NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI: A New Chapter Begins! CMS Achieves Secondary Listing on the Singapore Exchange Main Board Today

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, CHINA, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On the morning of 15 July 2025, China Medical System Holdings Limited (“CMS” or the “Group”) rang the ceremonial bell to mark its official listing on the Singapore Exchange Main Board (Stock Abbreviation: CMS, Stock Code: 8A8).

    Nearly one hundred representatives from global professional institutions, shareholders, business partners and employees gathered to witness this strategic moment. Following its successful IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Main Board in September 2010 , CMS advances with formidable momentum onto the international capital platform, which will attract funds focusing on Asia-Pacific investments and local capital in Southeast Asia to optimize the shareholder structure. This listing also marks a significant milestone for the Group to deepen roots in emerging markets and advance industrial internationalization strategy.

    At the listing ceremony, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of CMS, Mr. Lam Kong stated: “The secondary listing in Singapore represents a crucial step in implementing CMS’s Asia-Pacific strategy, demonstrating our commitment to extending China’s market advantages across the entire APAC region while strengthening our presence in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This move not only facilitates CMS’s comprehensive and sustainable development in Asia-Pacific markets, but also enhances our international influence and competitiveness, enabling us to serve broader patient populations with high-quality and affordable medication options.”

    New CMS  New Ascent
    Over the 33-year journey, CMS has continuously challenged and surpassed itself through three strategic transformations to adapt to the external ecosystem: evolving from “China’s largest CSO” (1992-2010), to “transition from CSO to Pharma” (2010-2018), and since 2018, gradually establishing three core strategies of “Innovation-driven, Specialty Breakthroughs and Industrial Internationalization” to promote the upgrading and iteration of “New CMS”, accumulating momentum for takeoff.

    CMS has established a comprehensive pharmaceutical product lifecycle management system, covering every stage from target identification to clinical development, product registration and commercialization. The Group focuses on FIC (First-in-Class) and BIC (Best-in-Class)  innovative products, and has meticulously built a pipeline of approximately 40 innovative products with differentiated advantages, among which 5 innovative drugs have been approved and successfully commercialized in China. With the impact of VBP (Volume-Based Procurement) mostly cleared, CMS has entered a new cycle of high-quality and sustainable development driven by exclusive and innovative drugs.

    In specialty fields, the Group focuses on cardio-cerebrovascular, gastroenterology, ophthalmology and skin health, continuously deepening product portfolios and expert networks. Notably, the Group’s skin health business “DERMAVON” has emerged as a leader in its sector and is proposed for an independent listing on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

    A Pioneer in Industrial Internationalization  Synergized Development Across the Entire “R&D, Manufacturing and Commercialization” Value Chain
    Since 2022, CMS has initiated its “Industrial Internationalization” strategy by extending the Group’s advantages and resources from the Chinese market to emerging markets. Utilizing Singapore as the strategic pivot, the Group has established a localized cluster comprising CMS R&D, PharmaGend, and Rxilient, achieving synergized development across the entire pharmaceutical value chain from R&D to production and commercialization, driving deeper and broader market expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.

    Internationalization of the Commercialization System: Rxilient serves as a platform for drug introduction, R&D and commercialization, operated by a professional and experienced localized team. Headquartered in Singapore, its business has expanded to 14 countries and regions including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Middle East, helping partners from China, the US, and Europe bring innovative drugs to emerging markets while introducing more high-quality and affordable treatment options to local markets. As of now, Rxilient has cumulatively submitted marketing applications for nearly 20 drugs and medical devices across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, covering therapeutic areas such as dermatology, ophthalmology, oncology, autoimmune, and central nervous system.

    Internationalization of the Production System: PharmaGend, as an international CDMO platform based in Singapore, has a site spanning 30,000 square meters and is capable of manufacturing dosage forms such as tablets and capsules, with plans to expand production lines for injections, ointments, and nasal sprays. The factory has been certified by international authorities such as the FDA and the HSA, demonstrating its high-standard pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities for global export .

    Structural factors including large population bases, healthcare insurance expansion and rising chronic disease burdens are transforming Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other emerging markets into new growth engines for the global pharmaceutical industry. Leveraging its integrated ecosystem, CMS is forming a novel model for Chinese pharmaceutical globalization – not only enabling incremental market conversion for its own products in emerging markets, but also providing global partners with a reliable one-stop solution, thereby generating additional growth momentum for the Group.

    Looking ahead, CMS will continue advancing its three core strategies to build the long-term value system of “New CMS”. By persistently enhancing accessibility to pharmaceutical innovation, CMS aims to benefit more patients, achieve sustainable healthy development, and deliver substantial value returns to investors.

    CMS Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient’s specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert.

    This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group’s market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections.

    Media Contact

    Brand: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    Contact: CMS Investor Relations

    Email: ir@cms.net.cn

    Website: https://web.cms.net.cn/en/home/

    Source: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    The MIL Network –

  • India’s trade deficit narrows to $18.78 billion in June

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s trade deficit narrowed to $18.78 billion in June, down from $21.88 billion in May, according to data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Tuesday.

    Merchandise exports remained nearly flat at $35.14 billion in June compared to $35.16 billion in the same month last year. Imports, however, declined by 3.71 per cent to $53.92 billion from $56 billion a year ago.

    In the services sector, India recorded an estimated surplus of $15.62 billion for June, with services exports at $32.84 billion and imports at $17.58 billion.

    Combined exports of merchandise and services stood at $67.98 billion in June, while combined imports were $71.50 billion, resulting in a net trade deficit of $3.51 billion for the month.

    Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal recently said that global conflicts and economic uncertainties are impacting Indian exports. The government, he added, is working closely with exporters to address issues related to shipping and insurance.

    The trade numbers come as India continues negotiations with the US and other partners to secure favourable market access. The US has been pushing for wider access for its agricultural and dairy products — a sensitive issue for India due to its impact on the livelihoods of small farmers.

    India is also seeking an exemption from former US President Donald Trump’s 26 per cent tariffs by aiming to conclude an interim trade deal. Simultaneously, India is pushing for tariff concessions on its labour-intensive exports, including textiles, leather and footwear.

    Trump has announced that his administration will begin notifying trading partners about tariff rates as early as Friday, even as last-stage talks continue with countries including India to avoid higher US duties.

    Meanwhile, India’s trade performance in Q3 FY25 (October–December 2024) reflected cautious resilience amid global geopolitical tensions, according to a quarterly report by NITI Aayog released on Monday. Merchandise exports in that quarter rose 3 per cent year-on-year to $108.7 billion.

    The report also highlighted a sharp rise in exports of aircraft, spacecraft and parts, which entered the top ten export categories with over 200 per cent annual growth driven by demand from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the Czech Republic.

    India’s high-tech merchandise exports, led by electrical machinery and arms and ammunition, have maintained steady momentum since 2014, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 10.6 per cent.

    — IANS

  • India cuts zero-dose children by 43% as South Asia hits record-high immunization in 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has reduced the number of children who missed all vaccinations — also called zero-dose children — by 43% in just one year, according to new data released on Tuesday by WHO and UNICEF.

    As per the 2024 data, India brought down its number of zero-dose children from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024 — a drop of nearly 700,000.

    “This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, while also stressing the need to reach the remaining children in remote areas.

    South Asia, as a region, achieved its highest-ever immunization coverage. In 2024, 92% of infants received the third dose of the DTP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. This marks a 2% increase from 2023 and even surpasses pre-COVID levels.

    Nepal also saw major improvement, cutting its number of zero-dose children by more than half. Pakistan reached its highest-ever DTP3 coverage at 87%. However, Afghanistan remains a concern, with the lowest coverage in the region and a slight decline compared to last year.

    Measles coverage improved as well: around 93% of infants received the first dose and 88% received the second. Reported measles cases fell sharply by 39% in 2024.

    Vaccination against HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which prevents cervical cancer, also made progress. Bangladesh vaccinated over 7.1 million girls since launching its programme last year, while Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka also reported increases. India and Pakistan are expected to begin their HPV vaccination campaigns later this year.

    The WHO and UNICEF report praised strong leadership from governments, the tireless work of frontline health workers, and the better use of data and technology for achieving these gains.

    “It is heartening to see the WHO South-East Asia Region reach its highest-ever immunization rates, surpassing the pre-pandemic uptrend. We must build on this momentum and step up efforts to reach every child with these lifesaving vaccines. Together we can, and we must,” said Dr Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, Director of Programme Management, WHO South-East Asia Region.

    Still, experts warned that over 2.9 million children in South Asia remain un- or under-vaccinated and must be reached to ensure full protection against deadly diseases.

    (ANI)

  • India’s Q1 passenger vehicle sales cross one million for second consecutive year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s passenger vehicle sales crossed the one million mark for the second consecutive April–June quarter (Q1), with exports showing strong double-digit growth, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Tuesday.

    Passenger vehicle exports — including utility vehicles and cars — reached a record high of 2.04 lakh units in Q1 of 2025–26, marking a 13.2% rise over the same period last year.

    SIAM attributed the growth to steady demand in key overseas markets, with the Middle East and Latin America performing well, alongside a revival in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal. Rising demand from Japan and higher exports under free trade agreements, including with Australia, also contributed to the uptick.

    Two-wheeler exports rose to 1.14 million units, recording a robust 23.2% growth compared to Q1 last year. This was supported by recovery in neighbouring markets and continued momentum in major destinations.

    Exports of three-wheelers climbed to 0.96 lakh units, an increase of 34.4% year-on-year, while commercial vehicle exports grew by 23.4% to around 0.2 lakh units.

    Despite the positive export figures, domestic passenger vehicle sales in Q1 stood at 1.01 million units — down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year — due to slower sales in the latter part of the quarter.

    The two-wheeler segment sold 4.67 million units, posting a 6.2% decline year-on-year, largely due to inventory corrections. However, retail registrations for two-wheelers rose by 5%, boosted by the wedding season and stable demand. The scooter segment’s share within two-wheelers also increased by 2.15% year-on-year.

    The three-wheeler category recorded its highest ever Q1 sales at 1.65 lakh units, mainly driven by strong demand in the passenger carrier segment. SIAM noted that increased economic activity and urban mobility needs supported this growth, while the cargo segment’s retail registrations continued to rise on the back of demand for intracity low-load transport and easier financing.

    Meanwhile, the commercial vehicle segment saw a marginal decline of 0.6% year-on-year to 2.23 lakh units, though passenger carriers within the category maintained positive growth, reflecting steady demand for public transport.

    Looking ahead, SIAM said the industry remains cautiously optimistic for the second quarter. The upcoming festive season, an above-normal monsoon aiding rural incomes, and the Reserve Bank of India’s recent 100-basis-point repo rate cut over six months could help lift demand for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers.

    However, SIAM cautioned that supply-side challenges persist, particularly the recent export licensing requirements imposed by China on rare earth magnets, which are critical components for vehicle manufacturing.

    — IANS

  • India’s Q1 passenger vehicle sales cross one million for second consecutive year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s passenger vehicle sales crossed the one million mark for the second consecutive April–June quarter (Q1), with exports showing strong double-digit growth, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Tuesday.

    Passenger vehicle exports — including utility vehicles and cars — reached a record high of 2.04 lakh units in Q1 of 2025–26, marking a 13.2% rise over the same period last year.

    SIAM attributed the growth to steady demand in key overseas markets, with the Middle East and Latin America performing well, alongside a revival in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal. Rising demand from Japan and higher exports under free trade agreements, including with Australia, also contributed to the uptick.

    Two-wheeler exports rose to 1.14 million units, recording a robust 23.2% growth compared to Q1 last year. This was supported by recovery in neighbouring markets and continued momentum in major destinations.

    Exports of three-wheelers climbed to 0.96 lakh units, an increase of 34.4% year-on-year, while commercial vehicle exports grew by 23.4% to around 0.2 lakh units.

    Despite the positive export figures, domestic passenger vehicle sales in Q1 stood at 1.01 million units — down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year — due to slower sales in the latter part of the quarter.

    The two-wheeler segment sold 4.67 million units, posting a 6.2% decline year-on-year, largely due to inventory corrections. However, retail registrations for two-wheelers rose by 5%, boosted by the wedding season and stable demand. The scooter segment’s share within two-wheelers also increased by 2.15% year-on-year.

    The three-wheeler category recorded its highest ever Q1 sales at 1.65 lakh units, mainly driven by strong demand in the passenger carrier segment. SIAM noted that increased economic activity and urban mobility needs supported this growth, while the cargo segment’s retail registrations continued to rise on the back of demand for intracity low-load transport and easier financing.

    Meanwhile, the commercial vehicle segment saw a marginal decline of 0.6% year-on-year to 2.23 lakh units, though passenger carriers within the category maintained positive growth, reflecting steady demand for public transport.

    Looking ahead, SIAM said the industry remains cautiously optimistic for the second quarter. The upcoming festive season, an above-normal monsoon aiding rural incomes, and the Reserve Bank of India’s recent 100-basis-point repo rate cut over six months could help lift demand for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers.

    However, SIAM cautioned that supply-side challenges persist, particularly the recent export licensing requirements imposed by China on rare earth magnets, which are critical components for vehicle manufacturing.

    — IANS

  • India’s Q1 passenger vehicle sales cross one million for second consecutive year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s passenger vehicle sales crossed the one million mark for the second consecutive April–June quarter (Q1), with exports showing strong double-digit growth, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Tuesday.

    Passenger vehicle exports — including utility vehicles and cars — reached a record high of 2.04 lakh units in Q1 of 2025–26, marking a 13.2% rise over the same period last year.

    SIAM attributed the growth to steady demand in key overseas markets, with the Middle East and Latin America performing well, alongside a revival in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal. Rising demand from Japan and higher exports under free trade agreements, including with Australia, also contributed to the uptick.

    Two-wheeler exports rose to 1.14 million units, recording a robust 23.2% growth compared to Q1 last year. This was supported by recovery in neighbouring markets and continued momentum in major destinations.

    Exports of three-wheelers climbed to 0.96 lakh units, an increase of 34.4% year-on-year, while commercial vehicle exports grew by 23.4% to around 0.2 lakh units.

    Despite the positive export figures, domestic passenger vehicle sales in Q1 stood at 1.01 million units — down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year — due to slower sales in the latter part of the quarter.

    The two-wheeler segment sold 4.67 million units, posting a 6.2% decline year-on-year, largely due to inventory corrections. However, retail registrations for two-wheelers rose by 5%, boosted by the wedding season and stable demand. The scooter segment’s share within two-wheelers also increased by 2.15% year-on-year.

    The three-wheeler category recorded its highest ever Q1 sales at 1.65 lakh units, mainly driven by strong demand in the passenger carrier segment. SIAM noted that increased economic activity and urban mobility needs supported this growth, while the cargo segment’s retail registrations continued to rise on the back of demand for intracity low-load transport and easier financing.

    Meanwhile, the commercial vehicle segment saw a marginal decline of 0.6% year-on-year to 2.23 lakh units, though passenger carriers within the category maintained positive growth, reflecting steady demand for public transport.

    Looking ahead, SIAM said the industry remains cautiously optimistic for the second quarter. The upcoming festive season, an above-normal monsoon aiding rural incomes, and the Reserve Bank of India’s recent 100-basis-point repo rate cut over six months could help lift demand for passenger vehicles and two-wheelers.

    However, SIAM cautioned that supply-side challenges persist, particularly the recent export licensing requirements imposed by China on rare earth magnets, which are critical components for vehicle manufacturing.

    — IANS

  • Shubhanshu Shukla returns safely to Earth after historic ISS mission; PM Modi hails him for inspiring ‘a billion dreams’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned safely to Earth on Tuesday, marking the successful conclusion of a groundbreaking mission to the International Space Station (ISS), the first by an Indian national.

    Shukla was part of the four-member Axiom-4 crew aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule Grace, which splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California at approximately 3:01 pm IST. The capsule’s safe landing followed a fiery reentry and a 22-hour return journey from orbit.

    “Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, AstroPeggy, Shux, astro_slawosz, and Tibi!” SpaceX posted on X.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Shukla’s mission as a historic milestone.

    “I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India’s first astronaut to have visited International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission – Gaganyaan,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

    Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, flew alongside veteran U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. They boarded Grace at 3:30 a.m. CT (2:00 pm IST) on Monday, undocking from the ISS to begin their return to Earth.

    The mission marked several historic firsts, not only for Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 flight, but also for Poland and Hungary, which sent their first astronauts to the International Space Station.

    India’s space agency ISRO celebrated the success, calling it a “milestone” for the country’s space ambitions. Shukla’s mission is seen as a stepping stone toward the launch of India’s first crewed spaceflight, Gaganyaan, targeted for 2027.

    During his over two-week stay aboard the ISS, Shukla completed more than 310 orbits of Earth, covering an estimated 13 million kilometers, or roughly 33 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. The crew witnessed over 300 sunrises and sunsets from orbit.

    ISRO said that Shukla completed all seven planned microgravity experiments, achieving all mission objectives.
    “Experiments on Indian strain of tardigrades, myogenesis, sprouting of methi and moong seeds, cyanobacteria, microalgae, crop seeds, and the Voyager display have been successfully completed,” ISRO said in a statement.

    The mission’s capsule Grace, the fifth in SpaceX’s Crew Dragon fleet, was launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25. The Axiom-4 team reached the ISS the next day and were greeted by the station’s rotating crew, which included three U.S. astronauts, one Japanese crewmember, and three Russian cosmonauts.

    Axiom-4 marks the 18th human spaceflight by SpaceX since it began crewed missions in 2020, signaling a new chapter in U.S. spaceflight following the retirement of the space shuttle program.

    (With inputs from agencies)

  • India captain Gill says Pant should be fit to play in fourth test

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India captain Shubman Gill said the finger injury suffered by Rishabh Pant in the third test against England is not overly serious and the wicketkeeper-batsman should be able to play in the next match in Manchester.

    Pant injured the index finger of his left hand when trying to collect a delivery from Bumrah during England’s first innings at Lord’s.

    Pant completed the over but did not keep wickets afterwards, though he batted in both innings. Dhruv Jurel replaced him behind the stumps for the remainder of the test, which England won by 22 runs to go 2-1 up in the five-match series.

    “Rishabh went for scans and there is no major injury there,” Gill told reporters.

    “I think he should be fine for the next test match.”

    Pant is the second-highest scorer in the series with his tally of 425 from six innings, which includes two hundreds, second only to Gill’s 607.

    Tempers flared throughout the contest at the home of cricket and India seamer Mohammed Siraj was slapped with a fine and one demerit point for his reaction after taking the wicket of England opener Ben Duckett.

    Gill said the “heat” had spiced up the series but the teams respected each other.

    “You’re giving everything physically and mentally, so there are going to moments where there’s going to be a little bit of heat from both sides,” the 25-year-old said.

    “I think that’s what makes it so exciting, that’s what makes it more challenging.

    “But the next time we play each other, there won’t be (any bad blood). There’s a lot of admiration within for the two teams.”

    The fourth test at Old Trafford begins on July 23.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs tribal-state gaming compact 7.14.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 14, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed a tribal-state gaming compact with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria.

    A copy of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria compact can be found here. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:AB 78 by Assemblymember Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda) – Attorney’s fees: book accounts.AB 223 by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) – Jury selection: acknowledgment and…

    Jul 14, 2025

    News What you need to know: Clean energy reliably powered California to levels never seen before – 67% in 2023 – as renewable energy and clean resources continue to advance the state’s world-leading energy transition while fueling the nation’s largest clean energy…

    Jul 11, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on the court’s decision in Vasquez Perdomo, et al. v. Noem to temporarily stop federal immigration agents from unlawful suspicionless stops in California:  Justice prevailed today…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs tribal-state gaming compact 7.14.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 14, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed a tribal-state gaming compact with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria.

    A copy of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria compact can be found here. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:AB 78 by Assemblymember Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda) – Attorney’s fees: book accounts.AB 223 by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) – Jury selection: acknowledgment and…

    Jul 14, 2025

    News What you need to know: Clean energy reliably powered California to levels never seen before – 67% in 2023 – as renewable energy and clean resources continue to advance the state’s world-leading energy transition while fueling the nation’s largest clean energy…

    Jul 11, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on the court’s decision in Vasquez Perdomo, et al. v. Noem to temporarily stop federal immigration agents from unlawful suspicionless stops in California:  Justice prevailed today…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: STATE RELEASES FORECAST FOR JOBS AND INDUSTRIES THROUGH 2032

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: STATE RELEASES FORECAST FOR JOBS AND INDUSTRIES THROUGH 2032

    Posted on Jul 14, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

    KA ʻOIHANA PONO LIMAHANA

    JADE T. BUTAY

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    STATE RELEASES FORECAST FOR JOBS AND INDUSTRIES THROUGH 2032

    Hawai‘i Projects 41,000 New Jobs by 2032, Led by Health Care and Food Services

     

    News Release 2025-07

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    July 14, 2025

     

    HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Research and Statistics Office has released its latest statewide employment projections for industries and occupations. The projections are based on 2022 employment data and forecast trends through 2032. Statewide projections are published in even-numbered years, while county-specific projections are issued in odd-numbered years.

    Key Highlights:

    Hawai‘i’s total employment is projected to grow by 6.1% over the next decade, increasing from 671,010 jobs in 2022 to 712,200 by 2032 — an addition of 41,190 jobs. Each year, the state is expected to see approximately 83,050 job openings. These openings will primarily result from workers changing jobs (55%) and exiting the labor force (40%), while just 5% will stem from actual job growth. This breakdown highlights the importance of workforce replacement and job mobility in the state’s labor market.

    Top Growing Industries:

    • Health care and social assistance is forecast to be the fastest-growing and largest contributor to job creation, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all new positions.
    • The sector is projected to grow by 12.7%, with particularly strong demand in social assistance services.
    • The food services and drinking places industry will follow closely, with an 11.9% growth rate, driven by Hawai‘i’s strong hospitality sector.
    • The accommodation industry is also forecast to increase by 10.2%, while creating 3,750 positions.
    • The self-employed sector, bolstered by the post-pandemic gig economy, is expected to reach 58,150 workers by 2032.

     

    In contrast, government and retail trade employment are projected to decline, influenced by federal policies and continuing shift toward e-commerce.

    The projections are a valuable tool for:

    • Students and jobseekers exploring career options
    • Education and training providers developing programs
    • Job placement specialists and career counselors guiding individuals toward employment
    • Program managers and policymakers shaping workforce strategies
    • Employers planning for growth or relocation

    Key highlights, comprehensive data tables and other Labor Market Information (LMI) tools — such as Best Job Opportunities to 2032 — can be accessed on the Employment Projections page of the Hawai‘i Workforce Infonet (HIWI): www.hiwi.org.

    Detailed narrative reports will be available by the end of July.

    This effort is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, through the Workforce and Labor Market Information Grants to States (WIGS) program, with a total award of $321,585 for Program Year 2024.

    # # #

    Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
    Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
    TDD/TTY Dial 711 then ask for 808-586-8842

    View DLIR news releases:

    http://labor.hawaii.gov/blog/category/news/

    Media Contact:

    Chavonnie Ramos

    Public Information Officer, State of Hawai‘i

    Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

    Phone: 808-586-9720

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: AdaptX Hub

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    AdaptX Hub’s mission is to strengthen community resilience and support climate adaptation through AI and data-driven solutions, innovative risk assessment tools, and capacity-building in vulnerable regions across Asia and beyond.

    DRR activities

    AdaptX Hub’s key activities include:

    • Development of AI-powered early warning systems for floods and other hazards;
    • Climate risk assessments using GIS, remote sensing, and modeling;
    • Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) training and workshops;
    • Technical advisory for resilience planning in infrastructure and agriculture;
    • Multi-hazard mapping and integration into decision-support systems.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Green Transformation and Sustainability Network (GXS)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Green Transformation and Sustainability Network (GXS) is a pioneering organisation driving the green economy, circular economy, biodiversity conservation, energy transition, social impact business, climate resilience, climate solutions, technology, governance, investment, sustainable development and green innovation across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

    The GXS Network focuses on empowering local businesses and communities, building collaborative networks for sustainable living and development. Its primary activities include promoting green economy initiatives, fostering circular economy practices, and implementing climate and sustainable solutions that align with the Vietnamese government and international commitments

    DRR activities

    the Making Cities Resilience 2030 program by UNDRR. It fosters policy, technology, and capacity building in disaster risk reduction for Vietnamese authorities and businesses. GXS founder Son Nguyen has completed some UNDRR training courses in the 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Thailand: New amnesty law must clear peaceful protesters of all charges including lèse-majesté

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Ahead of a vote in Thailand’s House of Representatives on five bills to grant amnesty for criminal offences related to political activities, Amnesty International’s Regional Researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said:

    “Since 2020, various national security and criminal laws have been weaponized to rob Thailand’s peaceful protesters of their freedom, simply for exercising their right to speak out. Now is the moment for the government to make amends.

    “In this pivotal vote, Thai lawmakers must ensure the new law allows for the full dismissal of all criminal charges against peaceful protesters – without exempting the lèse-majesté law.

    “This law should also be an opportunity for Thai lawmakers to ensure that authorities who perpetrated human rights violations against protesters are not granted immunity for their crimes.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Thailand: New amnesty law must clear peaceful protesters of all charges including lèse-majesté

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Ahead of a vote in Thailand’s House of Representatives on five bills to grant amnesty for criminal offences related to political activities, Amnesty International’s Regional Researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said:

    “Since 2020, various national security and criminal laws have been weaponized to rob Thailand’s peaceful protesters of their freedom, simply for exercising their right to speak out. Now is the moment for the government to make amends.

    “In this pivotal vote, Thai lawmakers must ensure the new law allows for the full dismissal of all criminal charges against peaceful protesters – without exempting the lèse-majesté law.

    “This law should also be an opportunity for Thai lawmakers to ensure that authorities who perpetrated human rights violations against protesters are not granted immunity for their crimes.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Clusters of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales cases in Princess Margaret Hospital

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    ​The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) made the following announcement today (July 15):

    Five male patients (aged 65 to 90) of a medicine and geriatrics ward in PMH have been confirmed as carriers of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae upon testing since July 7. All patients are being treated in isolation. One of the patients has symptoms of infections and in critical condition due to his underlying disease. Two of the other four asymptomatic patients are in stable condition, while the remaining two are in serious condition.

    The hospital will continue the contact tracing investigation of close contacts of the patients in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
     

    1. thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
    2. enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures; and
    3. application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.

    The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Thailand: New amnesty law must clear peaceful protesters of all charges including lèse-majesté

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Ahead of a vote in Thailand’s House of Representatives on five bills to grant amnesty for criminal offences related to political activities, Amnesty International’s Regional Researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said:

    “Since 2020, various national security and criminal laws have been weaponized to rob Thailand’s peaceful protesters of their freedom, simply for exercising their right to speak out. Now is the moment for the government to make amends.

    “In this pivotal vote, Thai lawmakers must ensure the new law allows for the full dismissal of all criminal charges against peaceful protesters – without exempting the lèse-majesté law.

    “This law should also be an opportunity for Thai lawmakers to ensure that authorities who perpetrated human rights violations against protesters are not granted immunity for their crimes.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Updated Release: Hartford Bakery, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Hazelnuts in “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf”

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    July 11, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    July 14, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesAllergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared hazelnuts

    Company Name:
    Hartford Bakery, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Lewis Bake Shop

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf

    Company Announcement
    “A previous version of this press release was issued on 7/10/25. This press release was updated to include six additional lots.”
    EVANSVILLE, IN – July 11, 2025 — Hartford Bakery, Inc. is voluntarily recalling six lots of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” as this product may contain undeclared hazelnuts. People with a nut allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
    Out of an abundance of caution, Hartford Bakery, Inc. is removing all units of product included in the twelve effected lot codes noted below. Hartford Bakery, Inc has determined that no other lot codes were affected.
    The recalled “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” products were distributed in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi retailers, including Kroger and Walmart. The product comes in a flexible plastic bag marked with the following information:

    Lot code T10 174 010206, T10 174 010306, T10 174 010406, T10 174 020206, T10 174 020306, T10 174 020406, TH10 174 010206, TH10 174 010306, TH10 174 010406, TH10 174 020206, TH10 174 020306, and TH10 174 020406 found on the front panel of packaging.
    Net Weight 12OZ (340G), UPC 24126018152 found on the bottom of packaging.
    An expiration date of 07/13/2025 found on the front panel of packaging.

    The recall was initiated after discovering that approximately 883 loaves of bread from six production lots contained visible hazelnuts and were distributed in “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” packaging. While the packaging states “May Contain Tree Nuts,” it does not state that it “Contains Hazelnuts.” An investigation revealed an error in change of packaging for a hazelnut-containing bread to the implicated white bread product.
    While there have been no major reports of injury or illness to date, Hartford Bakery is aware of one customer who experienced digestive discomfort after consumption. Hartford Bakery also received consumer complaints from those who saw the nuts before consuming the product.
    Consumers who purchased the implicated products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Hartford Bakery at 1-812-425-4642 Monday through Friday, except for holidays, from 8:00am-3:00pm CST.
    ContactsTracy Wingo1-812-425-4642
    *This updated release corrects the previously reported lot codes.
    Link to Original Press Release

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Hartford Bakery, Tracy Wingo
    1-812-425-4642

    Content current as of:
    07/14/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Updated Release: Hartford Bakery, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Hazelnuts in “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf”

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    July 11, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    July 14, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesAllergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared hazelnuts

    Company Name:
    Hartford Bakery, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Lewis Bake Shop

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf

    Company Announcement
    “A previous version of this press release was issued on 7/10/25. This press release was updated to include six additional lots.”
    EVANSVILLE, IN – July 11, 2025 — Hartford Bakery, Inc. is voluntarily recalling six lots of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” as this product may contain undeclared hazelnuts. People with a nut allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
    Out of an abundance of caution, Hartford Bakery, Inc. is removing all units of product included in the twelve effected lot codes noted below. Hartford Bakery, Inc has determined that no other lot codes were affected.
    The recalled “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” products were distributed in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi retailers, including Kroger and Walmart. The product comes in a flexible plastic bag marked with the following information:

    Lot code T10 174 010206, T10 174 010306, T10 174 010406, T10 174 020206, T10 174 020306, T10 174 020406, TH10 174 010206, TH10 174 010306, TH10 174 010406, TH10 174 020206, TH10 174 020306, and TH10 174 020406 found on the front panel of packaging.
    Net Weight 12OZ (340G), UPC 24126018152 found on the bottom of packaging.
    An expiration date of 07/13/2025 found on the front panel of packaging.

    The recall was initiated after discovering that approximately 883 loaves of bread from six production lots contained visible hazelnuts and were distributed in “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” packaging. While the packaging states “May Contain Tree Nuts,” it does not state that it “Contains Hazelnuts.” An investigation revealed an error in change of packaging for a hazelnut-containing bread to the implicated white bread product.
    While there have been no major reports of injury or illness to date, Hartford Bakery is aware of one customer who experienced digestive discomfort after consumption. Hartford Bakery also received consumer complaints from those who saw the nuts before consuming the product.
    Consumers who purchased the implicated products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Hartford Bakery at 1-812-425-4642 Monday through Friday, except for holidays, from 8:00am-3:00pm CST.
    ContactsTracy Wingo1-812-425-4642
    *This updated release corrects the previously reported lot codes.
    Link to Original Press Release

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Hartford Bakery, Tracy Wingo
    1-812-425-4642

    Content current as of:
    07/14/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Postal services to Slovakia return to normal

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    ​Hongkong Post announced today (July 15) that, as advised by the postal administration of Slovakia, mail delivery services to areas with postcodes 93003, 93004, 93006, 93007 and 90068, previously impacted by local control measures after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, have returned to normal.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS visits Hainan Province (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, began his visit to Hainan Province yesterday (July 14).
     
    Mr Chan first met with the Party Secretary and Chairman of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Li Rongcan, in Haikou to exchange views on the latest developments in the two places, and discuss promoting and deepening the partnership between Hong Kong and Hainan Province. Mr Chan said that there is a frequent flow of people, logistics and capital between the two places, and with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments in March this year, the exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan Province will be closer in future. Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and will work with Hainan Province to achieve results attributable to the two places’ advantages, deepen economic, trade and cultural exchanges, and make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.
     
    Mr Chan then visited the Hainan Chronicles Museum to learn about the patriotic and revolutionary tradition education work there as well as the construction and development progress of the Hainan Special Economic Zone and Hainan as an international tourism island. Mr Chan then departed for Wenchang to meet with the Secretary of the CPC Wenchang Municipal Committee, Mr Wang Peng. Mr Chan introduced the latest situation of Hong Kong, and exchanged views with Mr Wang on further promoting exchanges between the two places and exploring more co-operation and development opportunities.
     
    Mr Chan visited the Wenchang Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform early today (July 15) to join a science exploration activity of the Hainan Aerospace Science and Research Study Tour under the Strive and Rise Programme. Mr Chan engaged with the participants and encouraged them to grasp this valuable learning opportunity to learn and understand the country’s robust developments and significant achievements in the field of aerospace. He also encouraged the participants to continue to work hard in the future to cultivate a sense of contributing to the country and serving the society, and become a new generation with a sense of social responsibility and contributions. Mr Chan said he believed that the experience of joining this meaningful aerospace science and research study tour will boost the participants’ sense of patriotism and national pride.
     
    Mr Chan will depart for Heilongjiang Province today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS visits Hainan Province (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, began his visit to Hainan Province yesterday (July 14).
     
    Mr Chan first met with the Party Secretary and Chairman of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Li Rongcan, in Haikou to exchange views on the latest developments in the two places, and discuss promoting and deepening the partnership between Hong Kong and Hainan Province. Mr Chan said that there is a frequent flow of people, logistics and capital between the two places, and with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments in March this year, the exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan Province will be closer in future. Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and will work with Hainan Province to achieve results attributable to the two places’ advantages, deepen economic, trade and cultural exchanges, and make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.
     
    Mr Chan then visited the Hainan Chronicles Museum to learn about the patriotic and revolutionary tradition education work there as well as the construction and development progress of the Hainan Special Economic Zone and Hainan as an international tourism island. Mr Chan then departed for Wenchang to meet with the Secretary of the CPC Wenchang Municipal Committee, Mr Wang Peng. Mr Chan introduced the latest situation of Hong Kong, and exchanged views with Mr Wang on further promoting exchanges between the two places and exploring more co-operation and development opportunities.
     
    Mr Chan visited the Wenchang Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform early today (July 15) to join a science exploration activity of the Hainan Aerospace Science and Research Study Tour under the Strive and Rise Programme. Mr Chan engaged with the participants and encouraged them to grasp this valuable learning opportunity to learn and understand the country’s robust developments and significant achievements in the field of aerospace. He also encouraged the participants to continue to work hard in the future to cultivate a sense of contributing to the country and serving the society, and become a new generation with a sense of social responsibility and contributions. Mr Chan said he believed that the experience of joining this meaningful aerospace science and research study tour will boost the participants’ sense of patriotism and national pride.
     
    Mr Chan will depart for Heilongjiang Province today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Secretariat releases Policy Pulse on “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development”

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

         The Legislative Council (LegCo) Secretariat today (July 15) released the latest issue of the Policy Pulse on “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development”. This issue provides a brief overview of hydrogen energy development strategies in Hong Kong, the edges of promoting the hydrogen energy industry, the latest progress of improving relevant legislation by the Government, as well as relevant discussions of LegCo along with suggestions by Members.

         LegCo will resume the Second Reading debate on the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 tomorrow (July 16). The Bill seeks to regulate the use of hydrogen as fuel to ensure the safe application of hydrogen fuel. It also empowers the Government to introduce new subsidiary legislation to ensure the flexibility of updating the regulatory requirements. The Government intends to introduce subsidiary legislation in 2026 to cover the entire supply chain of hydrogen as fuel. 

         The Policy Pulse highlights that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government actively promotes the development of hydrogen energy, and promulgated the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong last year. Setting out four major strategies of improving legislation, establishing standards, aligning with the market and advancing with prudence, the Strategy aims to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong in an orderly manner, so as to make preparations for the wider application of hydrogen energy in the future.

         With a “zero carbon emissions” feature, hydrogen is a new energy with significant decarbonisation potential. Our country is the largest hydrogen producer in the world, and strives to achieve the “dual carbon” goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. The SAR Government also targets to cut carbon emissions by half from the 2005 level before 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The Policy Pulse points out that, with its unique advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, as well as the strengths in scientific research, robust legislation and energy infrastructure, Hong Kong has very great potential to become a demonstration base for the development of hydrogen energy in the country, and facilitate the development of the hydrogen energy industry in the Belt and Road region and other overseas places. In addition, as an international financial centre, Hong Kong can help enterprises with their green transformation by providing green financing and professional services.

         The Policy Pulse also introduces a number of measures by the SAR Government to support research and innovation in the hydrogen energy technology. These include setting up the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel to co-ordinate the efforts in promoting the local use of hydrogen energy and initiate relevant trial projects. Meanwhile, the Government has launched several funding schemes that cover the research and development of hydrogen energy technology, and actively promotes talent training, technological exchange and application in relevant scientific and technological fields, so as to cultivate professionals with the specialised knowledge and skills to ensure the safe application of hydrogen energy technology.

         LegCo Members have long attached great importance to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. In March 2023, LegCo passed a motion advocating the SAR Government to comprehensively promote the development of hydrogen energy industry in Hong Kong. The LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs also visited hydrogen projects during its duty visit to Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the Greater Bay Area) in August of the same year, and has been following up on issues related to hydrogen energy. The Policy Pulse summarises various recommendations made by Members on hydrogen energy development. These include capitalising on the strengths of Hong Kong’s financial services industry to attract capital investment in the city’s hydrogen energy industry and reserve land for development. Furthermore, the Government should take the lead in developing green industries and make use of new development areas as a springboard to bring in quality hydrogen energy industries; formulate relevant policies on hydrogen energy pricing to stimulate demand for hydrogen energy; promote carbon index certification to include hydrogen energy into Hong Kong’s carbon emissions trading market; and actively research and develop local hydrogen production technology, among others.

         The Policy Pulse points out that hydrogen energy is an integral component of the country’s future energy system. Members urge the Government to collaborate with other cities in the Greater Bay Area on the joint research, development and promotion of hydrogen energy development projects to facilitate exchanges and co-operation between the two places across the hydrogen energy industrial chain, with a view to promoting the alignment of the safety monitoring and quality testing standards between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Members also advise the Government to speed up the development of a set of internationally recognised hydrogen energy certification standards, so as to assist the Greater Bay Area and even the entire hydrogen industry in the country to enter the international market.

         The detailed content of “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development” is available on the LegCo Website. The Policy Pulse, published by the Council Business Divisions of the LegCo Secretariat, covers specific topics and offers a comprehensive overview of related policy developments and summarised discussions in LegCo.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKTE hosts online and offline career fairs to attract global talent dovetailing Hong Kong’s I&T development (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         A spokesman for Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) said today (July 15) that to support Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub, HKTE had organised three online and offline career fairs during the past three weeks to proactively attract global I&T talent to pursue development in Hong Kong, with a view to contributing to building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent.

         HKTE held a online career fair last Thursday and Friday (July 10 and 11), featuring 47 renowned enterprises and organisations, to offer nearly 2 000 quality job vacancies across sectors such as data centre operations, cyber security and business analysis.

         The online career fair recorded nearly 33 000 visits, featuring job-seeking talent mainly from 14 countries or regions, including the Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Canada, Germany, France and Switzerland, with over 3 000 curricula vitae received. To facilitate connections between job-seeking talent and employers, a one-to-one online meeting session was set up specifically at the career fair, resulting in nearly 5 000 direct dialogues.

         A spokesman for the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, one of the participating organisations, commented that the career fair facilitated effective interactions between global professionals in artificial intelligence, fintech and smart city technologies as well as digital innovation with Hong Kong employers. Nearly 90 per cent of participating enterprises and organisations expressed satisfaction with the event arrangements and indicated interest in joining future recruitment events organised by HKTE.

         In addition, HKTE co-organised physical job fairs with working partners two weeks ago, including the second edition of the Hong Kong International Talents Career Expo 2025 and the NovaX Global Investmatch Carnival 2025, to connect I&T talent and entrepreneurs with employers and investors, facilitating the settlement of talent in Hong Kong.

         The spokesman for HKTE added that talent is critical to the promotion of I&T development. HKTE will continue organising diverse activities to assist Hong Kong in attracting international I&T talent, including an online career fair targeting European and American markets in the second half of the year, thereby providing solid talent support for the development of the “eight centres” strategic positioning.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKTE hosts online and offline career fairs to attract global talent dovetailing Hong Kong’s I&T development (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         A spokesman for Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) said today (July 15) that to support Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub, HKTE had organised three online and offline career fairs during the past three weeks to proactively attract global I&T talent to pursue development in Hong Kong, with a view to contributing to building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent.

         HKTE held a online career fair last Thursday and Friday (July 10 and 11), featuring 47 renowned enterprises and organisations, to offer nearly 2 000 quality job vacancies across sectors such as data centre operations, cyber security and business analysis.

         The online career fair recorded nearly 33 000 visits, featuring job-seeking talent mainly from 14 countries or regions, including the Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Canada, Germany, France and Switzerland, with over 3 000 curricula vitae received. To facilitate connections between job-seeking talent and employers, a one-to-one online meeting session was set up specifically at the career fair, resulting in nearly 5 000 direct dialogues.

         A spokesman for the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, one of the participating organisations, commented that the career fair facilitated effective interactions between global professionals in artificial intelligence, fintech and smart city technologies as well as digital innovation with Hong Kong employers. Nearly 90 per cent of participating enterprises and organisations expressed satisfaction with the event arrangements and indicated interest in joining future recruitment events organised by HKTE.

         In addition, HKTE co-organised physical job fairs with working partners two weeks ago, including the second edition of the Hong Kong International Talents Career Expo 2025 and the NovaX Global Investmatch Carnival 2025, to connect I&T talent and entrepreneurs with employers and investors, facilitating the settlement of talent in Hong Kong.

         The spokesman for HKTE added that talent is critical to the promotion of I&T development. HKTE will continue organising diverse activities to assist Hong Kong in attracting international I&T talent, including an online career fair targeting European and American markets in the second half of the year, thereby providing solid talent support for the development of the “eight centres” strategic positioning.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lands Department releases figures on registered lease modifications, land exchanges, private treaty grants and lot extensions in second quarter of 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (July 15) that it registered 11 lease modifications and three land exchanges in the Land Registry during the quarter ending June 2025, of which five were modifications of a technical nature involving nil premium.

    Among these 14 land transactions, two are located on Hong Kong Island, eight are in Kowloon and four are in the New Territories. The transactions exclude Small House cases.

    There were no private treaty grants and lot extensions registered during the quarter.

    The above land transactions realised a total land premium of about $102.652 million.

    Transaction records of the lease modifications, land exchanges, private treaty grants and lot extensions, including those registered recently, are uploaded to the LandsD website (www.landsd.gov.hk/en/land-disposal-transaction/land-transaction.html) on a monthly basis. Details of the transactions may be obtained by searching the registered documents in the Land Registry.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Youth Skills Day: African Development Bank to introduce systems reforms to prioritize investing in Africa’s youth

    Source: APO

    The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), in partnership with the International Labour Organization, has launched a transformative system to mainstream youth employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship across its investments. 

    The approach, called the Youth, Jobs and Skills Marker System, is aligned with the Bank’s latest Ten-Year Strategy, which places Africa’s young people at the center of development efforts to maximize the impact of every dollar invested, turning demographics into a dividend. The Marker System ensures that Bank projects spanning diverse sectors, such as agriculture, transport, energy, water, and education, systematically incorporate components that enhance youth employability, foster entrepreneurship, and build market-relevant skills.

    “The Youth, Jobs and Skills Marker System is about ensuring Africa’s young people have a real say and active role in building sustainable economies and creating jobs – not as passive recipients of youth programs,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development. “This transformation of Bank practices and systems is a step toward making sure our investments have a positive impact on Africa’s young women and men.” 

    The integrated system has three focus areas: 

    • Youth: Supporting youth-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through targeted investments and operational integration. 
    • Skills: Expanding access to practical, market-driven training and apprenticeships to enhance career prospects. 
    • Jobs: Ensuring Bank-funded projects create sustainable job opportunities, particularly by developing youth skills for employability and the promotion of youth-led businesses in priority value chains. 

    Each year, around 10 to 12 million young Africans enter the labor market, which offers only three million formal jobs annually. The Bank will prioritize youth entrepreneurship and mobilize private sector partnerships to strengthen industry-oriented skills training as well as job creation over the coming decade.  

    “[This initiative] is very important because it allows us to significantly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #8 that includes decent work for all,” said Peter van Rooij, Director of Multilateral Partnerships and Development Cooperation at the International Labour Organization. “It also allows the International Labour Organization to influence the Bank’s work, to support their lending that is more geared toward more job creation and better jobs in a sustainable way.”  

    The Youth, Jobs and Skills Marker System is modeled on the success of the Bank’s Gender Marker System and its online dashboard, which categorize Bank projects based on their contribution to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Similarly, the new system will feature an online platform enabling Bank staff and consultants to access real-time data for preparing country strategy papers, mid-term reviews, annual reports, project supervision, and reporting on youth-related skills, businesses and jobs outcomes. 

    The Bank has just launched a pilot version of the Youth, Jobs and Skills Marker System in readiness for the full implementation in 2026. This system will enhance data tracking, improve estimates of youth skills attainment and employment, strengthen labor market information systems, and support policymakers in making evidence-based decisions that drive meaningful change. 

    The International Labour Organization provided technical support for the system’s development with financial support from the Bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund. The Youth, Jobs and Skills Marker System is the first deliberate action of its kind developed by a development finance institution worldwide. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    To learn more about the Youth, Jobs and Skills Marker System, watch this video: https://apo-opa.co/3Gs3JEZ

    Media Contact: 
    Alphonso Van Marsh
    Chief Digital Content and Events Officer 
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group: 
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Extraterritorial processing of asylum claims – 15-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In the past decade, continuous migration and asylum pressure on European Union Member States has made the external dimension of the EU’s approach to migration management all the more important. The need to address challenges relating to external border management has reoriented EU migration policy towards extended and stricter border controls, combined with the externalisation of migration management through cooperation with third countries. Thus, the external processing of asylum claims has also been put forward as a possibility. Overall, asylum is governed by international, EU and national laws. Both EU and national asylum legislation must be aligned with the international legal framework. Although EU law does not provide for the processing of asylum applications outside the EU, the idea of ‘transit’ or ‘processing’ centres in third countries has been recurrent over the years. Examples of externalisation procedures can be found around the world. Some non-EU countries, such as Australia and the United States, have practical experience of the extra-territorial processing of asylum claims. Within Europe, back in 1986 Denmark tabled a draft resolution in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to create UN centres where asylum claims could be processed, in order to coordinate the resettlement of refugees among all states. Later, in 2001 and 2002, when the EU experienced the first peak of migrant arrivals in the EU, this was followed by a series of proposals involving the external processing of asylum requests. Extraterritorial processing was first put forward by the United Kingdom in 2003, while Germany proposed the establishment of asylum centres in North Africa in 2005. The series of proposals made over the years with a view to externalising migration policies have raised concerns, not least in relation to the human rights implications, asylum procedures and EU and international law. This briefing updates an earlier edition, of January 2024, by the present authors along with Anita Orav.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Access to cutting-edge technology in the European Union – E-002817/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002817/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Beatrice Timgren (ECR)

    Despite emerging technologies, batteries for phones sold in Europe seem to have a maximum capacity of around 5 000 mAh. Meanwhile, it is not uncommon to see identical handsets in other regions, such as Asia, with battery capacities exceeding 6 000 mAh.

    Smartphone manufacturer OnePlus points to European laws and regulations regarding the transportation of single-cell batteries as the cause of this disparity[1]. The manufacturer explains that European laws affect the maximum size of a single battery cell. Manufacturers therefore either have to sell smartphones with smaller battery capacities or opt to manufacture smartphones that use dual-cell batteries.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm whether the battery capacity disparities are, either directly or indirectly, a result of any EU legislation?
    • 2.If the answer to the first question is in the affirmative, how will the Commission ensure the competitiveness of European smartphone manufacturers, which have to adhere to different rules than their non-EU competitors?
    • 3.If the answer to the first question is in the affirmative, how will the Commission ensure that EU citizens have access to modern technology, in the same way that the rest of the world has?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.androidauthority.com/oneplus-phones-smaller-batteries-3453725/.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: No more card surcharges: what the Reserve Bank’s proposed changes mean for your wallet

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angel Zhong, Professor of Finance, RMIT University

    That extra 10c on your morning coffee. That $2 surcharge on your taxi ride. The sneaky 1.5% fee when you pay by card at your local restaurant. These could all soon be history.

    The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has proposed a sweeping reform: abolishing card payment surcharges. The central bank says it’s in the public interest to scrap the system and estimates consumers could collectively save $1.2 billion annually.

    But like all major financial reforms, the devil is in the detail.

    The 20-year experiment is over

    Surcharging was introduced more than two decades ago to expose the true cost of different payment methods. In the early 2000s, card fees were high, cash was king, and surcharges helped nudge consumers toward lower-cost options.

    But fast-forward to 2025, and the payments ecosystem has changed dramatically. Cash now accounts for just 13% of in-person transactions, and the shift to contactless payments, accelerated by the pandemic, has made cards the default for most Australians.

    When there’s no real alternative, a surcharge becomes less a useful price signal and more a penalty for convenience.

    After an eight month review, the bank’s Payments System Board has concluded the surcharge model no longer works in a predominantly cashless economy. The proposal now on the table is to phase out surcharges and instead push for simplified, all-inclusive pricing.

    Who saves – and who pays?

    At first glance, removing surcharges looks like a win for consumers. Every household could save about $60 per year, based on the RBA’s estimates. But payment costs don’t vanish – they shift.

    This is where the Reserve Bank’s proposal is more sophisticated than it may appear. Alongside banning surcharges, it plans to lower interchange fees (the fees merchants pay to card networks like Visa and Mastercard) and introduce caps on international card transactions.

    These changes aim to reduce the burden on merchants, which in turn limits the pressure to raise prices.

    Could prices still rise?

    Some worry that without surcharges, businesses will simply embed the costs into product prices. That’s possible. However, the bank estimates this would result in only a 0.1 percentage point increase in consumer prices overall.

    There are three reasons for that:

    1. most merchants already don’t surcharge, especially small businesses. Of them, 90% may have included card costs in their pricing

    2. competition keeps pricing in check. Retailers in competitive markets can’t raise prices without risking customers

    3. transparency is coming. The reforms will require payment providers to disclose fees more clearly, allowing merchants to compare and switch – fostering more competition and lower costs.

    That said, the effects won’t be felt evenly. Merchants in sectors that do currently surcharge, like hospitality, transport, and tourism, will need to rethink their pricing strategies. Some may absorb costs; others may pass them on.

    The winners

    Consumers stand to benefit most. They’ll avoid surprise fees at checkout, won’t need to switch payment methods to dodge surcharges, and won’t have to report excessive fees to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission. Combined with lower interchange fees, this means consumers should face less friction and more predictable pricing.

    About 90% of small businesses don’t currently surcharge and would gain around $185 million in net benefits. These businesses often pay higher interchange fees, so the reform will reduce their costs. New transparency requirements will also make it easier to find better deals from payment service providers (PSPs).

    Large businesses already receive lower domestic interchange rates, but they’ll benefit from new caps on foreign-issued card transactions, which is a win for those in e-commerce and tourism.

    The losers

    Banks that issue cards stand to lose about $900 million in interchange revenue under the preferred reform package. Some may respond by raising cardholder fees or cutting rewards, especially on premium credit cards. But they may also gain from increased credit card use as surcharges disappear.

    The 10% of small and 12% of large merchants who currently surcharge will have to adjust. They may face retraining costs and need to revise their pricing strategies.
    Most will be able to adapt, but the transition won’t be cost-free.

    Payment service providers will face about $25 million in compliance costs to remove surcharges and provide clearer fee breakdowns. For some, this may involve significant system changes, though one-off in nature.

    Will it work?

    The Reserve Bank’s proposal tackles real problems: an outdated surcharge model, opaque pricing by payment service providers, and bundling of unrelated services into payment fees. Its success depends on how well these reforms are implemented and whether they deliver real price transparency and lower costs.

    Removing visible price signals may create cross-subsidisation, where users of low-cost debit cards subsidise those who use high-cost rewards credit cards. Some economists argue this could reduce overall efficiency in the system.

    International experience offers mixed lessons. While the European Union and United Kingdom banned most surcharges years ago, outcomes have varied depending on market conditions. Efficiency gains haven’t always followed, and small business concerns persist.

    The road ahead

    The Reserve Bank is seeking feedback until August 26, with a final decision due by year-end. If adopted, the reform will be phased in, allowing time for businesses to adapt.

    For consumers, this may mark the end of hidden payment fees. But for the broader system, success will depend on more than just eliminating surcharges. It will require meaningful competition, transparency, and vigilance during the transition.

    While not a major omission, mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay) and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services represent a missing component in the broader payments ecosystem that the current reforms do not yet address.

    These platforms operate outside the traditional regulatory framework, often imposing higher merchant fees and lacking the transparency applied to card networks.

    Their growing popularity, especially among younger consumers, means they increasingly shape payment behaviour and merchant cost structures. To build a truly future-ready and equitable payments system, these emerging models may need to be brought into the regulatory fold.

    Angel Zhong 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. No more card surcharges: what the Reserve Bank’s proposed changes mean for your wallet – https://theconversation.com/no-more-card-surcharges-what-the-reserve-banks-proposed-changes-mean-for-your-wallet-261165

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –