, connection and stability, while oppressive or chaotic work environments can take a heavy toll on the mental health of those who work there.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new age of teleworking, the boundaries between home and work are increasingly dissolving, creating even greater challenges for protecting the mental health of employees.
Work is important for well-being; but well-being is also important for work. When employers address risks to the mental health of their employees, they boost morale, lower absenteeism, and increase employee engagement and productivity, strengthening their businesses and our economies.
Everyone, both in the workplace and beyond, should have the knowledge and resources to prioritise mental health, as well as access to quality mental health services without stigma or barriers.
On this World Mental Health Day, and every day, let us remember that there is no health without mental health. Let us commit to creating and maintaining safe, healthy work environments where people can flourish.
***** Environ une personne sur huit dans le monde vit avec un trouble mental. Aucune communauté ou société n’est épargnée. Le suicide demeure une cause majeure de décès chez les jeunes, et des millions de personnes continuent de souffrir en silence.
Cette année, à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de la santé mentale, l’accent est mis sur la santé mentale au travail. Quelque 60 % des personnes de plus de 15 ans ont un emploi et passent la plus grande partie de leur temps sur leur lieu de travail. Or ce lieu représente bien plus qu’un simple espace où l’on exerce son activité. Lorsqu’il est sûr et sain, il peut donner un sentiment d’utilité, d’appartenance et de stabilité ; en revanche, lorsqu’il y règne un climat d’oppression et de chaos, la santé mentale de celles et ceux qui y travaillent peut s’en trouver profondément atteinte.
Avec la pandémie de COVID-19 s’est ouverte une nouvelle ère de télétravail. Depuis, les frontières entre le domicile et le travail deviennent de plus en plus ténues, ce qui rend la protection de la santé mentale des employés encore plus difficile.
Le travail est important pour le bien-être, mais le bien-être l’est également pour le travail. En prenant des mesures contre les risques qui pèsent sur la santé mentale de leur personnel, les employeurs améliorent le moral de leurs équipes, réduisent l’absentéisme et accroissent la motivation et la productivité des employés, renforçant de ce fait leur activité et nos économies.
Sur le lieu de travail ou ailleurs, tout le monde devrait avoir les connaissances et les ressources nécessaires pour faire de la santé mentale une priorité, et tout le monde devrait pouvoir accéder à des services de santé mentale de qualité sans être stigmatisé ou se heurter à des obstacles.
En cette journée mondiale de la santé mentale, comme chaque jour, souvenons-nous qu’il n’y a pas de santé sans santé mentale. Engageons-nous à créer et à cultiver des environnements de travail sûrs et sains où les gens peuvent s’épanouir.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kay Cook, Professor and Research Director, School of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Swinburne University of Technology
Australia’s child support system can not only increase women’s poverty, but can actually facilitate financial abuse, according to our recent research.
Child support is an important system that aims to share the financial burden of raising children between separated parents.
But there are some serious problems with the way it operates, putting already vulnerable women further at risk.
Drawing on the experiences of 675 single mothers, we sought to examine women’s experience with the child support system from start to finish.
Our research suggests four key changes could improve both women’s safety and financial wellbeing.
How does child support work?
Where deemed necessary, child support arrangements typically require one separated parent to make payments to the other, on a regular basis.
How much is paid and how it is collected can vary in different circumstances.
The amount agreed to be paid in child support can take in a range of factors, such as the cost of childcare. AKIRA_PHOTO/Shutterstock
In some families, a child support recipient’s income will be too high to receive the family tax benefit – a key payment that assists with the costs of raising children.
In this instance, a family can decide for itself how much will be paid, to whom, and how.
This is called self management, but it is very difficult to navigate when abuse is present in a relationship.
For families that do collect the family tax benefit, separated parents can use Services Australia to calculate the amount that will be paid.
Services Australia will consider factors including what it costs to care for and educate a child, as well as the difference in income between the two parents.
Once the amount has been calculated, separated parents can transfer payments privately between themselves, an approach called “private collect”.
Alternatively, this group can also use a service called “agency collect” to manage the transfer. Here, Services Australia collects the funds from the paying parent, then gives it to the agreed recipient.
For parents using agency collect, payments can also be “garnisheed” – deducted from a paying parent’s salary.
The system is failing the most vulnerable
Government reports reveal that across the agency collect system, a staggering $1.7 billion is owed to a third of single-parent households, representing 475,000 children.
The vast majority of this money is owed to women, two-thirds of whom have children in their care 86% or more of the time.
Across the child support system, 28% of paying parents fail to submit tax returns on time, reducing the accuracy of assessments.
Centrelink’s Family Tax Benefit A (the first part of a two-part payment) is linked to child support, with every dollar of child support above a certain threshold reducing this payment by 50 cents.
Concerningly, while reports indicate that 60% of single mothers receiving income support have experienced violence prior to separation, less than 15% receive exemptions from having to seek child support on the basis of this violence.
By not applying for either child support or an exemption, single mothers could lose a significant portion of their Family Tax Benefit A payments.
These sobering statistics are only part of the picture. Others remain invisible.
There are another 500,000 or so children in the private collect system. Many of their situations are a mystery. Services Australia doesn’t know how much those women and children are owed, as they don’t trace this amount and assume that payments are fully compliant.
What we uncovered
Our mixed methods survey of 675 single mothers asked women about their experiences in the child support system from start to finish.
We asked women how they made various decisions about child support, such as when to apply for it and when to change how it is collected and calculated.
Many women avoid chasing what’s owed to them for fear of retaliation from an ex-partner. rigsbyphoto/Shutterstock
78% of women reported experiencing some form of violence at the time of separation.
But the research also showed how the nature of this abuse can change post-separation, when financial abuse becomes the primary mechanism.
Just over half the women reported currently experiencing either emotional or psychological abuse, and 60% financial abuse.
Women shared they were often fearful of retaliation from their ex-partner if they applied or changed child support payment arrangements.
I was advised not to apply at the time because of the family violence and he had made threats to kill me so [it] was recommended I didn’t give him any reason to act on this so I went without child support for some period of time.
Others had to ask for an exemption to apply.
A Centrelink social worker changed my son’s father to unknown so I wouldn’t be murdered.
The results show how the current system’s logic can force women to risk their financial welfare to ensure their own safety.
I withdrew my application to avoid further conflict by telling CSA [Child Support Agency] there was a private agreement but there isn’t and he doesn’t pay anything.
Often, women are paying back debts to Centrelink due to retrospective changes in their ex-partner’s income or level of care, at the same time they themselves are owed thousands of dollars in child support arrears.
I’ve at times been living on as little at $72 a week of FTB [Family Tax Benefit] as my sole income to feed, house, clothe and educate myself and two children. I don’t understand how that is possible.
How could we fix it?
Based on our findings, our report makes four recommendations that could bring about meaningful improvements, give women choices to suit their family, and create a system that is safe.
De-link family payments from child support.
Co-design family violence processes in the child support system.
Move all payment collections back to being handled by the tax office.
Make all payment debts owed to and enforced by the Commonwealth.
Any meaningful solution to this problem will need to include the voices of victim survivors, advocates, researchers and social support organisations to co-design an effective system.
The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of Terese Edwards, chief executive of Single Mother Families Australia (SMFA), in the preparation of the report.
Terese and SMFA provided in-kind support in the form of survey design feedback and recruitment assistance. Terese also contributed to writing the report.
Kay Cook receives funding from the Australian Research Council in the form of a Discovery Project grant. She is Secretary of The Australian Sociological Association (TASA) and a Member of the federal Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee. She is the PhD supervisor of Terese Edwards, CEO of Single Mother Families Australia.
Adrienne Byrt is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on a Discovery Project funded by the Australian Research Council.
Ashlea Coen’s research assistant position for this research was funded by Swinburne University of Technology.
Marg Rogers received funding from the Commonwealth-funded Manna Institute for her Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2022-24.
Based on stakeholder interviews, it considers the trends, value chains, and opportunities for each of the high potential sectors and explores how Georgia can leverage its location, favorable business environment, and free-trade agreements. Emphasizing the need for greater innovation and strong government support, it recommends taking a “Team Georgia” approach that centers on building an ecosystem to improve export promotion, increase target market access, and support exporters.
The brief highlights the substantial presence of Indigenous Peoples in Asia and the Pacific and the importance of traditional knowledge and genetic resources for climate action, food security, and medicine, as well as language diversity and cultural heritage. It explains the shortfalls of existing FTAs and why they should be based on informed consent, equitable benefit sharing, and full source disclosure in patents. It details how some FTAs have included traditional knowledge and genetic resources and shows how trade deals can help Indigenous Peoples benefit from greater regional cooperation.
Publication of transparency notification(s) received by KBC Group NV
(art. 14, 1st section of the Act of 2 May 2007 concerning the disclosure of significant participations)
Summary of the notification(s)
KBC Group NV has received an updated transparency notification on 7 October 2024, which states that BlackRock has a stake of 4.37% in KBC Group (total voting rights and equivalent financial instruments). The reason for the update is a change in the structure of the BlackRock group*.
Content of the notification(s)
The notification(s) contain(s) following information:
Reason for the notification(s): “acquisition or disposal of the control of an undertaking that holds a participating interest in an issuer”
Notification(s) by: BlackRock, Inc.
Persons subject to the notification requirement: see annex
Date(s) on which the threshold is crossed / notification is updated: 1 October 2024.
Threshold that is crossed: KBC Group’s Articles of Association set a notification threshold of 3% of the total number of voting rights. In addition, the legal thresholds of 5% or any multiple thereof also apply. The reason for this notification is not the crossing of a threshold, but a change in the structure of the BlackRock group*.
Denominator (number of shares KBC Group NV): 417 305 876
Notified details: see annex.
Chain of controlled undertakings through which the holding is effectively held: See “11: Full chain of controlled undertakings through which the holding is effectively held” in the PDF-file(s) on http://www.kbc.com (see below).
The relevant notification(s) is (are) available at http://www.kbc.com > Investor relations > Shareholder information > Shareholder structure.
* As a result of the acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners there has been a change to BlackRock’s group Structure. Upon the close of the transaction BlackRock, Inc. was renamed BlackRock Finance, Inc. and a NewCo became the publicly listed company with the name BlackRock, Inc.
For more information, please contact:
Kurt De Baenst, General Manager, Investor Relations, KBC Group E-mail: IR4U@kbc.com
Viviane Huybrecht, General Manager, Corporate Communication/Spokesperson, KBC Group E-mail: pressofficekbc@kbc.be
A man has been charged with the murder of 19-year-old Mohammed Adam Abdi in Westminster.
Awad Abdel Samad – 23 (18.11.00) of Talbot Road W2, will appear in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court today, Friday, 10 October, charged with murder. He was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon.
Samad was arrested by detectives on Tuesday, 8 October in Islington.
An investigation was launched after police were called to reports of a fight in Bell Street, NW1 on Tuesday, 4 June. Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found Mohammed suffering a stab injury – despite the efforts of the emergency services he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mohammed’s family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
Three men were arrested shortly after the incident on suspicion of murder – [A] aged 22; [B] aged 26; [C] 24. [A] and [C] have been bailed pending further enquiries; [B] has been released with no further action.
The Government today published a gazette notice to declare Lo Pan Temple in Kennedy Town and the Residence of Tang Pak Kau in Kam Tin, Yuen Long, as monuments under the Antiquities & Monuments Ordinance.
Lo Pan Temple is a well-recognised historic temple dedicated to Lo Pan, the patron of builders and contractors. It was first built in 1884 and rebuilt at the same site in 1928.
The temple is embellished with intricate murals, plaster mouldings, wood carvings and pottery decorations, including decorations on its ridges that were produced by Junyu, a renowned pottery sculpture shop in Shiwan.
The distinctive stepped gable walls of the temple are rare in Hong Kong. Since its establishment, the local construction sector has followed the tradition of paying homage to Lo Pan at the temple on his birthday.
The Residence of Tang Pak Kau was probably built in the early 20th century. The late businessman Tang Pak Kau was a distinguished member of the Tang clan in Kam Tin. He made remarkable contributions to the development of Kam Tin, Yuen Long and the New Territories, in particular in the areas of education and medical services.
These contributions included setting up a private school inside his residence to provide education for children of the Tang clan. The residence is a testament to the development of the local area and to Tang Pak Kau’s achievements.
The residence is a rectangular-shaped single-storey grey brick building with a three-storey watchtower. The building’s structure and decorations demonstrate a blend of Chinese and Western styles. Most of the building’s original fabric, finishes and decorations are preserved.
As adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) grows across the Australian Public Service (APS), it’s crucial to ensure staff are equipped with the necessary skills to safely engage with AI capabilities. To support this goal, the DTA has released guidance on staff training and an AI in government fundamentals training module.
Consumer Affairs Victoria is asking for your feedback on its financial counselling services.
We fund several financial counselling services run by not-for-profit community organisations across Victoria. These programs help at-risk people manage their debts and organise their finances. This includes people recovering from natural disasters and people experiencing family violence.
Financial counsellors give free and confidential advice about your rights and responsibilities. They negotiate with creditors and help organise payment plans for debts.
Demand for financial counselling services is changing. This is due to several factors, including:
cost-of-living pressures
increased interest rates
easier access to credit services.
We want to know how our services are working and ways we can improve to suit your needs.
You can take part in the review by visiting the Engage Victoria website. We have published a discussion paper to help guide feedback. Feedback is open until 6 November 2024.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
7 mins ago
EIT Te Ūranga Waka Senior Lecturer Hiria Tumoana (Ngāi Tūhoe) has been awarded the Te Tohu Reo Māori Award.
EIT Te Ūranga Waka Senior Lecturer Hiria Tumoana (Ngāi Tūhoe) has become the first recipient of the prestigious Te Tohu Reo Māori Award.
Presented by Ako Aotearoa, the Te Whatu Kairangi Awards celebrate outstanding educators who make a profound impact on their learners, their whānau, and the wider community.
Hiria, who will receive the award at Parliament next month, is overwhelmed by the honour.
“It’s amazing. They have a lot of people to work through. So, for someone like me, I must be doing something really good. I think I’m just really privileged and lucky to get this,” the 70-year-old said.
Hiria’s journey with te reo Māori began in Ruatoki, where she was raised in a community where Māori language and culture were central to everyday life.
Te reo Māori was her first language, and it has remained the foundation of her life’s work.
“For me, English doesn’t tell me who I am. Only te reo Māori does that,” Hiria reflects. “I will never stop teaching te reo Māori and hope to continue until my time is up.”
Hiria began teaching Te Reo Māori at Victoria University in 1977.
Since then, she has gone on to gain her BA Honours, train and examine translators for Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission), and co-design and teach te reo Māori on Radio Kahungunu and across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Her passion for revitalising the language has driven her more than 40-year career at EIT, first starting in Wairoa, and now at the Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale.
Hiria is renowned for her engaging teaching style, which blends humour, tradition, and modern techniques to create an inclusive environment for learners of all ages.
She believes that helping students discover their full potential is her greatest achievement.
“I want them all to be successful and I want them to know their full potential. They don’t always know what they know but when they understand, they feel good about who they are and what they can do.”
Pareputiputi Nuku, Pouarataki, Te Uranga Waka, says: “Hiria is an inspiration to all staff of Te Ūranga Waka, the majority of whom she has taught over the years and now they themselves are teachers”.
“Congratulations Hiria as the inaugural winner of this very significant award. E poho kereru ana mātau i a koe!”
Ako Aotearoa Deputy Director Māori, Dr Joe Te Rito says the proverb, ‘Te puna o te kī, te whītiki o te kī’ describes Hiria most aptly.
“She is an authority on the Māori language, as a native speaker and linguist, and she has a special gift for teaching it. Hiria is an icon for her life-time commitment to the revitalisation and teaching of the language dating back to the 1972 te reo Māori Petition.”
Hiria Tumoana will join the 10 other Te Whatu Kairangi awardees at Parliament on November 4 at the official awards ceremony hosted by the Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills.
The eighth China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo will open in Jinan, East China’s Shandong province during Oct 17-21.
The expo, hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and undertaken by the Shandong culture and tourism department and the Jinan government, will fully showcase the achievements of China’s intangible cultural heritage protection over the 20 years since it joined the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The expo will also present the active utilization and innovation of intangible cultural heritage in modern life, intergenerational inheritance of certain cultural items, and works by the younger generation of inheritors.
Additionally, learning space and live broadcasting, as well as digital and AI-enabled experiences will be prepared to give the audience an immersion contact with intangible cultural heritage.
A time-warping miniseries shot into public view on social media over the recent National Day holiday — a tale depicting modern youth contributing to the remarkable Long March of 1934-36.
The army of the Communist Party of China left its base in southeastern China to evade its foe, winding its way 12,500 kilometers to the north. The epic journey took two years but ultimately meant the army’s survival and victory for the Chinese nation.
Now it has captured the hearts of the Chinese youth who wish they had been part of it. The miniseries — I Opened a Supermarket on the Long March — went viral on social media during the National Day holiday, capturing imaginations and rekindling the patriotic spirit.
The five-episode series tells the time-traveling story of Su Meimei, who finds herself magically back in the Long March era with her supermarket. She uses a game-like “system” to complete tasks and earn rewards, providing food and supplies to Red Army soldiers who are facing severe shortages.
Going back in time, combined with the historical theme of forming a nation, have resonated with a younger audience, many of whom fantasize about returning to revolutionary times to make a difference.
Zhang Yihan, a 22-year-old viewer, commented on social media: “If only the Red Army had such a supermarket back then. We all wish we could have contributed something to those who fought for the revolution.”
Related topics have been trending on Chinese social media, drawing tens of millions of views, such as “If I had a ton of penicillin during World War II, how could I support the revolution?” The drama brings such fantasies to life, exploring what one might do if it were possible to return to the era of the Long March.
The drama found immediate success, reaching 10 million views within seven hours of its release. In 24 hours, the total view count had doubled to 20 million across multiple platforms.
Unlike previous Long March-themed works, which often rely on grand storytelling, I Opened a Supermarket on the Long March focuses on personal stories and relatable characters.
The series features three stories set in the magical supermarket, each inspired by real historical figures and events.
Zhang was particularly moved by the moment when the soldiers left the safety of the supermarket to march through the snow. “The detailed and realistic plot resonated deeply with me,” he said.
Yi Mingrui, a university student in Beijing, was struck by one character, a cook.
Despite the cook following a strict revolutionary rule — “Do not take a single needle or piece of thread from the people” — Yi shared the cook’s love of noodles and ham sausages.
“I felt a strong sense of connection,” he said. “Although the drama has its flaws, its vivid expressions of patriotism are truly moving. I hope to see more works featuring such real, vibrant characters.”
Developed by Beijing Shiyue Media, the series is interwoven with elements of supermarket management, and what it manages to deliver to its audience is a fresh and captivating narrative.
The series has already surpassed 100 million views and created 500 million discussion posts, news outlet ThePaper.cn reported.
The story’s protagonist, Su Meimei, a modern university graduate, offers a rich tale from her unique perspective. The storyline not only highlights the courage and challenges of the soldiers but also makes history vivid and relatable through a contemporary lens.
In discussions about the target for the series, executive producer Ling Ling emphasized the desire to resonate with a diverse young audience.
Rather than creating a sense of detachment, the series — through meticulous character portrayals — breathes life into actual historical figures. Each character transcends being a mere symbol of bravery and sacrifice to become a whole, vibrant person laden with emotions and a sense of duty.
As each of the 5-episode miniseries airs, increasing numbers of viewers have engaged in robust discussions to make their points and express their emotions — many on Douyin, Chinese version of TikTok. One college student said: “I feel like crying. It would be wonderful if those Long March soldiers could witness present-day China.”
Middle-aged viewers contributed their perspectives as well, emphasizing the educational value of the series. One remarked: “It should be mandatory viewing in every school for our children. I want my kids to watch it.”
The seventh Annual Chinese Culture Festival, co-hosted by Chicago Public Schools and Phoenix Tree Publishing, the North American subsidiary of Beijing Language and Culture University Press, took place at Whitney Young Magnet High School, Chicago, on Saturday.
This event marked the festival’s return after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Running from 10 am to 2 pm, it attracted over 1,300 participants, including students, parents, and teachers from more than 20 schools across the CPS.
Notable attendees included Wang Baodong, consul general of Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago, Karime Asaf, the chief officer of the Multilingual-Multicultural Education Office of CPS, and Rickey Harris, the principal of Whitney Young Magnet High School.
In his remarks, Wang underscored the event’s role in enhancing mutual understanding between US and Chinese people, saying that cultural exchange is vital for fostering harmony, coexistence, and mutual development.
Chicago Public Schools, the third-largest school district in the United States, has 13,737 students across 37 schools participating in the World Language Program to study Chinese, supported by over 50 Chinese language teachers.
Jane Lu, the program’s coordinator, said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Chinese Culture Festival had been on hiatus for four years. This year, it has been finally brought back, offering students and their families an opportunity to delve into Chinese culture, she said.
The festival featured a wide array of activities, including lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and various other artistic performances. More than 20 interactive booths showcased aspects of Chinese culture such as calligraphy, Peking Opera masks, tai chi, and Chinese cuisine, providing attendees with a rich and immersive cultural experience.
Since its founding in 2011, Phoenix Tree Publishing has been supporting Chinese language and cultural education in K-12 schools across North America. Alongside providing professional international Chinese educational resources, the publishing house actively promotes cultural exchanges between Chinese and American students.
Daiichi Sankyo has recently announced the final two-year follow-up data from the German cohort of the MILOS study. The MILOS study is a real-world investigation into the use of bempeodoic acid for managing high cholesterol levels. Bempedoic acid and its fixed dose combination with ezetimibe, with or without other lipid therapies, have been shown to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidaemia. Hence, bempedoic acid in combination can advance dyslipidemia treatment, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Conducted across Germany, patients LDL-C levels were measured at pre-treatment, year one, and year two. Over the two-year period, LDL-C levels showed a mean reduction from 3.1 mmol/L at pre-treatment to 2.0 mmol/L at year two, representing an average decrease of 30.3%. The safety profile of bempedoic acid observed in this real-world population was consistent with that seen in the CLEAR clinical trials.
Dr Shireen Mohammad, Senior Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The market for bempedoic acid in the dyslipidemia space is highly competitive, with several established players such as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors. However, bempedoic acid offers several advantages over these therapies, including a different mechanism of action and a lower risk of adverse effects such as muscle pain and liver toxicity. As such, bempedoic acid is expected to see significant growth in the dyslipidemia market, particularly in patients who are unable to tolerate or do not respond to other lipid-lowering therapies.”
Several Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) from GlobalData have expressed that the combination of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe has the potential to become a widely used treatment option. Particularly in patients with statin intolerance, this may lead to the consideration of combining bempedoic acid with ezetimibe as an alternative treatment option.
KOLs from GlobalData have also highlighted the unmet need for effective triglyceride-lowering therapies in the field of dyslipidemia. High triglyceride levels are a common lipid abnormality that is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While current standard-of-care therapies for dyslipidemia, such as statins, are effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels, they have limited efficacy in lowering triglyceride levels.
Dr Mohammad concludes: “There is an unmet need for better therapies to specially target high triglyceride levels, and this study offers promising prospects for effective dyslipidemia treatments.”
Innovation in the global spinal fusion market is driven largely by advancements in navigation and imaging technologies. These innovations have enhanced surgeons’ abilities to accurately identify the source of back pain and to visualize the surgical area during a procedure, improving the precision of spinal fusion operations. Currently, pedicle screw systems hold the largest share of the global spinal fusion market. However, interbody devices, particularly those made from PEEK (polyether ether ketone), are quickly catching up and set to dominate the spinal fusion market, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
According to GlobalData, interbody devices have shown steady growth in recent years, with devices using PEEK technology showing the strongest growth. This trend is expected to continue, with the global PEEK interbody market registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% during 2023-33.
Thomas Fleming, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “In comparison, the overall global spinal fusion market is predicted to experience a CAGR of 2.3% over the same period, indicating relatively strong growth for PEEK interbody devices. These projections suggest that while traditional devices maintain their impact on the market, interbody devices will play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of spinal fusion.”
Spinal fusion is primarily used to decompress and stabilize the spine, in the lumbar, cervical, and thoracic regions. Indications for spinal fusion include conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, trauma, and spinal tumors. Lumbar fusions dominate the market, with more than half of the patients being over the age of 50.
Fleming concludes: “The growth in the global spinal fusion market is driven by the increase in the elderly population, particularly in North America. In the US, around 35% of the population is over the age of 50, and spinal fusion procedures are most prevalent among this demographic. With evolving demographics driving the spinal fusion market, developing technologies will define the leading devices in the market.”
Advances in gene editing, such as the FDA approval of Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Casgevy (exagamglogene autotemcel) in December 2023 for the treatment of beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease, have fueled significant interest in innovative epigenetic drugs. Against this backdrop, the total value of series A venture financing for epigenetic drugs almost doubled from $172 million in 2019 to $342 million in 2024 year-to-date (YTD) and observed a 375% increase from 2023, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s Pharma Intelligence Center Deals Database reveals that companies developing epigenetic drugs received over $1 billion in total series A venture financing from 2019 to 2024YTD. Over half of these companies are headquartered in the US.
Epigenetic drugs modify genetic material, resulting in heritable changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Current marketed epigenetic drugs in blood cancers include Celgene’s Vidaza (azacitidine), Eisai’s Dacogen (decitabine) and Merck & Co’s Zolinza (vorinostat). However, these drugs act in a genome- and tissue-wide manner, resulting in off-target effects and subsequent toxicity.
Alison Labya, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Biotech startups are developing a new generation of epigenetic drugs with improved gene specificity to enhance efficacy, tolerability, and target indications beyond oncology. These drugs aim to provide safer alternatives to other methods of gene editing, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), by not cutting into the DNA.”
The 2024YTD already witnessed most of series A venture financing for epigenetic drugs within the last five years. In March 2024, Avenzo Therapeutics raised $150 million in the largest round of series A financing for epigenetic drugs in the last five years to develop its CDK2 inhibitor ARTS-021, currently in Phase I/II for solid tumors and HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer.
In January 2024, Moonwalk Biosciences secured $57 million in seed and series A financing to develop its epigenetic discovery platform technology. In July 2022, Epicrispr Biotechnologies raised $55 million in series A financing to advance its preclinical pipeline and further drug discovery, using its CRISPR-based epigenetic platform technology with adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a delivery vector.
Labya concludes: “Epigenetic drugs are key to precision medicine, offering tailored treatments with improved patient outcomes and reduced off-target effects. Investors are demonstrating a focus on precision medicine, leading to an increase in early-stage investment in epigenetic drug development.
“However, companies developing innovative epigenetic drugs must overcome challenges including maintaining durable effects on gene expression, delivery of large drug components to target tissues, and demonstrating safety and efficacy in clinical trials to enable market success.”
Note: Data in the chart includes all announced and completed series A venture financing deals globally from 2019 to 2024 YTD. It includes deals where at least one drug involved in the deal is an epigenetic drug with an innovator drug type, where discovery, preclinical, phase I, phase II, phase III, pre-registration, and marketed development stages are considered. Includes deals that have disclosed their deal value in the public domain.
Despite the phenomenal growth of ecommerce during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the premium beauty sector in Southeast Asia is experiencing notable growth within physical retail environments, through collaboration with omnichannel brand-builders. Companies can adapt to this trend and position beauty as a significant driver of revenue in their retail strategy, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Jaya Dandey, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The premium beauty sector in Asia’s physical retail is thriving, driven by a combination of strong consumer demand, innovative retail strategies, and an increasing emphasis on personalized shopping experiences. The high single-digit growth rates of prestige beauty categories is notable even in the context of broader retail performance, where beauty products are often seen as high-margin categories that outperform other areas such as food sales.”
Tim Hill, Key Account Director, SE Asia, GlobalData, notes: “Consumers are becoming more discerning, not only regarding product quality, but also in terms of the shopping experience. They like to try multiple products in person before making an informed choice, especially in the premium domain where prices can run high. Though companies are eager to leverage these consumer preferences and enter the market, they sometimes face infrastructural challenges. A key strategy to overcome this is to partner with omnichannel players such as beauty ecommerce giants, which are increasingly moving into the physical retail space. Individual consultation stalls in these stores promote customer engagement with a wide variety of brands.
“The ability to integrate online and offline experiences will be vital for survival in this rapidly changing landscape. Maintaining a robust omnichannel presence allows retailers to connect with consumers across various platforms, including online and physical stores. This strategy not only caters to different shopping preferences but also ensures that brands remain accessible to a wider audience. A hybrid approach allows these companies to leverage their online success while maintaining a physical presence, creating a seamless shopping experience for consumers.
“Southeast Asia is home to a burgeoning upper middle class, who are eager to splurge on luxury beauty. They are more aware of international brands, and given their higher disposable incomes, they are willing to spend on premium beauty products. GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey reflects this, wherein about 25% of respondents deemed low price as good value for money while purchasing beauty and grooming products, and a much higher 34% responded that high-quality ingredients represent more value for money^.”
Luxasia, Southeast Asia’s leading network in beauty and luxury, has enabled market entry and penetration for several brands. It recently captured the Vietnamese market by launching escentials, an omni-retail concept for luxury fragrances, in one of the country’s prestigious malls. Similarly, premium skincare brand SK-II launched a unique concept store at the Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Indian beauty ecommerce giant Nykaa is actively expanding its physical retail spaces across the nation.
Dandey concludes: “By returning to the essentials of the beauty industry—where sensorial experiences are paramount—brands can cultivate customer loyalty in a competitive market. As the premium beauty sector evolves, embracing omnichannel strategies and personalizing experiences will not only ensure success but also foster enduring relationships with discerning consumers, shaping a vibrant future for beauty retail.”
^GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey – Asia and Australasia, published in July 2024, with 6,506 respondents
Detectives have named the victim of a fatal collision in Whitechapel as they appeal for witnesses or anyone with footage to come forward.
Police were called at 00:33hrs on Saturday, 6 July to reports of a collision involving a car and a cyclist near to the junction of Cable Street and Cannon Street Road, E1.
Police attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals the cyclist, Matheus Piovesan, aged 36, who was a Brazilian national, sadly died at the scene.
His next of kin were informed. They continue to be supported by specialist officers.
The car that struck Matheus failed to stop at the scene.
Following an investigation by detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) six people were arrested in connection with the investigation.
Three men, aged [A] 45, [B] 24 and [C] 23 were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. They were subsequently released on bail pending further enquiries.
Two women and a man were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. They were later released with no further action.
Any witnesses, or those who have dash cam footage of the incident or moments leading up to it, are asked to call 101 quoting reference 230/06 July. You can call the SCIU directly on 020 8285 1574.
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
SINGAPORE (October 9, 2024) Capt. John-Paul “JP” Tamez, Deputy Commander, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73), left, greets Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Installation (SNI), Oct. 9, 2024. COMLOGWESTPAC supports deployed maritime forces, along with regional Allies and partners, to sustain Western Pacific operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)
Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)
Issued by: on
240909-N-BB269-1361 YAP, Federated States of Micronesia (Sept. 9, 2024) – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, center, receives a guided tour of the College of Micronesia-Fisheries and Maritime Institute’s engineering training room during a campus visit with Pacific Partnership 2024-2 mission personnel in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, Sept. 9, 2024. Now in its 20th iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the U.S. Navy’s largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)