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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI China: Kazan singer feels blossoming bond for Chinese folk music

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    In a small studio in Kazan, the capital of Russia’s Tatarstan Republic, the air was suffused with the melodic strains of the famous Chinese folk song “Jasmine Flower”, or Mo Li Hua in Chinese.

    This impressive rendition of the iconic Chinese song came from an unexpected source: Saida Mukhametzyanova, a 23-year-old Tatar singer who has developed a special affinity for Chinese music.

    Saida’s endeavor at Chinese folk music began over a year ago, driven by her curiosity and love for exploring music from different cultures.

    Upon hearing “Jasmine Flower” for the first time, she perceived its striking similarities to the Tatar folk song “Galiyabanu” and was captivated by its beauty. Both songs feature a pentatonic scale and share flowing melodies and themes about the pursuit of love.

    “That’s why I had the idea to blend these two beautiful folk songs,” Saida said.

    Later, she discovered a seamless and natural way to blend the two songs, alternating between Chinese and Tatar lyrics while combining their melodies.

    To perfect her performance of the Chinese portion, Saida dedicated herself to learning the language, focusing on every detail of the tone and pronunciation.

    When she released this cultural mashup online, it garnered significant attention, with listeners praising the fresh take on both traditions.

    This experience with Chinese folk songs has opened up more opportunities for Saida to perform at various China-Russia cultural exchange events, including one during the Games of the Future, a national event held in Kazan earlier this year.

    Saida’s keen apprehension about Chinese music has profoundly influenced her artistic vision. “Chinese culture often draws parallels between people and nature, which captivates me because it brings us closer to nature,” she said.

    “The melody is very beautiful, everything in it is harmonious, and it touches the soul. I told my parents that I need to focus my creativity and resources on China and Asia,” she added.

    She has embarked on a project to create an album featuring both Chinese and Tatar folk songs, which she hopes will serve as a musical bridge between the two cultures.

    Saida also dreams of visiting China, a country of which she has yet to gain firsthand experience.

    “I’ve sung Chinese songs, but I’ve never been to China,” she said. “It has such a rich culture that has preserved its uniqueness for thousands of years. I want to see it with my own eyes.”

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: 100-day countdown to 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 marked

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

    100-day countdown to 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 marked

    Updated: October 31, 2024 09:07 Xinhua
    Guests attend a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests attend a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024.[Photo/Xinhua]
    Artists perform during a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The giant screen shows the 9th Asian Winter Games torch during a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests attend a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Performers act during a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The 9th Asian Winter Games medals are unveiled during a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The 9th Asian Winter Games torch is unveiled during a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The 9th Asian Winter Games torch is unveiled during a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The 9th Asian Winter Games gold medal is seen during a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The 9th Asian Winter Games torch is unveiled during a ceremony celebrating the 100-day countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People take photos in front of a theme decoration in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. The countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 hit the 100-day mark on Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People take selfies with a 9th Asian Winter Games mascot in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People pass by a theme decoration in a subway station in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The 9th Asian Winter Games mascots are seen in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Torch, medal, anthem for Asian Winter Games unveiled

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

    This picture shows the torch for the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    HARBIN, Oct. 30 — The torch, medals and anthem for the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin were officially unveiled on Wednesday.

    The height of the torch is 735mm, with a top diameter of 115mm and a grip diameter of 50mm. The theme of the design, “Surging”, aims to capture the vibrant and dynamic energy of life in nature. It symbolizes that the 9th Asian Winter Games will be filled with vitality and passion. The overall torch design incorporates international aesthetic features while blending classical and modern Chinese art.

    The design takes the form of a blossoming lilac, integrating colors such as China Red, Lilac Purple, and Snow White, symbolizing the sincerity, warmth, openness, and inclusivity of Heilongjiang Province and the characteristics of the host city, Harbin.

    The torch features a burner nozzle that combines a lilac floral design with a hollow center, creating a three-dimensional effect. The outer wall of the upper combustion chamber is designed with hollow snowflakes, harmonizing the beauty of order with the overall biomimetic natural aesthetic, blending culture and technology with natural artistry. The outer shell resembles a blossomed lilac, transitioning from transparent ice crystal to Snow White. The inner core transitions from China Red to Lilac Purple. When lit, the torch presents an effect of ice and fire merging, highlighting the radiant energy of winter sports that springs from challenge and passion.

    This picture shows the front of the medals for the 9th Asian Winter Games. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The medals for the Asian Winter Games, titled “Spirit of Speed”, were also released on the same day. The front of the medals combines the streamlined shape of a racetrack with the emblem of the 9th Asian Winter Games, capturing the powerful and graceful motion of athletes in action. This design embodies the strength and beauty of competitive sports. The flowing curves of the racetrack incorporate the silhouette of the Harbin Grand Theatre, reflecting the city’s unique aesthetic.

    This picture shows the reverse side of the medals for the 9th Asian Winter Games. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The reverse side of the medal features a picturesque landscape of Yabuli, with mountain ranges and forests that mirror the terrain of the Greater and Lesser Khingan ranges, creating a vibrant portrayal of Heilongjiang’s rich and bountiful landscape. At the center, the emblem of the Olympic Council of Asia is embedded with a rare Xunke red agate gem from Heilongjiang — symbolizing the sun shining brightly over the vibrant land. The ribbon clasp at the top of the medal is inspired by the Sun Gate of Sun Island Scenic Area, adding a distinctive local character to the design.

    The anthem for the Asian Winter Games is titled “Snow of Harbin”, written by lyricist and director Wang Pingjiu and composed by renowned domestic music producer Chang Shilei. The lyrics and melody express the vision of unity, friendship, and a shared commitment to peace and development among the people of Asian countries and regions, working together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Funding for Gumboot Friday should pause

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The National Government should review its support for Gumboot Friday after unacceptable comments by its leader and champion Mike King.

    “Do young people have to be hurt before Matt Doocey realises he made the wrong decision to bypass the usual process and fund Gumboot Friday,” Labour mental health spokesperson Ingrid Leary said.

    “The comments made by Mike King promoting alcohol use to treat mental health issues are a sad indictment of the Government’s poor funding decision relating to Gumboot Friday.

    “The comments are deeply problematic and fly in the face of well-established body of literature that links alcohol use both directly and indirectly with mental ill health, including with suicide risk.

    “To continue to fund Gumboot Friday sends a message to young people that alcohol use is a recognised treatment for mental health issues.

    “It must be galling for the many wonderful non-governmental organisations with safe and evidence-based approaches to providing mental health support and services to hear these comments, and know that they weren’t able to contest for these funds and help these young people.

    “The Auditor General has already criticised the process that saw funding given to Gumboot Friday — today’s comments vindicate his concerns and add fuel to the fire.

    “This is on top of the recently reported resignation of I Am Hope board members, which raises serious questions about the organisation’s ability to deliver,” Ingrid Leary said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Simon Court responds to feedback on licencing trust bill

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT MP Simon Court, who sponsors the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Repeal of Licensing Trust Monopolies) Amendment Bill, responds to recent reporting and feedback on the bill:

    “My bill has received a very positive response from Westies frustrated with being denied choice and competition in pubs and bars,” says Mr Court.

    “Some outlets have reported that my bill abolishes licencing trusts. This is not correct. Rather, it removes the trusts’ monopoly status, allowing new businesses to operate and compete.

    “Trusts in Invercargill and Mataura, which do not restrict competition to the same extent as those in West Auckland, would be less affected by bill. However, Southlanders would be able to buy beer and wine from supermarkets and a range of liquor stores, as they do in most parts of the country.

    “Claims that my bill undermines local democracy are fundamentally misguided. The free market is a democracy. Consumers are able to take a dollar and decide which goods and services they would like represented in the market, and which they don’t. With monopoly powers removed from trusts, individual consumers could choose whether to support the trusts or shop around.

    “Other than with legislation, the only way to remove trusts’ monopoly powers is for locals to gather verified signatures from 15 percent of the residents and initiate a local referendum. That is higher than the national threshold of 10 percent for a citizen-initiated referendum, and in West Auckland it has proven a very difficult process despite the trusts’ own polling showing most residents oppose the trust monopolies.

    “Finally, the trusts derive most of their profit from pokies, not alcohol. The trusts’ revenue is already well-diversified so they should not be concerned about competition from other hospitality venues, liquor stores, or supermarkets.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government seeks views on remote court attendance

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is exploring how to modernise the law around people attending court remotely, to support access to justice and enhance court performance.

    Courts Minister Nicole McKee says the current law has not kept up with evolving court practices and public attitudes to the use of remote technology, nor been substantially reviewed since it was put in place 14 years ago.

    The Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010 provides a framework for determining when court users can attend remotely by audio-visual or audio links, instead of in-person.

    “We want a modern, fit-for-purpose law that enables increased remote participation, supports access to justice and promotes efficiency in courts in a way that is consistent with the interests of justice. This review is aimed at delivering on this objective,” Mrs McKee says.

    “Appearing remotely can benefit court users by reducing the costs and time required to come to court in person. It may also be a better option for people with accessibility concerns because of a disability, or who live rurally and who must travel a long distance to their nearest court.”

    The Ministry of Justice is now seeking public feedback on potential options for improving the Act. These are set out in a discussion document published today.

    The options for change relate to three areas; what a remote participation Act should apply to; how decisions about participating remotely should be made; and when remote participation should be used.

    This review is part of a wider work programme to improve the efficiency, timeliness and performance of the courts system.

    Consultation closes on 6 December 2024, and feedback can be submitted online to the Ministry of Justice website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Estate Agents Authority

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Estate Agents Authority
    Appointments to Estate Agents Authority
    ***************************************

         The Government announced today (October 31) that the Chief Executive has appointed/reappointed the following individuals to the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) for a period of two years with effect from November 1, 2024: Persons of Category A (estate agency sector)Mr Chiu Kam-kuenMiss Amber Ng Yan-pui (new appointment)Mr Jacob Poon Tat-hangMr Yu Chi-wing Persons of Category B (related fields)Mr Albert Cheng Ting-ningMr Francis Ho Ying-foo (new appointment)Miss Lok Hom-ning (new appointment)Professor Tang Bo-sin (new appointment) Persons of Category C (others)Mr Chow Wai-shunMs Irene Chu Ngar-yeeMr Dennis Ho Chiu-pingMr Ryan Ip Man-ki (new appointment)Mr Kevin Wong HoMr Michael Wong Yick-kamMr Eric Woo Hing-yipPermanent Secretary for Housing or her representative      “We are most grateful to the outgoing members, namely Ms Meena Datwani, Professor Eddie Hui Chi-man, Mr Daryl Ng Win-kong and Ms Gilly Wong Fung-han for their invaluable advice and support to the work of the EAA over the years, particularly in enhancing the service standard of the estate agency trade,” the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said.      The EAA is a statutory body established on November 1, 1997, under the Estate Agents Ordinance (Cap. 511) with a view to enhancing the standard of service of estate agents and the protection of buyers and sellers of property.

     
    Ends/Thursday, October 31, 2024Issued at HKT 10:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash following fleeing driver incident, Rotorua

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Inspector Herby Ngawhika, Rotorua Area Commander.

    A person has died following a serious crash in Owhata, after initially fleeing Police.

    At around 11.30am a vehicle of interest was identified on Haupapa Street, Rotorua. Police signalled it to stop but it failed to do so and instead fled from Police.

    A pursuit was initiated and a short time later, the vehicle collided with another vehicle on Vaughan Road.

    Despite efforts of emergency services, the driver of the fleeing vehicle died at the scene. The passenger of the vehicle received minor injuries and was transported to Rotorua Hospital..

    The two occupants of the other vehicle sustained moderate injuries and were transported to Rotorua Hospital.

    The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible, follow diversions, and expect delays.

    As standard practice, the matter will be referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, or has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the crash.

    If you have information that may assist Police, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Check now: Aussies owed $241 million in unpaid Medicare benefits.

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    31 October 2024

    Over $241 million in unclaimed Medicare benefits is ready to be paid to more than 930,000 Australians who haven’t provided their current bank details to Medicare.

    Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services, Bill Shorten said Australians could only be reunited with unpaid Medicare benefits once they updated their bank details.

    “We know a bit of extra money is always welcome in the lead up to the holidays – so there’s no better time than now to check if your bank details with Medicare are current, and if you have any unpaid benefits,” Minister Shorten said.

    “The average Australian with unpaid Medicare benefits is owed around $260 – but there are also 200 people owed more than $10,000.

    “Young people are owed the most, with more than 224,000 Australians aged between 18 and 24 owed over $52 million.”

    “With everyone doing it tough due to cost of living this is good news for nearly a million Aussies from all walks of life all over Australia.”

    Minister Shorten said it took the average person with a myGov account linked to Medicare less than a minute to check and update their bank details using the myGov app.

    “There are a few quick and easy ways to check and update your Medicare details, including through your linked Medicare service on the myGov app, or your Medicare online account,” Minister Shorten said.

    “Once you update your details, Services Australia will pay your unpaid benefits within 3 days.”

    Minister Shorten said unpaid benefits only made up a small portion of overall Medicare benefits.

    “Services Australia paid almost $30 billion in Medicare benefits to Australians last financial year,” Minister Shorten said.

    “All up, we’ve reunited over half a million Australians with $117 million in unpaid Medicare benefits since December 2023.

    “Services Australia is in the process of sending over half a million notifications to people’s myGov inbox asking them to update their details.

    “If you’re updating your details through myGov, sign in to my.gov.au or use the official app, and remember Services Australia never asks you to open a link in a text message or email.”

    For more information on how to check and update your bank details with Medicare, go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/getmedicarebenefits.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New multi-sensory exhibition coming to Wanneroo

    Source: Government of Western Australia

    Opening at Wanneroo Regional Gallery next month, Walking Through a Songline is an immersive digital experience where paintings come to life, stories are visualised and ancient knowledge is shared.

    The dramatic multi-sensory installation is based on the National Museum of Australia’s internationally acclaimed exhibition, Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters.

    Songlines map the routes of Ancestral beings as they travelled across Australia, creating the land and its people. 

    Walking Through a Songline allows visitors to experience immersive light projections that create representations of songlines, exploring the history of the country, as told by artists, custodians and traditional owners.

    Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said she was excited to bring this unique of intersection of ancient knowledge and new technology to the local community. 

    “This exciting exhibition will allow visitors to learn about Aboriginal Songlines and experience Indigenous storytelling, as the ancient narrative comes alive through new technology,” she said.

    “Visitors of all ages will get the opportunity to engage with this shared knowledge and feel as though they are walking through Songlines themselves.

    “I encourage everyone to visit the gallery and experience Walking Through a Songline this summer.”

    Emeritus Curatorial Fellow, First Nations, National Museum of Australia, Margo Ngawa Neale said it was important all Australians know the story of the creation of this continent and its history beyond 240 years.

    “We need to remind all Australians that although this story has ancient origins, it has critical contemporary relevance and uses contemporary technology as well as more conventional art forms,” she said. 

    Walking Through a Songline is developed by the National Museum of Australia and Mosster Studio with support from the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program and the National Museum of Australia’s donor community.

    Find out more about Walking Through a Songline.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB’s $80 Million Project to Enhance Access and Quality of Secondary Education in Cambodia

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (31 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved an $80 million loan to enhance secondary education in Cambodia, spotlighting “21st century” skills like critical and creative thinking, inclusive teaching for boys and girls, and expanding pathways to post-secondary education. The Secondary Education for Human Capital Competitiveness Project will expand the number of inclusive climate-resilient school facilities—including an additional 400 classrooms—to address classroom overcrowding and expand access to quality upper secondary education.

    “Cambodia needs to accelerate the shift to higher value-added economic activities, especially those driven by technology, to remain globally competitive and consolidate its remarkable economic progress in the recent past,” said ADB Country Director for Cambodia Jyotsana Varma. “A skilled and educated workforce is a prerequisite for this to happen. Building on ADB’s ongoing investments in education and skills development, this project aims to maximize the potential of Cambodia’s young population to drive future economic growth.”

    Net enrollment in upper secondary education remains low in Cambodia at 35.5% due to factors such as inadequate school facilities and economic constraints, especially for boys who are expected to contribute to their household income. Teachers require additional training and support to develop in-demand skills and competencies in students. Moreover, students with special education needs face even greater barriers to quality secondary education.

    The project will improve access to education, especially for students with learning disabilities by developing assistive technology and supporting special education secondary schools. The project will promote education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects to prepare a future cohort of workers possessing skills aligned with industry demand. To the same end, the project will seek to develop soft skills like communication, collaboration, and critical and creative thinking in students. The project will invest in improving professional development of teachers to encourage project-based teaching that incorporates group work, real-world problem solving, and community engagement. It will also review and strengthen the grade 12 national examination to better reflect the modernized curriculum, as well as develop fast-track courses in priority fields—like digital economy and applied mathematics—that aim to strengthen the pipeline of skilled human resources.

    The project is a key component of ADB’s support for the government to enhance human capital development. It aligns with the government’s pentagonal strategy for growth, employment, equity, efficiency and sustainability, as well as ADB’s country partnership strategy for Cambodia, 2024–2028.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Sino-French agricultural trade cooperation center unveiled

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Agricultural Produce Trading Center was inaugurated on Tuesday in Guangzhou, capital of south China’s Guangdong Province, marking a new chapter in Sino-French agricultural trade cooperation.

    The joint endeavor was launched by China’s KINGOLD Group and France’s Rungis International Market, and is set to become the largest “vegetable basket” project in the region, aiming to bring high-quality French farm products directly to Chinese consumers.

    Located in Guangzhou’s Baiyun District, the center spans an area of 2,000 mu (approximately 133 hectares), with its first phase covering over 910,000 square meters.

    The complex will feature multi-level trading centers, a global food showcase center, a smart cold chain center, urban distribution hubs and an international exhibition center, catering to such products as fresh produce, imported ingredients, seafood and cut flowers. Its first phase is expected to host more than 2,000 vendors.

    “The trading center will serve as a one-stop, high-quality procurement platform with an expected annual turnover exceeding 100 billion yuan (about 14 billion U.S. dollars),” said Zhou Zerong, chairman of KINGOLD Group.

    According to Zhou, Rungis’ well-established management and operational expertise will contribute to an internationally oriented platform with standards that can facilitate the global flow of premium Chinese and French products.

    Rungis International Market, known worldwide for its sophisticated food safety management and logistics systems, signed a close cooperation agreement with KINGOLD Group in April 2024.

    Sylvain Fourriere, consul general of France in Guangzhou, said that the center will not only meet local needs but will also be an international hub for agricultural products, connecting the Greater Bay Area to global supply chains. It will launch a new era for agri-food trade, setting high standards in quality, sustainability and logistics.

    “Among our strengths of cooperation, agri-food is a sector where our two countries share complementary expertise and know-how, as well as a real passion for gastronomy, particularly in the province of Guangdong,” Fourriere said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Guangdong expressway cuts down travel time

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

    A new expressway linking three major cities in Guangdong province officially opened on Wednesday afternoon, further promoting the integrated and high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    Through the new Nansha-Zhongshan Expressway, vehicles can travel from Guangzhou’s Nansha district to the Shenzhen special economic zone in less than 20 minutes and to Zhongshan in about 15 minutes. Connected with the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link that operates across the estuary of the Pearl River, it further advances economic ties between cities in the eastern and western parts of the Pearl River delta.

    Previously, it took more than an hour for drivers to complete the journey between Zhongshan and the Shenzhen special economic zone via the Humen or Nansha bridges, which have witnessed heavy traffic jams during peak periods. Now, they can drive between the two areas in about 30 minutes.

    The 32.4-kilometer-long, six-lane two-way expressway, with a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour, consists of the 21.6-kilometer-long main road and the 10.8-kilometer-long Wanqingsha Branch road. It will help Nansha Port improve its gateway function and achieve high-quality development.

    The project is also expected to strengthen the direct connection between Nansha, located at the mouth of the Pearl River, and major cities in the GBA, said Guo Sheng, deputy director of Nansha district’s housing and urban-rural development bureau.

    The expressway will provide huge opportunities for Nansha, a shipping hub in the southern Chinese region, to participate in the construction of the GBA and help the district open up more to the outside world.

    The new highway further connects the three pilot free trade zones of Qianhai in Shenzhen, Hengqin in Zhuhai and Nansha together. Together with the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, people in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhongshan can reach each city within 30 minutes.

    “Nansha already has subways, light railways and intercity railway networks to connect with major cities in the GBA,” said Guo.

    Li Jing, chief planner with Department of Transport of Guangdong Province, said the province would further accelerate the construction of infrastructure and actively expand effective investment in transportation to further improve the highway network along the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link and surrounding areas.

    The move aims to promote high-level connectivity within and outside the GBA, playing a pioneering role in transportation to better serve and support Guangdong’s opening-up to the outside world and high-quality development, Li said.

    Meanwhile, transportation departments in Guangzhou and Shenzhen have also opened intercity bus routes to link Nansha district to Shenzhen and Nansha to the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to strengthen the connection between the two cities on Wednesday.

    The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, which opened in June, connects the city clusters of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Huizhou in the eastern part of the Pearl River Delta to the prosperous cities of Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Foshan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing in the western part, further enhancing infrastructure connectivity, cooperation and exchanges among the GBA cities.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH51 in Napier reopens after serious crash

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    31 October 2024 1:48 pm | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

    A stretch of State Highway 51 Taradale Road in Napier has reopened following a serious crash earlier this morning.

    The road, between Austin Street and Hyderabad Road, closed after a car rolled, crashing into a power pole.

    A detour was in place for northbound traffic, through Onekawa.

    The road has now reopened in both directions.

    Please expect possible delays travelling through the area as congestion eases and continue to drive to the conditions.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speedway shift to Waikaraka Park decided

    Source: Auckland Council

    Over the years, significant work has gone into investigating options for the consolidation of speedway activities in Auckland, with a solution now decided. 

    The council’s Governing Body agreed on 30 October 2024 to the request to transfer $11 million of existing Long-term Plan capital funding from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board. This funding will enable the delivery of critical works at Waikaraka Park and the consolidation of the two current four-wheel class speedway venues in Auckland into the Onehunga venue.

    Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) supports the consolidation of four-wheel speedway classes at Waikaraka Park, which will enable the realisation of improved financial outcomes at Western Springs Stadium for the benefit of Auckland ratepayers.

    The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board have been drivers and strong supporters of the consolidation to Waikaraka Park, seeing this activity as strategically important to the local board area and aligned to their approved Waikaraka masterplan.

    Maungakiekie-Tāmaki local board chair Maria Meredith welcomes the investment into Waikaraka Park.

    “This is a pivotal step forward for speedway activities at Waikaraka Park. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board has been a longtime supporter of racing activities at this iconic Tāmaki Makaurau venue. This investment unlocks critical upgrades to the facility which are consistent with our approved Waikaraka Park Masterplan and help to ensure a bright and exciting future for the facility,” says Ms Meredith.

    The decision to back and invest in Waikaraka Park provides a viable future for four-wheel speedway events in Auckland. It provides much-needed investment in facilities and infrastructure, improves safety and security, and allows for the confident planning of future high-quality events.

    The Western Springs Speedway promoter came to the natural end of a four-year venue hire agreement in 2023, before being granted a one-year extension while seeking alternative future venues. Waikaraka Park has a secure lease arrangement in place until 2051.

    Waikaraka Park is the current home of the Auckland Stock and Saloon Car Club. This decision paves the way forward for speedway and stock and saloon cars to share the same venue.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ecological projects get a boost in Upper Harbour

    Source: Auckland Council

    More than $500,000 has been committed to ecological projects by the Upper Harbour Local Board.

    The funding covers a cross-section of projects ranging from community-led ecological projects, construction waste education to industrial pollution prevention and the Waiarohia Stream restoration.

    Chair Anna Atkinson says funding to provide an increased level of service in the Albany Library which isn’t needed this financial year has been reallocated to other projects.

    “We are fortunate to have a community that is passionate about the environment – enhancing and protecting it, and we can work alongside them to safeguard our special areas,” she says.

    “Much of what we have funded is designed to take action this financial year and we remain committed to helping our volunteers lead restoration and conservation efforts in their own communities.”

    The Upper Harbour Local Board Local Environmental Work Programme includes:

    • Upper Harbour Ecological Initiatives – $264,806

    • Waiarohia Stream restoration – $93,500

    • Industry Pollution Prevention Programme – $65,115

    • Construction Waste Education and Leadership – $41,000

    • Local Streams (Sustainable Schools) – $32,000

    • Īnanga spawning habitat restoration – $26,000

    • Te Ao Māori and community-led conservation – $5,000

    Funding for Upper Harbour Ecological Initiatives enables multiple ecological projects to be delivered by the community including pest animal and plant control, implementing the pest management strategy, biodiversity monitoring, and restoration planting on private land which are high value ecological sites.

    Local schools can continue the planting programme at Waiarohia Stream which began three years ago. It’s a massive undertaking creating a plant corridor for native birds and insects between Hobsonville and Whenuapai.

    Atkinson says, “The plants are doing well but only nine per of the stream edge is planted. This is a long-term commitment, and we have doubled our investment in this project which is going to be great for Whenuapai which has very little tree cover and the goal is 30 per cent tree cover across Auckland.” 

    Businesses are being helped to reduce industrial pollution risks to waterways and the Waitematā Harbour. One hundred businesses will be visited in Rosedale and the new industrial area on Hobsonville Road is also part of the programme.

    “There are site inspections and practical recommendations for the businesses involved and they also understand what they must do if something goes wrong,” says Atkinson.

    With construction and demolition waste the single biggest contributor of waste in Auckland, and the scale of development in Hobsonville, the programme focusses on this area. The construction and demolition waste advisor works with builders and developers to improve site practices and compliance including the installation of silt and security fences.

    Read the full report in the Upper Harbour Local Board Meeting agenda on 24 October 2024 at infocouncil.govt.nz (item 12)

    Stay up to date

    Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. Or follow us on Facebook.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Maria Anna Mozart was a musical prodigy overshadowed by her brother. A new documentary tells her story

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diane Charleson, Senior Lecturer in media School of Arts Australian Catholic University, Australian Catholic University

    Alina Gozin’a

    Award-winning director Madeleine Hetherton-Miau’s latest offering is an evocative and hard-hitting documentary with a strong message. Mozart’s Sister investigates the life of Maria Anna Mozart, the older sister of the more famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

    The film portrays a sensitive and well-researched investigation into Maria Anna’s life – illuminating how the draconian attitudes that prevailed during her time condemned her to a lesser life than her brother, even though she was similarly talented.

    It also reminds us of the importance of championing women musicians today, as “if we don’t encourage women now, it (discrimination) only repeats”.

    Who was Maria Anna Mozart?

    Maria Anna was the first-born child of Leopold Mozart. He himself was a musician and composer and had his daughter schooled in music from a very young age.

    Maria showed amazing talent – a child prodigy in playing and composing. When Wolfgang was born, he quickly became engrossed in playing and composing music with his sister.

    Mozart’s Sister features wonderfully poignant recreations of this childhood bond over music – emphasising the siblings’ playfulness and engagement with music in a noncompetitive way.

    Leopold recognised his children’s prodigious talents. He soon had them travelling and playing concerts all over Europe, where they were lauded by the highest aristocracy. Maria Anna and Wolfgang were inseparable during this time and composed many works together.

    Maria Anna and Wolfgang composed many works together.
    Madeleine Hetherton-Miau

    Women musicians in the 18th century

    But all of this came to an abrupt end with Maria Anna turned 15. As custom would dictate, it was considered unsuitable and unseemly for a girl of that age to perform in public, likening this form of public performance to that of a prostitute.

    The film portrays the unfortunate fate that befell many 18th-century women who wanted to pursue a career in music. Regardless of their aptitude, these women would have no real career prospects. They were even banned from playing musical instruments deemed unseemly, including the violin and cello.

    Composing and playing music was largely taken up by the nuns in monasteries. As Mozart’s Sister highlights, even though this was a time of enlightenment, this “enlightenment” was reserved for men – and white men at that. It definitely didn’t flow on to women.

    Maria Anna was forced to stay home while Wolfgang continued pursuing music uninterrupted – and the rest is history.

    Maria Anna’s musical talents weren’t encouraged the way her younger brother’s were.
    Shannon Ruddock

    The film ponders what it must have been like for her to be left at home, away from her brother (who was once her constant companion) and unable to play as she used to. Her life is poignantly illustrated through her diary entries, which are mainly filled with references to the weather, as though nothing else was happening for her.

    Maria Anna eventually married, but continued to practice music each day. Upon her husband’s death – now a woman of means and a baroness in her 50s – she returned to solo concert performances.

    A documentary on two levels

    Mozart’s Sister is a documentary that functions on many levels.

    On one level, it’s a biopic that portrays Maria Anna’s story through recreations of her childhood in Austria, with a voiceover narration and interviews highlighting her relationship with her brother. Much is shot on location in Austria and framed through the perspective of present-day museum curators and experts.

    On another level, the film is a broader statement on the underrepresentation of female composers. I thought the director did an excellent job in portraying this duality through the juxtaposition of Maria Anna’s with the young British composer Alma Deustger. Deustger displayed many of the characteristics we could imagine Maria Anna having.

    Like Maria Anna, Deustger is a brilliant modern-day composer with a deep appreciation for for composing and conducting. But unlike Maria, she has been able to pursue her passion and turn it into a career. I was particularly struck by the film’s closing, in which Deustger discusses writing her waltz based on the police sirens of New York.

    Mozart’s Sister follows in a recent literary trend of discussions of appropriation – and of the overlooking of talented women in history who have been overshadowed by their more famous male counterparts. Anna Funder’s Wifedom and Hernan Diaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Trust are two other examples of this.

    It is an interesting and provocative film that will appeal to classical music lovers, as well as those interested more broadly in the issue of female underrepresentation in the arts.

    Mozart’s Sister is in cinemas from today.

    Diane Charleson 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. Maria Anna Mozart was a musical prodigy overshadowed by her brother. A new documentary tells her story – https://theconversation.com/maria-anna-mozart-was-a-musical-prodigy-overshadowed-by-her-brother-a-new-documentary-tells-her-story-241794

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Civil Service Training Advisory Board

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government announced today (October 31) that the Chief Executive has made appointments and reappointments to the Civil Service Training Advisory Board (CSTAB). The appointments of members will be effective from November 1, 2024. 

         The new members appointed are Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong, Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi, and Dr Denis Yip Shing-fai, who will serve on the CSTAB for a term of three years, from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2027. Meanwhile, four incumbent non-official members have been reappointed for another term of two years, from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2026. Professor Wong Yuk-shan, an incumbent member, will take up the position of Chairman of the CSTAB. 

         Welcoming the new appointments and reappointments, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “‘The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address’ has outlined various initiatives to strengthen civil service training to enhance the governance capabilities of the civil service. With Professor Wong’s capable leadership and members’ profound knowledge and experience in various fields, I have full confidence that the CSTAB will continue to provide valuable advice on civil service training and development, supporting the Civil Service College (CSC) to nurture a professional civil service dedicated to serving our country and Hong Kong.” 

         The Government expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr Victor Fung Kwok-king, the outgoing Chairperson, for his contribution to leading the CSTAB in the past five years. Dr Fung has offered forward-looking recommendations on the long-term development strategy of the CSC, enabling it to strengthen civil service training and enhance the leadership capabilities and global perspectives of civil servants. The Government’s gratitude is also extended to the other outgoing members, including Mr Raymund Chao Pak-ki, Ms Florence Chung Wai-yee, and Mr Peter Ho Siu-ping, for the strong support they rendered to the work of the CSTAB. 

         The CSTAB gives guidance on training for the civil service and the long-term development strategy of the CSC. The board comprises academics, human resource management experts, professionals with rich experience in public administration, and others.

         The membership of the board from November 1, 2024, is as follows:

    Chairman
    ———–
    Professor Wong Yuk-shan
     
    Vice-Chairman
    —————-
    Secretary for the Civil Service
     
    Non-official Members
    ———————–
    Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching
    Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan
    Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong
    Ms Renee Ho Hang-yin
    Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi
    Mr Lee Luen-fai
    Professor Richard Wong Yue-chim
    Dr Denis Yip Shing-fai
     
    Ex-officio Members
    ———————
    Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service or representative
    Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) or representative
    Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry or representative
    Permanent Secretary for Security or representative

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Winston County man sentenced to over 15 years for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    GREENVILLE, Miss. – Dennis Vernandale Phillips, 42, was sentenced today to over 15 years in prison for his possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the controlled substance.

    The investigation began when law enforcement purchased over 30 grams of methamphetamine from Phillips using a confidential informant. During a subsequent search of Phillips’ residence in Preston, Mississippi, officers located methamphetamine, two firearms, and other narcotics. In total, Phillips’ conduct involved over a kilogram of methamphetamine that impacted the Choctaw Indian Reservation in Winston, Kemper, and Neshoba counties.

    On October 30, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Phillips to 188 months imprisonment followed by a 48-month term of supervised release for possessing the methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

    “Meth indiscriminately kills children, men and women and it ravages our communities, including the Choctaw Indian Reservation,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “This prosecution and sentence are the result of outstanding cooperation between our federal law enforcement partners and the tribal police to achieve a straightforward goal – to reduce the supply of illicit drugs while seeing to it that those who poison communities with narcotics are held to account.”

    Phillips’ drug distribution was a threat to the community,” said Whitney Woodruff, Regional Agent in Charge of the Southeast Region for the Division of Drug Enforcement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. “He was poisoning Indian Country for his personal gain and now he will pay the price.  I am proud of our partnerships with the other law enforcement agencies involved.” 

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case in partnership with the Choctaw Police Criminal Investigations Division, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Howell Addison prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics Announces Results for Third Quarter of 2024

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics today reported financial results for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2024.
     
    The Company posted KRW 79.1 trillion in consolidated revenue, an increase of 7% from the previous quarter, on the back of the launch effects of new smartphone models and increased sales of high-end memory products. Operating profit declined to KRW 9.18 trillion, largely due to one-off costs, including the provision of incentives in the Device Solutions (DS) Division.
     
    The strength of the Korean won against the U.S. dollar resulted in a negative impact on company-wide operating profit of about KRW 0.5 trillion compared to the previous quarter.
     
    In the fourth quarter, while memory demand for mobile and PC may encounter softness, growth in AI will keep demand at robust levels. Against this backdrop, the Company will concentrate on driving sales of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and high-density products. The Foundry Business aims to increase order volumes by enhancing advanced process technologies. Samsung Display Corporation (SDC) expects the demand of flagship products from major customers to continue, while maintaining a quite conservative outlook on its performance. The Device eXperience (DX) Division will continue to focus on premium products, but sales are expected to decline slightly compared to the previous quarter.
     
    For 2025, the Company will remain focused on enhancing competitiveness in advanced technologies and strengthening leadership in premium products and AI capabilities amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. The DS Division will address demand for differentiated products based on advanced technologies and high value-added products such as HBM and server SSDs. In addition, the Company plans to leverage the mass production on the 2 nanometer (nm) Gate-All-Around (GAA) process to win new clients. SDC will aim to maintain leadership in the high-end product category and broaden its product portfolio. The DX Division will continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences through enhanced AI features and product connectivity.
     
    With over 500 million diverse products being delivered to consumers globally every year, the Company is tailoring its AI technology in each product to help lead the market. By leveraging the SmartThings platform with 360 million users and capabilities in product intelligence, spatial intelligence, and personalization, the Company plans to firmly establish itself in the home of the future, where AI will be widespread. In the AI era for the home, the Company will focus on the security of its products, convenience in device connectivity, intelligent technology to save energy and time, and the health and well-being of users and their families.
     
     
    Memory Achieves Revenue Growth in Q3
    The DS Division posted KRW 29.27 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 3.86 trillion in operating profit in the third quarter.
     
    For the Memory Business, demand for AI and conventional servers was strong, as major datacenter and technology companies continued to invest. But mobile demand was relatively soft due to inventory adjustments by some customers, and the supply-demand situation was impacted somewhat by the increasing supply of legacy products in the China market.
     
    The Company focused on actively responding to the demand for AI and server products while depleting aging inventories of legacy products to further improve the inventory level and mix. Therefore, compared to the previous quarter, the Company achieved significant revenue growth in HBM, DDR5 and Server SSD.
     
    However, performance decreased due to a reduced reversal of inventory valuation loss compared to the previous quarter, one-off expenses such as the provision of incentives, and currency effects due to a weak dollar.
     
    For the fourth quarter, the demand trends experienced in the previous quarter are expected to continue. The Company plans to accelerate the conversion of cutting-edge nodes in legacy lines and aims to strengthen its business fundamentals by completing the normalization of the inventory level and mix by the end of the year.
     
    For DRAM, the Company plans to expand sales in line with the increase in HBM capacity, accelerate the transition to 1b nanometer1 for server DDR5 and actively expand the sales portion of high-density modules based on 32Gb DDR5. For NAND, the Company will expand sales of 8th generation (V8) based PCIe Gen5 and plans to mass-produce the 64TB product for the quad-level cell (QLC) market, which has high growth potential.
     
    Looking ahead to 2025, datacenter and enterprise investments are likely to remain strong in association with AI, and build demand for conventional servers, in addition to AI servers, is expected to be steadily strong.
     
    For DRAM, the Company plans to expand the sales of HBM3E and the portion of high-end products such as DDR5 modules with 128GB density or higher for servers and LPDDR5X for mobile, PC, servers, and so on. For NAND, the Company will proactively respond to the high-density trend based on QLC products — including 64TB and 128TB SSDs — and solidify leadership in the PCIe Gen5 market by accelerating the tech migration from V6 to V8.
     
    The System LSI Business posted modest sales growth, but earnings declined due to increased one-off costs. System-on-chip (SoC) shipments increased as flagship products were adopted for new models by a major customer. Sales of image sensors were affected by H1’s inventory accumulation, resulting in some adjustments, while display driver IC (DDI) sales expanded with new model launches by key customers.
     
    In the fourth quarter, supply of the Exynos 2400 will continue to expand with higher customer adoption, but weak demand for image sensors is expected to continue. For DDIs, the System LSI Business is focusing on growth areas, such as the expansion of IT-oriented OLED products.
     
    Looking ahead to 2025, the momentum of on-device AI is expected to remain strong, and the Company will focus on capturing opportunities in areas such as SoCs and cameras. The System LSI Business plans to concentrate on supplying SoCs for flagship products of a major customer while preparing for next-generation 2nm products. Image sensors will aim to maximize new product supply through HDR, low-power and zoom features, while DDIs will seek to develop low-power products using advanced processes.
     
    The Foundry Business saw its overall earnings decline compared to the previous quarter due to the impact of one-off costs. Still, the Foundry Business successfully met its order targets — particularly in sub-5nm technologies — and released the 2nm GAA process design kit (PDK), enabling customers to proceed with their product designs.
     
    While mobile and PC demand may remain weak in the fourth quarter, high performance computing (HPC) and AI-related demand will continue to be robust. The Foundry Business will strive to acquire customers by improving the process maturity of its 2nm GAA technology, and it will continue to develop competitive technology and design infrastructure to expand additional business opportunities.
     
    For 2025, the overall foundry market is expected to show double-digit growth, driven by HPC and AI applications in advanced technology nodes. The Foundry Business aims to expand revenue through ongoing yield improvements in advanced technology while securing major customers through successful 2nm mass production. In addition, integrating advanced process nodes and packaging solutions to further develop the HBM buffer die is expected to help acquire new customers in the AI and HPC sectors.
     
     
    Mobile Display Records Solid Results; Will Maintain Leadership in the High-End Market
    SDC posted KRW 8.0 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 1.51 trillion in operating profit for the third quarter.
     
    For the mobile display business, SDC achieved sequential improvements in both sales and profits thanks to the flagship product launches of major customers. For the large display business, SDC reported a slight weakening in operating profit, but sales volume improved from the previous quarter, driven by the stable demand of TV and monitor products.
     
    In the fourth quarter, SDC expects continued demand for flagship products from major customers, and sales growth of IT and automotive products. However, SDC’s performance outlook is quite conservative compared to the previous quarter, due to headwinds from rising competition among panel makers.
     
    For the large display business, SDC will keep striving to expand sales by meeting the fourth quarter demand of major customers through improved production efficiency, and it aims to respond to the demand for new products in 2025 with timely supply.
     
    In 2025, SDC will continue to maintain its leadership in the foldable and high-end smartphone markets, based on innovative OLED technologies optimized for AI devices and accelerate the expansion of IT and automotive products to further diversify its business portfolio.
     
    For the large display business, SDC will continue to leverage the performance advantage of QD-OLED panels to strengthen its position in the premium TV market. And for monitors, SDC will broaden its lineup by adding high-resolution products and diverse refresh rate options, aiming not only to solidify its competitive edge in the gaming monitor market but also to actively enter the B2C monitor market.
     
     
    MX Business To Achieve Double-Digit Annual Sales Growth in Flagships
    The MX and Networks businesses posted KRW 30.52 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 2.82 trillion in operating profit for the third quarter.
     
    Overall market demand for smartphones grew modestly as the residual effects of global inflation slowed the recovery in consumer spending.
     
    The MX Business recorded sequential growth in both revenue and operating profit, bolstered by the launch of new smartphone, tablet and wearable products. Sales increased — with a focus on flagship models — and profitability neared double digits, despite rising material costs as product specifications improved to boost competitiveness.
     
    In the fourth quarter, seasonal factors are expected to lead to sequential growth in the smartphone market. At the same time, competition in the mass market segment is expected to increase as a result of rising demand, particularly in emerging markets.
     
    The MX Business will continue to maintain solid sales of its AI smartphones, such as foldables and the S24 series, with various sales promotions in anticipation of the holiday season, aiming for annual flagship sales growth of double digits. In addition, the MX Business will expand sales linked to year-end seasonality for tablets and wearables, especially on new premium products with significantly enhanced performance, to contribute to the MX Business’ sales and profits.
     
    In 2025, the macroeconomic environment is expected to stabilize to a degree as a result of interest rate cuts, leading to slight growth in the smartphone market. The mass market segment is expected to grow, along with demand for ecosystem products, and the smartwatch and true wireless stereo (TWS) markets will expand with broader applications of AI capabilities.
     
    The MX Business will drive sales growth and improve profitability with a focus on flagship products, including smartphones, foldables, tablets and wearables, based on further advancements of Galaxy AI.
     
     
    Visual Display To Focus on Premium Models and Service Expansion
    The Visual Display and Digital Appliances businesses posted KRW 14.14 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 0.53 trillion in operating profit in the third quarter.
     
    The Visual Display Business saw improved profitability both from the previous quarter and a year earlier by prioritizing sales of strategic products such as Neo QLEDs, OLEDs, and big TVs. Additionally, service business sales increased.
     
    In the fourth quarter, overall demand in the TV market is expected to recover due to year-end peak seasonality amid intensifying competition. The Visual Display Business plans to capture peak season demand by enhancing sales programs through strategic collaborations with major retail partners, and will focus on expanding sales and securing profitability by emphasizing the competitiveness of TVs in terms of security, design, and content.
     
    In 2025, the overall TV market is expected to post modest growth, with strategic products like QLEDs, OLEDs, and big TVs continuing to gain market share. To solidify its leading position globally, the Visual Display Business will continue to differentiate AI functionalities and innovate its products centering on premium and Lifestyle screens.
     
    By utilizing AI, the Company aims to enhance core TV features such as picture and sound quality, while also improving the overall user experience within the SmartThings ecosystem. The Company plans to drive sales of premium products centered on Neo QLED, OLED and super big TVs, and it will maintain leadership in the Lifestyle screen category by leveraging well-established competitive advantages.
     
    Furthermore, by capitalizing on the extensive installed base that has been established through hardware leadership, the Visual Display Business will continue to expand the service platform business through advertisement and media such as Samsung TV Plus.
     
     
    1 Refers to Samsung’s fifth-generation 10nm class DRAM

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: United States of America

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

    • Reviewed: 7 June 2023, 08:45 NZST
    • Still current at: 31 October 2024

    Related news features

    If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

    Exercise increased caution in the United States due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).

    United States of America

    Terrorism
     The United States Department of Homeland Security regularly issues terrorism-related advice and updates. For current alerts, see the US National Terror Advisory System webpage.

    The United States remains a target of terrorist interest, both from international terror groups and from domestic-based individual’s adhering to various forms of violent extremist ideologies. Credible information assessed by US authorities indicates that individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct terrorist attacks in the US. Attacks could be indiscriminate, targeting law enforcement officials, government buildings and areas frequented by foreigners including transport hubs and major events.

    New Zealanders in the United States are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities and be aware of your surroundings in public places such as shopping malls, markets, monuments, places of worship, tourist destinations, demonstrations, large gatherings and on public transport.

    In the event of an attack, leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so. Avoid the area in case of secondary attacks.

    Crime
     Petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in urban centres, tourist locations and on public transport. New Zealanders should stay alert to their surroundings, stay vigilant on public transport and avoid leaving belongings unattended, including in rental vehicles.

    There is a higher incidence of violent crime and firearm possession than in New Zealand. In many states, it is legal for United States citizens to openly carry firearms in public. Violent crime has targeted individuals and groups from the LGBTQIA+ community and those with diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. However, crime rates vary considerably across cities and suburbs and while tourists are rarely targeted, there is always a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. New Zealanders should take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas including on public transport. Research your destination before travelling and seek local advice if you are concerned about levels of criminal activity.

    Active shooter incidents occur in the United States. For advice on how to respond to an active shooter situation, please see the US Department of Homeland Security website.

    You should exercise caution if crossing the border by car into Mexico from Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. There have been increased incidents of crime associated with drug trading and some foreign nationals have been targeted indiscriminately.

    Be aware of rental and financial scams via websites and social media. Credit card and ATM fraud including debit card cloning is also a risk to travellers.

    Civil Unrest and Political Tension
    Protests and demonstrations regularly occur. We advise New Zealanders to follow any advice issued by the local authorities, monitor local media for developments and avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to result in violence.

    Natural Disasters
     The US can experience severe weather events, such as hurricanes, especially in May or June to November regularly impacting the eastern seaboard, Gulf Coast, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

    Tornados are most frequent and at their highest intensities across the Central Plains and parts of the Midwest. While tornadoes can form at any time of year, conditions are most favourable in the spring and summer months (March to September). 

    Severe snowstorms during winter can cause disruptions to critical infrastructure, including power cuts. Winter storms may also lead to widespread flight delays and cancellations.

    Many parts of the US are also prone to earthquakes including Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington state and the US Virgin Islands.

    Contact your travel operator or airline for the latest departure information, and monitor local weather forecasts.  If there is a severe weather event, or natural disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities and keep your family and friends back in New Zealand informed of your safety and well-being.

    General Travel Advice
     The Transport Security Administration website provides guidance for airline passengers travelling to the United States.

    Travellers carrying electronic devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, should be aware that these devices may be subject to security checks by United States border authorities.

    Immigration regulations are strictly enforced. Overstaying can result in detention then deportation. See our United States travel tips.

    New Zealanders travelling or resident in the United States should have comprehensive travel and medical insurance policies in place. Medical costs in the United States are extremely high and the New Zealand government cannot assist with medical expenses. 

    New Zealanders in the United States are encouraged to register their travel with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

     

    Travel tips

    The New Zealand Embassy Washington DC, United States of America

    Street Address 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Fax +1 202 667 5227 Email WSHinfo@mfat.govt.nz Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/united-states-of-america/new-zealand-embassy-to-the-united-states-of-america/ Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1700 hrs

    The New Zealand Consulate-General Los Angeles, United States of America

    Street Address Suite 600E, 2425 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Fax +1 310 566 6556 Email nzcg.la@mfat.net Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/united-states-of-america/new-zealand-consulate-general-los-angeles/ Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1300, 1330 – 1630 hrs

    New Zealand Consulate-General Honolulu, United States of America

    Street Address 733 Bishop Street, 2020, Honolulu, HI 96813 Telephone +1 808 675 5555 Fax +1 808 675 5561 Email HLUEnquiries@mfat.govt.nz

    New Zealand Consulate-General New York, United States of America

    Street Address 41st Floor, 295 Madison Ave, New York, 10017, United States of America Telephone +1 212 832 4038 Fax +1 212 832 7602 Hours Mon – Fri 0900 – 1230 hrs for consular calls

    New Zealand Consulate Atlanta, United States of America

    Street Address 47 Hawk Road, Newnan, Georgia 30263, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email newzealand@mindspring.com

    New Zealand Consulate Boston, United States of America

    Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email nzconsulboston@gmail.com

    New Zealand Consulate Chicago, United States of America

    Street Address 1223 Oakwood Lane, Glenview, IL 60025 Postal Address 1223 Oakwood Lane, 6400 Shafer Ct 60025, Glenview, IL Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email nzconsulatechicago@gmail.com

    New Zealand Consulate Houston, United States of America

    Street Address 4424 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77041, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email connelly@nzhonoraryconsul.org

    New Zealand Consulate Oregon, United States of America

    Street Address 430 SW 13th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email cjs@theswindells.org

    New Zealand Consulate Sacramento, United States of America

    Street Address 44733 North El Macero Drive, El Macero, CA 95618 – 1066, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email starrned@msn.com

    New Zealand Consulate Salt Lake City, United States of America

    Street Address 1655 Linden Lane, Bountiful, UT 84010, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email Iain.mckay1@hotmail.com

    New Zealand Consulate San Francisco (Northern California), United States of America

    Postal Address PO Box 1276, Burlingame, CA 94010, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email NewZealandHCSF@gmail.com

    New Zealand Consulate Seattle, United States of America

    Street Address 4010 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Suite 300, Kirkland WA 98033, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email NZHonConSeattleWA@outlook.com

    See our regional advice for North America

    Top of page

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delays following crash, Southwestern Motorway southbound, Waterview Tunnel

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists using the southbound lanes of Waterview Tunnel are advised to expect delays while emergency services respond to a serious crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle.

    One southbound lane is blocked and motorists are advised to use extra caution in the area and to expect delays for some time.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Ti-Tree Bend tank in the mix for Tamar fix

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    Work to improve the quality of Launceston’s biggest waterway has reached a new milestone, with construction of a giant storage tank at Ti-Tree Bend underway, following the recent completion of upgrades to the Margaret Street Pump Station and Western Rising Main.

    The 10-megalitre concrete tank will be connected to the new pipeline under the Kanamaluka / Tamar Estuary riverbed – boosting the storage capacity of Launceston’s combined sewage and stormwater system, and significantly reducing untreated overflows.

    Ahead of construction, mass soil mixing works of more than 28,000 cubic metres of soil – the equivalent to filling 11 Olympic-sized swimming pools – were undertaken, along with the installation of 120 concrete piles to a depth of 20 metres.

    With these essential ground improvement and foundation works completed, TasWater is now beginning construction of the new 10-megalitre covered storage facility and supporting infrastructure, with the project expected to be completed in 2026.

    The project is supporting up to 80 jobs during construction, and includes the services of local Tasmanian contractors, One Earth Excavations.  

    It is part of the $140.7 million Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan, with the Albanese Government providing $49 million, the Tasmanian Government $47.5 million, TasWater $33.2 million, and the City of Launceston $11 million – an initiative of the $609.4 million Launceston City Deal.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

    “It was fantastic to be back in Launceston to see this infrastructure continuing to take shape, with construction of this 10-megalitre tank marking an exciting milestone in this region-shaping project.

    “Upgrading Launceston’s sewage and stormwater system will not only ensure it keeps pace with the city’s growing population, it will significantly boost the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary, supporting commercial and recreational opportunities on this waterway into the future.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz:

    “Alongside the recently completed pipeline, this latest milestone will continue improvements in the overall health of the Estuary.

    “The work being conducted under the Launceston City Deal and Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce demonstrates once again what can be achieved when the three levels of government collaborate.

    “The Tamar Estuary is a major asset for Launceston and Northern Tasmania and the more focus we have on its health and amenity, the better.”

    Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:

    “Improving the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary is something that people in Launceston have long called for, which is why we’re getting on with the job of delivering these critical upgrades to the city’s sewage and stormwater system.

    “With work kickstarting on this storage tank installation, we’re another step closer to this estuary becoming a recreational waterway, which will really transform how this part of Launceston is utilised by locals and visitors long into the future.” 

    Quotes attributable to Simon Wood, Liberal Member for Bass:

    “We appreciate the river’s importance to Launceston and the wider community, which is why we are making investments today to ensure its health for future generations.

    “The health of the Tamar is a daily topic of conversation around Launceston.

    “People can be confident that the Tasmanian Government, as part of the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce and through the Launceston City Deal, is helping to protect this waterway.”

    Quotes from City of Launceston Council Mayor Matthew Garwood:

    “The City of Launceston is proud to work alongside our Launceston City Deal partners to continue to make improvements to the health of our waterways,” Mayor Garwood said.

    “The work TasWater has been undertaking to progress new and improved sewage infrastructure is phenomenal and is going to make a really positive difference to the natural environment over coming decades.”

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB, Canvest Sign Deal to Support Waste-to-Energy and Municipal Solid Waste Management in PRC

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    BEIJING, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (31 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $50 million loan (in yuan equivalent) with Canvest Environmental Protection Group Company Limited (Canvest) to promote efficient municipal solid waste management and waste-to-energy (WTE) in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

    ADB’s funding will help Canvest develop, construct, and operate a WTE plant at Huizhou City in Guangdong province, and to expand municipal solid waste management services in Quyang County in Hebei province. Canvest provides a range of services across the municipal solid waste value chain including cleaning, segregation, collection, transportation, sorting, recycling, and energy generation.

    “Segregating and recycling solid waste has been a challenge in the PRC, so cities have turned to the private sector for an efficient and integrated approach to waste management,” said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury. “However, private sector participation in waste management is still nascent in the PRC. This project can demonstrate the viability of sector while contributing to low-carbon development.”

    The PRC is one of the world’s largest sources of municipal solid waste, with a total volume of 244 million tons in 2022 which is expected to reach 332.4 million tons a year by 2025. The project’s WTE plant is expected to treat at least 300,000 tons of municipal solid waste a year, generating at least 93 gigawatt-hours of energy annually. This will help reduce at least 346,700 tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions. The project will also support the annual collection of at least 147,825 tons of waste by 2026.

    “Canvest helps cities to better manage their solid waste problem in a more cost-effective and sustainable way. We value ADB’s support in enhancing the environmental, social, and gender impacts of our operations,” said Canvest Chair Lee Wing Yee Loretta. “We are pleased to collaborate with ADB to share with the wider waste management community the benefits of integrated waste management solutions and the lessons learned.”

    Established in 2003, Canvest is a leading provider of waste management services in the PRC. As of June 2024, the company operated 33 WTE projects, with a total treatment capacity of 43,690 tons per day. Additional projects with a daily capacity of 10,850 tons are under development. Canvest also has 22 municipal solid waste management projects.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and Central Asia, October 2024: Navigating The Evolving Geoeconomic Landscape

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    COMING SOON

    Launch of the October 2024 Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and Central Asia

    The Regional Economic Outlook (REO) report provides comprehensive insights into recent economic developments and future prospects specifically for countries in the region. It analyzes the impact of economic policy changes on performance, highlighting key challenges faced by policymakers in navigating complex economic landscapes.

    • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2 AM ET/10 AM GMT+4: Full report release with press briefing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
      The report will be available for download on this page starting on October 31. Stay tuned for updates!
    RECENT EVENT
    • 2024 Annual Meetings Press Briefing: Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and Central Asia
      • Jihad Azour, Director, Middle East and Central Asia Department, IMF
      • Moderator: Angham H. Al Shami, Communications Officer, IMF

    Publications

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Groundbreaking renewable diesel demonstration launched in Spencer and Yamba

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    31 Oct 2024

    Two ocean trawlers in the Northern Rivers and a river trawler on the Hawkesbury River have become the first in Australia to trial a low carbon renewable fuel solution as part of a NSW Government research project on sustainable energy usage in the commercial fishing sector.

    The $920,000 Beyond Fossil Diesel Program is a collaboration between the NSW Government and the Decarbonisation Innovation Hub initiative which supports collaboration between researchers and industry to increase the uptake of new technologies in decarbonising NSW.

    Renewable diesel is used as a drop in replacement and offers industry a  70% – 90% reduction in their normal fuel related emissions and as part of the project, more than 6,000 litres of renewable diesel will be blended with fossil diesel at 30% of the mix.

    Research Officer Michael Cashen said after 18 months of research, the Beyond Fossil Diesel Program has hosted a series of renewable fuel demonstrations in both the Clarence and Hawkesbury regions.

    “The aim of the Beyond Fossil Diesel at Sea project is to provide practical examples that will inspire confidence and drive adoption of practical decarbonisation solutions within the marine sector,” Mr Cashen said.

    “We appreciate Yamba commercial fisher Steve Everson and Paul Aquilina from Spencer for participating in this landmark demonstration.

    “Their involvement will show other fishermen what is possible with these evolving low-carbon liquid fuels and how they work in their vessels.”

    Mr Cashen continued by saying renewable diesel can be made from biological feedstocks including tallow, oilseed crops and sugar cane and has been used extensively in both the US and Europe in hard to abate sectors that have limited practical options to decarbonise.

    “Currently, the price of renewable diesel is too high for widespread adoption, however, with the development of an Australian Low Carbon Liquid Fuel industry, we expect prices to decrease over time, making it easier for the industry to adopt renewable diesel as stakeholders become more familiar with the product,” Mr Cashen said.

    “Raising awareness of low carbon liquid fuels as a replacement for fossil fuels was initially done in the agriculture sector, as part of the Beyond Fossil Diesel project.

    “With potential demand for low carbon liquid fuels growing worldwide, NSW has a significant opportunity to help build feedstock supply and potentially production capacity that can create regional employment and reduce reliance on imported fuel.

    Low Carbon Liquid Fuels such as renewable diesel is a practical way for industry to reduce carbon emissions without having to make changes to existing machinery or supply chains.

    “By using renewable diesel, we can directly cut emissions and contribute to NSW target to net zero emissions by 2050.”

    NSW Northern Rivers commercial fisherman Steve Everson said:

    “I’m excited to be part of this Australian-first demonstration.

    “Using renewable diesel in my trawlers not only supports our local industry but also showcases the potential for reducing emissions without making changes to our equipment.”

    NSW Hawkesbury River fishermen Paul Aquilina said:

    “By showcasing the effectiveness of renewable diesel, we hope to inspire other fishermen to adopt these innovative fuels when they become more affordable in Australia.

    Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

    Images available here

    MIL OSI News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mangudai 2024

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea  –  

    More than 50 senior enlisted leaders from the Republic of Korea and United States militaries engaged in Mangudai 2024, which ran from Oct. 22-24, and included events spanning the lengths of Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Camp Casey, and Camp Bonifas.

    Mangudai is an annual three-day training exercise that evaluates senior enlisted leaders’ mettle in a grueling series of events, testing their physical fitness, adaptability, discipline, and mastery of core Soldiering tasks in an environment where sleep is sparse, and the weather is constantly adverse.

    “Mangudai goes back to the 13th Century with the Mongolian Warriors. The leader of that force would select his most elite special forces through a training competition, which was called Mangudai,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love, Tri-Command Senior Enlisted Advisor.

    “The US military has been executing Mangudai since the former U.S. Forces Korea Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. John Wayne Troxell started it at Joint Base Lewis McCord when he was the 1st Corps Command Sergeant Major,” said Love. “I think it’s critically important for all senior enlisted leaders to participate for a number of reasons. First and foremost, we can never forget that we, all of us, whether you’re in for twenty years or thirty years, we must earn our place in the formation every day.”

    “We need to be able to do what we expect our young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardians to do,” explained Love. “We may not be able to do it as fast as we used to be able to, but we must be able to train, fight, and win in any conflict, in any environment. And so, this exercise really gets after that, and it tests a lot of grit.”

    Key events for Mangudai include: live fires, patrol base activities, land navigation, rendering casualty care under threat of mortar fire, a hand-to-hand combat challenge in a waist deep mud-pit, and miles upon miles of foot-marching through rain and the frigid cold.

    “We all got soaking wet from the rain and it was extremely cold to the point we were shivering; However, we were still motivated, which is the most meaningful part to me,” said Republic of Korea-Army Master Sgt. Hyun-Beom Lim, company executive officer, Special Task Infantry. “I think it is fascinating that ROK and U.S. personnel manage to overcome hardships by working as a team, and it made me enjoy all the tough tasks that need to be done through the exercise.”

    While the training focuses on pushing competitors to their limits and potentially to their breaking points, it’s also an opportunity to build trust and strong relations between partners, according to 1st Sgt. Gerald L. Harness, a competitor hailing from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 6-52 Air Defense Artillery Battalion.

    “Mangudai is a test of intestinal fortitude and of our ability to communicate with our allied partners who we’re teamed up with. It’s all about teamwork. When you’re in charge, be in charge, and when you’re not, be a good follower,” said Harness. “My biggest takeaways from participating in Mangudai are, understanding my limits and the capabilities of our host nation allies, expanding both my comfort zone and my capabilities to not only lead with my peers, but follow them as well.”

    When all is said and done, the core focus of Mangudai, like all military training, is grounded in warfighter readiness and instilling confidence in the tactics, techniques, and procedures Soldiers will employ on the battlefield.

    “General LaCamera has four lines of operation and two lines of effort. Line of Operation number three is Combat Readiness,” said Love. “We have to be ready on the Peninsula, and though we pray for peace and want to maintain the current armistice state, should crisis or conflict arise, we have to be ready to fight tonight and win, so these skills really are the foundation of everything we do, regardless of your service, whether you’re from the United States or a Republic of Korea service member, winning is the only option.”

    “When I watch these first sergeants and master sergeants across our combined forces command and the grit and determination they’re pushing through, I’ve never been prouder,” Love added. “I would go to combat any day, anywhere with any one of them because they’re warriors.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: USINDOPACOM Statement on DPRK’s ballistic missile launch

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    We are aware of the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners. The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts.  While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, we continue to monitor the situation. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan remain ironclad.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on October 30, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 518,653.92 6.31 5.00-6.60
         I. Call Money 7,712.90 6.47 5.80-6.60
         II. Triparty Repo 375,673.15 6.31 6.23-6.54
         III. Market Repo 134,564.87 6.32 5.00-6.60
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 703.00 6.43 6.40-6.60
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 2,403.90 6.40 5.10-6.50
         II. Term Money@@ 229.50 – 6.65-6.90
         III. Triparty Repo 8,559.10 6.54 6.30-6.65
         IV. Market Repo 1,439.16 6.50 6.30-6.70
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Wed, 30/10/2024 1 Thu, 31/10/2024 35,525.00 6.49
    3. MSF# Wed, 30/10/2024 1 Thu, 31/10/2024 2,005.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Wed, 30/10/2024 1 Thu, 31/10/2024 138,324.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -171,844.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Fri, 18/10/2024 13 Thu, 31/10/2024 20,073.00 6.49
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Fri, 25/10/2024 6 Thu, 31/10/2024 25,005.00 6.55
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations€ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 250.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 2,275.00 4.00
    6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)£ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 105.00 4.00
    Mon, 22/11/2021 1095 Thu, 21/11/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 29/11/2021 1095 Thu, 28/11/2024 305.00 4.00
    Mon, 13/12/2021 1095 Thu, 12/12/2024 150.00 4.00
    Mon, 20/12/2021 1095 Thu, 19/12/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 255.00 4.00
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,469.91  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     15,941.91  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -155,902.09  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on October 30, 2024 1,039,769.24  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending November 01, 2024 1,016,726.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ October 30, 2024 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on October 04, 2024 488,495.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    € As per the Press Release No. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    £ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1404

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK MOBILIST & PSE strengthen partnership, boost capital markets

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK MOBILIST and PSE strengthen ongoing partnership with IPO Forum and Policy Reform Dialogue to boost Philippine capital markets.

    28 October 2024, Manila – The UK government’s MOBILIST programme co-hosted a flagship investment forum and a capital reform dialogue with the Philippine Stock Exchange this week. 

    MOBILIST is supporting the Philippines in fostering a robust and resilient capital market to advance inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.  

    The Philippine Stock Exchange and MOBILIST hosted events to bolster the Philippines’ capital markets, attract foreign investment, and support sustainable development through public offerings.  

    The Road to IPO 2024 Forum on 22 October, an annual flagship PSE event, offered businesses invaluable insights from industry leaders and market experts on navigating the path to a successful Initial Public Offering. The event was held in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and co-hosted by the UK government through MOBILIST.  

    On 23 October, the Philippine Capital Market Policy Dialogue brought together stakeholders from the Philippine government, regulatory bodies, and the private sector to discuss crucial policy reforms aimed at strengthening the financial sector. The dialogue explored legislative efforts, including the Capital Market Reform Act, which seeks to enhance financial inclusion and attract wider participation in the Philippine stock market. 

    The events come after MOBILIST made a significant $12.5 million investment in the Initial Public Offering of Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation on the PSE in June this year. MOBILIST established a partnership with the PSE in 2023 to ensure greater investment in sustainable development in the Philippines via products listed on the exchange.  

    The UK’s continued partnership with the PSE aims to unlock new opportunities for companies and investors, enhance market transparency, and accelerate the Philippines’ journey toward financial inclusion and long-term investment competitiveness. As the Philippines continues to evolve as a key player in the global investment landscape, these collaborative efforts will play a crucial role in shaping a more dynamic and sustainable capital market for the future. The ongoing dialogue and shared vision between the UK and the Philippines set the stage for long-term growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity. 

    His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, said:   

    I am delighted that the UK is partnering with the Philippine Stock Exchange to deepen the domestic capital market and promote more sustainable and inclusive economic development. Supported by the Philippine government’s policy reform initiative, MOBILIST’s collaboration with the PSE is helping to promote wider domestic stock market participation while attracting more foreign investments to key sectors, including those driving the clean energy transition.

    Ross Ferguson, who leads the MOBILIST programme at the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, said: 

    MOBILIST is proud to continue our partnership with the PSE to support the Philippines in mobilising greater investment toward the country’s sustainable development and climate transition. This includes our investment in CREC, as well as MOBILIST’s support to bring together capital market participants, policymakers, and regulators to foster dialogue and collaboration to create a conducive environment for investing in the SDGs via public markets.

    Ramon S. Monzon​, President and Chief Executive Officer​ at PSE, says:  

    The prevailing market environment serves as an ideal backdrop for discussions to spur IPO listings and policies aimed at making the Philippine capital market more competitive. We are grateful to MOBILIST for co-hosting these back-to-back events with PSE and we hope to have more collaborative endeavors in the future. We are also looking forward to more MOBILIST-supported companies going public in the near future.

    As the Philippines continues to evolve as a key player in the global investment landscape, these collaborative efforts will play a crucial role in shaping a more dynamic and sustainable capital market for the future. The ongoing dialogue and shared vision between the UK and the Philippines set the stage for long-term growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity. 

    ENDS

    About the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office 

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) pursues the UK’s national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners. 

    https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office 

    About MOBILIST  

    A flagship UK government programme, MOBILIST supports investment solutions that help deliver the climate transition and the United Nation’s Global Goals in developing economies. MOBILIST focuses on mobilising institutional capital to spur new scalable and replicable financial products. MOBILIST invests capital, delivers technical assistance, conducts research and builds partnerships to catalyse investment in new listed products.   

    www.mobilistglobal.com 

    Research Note: Philippines renewables IPO demonstrates maturing markets for energy transition in EMDES 

    For media enquiries, please contact: 

    Mari Blumenthal, MOBILIST   mblumenthal@mobilistglobal.com

    Cherrie Nuez, British Embassy Manila Cherrie.Nuez@fcdo.gov.uk

    Fristine Chua, Philippine Stock Exchange flchua@pse.com.ph

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    Updates to this page

    Published 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025
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