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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel inaugurates the India Innovation Summit – Pioneering Solutions to End TB

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel inaugurates the India Innovation Summit – Pioneering Solutions to End TB

    Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has embraced a multi-sectoral, innovation-driven approach to eliminating TB: Smt. Patel

    “The number of missing cases reduced from 15 lakh in 2015 to 2.5 lakhs in 2023; 25.5 lakh TB cases in 2023 and 26.07 lakh cases in 2024 notified, marking the highest no. of notified cases ever”

    “17.7% decline in incidence rate of TB in India, from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh population in 2023; TB deaths reduced by 21.4% from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023”

    “Innovations are crucial for TB elimination, offering faster and more accurate diagnostics, improved treatment regimens, and better prevention strategies”

    India is resolved to eliminate 5 diseases in the coming 5 years that include: Leprosy, Lymphatic filariasis, Measles, Rubella and Kala-azar: Dr. VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 2:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel inaugurated the India Innovation Summit – Pioneering Solutions to End TB, at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, here today. The Summit is being organized jointly by the Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR-ICMR) and the Central TB Division (CTD), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW). The summit aims to accelerate India’s progress towards TB elimination by 2025.

    Addressing the gathering, Smt. Anupriya Patel highlighted India’s remarkable progress in TB control and the pivotal role of innovation in this mission. She stated that “under the pathbreaking leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, India’s public health landscape has seen a remarkable transformation over the past decade and many of you have played a critical role in ensuring innovations and quality healthcare services reach the last mile.”

    Highlighting the achievements of the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), Smt. Patel stated that “the Program is steadily progressing towards the goal of eliminating TB by 2025. The number of missing cases has been reduced from 15 lakh in 2015 to 2.5 lakhs in 2023. The programme was able to notify 25.5 lakh TB and 26.07 lakh cases in 2023 and 2024-the highest ever.”

    Citing the WHO’s Global TB Report 2024, Smt. Patel stated that “the incidence rate of TB in India has shown a 17.7% decline from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 195 per lakh population in 2023. TB deaths have reduced by 21.4% from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023.” She also added that “TB treatment coverage in India increased by 32% in last eight years from 53% in 2015 to 85% in 2023.”

    The Union Minister of State also highlighted the new initiatives under NTEP.  She stated that “a shorter and safer oral Bedaquiline-containing drug resistant TB treatment regimen has been rolled out across all State/ UTs that has improved treatment success rates of drug-resistant TB patients from 68% in 2020 to 75% in 2022. A more efficacious treatment regimen, mBPaL (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid (300mg) has also been introduced for drug-resistant TB which is 80% more efficacious for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB)  and will reduce treatment duration to 6 months.”

    She also highlighted the Energy Dense Nutritional Support (EDNS), offered to under-nourished TB patients during the first 2 months of their treatment along with drugs. Talking about the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative that was launched with the objectives to provide additional support to TB patients in order to improve treatment outcomes, augment community involvement and leverage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, Smt. Patel stated that “this initiative was launched to bring together people from all backgrounds into a ‘Jan Andolan’ and escalate the progress toward TB elimination.” She further added that “the Government has doubled the financial assistance under Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) for nutritional support to TB patients from Rs 500/per month/per patient to Rs 1,000 per month per patient effective from 1st November 2024 while the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative has also been expanded wherein food baskets to TB patients and their household contacts are being provided.

    In addition to this, Smt. Patel also underscored the progress of the ongoing TB Mukt Bharat– 100 Days Intensified Campaign. Launched on 7th December 2024, the campaign covers 455 selected high priority districts and involves a comprehensive strategy to mobilise resources, raise awareness and intensify actions against TB across all prioritized districts. The campaign activities involve active TB case finding in vulnerable populations, early diagnosis, prompt treatment initiation and linkage to nutritional care. The report of the campaign will be released on World TB Day on 24th March 2025.

    Underlining the new Innovations rolled out under the program, Smt. Patel stated that “ICMR has validated three indigenous handheld X ray devices, which makes it possible to reach vulnerable population groups for TB screening. Hand-held devices offer advantages of low weight, portability, and low radiation exposure and are being used in the 100-day accelerated programme.” She also added that “ICMR partnered with Institute of Plasma Research, Ahmedabad, to develop DeepCXR, a tool for artificial intelligence-based reporting chest X ray films.  AI tools are expected to be a gamechanger in detecting presumptive TB patients and quick initiation of treatment.  ICMR also validated CyTb skin test for detection of latent TB infection, developed by Serum Institute of India Ltd. against Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), which is the preferred test for latent TB detection. However, IGRA is expensive and it may not be feasible to be introduced in resource limited countries. Overall performance of CyTb was better than the currently used tuberculin skin test.”

    Smt. Patel further added that “ICMR conducted a multicentric validation of PathoDetectTM an indigenous molecular diagnostic NAAT test which can perform 32 tests simultaneously, detects MTB complex and first line drug resistance to rifampicin (RIF) and Isoniazid (INH) simultaneously as a one step process. Overall, the performance of PathoDetectTM was comparable to other molecular assays. Deployment of this test in the 100-day program, along with the already available TruNat test, has enhanced capacity of molecular diagnosis of TB and early detection of drug resistance. Moreover, the Quantiplus MTB FAST Detection Kit developed by Huwel Lifesciences is the first in world indigenous open system RTPCR kits developed in India and validated by ICMR. In comparison to the gold standard liquid culture, sensitivity of the kit is 86 % and specificity is 96 %. These kits are likely to be low-cost and have a potential to expand the outreach of TB molecular testing, including more than 3300 RTPCR machines used during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    “Health Technology Assessment India under Department of Health Research has assessed the TB health Technologies like Truenat for TB diagnosis, BPAL/BPALM regime for MDR TB, Techo plus for tracking and managing TB health services, AI enabled chest X-ray diagnosis and TMEAD an adherence monitoring device for TB treatment”, she further added.

    Underlining the role of innovations in TB elimination, Smt. Patel stated that “innovations are crucial for TB elimination, offering faster and more accurate diagnostics, improved treatment regimens, and better prevention strategies. Use of digital health, artificial intelligence, data collection and health promotion will also play a critical role in reaching the “missing millions” of people with TB who go undiagnosed, and therefore untreated, each year.” In her concluding remarks, she encouraged all innovators “to continue their endeavour to develop useful tools for introduction into the program and help achieve the goal of TB elimination.”

    In his address, Dr. V. K Paul, Member NITI Aayog, stated that “the event is an important step in the direction of innovation-led push in achieving the goal of elimination of TB. The Summit is bringing together pioneers in TB research and technology to translate ideas into impactful solutions.

    He stated that “India has achieved tremendous success in the direction of eliminating TB under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.” India is resolved to eliminate 5 diseases in the coming 5 years that include: Leprosy, Lymphatic filariasis, Measles, Rubella and Kala-azar, he further stated.

    Dr. Paul also underlined the need of advanced and better tools for diagnosis of drug-resistant TB and underlined the potential of AI to provide solutions for TB detection and elimination. He further stated that for elimination of TB, technology that can be taken to scale is of high priority along with facilitation of newer technologies and their approval while ensuring funding for important innovations and identify areas for further research.

    He concluded his remarks by stating that “India’s efforts for TB elimination are truly global that will be beneficial globally”. He put emphasis on the need of bringing innovative ideas to the forefront that can “bring speed and scale to TB elimination and added that the summit will also help facilitate spin-offs for elimination of other diseases from the country.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR & Director General, ICMR, highlighted the transformative role of research and indigenous technologies in India’s TB elimination effort. Emphasizing the role of technology in detection, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of TB, he stated that “scientific advancements have been at the forefront of our fight against TB. Through rigorous research, we have validated innovative diagnostics, treatment regimens, and AI-based tools that enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes.” He added that “the summit serves as a crucial platform to bring together stakeholders and fast-track the adoption of these solutions into national TB programs.” He underlined the crucial role played by homegrown innovations benefit not only India but also contribute to the global TB elimination mission.

    The one-and-a-half-day summit features over 200 groundbreaking innovations, including handheld X-ray devices for rapid TB screening, AI-powered diagnostic tools, and new molecular testing technologies. The event provides a platform for innovators to engage with policymakers, regulators, and experts, ensuring that promising solutions are integrated into national TB programs.

    With over 1,200 participants from academia, industry, healthcare, and research, the summit aims to foster crucial collaborations. A key focus is identifying innovations with potential for large-scale implementation and linking them with government initiatives for further development. The India Innovation Summit reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating TB by 2025, leveraging scientific advancements and community-driven efforts to accelerate progress toward this ambitious goal.

    More than 200 innovations shaping India’s fight against TB to be showcased at an exhibition along with over 30 scientific sessions on innovations, lectures, roundtable and panel discussions during the summit.

    Former Secretary DHR and DG ICMR Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Joint Secretary DHR Ms Anu Nagar, Sr DDG (Admin) ICMR MS Manisha Saxena and other senior officials and scientists from the Ministry and ICMR also participated in the summit. Among the global participants, Dr. Trevor Mundel, President, Global Health, Gates Foundation and Prof. Guy Marks (the Union) marked their presence at the inaugural event.

    ****

    MV

    HFW/MoS inaugurates India Innovation Summit- Pioneering Solutions to End TB /18March2025/1

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IMPLEMENTATION OF PLI

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 2:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel was launched with an overall budget of Rs.6,322 crore in July, 2021 to promote the manufacturing of ‘Specialty Steel’ within the country and reduce imports by attracting capital investments. Performance of the scheme is regularly monitored by the Ministry. The current status of the PLI Scheme for specialty steel is as follows:-

     

     

    Commitment during scheme tenure by selected companies

    Actual achievement up to 31st December, 2024

    Investment (Rs. Cr)

    27,106

    18,850

    Production (in ‘000t)

    7,940

    1258

    (928 in FY 24-25)

    Employment (in Nos.)

    14,760

    8,930

    Incentive Disbursement(Rs.Cr.)

    —

    48*

    Disbursement claim in FY 2024-25

    To ensure wider participation irrespective of the company size, following steps have been taken:-

    1. Launch of dedicated web portal for PLI Scheme and wide publicity through media.
    2. Frequent webinars with companies that expressed interest to participate in the scheme.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    TPJ/NJ

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Brainstorming Session for Leveraging Non-conventional Data Sources for Official Statistics to be held on 20th March, 2025 in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 1:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is organising a brainstorming session on Leveraging Non-Conventional Data Sources for Official Statistics on 20th March, 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The session aims to deliberate upon the ways and means of using the non-conventional data along with the conventional data generated through the censuses, surveys, and administrative records.

    The rapid advancements in technology have given rise to non-conventional data sources, offering new opportunities for data-driven decision-making. The non-conventional data sources come from earth observation (satellite images); Mobile telecommunications (call records); social networks (sentiment analysis), and citizen-generated data (civil society data). Many of these are considered big data, large volumes of unstructured information that require new capacities for their analysis. The non-conventional data sources become an opportunity to complement the existing official data available with the statistical community.

    In recent years there has been a need for better convergence of data arising from these two types of sources, conventional and non-conventional. Discussions about what official statistics are currently measuring and the types of data being used for these measurements have been taking place at the Statistical Institutions of different countries. The time is thus opportune to bring the relevant stakeholders at one platform and ponder upon the right set of frameworks, and systems to confluence the non-conventional data with the conventional data in official statistics.   

    The event congregates domain experts, policymakers, data scientists, and statisticians to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies for supplementing alternative data sources with the conventional data, thereby enhancing the scope, accuracy, and timeliness of official statistics. The panelists of the technical session will delve into various emerging data sources, their features- structural and transactional, and possibility of their integration with the conventional datasets.

    The keynote on the brainstorming session will be delivered by Sri Kris Gopalkrishnan, one of the co-founders of Infosys, recognized as a global business and technology thought leader. Mr. Gopalakrishnan serves on the Board of Governors of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), is the Chairman, The Council, IISc Bangalore, and is the Chairman, Board of Governors of IIIT, Bangalore.

    In addition, the brainstorming session would be addressed by Sri Rana Hasan, Regional Lead Economist, South Asia, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Sri Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC), and Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

    The panelists of the technical sessions are the representatives from UN agencies, Governments and Private Institutions, namely, Survey of India (Department of Science & Technology), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC: Department of Space), UIDAI (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), IIT, Kanpur, World Bank, IDinsight, GDi, and Great Lakes Institute of Management.

    The event is likely to be attended by the representatives of the central Ministries/Departments, UN agencies, Think Tanks, Independent organisations, and Universities and research institutions.

    The outcomes of the brainstorming session are likely to be instrumental in understanding methodologies for better use of non-conventional data sources, as also in evolving an institutional arrangement for data integration generated through the conventional and non-conventional sources.    

    ***

    Samrat/Allen

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LOW PRICE STEEL

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 1:59PM by PIB Delhi

    Steel is a deregulated sector and steel prices are determined by demand supply dynamics of market forces, global market conditions, trends in price of raw materials, logistics cost, power and fuel cost, etc. The Government acts as a facilitator, by creating a conducive policy environment for the development of steel sector including small and medium producers in the country. Government has taken following steps to facilitate the reduction of Steel imports and to improve the competitiveness of domestic steel manufacturers to reduce dependency on imports:-

     

    1. Launch of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel to promote the manufacturing of ‘Specialty Steel’ within the country and reduce imports by attracting capital investments. The anticipated additional investment under the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel is Rs 27,106 crores with downstream capacity creation of around 25 million tonnes (MT) for specialty steel.
    2. Introduction of steel Quality Control Orders thereby banning sub-standard/ defective steel products in domestic market as well as imports to ensure the availability of quality steel to the industry, users and public at large.
    3. Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS) has been revamped and SIMS 2.0 was launched on 25.07.2024 for more effective monitoring of imports to address the concerns of domestic steel industry.
    4. Implementation of Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy for promoting ‘Made in India’ steel for Government procurement.
    5. Anti Dumping Duty (ADD) measures pertaining to some steel products like seamless tubes, pipes and hollow profiles of iron, alloy, or non-alloy steel (other than cast iron and stainless steel) (from China PR), electro-galvanized steel (from Korea RP, Japan, Singapore), stainless-steel seamless tubes and pipes (from China PR), welded stainless steel pipes and tubes (from Vietnam and Thailand) are in place currently.
    6. Countervailing Duty (CVD) is in place for Welded Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes from China and Vietnam.

     

    There is sufficient reserve of iron ore in the country to meet the current demand/consumption by domestic steel industry. The production of Iron Ore in FY 2024 was more than 270 Million tons and the export were approximately 46 Million tons while the import was 4.9 Million tons, as per the data provided by IBM.

    The Government has taken various steps to increase supply of minerals which include, inter-alia, Mining and Mineral Policy reforms to ensure enhanced production, early auction& operationalization of mines with expired leases, ease of doing business, seamless transfer of all valid rights & approvals, incentivizing for starting of mining operation & dispatch, transferring of mining leases, allowing captive mines to sell upto 50% of the minerals produced, enhancing the exploration activities etc.

    Government has notified the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy in November, 2019. The policy provides a framework to facilitate and promote establishment of metal scrapping centres in India for scientific processing and recycling of ferrous scrap generated from various sources.

    The details of country-wise imports of finished steel including from China since 2014 are at Annexure.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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    TPJ/NJ

    Annexure

    Country Wise Import of Finished Steel from 2014-15 to 2023-24 – Quantity (in ‘000 tonnes)

    S. NO.

    Country Name

    2014-15

    2015-16

    2016-17

    2017-18

    2018-19

    2019-20

    2020-21

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    1

    CHINA

    3,576

    4,087

    2,153

    1,901

    1,539

    1,207

    843

    833

    1,407

    2,687

    2

    KOREA

    1,869

    3,005

    2,103

    2,473

    2,931

    2,687

    1,947

    2,009

    2,228

    2,670

    3

    JAPAN

    1,583

    2,158

    1,136

    1,176

    1,271

    1,018

    560

    664

    841

    1,274

    4

    VIETNAM

    25

    8

    16

    203

    167

    86

    133

    75

    320

    737

    5

    TAIWAN

    190

    202

    247

    271

    262

    165

    186

    194

    163

    185

    6

    NEPAL

    96

    54

    10

    9

    3

    6

    6

    9

    59

    120

    7

    INDONESIA

    14

    243

    46

    107

    228

    464

    79

    241

    148

    94

    8

    GERMANY

    149

    197

    153

    145

    166

    135

    146

    151

    112

    80

    9

    THAILAND

    16

    42

    40

    44

    85

    52

    50

    25

    53

    58

    10

    RUSSIA

    226

    364

    291

    150

    126

    71

    63

    55

    313

    53

    11

    UAE

    34

    36

    30

    24

    21

    21

    21

    24

    12

    52

    12

    AUSTRIA

    19

    127

    160

    13

    13

    13

    71

    9

    10

    52

    13

    SAUDI ARABIA

    4

    1

    1

    6

    22

    8

    36

    14

    9

    39

    14

    ITALY

    55

    28

    33

    110

    58

    81

    33

    34

    31

    23

    15

    USA

    120

    82

    75

    127

    74

    65

    54

    29

    17

    20

    16

    SWEDEN

    26

    21

    29

    33

    24

    23

    27

    39

    48

    20

    17

    HONGKONG

    1

    1

    3

    1

    1

    0

    0

    0

    1

    18

    18

    BELGIUM

    126

    96

    76

    99

    118

    74

    56

    28

    33

    17

    19

    ROMANIA

    11

    2

    2

    5

    2

    3

    1

    1

    2

    17

    20

    FRANCE

    156

    66

    174

    76

    58

    56

    121

    58

    77

    15

    21

    OMAN

    0

    46

    1

    9

    7

    4

    12

    5

    7

    11

    22

    KUWAIT

    2

    0

    0

    2

    5

    8

    3

    3

    3

    9

    23

    SOUTH AFRICA

    71

    52

    23

    40

    41

    22

    15

    8

    5

    7

    24

    FINLAND

    12

    12

    9

    13

    14

    9

    5

    5

    7

    6

    25

    CANADA

    7

    7

    5

    15

    13

    20

    17

    10

    11

    6

    26

    MALAYSIA

    96

    53

    29

    32

    50

    51

    42

    8

    20

    6

    27

    SPAIN

    30

    28

    25

    30

    25

    32

    20

    27

    21

    5

    28

    U.K.

    30

    31

    16

    43

    20

    17

    11

    6

    5

    4

    29

    CZECH REP

    2

    2

    6

    3

    3

    2

    0

    1

    2

    4

    30

    SINGAPORE

    81

    106

    108

    72

    117

    139

    43

    8

    6

    4

    31

    OTHERS

    691

    556

    225

    251

    371

    230

    153

    96

    50

    29

    TOTAL

    9,320

    11,712

    7,224

    7,483

    7,835

    6,768

    4,752

    4,669

    6,022

    8,320

    Source :Joint Plant Committee(JPC)

    *****

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Unemployment and underemployment statistics for December 2024 – February 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Unemployment and underemployment statistics for December 2024 – February 2025 
         Comparing December 2024 – February 2025 with November 2024 – January 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Relatively notable increases were observed in the food and beverage service activities sector, transportation sector, construction sector, and professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities). Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors also varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
     
         Total employment decreased by around 7 100 from 3 716 600 in November 2024 – January 2025 to 3 709 500 in December 2024 – February 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 5 400 from 3 826 700 to 3 821 300.
     
         The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1 600 from 110 100 in November 2024 – January 2025 to 111 700 in December 2024 – February 2025. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons  decreased by around 2 300 from 43 000 to 40 700.
      
    Commentary
     
       Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed low at 3.2% in December 2024 – February 2025, though edging up by 0.1 percentage point over November 2024 – January 2025. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.1%. The labour force and total employment were at 3 821 300 and 3 709 500 respectively, declining slightly from the preceding three-month period.”
     
       The unemployment rates of various sectors showed diverse movements in December 2024 – February 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, but they generally stayed low.
     
       Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, “The labour market should remain largely stable in the near term amidst continued economic expansion, though some businesses would be affected by the uncertainties stemming from the United States’ trade protection measures.”
     
    Further information
     
       The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
     
       In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
     
       The survey for December 2024 – February 2025 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 68 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of December 2024 to February 2025.
     
       Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
     
       Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html 
       For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email:     ghs@censtatd.gov.hk 
    Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Lok Sabha on successful conclusion of Maha Kumbh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Lok Sabha on successful conclusion of Maha Kumbh

    I bow to the citizens, whose efforts led to the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh: PM

    Many people have contributed to the success of the Maha Kumbh, I compliment all the Karmayogis of the Government and society: PM

    We have witnessed a ‘Maha Prayas’ in the organisation of the Maha Kumbh: PM

    This Maha Kumbh was led by the people, driven by their resolve and inspired by their unwavering devotion: PM

    Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is a significant milestone that reflects the spirit of an awakened nation: PM

    Maha Kumbh has strengthened the spirit of unity: PM

    In the Maha Kumbh, all differences faded away; this is India’s great strength, showing that the spirit of unity is deeply rooted within us: PM

    The spirit of connecting with faith and heritage is the greatest asset of today’s India: PM

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 1:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha today on the successful conclusion of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. He extended his heartfelt salutations to the countless citizens of the nation, whose efforts ensured the grand success of the Mahakumbh. Highlighting the collective contributions of various individuals and groups in making the Mahakumbh a success, he acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the government, society, and all dedicated workers involved. Shri Modi expressed his gratitude to devotees from across the country, with special mention of the people of Uttar Pradesh and, in particular, the citizens of Prayagraj, for their invaluable support and participation.

    Underlining the immense efforts required for the grand organization of the Mahakumbh, comparing it to the legendary Bhagirath’s endeavor to bring the Ganga to Earth, Shri Modi mentioned about his emphasis on the importance of “Sabka Prayas” during his address from the Red Fort. He noted that the Mahakumbh showcased India’s grandeur to the world. “Mahakumbh is a manifestation of the collective resolve, devotion, and dedication of the people, inspired by their unwavering faith”, he added.

    The Prime Minister remarked on the profound awakening of national consciousness witnessed during the Mahakumbh, highlighting how this consciousness propels the nation towards new resolutions and inspires their fulfillment. He emphasized that the Mahakumbh effectively addressed doubts and apprehensions held by some regarding the nation’s capabilities.

    Highlighting the transformative journey of the nation, drawing a parallel between the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya last year and the Mahakumbh this year, Shri Modi remarked that these events reinforce the nation’s readiness for the next millennium. He emphasized that the collective consciousness of the nation reflects its immense potential. He noted that pivotal moments in a nation’s history, much like in human history, serve as examples for generations to come. Shri Modi reflected on India’s historical milestones that awakened the nation and provided new direction, citing the spiritual resurgence during the Swadeshi movement, Swami Vivekananda’s iconic speech in Chicago, and key moments in India’s freedom struggle, such as the 1857 uprising, Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s “Delhi Chalo” call, and Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March. “Prayagraj Mahakumbh is a similarly significant milestone, symbolizing the awakened spirit of the nation”, he added.

    Underscoring the vibrant enthusiasm witnessed during the Mahakumbh in India, which lasted for nearly one and a half months, the Prime Minister highlighted how crores of devotees, rising above concerns of convenience or inconvenience, participated with unwavering faith, showcasing the nation’s immense strength. Citing his recent visit to Mauritius, where he carried sacred water from Triveni, Prayagraj, collected during the Mahakumbh, Prime Minister mentioned the profound atmosphere of devotion and celebration when the holy water was offered at Mauritius’ Ganga Talao. He emphasized that this reflects the growing spirit of embracing, celebrating, and preserving India’s traditions, culture, and values.

    Shri Modi remarked on the seamless continuation of traditions across generations, highlighting how the modern youth of India have actively participated in the Mahakumbh and other festivals with deep devotion. He emphasized that today’s youth are embracing their traditions, faith, and beliefs with pride, reflecting a strong connection to India’s cultural heritage.

    “When a society takes pride in its heritage, it creates grand and inspiring moments, as witnessed during the Mahakumbh”, said Shri Modi, emphasising that such pride fosters unity and strengthens the confidence to achieve significant national goals. He highlighted that the connection to traditions, faith, and heritage is a valuable asset for contemporary India, reflecting the nation’s collective strength and cultural richness.

    Stressing that the Mahakumbh has yielded many invaluable outcomes, with the spirit of unity being its most sacred offering, the Prime Minister highlighted how people from every region and corner of the country came together in Prayagraj, setting aside individual egos and embracing the collective spirit of “we” over “I.” He emphasized that individuals from various states became part of the sacred Triveni, strengthening the sense of nationalism and unity. He noted that when people speaking different languages and dialects chanted “Har Har Gange” at the Sangam, it reflected the essence of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and enhanced the spirit of oneness. Shri Modi observed that the Mahakumbh demonstrated the absence of discrimination between the small and the great, showcasing India’s immense strength. He remarked that the inherent unity within the nation is so profound that it overcomes all divisive efforts. He highlighted that this unity is a great fortune for Indians and a significant strength in a world facing fragmentation. He reiterated that “unity in diversity” is India’s hallmark, a sentiment consistently felt and experienced, as exemplified by the grandeur of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh. He urged the nation to continue enriching this unique characteristic of unity in diversity.

    Speaking about the numerous inspirations drawn from the Mahakumbh, Shri Modi highlighted the vast network of rivers in the country, many of which are facing challenges. He stressed the need to expand the tradition of river festivals, inspired by the Mahakumbh, adding that such initiatives would help the current generation understand the importance of water, promote river cleanliness, and ensure the protection of rivers.

    The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the inspirations drawn from the Mahakumbh will serve as a strong medium for achieving the nation’s resolutions. He appreciated every individual involved in organizing the Mahakumbh and extended his salutations to all devotees across the country and conveyed his best wishes on behalf of the House.

     

     

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    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2112144) Visitor Counter : 6

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Bill 2025 to be gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Bill 2025 to be gazetted 
    The spokesperson said, “The Amendment Bill seeks to enhance the buildings energy efficiency management regime of Hong Kong. It improves the energy efficiency of buildings to reduce the demand for power consumption and generation, which will not only reduce carbon emissions but also lessen the financial burden on the public for the increased use of clean fuels for electricity generation, thereby assisting Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.”
     
    The Amendment Bill contains five parts, namely regulating the energy efficiency standards of building services installations for all data centres in Hong Kong; requiring more types of buildings to conduct regular energy audits; shortening the intervals of energy audits; disclosing certain technical information in energy audit reports; and including more qualifications eligible for registration as Registered Energy Assessors. If the Amendment Bill is passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo) and implemented in full, it is estimated that an additional 500 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 150 000 three-person households, could be saved in 2035.
     
    The spokesperson added, “The proposed amendments to the Ordinance aims to achieve a win-win scenario of saving electricity cost for buildings, reducing carbon emission, and boosting the development of green economy.”
     
    The EEB has extensively consulted relevant stakeholders on the legislative amendment proposals, which include trade associations, the property management sector, the construction industry, professional bodies, public services bodies, and the LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs. The views received have been incorporated into the Amendment Bill as appropriate. Stakeholders generally support the proposals.
     
    The Amendment Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading and commencement of the second reading debate on March 26. The Government will fully support the work of the LegCo in scrutinising the Amendment Bill and looks forward to the LegCo’s support and passage of the Amendment Bill.
    Issued at HKT 15:08

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Vigyan Dhara: A Catalyst for India’s Scientific Progress

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 12:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Strengthening India’s Scientific Future

    The Government of India has significantly increased the allocation for the Vigyan Dhara scheme, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the country’s scientific research, innovation, and technological development ecosystem. The budget has witnessed a substantial rise from Rs. 330.75 crore in 2024-25 to Rs. 1425.00 crore in 2025-26. The proposed outlay for the implementation of the unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is Rs.10,579.84 crore for the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26, aligning with the 15th Finance Commission. This increased investment underscores the government’s dedication to fostering science and technology as a foundation for national progress.

    The Birth of Vigyan Dhara

    The Vigyan Dhara scheme came into force with effect from 16.01.2025.  It merges three key umbrella schemes into one, focusing on:

    ❖ Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building: This component focuses on strengthening India’s scientific infrastructure and human resource pool. It aims to build and enhance research and development (R&D) labs across academic institutions, creating a robust environment for scientific research.

    ❖ Research and Development (R&D): Vigyan Dhara emphasises research in various critical areas, including basic research, translational research in sustainable energy and water, and access to international mega facilities. This component also fosters collaborative research through international bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

    ❖ Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment: This segment of the scheme aims to drive innovation at all levels, from schools to higher education and the industry. It seeks to promote technology development and deployment, with a particular focus on increasing collaboration between academia, government, and industry, as well as supporting startups.

    This strategic integration enhances efficiency in fund utilization and establishes synchronization among the sub-schemes and programs, ensuring a more streamlined approach to achieving scientific progress in India.

    Key Focus Areas of Vigyan Dhara

    1. Capacity Building

    • Establishing advanced research laboratories in academic institutions
    • Supporting faculty development and student research
    • Promoting international scientific collaborations

     

    2. Research and Development

    • Encouraging basic research with access to international mega facilities
    • Supporting translational research in areas such as sustainable energy, water, etc.
    • Fostering collaborative research through international bilateral and multilateral cooperation
    • Contributing to building a critical human resource pool to expand the nation’s R&D base and improve the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher count.

     

    3. Innovation and Technology Development

    • Supporting startups and entrepreneurs in science and technology
    • Facilitating technology transfer and commercialization
    • Promoting the development of indigenous technologies
    • Reinforcing innovation efforts from school-level education to higher education, industries, and startups through targeted interventions

     

    4. Promoting Gender Parity in Science and Technology

    • Implementing focused programs to increase the participation of women in S&T fields
    • Ensuring gender equality in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) through strategic interventions

     

    5. International Collaboration

    • Promoting joint research projects
    • Facilitating knowledge exchange with international researchers
    • Strengthening India’s position as a global scientific leader.

     

    Key Impacts:

    ❖ Enhanced collaboration between academia, government, and industry

    ❖ Increased participation of women in S&T fields.

    ❖ Strengthened R&D capabilities, aligned with global standards and national priorities.

     

    All the programs under the Vigyan Dhara scheme are aligned with the 5-year goals of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), contributing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Furthermore, the Research and Development (R&D) component of the scheme is structured to align with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), ensuring that India’s scientific research follows globally prevailing standards while adhering to national priorities.

    As of March 2025, 57,869 individual beneficiaries have availed the scheme. The beneficiaries include young students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in class VI to X availing the benefits under INSPIRE-MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) program. This initiative nurtures a scientific mindset, encourages research careers, and fosters innovation among students.

    In Telangana alone, 4002 beneficiaries have availed of the scheme, with Rs. 3.3 crore utilized as of 10.03.2025. The increased budget allocation will further strengthen state-level scientific initiatives, enabling more individuals and institutions to benefit.

    Vigyan Dhara operates as a central sector scheme, implemented across the country. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has taken proactive measures to raise awareness through:

    • Extensive media coverage across print, social, and digital platforms
    • A dedicated web portal providing comprehensive information on various programs
    • Active engagement with stakeholders to disseminate knowledge about the scheme’s benefits.

     

    Rising Scientific Publications

    As per the latest Science & Engineering Indicators report from the National Science Foundation, USA, India has shown a consistent rise in scientific publications. The details are as follows:

    The government has taken several steps to strengthen the research ecosystem and encourage researchers for scientific publications, including:

    • Successive increases in budget allocations for scientific research
    • Establishment of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) through the ANRF Act 2023
    • Creation of Centres of Excellence
    • Instituting research fellowships and research programs
    • Encouraging industry participation in R&D
    • Providing extramural project funding and fellowship schemes through DST, DBT, and CSIR

    Research funding supports areas such as clean energy, water, nano and advanced materials, cyber-physical systems, quantum science, geospatial technology, biotechnology, and industrial technologies. The outcomes of these initiatives include scientific publications, intellectual property creation (patents), technology transfers, and industrial designs. Additionally, researchers are encouraged to conduct research publications and generate intellectual property, as these are key performance indicators for career progression.

     

     A Transformative Vision for India’s Future

    Vigyan Dhara is set to revolutionize India’s scientific landscape by fostering innovation, strengthening research capabilities, and promoting technological advancements. The government’s increased budget allocation signifies a clear commitment to advancing India’s position as a global leader in science and technology while ensuring inclusive participation and alignment with the nation’s long-term development goals.

    References

    Click here to see PDF.

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    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Anchal Patiyal

    (Release ID: 2112121) Visitor Counter : 40

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Culture to Revive and Sustain the ‘Kamba Ramayana’ through Statewide Festival and Educational Initiatives in Tamil Nadu

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Culture to Revive and Sustain the ‘Kamba Ramayana’ through Statewide Festival and Educational Initiatives in Tamil Nadu

    Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will inaugurate the event at Sreerangam Temple, Trichy

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 11:29AM by PIB Delhi

    In an effort to preserve and promote the Kamba Ramayana, one of the most significant works in Tamil literature, the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), under the Ministry of Culture is launching a comprehensive initiative aimed at reviving the oral tradition of ‘Kamba Ramayana’ recitals and its broader cultural impact. The ceremony will be inaugurated by the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 18thMarch 2025, in coordination with the Tamil Nadu Government. This will be followed by performances at several temples across Tamil Nadu, including locations in Kumbakonam, Chengalpattu, Ramanathapuram, Chennai, Thanjavur and others.

    The inaugural event of this ambitious program will take place at the historic Sreerangam Temple, Trichy, with participation from Kamba Ramayana Mandali (cultural troupes) from across Tamil Nadu. These local cultural troupes will perform traditional recitals of the epic, showcasing their unique chanting techniques.

    This initiative will include a series of performances, workshops, symposia, and educational competitions to ensure that future generations can connect with and appreciate this epic text, which has long been integral to Tamil heritage.

    The program will be spread over three distinct phases, each contributing to the preservation and spread of Kamba Ramayana:

    Phase I: Inaugural Ceremony (March 18, 2025): The festival will commence at the Sreerangam Temple, with recitals and performances by Kamba Ramayana mandali from across Tamil Nadu. After the opening event, the performances will travel to key temples across the state, including Thirupullambuthangudi, Madurantakam, Thiruneermalai and Vaduvur.

    Phase II: Kamba Ramayana Festival at KambarMedu (March 30 – April 06, 2025): A week-long immersive festival will be held at KambarMedu, the birthplace of Kambar in Theraazhundur. This festival will feature continuous recitals of the Kamba Ramayana, dance dramas, and scholarly discussions on the cultural and literary significance of the epic. Esteemed scholars and artists, such as Dr Sudha Seshayyan, Bharathi Bhaskar, and Dushyant Sridhar, will lead symposiums, while dance performances based on the Kamba Ramayana will bring the story to life in innovative theatrical styles.

    Phase III: Statewide Program and Schools Engagement (July – October 2025): From July to October 2025, SZCC will conduct a series of workshops and competitions in schools and colleges across Tamil Nadu, encouraging students to engage with the Kamba Ramayana through recitations and scholarly discussions. This phase will culminate in a grand finale at KambarMedu, where the best performers will showcase their talent during the Dusherra celebrations.

    Key Program Features:

    • Isai (Music/Performance): Kamba Ramayana mandali will perform recitals at various locations, culminating in the 9-day festival at KambarMedu.
    • Iyal (Literature/Scholarly Engagement): A symposium of renowned scholars will explore the literary, cultural, and historical significance of Kamba Ramayana.
    • Natakam (Theatre/Dance Drama): Dance dramas based on the epic will be performed at the festival, interpreting the story through the medium of theater.
    • School and College Competitions: Students will participate in recitation workshops and competitions, with winners performing at the festival’s grand finale.

    KambarMedu, located in Theraazhundur, Tamil Nadu, is the birthplace of Kambar, the poet who penned the Kamba Ramayana, one of the most significant literary works in Tamil literature. This version of the Ramayana, composed in the 12th-13th century CE, stands as a unique and culturally rich adaptation of the Valmiki Ramayana. Though once integral to Tamil cultural life, the oral tradition of reciting the Kamba Ramayana through local mandali (cultural troupes) has significantly declined. Many younger generations in Tamil Nadu are now unfamiliar with Kambar’s epic, and the cultural practice is at risk of extinction.

    Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC) aims to sustain and disseminate the Kamba Ramayana by reviving its performance, education, and engagement through the creation of an integrated festival and educational initiative. This proposal not only seeks to preserve Tamil cultural heritage but also ensures its transmission to future generations.

    Objectives of the programme:

    1. To sustain and promote the Kamba Ramayana oral tradition through recitals by cultural troupes (mandali).
    2. To attract the younger generation to engage with and learn about the Kamba Ramayana, ensuring the preservation of this important literary work.
    3. To establish a comprehensive, statewide program that incorporates performances, symposia, and educational competitions.

    Long-Term Vision:

    • This initiative aims to create a sustainable cultural legacy for the Kamba Ramayana:
    • Annual Festival: The Kamba Ramayana festival will become an annual celebration of Tamil literary heritage.
    • Museum at Kambar Medu: A museum dedicated to the life and works of Kambar and the Kamba Ramayana will be established at Kambar Medu, ensuring that the epic’s legacy is preserved for future generations.

    About South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC): The South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), under the Ministry of Culture is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of regional cultural heritage across southern India. Through events like the Kamba Ramayana initiative, the SZCC seeks to engage diverse communities, foster cultural understanding, and inspire the younger generation to embrace traditional art forms.

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    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2112094) Visitor Counter : 30

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General Defence Intelligence Agency to embark on Australia Visit from March 19

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 10:40AM by PIB Delhi

    Director General Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA) Lt General DS Rana is set to embark on an official visit to Australia from 19-21 March 2025. This visit aims to further strengthen bilateral defence intelligence cooperation and enhance strategic engagement between India and Australia.

    During the visit, DG DIA will hold discussions with senior Australian Defence officials, including the Deputy Secretary, Department of Defence, Director General of National Intelligence (DGNI), Chief of Defence Intelligence and the Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF). These high-level interactions will focus on intelligence-sharing mechanisms, regional security cooperation, and avenues for further collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.

    As part of the visit, DG DIA will also visit the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQ JOC) to gain insights into Australia’s operational framework and joint command structures. He is also scheduled to interact with the Director of the Australian Geospatial Organisation (AGO). Additionally, engagements at the Lowy Institute, a leading international policy think tank, will facilitate discussions on strategic defence and security dynamics.

    Honouring the strong defence ties and shared military traditions between India and Australia, DG DIA will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial. The visit will also include attending the Last Post Ceremony, a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers, symbolising mutual respect and remembrance for the sacrifices made in service to the nation.

    This visit underscores the deepening intelligence and security cooperation between India and Australia, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region.

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    SR/Anand

    (Release ID: 2112082) Visitor Counter : 58

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CBDT issues Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) relating to Revised Guidelines for Compounding of Offences under Income-Tax Act, 1961

    Source: Government of India (2)

    CBDT issues Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) relating to Revised Guidelines for Compounding of Offences under Income-Tax Act, 1961

    The FAQs are based on feedback from stakeholders on Revised Guidelines for Compounding of Offences under Income-Tax Act, 1961, issued on 17th October 2025

    Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 7:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The revised Guidelines for Compounding of Offences under the Income-Tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as “the guidelines”) were issued on October 17, 2024. These guidelines supersede all existing guidelines on the subject and are applicable to all pending as well as new applications from the date of their issuance.

    Following the issuance of the guidelines, queries were received from stakeholders seeking clarifications on various provisions. Based on these queries, the CBDT has issued Circular No. 04/2025, dated March 17, 2025, in the form of answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). These FAQs provide the necessary clarifications on the scope of the guidelines, eligibility for filing applications, the mode of filing compounding applications and payment of fees, terms for compounding, compounding charges and procedures for payment, time limits, and other related aspects.

    The FAQs are available on the official website of the Income Tax Department at https://incometaxindia.gov.in/news/circular-no-04-2025.pdf.

    The guidelines have been simplified compared to the previous version, inter alia, by eliminating the categorisation of offences, removing the limit on the number of occasions for filing applications, allowing fresh applications upon curing of defects, permitting the compounding of offences under sections 275A and 276B of the Act, and removing the existing time limit for filing applications, which was previously set at 36 months from the date of filing of the complaint.

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    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2112079) Visitor Counter : 36

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Maharashtra’s Rural Local Bodies Receive over ₹620 Crore XV Finance Commission Grants

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 8:00AM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Government has released the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants during Financial Year 2024–25, for the  Rural Local Bodies in Maharashtra. Amount released entails 2nd installment of Untied Grants amounting to Rs.611.6913 crores and withheld portion of 1st installment of Untied Grants amounting to Rs.8.4282 crores. These funds are for the 4 eligible District Panchayats, 40 eligible Block Panchayats and 21551 eligible Gram Panchayats of the state.

    The Untied Grants will be utilized by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)/ Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) for location-specific felt needs, under the Twenty-Nine (29) Subjects enshrined in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, except for salaries and other establishment costs. The Tied Grants can be used for the basic services of (a) sanitation and maintenance of ODF status, and this should include management and treatment of household waste, and human excreta and fecal sludge management in particular and (b) supply of drinking water, rainwater harvesting and water recycling. Government of India through Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation) recommends release of Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants to States for Rural Local Bodies which is then released by the Ministry of Finance. The allocated Grants are recommended and released in 2 installments in a Financial Year. The devolution of Central Finance Commission (CFC) Grants empowers Panchayati Raj Institutions, enabling them to address their local development needs effectively. Aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Viksit Panchayat Se Viksit Bharat – these grants strengthen grassroot democracy and accelerates rural transformation.

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    Aditi Agrawal

    (Release ID: 2112072) Visitor Counter : 48

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCIENCE AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR GEOHAZARD RESILIENCE IN THE PACIFIC REGION TOWARDS A MULTI-HAZARD EARLY WARNING SYSTEM – 24th -28th February 2025.

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

    Share this:

    OPENING REMARKS by Dr Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Director UNESCO Pacific Regional Office.

    Dear Honorable Minister T. C. Schuster, Samoa Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE)

    Dear Diplomatic Corps, High Commissioners, Ambassadors, Heads of UN Agencies

    I warmly welcome Dear Representatives from the Pacific Countries who have braved the storm and travelled a long way to be with us today. My most sincere and humble thanks to you. PNG, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, French Polynesia, Tuvalu, Cook Islands and Samoa. Certain experts were held back to monitor the weather situation in their countries.

    These experts and representatives are mainly from National Geological Services, National Tsunami Warning Centers, National Volcano Observatories and National Disaster Management Offices (NDMO).

    I Warmly thank and Welcome, our partners, the Samoa Meteorological Services, Samoa Disaster Management Office, SPREP, UNDRR, regional partners, the Pacific Community (SPC), JICA, USGS and other partners………… connected online. Especially those who were unable to travel due to the current cyclonic weather conditions.

    Dear friends of UNESCO,

    It is my honor and pleasure to address you at the opening ceremony of the Science and partnerships for geohazard resilience in the Pacific region towards a Multi-hazard Early Warning System

    Firstly, let me extend my deep appreciation to the Government of Samoa for hosting this important event and for their flexibility in organizing this event in such uncertain weather conditions and ALLOWING FOR HYBRID SESSIONS.

    Geohazards

    Geohazards are defined as an adverse geologic condition capable of causing damage or loss of property or life. These processes only become hazards when humans get in their way.

    The Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) proximity to the Ring of Fire, where volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis occur, makes it one of the most vulnerable regions to geohazards in the world.

    In celebration of the International Geoscience programme on healing the earth, the 50th Anniversary in 2022 noted and I quote

    ONE HEALTH

    Earth and Ocean Sciences contribution to the implementation of the SDG’s

    The Earth gives and the Earth takes away. It gives humanity the rich tapestry of landscapes within which civilisations and complex societies have flourished, providing the raw materials to build livelihoods and the resources to feed and fuel our modern world.

    It takes away through the disasters that emerge from geological violence In the coming decades our planet faces a geological tipping point that threatens the future of humanity and the natural world that sustains it. Geoscience – the science of planet Earth an the ocean sciences – will be vital in averting that calamity.

    Geosciences and the ocean sciences

    Geoscience studies how our planet works, unravels its four and a half billion year history, and applies that past understanding to present and future societal concerns.

    Geohazards History of the PICTs

    I am told that,

    • 30% of global seismicity is observed in the Southwest Pacific Region

    (Lebellegard et al., 2007) and less than 3% of seismic stations are available for

    real time monitoring within this area (repartition based on GEVN network).

    • 15% of deadly tsunami’s originate from the Southwest Pacific

    • 80% of these tsunamis are caused by an earthquake.

    • 69% of world tsunamis originate from the Pacific Ocean Basin and marginal seas

    • 99% of deaths in the Pacific are caused by local and regional tsunamis.

    • We need not to be reminded by the recent events in Vanuatu on 17th December

    2024 and the 2022 Hunga- Tonga Hunga Ha’apai Volcano Eruption and Tsunami

    Why UNESCO and how can UNESCO support the management of geohazards?

    Vision of a world at peace could not be a world without science

    Since its establishment after WW2, UNESCO promotes international cooperation in the natural sciences, and marine sciences through its inter governmental and international scientific programmes. UNESCO is home to the inter-governmental hydrological programme, international basic sciences and UNESCO is the only organization with a mandate in the earth sciences. This is the S in UNESCO.

    The International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) is the oldest and most successful example of a scientific partnership between a non-governmental organization (the International Union of Geological Sciences; IUGS) and an intergovernmental organization (UNESCO). The IUGS, founded in 1961, with 121 national members representing over a million geoscientists, is one of the world’s largest scientific organizations. It encourages international co-operation and participation in the Earth sciences in relation.

    Since 1972, UNESCO, through the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) and in partnership with the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), has harnessed the intellectual capacity of a worldwide network of geoscientists to lay the foundation for our planet’s future, focusing on responsible and environmental resource extraction, natural hazard resilience and preparedness, and adaptability in an era of changing climate.

    For 60 years, UNESCO’s inter governmental Oceanographic Commission promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the oceans, coasts and marine resources.

    UNESCO, is leading the United Nations OCEAN DECADE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2020-2023 and have launched the Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme (ODTP) in 2021. This is an effort to bolster the global tsunami warning system by reducing response times and enhancing community readiness.

    Its main objectives are to:

    o Enhance systems’ capacity to issue actionable and timely warnings for tsunamis from all identified sources to 100% of coasts at risk;

    o Guarantee that 100% of communities at risk are prepared and resilient to tsunamis by 2030 through efforts like the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme.

    Our UNESCO Natural and Ocean Sciences have joined efforts in convening this Regional Geohazards week-long meeting responding to the call of Pacific Islands Countries and Territories.

    UNESCO recognizes the efforts of Pacific Islands Countries and Territories in their collaboration to better understand the science and geohazards risks under the Oceania Regional Seismic Network (ORSNET), Melanesia Volcano Network (MVN), Pacific Islands Landslide Network and the Regional Working Group on Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System for Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (WG-PICT).

    Therefore in 2023, the inaugural Science and Partnership for Geohazard Resilience Workshop in Nadi, Fiji was launched. Since then, we can review the outcomes:

    • Among PICTs, UNESCO in collaboration with regional and international partners to strengthen PICTs understanding of geoscience and Geohazards through the UNESCO’s.

    o International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) and Global Geoparks

    In collaboration with SPTO and SPC, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tuvalu recently targeted on the establishment of Geoparks.

    o DRR Programme, UNESCO supports Member States.

    In collaboration with SPC, UNDRR, UNICEF and others UNESCO is supporting PICTs ( Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu) on a 2-year Funded project on Information Management.

    o Tsunami Resilience Programme, UNESCO supported;

    The review of National Tsunami SOP in Fiji- a pre-requisite for an FJD 72 million Concessional loan

    Review of National Tsunami warning and response SOP in Tonga, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

    Pacific Wave Exercise 2024 – Regional PICT Exercise and National Tsunami Drills in Fiji and Tonga.

    Official recognition of 6 PICT communities to be UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Ready Community in 2023-2024.

    In December 2023, the PSIDS regional geohazards community of practice discussed the need to better understand the science of geohazards to clearly ascertain threats posed by geohazards among PICTs and the status of:

    a) in-country capability of geohazard monitoring and detection and multi-hazard early warning system.

    b) Volcano, earthquake, tsunami, and landslide sciences among PICTs

    c) seismic data sharing for earthquake, volcano and tsunami monitoring and

    detection

    This Inaugural Science and Partnerships for Geohazards Resilience Meeting identified the need to develop a Regional Geohazards Strategic Framework to inform programmes or projects to address the capacity gaps in scientific hazard monitoring, assessment, warning, and disseminations to enable the public to better understands their risks and threats from a geohazard.

    Since December 2023, the PSIDS regional geohazards community have been exploring opportunities to strengthen the science and scientific data and knowledge that informs geohazard programmes, policies.

    • UNESCO is a major global partner of the UNEW4ALL supporting the four lead

    agencies, UNDRR, WMO, ITU and International Federation of the Red Crescent

    Society,

    • UNESCO recognizes the call of the Pacific Islands Leaders under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and intends to work closely with regional UN and CROP agencies to accelerate progress of PICTs towards achieving the goals of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

    • The PICT geohazards community is critical in advising Pacific Island Leaders on threats posed by Geohazards to PICTs.

    Your meeting this week builds on the outcomes of the inaugural 2023 meeting. But also other scientific and technical meetings organised by the partners.

    • Your meeting this week is timely in order to;

    Identify and consolidate the gaps and needs in your geohazards operations and services.

    Identify spaces for constructive and meaningful engagement (on geohazards scientific and technical advice) with Pacific Islands Leaders through the Pacific DRR Ministers Meeting (in consultation with Pacific Disaster Managers Meeting) and the Pacific Meteorological Ministers Meeting (in consultation with the Pacific Meteorological Council.

    The PSIDS regional geohazards community mostly includes Geological Services with Geohazard Management Units/ Sections are mostly hosted by Meteorological Services or Mining/Mineral/Natural Resources Departments. These are mainly a small team of technical and scientific officers who monitors, detects, and provide public advisories on geohazards. This regional community is mainly coordinated within UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Warning Systems in collaboration with Geoscience Australia, GNS New Zealand and USGS including CROP Agencies such as The Pacific Community (SPC) and SPREP.

    At the regional level, under the Pacific Resilience Programme (PRP), a technical working group on Multi-Hazard Early Warning System have been established to provide the overarching common DRR frameworks as well as guidance and coordination support.

    Scientific applications for seismic monitoring and detection like SeisComP is widely used by PICTs however, its full potential is not realized due to limited staff capacity and capacity development. Current Staffs of Geological Servies need proper scientific training with the support of partners such as USGS, Geoscience Australia, and GNS New Zealand.

    Measuring the impacts on girls and women who bear the burdens of geohazards in a community. A high number of UNESCO’s geoscience projects are led by women Earth scientists, in 2020 women are project leaders in 38% of the active geoscience projects.

    The meeting will also provide a platform to

    i) stock take progress and share learning considering vulnerabilities and level of

    exposure of different members of public to geohazards such as tsunami, volcano, earthquake and landslides.

    ii) The meeting will include sessions of the Inter governmental coordination group

    for the Pacific Tsunami warning and mitigation system

    iii) It will include sessions on Volcano under Melanesia Volcanic Network (MVN) and

    JICA/ volcano research project with Landslides and earthquakes under ORSNET

    Oceania Regional Seismic Network.

    This meeting comes at a critical point as a culmination of all scientific technical workshops held recently with different stakeholders.

    – 2023-UNESCO inaugural science and partnerships for geohazards resilience

    – Pacific Islands Science, Technology and Resources Network (STAR) Conference

    held in Fiji on 20-22nd November 2024 and the

    – Forecasting and Communicating Earthquake Hazard and Risk (FORCE) project, Understanding Earthquake Hazard and Risk in the Pacific Region Workshop 18-19th November 2024 gathering national officials from National Geohazards Observatories, National Tsunami Warning Centers and National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

    Two questions arise:

    i) Should there be a platform for a PSIDS Regional Geohazards Strategy.

    The PSIDS Regional Geohazards Strategy could inform programmes or projects developed at national and regional level and stimulate collaboration and partnerships among government agencies, development partners, universities, CROP Agencies and UN Agencies particularly UNESCO.

    ii) Given the success, momentum on geohazards resilience, should there be a

    Multi-hazard Early Warning system bringing together the different entities

    Thanks

    Specifically thank, our partners UNDRR, SPC, Weather Ready Programme at SPREP, USGS and Tokyo University in supporting this Regional Geohazard Meeting.

    Lastly, this meeting is brought to you by UNESCO’s Natural Science Programme coordinator Susan Schneegans and UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Resilience Programme Coordinator Jiuta Korovulvula, and their team Arti Devi. Other colleagues from UNESCO based here These programmes coordinate this regional gathering of Pacific Islands Countries and Territories Geohazards Community since the Inaugural 2023 Regional Geohazards Meeting in Nadi, Fiji.

    Dear Experts, this is your platform and your meeting. I greatly thank you.

    I thank the Diplomatic Corps and heads of agencies for their presence and time. I have no doubt their participation would lead to further avenues for collaboration with the geohazards community to combat and build back better.

    I am certain that the exchanges that we will hear in the upcoming days will be inspiring and will provide a basis to extend and increase the excellent cooperation between UNESCO and all of you. UNESCOs’ Intergovernmental scientific and international programmes support its Member States to strengthen their national capacity in oceans and geosciences for the management of both geohazards risk reduction.

    Let me end i0 by wishing you all fruitful exchanges and thank once again the Government of Samoa and Honorable Minister Schuster for the great work in converting this into the first Regional meeting on Science and partnerships for geohazard resilience in the Pacific Region: towards a multi- hazard early warning system.

    And before I close I would like to go back to the reflection on science and development

    Vision of a world at peace could not be a world without science

    In 2021 UNESCO’s 193 Member States endorsed the first standard setting instrument Recommendation on Open Science. Open science is a set of principles and practices that aim to make scientific research from all fields accessible to everyone for the benefits of scientists and society as a whole. Open science is about making sure not only that scientific knowledge is accessible but also that the production of that knowledge itself is inclusive, equitable and sustainable.

    Open science:

    • increases scientific collaborations and sharing of information for the benefits of

    science and society;

    • opens the processes of scientific knowledge creation, evaluation and communication to societal actors beyond the traditional scientific community.

    Our interconnected world needs open science to help solve complex social, environmental, and economic challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. By promoting science that is more accessible, inclusive and transparent, open science furthers the right of everyone to share in scientific advancement and its benefits as stated in Article 27.1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    Fa’afetai Lava.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A.P.T.C. SAMOA GRADUATION 2025 – 27th February 2025.

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Honourable Seuula Ioane Tuāau Minister for Education and Culture.

    Acknowledgments

    • Reverend Dr Taipisia Leilua

    • Your Excellency William Robinson, Australia High Commissioner to Samoa;

    • Vice Chancellor of the National University of Samoa;

    • Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of APTC partners;

    • Chief Executive Officers of Government Agencies and Non-Government Organizations; and Principal of TVET institutions;

    • Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) Samoa and Tonga Country Director, Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila Silipa and staff;

    • APTC Graduands 2025;

    • Esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen

    Introduction

    Tālofa lava and a pleasant good morning to you all.

    On behalf of the Samoan Government, it gives me a great privilege to be here to deliver the keynote address at today’s graduation ceremony.

    Congratulations and Acknowledgements

    Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of the 89 Samoan women and men on achieving a significant milestone by graduating today.

    The Samoan Government acknowledges and appreciates your hard work and resilience in completing your Australian qualifications and we are proud of your accomplishments.

    Today, you will be conferred with Australian qualifications in seven (7) different vocational programs: drainage, plumbing services, skills for work and vocational pathways, commercial cookery, light vehicle mechanical technology, tourism, and wall and floor tiling.

    To our graduands, as your Minister for Education and Culture, I wish to convey the Government’s sincere congratulations on your achievements.

    Malo le finau! Malo le fai o le faiva!

    Gender Equality

    I am proud to announce that forty (40) of today’s graduates are women who have successfully completed their TVET programs. Notably, ten (10) of these remarkable women have excelled in traditionally male-dominated fields such as drainage and plumbing. Your achievements serve as a powerful testament to your hard work, dedication, breaking barriers and paving the way for future women and girls of Samoa.

    Government Support

    The Government of Samoa is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the Australian Government’s support through APTC, which offers access bursaries for our Samoan people, providing opportunities for them to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This supports the priorities of the Samoa Education Sector Plan 2019-2024, including inclusive education and TVET. It also supports the priorities of the Government of Samoa’s disability-inclusive development goals, as outlined in the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2031.

    Today we also recognise the 24 graduates from the various government agencies who have partnered with APTC Samoa. These dedicated individuals from the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Samoa Water Authority, and the Land Transport Authority have successfully completed the Certificate II in Drainage qualification. This signifies the positive impact of APTC’s support in our community.

    Partnerships

    The Samoan Government acknowledges the Australian Government and APTC for their partnership and support to other various government agencies and NGOs including the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Electric Power Corporation, Lakapi Samoa, Nuanua ole Alofa, Samoa Faafine Association, National Youth Council of Samoa and more. Your commitment to enhancing productivity, reducing unemployment, and building stronger communities in Samoa is truly commendable.

    It is great to see a growing number of our people leveraging these skills for improved livelihoods. The Government of Samoa stands committed to working alongside the Australian Government to ensure that our skills training aligns with industry needs, leading to robust employment outcomes for all Samoans. This collaboration has yielded impressive results, with over 3390 Samoans graduating with Australian qualifications since 2007.

    I would like to also highlight APTC’s collaboration with the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) in bolstering Samoan qualifications and expanding our workforce’s global competitiveness, especially in high-demand fields, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the global market.

    Additionally, APTC’s partnership with the National University of Samoa (NUS) which has been ongoing since 2007, ensures that our training programs are relevant and of high quality. Together, APTC and NUS have developed and accredited various programs and have provided numerous capability development opportunities for students as well as staff.

    I acknowledge and sincerely thank the Australian Government for its unwavering support and collaboration with the Samoa Education sector and TVET organisations through APTC, which has been crucial in nurturing and shaping Samoa’s future.

    Concluding Remarks

    To all our graduates, congratulations once again!

    I am confident that APTC has provided you with the skills and qualifications necessary to become invaluable contributors to Samoa’s expanding workforce. You now join a network of over 25,850 APTC Alumni across the region, and I eagerly look forward to your contributions to the national growth of Samoa.

    For those of you who have trained away from home at other APTC campuses, your dedication to learning sets a powerful example for future generations.

    As TVET role models, you now have the power to transform society’s perception of this valuable pathway to fulfilling careers. Remember, your learning journey does not end here. Continue to grow, both personally and professionally, to contribute to the betterment of Samoa.

    Well done to all the graduates! May you achieve great success in all your future endeavours.

    Faafetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.

    BACKGROUND OF THE AUSTRALIA PACIFIC TRAINING COALITION

    A centre of training excellence, the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) helps Pacific Island and Timorese citizens gain Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers.

    Over 25,860 Pacific Island and Timorese citizens have graduated with Australian qualifications from APTC campuses in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. These qualifications range from accredited short courses to diploma level training for various vocational areas, including automotive, manufacturing, construction, electrical, tourism, hospitality, education, management, health and community services.

    These graduates have returned to industry and implemented a range of new skills, with over 90% of employers of APTC graduates reporting their significant contribution to improving workplace productivity.

    APTC collaborates with regional governments, industry and training providers to develop a more skilled, inclusive and productive workforce aligned with domestic and international labour market requirements, to enhance Pacific prosperity.

    APTC’s end-of-program outcomes are:

    1. APTC and partner graduates have improved employment outcomes

    2. Co-investment in skills training increases

    3. Selected TVET partners demonstrate quality TVET provision

    A.P.T.C. is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

    APTC is implemented by TAFE Queensland (RTO 0275).

    Thank you.

    Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leota Marc Membrere)

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTHDAY OF HIS MAJESTY THE EMPEROR OF JAPAN.- 21st February 2025.

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    REMARKS by the Prime Minister, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa On the occasion of the celebration of the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan hosted by the Ambassador of Japan, H.E Ryotaro Suzuki

    (Friday, 21 February 2025 at 6.30-8.30pm, Taumeasina Island Resort)

    Reverend Semikueva Fa’atoafe Ugapo

    Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo

    Members of the Council of Deputies

    Cabinet Ministers

    Speaker of the House

    Leader of Opposition

    Members of Parliament

    Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary

    H.E Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan

    Members of the Diplomatic Corps

    Ladies and Gentlemen.

    Talofa and a pleasant good evening to you all.

    I would like to thank Your Excellency, Ryotaro Suzuki, for the invitation to say a few words at this evening’s reception to celebrate the 65th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, Emperor Naruhito.

    The celebrations this evening, is also about the relationship that both our countries established with the aim to nurture and enhance friendly relations.

    Japan and Samoa have developed strong cordial relations that have prospered over the years. Japan and Samoa established diplomatic relations in April 1973 and this year marks 52 years of mutually beneficial partnership.

    Like our other development partners, Japan’s generous assistance through development cooperation has ensured that programs which Samoa could not invest in nor manage without the requisite technical expertise were well accommodated and resourced to overcome the constraints. The JICA volunteer programme in Samoa is an integral aspect in our relationship. The deployment of JICA volunteers to critical areas such as education, health, water/sanitation and environmental management has contributed immensely to the development of these areas.

    Japan continues to provide key economic infrastructure with related heavy-duty equipment. Last year, we signed an MoU under Japan’s Grant Assistance for

    Economic and Social Development Programme for the procurement of a new drilling rig for the Samoa Water Authority and the Exchange of Notes for the new Health Science Campus and resource centre at Le Papaigalagala campus

    Japan is committed to funding small-scale projects that directly benefit our village communities contributing to their social and economic development. A number of valuable projects funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects recently, included the reconstruction of the Samatau Primary school, the building of the Avele College Hall, the construction of the Mental Health Facility of Goshen Trust Mental Health Services, the handover of a Mobile Dental Clinic to the Ministry of Health, the handover of water tank trucks and pumper water tanks to FESA and the handover of 5 Toyota Landcruisers to the Samoa Water Authority to assist with routine inspection and repair works. Two weeks ago, Japan and the Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations (SUNGO) signed an agreement for the construction of the Samoa Integrated Training Centre for Community Development.

    Your Excellency,

    Our bilateral relations have achieved much through people-to-people exchange activities and the comprehensive development efforts of both countries. The exchange of high-level visits plays a crucial role in enhancing cooperation and commitment in our bilateral relations. In February 2024, Samoa hosted the visit of Japan’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Ms. Yoko Kamikawa. We also received a senior level visit from the Japanese Ministry of Justice in support of democratic governance with a reciprocal visit of our Minister of Justice and delegation to Japan.

    In July last year, I attended the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) in Tokyo and had the opportunity to meet bilaterally with Prime Minister Kishida discussing cooperation that are aligned with the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent” which would translate to activities addressing country needs and the delivery of assistance bilaterally.

    These are, but a few highlights of the remarkable partnership our two countries have engaged in recently that continue to foster effective cooperation for the development of Samoa and reap mutual benefits for our two countries.

    Your Excellency,

    To conclude, I would like to offer our warmest congratulations on the celebration of his Majesty Emperor Naruhito’s birthday.

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you all to please raise your glasses with me and let us pay tribute: “for the continued good health and prosperity of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, and to continuing good relations between Samoa and Japan.”

    Ia Manuia!

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: THE FFS FIRST WOMEN CAMPAIGN IN SAVAII PROVED TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS. 27th February 2025.

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    [PRESS RELEASE]- Over 100 women from various Government schools in the Faasaleleaga district came together to participate in the Football Federation Samoa (FFS) Women’s Campaign held in Iva, Savaii, on a vibrant Wednesday afternoon.

    This marked the inaugural occasion for the program in Savaii, thoughtfully organized by Women’s Football Manager Nadia Malifa and her dedicated Women Coordinator, Ms. Sila Lelevaga. The event drew not only enthusiastic girls but also supportive teachers, all gathered to encourage their students and children while engaging in an array of enjoyable activities.

    The first leg of this empowering Women’s Campaign Program was successfully held in Upolu the previous year, employing a similar approach of inviting women from select government schools to join in the festivities.

    “Overall, the program in Savaii was a joyful experience that flowed seamlessly. The girls had a fantastic time, forging new friendships and opportunities to connect with peers from different schools,” Ms. Malifa shared, To create a sense of unity and excitement, the organizers provided vibrant orange uniforms—reflecting the event’s spirited theme—alongside an abundance of delicious food and fresh fruit.

    Nadia and Sila expressed heartfelt gratitude to each participating school for their unwavering support, emphasizing that the success of the program would not have been achievable without their collaboration and encouragement.

    END.

    SOURCE – Football Federation Samoa

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SAMOA ESTABLISHES DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH BELIZE.

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    [PRESS RELEASE – 27th February 2025.] – The Independent State of Samoa and Belize have formally established diplomatic relations, effective 25 February 2025. The Joint Communiqués were signed at the Permanent Mission of Belize in New York by H.E. Mr. Carlos Fuller, Permanent Representative of Belize to the United Nations, and H.E Mr. Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr. Pa’olelei Luteru, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the United Nations.

    The establishment of diplomatic relations will not only enhance existing ties but pave the way for greater cooperation between the two countries and peoples.

    Samoa and Belize have maintained cordial relations through collaboration within the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), the Group of 77 and China, the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), the United Nations, and other international organizations. Both countries share a strong commitment to addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development and advancing ocean issues.

    END.

    SOURCE – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NEVADA NATIONAL GUARD STRENGTHENS EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE WITH SAMOA FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY-24th February 24

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    [ PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa] – The Nevada National Guard visited Samoa from February 17-21, 2025, to continue its ongoing collaboration with the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA). This visit marks another key milestone in the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Samoa through the Nevada State Partnership Program (SPP).

    The week was filled with activities designed to strengthen emergency medical response skills which included combat casualty care, trauma management techniques, as well as ambulance operations and patient transportation. The training built on previous successful engagements, including the Nevada National Guard’s emergency medical services program with SFESA in August 2024 and an advanced skills training program in prison operations with the Ministry of Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services in November 2024.

    “This partnership represents not just an exchange of knowledge, but a bridge connecting our two communities — one that enhances our capabilities, strengthens our leadership, and ultimately ensures the safety and well-being of those we serve,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires. “Through the Nevada State Partnership Program, we continue to pave the way for a future defined by a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Pacific region.”

    ABOUT THE NEVADA NATIONAL GUARD AND THE STATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

    The Nevada National Guard has been engaged in the State Partnership Program with Samoa to enhance cooperation in security, disaster response, and emergency preparedness. Through regular exchanges and training workshops, this partnership strengthens regional stability and fosters mutual understanding between the United States and Samoa.

    END.

    SOURCE – US Embassy in Apia

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indore to set up India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

      

    Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Indore is poised to achieve a major milestone with the launch of India’s first green waste processing plant, developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

    Indore is all set to make a significant leap towards environmental sustainability with the launch of India’s first PPP-model based green waste processing plant under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. This groundbreaking initiative, aims to revolutionize the city’s waste management system by converting green waste into valuable resources. This project underscores the city’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in tackling urban waste challenges.

    The facility will not only process green waste but also generate revenue, with the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) earning approx. Rs 3,000 per tonne in royalty for supplying wood and branches. Built on a 55,000 square feet land in Bicholi Hapsi, the plant will recycle wood and branches to produce wooden pellets, serving as an alternative to coal and promoting energy conservation.

    Branches of large trees will be redirected to the Green Waste Processing Plant at City Forest, where they will be repurposed into valuable products. In addition, green waste generated from the premises of major institutions will be directly collected and sent to the facility, with a fixed fee structure in place. Every day, the bustling city of Indore generates approximately 30 tons of green waste—wood, branches, leaves, and flowers. As the seasons change, especially during autumn, this volume can soar to 60 to 70 tons.

    Partnering with the Indore Municipal Corporation, Astronomical Industries Private Limited embarked on an ambitious initiative to transform the city’s green waste into something both sustainable and valuable—a fine sawdust that could be used across a wide array of industries. With a detailed plan in place, the idea is to dry the green waste over a span of three to four months. During this time, the moisture content would decrease by 90%, preparing the material for the next stage. As the months pass by, the green waste, once damp and cumbersome, would become light and brittle, almost ready for transformation. cutting edge machines will then help to break it down into fine dust particles – saw dust. Once an unremarkable byproduct of timber mills, now has a second life, contributing to a sustainable, circular economy.

    The saw dust can be transformed into eco-friendly fuel, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional burning methods. It can be used to craft durable packing materials that reduce the need for plastic. Furniture manufacturers find it useful as a composite material, lending strength to products like chairs and tables. Fertilizers made from the sawdust enriches the soil, helping farmers grow healthier crops. And in the food industry, the sawdust can be moulded into disposable plates, offering a biodegradable alternative to plastic and Styrofoam.

    Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the IMC will play a pivotal role by providing and transporting land and green waste to the plant. Meanwhile, the private company will take on the responsibility of setting up the remaining infrastructure, including sheds, electricity, and water facilities. The private firm will also oversee the complete installation and operation of the plant, ensuring its smooth functioning from start to finish.

    Other private firms have set up the Meghdoot and sub-grade plants, spanning an area of 10,000 to 15,000 square feet in Sirpur. These facilities are dedicated to processing garden waste, such as leaves and small twigs, sourced from the municipal corporation. As part of this initiative, composting is also being carried out in specially designed compost pits located within the municipal gardens, further enhancing waste management efforts. Wooden pellets, produced from green waste, are utilized across various industries, including the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), where they serve as an eco-friendly alternative for energy production and other applications.

    The goal of this initiative is to efficiently manage green waste, promote environmental sustainability, and create additional revenue streams for the Municipal Corporation. It also plays a crucial role in controlling the Air Quality Index (AQI). By improving waste management practices, this initiative will enhance hygiene, reduce pollution, and curb the unnecessary burning of waste, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

    The project will also provide an alternative source of coal, contributing to AQI control while offering an effective solution for cleanliness and environmental protection. This initiative aligns with the vision of Garbage-Free Cities under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, advancing efforts toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environment.

    *****

    SK

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  • MIL-OSI: KE Holdings Inc. Announces a Final Cash Dividend of US$0.4 Billion in Aggregate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KE Holdings Inc. (“Beike” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BEKE; HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced that its board of directors (the “Board”) approved a final cash dividend (the “Dividend”) of US$0.12 per ordinary share, or US$0.36 per ADS, to holders of ordinary shares and holders of ADSs of record as of the close of business on April 9, 2025, Beijing/Hong Kong Time and New York Time, respectively, payable in U.S. dollars. The aggregate amount of the Dividend to be paid will be approximately US$0.4 billion, which will be funded by cash surplus on the Company’s balance sheet.

    For holders of ordinary shares, in order to qualify for the Dividend, all valid documents for the transfer of shares accompanied by the relevant share certificates must be lodged for registration with the Company’s Hong Kong branch share registrar, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, at Shops 1712-1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 9, 2025 (Beijing/Hong Kong Time). Dividend to be paid to the Company’s ADS holders through the depositary bank will be subject to the terms of the deposit agreement. The payment date is expected to be on or around April 22, 2025 for holders of ordinary shares and on or around April 25, 2025 for holders of ADSs.

    Under the Company’s current dividend policy, the Board has discretion on whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, the Company’s shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by the Board. If the Company decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will be based upon the Company’s future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the Board may deem relevant.

    About KE Holdings Inc.

    KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, China’s leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 23 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Beike may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about KE Holdings Inc.’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Beike’s goals and strategies; Beike’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in the Company’s revenues, costs or expenditures; Beike’s ability to empower services and facilitate transactions on Beike platform; competition in the industry in which Beike operates; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industry; Beike’s ability to protect the Company’s systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; Beike’s dependence on the integrity of brokerage brands, stores and agents on the Company’s platform; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in KE Holdings Inc.’s filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and KE Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please visit: https://investors.ke.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:
    KE Holdings Inc.
    Investor Relations
    Siting Li
    E-mail: ir@ke.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Jenny Cai
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

    In the United States:
    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 仙境传说：破晓 (Ragnarok Dawn, Tentative English Title) Has Successfully Launched in China

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Seoul, South Korea, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRAVITY Co., Ltd. (NasdaqGM: GRVY) (“Gravity” or “Company”), a developer and publisher of online and mobile games, announced that 仙境传说：破晓 (“Ragnarok: Dawn”, Tentative English Title), an idle MMORPG mobile game, has made an early success after its launch in China on February 20, 2025.

    Following the ISBN received in June 2024, Ragnarok: Dawn officially launched in China on February 20, 2025, via mobile messenger WeChat Mini Programs. Building on the positive feedback from CBT conducted in January, Ragnarok: Dawn achieved notable success upon launch, ranking eighth in top grossing of WeChat Mini Programs. This early success has further heightened anticipation for the upcoming release of the mobile app version.

    Gravity stated, “Following the successful performance of the three Ragnarok IP titles that previously received ISBNs, the successful result of Ragnarok: Dawn is all thanks to the support of our users. We ask for your continued interest and participation with the launch of the mobile app version as well.”.

    [Gravity Official Website]
    http://www.gravity.co.kr

    About GRAVITY Co., Ltd. —————————————————

    Gravity is a developer and publisher of online and mobile games. Gravity’s principal product, Ragnarok Online, is a popular online game in many markets, including Japan and Taiwan, and is currently commercially offered in 91 regions. For more information about Gravity, please visit http://www.gravity.co.kr.

    Contact:

    Mr. Heung Gon Kim
    Chief Financial Officer
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: kheung@gravity.co.kr

    Ms. Jin Lee
    Ms. Yujin Oh
    IR Unit
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: ir@gravity.co.kr
    Telephone: +82-2-2132-7801

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KE Holdings Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Unaudited Financial Results and a Final Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KE Holdings Inc. (“Beike” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BEKE and HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and also announced a final cash dividend.

    Business and Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024

    • Gross transaction value (GTV)1 in 2024 was RMB3,349.4 billion (US$458.9 billion), an increase of 6.6% year-over-year. GTV of existing home transactions was RMB2,246.5 billion (US$307.8 billion), an increase of 10.8% year-over-year. GTV of new home transactions was RMB970.0 billion (US$132.9 billion), a decrease of 3.3% year-over-year. GTV of home renovation and furnishing was RMB16.9 billion (US$2.3 billion), an increase of 27.3% year-over-year. GTV of emerging and other services was RMB116.0 billion (US$15.9 billion), an increase of 17.6% year-over-year.
      In the fourth quarter of 2024, GTV was RMB1,143.8 billion (US$156.7 billion), an increase of 55.5% year-over-year. GTV of existing home transactions was RMB744.8 billion (US$102.0 billion), an increase of 59.1% year-over-year. GTV of new home transactions was RMB355.3 billion (US$48.7 billion), an increase of 49.3% year-over-year. GTV of home renovation and furnishing was RMB5.3 billion (US$0.7 billion), an increase of 34.7% year-over-year. GTV of emerging and other services was RMB38.3 billion (US$5.3 billion), an increase of 50.0% year-over-year.
    • Net revenues in 2024 were RMB93.5 billion (US$12.8 billion), an increase of 20.2% year-over-year.
      In the fourth quarter of 2024, net revenues were RMB31.1 billion (US$4.3 billion), an increase of 54.1% year-over-year.
    • Net income in 2024 was RMB4,078 million (US$559 million), a decrease of 30.8% year-over-year. Adjusted net income2in 2024 was RMB7,211 million (US$988 million), a decrease of 26.4% year-over-year.
      In the fourth quarter of 2024, net income was RMB577 million (US$79 million), a decrease of 13.9% year-over-year. Adjusted net income was RMB1,344 million (US$184 million), a decrease of 21.6% year-over-year.
    • Number of stores was 51,573 as of December 31, 2024, a 17.7% increase from one year ago. Number of active stores3 was 49,693 as of December 31, 2024, an 18.3% increase from one year ago.
    • Number of agents was 499,937 as of December 31, 2024, a 16.9% increase from one year ago. Number of active agents4 was 445,271 as of December 31, 2024, a 12.1% increase from one year ago.
    • Mobile monthly active users (MAU)5 averaged 43.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, relatively flat compared to 43.2 million in the same period of 2023.

    Mr. Stanley Yongdong Peng, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Beike, commented, “in 2024, China’s real estate industry is accelerating towards an advanced stage, with customer demand shifting towards reducing decision-making risks and pursuing higher living quality. We empower service providers with technology, enabling optimal decision-making and driving the industry’s leap toward higher service efficiency.”

    “Under the strategy of active growth and ecosystem optimization, we achieved significant growth in several key metrics in 2024. The number of active stores on the platform reached nearly 49,700, an 18.3% increase year-on-year, while the number of active agents surpassed 445,000, a 12.1% increase year-on-year. The total GTV was RMB3,349.4 billion, with net revenues hitting a historic high of RMB93.5 billion, a 20.2% increase year-on-year. GTV of existing home transactions grew 10.8% year-on-year, while net revenues from new home transaction services increased by 10.1% year-on-year. The home renovation and furnishing services saw continuous improvement in scale and delivery capability, achieving net revenues of RMB14.8 billion, a 36.1% year-on-year increase. The home rental services managed over 430,000 units by the end of 2024, generating net revenues of RMB14.3 billion, a 135.0% year-on-year increase, with refined operations improving customer experience. Our Beihaojia business explored driving product strength and reduce risks in the new home industry through the C2M (customer to manufacturing) model.”

    “Looking ahead, we remain committed to our strategic direction of becoming ‘more technology-driven and more human-centric.’ AI-powered technology will enable deeper insights into personalized customer needs and redefine the boundaries of service providers’ capabilities, while a human-centered approach will highlight the value of service. We believe that the integration of technology and human touch will drive a step-change in consumer experience and service efficiency, unlocking new possibilities for the residential services industry,” concluded Mr. Peng.

    Mr. Tao Xu, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Beike, added, “in 2024, both the existing and new home markets saw a significant recovery following the stimulus policies introduced in September. The total volume of existing home transactions saw year-on-year growth in 2024, and structurally, the proportion of existing home transactions within the overall real estate market further increased.

    Facing market opportunities, we continued to make breakthroughs in scale in 2024. Our full-year net revenues reached RMB93.5 billion, up 20.2% year-over-year. Net revenues from existing and new home transaction services both grew year-over-year. Net revenues from non-housing transaction services grew by 64.2% year-over-year, accounting for 33.8% of total net revenues, serving as a new growth engine. Our earnings quality improved as well. Net operating cash inflow in 2024 was RMB9.45 billion, 1.3 times our adjusted net income for the year.

    We placed great emphasis on shareholder returns. We have in aggregate repurchased shares with a total consideration of approximately US$716 million in 2024, which accounted for approximately 3.9% of the Company’s total issued shares at the end of 2023. Meanwhile, we are here to declare our final cash dividend, with an aggregate amount of approximately US$0.4 billion, reaffirming our commitment to sharing long-term value with our shareholders.

    We believe our outstanding financial management capabilities will safeguard our ‘one body, three wings’ strategy and facilitate the steady growth of all business lines.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Net Revenues

    Net revenues increased by 54.1% to RMB31.1 billion (US$4.3 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB20.2 billion in the same period of 2023, primarily attributable to the increase of total GTV and the expansion of home rental business. Total GTV increased by 55.5% to RMB1,143.8 billion (US$156.7 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB735.6 billion in the same period of 2023, primarily attributable to the recovery of housing transaction market driven by the supportive policies and the Company’s proactive growth strategy and enhanced capabilities in market coverage.

    • Net revenues from existing home transaction services were RMB8.9 billion (US$1.2 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, increased by 47.5% from RMB6.0 billion in the same period of 2023. GTV of existing home transactions increased by 59.1% to RMB744.8 billion (US$102.0 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB468.1 billion in the same period of 2023. The higher growth rate in GTV compared to net revenues in existing home transaction services was primarily attributable to a decrease in the commission rate of existing home sales transaction services, driven by a strategic scaling-down of certain value-added services offerings as the Company prioritized service quality assurance to ensure the premium offerings maintain their value proposition to customers.

      Among that, (i) commission revenue was RMB7.4 billion (US$1.0 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, increased by 53.0% from RMB4.9 billion in the same period of 2023, primarily attributable to the increase of GTV of existing home transactions served by Lianjia stores of 65.7% to RMB311.7 billion (US$42.7 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB188.1 billion in the same period of 2023, partially offset by the decrease in the commission rate of existing home sales transaction services charged by Lianjia stores which was driven by a strategic scale back certain value-added services offerings; and

      (ii) revenues derived from platform service, franchise service and other value-added services, which are mostly charged to connected stores and agents on the Company’s platform increased by 25.0% to RMB1.5 billion (US$0.2 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB1.2 billion in the same period of 2023, mainly due to an increase of GTV of existing home transactions served by connected agents on the Company’s platform of 54.7% to RMB433.2 billion (US$59.3 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB280.0 billion in the same period of 2023, partially offset by incentive-based reductions in platform service and franchise service fees for connected stores.

    • Net revenues from new home transaction services increased by 72.7% to RMB13.1 billion (US$1.8 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB7.6 billion in the same period of 2023, primarily due to the increase of GTV of new home transactions of 49.3% to RMB355.3 billion (US$48.7 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB238.0 billion in the same period of 2023, and the improved monetization capability. Among that, the GTV of new home transactions facilitated on Beike platform through connected agents, dedicated sales team with the expertise on new home transaction services and other sales channels increased by 51.6% to RMB287.5 billion (US$39.4 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB189.7 billion in the same period of 2023, and the GTV of new home transactions served by Lianjia brand increased by 40.4% to RMB67.8 billion (US$9.3 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB48.3 billion in the same period of 2023.
    • Net revenues from home renovation and furnishing increased by 12.8% to RMB4.1 billion (US$0.6 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB3.6 billion in the same period of 2023, primarily attributable to a) the increase of orders driven by the synergetic effects from customer acquisition and conversion between home transaction services and home renovation and furnishing business and b) a larger contribution from furniture and home furnishing sales in categories such as customized furniture, soft furnishings, and electrical appliances.
    • Net revenues from home rental services increased by 108.7% to RMB4.6 billion (US$0.6 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB2.2 billion in the same period of 2023, primarily attributable to the increase of the number of rental units under the Carefree Rent model.
    • Net revenues from emerging and other services were RMB0.4 billion (US$0.1 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RMB0.7 billion in the same period of 2023.

    Cost of Revenues

    Total cost of revenues increased by 59.1% to RMB24.0 billion (US$3.3 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB15.1 billion in the same period of 2023.

    • Commission – split. The Company’s cost of revenues for commissions to connected agents and other sales channels increased by 71.7% to RMB8.7 billion (US$1.2 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, from RMB5.1 billion in the same period of 2023, primarily due to the increase in net revenues from new home transaction services derived from transactions facilitated through connected agents and other sales channels.
    • Commission and compensation – internal. The Company’s cost of revenues for internal commission and compensation increased by 64.8% to RMB6.5 billion (US$0.9 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB3.9 billion in the same period of 2023, primarily due to an increase in the net revenues from existing and new home transactions derived from transactions facilitated through Lianjia agents and the increase in fixed compensation costs mainly driven by the increased number of Lianjia agents and improved benefits for them.
    • Cost of home renovation and furnishing. The Company’s cost of revenues for home renovation and furnishing increased by 9.8% to RMB2.9 billion (US$0.4 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB2.6 billion in the same period of 2023, which was in line with the growth of net revenues from home renovation and furnishing.
    • Cost of home rental services. The Company’s cost of revenues for home rental services increased by 101.8% to RMB4.4 billion (US$0.6 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB2.2 billion in the same period of 2023, primarily attributable to the growth of net revenues from home rental services.
    • Cost related to stores. The Company’s cost related to stores increased by 8.1% to RMB0.8 billion (US$0.1 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB0.7 billion in the same period of 2023, primarily attributable to the increased number of Lianjia stores.
    • Other costs. The Company’s other costs increased to RMB0.7 billion (US$0.1 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB0.5 billion in the same period of 2023, mainly due to the increased tax and surcharges in line with the increased net revenues and an increase in provision and funding costs of financial services.

    Gross Profit

    Gross profit increased by 39.4% to RMB7.2 billion (US$1.0 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB5.1 billion in the same period of 2023. Gross margin was 23.0% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 25.5% in the same period of 2023, primarily due to a) a lower contribution margin of existing home transaction services led by the increased fix compensation costs as percentage of net revenues from existing home transaction services and b）a lower contribution margin of emerging and other services.

    Income from Operations

    Total operating expenses increased by 15.8% to RMB6.2 billion (US$0.8 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB5.3 billion in the same period of 2023.

    • General and administrative expenses were RMB3.0 billion (US$0.4 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with RMB2.6 billion in the same period of 2023, mainly due to the increase in personnel costs, partially offset by the decrease of share-based compensation expenses.
    • Sales and marketing expenses increased by 12.7% to RMB2.3 billion (US$0.3 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB2.1 billion in the same period of 2023, mainly due to the increase in sales and marketing expenses for home renovation and furnishing business.
    • Research and development expenses increased by 38.4% to RMB739 million (US$101 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024 from RMB534 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to the increased headcount of research and development personnel and the increased technical service costs.

    Income from operations was RMB1,011 million (US$139 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to loss from operations of RMB173 million in the same period of 2023. Operating margin was 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to negative 0.9% in the same period of 2023, primarily due to the improved operating leverage in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the same period of 2023.

    Adjusted income from operations6 was RMB1,755 million (US$240 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RMB856 million in the same period of 2023. Adjusted operating margin7 was 5.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 4.2% in the same period of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA8 was RMB2,343 million (US$321 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RMB1,700 million in the same period of 2023.

    Net Income

    Net income was RMB577 million (US$79 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RMB670 million in the same period of 2023, primarily due to an increase in income tax expenses.

    Adjusted net income was RMB1,344 million (US$184 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RMB1,714 million in the same period of 2023.

    Net Income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s Ordinary Shareholders

    Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders was RMB570 million (US$78 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RMB670 million in the same period of 2023.

    Adjusted net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders9 was RMB1,336 million (US$183 million) in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RMB1,713 million in the same period of 2023.

    Net Income per ADS

    Basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders10 were RMB0.51 (US$0.07) and RMB0.49 (US$0.07) in the fourth quarter of 2024, respectively, compared to RMB0.58 and RMB0.56 in the same period of 2023, respectively.

    Adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders11 were RMB1.19 (US$0.16) and RMB1.14 (US$0.16) in the fourth quarter of 2024, respectively, compared to RMB1.49 and RMB1.44 in the same period of 2023, respectively.

    Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Short-Term Investments

    As of December 31, 2024, the combined balance of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments amounted to RMB61.6 billion (US$8.4 billion).

    Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Net Revenues

    Net revenues increased by 20.2% to RMB93.5 billion (US$12.8 billion) in 2024 from RMB77.8 billion in 2023, primarily attributable to the increase of net revenues from new home transaction services and the expansion of home renovation and furnishing and home rental business. Total GTV increased by 6.6% to RMB3,349.4 billion (US$458.9 billion) in 2024 from RMB3,142.9 billion in 2023, primarily attributable to the Company’s proactive growth strategy and enhanced capabilities in market coverage.

    • Net revenues from existing home transaction services were RMB28.2 billion (US$3.9 billion) in 2024, relatively flat compared with RMB28.0 billion in 2023. GTV of existing home transactions increased by 10.8% to RMB2,246.5 billion (US$307.8 billion) in 2024 from RMB2,028.0 billion in 2023.

      Among that, (i) commission revenue increased by 1.0% to RMB23.1 billion (US$3.2 billion) in 2024, from RMB22.9 billion in 2023, primarily attributable to the GTV of existing home transactions served by Lianjia stores increased by 8.4% to RMB918.5 billion (US$125.8 billion) in 2024 from RMB847.6 billion in 2023, mainly offset by a lower commission rate of existing home transaction services charged by Lianjia stores in Beijing; and

      (ii) revenues derived from platform service, franchise service and other value-added services, which are mostly charged to connected stores and agents on the Company’s platform were RMB5.1 billion (US$0.7 billion) in 2024, relatively flat compared with RMB5.1 billion in 2023, while the GTV of existing home transactions served by connected agents on the Company’s platform increased by 12.5% to RMB1,328.0 billion (US$181.9 billion) in 2024 from RMB1,180.4 billion in 2023. The increase was mainly offset by the decrease in revenues from certain value-added services which were not directly driven by GTV of existing home transactions served by connected agents.

    • Net revenues from new home transaction services increased by 10.1% to RMB33.7 billion (US$4.6 billion) in 2024 from RMB30.6 billion in 2023, primarily due to the improved monetization capability, which was partially offset by the decrease of GTV of new home transactions of 3.3% to RMB970.0 billion (US$132.9 billion) in 2024 from RMB1,003.0 billion in 2023. Among that, the GTV of new home transactions facilitated on Beike platform through connected agents, dedicated sales team with the expertise on new home transaction services and other sales channels decreased by 3.1% to RMB784.4 billion (US$107.5 billion) in 2024 from RMB809.9 billion in 2023, and the GTV of new home transactions served by Lianjia brand decreased by 3.9% to RMB185.6 billion (US$25.4 billion) in 2024 from RMB193.2 billion in 2023.
    • Net revenues from home renovation and furnishing increased by 36.1% to RMB14.8 billion (US$2.0 billion) in 2024 from RMB10.9 billion in 2023, primarily attributable to a) the increase of orders driven by the synergetic effects from customer acquisition and conversion between home transaction services and home renovation and furnishing business, b) a larger contribution from furniture and home furnishing sales in categories such as customized furniture, soft furnishings, and electrical appliances, and c) the shortened lead time driven by enhanced delivery capabilities.
    • Net revenues from home rental services increased by 135.0% to RMB14.3 billion (US$2.0 billion) in 2024 from RMB6.1 billion in 2023, primarily attributable to the increase of the number of rental units under the Carefree Rent model.
    • Net revenues from emerging and other services increased by 8.8% to RMB2.5 billion (US$0.3 billion) in 2024 from RMB2.3 billion in 2023, primarily attributable to the increase of net revenues from financial services.

    Cost of Revenues

    Total cost of revenues increased by 25.8% to RMB70.5 billion (US$9.7 billion) in 2024 from RMB56.1 billion in 2023.

    • Commission – split. The Company’s cost of revenues for commissions to connected agents and other sales channels increased by 11.5% to RMB22.8 billion (US$3.1 billion) in 2024 from RMB20.4 billion in 2023, primarily due to the increase in net revenues from new home transaction services derived from transactions facilitated through connected agents and other sales channels.
    • Commission and compensation – internal. The Company’s cost of revenues for internal commission and compensation increased by 11.1% to RMB18.9 billion (US$2.6 billion) in 2024 from RMB17.0 billion in 2023, primarily due to an increase in the net revenues from new home transactions derived from transactions facilitated through Lianjia agents and the increase in fixed compensation costs mainly driven by the increased number of Lianjia agents and improved benefits for them.
    • Cost of home renovation and furnishing. The Company’s cost of revenues for home renovation and furnishing increased by 32.8% to RMB10.2 billion (US$1.4 billion) in 2024 from RMB7.7 billion in 2023, which was in line with the growth of net revenues from home renovation and furnishing.
    • Cost of home rental services. The Company’s cost of revenues for home rental services increased by 121.0% to RMB13.6 billion (US$1.9 billion) in 2024 from RMB6.2 billion in 2023, primarily attributable to the growth of net revenues from home rental services.
    • Cost related to stores. The Company’s cost related to stores was RMB2.9 billion (US$0.4 billion) in 2024, relatively flat compared with RMB2.9 billion in 2023.
    • Other costs. The Company’s other costs increased by 13.6% to RMB2.1 billion (US$0.3 billion) in 2024 from RMB1.9 billion in 2023, mainly due to the increased tax and surcharges in line with the increased net revenues and an increase in provision and funding costs of financial services.

    Gross Profit

    Gross profit increased by 5.6% to RMB22.9 billion (US$3.1 billion) in 2024 from RMB21.7 billion in 2023. Gross margin was 24.6% in 2024, compared to 27.9% in 2023, primarily due to a) a lower contribution ratio of net revenues from existing home transaction services with a relatively higher margin than other revenue streams; and b) a lower contribution margin of existing home transaction services led by the increased fix compensation costs as percentage of net revenues from existing home transaction services.

    Income from Operations

    Total operating expenses increased by 13.3% to RMB19.2 billion (US$2.6 billion) in 2024 from RMB16.9 billion in 2023.

    • General and administrative expenses increased by 8.8% to RMB9.0 billion (US$1.2 billion) in 2024 from RMB8.2 billion in 2023, mainly due to the increase in personnel costs.
    • Sales and marketing expenses increased by 17.0% to RMB7.8 billion (US$1.1 billion) in 2024 from RMB6.7 billion in 2023, mainly due to the increase in sales and marketing expenses for home renovation and furnishing business.
    • Research and development expenses increased by 17.9% to RMB2.3 billion (US$0.3 billion) in 2024 from RMB1.9 billion in 2023, primarily due to the increased headcount of research and development personnel and the increased technical service costs.

    Income from operations was RMB3,765 million (US$516 million) in 2024, compared to RMB4,797 million in 2023. Operating margin was 4.0% in 2024, compared to 6.2% in 2023, primarily due to a lower gross margin partially offset by the improved operating leverage in 2024, compared to 2023.

    Adjusted income from operations was RMB6,890 million (US$944 million) in 2024, compared to RMB8.7 billion in 2023. Adjusted operating margin was 7.4% in 2024, compared to 11.2% in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was RMB9,534 million (US$1,306 million) in 2024, compared to RMB11.3 billion in 2023.

    Net Income

    Net income was RMB4,078 million (US$559 million) in 2024, compared to RMB5,890 million in 2023.

    Adjusted net income was RMB7,211 million (US$988 million) in 2024, compared to RMB9,798 million in 2023.

    Net Income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s Ordinary Shareholders

    Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders was RMB4,065 million (US$557 million) in 2024, compared to RMB5,883 million in 2023.

    Adjusted net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders12 was RMB7,198 million (US$986 million) in 2024, compared to RMB9,792 million in 2023.

    Net Income per ADS

    Basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders13 were RMB3.58 (US$0.49) and RMB3.45 (US$0.47) in 2024, respectively, compared to RMB5.01 and RMB4.89 in 2023, respectively.

    Adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders14 were RMB6.33 (US$0.87) and RMB6.10 (US$0.84) in 2024, respectively, compared to RMB8.34 and RMB8.13 in 2023, respectively.

    Share Repurchase Program

    As previously disclosed, the Company established a share repurchase program in August 2022 and upsized and extended it in August 2023 and August 2024, under which the Company may purchase up to US$3 billion of its Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs until August 31, 2025, subject to obtaining another general unconditional mandate for the repurchase from the shareholders of the Company at the next annual general meeting to continue its share repurchase after the expiry of the existing share repurchase mandate granted by the annual general meeting held on June 14, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the Company in aggregate has purchased approximately 109.1 million ADSs (representing approximately 327.4 million Class A ordinary shares) on the New York Stock Exchange with a total consideration of approximately US$1,625.4 million under this share repurchase program since its launch.

    Final Cash Dividend

    The Company is pleased to announce that its board of directors (the “Board”) has approved a final cash dividend (the “Dividend”) of US$0.12 per ordinary share, or US$0.36 per ADS, to holders of ordinary shares and holders of ADSs of record as of the close of business on April 9, 2025, Beijing/ Hong Kong Time and New York Time, respectively, payable in U.S. dollars. The aggregate amount of the Dividend to be paid will be approximately US$0.4 billion, which will be funded by cash surplus on the Company’s balance sheet.

    For holders of ordinary shares, in order to qualify for the Dividend, all valid documents for the transfer of shares accompanied by the relevant share certificates must be lodged for registration with the Company’s Hong Kong share registrar, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, at Shops 1712-1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 9, 2025 (Beijing/Hong Kong Time). Dividend to be paid to the Company’s ADS holders through the depositary bank will be subject to the terms of the deposit agreement. The payment date is expected to be on or around April 22, 2025 for holders of ordinary shares, and on or around April 25, 2025 for holders of ADSs.

    Under the Company’s current dividend policy, the Board has discretion on whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, the Company’s shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by the Board. If the Company decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will be based upon its future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the Board may deem relevant.

    Conference Call Information

    The Company will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 (8:00 P.M. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Tuesday, March 18, 2025) to discuss the financial results.

    For participants who wish to join the conference call using dial-in numbers, please complete online registration using the link provided below at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time. Dial-in numbers, passcode and unique access PIN would be provided upon registering.

    Participant Online Registration:

    English Line: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10045435-su5md1.html

    Chinese Simultaneous Interpretation Line (listen-only mode): https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10045436-c4n72s.html

    A replay of the conference call will be accessible through March 25, 2025, by dialing the following numbers:

    United States: +1-855-883-1031
    Mainland, China: 400-1209-216
    Hong Kong, China: 800-930-639
    International: +61-7-3107-6325
    Replay PIN (English line): 10045435
    Replay PIN (Chinese simultaneous interpretation line): 10045436

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://investors.ke.com.

    Exchange Rate

    This press release contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.2993 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2024, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. For analytical presentation, all percentages are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial information contained in this earnings release.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    The Company uses adjusted income (loss) from operations, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders, adjusted operating margin, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income (loss) per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders, each a non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating its operating results and formulating its business plan. Beike believes that these non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in the Company’s business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that the Company includes in its net income (loss). Beike also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about its results of operations, enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by its management in formulating its business plan. A limitation of using these non-GAAP financial measures is that these non-GAAP financial measures exclude share-based compensation expenses that have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a significant recurring expense in the Company’s business.

    The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to gross profit, net income (loss) or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review these non-GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. The non-GAAP financial measures presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to the Company’s data. Beike encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. Adjusted income (loss) from operations is defined as income (loss) from operations, excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, and (iii) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Adjusted operating margin is defined as adjusted income (loss) from operations as a percentage of net revenues. Adjusted net income (loss) is defined as net income (loss), excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, (iii) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (iv) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, (v) impairment of investments, and (vi) tax effects of the above non-GAAP adjustments. Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders is defined as net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders, excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, (iii) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (iv) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, (v) impairment of investments, (vi) tax effects of the above non-GAAP adjustments, and (vii) effects of non-GAAP adjustments on net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), excluding (i) income tax expense, (ii) share-based compensation expenses, (iii) amortization of intangible assets, (iv) depreciation of property, plant and equipment, (v) interest income, net, (vi) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (vii) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, and (viii) impairment of investments. Adjusted net income (loss) per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders is defined as adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of ADS outstanding during the periods used in calculating adjusted net income (loss) per ADS, basic and diluted.

    Please see the “Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results” included in this press release for a full reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to its respective comparable GAAP measure.

    About KE Holdings Inc.

    KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, China’s leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 23 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release, as well as Beike’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Beike may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about KE Holdings Inc.’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Beike’s goals and strategies; Beike’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in the Company’s revenues, costs or expenditures; Beike’s ability to empower services and facilitate transactions on Beike platform; competition in the industry in which Beike operates; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industry; Beike’s ability to protect the Company’s systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; Beike’s dependence on the integrity of brokerage brands, stores and agents on the Company’s platform; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in KE Holdings Inc.’s filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and KE Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:
    KE Holdings Inc.
    Investor Relations
    Siting Li
    E-mail: ir@ke.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Jenny Cai
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

    In the United States:
    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    Email: ke@tpg-ir.com

    Source: KE Holdings Inc.

    KE Holdings Inc.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data)
        As of
    December 31,    		   As of
    December 31,
        2023   2024
        RMB   RMB   US$
                 
    ASSETS            
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents   19,634,716   11,442,965   1,567,680
    Restricted cash   6,222,745   8,858,449   1,213,603
    Short-term investments   34,257,958   41,317,700   5,660,502
    Financing receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB122,482 and RMB147,330 as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively   1,347,759   2,835,527   388,466
    Accounts receivable and contract assets, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB1,681,127 and RMB1,636,163 as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively   3,176,169   5,497,989   753,221
    Amounts due from and prepayments to related parties   419,270   379,218   51,953
    Loan receivables from related parties   28,030   18,797   2,575
    Prepayments, receivables and other assets   4,666,976   6,252,700   856,615
    Total current assets   69,753,623   76,603,345   10,494,615
    Non-current assets            
    Property, plant and equipment, net   1,965,098   2,400,211   328,828
    Right-of-use assets   17,617,915   23,366,879   3,201,249
    Long-term investments, net   23,570,988   23,790,106   3,259,231
    Intangible assets, net   1,067,459   857,635   117,496
    Goodwill   4,856,807   4,777,420   654,504
    Long-term loan receivables from related parties   27,000   131,410   18,003
    Other non-current assets   1,473,041   1,222,277   167,451
    Total non-current assets   50,578,308   56,545,938   7,746,762
    TOTAL ASSETS   120,331,931   133,149,283   18,241,377
     
    KE Holdings Inc.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
    (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data)
     
        As of
    December 31,    		   As of
    December 31,
        2023   2024
        RMB   RMB   US$
                 
    LIABILITIES            
    Current liabilities            
    Accounts payable   6,328,516   9,492,629   1,300,485
    Amounts due to related parties   430,350   391,446   53,628
    Employee compensation and welfare payable   8,145,779   8,414,472   1,152,778
    Customer deposits payable   3,900,564   6,078,623   832,768
    Income taxes payable   698,568   1,028,735   140,936
    Short-term borrowings   290,450   288,280   39,494
    Lease liabilities current portion   9,368,607   13,729,701   1,880,961
    Contract liability and deferred revenue   4,665,201   6,051,867   829,102
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   5,695,948   7,268,505   995,782
    Total current liabilities   39,523,983   52,744,258   7,225,934
    Non-current liabilities            
    Deferred tax liabilities   279,341   317,697   43,524
    Lease liabilities non-current portion   8,327,113   8,636,770   1,183,233
    Other non-current liabilities   389   2,563   352
    Total non-current liabilities   8,606,843   8,957,030   1,227,109
    TOTAL LIABILITIES   48,130,826   61,701,288   8,453,043
    KE Holdings Inc.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
    (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data)
        As of
    December 31,    		   As of
    December 31,
        2023     2024  
        RMB   RMB   US$
                 
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    KE Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity            
    Ordinary shares (US$0.00002 par value; 25,000,000,000 ordinary shares authorized, comprising of 24,114,698,720 Class A ordinary shares and 885,301,280 Class B ordinary shares. 3,571,960,220 Class A ordinary shares issued and 3,443,860,844 Class A ordinary shares outstanding(1)as of December 31, 2023; 3,479,616,986 Class A ordinary shares issued and 3,337,567,403 Class A ordinary shares outstanding(1)as of December 31, 2024; and 151,354,549 and 145,413,446 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively)   475     461     63  
    Treasury shares   (866,198 )   (949,410 )   (130,069 )
    Additional paid-in capital   77,583,054     72,460,562     9,927,056  
    Statutory reserves   811,107     926,972     126,995  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   244,302     609,112     83,448  
    Accumulated deficit   (5,672,916 )   (1,723,881 )   (236,171 )
    Total KE Holdings Inc. shareholders’ equity   72,099,824     71,323,816     9,771,322  
    Non-controlling interests   101,281     124,179     17,012  
    TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   72,201,105     71,447,995     9,788,334  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   120,331,931     133,149,283     18,241,377  

    (1)  Excluding the Class A ordinary shares registered in the name of the depositary bank for future issuance of ADSs upon the exercise or vesting of awards granted under our share incentive plans and the Class A ordinary shares repurchased but not cancelled in the form of ADSs.

    KE Holdings Inc.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

    (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data, ADS and per ADS data)
      For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
      December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024
      RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$
                           
    Net revenues                      
    Existing home transaction services 6,049,963     8,922,030     1,222,313     27,954,135     28,201,003     3,863,522  
    New home transaction services 7,574,098     13,076,767     1,791,510     30,575,778     33,653,403     4,610,497  
    Home renovation and furnishing 3,640,928     4,106,834     562,634     10,850,497     14,768,947     2,023,337  
    Home rental services 2,194,485     4,580,502     627,526     6,099,747     14,334,479     1,963,816  
    Emerging and other services 744,752     438,974     60,139     2,296,775     2,499,666     342,453  
    Total net revenues 20,204,226     31,125,107     4,264,122     77,776,932     93,457,498     12,803,625  
    Cost of revenues                      
    Commission-split (5,073,602 )   (8,709,790 )   (1,193,236 )   (20,419,577 )   (22,766,957 )   (3,119,060 )
    Commission and compensation-internal (3,917,437 )   (6,456,881 )   (884,589 )   (17,015,927 )   (18,903,786 )   (2,589,808 )
    Cost of home renovation and furnishing (2,628,015 )   (2,884,614 )   (395,190 )   (7,705,325 )   (10,229,696 )   (1,401,463 )
    Cost of home rental services (2,166,138 )   (4,370,712 )   (598,785 )   (6,163,044 )   (13,619,506 )   (1,865,865 )
    Cost related to stores (727,054 )   (785,966 )   (107,677 )   (2,872,093 )   (2,854,988 )   (391,132 )
    Others (547,934 )   (746,958 )   (102,333 )   (1,882,952 )   (2,138,510 )   (292,973 )
    Total cost of revenues(1) (15,060,180 )   (23,954,921 )   (3,281,810 )   (56,058,918 )   (70,513,443 )   (9,660,301 )
    Gross profit 5,144,046     7,170,186     982,312     21,718,014     22,944,055     3,143,324  
    Operating expenses                      
    Sales and marketing expenses(1) (2,080,363 )   (2,344,000 )   (321,127 )   (6,654,178 )   (7,783,341 )   (1,066,313 )
    General and administrative expenses(1) (2,647,739 )   (2,961,294 )   (405,695 )   (8,236,569 )   (8,960,747 )   (1,227,617 )
    Research and development expenses(1) (533,620 )   (738,683 )   (101,199 )   (1,936,780 )   (2,283,424 )   (312,828 )
    Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets (55,441 )   (115,179 )   (15,779 )   (93,417 )   (151,576 )   (20,766 )
    Total operating expenses (5,317,163 )   (6,159,156 )   (843,800 )   (16,920,944 )   (19,179,088 )   (2,627,524 )
    Income (loss) from operations (173,117 )   1,011,030     138,512     4,797,070     3,764,967     515,800  
    Interest income, net 311,963     283,417     38,828     1,263,332     1,260,163     172,642  
    Share of results of equity investees (18,130 )   6,144     842     9,098     10,192     1,396  
    Impairment loss for equity investments accounted for equity method (4,187 )   –     –     (10,369 )   –     –  
    Fair value changes in investments, net 4,127     125,333     17,171     78,320     312,791     42,852  
    Impairment loss for equity investments accounted for using Measurement Alternative (16,605 )   (971 )   (133 )   (28,800 )   (9,408 )   (1,289 )
    Foreign currency exchange loss (174,459 )   (6,805 )   (932 )   (93,956 )   (34,674 )   (4,750 )
    Other income, net 832,103     192,069     26,313     1,869,300     1,566,038     214,546  
    Income before income tax expense 761,695     1,610,217     220,601     7,883,995     6,870,069     941,197  
    Income tax expense (91,632 )   (1,032,969 )   (141,516 )   (1,994,391 )   (2,791,889 )   (382,487 )
    Net income 670,063     577,248     79,085     5,889,604     4,078,180     558,710  
    KE Holdings Inc.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

    (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data, ADS and per ADS data)
      For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
      December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024
      RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$
                           
    Net income attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders (458 )   (7,256 )   (994 )   (6,380 )   (13,280 )   (1,819 )
    Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc. 669,605     569,992     78,091     5,883,224     4,064,900     556,891  
    Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders 669,605     569,992     78,091     5,883,224     4,064,900     556,891  
                           
    Net income 670,063     577,248     79,085     5,889,604     4,078,180     558,710  
    Currency translation adjustments (138,522 )   348,802     47,786     574,223     217,142     29,748  
    Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments, net of reclassification 133,067     (15,206 )   (2,083 )   82,800     147,668     20,230  
    Total comprehensive income 664,608     910,844     124,788     6,546,627     4,442,990     608,688  
    Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders (458 )   (7,256 )   (994 )   (6,380 )   (13,280 )   (1,819 )
    Comprehensive income attributable to KE Holdings Inc. 664,150     903,588     123,794     6,540,247     4,429,710     606,869  
    Comprehensive income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders 664,150     903,588     123,794     6,540,247     4,429,710     606,869  
     
    For the Three Months Ended
    		   For the Year Ended
      December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024
      RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$
                           
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net income per share, basic and diluted                      
    —Basic 3,449,700,565   3,356,948,233   3,356,948,233   3,521,379,938   3,409,772,592   3,409,772,592
    —Diluted 3,557,221,957   3,525,088,426   3,525,088,426   3,611,653,020   3,537,408,029   3,537,408,029
                           
    Weighted average number of ADS used in computing net income per ADS, basic and diluted                      
    —Basic 1,149,900,188   1,118,982,744   1,118,982,744   1,173,793,313   1,136,590,864   1,136,590,864
    —Diluted 1,185,740,652   1,175,029,475   1,175,029,475   1,203,884,340   1,179,136,010   1,179,136,010
                           
    Net income per share attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders                      
    —Basic 0.19   0.17   0.02   1.67   1.19   0.16
    —Diluted 0.19   0.16   0.02   1.63   1.15   0.16
                           
    Net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders                      
    —Basic 0.58   0.51   0.07   5.01   3.58   0.49
    —Diluted 0.56   0.49   0.07   4.89   3.45   0.47
                           
    (1) Includes share-based compensation expenses as follows:  
    Cost of revenues 138,967   135,358   18,544   502,523   521,293   71,417
    Sales and marketing expenses 51,347   53,410   7,317   180,465   197,320   27,033
    General and administrative expenses 580,363   360,801   49,430   2,345,895   1,821,817   249,588
    Research and development expenses 47,761   45,499   6,233   186,666   185,645   25,433
                           
    KE Holdings Inc.
    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

    (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data, ADS and per ADS data)
      For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
      December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024
      RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$
                           
    Income (loss) from operations (173,117 )   1,011,030     138,512     4,797,070     3,764,967     515,800  
    Share-based compensation expenses 818,438     595,068     81,524     3,215,549     2,726,075     373,471  
    Amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement 155,039     33,695     4,616     613,307     247,862     33,957  
    Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets 55,441     115,179     15,779     93,417     151,576     20,766  
    Adjusted income from operations 855,801     1,754,972     240,431     8,719,343     6,890,480     943,994  
                           
    Net income 670,063     577,248     79,085     5,889,604     4,078,180     558,710  
    Share-based compensation expenses 818,438     595,068     81,524     3,215,549     2,726,075     373,471  
    Amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement 155,039     33,695     4,616     613,307     247,862     33,957  
    Changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration 546     27,960     3,831     (26,315 )   24,371     3,339  
    Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets 55,441     115,179     15,779     93,417     151,576     20,766  
    Impairment of investments 20,792     971     133     39,169     9,408     1,289  
    Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments (6,561 )   (6,495 )   (890 )   (26,243 )   (26,399 )   (3,617 )
    Adjusted net income 1,713,758     1,343,626     184,078     9,798,488     7,211,073     987,915  
                           
    Net income 670,063     577,248     79,085     5,889,604     4,078,180     558,710  
    Income tax expense 91,632     1,032,969     141,516     1,994,391     2,791,889     382,487  
    Share-based compensation expenses 818,438     595,068     81,524     3,215,549     2,726,075     373,471  
    Amortization of intangible assets 158,339     38,041     5,212     627,146     268,684     36,810  
    Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 196,436     238,496     32,674     775,042     743,728     101,890  
    Interest income, net (311,963 )   (283,417 )   (38,828 )   (1,263,332 )   (1,260,163 )   (172,642 )
    Changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration 546     27,960     3,831     (26,315 )   24,371     3,339  
    Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets 55,441     115,179     15,779     93,417     151,576     20,766  
    Impairment of investments 20,792     971     133     39,169     9,408     1,289  
    Adjusted EBITDA 1,699,724     2,342,515     320,926     11,344,671     9,533,748     1,306,120  
                           
    Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders 669,605     569,992     78,091     5,883,224     4,064,900     556,891  
    Share-based compensation expenses 818,438     595,068     81,524     3,215,549     2,726,075     373,471  
    Amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement 155,039     33,695     4,616     613,307     247,862     33,957  
    Changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration 546     27,960     3,831     (26,315 )   24,371     3,339  
    Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets 55,441     115,179     15,779     93,417     151,576     20,766  
    Impairment of investments 20,792     971     133     39,169     9,408     1,289  
    Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments (6,561 )   (6,495 )   (890 )   (26,243 )   (26,399 )   (3,617 )
    Effects of non-GAAP adjustments on net income attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders (7 )   (7 )   (1 )   (28 )   (28 )   (4 )
    Adjusted net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders 1,713,293     1,336,363     183,083     9,792,080     7,197,765     986,092  
    KE Holdings Inc.
    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (Continued)

    (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data, ADS and per ADS data)
      For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
      December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024
      RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$
                           
    Weighted average number of ADS used in computing net income per ADS, basic and diluted                      
    —Basic 1,149,900,188   1,118,982,744   1,118,982,744   1,173,793,313   1,136,590,864   1,136,590,864
    —Diluted 1,185,740,652   1,175,029,475   1,175,029,475   1,203,884,340   1,179,136,010   1,179,136,010
                           
    Weighted average number of ADS used in calculating adjusted net income per ADS, basic and diluted                      
    —Basic 1,149,900,188   1,118,982,744   1,118,982,744   1,173,793,313   1,136,590,864   1,136,590,864
    —Diluted 1,185,740,652   1,175,029,475   1,175,029,475   1,203,884,340   1,179,136,010   1,179,136,010
                           
    Net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders                      
    —Basic 0.58   0.51   0.07   5.01   3.58   0.49
    —Diluted 0.56   0.49   0.07   4.89   3.45   0.47
                           
    Non-GAAP adjustments to net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders                      
    —Basic 0.91   0.68   0.09   3.33   2.75   0.38
    —Diluted 0.88   0.65   0.09   3.24   2.65   0.37
                           
    Adjusted net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders                      
    —Basic 1.49   1.19   0.16   8.34   6.33   0.87
    —Diluted 1.44   1.14   0.16   8.13   6.10   0.84
                           
    KE Holdings Inc.
    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

    (All amounts in thousands)   
      For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
      December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024
      RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$
                           
    Net cash provided by operating activities 1,767,804     5,202,518     712,740     11,414,244     9,447,137     1,294,255  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 3,712,203     (2,015,584 )   (276,133 )   (3,977,440 )   (9,378,025 )   (1,284,784 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (1,475,585 )   1,109,860     152,050     (7,218,210 )   (5,794,635 )   (793,862 )
    Effect of exchange rate change on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (142,337 )   184,196     25,237     44,608     169,476     23,216  
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 3,862,085     4,480,990     613,894     263,202     (5,556,047 )   (761,175 )
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period 21,995,376     15,820,424     2,167,389     25,594,259     25,857,461     3,542,458  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period 25,857,461     20,301,414     2,781,283     25,857,461     20,301,414     2,781,283  
    KE Holdings Inc.
    UNAUDITED SEGMENT CONTRIBUTION MEASURE

    (All amounts in thousands)                 
        For the Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
        December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		   December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2024
        RMB   RMB   US$   RMB   RMB   US$
    Existing home transaction services                        
    Net revenues   6,049,963     8,922,030     1,222,313     27,954,135     28,201,003     3,863,522  
    Less: Commission and compensation   (3,355,714 )   (5,315,541 )   (728,226 )   (14,762,910 )   (16,016,079 )   (2,194,194 )
    Contribution   2,694,249     3,606,489     494,087     13,191,225     12,184,924     1,669,328  
    New home transaction services                        
    Net revenues   7,574,098     13,076,767     1,791,510     30,575,778     33,653,403     4,610,497  
    Less: Commission and compensation   (5,574,423 )   (9,723,154 )   (1,332,067 )   (22,455,253 )   (25,304,481 )   (3,466,700 )
    Contribution   1,999,675     3,353,613     459,443     8,120,525     8,348,922     1,143,797  
    Home renovation and furnishing                        
    Net revenues   3,640,928     4,106,834     562,634     10,850,497     14,768,947     2,023,337  
    Less: Material costs, commission and compensation   (2,628,015 )   (2,884,614 )   (395,190 )   (7,705,325 )   (10,229,696 )   (1,401,463 )
    Contribution   1,012,913     1,222,220     167,444     3,145,172     4,539,251     621,874  
    Home rental services                        
    Net revenues   2,194,485     4,580,502     627,526     6,099,747     14,334,479     1,963,816  
    Less: Property leasing costs, commission and compensation   (2,166,138 )   (4,370,712 )   (598,785 )   (6,163,044 )   (13,619,506 )   (1,865,865 )
    (Deficit)/Contribution   28,347     209,790     28,741     (63,297 )   714,973     97,951  
    Emerging and other services                        
    Net revenues   744,752     438,974     60,139     2,296,775     2,499,666     342,453  
    Less: Commission and compensation   (60,902 )   (127,976 )   (17,532 )   (217,341 )   (350,183 )   (47,974 )
    Contribution   683,850     310,998     42,607     2,079,434     2,149,483     294,479  

    1 GTV for a given period is calculated as the total value of all transactions which the Company facilitated on the Company’s platform and evidenced by signed contracts as of the end of the period, including the value of the existing home transactions, new home transactions, home renovation and furnishing and emerging and other services (excluding home rental services), and including transactions that are contracted but pending closing at the end of the relevant period. For the avoidance of doubt, for transactions that failed to close afterwards, the corresponding GTV represented by these transactions will be deducted accordingly.
    2 Adjusted net income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income (loss), excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, (iii) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (iv) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, (v) impairment of investments, and (vi) tax effects of the above non-GAAP adjustments. Please refer to the section titled “Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results” for details.
    3 Based on our accumulated operational experience, we have introduced the operating metrics of number of active stores and number of active agents on our platform, which can better reflect the operational activeness of stores and agents on our platform.
    “Active stores” as of a given date is defined as stores on our platform excluding the stores which (i) have not facilitated any housing transaction during the preceding 60 days, (ii) do not have any agent who has engaged in any critical steps in housing transactions (including but not limited to introducing new properties, attracting new customers and conducting property showings) during the preceding seven days, or (iii) have not been visited by any agent during the preceding 14 days. The number of active stores was 42,021 as of December 31, 2023.
    4 “Active agents” as of a given date is defined as agents on our platform excluding the agents who (i) delivered notice to leave but have not yet completed the exit procedures, (ii) have not engaged in any critical steps in housing transactions (including but not limited to introducing new properties, attracting new customers and conducting property showings) during the preceding 30 days, or (iii) have not participated in facilitating any housing transaction during the preceding three months. The number of active agents was 397,135 as of December 31, 2023.
    5 “Mobile monthly active users” or “mobile MAU” are to the sum of (i) the number of accounts that have accessed our platform through our Beike or Lianjia mobile app (with duplication eliminated) at least once during a month, and (ii) the number of Weixin users that have accessed our platform through our Weixin Mini Programs at least once during a month. Average mobile MAU for any period is calculated by dividing (i) the sum of the Company’s mobile MAUs for each month of such period, by (ii) the number of months in such period.
    6 Adjusted income (loss) from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as income (loss) from operations, excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, and (iii) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Please refer to the section titled “Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results” for details.
    7 Adjusted operating margin is adjusted income (loss) from operations as a percentage of net revenues.
    8 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income (loss), excluding (i) income tax expense, (ii) share-based compensation expenses, (iii) amortization of intangible assets, (iv) depreciation of property, plant and equipment, (v) interest income, net, (vi) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (vii) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets,and (viii) impairment of investments. Please refer to the section titled “Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results” for details.
    9 Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure and defined as net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders, excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, (iii) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (iv) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, (v) impairment of investments, (vi) tax effects of the above non-GAAP adjustments, and (vii) effects of non-GAAP adjustments on net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders. Please refer to the section titled “Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results” for details.
    10 ADS refers to American Depositary Share. Each ADS represents three Class A ordinary shares of the Company. Net income (loss) per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders is net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of ADS outstanding during the periods used in calculating net income (loss) per ADS, basic and diluted.
    11 Adjusted net income (loss) per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of ADS outstanding during the periods used in calculating adjusted net income (loss) per ADS, basic and diluted. Please refer to the section titled “Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results” for details.
    12 Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure and defined as net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders, excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, (iii) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (iv) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, (v) impairment of investments, (vi) tax effects of the above non-GAAP adjustments, and (vii) effects of non-GAAP adjustments on net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders. Please refer to the section titled “Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results” for details.
    13 ADS refers to American Depositary Share. Each ADS represents three Class A ordinary shares of the Company. Net income (loss) per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders is net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of ADS outstanding during the periods used in calculating net income (loss) per ADS, basic and diluted.
    14 Adjusted net income (loss) per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.’s ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of ADS outstanding during the periods used in calculating adjusted net income (loss) per ADS, basic and diluted. Please refer to the section titled “Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results” for details.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Dutton’s talk about a citizenship referendum is personal over-reach and political folly

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Peter Dutton, when he gets on his favoured ground of security, too often goes for the quick hit, and frequently over-reaches.

    His suggestion of running a possible referendum to facilitate the removal of bad eggs who are dual citizens is a prime example.

    Apart from the substance of the proposal, why would an aspiring prime minister be talking about a referendum after the experience of the Voice?

    As Dutton knows very well – and to his advantage in that case – referendums don’t succeed without bipartisan support, and this one certainly wouldn’t get backing from a Labor opposition. They cost a fortune, and they distract prime ministers. Dutton would have enough to do in government without going down this side track to a predictable dead end.

    Although this focus on booting people out of the country sounds Trumpian, it has long been a preoccupation of Dutton’s – something he pushed in the Coalition years.

    The Coalition amended the Citizenship Act, enabling a minister to revoke the Australian citizenship of dual nationals (so depriving them of the protection from removal that citizenship affords).

    But the High Court in 2022 struck this down, so a minister has to apply to a court in the course of a trial relating to a listed offence. The court makes the decision on citizenship as part of sentencing the person.

    Fast forward to the present, and Dutton sees advantage in any issues that go to security, of individuals or the country. Hence his talk of attempted constitutional change if the objective can’t be achieved by legislation.

    On morning TV on Tuesday he kept repeating that he wanted to keep people safe.

    He told Seven, “I want to keep our country safe […] it’s the first responsibility of any prime minister, and at the moment we’ve got people in our country who hate our country, who want to cause terrorist attacks. My argument is that if you betray your allegiance to our country in that way, you should expect to lose your citizenship.”

    “What we’re proposing here is a discussion about whether we’ve got adequate laws, whether the Constitution is restrictive, and ultimately, what I want to do is keep our country safe and keep communities safe. I think there are a lot of Australians at the moment who are worried about the rise of antisemitism and what we’ve seen in our country, and elsewhere, which just doesn’t reflect the values that we’ve fought for over many generations.”

    Apart from the fact a referendum would fail, the proposal itself has no obvious benefit. It is out of proportion to the problem it is supposed to be addressing, would be unlikely to act as a deterrent, and would stir a divisive debate. On Tuesday Dutton’s senior colleagues Michaelia Cash, who is shadow attorney-general, and Angus Taylor sounded less then enthusiastic about the move.

    For Dutton’s campaign, it carries a special danger. It gives the impression of a leader who comes up with extreme proposals. If he is suggesting this today, what will be think of tomorrow? More to the point, what might he suddenly propose when in government?

    This close to an election, Dutton needs to give voters the feeling he is predictable, that they know him, not that he produces ideas out of left field (or right field, in this case).

    Former Liberal attorney-general George Brandis, who was around for the earlier debate, summed up the situation succinctly, when he wrote in the Nine papers, “An unwanted referendum, without bipartisan support, to overturn the High Court? It is as mad an idea as I have heard in a long time.”

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. View from The Hill: Dutton’s talk about a citizenship referendum is personal over-reach and political folly – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-duttons-talk-about-a-citizenship-referendum-is-personal-over-reach-and-political-folly-252512

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Commander-in-Chief of US Veterans of Foreign Wars Alfred Lipphardt  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-02-17
    President Lai meets former United States Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger
    On the morning of February 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by former United States Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger. In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation for demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan through their visit. The president pointed out that increased cooperation between authoritarian regimes is posing risks and challenges to the geopolitical landscape and regional security. He emphasized that only by bolstering our defense capabilities can we demonstrate effective deterrence and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and around the world. The president stated that moving forward, Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities. He also expressed hope of strengthening the Taiwan-US partnership and jointly building secure and resilient non-red supply chains so as to ensure that Taiwan, the US, and democratic partners around the world maintain a technological lead. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to welcome our good friends Mr. Pottinger and retired US Rear Admiral Mr. Mark Montgomery to Taiwan once again. Last June, Mr. Pottinger and Mr. Ivan Kanapathy came to Taiwan to launch their new book The Boiling Moat. During that visit, they also visited the Presidential Office. We held an extensive exchange of views on Taiwan-US relations and regional affairs right here in the Taiwan Heritage Room. Now, as we meet again eight months later, I am pleased to learn that Mr. Kanapathy is now serving on the White House National Security Council. The Mandarin translation of The Boiling Moat is also due to be released in Taiwan very soon. This book offers insightful observations from US experts regarding US-China-Taiwan relations and valuable advice for the strengthening of Taiwan’s national defense, security, and overall resilience. I am sure that Taiwanese readers will benefit greatly from it. I understand that this is Mr. Montgomery’s fourth visit to Taiwan and that he has long paid close attention to Taiwan-related issues. I look forward to an in-depth discussion with our two friends on the future direction of Taiwan-US relations and cooperation. Increased cooperation between authoritarian regimes is posing risks and challenges to the geopolitical landscape and regional security. One notion we all share is peace through strength. That is, only by bolstering our defense capabilities and fortifying our defenses can we demonstrate effective deterrence and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and around the world. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities. We also hope to strengthen the Taiwan-US partnership in such fields as security, trade and the economy, and energy. In addition, we will advance cooperation in critical and innovative technologies and jointly build secure and resilient non-red supply chains. This will ensure that Taiwan, the US, and democratic partners around the world maintain a technological lead. We believe that closer Taiwan-US exchanges and cooperation not only benefit national security and development but also align with the common economic interests of Taiwan and the US. I want to thank Mr. Pottinger and Mr. Montgomery once again for visiting and for continuing to advance Taiwan-US exchanges, demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to deepen Taiwan-US relations. I wish you a smooth and fruitful visit.  Mr. Pottinger then delivered remarks, first congratulating President Lai on his one-year election anniversary and on the state of the economy, which, he added, is doing quite well. Mentioning President Lai’s recent statement pledging to increase Taiwan’s defense budget to above 3 percent of GDP, Mr. Pottinger said he thinks that the benchmark is equal to what the US spends on its defense and that it is a good starting point for both countries to build deterrence. Echoing the president’s earlier remarks, Mr. Pottinger said that peace through strength is the right path for the US and for Taiwan right now at a moment when autocratic, aggressive governments are on the march. He then paraphrased the words of former US President George Washington in his first inaugural address, saying that the best way to keep the peace is to be prepared at all times for war, which captures the meaning of peace through strength. In closing, he said he looks forward to exchanging views with President Lai.

    Details
    2024-12-26
    President Lai presides over second meeting of Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee
    On the afternoon of December 26, President Lai Ching-te presided over the second meeting of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. President Lai stated that the committee’s goal is to enhance overall resilience in terms of national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy through five key areas: civilian force training and utilization, strategic material preparation and critical supply distribution, energy and critical infrastructure operations and maintenance, social welfare, medical care, and evacuation facility readiness, and information, transportation, and financial network protection. That morning, he said, was the first time that central and local government officials, as well as civilian observers, gathered at the Presidential Office to conduct cross-disciplinary tabletop exercises, demonstrating cooperation between central and local governments to jointly enhance social resilience. President Lai also announced that the existing Wan An and Min An Exercises, which are air raid drills and disaster response drills, respectively, beginning from next year will be combined into the 2025 Urban Resilience Exercises, the nomenclature of which matches up with that of similar exercises carried out overseas. The exercises, he said, will strengthen the defensive mechanisms of the non-military sector, and verify the ability of civil defense and disaster preparedness systems to protect our nation’s people. The president emphasized that combining government and private-sector forces is the only way to strengthen Taiwan’s overall defense capabilities, jointly consolidate global democratic resilience, and maintain regional peace and stability. A translation of President Lai’s opening statement follows: Today, we are convening the second meeting of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, implementing the conclusions reached at the last meeting, conducting tabletop exercises, and verifying the preparedness of government agencies to address extreme situations. Looking back over the past year, circumstances at home and abroad have changed rapidly. Authoritarian states around the world continue to converge, threatening the rules-based international order, and they now present a collective challenge to the peace and stability of the entire first island chain. To address threats, whether natural disasters or ambitions for authoritarian expansion, we believe that as long as the government and all of society are prepared, we can respond. With determination, there is no need to worry. With confidence, our people can rest assured. This is the goal of whole-of-society defense resilience. Of course, these preparations are not easy. Taiwan’s society must race against time, and work together to build capabilities to respond to major disasters and threats, and deter enemy encroachment. Therefore, the goal of this committee is to formulate action plans through the five key areas: civilian force training and utilization, strategic material preparation and critical supply distribution, energy and critical infrastructure operations and maintenance, social welfare, medical care, and evacuation facility readiness, and information, transportation, and financial network protection, thereby verifying central and local government capacities to respond in times of disaster, and enhance overall resilience in terms of national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. This morning at the Presidential Office, we conducted the first-ever cross-disciplinary tabletop exercises involving central and local government officials as well as civilian observers. Participating teams from central government departments were all led by deputy ministers, Tainan City Deputy Mayor Yeh Tse-shan (葉澤山) led a team, and Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) also came to participate, demonstrating cooperation between central and local governments to jointly enhance social resilience. The exercises were based on Taiwan’s mature disaster prevention and relief system’s response to comprehensive threats. We had scenarios, but no scripts, so the participating units did not prepare notes in advance, but reacted on the spot. When presented with a problem, they proposed countermeasures, which is closer to a real crisis situation. To address the continued threat of authoritarian expansion to regional stability and order, in the first scenario we simulated that a high-intensity gray-zone operation occurred; for the second scenario, we simulated a state of being on the verge of conflict. The most important core objectives of the exercises were to ensure that people could carry on their daily lives and that society could function normally. I would like to thank our three deputy conveners for serving as exercise commanders, Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Chi Lien-cheng (季連成) for serving as deputy exercise commanders, and Deputy Secretary-General to the President Chang Tun-han (張惇涵) as well as National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lin Fei-fan (林飛帆) for serving as chief officials. I also want to thank all our advisors, committee members, and colleagues from government agencies at both the central and local levels for coming together to complete tabletop exercises aimed at testing out components of the five key areas. After conducting numerous exercises in the past, many government agencies improved their emergency response capabilities, and I want to recognize those achievements. However, I also want to emphasize that we must identify problems in our current systems, and then make improvements. Whether it be the central or the local level, we cannot just talk about the good things and sweep the unpleasant things under the rug. We have to rigorously ascertain numbers and make sure just how accurate the sources of our information are, because it is always a good thing when we discover problems in our exercises, and find places where improvements are needed. This means that our testing has achieved its purpose, and that there is much room for progress and improvement. I also want to report to you all that, over the past few years, due to the global pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, countries throughout the world have been bolstering their defense resilience. NATO and the European Union, for example, have both adopted guidelines aimed at strengthening whole-of-society resilience. This shows that Taiwan is not a special case. The task of whole-of-society defense resilience is being addressed throughout the world. Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its whole-of-society defense resilience is something the international community at large is wanting to see. This month I visited the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Palau, all of which are Pacific allies of Taiwan, and I made transit stops in the United States islands of Hawaii and Guam. Friends in each of these places expressed firm support for Taiwan and repeatedly said they hope for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We must continue taking action to respond to the international community’s support. Taiwan must have the capability to defend its own security. As president, I want to take this opportunity to emphasize to the international community that Taiwan is determined to defend regional peace and stability. We will accelerate the pace of efforts to build a more resilient Taiwan. I therefore wish to announce that our existing Wan An and Min An Exercises, which are air raid drills and disaster response drills, respectively, beginning from next year will be combined, and we will hold the 2025 Urban Resilience Exercises. This new nomenclature matches up with that of similar exercises carried out overseas, making it easier for others to understand the efforts that Taiwan is putting forth. In addition, the 2025 Urban Resilience Exercises will feature absolutely no reliance on military support, and will have a design that takes the latest international experiences into account. These resilience exercises will be distinct from the Han Kuang military exercises, and yet complementary at the same time. In other words, whole-of-society defense resilience must particularly strengthen the defensive mechanisms of the non-military sector, and must verify the ability of civil defense and disaster preparedness systems to protect our nation’s people. I want to emphasize once again that the more resilient we make Taiwan, like-minded nations around the world will be more willing to coordinate with us in responding to various challenges together. I realize that to defend democracy, we must gather together every bit of strength we have. The task of promoting whole-of-society defense resilience is a massive undertaking. The public sector must adopt a more open-minded attitude and be willing to tap into private-sector human resources, because combining government and private-sector forces is the only way to jointly respond to challenges arising under extreme conditions, and is the only way to strengthen Taiwan’s overall defense capabilities, jointly consolidate global democratic resilience, and maintain regional peace and stability. In just a few moments, Minister Liu will deliver a report on the progress of certain items listed in the first committee meeting, and Deputy Secretary-General Lin will deliver a report on the outcomes of the tabletop exercises held this morning. Next, let us engage in open discussions and examine and verify each component of the tabletop exercises, so that together we can improve whole-of-society defense resilience, make Taiwan more secure, and make the region more stable. Thank you. After listening to the report on the progress of certain items listed in the first committee meeting and the report on the outcomes of the tabletop exercises, President Lai exchanged views with the committee members regarding the content of the reports.123

    Details
    2024-11-30
    Presidential Office thanks Biden administration for announcing its 18th military sale to Taiwan
    On November 29 (US EST), the United States government announced that it had notified Congress of the sale to Taiwan of two military packages: a US$320 million sale of spare parts and support for F-16 aircraft and Active Electronically Scanned Array radar spare parts and support; and a US$65 million sale of Improved Mobile Subscriber Equipment Follow-on Support and related equipment. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that the Presidential Office is sincerely grateful to the US government for its unwavering commitment to continue to strengthen the cooperative partnership between Taiwan and the US and support Taiwan in enhancing self-defense capabilities in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.  Spokesperson Kuo stated that this marks the 18th military sale to Taiwan announced during the Biden administration since 2021, emphasizing that the deepening Taiwan-US security partnership is a critical cornerstone for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The spokesperson said that in the face of mounting security challenges in the region, Taiwan will continue to enhance self-defense capabilities and work alongside like-minded countries to jointly defend the values of freedom and democracy and ensure the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

    Details
    2024-10-26
    Presidential Office thanks Biden administration for announcing its 17th military sale to Taiwan
    On October 25 (US EST), the United States government announced that it had notified Congress of the US$1.988 billion sale to Taiwan of three military packages, including the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System as well as L-band and non-L-band radar turnkey systems. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) on October 26 stated that strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is the foundation for maintaining regional stability. The spokesperson said that the Presidential Office is grateful to the US government for continuing to provide Taiwan with the weaponry it needs in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. Spokesperson Kuo stated that this marks the 17th military sale to Taiwan announced during the Biden administration since 2021, as well as the largest single military sale since President Biden took office, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of the US government to the security of Taiwan. She emphasized that Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities as it works to maintain the rules-based international order, ensuring the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

    Details
    2024-09-26
    President Lai presides over first meeting of Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee
    On the afternoon of September 26, President Lai Ching-te presided over the first meeting of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. As the committee’s convener, the president presented committee members with their letters of appointment, and explained that in order to build up our whole-of-society defense resilience, we will actively engage in comprehensive preparation to make our nation stronger and our people more confident. The president stated that we will enhance Taiwan’s response capabilities and expand cooperation between the public and private sectors. He stated that he looks forward to working together with everyone to establish a platform through which we can communicate and coordinate on our national resilience strategy, fostering a national consensus, and strengthening resilience throughout Taiwan in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. President Lai stated that a more resilient Taiwan will contribute more to global democracy, peace, and prosperity. He emphasized that as our society becomes better prepared, our nation grows more secure; and as Taiwan shows more determination to defend itself, the international community will feel more at ease. He expressed hope that we will engage in wide-ranging discussions and build a fortress of unity, making Taiwan a cornerstone for ensuring regional stability and democratic sustainability. A translation of President Lai’s opening statement follows: In order to consolidate forces from various sectors to strategize on national development, at the end of my first month in office, I announced that the Presidential Office will establish three committees in response to three major global issues: climate change, health promotion, and social resilience. Last month we convened the first meetings for two of those committees – the National Climate Change Committee and the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee. Today, we are convening the first meeting for the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. I want to thank our three deputy conveners and all advisors and committee members for their joint commitment. I also want to thank our fellow citizens and friends for following the committee’s proceedings online. Climate change, large-scale natural disasters, and the threat to democracy posed by expanding authoritarianism are all challenges not just for Taiwan, but for the entire world. The operations and goals of these three committees are interrelated, and they are closely connected by the issue of national resilience. We intend to build up a more resilient Taiwan, proactively deal with challenges, and bring Taiwan into deeper cooperation with the international community. When former President Tsai Ing-wen was in office, the government took stock of resources in the public and private sectors in order to lay a solid foundation on which to build up our social resilience. Now, we will continue forward, from stocktaking to validation. This will entail three principles for whole-of-society defense resilience. The first principle is “preparedness through vigilance.” We will actively engage in comprehensive preparation to make our nation stronger and our people more confident. That way, in a disaster or emergency, the government and the public can quickly leverage their respective strengths and maintain the normal operation of society. The second principle is “enhanced response, fearlessness in action.” We will expand the training and utilization of civilian forces, enhance our strategic material preparation and critical supply distribution, and reinforce the operations and maintenance of energy and critical infrastructure. We will also improve the readiness of our social welfare, medical care, and evacuation facilities, and ensure the protection of information, transportation, and financial networks. All of this will enhance Taiwan’s response capabilities. The third principle is “orderly execution, methodical action.” At all levels of government, from central to local, we will conduct extensive validation and drilling, and we will expand connections with civil society groups and societal forces so that we can all work together, in a systematic and professional manner, to identify problems, propose solutions, and follow through with implementation. This is how we will resolve problems. The work involved in whole-of-society defense resilience is diverse and complex. Accordingly, this committee needs members from the public and private sectors who can work together in coordination. The members must be guided by practical experience, have interdisciplinary expertise, span different generations, and constitute a balance between the genders. These were the factors we took into consideration when we invited representatives from industry, government agencies, academia, and research institutions to serve as the four advisors and 23 members who make up this committee. Of the total committee membership, 67.7 percent are not government officials, and 32.3 percent are women.  First, I want to thank the committee advisors who have taken on that important responsibility. With us today we have Master Jing Yao (淨耀) of the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China; Huoh Shoou-yeh (霍守業), chairman of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research; and Lin Ming-hsiung (林敏雄), chairman of Chuan Lian Enterprise Co. I thank each of you for your participation, and look forward to seeing you provide the committee with broadly considered, professional views on such matters as civilian force preparedness, strategic frameworks, and supply distribution. I also want to introduce committee members who are here today. We have with us Wang Pao-tzong (王寶宗), chairman of the Holy Glory Temple; Chen Hsin-liang (陳信良), general secretary of the General Assembly Executive Committee of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan; and Yen Po-wen (顏博文), CEO of the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation. I thank you all for your commitment and for giving us all the opportunity to learn how religious groups engage in disaster preparedness and relief efforts. Let me also thank James Liao (廖英熙), president of the National Defense Education Association; Enoch Wu (吳怡農), founder of the Forward Alliance; Hsiau Ya-wen (蕭雅文), honorary chairperson of the Taiwan Development Association for Disaster Medical Team; Liu Wen (劉文), chairperson of the Kuma Civil Defense Education Association; and Tseng Po-yu (曾柏瑜), consultant at Doublethink Lab. You have all been long involved in civil defense education, emergency medicine, and other fields, so I am quite confident that you will help the committee to better understand civilian force training and utilization. Let me also introduce Tu Wen-ling (杜文苓), distinguished professor in the Department of Public Administration at National Chengchi University, and Hsiao Hsu-chun (蕭旭君), associate professor of Computer Science and Information Engineering at National Taiwan University. I thank both of you for generously contributing your expertise to make Taiwan’s energy and critical infrastructure operations more robust. Also, I want to thank Wu Jong-shinn (吳宗信), director general of the Taiwan Space Agency; Kenny Huang (黃勝雄), chairman of the Taiwan Network Information Center; and Dai Chen-yu (戴辰宇), board member of the Association of Hackers in Taiwan. Your involvement will contribute immensely to the protection of information, transportation, and financial networks in Taiwan. Among our committee members we have the following six government representatives: Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄); Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝), who could not attend today’s meeting; Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱); Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季); Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源); and Minister of Ocean Affairs Council Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲). The committee has two executive secretaries, namely Chi Lien-cheng (季連成), minister without portfolio of the Executive Yuan, and Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳). In addition, one member who will be joining us shortly is Bob Hung (洪偉淦), general manager of Trend Micro Taiwan. I also want to introduce one advisor and three committee members who could not attend today. They are, respectively, Robert Tsao (曹興誠), founder of United Microelectronics Corporation; Kuo Chia-yo (郭家佑), president of the Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association; Liu Yu-hsi (劉玉晳), associate professor in the Department of Communications Management at Shih-Hsin University; and Tina Lin (林雅芳), managing director of sales and operations at Google Taiwan. I also thank them for participating in this committee’s operations and for contributing their valuable advice at today’s proceedings in written form. Last Saturday marked the 25th anniversary of the major earthquake that struck Taiwan on September 21, 1999. For the past 25 years, we have worked continuously to improve Taiwan’s disaster preparedness and relief capabilities. Today, our purpose in building up whole-of-society defense resilience is to enable each and every individual to realize, when an emergency arises, where to best make a contribution and how to protect themselves, contribute to society, or deter an approaching enemy. We want to enable all our citizens to feel utterly confident in the continuity and future of Taiwan’s society. Today, in this first meeting of the committee, the National Security Council (NSC) will brief us on the topic of “Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience: Planning and Challenges.” The NSC will familiarize all of us here, as well as our citizens and friends watching online, with the concepts and operations involved in whole-of-society defense resilience, the associated challenges and goals, and the progress we have made toward achieving our tasks. I have said before that a sudden natural disaster is like an acute cold, while climate change is more like a chronic disease. What whole-of-society defense resilience addresses is both the chronic and the acute. In addition to national disasters and emergencies, Taiwan has also been dealing for a long time with the challenges of gray-zone aggression and cognitive warfare. Located in the first island chain, Taiwan stands on the frontline of the democratic world. As such, we have always endeavored to safeguard regional peace and stability. I firmly believe that a more resilient Taiwan will contribute more to global democracy, peace, and prosperity. I also believe that when Taiwan is properly prepared and shows determination, our like-minded partners from around the world will be more willing to help Taiwan, jointly respond to all kinds of challenges, and work in concert to mitigate risks. As the people of Taiwan become more united, our nation grows more stable. As our society becomes better prepared, our nation grows more secure. And as Taiwan shows more determination to defend itself, the international community will feel more at ease. And so, I want to thank all of you once again for taking on the major task of enhancing our whole-of-society defense resilience. I look forward to working together with everyone, as we continue to observe global conditions, to establish a platform through which we can communicate and coordinate on our national resilience strategy, thereby fostering a nationwide consensus and strengthening resilience throughout Taiwan in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. Moving forward, let us engage in wide-ranging discussions, build a fortress of unity, and further empower our whole-of-society defense resilience, making Taiwan a cornerstone for ensuring regional stability and democratic sustainability. Thank you. Following his statement, President Lai presented letters of appointment to the committee members and heard a report from NSC Deputy Secretary-General Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) on the topic of “Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience: Planning and Challenges.” Afterward, President Lai exchanged views with the committee members regarding the content of the report and the Rules of Procedure for Meetings of the Office of the President Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee.

    Details
    2025-03-13
    President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
    On the afternoon of March 13, President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security meeting, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai introduced 17 major strategies to respond to five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces: China’s threat to national sovereignty, its threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting Taiwan’s military, its threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan, its threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges, and its threats from using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth. President Lai emphasized that in the face of increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and expressed hope that all citizens unite in solidarity to resist being divided. The president also expressed hope that citizens work together to increase media literacy, organize and participate in civic education activities, promptly expose concerted united front efforts, and refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, he said, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: At many venues recently, a number of citizens have expressed similar concerns to me. They have noticed cases in which members of the military, both active-duty and retired, have been bought out by China, sold intelligence, or even organized armed forces with plans to harm their own nation and its citizens. They have noticed cases in which entertainers willingly followed instructions from Beijing to claim that their country is not a country, all for the sake of personal career interests. They have noticed how messaging used by Chinese state media to stir up internal opposition in Taiwan is always quickly spread by specific channels. There have even been individuals making careers out of helping Chinese state media record united front content, spreading a message that democracy is useless and promoting skepticism toward the United States and the military to sow division and opposition. Many people worry that our country, as well as our hard-won freedom and democracy and the prosperity and progress we achieved together, are being washed away bit by bit due to these united front tactics. In an analysis of China’s united front, renowned strategic scholar Kerry K. Gershaneck expressed that China plans to divide and conquer us through subversion, infiltration, and acquisition of media, and by launching media warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare. What they are trying to do is to sow seeds of discord in our society, keep us occupied with internal conflicts, and cause us to ignore the real threat from outside. China’s ambition over the past several decades to annex Taiwan and stamp out the Republic of China has not changed for even a day. It continues to pursue political and military intimidation, and its united front infiltration of Taiwan’s society grows ever more serious. In 2005, China promulgated its so-called “Anti-Secession Law,” which makes using military force to annex Taiwan a national undertaking. Last June, China issued a 22-point set of “guidelines for punishing Taiwan independence separatists,” which regards all those who do not accept that “Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China” as targets for punishment, creating excuses to harm the people of Taiwan. China has also recently been distorting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, showing in all aspects China’s increasingly urgent threat against Taiwan’s sovereignty. Lately, China has been taking advantage of democratic Taiwan’s freedom, diversity, and openness to recruit gangs, the media, commentators, political parties, and even active-duty and retired members of the armed forces and police to carry out actions to divide, destroy, and subvert us from within. A report from the National Security Bureau indicates that 64 persons were charged last year with suspicion of spying for China, which was three times the number of persons charged for the same offense in 2021. Among them, the Unionist Party, Rehabilitation Alliance Party, and Republic of China Taiwan Military Government formed treasonous organizations to deploy armed forces for China. In a democratic and free society, such cases are appalling. But this is something that actually exists within Taiwan’s society today. China also actively plots ways to infiltrate and spy on our military. Last year, 28 active-duty and 15 retired members of the armed forces were charged with suspicion of involvement in spying for China, respectively comprising 43 percent and 23 percent of all of such cases – 66 percent in total. We are also alert to the fact that China has recently used widespread issuance of Chinese passports to entice Taiwanese citizens to apply for the Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents, permanent residency, or the Resident Identity Card, in an attempt to muddle Taiwanese people’s sense of national identity. China also views cross-strait exchanges as a channel for its united front against Taiwan, marking enemies in Taiwan internally, creating internal divisions, and weakening our sense of who the enemy really is. It intends to weaken public authority and create the illusion that China is “governing” Taiwan, thereby expanding its influence within Taiwan. We are also aware that China has continued to expand its strategy of integrated development with Taiwan. It employs various methods to demand and coerce Taiwanese businesses to increase their investments in China, entice Taiwanese youth to develop their careers in China, and unscrupulously seeks to poach Taiwan’s talent and steal key technologies. Such methods impact our economic security and greatly increase the risk of our young people heading to China. By its actions, China already satisfies the definition of a “foreign hostile force” as provided in the Anti-Infiltration Act. We have no choice but to take even more proactive measures, which is my purpose in convening this high-level national security meeting today. It is time we adopt proper preventive measures, enhance our democratic resilience and national security, and protect our cherished free and democratic way of life. Next, I will be giving a detailed account of the five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces and the 17 major strategies we have prepared in response. I. Responding to China’s threats to our national sovereignty We have a nation insofar as we have sovereignty, and we have the Republic of China insofar as we have Taiwan. Just as I said during my inaugural address last May, and in my National Day address last October: The moment when Taiwan’s first democratically elected president took the oath of office in 1996 sent a message to the international community, that Taiwan is a sovereign, independent, democratic nation. Among people here and in the international community, some call this land the Republic of China, some call it Taiwan, and some, the Republic of China Taiwan. The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan resists any annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. The future of the Republic of China Taiwan must be decided by its 23 million people. This is the status quo that we must maintain. The broadest consensus in Taiwanese society is that we must defend our sovereignty, uphold our free and democratic way of life, and resolutely oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (1) I request that the National Security Council (NSC), the Ministry of National Defense (MND), and the administrative team do their utmost to promote the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to demonstrate the people’s broad consensus and firm resolve, consistent across the entirety of our nation, to oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (2) I request that the NSC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs draft an action plan that will, through collaboration with our friends and allies, convey to the world our national will and broad social consensus in opposing annexation of Taiwan by China and in countering China’s efforts to erase Taiwan from the international community and downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. II. Responding to China’s threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting our military (1) Comprehensively review and amend our Law of Military Trial to restore the military trial system, allowing military judges to return to the frontline and collaborate with prosecutorial, investigative, and judicial authorities in the handling of criminal cases in which active-duty military personnel are suspected of involvement in such military crimes as sedition, aiding the enemy, leaking confidential information, dereliction of duty, or disobedience. In the future, criminal cases involving active-duty military personnel who are suspected of violating the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces will be tried by a military court. (2) Implement supporting reforms, including the establishment of a personnel management act for military judges and separate organization acts for military courts and military prosecutors’ offices. Once planning and discussion are completed, the MND will fully explain to and communicate with the public to ensure that the restoration of the military trial system gains the trust and full support of society. (3) To deter the various types of controversial rhetoric and behavior exhibited by active-duty as well as retired military personnel that severely damage the morale of our national military, the MND must discuss and propose an addition to the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces on penalties for expressions of loyalty to the enemy as well as revise the regulations for military personnel and their families receiving retirement benefits, so as to uphold military discipline. III. Responding to China’s threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan (1) I request that the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), and other relevant agencies, wherever necessary, carry out inspections and management of the documents involving identification that Taiwanese citizens apply for in China, including: passports, ID cards, permanent residence certificates, and residence certificates, especially when the applicants are military personnel, civil servants, or public school educators, who have an obligation of loyalty to Taiwan. This will be done to strictly prevent and deter united front operations, which are performed by China under the guise of “integrated development,” that attempt to distort our people’s national identity. (2) With respect to naturalization and integration of individuals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau into Taiwanese society, more national security considerations must be taken into account while also attending to Taiwan’s social development and individual rights: Chinese nationals applying for permanent residency in Taiwan must, in accordance with the law of Taiwan, relinquish their existing household registration and passport and may not hold dual identity status. As for the systems in place to process individuals from Hong Kong or Macau applying for residency or permanent residency in Taiwan, there will be additional provisions for long-term residency to meet practical needs. IV. Responding to China’s threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges  (1) There are increasing risks involved with travel to China. (From January 1, 2024 to today, the MAC has received reports of 71 Taiwanese nationals who went missing, were detained, interrogated, or imprisoned in China; the number of unreported people who have been subjected to such treatment may be several times that. Of those, three elderly I-Kuan Tao members were detained in China in December of last year and have not yet been released.) In light of this, relevant agencies must raise public awareness of those risks, continue enhancing public communication, and implement various registration systems to reduce the potential for accidents and the risks associated with traveling to China. (2) Implement a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public officials at all levels of the central and local government. This includes everyone from administrative officials to elected representatives, from legislators to village and neighborhood chiefs, all of whom should make the information related to such exchanges both public and transparent so that they can be accountable to the people. The MOI should also establish a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public welfare organizations, such as religious groups, in order to prevent China’s interference and united front activities at their outset. (3) Manage the risks associated with individuals from China engaging in exchanges with Taiwan: Review and approval of Chinese individuals coming to Taiwan should be limited to normal cross-strait exchanges and official interactions under the principles of parity and dignity, and relevant factors such as changes in the cross-strait situation should be taken into consideration. Strict restrictions should be placed on Chinese individuals who have histories with the united front coming to Taiwan, and Chinese individuals should be prohibited from coming to Taiwan to conduct activities related in any way to the united front. (4) Political interference from China and the resulting risks to national security should be avoided in cross-strait exchanges. This includes the review and management of religious, cultural, academic, and education exchanges, which should in principle be depoliticized and de-risked so as to simplify people-to-people exchanges and promote healthy and orderly exchanges. (5) To deter the united front tactics of a cultural nature employed by Chinese nationals to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty, the Executive Yuan must formulate a solution to make our local cultural industries more competitive, including enhanced support and incentives for our film, television, and cultural and creative industries to boost their strengths in democratic cultural creation, raise international competitiveness, and encourage research in Taiwan’s own history and culture. (6) Strengthen guidance and management for entertainers developing their careers in China. The competent authorities should provide entertainers with guidelines on conduct while working in China, and make clear the scope of investigation and response to conduct that endangers national dignity. This will help prevent China from pressuring Taiwanese entertainers to make statements or act in ways that endanger national dignity. (7) The relevant authorities must adopt proactive, effective measures to prevent China from engaging in cognitive warfare against Taiwan or endangering cybersecurity through the internet, applications, AI, and other such tools. (8) To implement these measures, each competent authority must run a comprehensive review of the relevant administrative ordinances, measures, and interpretations, and complete the relevant regulations for legal enforcement. Should there be any shortcomings, the legal framework for national security should be strengthened and amendments to the National Security Act, Anti-Infiltration Act, Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong & Macao Affairs, or Cyber Security Management Act should be proposed. Communication with the public should also be increased so that implementation can happen as soon as possible. V. Responding to threats from China using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth (1) I request that the NSC and administrative agencies work together to carry out strategic structural adjustments to the economic and trade relations between Taiwan and China based on the strategies of putting Taiwan first and expanding our global presence while staying rooted in Taiwan. In addition, they should carry out necessary, orderly adjustments to the flow of talent, goods, money, and skills involved in cross-strait economic and trade relations based on the principle of strengthening Taiwan’s foundations to better manage risk. This will help boost economic security and give us more power to respond to China’s economic and trade united front and economic coercion against Taiwan. (2) I request that the Ministry of Education, MAC, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other relevant agencies work together to comprehensively strengthen young students’ literacy education on China and deepen their understanding of cross-strait exchanges. I also request these agencies to widely publicize mechanisms for employment and entrepreneurship for Taiwan’s youth and provide ample information and assistance so that young students have more confidence in the nation’s future and more actively invest in building up and developing Taiwan. My fellow citizens, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. History tells us that any authoritarian act of aggression or annexation will ultimately end in failure. The only way we can safeguard freedom and prevail against authoritarian aggression is through solidarity. As we face increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and to ensure that the freedom, democracy, and way of life of Taiwan’s 23 million people continues on as normal. But relying solely on the power of the government is not enough. What we need even more is for all citizens to stay vigilant and take action. Every citizen stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy and freedom. Here is what we can do together: First, we can increase our media literacy, and refrain from spreading and passing on united front messaging from the Chinese state. Second, we can organize and participate in civic education activities to increase our knowledge about united front operations and build up whole-of-society defense resilience. Third, we can promptly expose concerted united front efforts so that all malicious attempts are difficult to carry out. Fourth, we must refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. The vigilance and action of every citizen forms the strongest line of defense against united front infiltration. Only through solidarity can we resist being divided. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Jobless rate edges up to 3.2%

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up  0.1 percentage point from November 2024 to January 2025 to 3.2% for the December 2024 to February 2025 period, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

    The underemployment rate remained at 1.1%.

    Total employment was 3,709,500, down 7,100 from November 2024 to January 2025, while the labour force also dropped 5,400 to 3,821,300.

    The number of unemployed people increased from 110,100 to 111,700. Meanwhile, the number of underemployed people decreased from 43,000 to 40,700.

    Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the labour market should remain largely stable in the near term, although some businesses would be affected by the uncertainties stemming from US trade protection measures.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Green scheme approves 6 projects

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Six projects have been approved in the new application round of the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, involving a total grant of around $51 million, the Government announced today.

    The newly approved projects cover diversified ecological and cultural conservation work in remote countryside areas such as Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam, Kap Tong, Kuk Po, Kat O and Deep Bay wetlands.

    They involve the adoption of ecologically friendly means to conduct farming and fishpond habitat management to revitalise farmland and fish ponds, and increase their ecological value.

    The approved projects also include the revitalisation of traditional Hakka culture, showcasing unique and precious cultural assets in the countryside, enhancing travellers’ ecotour experience, as well as increasing public awareness of conserving natural ecology and cultural and historic assets.

    So far, a total of 56 projects involving a subsidy of more than $325 million have been approved under the 10 application rounds.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Building energy efficiency mooted

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be published in the Gazette on Friday, seeking to enhance Hong Kong’s buildings energy efficiency management regime and lessen the financial burden on the public.

    The Environment & Ecology Bureau noted that the proposed amendments aim to achieve a win-win scenario of saving electricity costs for buildings, reducing carbon emissions and boosting the development of a green economy.

    The amendment bill contains five parts – regulating the energy efficiency standards of building services installations for all data centres in Hong Kong; requiring more types of buildings to conduct regular energy audits; shortening the intervals of energy audits; disclosing certain technical information in energy audit reports; and including more qualifications eligible for registration as Registered Energy Assessors.

    The bureau said if the amendment bill is passed by the Legislative Council and implemented in full, it is estimated that an additional 500 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 150,000 three-person households, could be saved in 2035.

    The amendment bill will be introduced into LegCo for first reading and the commencement of second reading debate on March 26.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 29th Hong Kong FILMART opens

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An artificial intelligence pilot project showcases the innovative breakthroughs brought by AI technology for film and television production at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), in Hong Kong, south China, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 29th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) opened on Monday, kicking off a four-day bonanza attended by over 760 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions.

    This year’s event, which is being held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, features pavilions for some 30 regions, with those for Cambodia, France and India debuting. More than 100 exhibitors came from ASEAN countries.

    Tencent, iQIYI and some other streaming platforms from the Chinese mainland promoted latest contents and future projects alongside local entertainment companies.

    People view the joint exhibition booth of Chinese films at the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) in Hong Kong, south China, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Many mainland provinces and municipalities sent teams to the event in an effort to explore overseas markets for Chinese-language movies and TV shows. A total of 58 companies from Guangdong Province will showcase over 100 of their productions.

    This FILMART also dedicated a section to artificial intelligence and its groundbreaking role in pre-production, filming, as well as the creation of visual effects and voiceprint.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on March 14, 2025 2025-03-18 Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on March 14, 2025.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on March 14, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    I have a piece of information to announce at the top.

    The first meeting of International Military Cooperation Organs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States for 2025 will be held in Qingdao, Shandong, from March 26 to 27. Representatives from defense ministries of the SCO member states and the SCO secretariat will attend the meeting to exchange views on future defense and security cooperation. The meeting will be hosted by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense.

    Journalist: President Xi Jinping attended the plenary meeting of the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Armed Police Force (PAP) during the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and gave an important speech. He emphasized the need to meet the requirements for high-quality development and ensure the effective implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for military development. Could you share more details on that?

    Zhang Xiaogang: On March 7, President Xi Jinping attended the plenary meeting of the delegation of the PLA and the PAP during the third session of the 14th NPC. He emphasized that an effective implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan for military development is of great significance for achieving the centenary goal of the PLA on schedule and for building a strong country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.

    Over the past four years, a series of major accomplishments have been made in the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan for military development, which has reached a critical stage of overcoming challenges and making breakthroughs. From the strategic height of advancing Chinese modernization, President Xi set clear requirements and made overall arrangement to ensure high-quality fulfillment of the objectives set by the 14th Five-Year Plan for military development. The speech provides important guidance for achieving the centenary goal of the Chinese military and supporting the great cause of national rejuvenation, and inspires all the servicemen and women to be more confident in overcoming challenges head-on, thereby meeting the requirements for high-quality development and achieving the set objectives and tasks on schedule.

    The whole military will keep studying and implementing the guiding principles of President Xi’s important speech. With a strong sense of political responsibility and historical mission, we will ensure effective execution and efficient implementation, pursue a path of high-quality, high-efficiency, low-cost and sustainable development, take critical steps to meet the centenary goal of the PLA, and comprehensively improve the strategic capabilities in defending national sovereignty, security and development interests.

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on March 14, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

    Journalist: The PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team visited Thailand and participated in the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations and the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Thai Air Force. Please give us more details.

    Zhang Xiaogang: At the invitation of the Royal Thai Air Force, the PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team performed at the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations and the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Thai Air Force from March 2 to 10. The team had a non-stop ferry flight from an airfield in North China to Bangkok, through aerial refueling with a YU-20 tanker aircraft. During the event, the team demonstrated complex maneuvers such as six-ship formation roll and five-ship horizontal upward blossom. The audience cheered when smoke trails of red, white, blue and yellow appeared in the air. Aerobatic flight performance builds the bridge of lasting, family-like friendship between China and Thailand. The PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team will continue to reach out and fly around the world to showcase its openness, confidence and commitment to excellence.

    Journalist: After the release of the newly-revised common regulations, media analysis suggested that the regulations placed greater emphasis on combat readiness. Meanwhile, there are some changes to rules on staying overnight in barracks and personnel egress. Do you have any comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: The military is first and foremost a fighting force that exists for war. The newly-revised common regulations are aimed at helping the PLA fight and win wars. They incorporate the standard of combat effectiveness into all aspects of military development, and emphasize combat readiness at all levels of military functions, from soldiers to officers to generals. They integrate strict discipline with genuine care for service members, and combine rigorous management with thoughtful policies. On the basis of ensuring combat readiness, adjustments have been made to optimize rules regarding staying overnight in barracks, and personnel egress and leave. These heartwarming measures benefiting service members are designed to boost their morale and strengthen their commitment to the cause of building a strong military.

    Journalist: It is reported that the Japanese Ministry of Defense has, for the first time, publicly disclosed the progress in developing a new ballistic missile with a range of 3,000 kilometers, far beyond the scope of its exclusively defense-oriented policy. The missile is an offensive weapon developed in response to the calls from the US for its allies to enhance their offence capabilities. Please comment on that.

    Zhang Xiaogang: In recent years, Japan has repeatedly breached its commitments under the pacifist constitution and moved further down the path of military enhancement. Such actions are dangerous and will gain no support. Recent history tells us that Japanese militarism once brought immeasurable disasters to the people of Japan, Asia, and the whole world. This year, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. We urge the Japanese side to learn from historical lessons, act prudently in the field of military security, contribute more to regional peace and stability, and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the larger international community through concrete actions.

    Journalist: The Philippine Defense Secretary claimed that China’s increasing “aggression” in the disputed waters was considered the greatest threat to the national security of the Philippines. He also said that the Philippines and its security allies would together push back any “aggressive attempt” by China, and take measures against any attempt to impose an air defense zone or restrict freedom of flights over the South China Sea. Do you have any comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. We are committed to peace and stability in the region. In fact, there has never been any problem with regard to the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. However, the Philippine side has repeatedly infringed on China’s sovereignty and made provocative moves, and some countries outside the region keep fanning the flames and stirring up troubles. Their behaviors undermined tranquility in the South China Sea. With many options in our toolkit, China stands firm in our resolve to protect our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We urge the Philippine side not to miscalculate the situation, to immediately stop risky but futile provocations, and to return to the right track of properly handling disputes through dialogue.

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on March 14, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    Journalist: The US side claimed that China might be developing a large nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with an equal tonnage of US carriers. Please comment on that.

    Zhang Xiaogang: Relevant reports are pure speculation. It should be emphasized that our aircraft carrier development is always based on comprehensive considerations, including the needs of national security and the development of equipment and technology.

    Journalist: It is reported that the nominee for US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy said that the status of Taiwan was not existential to the US, but Washington had important national security interests in Taiwan, and Taiwan needed to dramatically hike defense spending to around 10% of its GDP. An official from Taiwan’s defense authorities said that it was in the core interests of the US to maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and thus the US is unlikely to give up Taiwan. What is your comment on this?

    Zhang Xiaogang: The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, which brooks no external interference. The US side attempts to contain China with Taiwan, and is doubling down on arming Taiwan. At the same time, the DPP authorities are seeking to exploit such situation to increase its defense spending. Their actions have gravely harmed the security and well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan, and severely undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The DPP authorities, intoxicated with the illusion of soliciting US support for “Taiwan independence,” willingly act as a pawn and betray the people of Taiwan. Ultimately, the useful fool will end up being an abandoned tool.

    Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on March 14, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)

    Journalist: Recently, some Japanese media reported on the passage of Japanese military vessels through the Taiwan Strait in February. Japanese defense officials stated that this pertained to the operations of the Self-Defense Forces and would not comment further. However, they expressed grave concerns over the increasing activities of the Chinese military around Japan and emphasized that they would respond calmly yet resolutely. Please comment on that.

    Zhang Xiaogang: China respects the right of navigation entitled to all countries under the international law. However, China firmly opposes any attempt by any country to stir up troubles in the Taiwan Strait, infringe upon China’s sovereignty and security, or send wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.

    It needs to be emphasized that activities of the Chinese military in relevant waters and airspace are in accordance with international law and practice. They are legitimate, justified and beyond reproach. We firmly oppose unfounded accusations made by the Japanese side against China’s routine training activities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: New WSO2 Integration Offerings Maximize the Power of AI 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Austin, TX and Barcelona, Spain, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Integration plays a critical role in enabling applications and digital services to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Today WSO2 is empowering software developers to gain new levels of productivity in creating and managing AI integrations with the introduction of its WSO2 Ballerina Integrator open-source software and Devant by WSO2 AI enterprise integration platform as a service (iPaaS). 

    WSO2 Ballerina Integrator and Devant, available now, address the dual demands around AI-enabled software integrations. They allow software developers to seamlessly switch between low-code and pro-code when creating integrations—an integration market first—while also utilizing AI-assisted development to streamline their efforts. At the same time, the products provide comprehensive support for connecting to large language models (LLMs), vector databases, and any system or application, and building AI agents that can then be used to execute intelligent integrations and power AI-driven applications.

    WSO2 is demonstrating the new WSO2 Ballerina Integrator and Devant offerings and their AI capabilities at WSO2Con 2025, which runs March 18-20, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

    “AI-driven integrations are enabling a powerful new generation of intelligent applications and digital services, but they also bring new layers of complexity,” said Selvaratnam Uthaiyashankar, WSO2 senior vice president and general manager – integration. “With the introduction of our open-source WSO2 Ballerina Integrator and Devant AI enterprise iPaaS, we’re helping software developers to innovate new AI-driven experiences and improve their own productivity by cutting through that integration complexity.”

    WSO2 Ballerina Integrator 
    WSO2 Ballerina Integrator is a new AI-driven integration environment. It provides out-of-the-box support to connect anything—APIs, AI agents, systems, databases—across any environment and protocol, and it is complemented by 200-plus pre-built connectors. A component of the WSO2 Integrator product, it can be deployed on-premises, in a private cloud, or across hybrid environments.

    Low-Code/Pro-Code. WSO2 Ballerina Integrator is powered by Ballerina, the open-source programming language designed specifically for integration. It leverages Ballerina’s unique ability to let developers seamlessly switch between graphical low-code and textual pro-code interfaces and even view them side-by-side. 

    AI Development Assistance. Using the widely adopted Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code) editor available with WSO2 Ballerina Integrator, developers can create integrations faster and tap WSO2 Copilot to further increase their productivity. For example, they can describe integration requirements in natural language to get AI-generated integration code, use an AI-powered test framework to automatically generate test cases, and utilize an AI assistant to map data fields between source and target schemas.

    AI Agent and RAG Support. WSO2 Ballerina Integrator provides out-of-the-box support for building AI agents by using built-in capabilities combined with comprehensive connectivity to LLMs, vector databases, and other systems. It also supports the development of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) applications that help LLMs to tap additional data sources to improve their accuracy. 

    Devant by WSO2
    Devant by WSO2 is the new AI enterprise iPaaS designed for the AI-native era, enabling users to build intelligent integrations using both low-code and pro-code. It simplifies the development, deployment and management of integration flows while leveraging AI for automation, optimization, and real-time insights. Devant also delivers proven performance, since it is powered by the same technology that drives the Choreo internal developer platform as a service and WSO2 Integrator, including its WSO2 Ballerina Integrator and WSO2 Micro Integrator components. 

    Built to Create and Utilize AI Functionality. Devant provides all the capabilities of WSO2 Ballerina Integrator for AI-assisted development; features for creating AI agents and RAG applications; functionality for using AI agents in integration flows; and comprehensive support for integrating third-party AI services, vector databases and other systems. This empowers developers to use integration as a foundation for building intelligent (generative AI) digital experiences, streamlining workflows, and enhancing data connectivity for smarter decision-making.

    Offering Enterprise PaaS Capabilities. Devant utilizes the same PaaS technology employed by Choreo to deliver the robust functionality organizations expect. It provides the ability to convert integrations as APIs into managed APIs, discover and reuse APIs, and create databases and message brokers. Devant also offers built-in continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) and DevOps support, zero trust security, and secret management. Additionally, it includes support for organizations and projects with configurable roles, multi-cloud and hybrid cloud deployment, and observability and usage insights.

    Integration and Deployment Flexibility. Devant is supported by more than 200 pre-built connectors along with functionality for creating custom adapters. Additionally, customers have the option of a private data plane deployment with Devant, which can be hosted in either the enterprise’s own cloud environment or WSO2’s cloud environment.

    Availability and Support
    WSO2 Ballerina Integrator 1.0 open-source software and the Devant AI enterprise iPaaS are now generally available. More details are covered in today’s integration product blog posts: WSO2 Ballerina Integrator and Devant. Additionally, developers and other technology professionals can visit WSO2’s website to download WSO2 Ballerina Integrator and try Devant for free. 

    About WSO2
    Founded in 2005, WSO2 is the largest independent software vendor providing open-source API management, integration, and identity and access management (IAM) to thousands of enterprises in over 90 countries. WSO2’s products and platforms—including our next-gen internal developer platform, Choreo—empower organizations to leverage the full potential of artificial intelligence and APIs for securely delivering the next generation of AI-enabled digital services and applications. Our open-source, AI-driven, API-first approach frees developers and architects from vendor lock-in and enables rapid digital product creation. Recognized as leaders by industry analysts, WSO2 has over 800 employees worldwide with offices in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US, with nearly USD100M in annual recurring revenue. Visit https://wso2.com to learn more. Follow WSO2 on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

    The MIL Network –