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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Allens advises SK Group

    Source: Allens Insights

    Allens has advised SK Group on an agreement to extend the timeline for its put option with Masan Group (MSN) and its sale of a 7.1% stake in WinCommerce to MSN for US$200 million. 

    SK Group is a leading conglomerate, ranking second among Korean enterprises in total assets. Since 2018, SK Group has invested over US$1.2 billion in MSN and its affiliates, including approximately US$470 million for a 9.5% stake in MSN with a put option to sell the shares back to MSN in 2024, which has now been extended.  

    Together with extending the put option, Allens also advised SK Group on the sale of its 7.1% stake in WinCommerce to MSN for US$200 million.

    ‘We are delighted to have worked with SK Group on these significant transactions and look forward to our continued work together in the future,’ said Partner Linh Bui.

    Allens legal team

    Linh Bui (Partner), Ngoc Anh Tran (Partner), Ha Nguyen (Senior Associate), Thuy Linh Nguyen (Associate), Tien Tran (Associate), Nhi Duong (Junior Associate), Phu Tran (Junior Associate)

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Single-vehicle traffic crash, Grove

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Single-vehicle traffic crash, Grove

    Monday, 23 September 2024 – 4:30 pm.

    Sadly, a 66-year-old man has died following a single-vehicle crash at Grove in the states South.
    Police and emergency services were called to the scene about 2.00pm this afternoon.
    Initial inquiries indicate the man, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, has experienced a medical episode.
    Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones.
    A report will be prepared for the coroner.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Nigeria: fears of disease outbreaks grow in Maiduguri following severe flooding

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Maiduguri, Borno state, 23 September 2024 – Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is highly concerned about the significant risk of malaria and waterborne diseases, including cholera, following the recent flooding that has inundated vast parts of Maiduguri. in north-eastern Nigeria. MSF fears that this crisis could increase the levels of malnutrition in the area and calls for urgent additional support, especially in terms of water, sanitation, and medical care, to protect people already heavily impacted by long-term insecurity and unprecedented levels of malnutrition.

    On 10 September, heavy rain caused the Alau Dam in Borno State to overflow, leading to major floods in and around the city of Maiduguri. The deluge heavily impacted houses, markets, fields, livestock, and several health facilities. According to Borno State authorities, close to 400,000 people have been registered in 30 makeshift displacement sites.[1] Most of the sites are schools with too few latrines, and a lack of safe drinking water.

    “We are very concerned about the precarious living conditions and the potential outbreaks of cholera and malaria”, says Dr Issaley Abdel Kader MSF Head of mission in Nigeria. “The number of children affected by malaria and acute watery diarrhoea had already started to increase before the flooding, and we have seen some with clinical signs of cholera since the floods. We are afraid that the number of cases will rise without an increase in medical and humanitarian support, particularly support for water, sanitation and hygiene services.”

    Last week, MSF teams visited several displacement sites (Galtimari, Yerwa, Ali Sheriff, Vocational Enterprise Institute, Teachers Village) to assess people’s needs and start the provision of essential services such as access to water through water-trucking and water tanks, the installation and repair of latrines, and the distribution of mosquito nets. Teams are also running outpatient consultations in the sites, including mental health support, and referring critical patients to the facilities we support. Given the risks posed by malaria and cholera, MSF is also planning to expand the paediatric facility it supports by 100 beds and have begun setting up a cholera treatment centre that can be increased to a 100-bed capacity, if needed.  

    The Borno State government has announced the closure and merging of most displacement sites in the coming days. They plan to keep three main sites to accommodate people who still have no place to stay for one more week, and a mass cholera vaccination is upcoming.

    “All parties involved in the humanitarian response must continue providing assistance to the people affected by the floods as long as it will be necessary and ensure immediate and easy access to medical care for those who need it. The closure of most sites means that many will find themselves in a very vulnerable situation. For those remaining in the sites, prompt action must be taken to swiftly improve hygiene conditions, including access to latrines, safe water and mosquito nets”, says Dr. Issaley.

    Support for communities won’t just be needed at the new displacement sites. Well before the flooding, the entire population of Maiduguri was already facing huge challenges, including one of the worst malnutrition crises recorded in northeast Nigeria. In the past months, hundreds of severely malnourished children have been admitted every week into MSF’s nutritional care hospital.

    “Admissions to the nutritional facilities had just started to reduce when the flooding occurred”, says Dr. Ashok Shrirang Sankpal, deputy medical coordinator MSF Nigeria. “With markets and businesses heavily impacted, the harvest damaged and livestock washed away, there is huge concern that admissions will start to rise again.”

    This is the second time in just a few weeks’ that MSF has had to launch emergency responses linked to flooding in northern Nigeria. In August in Gummi, Zamfara state, homes and farms were destroyed and thousands left newly displaced by severe flooding. Like Maiduguri, people in this area already face significant challenges, including malnutrition, persistent insecurity and lack of access to healthcare. MSF teams have been supporting communities in Gummi over the last few weeks by delivering clean drinking water, repairing boreholes and delivering kits which include plastic sheets for temporary shelter and mosquito nets.

    [1] Nigeria: Floods – Maiduguri (MMC) and Jere Floods Flash Update 3 (18 September 2024) – Nigeria | ReliefWeb

    MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In 2023, one in every four single-family houses was equipped with a heat pump.

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

    Neuchâtel, 23.09.2024 – Switzerland had 1.79 million residential buildings and 4.79 million dwellings in 2023. 37% of buildings were heated by oil and 17% by gas. 21% of buildings were equipped with heat pumps, a fivefold rise since 2000. One single-family house in four is equipped with a heat pump. These are some of the results from the Building and Dwelling Statistics compiled by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    This press release and further information on this topic can be found on the FSO website (see link below)

    Address for enquiries

    Info StatBL, BFS, Population section, tel.: +41 58 467 25 25, e-mail: info.gws@bfs.admin.ch

    Publisher

    Federal Statistical Office
    http://www.statistics.admin.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SNP must rethink rail fare hike

    Source: Scottish Greens

    23 Sep 2024 Transport Climate Action

    Peak rail fares are an unfair tax on people who have no say when they need to travel for work or study.

    More in Transport

    The SNP must reconsider its decision to bring back punishing and unfair peak rail fares, say the Scottish Greens.

    The party’s transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, has branded it “a disaster for commuters and our climate”, urging the SNP to make off peak all day fares permanent.

    The scheme to remove peak rail fares was secured in October 2023 by the Scottish Greens as part of the party’s time in government. The SNP will be reintroducing peak fares at the end of this week.

    Mr Ruskell said: “The return of peak rail fares will be a disaster for commuters and our climate. Rail users in Scotland already pay some of the highest fares in Europe.

    “We need to reduce the number of cars on our roads if we are to hit our climate targets, but we can’t encourage people to make the switch to rail if we are making trains even more expensive.

    “Ending peak fares is something that the Scottish Greens were proud to work with campaigners and trade unions to achieve during our time in government. It has helped thousands of workers and families who have no say in when they need to travel for work or study.

    “Cheaper, greener railways have a key role to play in boosting public transport and protecting our planet. The cost of removing peak fares is a fraction of what is being spent every year on major road building projects.

    “Even at this late stage, I urge the Scottish Government to think again, and to scrap peak fares for good.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU publications are recognized as the best at interregional and all-Russian book competitions

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    In mid-September, the award ceremony for the winners and prize-winners of the Interregional Competition “Book of the Year: Siberia – Eurasia – 2024” took place on the main stage of the “Book Siberia” festival. This year, the competition was held for the eighth time, and all these years it has successfully achieved the goals set before it: support for publishers, innovative ideas and practices in the field of literature, book publishing, popularization of books and reading among the population, in scientific, educational and cultural circles. The winner in the nomination “Best educational book” was the textbook “Course in Computational Physics” by Academician M. P. Fedoruk, published by the Publishing and Printing Center (PPC) of NSU. In total, about two hundred publications from different cities of Russia participated in the competition.

    NSU has consistently been the leader of the All-Russian competition of scientific and educational publications “University Book” from year to year. The geography of the competition is vast; this year it was held in Yekaterinburg at the Ural Federal University. More than 500 publications took part in the competition, and the geography of the competition covered 37 cities of the Far East, Siberia, the Urals, the European part of Russia, and the Republic of Belarus. Books of the Publishing and Printing Center of NSU received three certificates and five diplomas in the following nominations: “Best Scientific Publication in Earth Sciences”, “Best Scientific Publication in Economics and Management”, “Best Scientific Publication in Historical Sciences”, “Best Scientific Publication in Culture and Art”, “Best Educational Publication in Physics and Mathematics and Programming”, “Best Educational Publication in Natural Sciences”, “Best Scientific Publication in Philology”, “Best Biographical Publication”.

    NSU publications were also highly appreciated at the oldest all-Russian competition “Best Books of the Year” of the Association of Book Publishers of Russia (ASKI). In 2024, more than 700 publications from all over Russia were submitted to the competition. N. I. Krasnyakov (“Best publication in the field of humanitarian knowledge”) and M. P. Fedoruk (“Best educational publication for higher education”) were awarded diplomas.

    — If we talk about the All-Russian ASKI competition “Best Books of the Year”, it is the most prestigious and significant. We managed to win diplomas in 2017, 2023, 2024. In other years, our university’s publications were consistently included in the competition’s long list, and this is no more than 10 publications in a nomination. Every year, university teachers present worthy, high-level publications. The publishing house’s staff does everything to ensure that these works receive the best editorial preparation and design. We are very proud that the work of the authors and the Publishing and Printing Center not only bears fruit in the educational and scientific environment, but is also highly appreciated in professional competitions, — noted Dmitry Shamov, Director of the NSU IPC.

    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.

    http://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/science/NSU publications-recognized-the-best-at-interregional-and-all-Russian-book-competitions/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Stolen motor vehicle and pursuit – Greater Darwin Region

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police have arrested a 32-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery in Stuart Park earlier today.

    Around 12:00pm, police received reports that a man had allegedly threatened multiple people with an edged weapon at a business on the Stuart Highway.

    A short time later, the offender attended a business on Presley Street and allegedly threatened a staff member with an edged weapon before stealing a vehicle and fleeing the scene.

    The stolen vehicle was later reported to be driving erratically outbound on the Stuart Highway.

    General Duties and Road Policing Units located the vehicle stationary on Gunn Point Road before it drove directly at them at 150km per hour. Members were able to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

    Police then deployed additional units including Dog Operations Unit, TRG and a helicopter to form a coordinated response to locate the offender on the ground.

    The offender had abandoned the stolen vehicle and fled into nearby bushland.

    The 32-year-old was arrested in nearby bushland at Gunn Point by TRG with an edged weapon on his person and tested positive to methamphetamine. 

    He has been charged with the following:

    • 2 x Assault with intent to steal.

    • 3 x Aggravated Robbery
    • 1 x Theft
    • 2 x Recklessly endangering life
    • 1 x Driver with prohibited drug in body
    • 1 x Driver drive under influence of drugs
    • 1 x Drive manner dangerous.
    • 1 x Drive Motor vehicle unsafe to drive.
    • 1 x Cross double white lines.
    • 2 x Person cause bushfire.

    He is remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court Tuesday 24 September 2024.

    Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Trent Abbott said, “I would like to commend all the officers involved in the apprehension of this individual.

    “This man’s actions are reprehensible and could have caused serious damage or loss to life.

    “His arrest almost certainly prevented further offending.

    “We take a zero-tolerance approach to this type of behaviour, so if you conduct yourself in this way, you can expect to be prosecuted.

    “This man will be no exception.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dance drama “Awakening Lion” to showcase charm of Lingnan culture in Hong Kong in October (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    　　The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has invited the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre to perform in October its grand Chinese dance drama “Awakening Lion”, a production that won the Lotus Award, China’s highest award for dance. Set against the backdrop of the Sanyuanli Anti-British Uprising in Guangzhou during the Opium War, the lion dancers of the day look back at their predecessors and retrace the history of a century ago, showcasing the inheritance of national spirit that has been passed down through generations, and allowing the audience to experience the charm of Lingnan culture. The programme is part of the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival and the Guangzhou Culture Week.
     
    　　The “Awakening Lion” is the first dance drama on the Mainland featuring Guangdong lion dancing, a representative item of the national intangible cultural heritage. With “awakening” as its spirit and “lion” as its form, the production reflects the awakening of Chinese national identity. It depicts two teenage lion dancers who achieve self-awakening and growth while making various life decisions involving the emotional dynamics and the righteous cause of the nation. In terms of artistic style, the dance drama shows strong characteristics of South China and indigenous features of old Canton. By integrating innovative elements and multimedia technology, together with music and costumes rich in regional characteristics, the staging exudes both modern appeal and visual impact.
     
    　　In terms of choreography, “Awakening Lion” is a fusion of Chinese dance and traditional lion dance. It incorporates the stances of Nanquan (southern-style boxing) and the difficult movements of southern lion dance, such as falling forward, tumbling, leaping and “picking the greens”, into its dance vocabulary. It also blends various southern Guangdong intangible cultural heritages elements, such as Nanquan, Choy Li Fut-style martial arts, wooden fish songs, Yingge dance and big head buddha, to fully realise the creative transformation and innovative inheritance of outstanding traditional culture, and to demonstrate the culture of Lingnan and the spirit of the Bay Area. The production has won the 11th China Dance Lotus Award for Dance Drama and the 11th Five One Project Award. Since its premiere in 2018, it has toured the Mainland, giving over 250 performances, and has been well received by audiences. This time, principal dancers of the Theatre, Iliwan Umar, Pang Guanyu, Liang Qiqi, Li Ao and more, will participate in the Hong Kong performances.
     
    　　The story is about an impoverished boy, Xing, and a wealthy young man, Long, who are preparing for a lion dance competition in the Sanyuanli village of Guangzhou. One day, they have a fight in a teahouse. Xing wins by a narrow margin, and Long is not convinced. Long’s sister, Feng’er, is secretly in love with Xing, while Xing’s mother is against her son’s participation in the lion dance competition. On the day of the competition, the invaders attack the Guangzhou city. Putting aside their grudges, Xing and Long join together with the villagers to fight against the foreign enemies.
     
    　　The Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre, formerly known as the Guangzhou Song and Dance Troupe, was founded in 1965. The Theatre upholds the development philosophy of “repertoire as basics, talent as drive, and market as booster”, and has created a number of masterpieces, including the dance drama “Awakening Lion”, “Loong”, “Yingge”, “Xinghai．Yellow River” and dance epic “Guangzhou in the Old Days”, etc. It has won numerous top awards, and has received attention and praise from all walks of life.
     
    　　Guangzhou Culture Week: Dance Drama “Awakening Lion” by Guangzhou Song and Dance Theatre will be held at 8pm on October 26 (Saturday) and at 3pm on October 27 (Sunday) at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall. Tickets priced at $200, $260, $340 and $420 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Discount schemes including a Guangzhou Culture Week package discount, group booking discount and concessionary tickets are available for the programmes under the Guangzhou Culture Week (including A New Cantonese Opera “Princess Wencheng” by Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Theatre Company on October 22 and 23). An additional early bird discount is available until September 26 for purchasing the above-mentioned programmes through any of the discount schemes. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/tc/dance/programs_1768.html.

    　　The programme will feature a dance workshop (conducted in Putonghua) in which participants will get a taste of the dance and martial arts elements of the performance by learning selected scenes guided by the theatre’s dancers. The workshop will be held at 7.30pm on October 25 (Friday) at the Podium Workshop of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $200 are now available at URBTIX. For details, please refer to the above-mentioned website.
     
    　　A number of free extension activities will be organised for this programme. A pre-performance talk entitled “From lion dance to ‘Awakening Lion’ – A sharing on innovation and integration of intangible cultural heritage elements in the creation of dance drama” (in Putonghua) will be held at 7.30pm on October 24 (Thursday) at AC1, 4/F, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The speakers include chief choreographers Qian Xin and Wang Sisi, as well as the main cast. In addition, a backstage tour (in Putonghua) will be held at 4.30pm on October 26 (Saturday) at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall, with free admission for ticket holders of the performance of “Awakening Lion”. Participants will be able to enjoy an exclusive pre-performance access to the backstage of “Awakening Lion” to take photos and explore the stage with sets and props with Lingnan characteristics. Online registration is required (www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/tc/dance/programs_1768.html#tab_7_0) for both the pre-performance talk and backstage tour on a first-come, first-served basis.
     
    　　The LCSD will hold the “Guangzhou Culture Week” Programme Exhibition from October 8 to 27 at the Foyer of Sha Tin Town Hall. The exhibition will feature the costumes and props of the Cantonese opera “Princess Wencheng” and dance drama “Awakening Lion”. Admission is free. Members of the public are welcome to join on the spot. The Guangzhou Culture Week is jointly presented by the LCSD and the Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau.
     
    　　Hong Kong is the host city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival for the first time. It organises and co-ordinates over 260 performances and exchange activities to be held across the “9+2” cities of the Greater Bay Area. The festival aims to showcase the vibrant and diverse cultural richness of the region and foster cultural exchanges and co-operation among the cities. For detailed information about the festival, please visit www.gbacxlo.gov.hk.               

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA commences Phase 2 of e-HKD Pilot Programme and expands Project e-HKD to explore new forms of digital money

    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) today (September 23) commenced Phase 2 of the e-HKD Pilot Programme (Phase 2) to delve deeper into innovative use cases for new forms of digital money, including e-HKD and tokenised deposits, that can potentially be used by individuals and corporates. As Project e-HKD expands its coverage from e-HKD only to a more comprehensive exploration of the digital money ecosystem, the project has been renamed as Project e-HKD+, reflecting the evolving fintech landscape and the HKMA’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of digital money.

         The e-HKD Pilot Programme is an integral part of Project e-HKD+. Under Phase 2, 11 groups of firms from various sectors have been selected to explore innovative use cases for e-HKD and tokenised deposits across three main themes, namely settlement of tokenised assets, programmability and offline payments (see Annex). The selected firms will also examine the commercial feasibility, within a real-world setting, of new forms of digital money that may potentially be accessible to individuals and corporates.

         The outcome of Phase 2 will help the HKMA understand the practical issues that may be faced in designing, implementing and operating a digital money ecosystem that comprises both publicly and privately issued digital moneys. Project e-HKD+ will continue to advance the technology and legal groundwork to support the potential issuance of an e-HKD for the use of individuals and corporates in the future.

         The HKMA will also establish the e-HKD Industry Forum to provide a collaborative platform for participating institutions to discuss common issues and further explore the possible implementation and adoption of new forms of digital money in a scalable manner. Under the Forum, industry-led working groups will be established to make recommendations on specific topics, with an initial focus on issues related to programmability.

         Similar to Phase 1, an e-HKD sandbox will be made available to pilot participants to accelerate their prototyping, development and testing of use cases. The HKMA will work closely with the selected firms in the next approximately 12 months in conducting Phase 2, with the aim of sharing the key learnings from Phase 2 with the public by the end of 2025.

         The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “Project e-HKD+ signifies the HKMA’s commitment to digital money innovation. The e-HKD Pilot Programme has provided a valuable opportunity for the HKMA to explore with the industry how new forms of digital money can add unique value to the general public. The HKMA will continue to adopt a use-case driven approach in its exploration of digital money. We look forward to working closely with industry participants in Phase 2 to co-create various innovative use cases.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 500 Years of the Three Leagues Free State – Exactly 500 Years Ago: The Three Leagues Seal Their Union

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Grisons in Italian

    Exactly 500 years ago, on 23 September 1524, the Three Leagues, namely the Grey League, the Caddean League and the League of Ten Jurisdictions, united to form the Free State of the Three Leagues and affixed their seals to the League Charter. From this aggregation, the Canton of Graubünden was created over time. In addition to numerous activities for the people of Graubünden, the Government is celebrating this historic event with guests from Switzerland and abroad.

    On 23 September 1524, three leagues united, forming an independent state and laying the foundation for today’s Canton of Graubünden. This event is attested by the League Charter. This is a document bearing the seals of the Three Leagues and those of the Lord of Rhäzüns and the Abbot of Disentis. The Bishop of Chur joined later. The document is now kept in the State Archives of Graubünden. The most important provision is that no League may start a war without the consent of the others. The League Charter also guarantees mutual aid and assistance, the protection of roads and free trade. The central units of the Three Leagues are the jurisdictional municipalities, with their own jurisdiction. In the event of disputes, conciliation procedures are provided for. All this is agreed “forever”, without time limits.

    Graubünden had long been linked to the Confederation as an allied country. In 1799, the Free State was forcibly integrated into the Helvetic Republic, and since 10 March 1803, Graubünden has been part of Switzerland as a Canton. At that time, Switzerland was still a Confederation of States, which left extensive powers to the Cantons. However, an independent foreign policy was no longer possible.

    Government celebrates with guests In the anniversary year 2024, numerous events will allow you to see and experience the history of the Canton of Graubünden. In addition to projects and activities in all language regions, the Government of the Canton of Graubünden has invited the Federal Council, guests from neighboring countries and cantons, and numerous representatives of various institutions in Graubünden to Lantsch/Lenz for an anniversary event on Saturday, 21 September 2024.

    After the welcome speech by the Prime Minister Jon Domenic Parolini, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider addressed the government and the guests. The guests were then introduced to the open-air theatre performance «1524» by Origen director Giovanni Netzer and were able to experience the first performance on the plateau in a spectacular setting. The event was rounded off with a sumptuous aperitif, created by the renowned chef Hansjörg Ladurner and served by hotel communication specialists in training at the EHL Passugg hotel school.

    Open-air theatre performance «1524»Origen’s open-air theatre performance tells the story of the foundation of the Free State at the beginning of the 16th century. The country and the lives of the people are exposed to the lust for power of individual «great lords». A narrator, inspired by the historical figure of Gian Travers, guides the audience through the performance and interprets the era. Like a diary, he recalls the events of his life, which take shape on stage. A large ensemble of amateurs and professionals moves across the stage. In the lively performance, the performers engage with the history of Graubünden and reflect on the future of the Free State and the future Canton.The stage, a refined wooden structure, stands within a gentle arena created by nature. A high, irregular framework of dancing triangles supports the open roof. The theatre opens onto the unspoiled landscape on all sides.

    Further information on the performance and advance tickets are available at www.origen.ch/theater. Performances from today until October 12, at 6:30 pm.

    Other activities for the JubileeThe numerous activities in all linguistic regions continue and can be consulted at https://500.gr.ch/it.

    The site also features a chronological representation of historical events: https://500.gr.ch/chronologie

    Attached images:

    The Government in corpore with the League Charter (Photo: Mattias Nutt)

    Link to photos of the jubilee event (©Mattias Nutt)

    Contact persons:

    Questions about the 500th anniversary celebrations:

    Prime Minister Dr. Jon Domenic Parolini, Director of the Department of Education, Culture and Environmental Protection, e-mailJondomenic.Parolini@ekud.gr.ch
    Daniel Camenisch, Project Manager 500 Years of the Three Leagues Free State, Tel. 41 78 659 63 60, e-mailcamenisch@vinavant.ch

    Questions about the open-air theatre performance «1524»:

    Dr. Giovanni Netzer, author and director of the open-air theatre performance, director of Origen, tel. 41 81 637 16 81, e-mailinfo@origen.ch; g.netzer@origen.ch

    Competent body: Department of Education, Culture and Environmental Protection

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 209-2024: Scheduled Service Disruption: Friday 27 September to Sunday 29 September 2024 – BICON, DAFF messaging, SeaPest

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    23 September 2024

    Who does this notice affect?

    All clients required to use the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) during this planned maintenance period.

    All clients submitting the below declarations:

    • Full Import Declaration (FID)
    • Long Form Self Assessed Clearance (LFSAC)
    • Short Form Self Assessed Clearance (SFSAC)
    • Cargo Report Self Assessed Clearance (CRSAC)
    • Cargo Report Personal Effects (PE)

    …

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sampo plc’s share buybacks 20 September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sampo plc, stock exchange release, 23 September 2024 at 8:30 am EEST

    Sampo plc’s share buybacks 20 September 2024

    On 20 September 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)
      4,020 41.31 AQEU        
      42,539 41.26 CEUX
      777 41.17 TQEX
      53,342 41.31 XHEL
    TOTAL 100,678 41.29  

    *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 7,129,997 Sampo A shares representing 1.30 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
    www.sampo.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ageas announces its new three-year strategic plan: Elevate27

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Regulated information • Inside information

    Ageas announces its new three-year strategic plan: Elevate27

    Today, Ageas announces its next 3-year strategic plan, Elevate27, for the period 2025-2027. As the name suggests, it is about taking the Group’s strong performance to the next level, building on Ageas’s unique growth profile and strong long-term track record, and the experience it has garnered over the years. A new chapter in Ageas’s journey, Elevate27 is a plan for sustained profitable growth and accelerated progress in key areas of strength, that respond to the needs of the ageing population and SMEs, with the ambition to extend the Group’s leadership in technical insurance and operational excellence while future-proofing distribution capabilities and enriching the customer experience.

      ”As the world continues to change at speed, we will need to stay agile and alert. This is why our focus is on what comes next. That means always asking ourselves – can we do better? Or can we do more? That’s what excites us about Elevate27. It is about further elevating our performance as a Group, building on our strengths, embracing technological advancements where they add value, to deliver on evolving expectations of our stakeholders and on their hopes and dreams for the future. We’ve successfully delivered and outperformed in the past and we’re ready to do so again.”
      Hans De Cuyper, CEO Ageas
    ELEVATE27 COMMITMENTS  
    AS A BUSINESS AND TO INVESTORS. Target by end 2027
    Average earnings per share growth 6% to 8%
    Holding Free Cash Flow EUR 2.2+ billion
    Shareholder Remuneration EUR 1.9+ billion (Progressive Dividend per Share)
    TO CUSTOMERS  
    Delivering the best customer experience Top quartile NPS scores across all our markets
    TO EMPLOYEES  
    Employee NPS Top quartile
    Women in senior and middle management 40%
    TO SOCIETY  
    Products 35+ % of GWP from products that stimulate the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive world.
    ESG Ratings Top quartile with 3 out of 6 rating agencies we actively engage with

    Over the past three years, we have successfully executed our Impact24 growth strategy, delivering on most targets we have set. This was achieved through strong commercial progress and robust operational performance, enabling us to meet our commitments to investors regarding earnings per share and dividend growth, while meeting Net Operating Result guidance. Besides our operational and financial achievements, we are increasingly recognised for our dedication to non-financial goals, as evidenced by improved scores from ESG rating agencies and various recognitions we received such as TOP Employer and the Platinum ECOVADIS label (AG Insurance). We also advanced well on our commitments to customers and employees, as reflected in our high NPS and eNPS scores. As we near the end of our three-year strategic plan, we are confident that we will successfully deliver on Impact24, providing the Group a solid foundation to start Elevate27.

    Elevate27 is built on three strategic drivers: driving profitable growth, leading in technical insurance and operational excellence to sustain and improve margins, and future-proofing distribution and enriching customer experience.

    By focusing on three strategic drivers, we aim to leverage the Group’s strengths to elevate our performance in the coming years. Elevate27 will follow two dynamics: continuing what we already excel at and accelerating our efforts in areas where we see new potential to generate additional value for our stakeholders. Central to this strategy will be our increased emphasis on our People and Tech, Data & AI capabilities at the level of the Group, which will enable us to deliver on our ambitions.

    Our actions are guided and influenced by a commitment to sustainability, long-term thinking, and our partnership DNA.

    Drive profitable growth

    Leveraging our strong presence in Life and Non-Life throughout Europe and Asia, and the successful launch of a fully-fledged Reinsurance arm that provides a solid cash and diversification engine, we will continue to focus on market segments that align with our core competencies, and that open up new opportunities to create and accelerate profitable growth moving forward. We will further accelerate the development of our offering to SMEs, which is already a significant part of our portfolio and where the market is expected in time to outgrow the retail market. We will also accelerate the provision of our solutions for an ageing population, a market opportunity seen in all markets in which Ageas is active, by capitalising on our strong position in the Life market and experience in the over 50 customer segment.

    Lead in technical insurance and operational excellence

    Ageas has a strong track record in terms of technical insurance and operational excellence and wants to grasp the opportunity to maintain and also elevate its leadership in that respect. Taking a lead in these areas, including making use of the new opportunities offered by Technology, Data and AI, ensures attractive margins for the business and intrinsically offers customers an efficient and seamless service.

    To achieve leadership in technical insurance and operational excellence, we will continue to invest in our systems and processes, supporting at the same time our partners in their own digital (transformation) journeys. We want the operational aspect of delivery to be invisible to the customer, the ultimate beneficiary, and to add value to our employees. We want to maintain our financial discipline and strong risk culture, allowing us to sustain and improve our margins. And we want to step up group empowered synergies by leveraging assets and expertise across the entities, demonstrating the power of the Group in this specific area.

    And finally, we have a strong expertise in Data & AI. We want to put these technologies to work for us – adding value but in a disciplined and controlled way, allowing us to better serve our customers, and making insurance more accessible and inclusive.

    Future-proof distribution and enrich customer experience

    In a distribution landscape that is continuously changing, we remain committed to working through all distribution channels that allow us to best reach our customers and gain access to new types of customers.

    By leveraging on our strong partnership model and new possibilities offered by AI, we want to develop innovative propositions and services for customers by combining the data insights and expertise of Ageas and our partners. With full confidence in our traditional distribution partners – Banks, Agents and Brokers – we will pay special attention to jointly enhancing our digital capabilities. At the same time, and in the context of continued diversification, we will further accelerate our engagement with digital B2B2C sales platforms.

    In Impact24 we have successfully implemented solutions designed to provide the best experience for customers focusing on CX Culture, Customer Journey Management and Tech & Data, giving the Group the capabilities to develop a leading on- and offline customer experience, while promoting greater efficiency. This will continue to be our primary focus. We aim to advance even further by reinventing the way we interact with customers across different channels and platforms by innovating our client-interaction model, prioritising self-service solutions and automated customer assistance, and investing in hyper-personalised services.

    Leveraging on two critical assets to deliver on our plan: ‘People’ and ‘Tech, Data & AI’

    Through Elevate27 we will reconfirm the commitment we made to our people to deliver a Great place to Grow, both today and for future, and we will take optimal advantage of the opportunities offered by Tech, Data & AI to meet our ambitions. We have put in place high-quality data management and established a pipeline of over 300 AI initiatives group-wide that under Elevate27 will be fully deployed.

    The rapid evolutions in these areas require us to act fast as a Group to maintain a leading position. By harnessing the collective strength of the Group, we can offer our entities and partnerships access to essential resources and skills, generate economies of scale, increase our speed-to-market and adopt the most effective approaches and methodologies, that benefit all.

    As a prerequisite to delivering on the drivers of Elevate27, we will continue to invest in our technological capabilities, such as ensuring our IT architecture is open and composable to easily integrate with partners and increase our speed to market. Furthermore, we will accelerate the adoption of new Data and (Gen)AI solutions where they add value, as their integration in areas such as Pricing, Underwriting and Product Development, Claims Processes, Fraud Management & Customer Journeys will become even more prominent moving forward.

    Sustainability and Long-term thinking as guiding principles

    As a true supporter of the lives of all our stakeholders, our dedication to sustainability and adopting a long-term perspective will continue to underpin our actions. Leveraging 200 years of solid business experience along with recent successes and learnings from Impact24, we will further strengthen our group-wide efforts in sustainability and long-term thinking.

    A targeted performance

    As a true stakeholder driven company, we hold ourselves accountable for delivering on our promises by 2027. This translates to setting clear financial and non-financial targets that allow us to measure our progress over time.

    For investors and our business in general, we have set out a range of targets that demonstrate the strength of our balance sheet, our financial performance, and our ability to drive profitable growth and attractive returns, providing confidence in the sustainability of our investment case in the long term. Our commitment to create value is reflected in 3 financial targets:

    • Average earnings per share growth: 6% to 8%
    • Holding Free Cash Flow: EUR 2.2+ billion
    • Shareholder Remuneration: EUR 1.9+ billion (Progressive Dividend per Share)

    For customers, we aim to be recognised for excellence at every interaction. To underscore our commitment to delivering the best customer experience, we will strive to reach top quartile NPS scores across all our markets.

    For our partners, we want to be the partner of choice both for our traditional partners and new types of partnerships and will closely monitor and actively address partnership feedback at local level.

    For our employees we want to be recognised as a Great place to Grow. This commitment is demonstrated through two specific targets:

    • Employee NPS: top quartile
    • 40% women in senior and middle management

    For society we continue to place sustainability at the heart of our business, influencing decisions about products, investments, and emissions, with external acknowledgment of our ESG initiatives.

    • Products: 35+ % of GWP from products that stimulate the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive world.
    • ESG ratings: top quartile with 3 out of 6 rating agencies we actively engage with.

    INVESTOR DAY WEBCAST

    23 September 2024 – 17:00 CET (16:00 UK Time)
    Audio webcast via https://ageaspresents.com/aid2024/live

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget and Foresight Ventures Invest $30 Million in TON Blockchain to Accelerate Growing Telegram-based Projects

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, and Foresight Ventures, a leading Web3 investment firm, have announced a strategic investment of $30 million into TON (The Open Network) Blockchain. This investment will be allocated through the acquisition of TON tokens and aims to accelerate further the adoption of Tap-to-Earn, GameFi, and new emerging trends within the TON ecosystem.

    The TON-based projects present a strong use case for mass adoption through the Telegram ecosystem, which has seen substantial growth in recent years as it expands its offerings for Web3 startups. According to a recent TON report from Bitget Research, TON Blockchain, which benefits from Telegram’s 950 million users, has rapidly become one of 2024’s fastest-growing blockchains. It has experienced over tenfold growth in on-chain transactions, ecosystem TVL, and DEX trading volume, with viral dApps like Catizen, DOGS, and Tomarket amassing millions of users.

    The commitment to TON Blockchain comes at a time when Bitget has witnessed remarkable growth in its user base. By focusing on ecosystem development and expanding its services, Bitget has grown its global user count to 45 million in Q3 2024, almost doubling in the past 12 months. This surge is partly attributed to the increasing demand for innovative projects, particularly those driven by platforms like TON.

    In 2024, Bitget Wallet contributed to the TON ecosystem with TONNECT 2024, a major online event aimed at accelerating the growth of emerging dApps in the TON ecosystem. Thanks to TON’s growing user interest in Bitget’s decentralized wallet, Bitget Wallet continuously topped the charts amongst all apps in Nigeria taking over world-famous apps such as TikTok and WhatsApp on Apple’s App Store.

    “As Bitget continues to BUIDL around The Open Network, our investment in the TON ecosystem provides a solid foundation for driving initiatives that align with our vision. By integrating our expertise in crypto infrastructure with TON’s decentralized architecture, we are well-positioned to strengthen the development of innovative products and solutions. Together, we are bringing the crypto industry closer to mass adoption than ever before.” commented Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

    “The surge of the TON ecosystem represents the biggest growth opportunity in the cryptocurrency market this year, and in the next 3 to 5 years. Over the past six months, TON’s TVL has increased 18-fold, reaching $350 million.” Forest Bai, Co-Founder and CEO of Foresight Ventures, stated: “The ecosystem currently boasts over 1,000 dApps, with many applications having millions of users. We hope to continue supporting developers within the TON ecosystem by providing investment, incubation, and marketing support.”

    With the $30 million investment, Bitget and Foresight Ventures will engage more deeply in the future development plans of TON Blockchain, supporting the emergence and go-to-market of more blockbuster dApps on TON.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 25 million users in 100+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more. Bitget inspires individuals to embrace crypto through collaborations with credible partners, including legendary Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi and Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team).

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    About Foresight Ventures
    Foresight Ventures is the first and only crypto VC bridging East and West. With a research-driven approach and offices in the US and Singapore, we are a powerhouse in crypto investment and incubation. Our premier media network includes The Block, Foresight News, BlockTempo, and Coinness. We aggressively invest in the most daring innovations and are dedicated to partnering with visionary projects and top teams to help them succeed, reshaping the future of digital finance and beyond.

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d47bf052-c6ad-4223-b4cf-bf2554a6fafc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tryg A/S – Q3 2024 pre-silent newsletter

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tryg will host pre-close analysts calls and meetings during the week that starts on September 23 ahead of the Q3 2024 results to be published on October 11. Tryg has decided to publish a quarterly newsletter, ahead of the pre-silent period, to remind capital markets participants about the most important items impacting the company’s financial performance. The newsletter is also in alignment with recent ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) guidance on the topic.

    • Tryg derives approximately 20% of the revenue from Norway and 30% from Sweden, the average expected NOK/DKK exchange rate is in Q3 2024 around 64.1 (Q3 2023 64.77) while the average expected SEK/DKK exchange rate is around 65.2 (Q3 2023 63.42). The level of the exchange rates is relevant when translating local revenues in Danish kroner, Tryg’s reporting currency.
    • Q3 is the summer/autumn quarter where some 20% of the annual weather claims are expected. As a reminder Tryg expects DKK 800m of annual normalized weather claims split (percentages wise) by quarter as 40%-10%-20%-30%. The definition of weather claims includes “storms and cloudbursts” but it also reflects the seasonality of claims where winter is the most important driver.
    • Large claims are guided also at DKK 800m per annum but without any seasonality, it should therefore be assumed an amount of DKK 200m per quarter.
    • At times information regarding large weather events or large claims may be available in local press, mass media or industry associations websites.
    • Tryg runs a stable business therefore recent trends of underlying performance ought to be taken as a good guidance for short term trends at least, the group underlying claims ratio was 67.5% in Q3 2023
    • The free portfolio of approximately DKK 17bn is the most volatile part of Tryg’s investment result, the return to date (in percentage) of the free portfolio is observable on a daily basis tryg.com. Tryg has disclosed a recurrent component of DKK 90m, related to interest income on premiums provisions, as part of the match portfolio (DKK 44bn of Scandinavian covered bonds) quarterly return. Other financial income and expenses (booked against the investment result) are guided at a normalized quarterly level around DKK -90m as previously written in quarterly reports.
    • Other income and costs in the profit and loss are expected to be on a normalized basis between DKK -350m and DKK -370m primarily driven by intangibles amortization from the Alka and RSA Scandinavia acquisitions.
    • Tryg pays a flat quarterly dividend, the company paid 1.95 per share in Q1 and Q2 in 2024. The solvency ratio movements are primarily driven by operating earnings (earnings adjusted for intangibles amortization) and dividend payment impacting the Own Funds while the SCR (solvency capital requirement) does not move significantly between quarters assuming an unchanged business and investments profile.
    • Following the Q2 2024 results in July no other announcement has been published while investors meetings in Copenhagen, New York, Zurich & London have been or will be attended during the summer quarter.
    • A transcript of the Q2 2024 earnings call from July 11 is available on Tryg.com.
    • Tryg will publish its Q3 results on October 11 at around 7:30 CET and will host a conference call on the day of the release at 10:00 CET. CEO Johan Kirstein Brammer, CFO Allan Kragh Thaysen and CTO Mikael Karsten will present the results in brief, followed by a Q&A session. The conference call will be held in English.

    Tryg will publish the Group’s Q3 results for 2024 on 11 October 2024 at around 7:30 CET.

    Conference call

    Tryg will host a conference call on the day of the release at 10:00 CET. CEO Johan Kirstein Brammer, CFO Allan Kragh Thaysen, CTO Mikael Kärrsten and SVP Gianandrea Roberti will present the results in brief, followed by a Q&A session.

    The conference call will be held in English.

    Date 11 October 2024
    Time 10:00 CET
     

    Dial-in numbers

    Pin code

    		 +45 (DK) 78 76 84 90

    +44 (UK) 203 769 6819

    +1 (US) 646 787 0157

    560768

    You can sign up for an e-mail reminder on tryg.com. The conference call will also be broadcasted on this site. An on-demand version will be available shortly after the conference call has ended.

    All Q3 material can be downloaded on tryg.com shortly after the time of release.

    Contact information:

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Organizations are ramping up efforts to meet sustainability targets, despite geopolitical challenges

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Victoire Grux 
    Tel.: +33 6 04 52 16 55 
    Email: victoire.grux@capgemini.com 

    Organizations are ramping up efforts to meet sustainability targets, despite geopolitical challenges

    • 69% of executives say that anticipating stricter future regulations is a key driver of sustainability initiatives, up from 57% last year
    • Nearly two thirds say geopolitics is driving a slowdown in their sustainability investments
    • Six out of ten are concerned that their organization’s sustainability efforts might appear insincere to the public, up from only 11% in 2023.

    Paris, September 23, 2024 – Organizations continue to make progress in their sustainability initiatives, despite facing geopolitical challenges. Regulation and technology are proving to be a vital part of this progress, with two thirds of executives agreeing that their organization will never be able to achieve its sustainability goals without climate tech. This is according to the Capgemini Research Institute’s latest report, ‘A world in balance 2024: Accelerating sustainability amidst geopolitical challenges’, which tracks advancements in organizations’ environmental and social sustainability over the last three years. The third edition of the report highlights marked improvements in circularity, sustainable design, measurement, water stewardship, biodiversity, and sustainability skilling, despite shortfalls in tackling Scope 3 emissions and consumer skepticism.

    Collectively, organizations are ramping up their efforts to meet their sustainability targets, and their maturity in adopting sustainable practices has increased steadily since 2022. 84% of executives this year say their organization is on target to meet its carbon emissions goals; less than a tenth say they are behind. As organizations look to minimize their impact on the environment, progress is particularly visible in terms of circularity, sustainable product design, measurement, and water management. For instance, nearly three quarters of executives say that recycling products is a core aspect of their manufacturing strategy, up from 53% in 2022, while over two thirds said they were redesigning products to remove fossil fuel feedstock sources, up from less than half in 2022. In addition, three-quarters of executives have implemented a water-stewardship program, up from 55% in 2022.

    In late 2023, executives were planning to increase investments in sustainability this year. However, companies have not followed through: average annual investment in sustainability initiatives and practices now stands at 0.82% of total revenue, down from 0.92% in 2023.

    “This year’s report shows sustainability projects continuing to build momentum in 2024 despite current headwinds,” said Cyril Garcia, Capgemini’s Head of Global Sustainability Services and Corporate Responsibility and Group Executive Board Member. “Business leaders have the power and the responsibility to steer us towards a more sustainable economy. Water stewardship, biodiversity preservation, and circular practices are now established as key business imperatives. Executives are being very pragmatic, and CO2reduction must now be translated into cost savings. We continue to see sustainability efforts bolstered by new climate tech innovations and regulations. The best way to build trust and credibility with consumers is by demonstrating tangible outcomes and planning for a future with sustainability at its heart.”

    Consumers unconvinced about progress
    Consumers want to see corporations going even further and demand transparency. The report finds three-quarters of consumers expecting corporations to play a larger role in reducing GHG emissions in 2024. Furthermore, even as organizations ramp up sustainability initiatives, consumers are more skeptical than ever about corporate sustainability, as more than half believe that organizations are greenwashing their sustainability initiatives, up from 33% in 2023.

    Geopolitics and regulations impacting corporate sustainability initiatives
    Executives pointed to climate-related regulations as a key driver of sustainability projects. A full three-quarters of executives believe that sustainability regulation is necessary to achieve global climate goals, and nearly two thirds even agree that without regulation, their organization would not have launched many environmental sustainability initiatives.

    Globally, 73% of executives agree that the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is honing sustainability measurement and tracking capabilities. However, organizations continue to fall short in terms of reporting on sustainability initiatives, especially on Scope 3 emissions. Among organizations required to report for CSRD in 2025, just over a third say that they are prepared to report Scope 3 downstream emissions next year, while 86% are prepared for Scope 1.

    Meanwhile, tensions such as US-China relations, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the European energy crisis, are leading to disruption to supply chains and business operations, and uncertainty around government funding. This year, nearly two thirds of executives pointed to geopolitics as an increasing consideration in sustainability investments, and 69% are concerned about the impact of the uncertain US political scene. This is felt across countries, but Swedish executives are most concerned (75%), compared with 71% of US executives and 59% of executives in India.

    To access the full report: https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/sustainability-trends-2024

    Methodology
    The Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 2,152 executives employed at 727 organizations, each with more than $1 billion in annual revenue, across 13 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific and in 12 industries and sectors, in June and July 2024. Executives surveyed were director level and above and 50% were from corporate functions, such as strategy, sustainability, sales, and marketing; 50% were from value chain functions, such as product design, R&D, procurement, and logistics. The Institute also surveyed 6,500 consumers over the age of 18 across the 13 countries and conducted interviews with 12 senior sustainability executives at leading organizations globally.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.

    Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    About the Capgemini Research Institute
    The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was recently ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts. 

    Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/ 

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtune AB (Publ) announces its expansion into the Netherlands through the listing of Virtune Staked Solana ETP on Euronext Amsterdam

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amsterdam, 23rd of September 2024 — Virtune, a Swedish regulated digital asset manager and issuer of crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) based in Stockholm, Sweden, announces its expansion into the Netherlands through the listing of its Virtune Staked Solana ETP on Euronext Amsterdam.

    With strong traction and consistent inflows in the Nordic regions driven by increasing interest and crypto adoption, expanding into the Netherlands is a strategic milestone for Virtune. Virtune has since its inception in May 2023 been growing rapidly in the Nordics where it has listed a total of 12 products and reached more than 31 000 investors in its products in just about one year.

    The key success factors have been an educational focus, a transparent market approach and through its regulated status. This move not only addresses growing investor enthusiasm but also enhances our market presence across Europe.

    Christopher Kock, CEO of Virtune, stated:

    “We are thrilled to expand into the Netherlands with the introduction of our Staked Solana ETP to the Dutch investor community after its successful launch in the Nordic markets. Since our inception in May 2023, we have worked tirelessly to drive crypto adoption through educational efforts in the Nordics and we are excited to extend these efforts to the Dutch financial market. This ETP provides investors with enhanced exposure to Solana, one of the leading and most influential blockchains globally, while also offering additional returns through included staking.”

    About Virtune Staked Solana ETP
    Virtune Staked Solana ETP provides exposure to Solana combined with the benefits of staking. With staking incorporated, the ETP offers an additional annual return of approximately 3% on the investment made in the ETP, while at the same time offering an attractive annual fee of 0.95%.

    Like all of Virtune’s ETPs, Virtune Staked Solana ETP is 100% physically backed and fully collateralized, is denominated in EUR for the Dutch audience and is available on brokerage platforms like Degiro. Virtune uses Coinbase as the crypto custodian where the underlying SOL tokens are being stored with highest institutional grade security in cold-storage. The underlying SOL tokens are being staked directly from cold-storage and the staking rewards are being reflected in the daily price of the ETP.

    Key Product Information:

    Exposure to Solana with approximately 3% annual return through staking
    100% physically backed by SOL
    0.95% annual management fee
    Non-custodial staking

    Virtune Staked Solana ETP:

    Trading Currency: EUR
    First Day of Trading: Tuesday, 17th of September 2024
    Euronext Exchange Ticker: VRTS
    Bloomberg Ticker: VIRSOL
    ISIN: SE0021309754
    Exchanges: Euronext Amsterdam, Euronext Paris, Nasdaq Stockholm

    About Virtune AB (Publ)
    Virtune is a registered financial institution with the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) for trading and managing digital assets and has an approved EU Base Prospectus, renewed with the Swedish FSA on April 5, 2024 which has enabled Virtune’s strategy of listing ETPs on regulated European exchanges. Virtune’s mission is to provide seamless access to crypto assets for both institutional and retail investors through innovative ETPs, transparency, and education.

    Virtune has a wide offering of crypto ETPs that includes Virtune Bitcoin ETP, Virtune Staked Ethereum ETP, Virtune Staked Solana ETP, Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP, Virtune XRP ETP, Virtune Chainlink ETP, Virtune Avalanche ETP, Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP, Virtune Staked Polygon ETP, Virtune Arbitrum ETP and Virtune Staked Cardano ETP.

    About Solana
    Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform designed to offer fast and scalable decentralized application operations and cryptocurrency transactions. By using a unique consensus mechanism known as Proof of History (PoH) along with Proof of Stake (PoS), Solana can handle thousands of transactions per second with low transaction costs, which is a significant improvement over older blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This combination of technologies not only allows for instant transaction verification but also a significant increase in network throughput without compromising security or decentralization.

    About staking
    Staking enables crypto asset owners to earn passive income by participating in the validation and confirmation of transactions on a blockchain through a process known as Proof of Stake. This mechanism is a fundamental component of Proof of Stake blockchains, like Ethereum and Solana, and plays a vital role in ensuring the security and authenticity of blockchain transactions. To facilitate a transaction on the blockchain securely and accurately, a validator must stake a certain amount of crypto asset as a guarantee of the transaction’s legitimacy.

    The validator aims to stake as much crypto assets as possible to increase the likelihood of receiving rewards, which are paid out in the same type of crypto asset that was staked. For instance, if you stake Solana, you receive additional SOL tokens as a reward. The annual reward percentage for staking can vary and may range from 0-14% or higher for some blockchains. Most crypto asset holders cannot act as validators themselves, as it requires significant amounts of crypto assets. Therefore, many choose to stake their assets through an established and trusted validator. Virtune includes staking rewards in its products that have ‘staked’ included in their names.

    Flow Traders will act as the market maker for the ETP, ensuring that Dutch investors can access the product easily and efficiently during Euronext market hours.

    Stockholm, 23rd of September 2024

    For further inquiries, please contact:
    Christopher Kock, CEO & Member of the Board of Directors
    Email: hello@virtune.com

    About Virtune AB (Publ)
    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.

    Cryptocurrency 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, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at www.virtune.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Anmodning om suspension i enkelt afdeling under Investeringsforeningen Danske Invest

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nasdaq Copenhagen
    Nikolaj Plads 6
    1007 København K

    Bernstorffsgade 40
     1577  København V
    Telefon 33 33 71 71
    Telefax 33 15 71 71
    www.danskeinvest.dk

    23. september 2024

    Anmodning om suspension i enkelt afdeling under Investeringsforeningen Danske Invest

    Grundet større omlægninger anmodes der om suspension for enkelt afdeling under Investeringsforeningen Danske Invest fra den 23. september 2024 til 25. september 2024.

    Baggrunden for omlægningen er ændringen i investeringsuniverset, som blev besluttet på den ordinære generalforsamling 23. april 2024. På den ordinære generalforsamling blev det godkendt, at afdeling Nye Markeder Small Cap KL ændrer navn til Nye Markeder 2 og samtidigt blev investeringsuniverset i vedtægter tilpasset. Ændringen er godkendt af Finanstilsynet d. 17. maj 2024. 

    Den berørte afdeling/andelsklasse vises i skemaet nedenfor.

    Investeringsforeningen Danske Invest:

    Afdeling/andelsklasse ISIN-kode OMX Identifikation
    Nye Markeder 2, klasse DKK d DK0060080380 DKINM2

    Med venlig hilsen

    DANSKE INVEST
    MANAGEMENT A/S

    Tina Hjorth Hetting

    Head of Fund Products

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Expands Digital Bank FinTech Presence in Latin America

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Expanded partnership with Nubank reflects rapid growth of banking and payment services in Latin America

    Over half of Nasdaq’s Latin American banking clients have expanded their technology partnership in the last 12 months

    Nasdaq’s financial technology solutions simplify regulatory compliance and reduce time to market across multiple jurisdictions

    NEW YORK and SAO PAULO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq today announced it has expanded its digital bank financial technology presence in Latin America, having agreed to provide its AxiomSL regulatory reporting solution to Nubank, a leading digital bank with over 100 million customers across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.

    The agreement extends Nasdaq’s existing partnership with Nubank which includes providing the technology that underpins the bank’s treasury function – managing its fixed income and money market operations – and now the bank’s regulatory reporting obligations in Colombia. It also reflects the accelerating demand for third-party financial technology solutions in Latin America, driven by the rapid growth and development of digital banking in the region and the competitive need for technology that can support a short time to market for new products and services.

    Nasdaq has over 50 banking and payment services clients in Latin America, comprising a broad range of digital and traditional banks, local and regional players as well as tier one global banks. The technology provided includes Nasdaq AxiomSL, which supports financial and regulatory reporting requirements across 55 countries and 110 regulators, and Nasdaq Calypso, which provides the SaaS technology platform that underpins banks’ treasury, risk, and collateral management workflows.

    The comprehensive range of Nasdaq’s mission critical technology across the fabric of the Latin American financial system, alongside extensive partnerships with the region’s market infrastructure operators, helps foster deep customer relationships and insight into their most complex operational challenges. In the last 12 months, over half of Latin American clients adopting Nasdaq’s AxiomSL and Calypso technology have sought to expand their partnership, alongside strong growth in new customer numbers.

    Ed Probst, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Technology at Nasdaq said: “Digital banking services in Latin America are experiencing a period of extraordinary development, with online marketplaces, open banking and innovative technology combining to empower a new generation of consumers. Nasdaq’s technology is helping to underpin the maturation of the industry, with proven regulatory solutions substantially reducing time to market and providing a competitive advantage in such a fast-paced industry. We welcome the opportunity to expand our partnership with Nubank, alongside many other clients in the region, to support their ambitious growth trajectory.”

    Navigating regulatory complexity across Latin American banking services

    The Latin American financial system is undergoing a radical transformation with the number of fintech startups established over the last six years having grown more than 340%, according to a recent report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Finnovista1. This trend is also reflected in a study published by McKinsey & Company which highlights the soaring popularity of noncash payments, with cash no longer representing the preferred payment method2. Latin America’s relatively young demographic is proving a catalyst for innovation and digital adoption.

    Alongside this shift, the region’s regulatory frameworks are undergoing a period of continued enhancement, which is helping to bolster the integrity of the system and unlock new areas of open finance and digital banking. Collectively these drivers are helping to unlock significant growth opportunities for financial services providers, including amongst previously unbanked people and companies.

    Nevertheless, the regulatory environment remains deeply complex for companies seeking to access multiple jurisdictions and regulatory regimes. For example, Brazilian requirements typically focus on the types of products and services offered while Mexico has a specific license for “fintechs”. In Colombia, several small and digital banks operate as a “Financing Company”, which carry different requirements to “Banks and Financial Corporations”. This pattern is replicated across Latin America where the confluence of innovation, rapid growth, and regulatory complexity is driving traditional and digital banks to seek third party technology providers to meet their regulatory needs. Nasdaq’s advanced technology allows these banks to keep pace with inherent regulatory risks as they look to scale responsibly.

    In addition to Nubank, other digital bank and payment companies Nasdaq has expanded its services with include Mercado Libre, Latin America’s leading e-commerce and digital payments company, C6 Bank, a full-service digital bank in Brazil, and Bankaool, the first bank to receive a license from the Mexican government to provide digital-only services.

    As a scaled platform partner, Nasdaq draws on deep industry experience, technology expertise, and cloud managed service experience to help 3,500+ banks, brokers, regulators, financial infrastructure operators, and buy-side firms solve their toughest operational challenges while advancing industrywide modernization.

    About Nasdaq

    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    Media Contact:

    Andrew Hughes
    +44 (0)7443 100896
    Andrew.Hughes@nasdaq.com

    +++

    Camille Stafford
    +1 (234) 934 9513
    Camille.Stafford@nasdaq.com

    Disclaimers 

    ©2024 Nasdaq, Inc. The Nasdaq logo and the Nasdaq ‘ribbon’ logo are the registered and unregistered trademarks, or service marks, of Nasdaq, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved. This communication and the content found by following any link herein are being provided to you by Nasdaq, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, “Nasdaq”), for informational purposes only. Nasdaq makes no representation or warranty with respect to this communication or such content and expressly disclaims any implied warranty under law. At the time of publication, the information herein was believed to be accurate, however, such information is subject to change without notice. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation, solicitation, invitation, inducement, promotion, or offer for the purchase or sale of any investment product, nor shall this material be construed in any way as investment, legal, or tax advice, or as a recommendation, reference, or endorsement by Nasdaq. 

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: 

    Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “can” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the benefits of Nasdaq’s AxiomSL and Calypso technology solutions. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These risks and uncertainties are detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

    1 https://www.iadb.org/en/news/study-fintech-ecosystem-latin-america-and-caribbean-exceeds-3000-startups
    2 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/the-rapid-evolution-of-payments-in-latin-america

    NDAQG

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia wins 5G deal with Viettel Group in Vietnam

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia wins 5G deal with Viettel Group in Vietnam

    • Nokia to introduce 5G network to Vietnam for first time; including modernizing 4G infrastructure.
    • Nokia to deploy first Vietnamese-made 5G solutions in country.
    • Supports Viettel Group strategy of advancing 5G infrastructure and digital transformation in Vietnam.

    23 September 2024
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that it has signed a major new deal with Viettel Group (Viettel) to deploy 5G equipment for the first time nationwide in Vietnam. The ambitious project will cover 22 provinces across the country and support Viettel’s strategy of advancing 5G infrastructure and digital transformation. The project will also see Nokia modernize Viettel’s 4G infrastructure. Deployment will begin this year.

    Under the deal, Nokia will supply equipment from its industry-leading 5G AirScale portfolio for the first time in Vietnam covering 2,500 sites. This includes Nokia’s next-generation AirScale baseband solutions, Massive MIMO radios, and Remote Radio Head products. These are all powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology and combine to provide superior coverage and capacity. It marks the first 5G network in Vietnam where the deployed products have also been locally manufactured, highlighting Nokia’s commitment to the region.

    Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has placed great importance on 5G as a critical national infrastructure that will enable sustained socioeconomic development through science, technology, and innovation. Vietnam’s digital economy is expected to contribute between 20% and 30% of GDP by 2030.

    Mr. Tao Duc Thang, President & CEO at Viettel Group, said: “This important project with our long-term partner Nokia, will play a critical role in advancing Viettel Group’s strategy of deploying 5G infrastructure and driving digital transformation in Vietnam. 5G technology supports the development of national digital infrastructure and a digital service ecosystem, creating opportunities for economic growth and increased productivity.”

    Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “Nokia is proud to be Viettel Group’s principal partner in this critical digital transformation project that will lay the foundations for Vietnam’s future competitiveness. Nokia has been a part of Vietnam’s growth over the past three decades, and this initiative of enhancing local technology production continues to strengthen our bond with the country. Our AirScale portfolio offers premium connectivity, low latency, and reduced power consumption supporting Vietnam’s digital future.”

    Resources and additional information:
    Webpage: Nokia 5G
    Webpage: AirScale Radio Access
    Webpage: MantaRay Network Management

    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 Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 350 Students of Samsung Innovation Campus certified in Future-Tech Skills at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University in Presence of Shri Yogi Adityanath, Honourable Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung India’s flagship CSR initiative, the ‘Samsung Innovation Campus,’ (SIC) has concluded its Coding & Programming, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data and Internet of Things (IoT) courses for 350 students in Gorakhpur at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University. The students were handed over certificates of completion by the Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath at a ceremony held at the University premises. This initiative reiterates the brand’s commitment to being a strong partner of the country and working alongside the government in its mission to skill India and power #DigitalIndia.
     
    Senior Samsung executives and representatives from the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), which collaborated in training and mentoring the students were also present during the occasion. A total of 350 students were awarded certificates across various future-tech domains, including 150 in Coding & Programming, 100 in Artificial Intelligence, 50 in Big Data, and 50 in Internet of Things (IoT).
     
    Samsung will train 3500 students across India as part of this programme in 2024. At the conclusion of the 2024 programme top performers of Samsung Innovation Campus will be awarded a cash prize of INR 1 lakh and will have the chance to visit Samsung’s facilities in Delhi/NCR. During these visits, they will have the opportunity to engage with and receive mentorship from Samsung’s leadership team. Not just that, the national course toppers will also receive exciting Samsung products, including Samsung Galaxy Buds and Samsung Galaxy Smartwatches.
     
    “Samsung has been in India for around 29 years now and Uttar Pradesh has been a hub for manufacturing and research-led initiatives for Samsung during this time. We are a committed partner to the growth story of both India and Uttar Pradesh. Through Samsung Innovation Campus, our flagship CSR programme, we are committed to the mission of educating the youth of the nation in future-tech skills, which will strengthen our vision of powering Digital India,” said Mr. JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.
     
     “Skill development of the youth is a key priority of the Government of Uttar Pradesh. We welcome this initiative by Samsung that will impart employment-oriented future-tech skills to our students. Samsung has been a strong partner of Uttar Pradesh for many years, and this programme will further strengthen our bond,” said Shri Yogi Adityanath, Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
     
     “This collaboration reinforces the shared vision of equipping India’s youth with the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. It is heartening to see the programme expand and reach a vast pool of young talent across the country, including those in remote areas. Through this initiative we want to empower the youth and create opportunities for them in domains like Coding & Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Internet of Things,” said Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, CEO, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India.
     
    Samsung Innovation Campus offers in-depth training across four key technology areas — AI, IoT, Big Data, and Coding & Programming. Students gain hands-on experience through capstone projects and soft skills training aimed at boosting their employability. The AI course participants undergo 270 hours of theory training followed by 80 hours of project work, while those enrolled in IoT and Big Data courses receive 160 hours of theory training and complete 80 hours of project work. Participants in the Coding & Programming course complete 80 hours of training and take part in a hackathon.
     
    The programme covers eight educational institutions across four states. In the northern region, training centres are established in Lucknow and Gorakhpur, besides two in Delhi NCR. In the southern region, which includes Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, training centres are located in Chennai and Sriperumbudur, in addition to two in Bengaluru.
     
    During the programme, participants will continue to receive instructor-led blended classroom and online training. Youth enrolled for the programme will undergo classroom and online training and complete their hands-on capstone project work in their selected technology areas in AI, IoT, Big Data and Coding & Programming.
     
    They will also be imparted soft skills training to enhance their employability. The participants are being mobilized through ESSCI’s training and education partners across India. The approach includes a combination of offline and online learning, immersive hackathons and capstone projects, as well as expert mentorship provided by Samsung employees.
     
    During 2023, Samsung Innovation Campus successfully trained 3000 students in future-tech courses. Samsung’s involvement in this initiative underscores its commitment to nation building through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in India. It complements Samsung’s other CSR endeavours, including Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. Through these initiatives, Samsung aims to empower future leaders of India by providing them with the necessary education and skills to drive meaningful change.
     
    With the global CSR vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’, Samsung Electronics is committed to provide education to young people around the world to empower the leaders of tomorrow. Read more stories on Samsung Electronics’ CSR efforts on our CSR webpage http://csr.samsung.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Registration and nomination invited for Labour Advisory Board Election of Employee Representatives

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Labour Department (LD) is inviting employee unions registered under the Trade Unions Ordinance (TUO) to register as electors, appoint authorised representatives to vote and nominate candidates for the 2025-2026 Labour Advisory Board (LAB) Election of Employee Representatives.

         “Registration as electors, appointment of authorised representatives and nomination of candidates start today (September 23) and will close on October 15, 2024 (Tuesday),” a spokesman for the LD said.

         The LAB is a tripartite consultative body comprising representatives of employees and employers to advise the Commissioner for Labour on labour matters. The current term of the LAB will end on December 31 this year. An election of five employee representatives to the LAB for its next two-year tenure, ending December 31, 2026, will be held at Mei Foo Community Hall, 1/F, Mei Foo Government Complex, on November 16 (Saturday) this year. Authorised representatives may cast their votes at the above polling station between 9am and 5pm.

         Employee unions registered as electors in the LAB elections held in 2006 or thereafter are only required to submit forms to appoint authorised representatives in order to vote in the election.

         “We have sent out today related forms and copies of the rules and procedures for the election to all employee unions registered under the TUO,” the spokesman said.

         Meanwhile, the LD has invited five employer associations to each nominate one representative to sit for the next tenure of the LAB as employer representatives. These associations are the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, the Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

         Enquiries on matters relating to the above election can be made at 2852 4024.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council By-elections for Wards 6 & 14 – Voters urged to make sure their vote counts

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued on behalf of the Returning Officer

    Polling will take place on Thursday 26 September 2024 to fill the two vacant seats for The Highland Council’s Cromarty Firth ward and the one vacant seat for the Inverness Central Ward. Voters are being reminded to be ready to make their vote count.

    The single transferable vote system will be used. Instead of using a cross, voters should number the candidates in the order of their choice, putting a number 1 in the box next to the name of the candidate who is their first choice, 2 in the box next to their second choice and so on. Voters can mark as many choices as they wish.

    Postal packs have been despatched to those registered electors that submitted a form by the postal vote deadline.  Further guidance on how to complete your postal pack is available here 

    Anyone who has requested a postal vote will not be able to vote in person at a polling station. If you are unable to post it in time, it is possible to hand in your completed postal pack into any of the polling stations located within wards 6 and 14 between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 26 September 2024. There are no restrictions on the number of postal votes that can be handed in to a polling station.

    For those opting to vote in person on Thursday 26 September 2024, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. Voters are reminded to check their poll cards as this will have details of where they need to go to cast their vote.

    For those opting to vote in person on Thursday 26 September 2024, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. People are reminded to check their poll cards as this will have details of where they need to go to cast their vote. There is no requirement to bring any form of voter ID.

    The confirmed candidates standing for election to Ward 6 – Cromarty Firth are:

    • Ryan BARROWMAN – Scottish Greens
    • Sinclair COGHILL – Independent
    • Richard James CROSS – Independent
    • John EDMONDSON – Scottish Liberal Democrats
    • Brideen GODLEY-MACKENZIE – Independent
    • Kim HANNING JACKSON – Reform UK
    • Roland HANNING JACKSON – Reform UK
    • Odette MACDONALD – Scottish National Party (SNP)
    • Tina MCCAFFERY – Independent
    • Innes MUNRO – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
    • Michael PERERA – Scottish Labour Party
    • Martin RATTRAY – Independent

    The confirmed candidates standing for election to Ward 14 – Inverness Central are:

    • Andrew BARNETT – Scottish Greens
    • Michael GREGSON – Scottish Labour Party
    • Chris LEWCOCK – Scottish Liberal Democrats
    • Martin MACGREGOR – Scottish National Party (SNP)
    • Donald MACKENZIE – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
    • Iain RICHMOND – Reform UK

    The electronic election counts for both wards will take place on Friday 27 September 2024 starting at 9.00am. People will be able to follow the count and watch the declaration of the results live via the Council’s social media channels – @highlandcouncil

    All information about the by-election, including answers to frequently asked questions and short video clips to show how to vote is available by visiting the Council’s website  

    23 Sep 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sri Lankan PM resigns following new president elected

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena submitted his resignation on Monday morning following Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s election as the country’s new president.

    In his resignation letter, Gunawardena stated that with the election of Dissanayake as the ninth executive president of Sri Lanka, he is stepping down in accordance with the country’s constitution.

    Gunawardena also extended his congratulations to Dissanayake on Sunday night, following his victory in the election.

    “I respectfully congratulate you on being elected as the 9th Executive President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the presidential election held on Sept. 21, 2024,” he said in a statement.

    “I hope that you as the president will be able to provide welfare to the people by continuing the work we have done to recover and lift the country and the countrymen from the difficult and challenging situation Sri Lanka has faced,” he said in his message.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Governor Pan Gongsheng Addresses the 2nd Conference of China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries Central Bankers and Financiers

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    The 2nd Conference of China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries Central Bankers and Financiers was held in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on September 23, 2024. Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), addressed the meeting. Governor Pan said that the Chinese economy is growing steadily. The PBOC will continue with the accommodative monetary policy stance, intensify and make monetary policy adjustments more targeted, and create a favorable monetary and financial environment for China’s stable economic growth and high-quality development. He noted that Macao has close connection with Portuguese-speaking countries. The PBOC will continue to support Macao in better leveraging its unique advantages and its role as a bridge, and support Macao’s endeavor to build a financial cooperation platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and deepen mutually beneficial  cooperation on various fronts. Central bankers from different Portuguese-speaking countries exchanged their views on the financial cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, central bank’s role in economic development and financial stability, fintech, as well as other issues.

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年09月23日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Three charged following two year investigation into New Zealand’s largest cocaine shipment

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Three people have been arrested and charged following an investigation into the largest cocaine shipment to ever reach New Zealand shores.

    It has been two years since the drugs were identified and seized at Tauranga port, and thanks to a joint investigation involving Police and Customs three people, all from Tamaki Makaurau were arrested last week. 

    Two men, aged 27 and 35, and a woman aged 41 are due to reappear in the Tauranga District Court Thursday 3 October on charges including importing cocaine, possessing cocaine for supply and participating in an organised crime group.

    These arrests are the result of a joint operation between New Zealand Customs and Police, dubbed Operation Bask.

    Op Bask was launched following the discovery of 725 kilograms of cocaine imported by boat into the Port of Tauranga on Friday 25 February 2022.

    Detective Inspector Tom Gollan of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) says: “The vessel had travelled from Ecuador, via Panama, with a container of produce loaded with cocaine, in a method known as ‘piggybacking’.”

    “Piggybacking involves controlled drugs being loaded into a container of legitimate product in an effort to avoid law enforcement,” Detective Inspector Gollan says.

    However, in this case the cocaine was very quickly detected and seized by Customs, and an investigation was launched by Customs investigators and detectives from the National Organised Crime Group.

    Today, the cocaine has an estimated street value of $253.75 million.

    More than two years later it remains the largest cocaine shipment to ever arrive on New Zealand shores, and if not detected, would have caused a huge amount of harm to the community.

    A breakthrough in the investigation was made recently, resulting in the three arrests.

    They have also been charged with a further importation of 30kgs of cocaine that arrived into the Port of Tauranga on 31 December 2021, again from Balboa in Panama.

    Customs’ Acting Investigations Manager, Nigel Barnes, says global intelligence networks and well-developed targeting methods are key to identifying and stopping this type of smuggling attempt.

    “We Identified the South American shipment as a potential risk before it arrived in Tauranga and that turned out to be the case resulting in the record cocaine seizure that we made,” Mr Barnes says. 

    “This joint operation has also provided both Police and Customs with further intelligence and insights which are clearly still producing results.

    “These arrests demonstrate the persistence and determination of NOCG detectives and Customs staff in disrupting the drug supply line.”

    Detective Inspector Gollan say Police are committed to seeing less drugs on our streets and ultimately less money going to those who intimidate and cause violence within our communities.

    “Police will continue to target those who supply drugs into our vulnerable communities, however we cannot do it alone.

    “If you see any unlawful or suspicious activity, please update us online now or call 105.”

    For assistance with drug and alcohol addiction there are several organisations available to assist, one of which is the Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 or online at: Alcohol Drug Helpline

    Facts
    •            725kg of cocaine imported into the Port of Tauranga via Panama on 25 February 2022
    •            Is the single largest cocaine shipment to New Zealand
    •            Street value of $253,750,000
    •            Total drug harm prevented $270,845,500
    •            Equivalent to 7,250,000 individual doses
    •            30kgs of cocaine imported into New Zealand into the Port of Tauranga on 31 December 2021, again via Panama.
    •            Street value of $10,500,000
    •            Total drug harm prevented $11,207,400
    •            Equivalent to 300,000 individual doses

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: WTO-ITC: Presentation of WEIDE Fund

    Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

    The WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) on 11 September kickstarted at the WTO Public Forum the implementation of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a global fund to help women tap into opportunities in international trade and the digital economy.

    Business organizations are now invited to apply:
    https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/womenandtrade_e/weide_e.htm

    Video produced by the ITC.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztmykf24YKM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: By 2023, one in four single-family homes was equipped with a heat pump

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Statistical Office

    Neuchâtel, 23.09.2024 – Switzerland had 1.79 million residential buildings and 4.79 million dwellings in 2023. 37% of the buildings were heated by oil and 17% by gas. 21% of the buildings were equipped with heat pumps. The share of the latter has increased fivefold since 2000. One in four single-family homes is equipped with a heat pump. These are some of the results of the building and housing statistics, compiled by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    You will find this press release and further information on this topic on the OFS website (see link below)

    Address for sending questions

    Info StatBL, OFS, Population Section, tel.: 41 58 467 25 25, e-mail: info.gws@bfs.admin.ch

    Author

    Federal Statistical Officehttp://www.statistique.admin.ch

    Social sharing

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Swissmedic – Thuasne recalls Globe-Trotter walking sticks for people weighing more than 130 kg

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Consumer Affairs Office

    Bern, 23.09.2024 – Thuasne is recalling certain models of “Globe-Trotter” walking sticks for people weighing more than 130 kg. There is a risk of the walking stick becoming deformed or breaking, which could lead to a fall and serious injuries. Affected patients should stop using the walking sticks immediately and return them to their supplier.

    What danger arises from the product concerned?

    There is a risk of the cane becoming deformed or broken, which could cause the patient to fall and suffer serious injury.

    Which products are affected?

    The following rods are concerned:

    – Globe-Trotter W2016021010 (blue)

    – Globe-Trotter W2016022010 (gray)

    – Globe-Trotter W2017021006

    What should affected consumers do?

    Persons weighing more than 130 kg should stop using the canes immediately and return them to their supplier. They can obtain a replacement or refund for the canes from the supplier.

    Patients weighing less than 130 kg may continue to use canes. However, these individuals should have the safety of their cane checked by their supplier.

    In doing so, they must take careful note of the information sent to suppliers by Thuasne (affix the sticker and add the addendum to the instructions for use).

    Address for sending questions

    If you have any questions, consumers can contact Thuasne SCL Export TFR: Telephone: 33 477 81 40 01 Email: sclexport@thuasne.fr URL: https://www.thuasne.com/

    Author

    Federal Office of Consumer Affairshttp://www.konsum.admin.ch/

    Social sharing

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI