NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Minister Shorten doorstop interview at Services Australia Newmarket, Melbourne

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    E&OE TRANSCRIPT

    SUBJECTS: Integrating Organ Donor card into the myGov app

    BILL SHORTEN, MINISTER FOR THE NDIS AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES: Good morning, everybody. It’s fantastic to be at Services Australia Newmarket offices in the electorate of Maribyrnong. We’ve got a great announcement to make, but before I do that, just introduce some people, with me is the new Labor candidate for Maribyrnong, Jo Briskey. Also, we have Assistant Minister for Health, Ged Kearney, who’s got some exciting news to talk about organ and tissue donation. And we’ve also got Kristy, who’s got an amazing story to tell us all. So, I might hand over to Ged, then I’ll say some words about new developments with Services Australia and organ donation, and then we might hear from Kristy and then take questions. Ged?

    GED KEARNEY, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH, AGED CARE AND INDIGENOUS HEALTH: Thanks, Bill. Good morning, everyone I’m Ged Kearney. I’m the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, I’m the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, and we are here on Wurundjeri land, and I pay my respects to elders, past and present. This is an exciting day. Organ donation is such an incredibly important thing. It saves lives. It gives life back to people who need organ transplants. And we know that the vast majority of Australians agree that organ donation is important, but just over 30% of Australians actually register as organ donors. We need more Australians to register as organ donors, and it’s really easy right now to do that. You can go to myGov and it’s three quick clicks on there, or you can go to DonateLife.gov.au and register to be an organ donor. It’s very important. One organ donor can save up to seven lives. So, it’s great to have Kristy with us today who is a transplant recipient.

    But I’m extremely excited to be here with Minister Shorten as the Minister for Services Australia. He has done an amazing thing in that he has allowed us to have a digital ID card. A digital card that will go in your myGov Apple Wallet, to let everybody know that you are an organ donor and that you have registered. For the first time ever in Australia, we will have that available quick and easily as a digital ID card so that everybody knows that you have you intend to be an organ donor. It’s easy to identify, easy to find, easy for you to show people. Because even though you register as an organ donor, what we know, the most successful thing, the thing that is the most enabling for organ donation at that, if indeed you are in a position where you can donate your organs, is that your family knows. If your family doesn’t know that you intended to be an organ donor, they are less likely to give that all important consent at that very difficult time. If they do know that you want it to be an organ donor, they are vastly more likely to give consent, and that’s important. So, this is a great development for organ donation. I congratulate Minister Shorten for this development and it’s very exciting news. Back to you, Bill.

    SHORTEN: Thanks, Ged. You can’t overstate how important today’s announcement actually is. Organ and Tissue Australia are doing a great job encouraging people to be organ donors. I’ve seen close hand, a family friend, when she suffered a traumatic road injury, because she was an organ donor there’s three other people who had valuable lifesaving surgeries as a result of my friend’s passing, so it really does make a difference. Four in every five Aussies say that they are up for donating their organs, but only one in every three Australians is actually registered to do it. So, what’s really great is that the Albanese government, through Services Australia, and I thank Services Australia for working with Organ and Tissue Australia, what we’ve done is that you have a myGov app, 6 million Australians have already downloaded the app, and you have a digital wallet. And you know, at the moment you can link it with your Medicare card, or your pension card, or your health card. Now, what you can do is it’s a very simple, very quick process to be able to link it to an organ donor card.

    What that means is, it’s going to change lives, literally, the ability to save lives. And so, it is really super, super easy. And what we want to do is encourage Australians, through the use of our myGov app, to be organ donors, just to close the deal between a good intent and a good act. Now we’re really privileged today to be able to hear from Kristy. Kristy has got an amazing story about the importance of organ donation and how that changes lives and, and the ripples of the generosity of organ donation that give life to other people. So maybe let’s hear from Kristy and then we could answer some questions.

    KRISTY, TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT: Hi, I’m Kristy. I’m a kidney recipient. And like what the Minister said, this is a bit about my journey that saved my life and changed my life. I was 14 when I was diagnosed with kidney disease, and throughout high school I had to go through a lot of hospital visits. By the time I was 22, I was in hospital and my doctors have told me my kidneys failed. And being 22, I wasn’t sure what that really meant. And then, everything moved so quickly. All I remembered was having tubes in me, and I was going through this machine, and this machine made me feel so cold. And I quickly learned that means it’s dialysis. So, you have to wash your blood through this machine. And that’s why your body feels so cold. And I had to do this three times a week, and it’s from 4 to 5 hours. But my body is so little, and every time after a session, I feel so washed out. My day, I would be at home, I couldn’t stand, I couldn’t walk just because I felt so dizzy.

    Then they moved me into peritoneal dialysis. It’s when you have this tube called the Tenckhoff, inserted into your belly. So, I had another operation, and they removed my Permacath, which was for haemodialysis, the taking of the blood. And then to suit my lifestyle style, I had the peritoneal dialysis, and I was able to do dialysis at home, which felt a lot nicer than being in the hospital. I was able to do that for a year. I even went overseas with my dialysis machine for a week. And then later I learned that it wasn’t for me. I went back into hospital. I was in intensive care. My heart was failing. My lungs were failing. I had blood clots in my lungs. It was so because this dialysis wasn’t working for me. And, um, then they put me on haemodialysis again, washing through the blood and this time in a hospital. And I had to stay overnight, and I did it for eight hours, three times a week as well.

    Then one day, I got a call after work. I was at McDonald’s eating, eating my meal, getting ready for dialysis. I had my sleep pack. And the call was, we found your kidney, and everything just stopped for me at that moment. And then, they told me the kidney is from a young man from Perth. And I had a minute to decide if I want this or not. And you know what’s there to lose? I said yes, and I was so excited about the news that I kept crying, and on my way home to put my dialysis bag away and go into hospital, I was crying on the tram. Then I realised I took the wrong tram. People were eavesdropping, but after I got off the phone, people were congratulating me. Then I took the taxi to my hospital, Saint Vincent’s hospital. They had nurses waiting for me downstairs because they’ve known me since I was 16, and it just felt like a royal treatment from then.

    I had my last dialysis session before I had my transplant, because they want your body to be in good shape before you have your transplant. And it took two weeks for my kidney to start. It didn’t start straight away, so I was feeling a little bit glum. But once it started working and I was doing my last half an hour of dialysis, I asked them to stop it because I felt like I needed to wee, which was the first time I would have weed in the past four years. It’s very, very weird. When you’re on dialysis, you don’t go to the toilet anymore. So, something so small I felt like I took for granted, just going to the toilet. And that’s what I felt like I really needed to do, first thing, when my kidneys started working. Um, and that also meant I didn’t need to drink water – I limited my water intake to one litre, so that was really hard for me when I was on dialysis during summer and being in Australia, we have very harsh summers and yeah, and just drinking up to one litre, that was my limit. And I’m aware some dialysis patients, but they can’t really drink up to half a litre, so I can’t imagine what they had to go through. But for me, one litre was very hard.

    So, a year after my transplant, nothing was wrong with my transplant. I told my doctors I’m ready to start a family because I wasn’t, I couldn’t – my body was not able to prior to transplant. So, post-transplant, we’ve changed my medication. I got the okay. And now I have two beautiful children. They’re 18 months and four years old. And I think that’s the biggest gift from the donors – giving me my life back, giving me a career back and letting me have a family.

    SHORTEN: Are there any questions for Kristy or Jed or myself?

    JOURNALIST: I’m wondering how the process works. Obviously, if someone’s passing away and could potentially donate their organs, will the hospital be able to access the myGov record? How does that process sort of work, to notify someone? And will that make things smoother now rather than just having a card in a wallet?

    SHORTEN: Yeah, What you’ll to be able to do is the family will be able to tell. I mean, making these decisions at the time where they’re there’s been a death or the organ’s available is very difficult. This will just provide easily accessible information for the authorities to be able to understand the intent of the donor. The best reasons to upload your myGov app and connect it to your Medicare and then get your organ donors cards, the best reasons really, I’ve heard, are 18 months and four years old. Kristy’s children. And so, yes, this just makes it a heck of a lot easier for everyone to identify the intent and the action.

    JOURNALIST: Minister, do you expect organ donation numbers to increase following this policy change? Have you got any research on that or expectations?

    SHORTEN: I’ll get Ged to supplement this, but yes, I do expect numbers to increase. Australians are a pretty generous bunch of people, but sometimes we have an idea, but we don’t get around to doing it. What we want to do is take the degree of difficulty out of the process of converting your general aspiration to be an organ donor into a reality. When people go on the myGov app and as I said, 6 million people have the app, they’ll realise, and when they’ve connected their Medicare card up, it is really, really quick. It is just a couple of steps and you’re done.

    So, what we are doing is taking the red tape and the bureaucracy out of it. By the way, if you still want a physical card, you can still get a physical card. But once you’ve got it on your digital wallet, you just – life’s just that much easier. We’re all used to tap and go, and what we do with the organ donor card is going to just be a lot quicker. So, I expect there to be an uptake and we will of course be promoting it. Maybe Ged might have some comments she’d like to make.

    KEARNEY: Sure. Thanks, Bill. I think the beauty of this is that it will be a prompt. You have your myGov app there. It might be a prompt for people to say who’ve always intended to donate or to, to register as a donor, to say, oh yeah, I should do that. And it makes it really quick and easy. So that’s the first step, is that we hope that more people will register by that, that simple prompt that the app might give them. But the most important thing, the thing that we know increases our donation, is your family knowing. Because it doesn’t matter what. It doesn’t matter how many people actually register as donors, at that time when there’s the possibility that you could be a donor, your family or your next of kin will be the ones asked to give consent. And your family are the ones that have to say yes.

    So, we know all the data shows that if your family knows that you wanted, that was your intent to donate your organs, they will say yes, and it increases the donation rates dramatically. So, having the evidence there for the family to see loud and clear every, every now and then when you open up your myGov app, you’ll say, oh, remember mum, remember dad, remember to your wife, that I’m registered. It might be a little prompt for that all important conversation. I think that is the beauty of having it right there all the time on your phone for everyone to see. It might just prompt that conversation. It’s not an easy conversation to have, but it’s an important conversation to have. So yeah, I think that this will go a long way, hopefully to increasing donation rates. So, thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Bridgewater Bridge reaches the high water mark

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Work on the once-in-a-generation New Bridgewater Bridge Project is a significant step closer to delivering faster travel times and less congestion.

    The pouring of the final pair of the 42 bridge piers this evening (October 29) will mark the completion of the bridge’s substructure and bring the project a step closer to having traffic on the bridge.

    The Australian and Tasmanian governments are investing $786 million into project, with the Australian Government committing $628.8 million, and $157.2 million from the Tasmanian Government.

    The four-lane bridge will fix the missing link between the Brooker Highway and Midland Highway.

    The 1.2-kilometre-long bridge will include two lanes of traffic in each direction, a safe shared path for cyclists and pedestrians, and clearance for boats.

    The 46 piles that make up the bridge’s foundations were completed in July 2024, ranging between 30-90 metres below the river. One of the final piles to be poured is believed to be the largest ever poured in Australia, reaching 88 metres below the surface.

    Each pier is the starting point for the construction of the superstructure, which is made up of 1,082 concrete bridge segments produced at the project’s purpose-built precast yard at Bridgewater.

    The 21 pairs of piers range in height from eight to 16 metres to provide the navigation clearance under the bridge.

    Made up of between 190-310 tonnes of concrete and 25-35 tonnes of steel, each pier is constructed using specially designed steel forms, which allow them to be poured in one piece on site.

    The project remains on track to be delivered on time and within budget, with the new bridge due to be completed by July 2025.

    For more information about the project and to see the latest flythrough footage, visit the project website at https://bridgewaterbridge.tas.gov.au/.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “We know how important it is to deliver infrastructure that gets people home quicker and safer.

    “This much-needed bridge replacement will also boost economic opportunities including ensuring tourists have a more enjoyable experience getting to and from the north and south of the state.

    “We continue to deliver our commitments to priority projects right around Australia.”

    Quotes attributable to Premier Jeremy Rockliff:

    “Anyone who has driven through the area recently would have seen the hive of activity as we move closer to having traffic on the new bridge.

    “The project site is changing daily, and Tasmanians are rightly excited to see the new bridge taking shape so quickly.

    “Completing the bridge’s substructure is a major milestone and is a significant step towards seeing the deck of the new bridge finished. 

    “Not only will a new Bridgewater Bridge remove the bottlenecks people have been experiencing at each end of the bridge, but it will provide more reliable travel times so people know how long their journey will take.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent:

    “Seeing so many outstanding Tasmanian businesses come together to deliver this once-in-a-generation project is something special and something all Tasmanians should be proud of.

    “The project is providing increased capacity and capability in local skills within the state’s civil construction industry.

    “This means we can keep the skills and knowledge created on the project in the state and will benefit future major projects.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell:

    “Creating jobs, upskilling workers, and supporting Tasmanian industry has been a key focus of the New Bridgewater Bridge, with more than 25 per cent of the new jobs on the project filled by people from the Brighton, Derwent Valley, and Glenorchy municipalities.

    “The steady progress being realised on this nationally significant project is big news for Bridgewater and other communities north of Hobart, where people rely on reliable and safe road links over the Derwent river.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Inquiry warns distrustful public wouldn’t accept COVID measures in future pandemic

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

    The government-appointed inquiry into Australia’s COVID response has warned public trust won’t be so high in a future pandemic and people would be unlikely to accept again many of the measures taken.

    “That means there is a job to be done to rebuild trust, and we must plan a response based on the Australia we are today, not the Australia we were before the pandemic,” the report released on Tuesday said.

    The inquiry was conducted by former NSW public servant Robyn Kirk, epidemiologist Catherine Bennett, and economist Angela Jackson. It examined the health and economic responses; while it did not directly delve into the state responses, it did cover the federal-state interface.

    The overall takeout from the inquiry is that “Australia did well relative to other nations, that experienced larger losses in human life, health system collapse and more severe economic downturns”.

    But “the pandemic response was not as effective as it could have been” for an event for which there was “no playbook for pivotal actions.”

    The inquiry said “with the benefit of hindsight, there was excessive fiscal and monetary policy stimulus provided throughout 2021 and 2022, especially in the construction sector. Combined with supply side disruptions, this contributed to inflationary pressures coming out of the pandemic.”

    The inquiry criticised the Homebuilder program’s contribution to inflation, as well as Jobkeeper’s targeting, and said blanket access to superannuation should not be repeated.

    The government – which might have originally expected the inquiry to have been more critical of the Morrison government – quickly seized on the report’s economic criticisms.

    The panel has made a set of recommendations to ensure better preparation for a future pandemic.

    It highlighted the “tail” the pandemic has left, especially its effect on children, who suffered school closures.

    “Children faced lower health risks from COVID-19; however, broader impacts on the social and emotional development of children are ongoing. These include impacts on mental health, school attendance and academic outcomes for some groups of children.”

    The report noted that the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee had never recommended widespread school closures.

    A lack of clear communication about risks had created the environment for states to decide to go to remote learning.

    The impacts on children should be considered in future pandemic preparations, the inquiry said.

    It strongly backed making permanent the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control. The government will legislate next year for the CDC, to start on January 1 2026, as an independent statutory agency.

    The CDC would be important in rebuilding trust, the report said, as well as “strengthening resilience and preparedness”. It would provide “national coordination to gather evidence necessary to undertake the assessments that can guide the proportionality of public health responses in future crises”.

    The report said trust in government was essential for a successful response to a pandemic.

    At COVID’s outset, the public largely did what was asked of them, complying with restrictive public health orders.

    But the initial strengthening of trust in government did not continue through the pandemic. By the second year, restrictions on personal freedom were less accepted.

    Reasons for the decrease in trust included a lack of transparency in decision making, poor communication, the stringency and duration of restrictions, implementation of mandated measures, access to vaccines and inconsistencies in responses across jurisdictions.

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

    – ref. Inquiry warns distrustful public wouldn’t accept COVID measures in future pandemic – https://theconversation.com/inquiry-warns-distrustful-public-wouldnt-accept-covid-measures-in-future-pandemic-242383

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi extends congratulations on 20th anniversary of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni’s enthronement

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

    Xi extends congratulations on 20th anniversary of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni’s enthronement

    BEIJING, Oct. 29 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on the 20th anniversary of his enthronement.

    In his congratulatory message, Xi said that since being enthroned 20 years ago, King Sihamoni has made important contributions to Cambodia’s peace, stability, development and rejuvenation, and international exchanges, and has long been committed to carrying forward the traditional friendship between the two countries.

    Under the joint guidance from leaders of both countries, the building of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future has entered a new era featuring high quality, high level and high standards, he said.

    The “Diamond Hexagon” cooperation framework has made solid progress, the building of the “Industrial Development Corridor” and the “Fish and Rice Corridor” has made positive headway, and the China-Cambodia people-to-people exchange year has achieved great success, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, Xi said.

    Depicting China and Cambodia as iron-clad friends who stand together through thick and thin and extend assistance to each other, the Chinese president said he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, prizes the traditional friendship with the Cambodian Royal Family, and stands ready to work with King Sihamoni to strengthen the strategic guidance of bilateral relations, so as to push for more fruitful results in the building of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kai Tak test events will be useful: CE

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    (To watch the full press briefing with sign language interpretation, click here.)

    Chief Executive John Lee said today that test events will take place at the Kai Tak Sports Park in a progressive manner, allowing improvement measures to be put in place prior to its opening.

    Mr Lee spoke to reporters about the sports park this morning, after the first test event – a football match – was held at the venue on Sunday.

    He said the drills staged at the park will be used to train up staff working there and facilitate visitor flows.

    “It is very important (that) we do all the drills necessary. It has to be progressive so that it will train up, first of all, departmental staff, those who work (for) Kai Tak Sports Park Limited, and those who are involved, especially those in the transport industry.

    “The challenge, of course, is the dispersal of crowds after an event, which will comprise 50,000 spectators. That is a challenge we must take up boldly.”

    The Chief Executive added that the forthcoming test events will be useful.

    “I do want the drills to progress fast, but is it also important for reviews and improvement measures to be designed so that we can put them in.

    “I envisage there will be at least 20-plus drills, and depending on the experiences we will gain through the drills, then we will decide whether more will be necessary.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Address to AFR Super and Wealth Summit, Sydney

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Introduction

    I would like to acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on.

    I pay my respects to their Elders past and present, and I acknowledge any First Nations Australians in attendance.

    At this very forum 2 years ago, I made a promise –

    A promise that the Albanese government will deliver a stronger superannuation system that provides the best outcomes for members.

    A stronger system where workers are paid what they are owed.

    A system where funds deliver strong investment performance.

    A system where the member is at the centre.

    A system that is fair.

    On current trends, the superannuation sector will exceed $4 trillion in the next term of government.

    As the stewards of the system, we are committed to ensuring that translates to a dignified retirement for all Australians.

    To do that, we have been improving every interaction with the system.

    From the first dollar of superannuation accumulated –

    To the final dollar drawn down –

    We want to ensure Australians share in the dividend of the nation’s prosperity.

    Every dollar of superannuation needs to be paid

    Superannuation relies on the premise that wealth will accumulate over your working life to be drawn down upon in retirement.

    This all falls over from the outset if workers are not paid what they are owed.

    In the most recent data available, in a single year, it is estimated that workers had $3.6 billion stolen from them through unpaid super.

    Not good enough.

    We don’t accept workers being underpaid wages.

    We shouldn’t accept workers being underpaid super.

    So we have acted decisively.

    We enshrined the right to super in the National Employment Standards.

    We’ve criminalised the theft of superannuation.

    And we’re fulfilling our election commitment to set new targets for the Tax Office to recover unpaid super.

    Yet the most important policy in this regard is our commitment to payday super.

    From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay their employees’ super at the same time as their salary and wages.

    Workers will benefit by getting their super earlier and more frequently.

    The Tax Office will have greater ability to track employers meeting their obligations.

    And it will help prevent the build‑up of debts of unpaid super, which are too often lost forever if a business becomes insolvent.

    This is one of the biggest reforms to the payment of superannuation since it was introduced over 30 years ago.

    And it will deliver for workers.

    Funds must deliver strong investment returns

    We need to make sure super is paid on time.

    And we need to make sure super is invested in the best financial interests of members.

    Upon coming to government, the annual superannuation performance test only applied to around 70 MySuper products.

    It has now been expanded to around 650 products, including the choice sector.

    The test now covers around 80 per cent of benefits held in the accumulation phase.

    This drives accountability for trustees to deliver good investment returns.

    And it delivers transparency for members to know how their fund is performing.

    And it’s working.

    The tail of underperformance is being cleaned up.

    After almost 100 products failed last year, that number is down to 37 this year.

    But this is not a policy that is set and forget.

    We have had a look under the hood of the test to ensure that it is delivering for members.

    That it is not limiting the returns that funds can achieve.

    And to ensure that it is fit‑for‑purpose as the system continues to mature.

    As we work through the views and feedback we have received, you can judge our record to decipher what the future of the test looks like.

    How do we ensure funds invest in the best financial interests of members.

    And how do we help more Australians retire with dignity.

    Superannuation will be increasingly judged by its member service

    Now for a long time, the superannuation system has been judged simply by how well it accumulates wealth.

    And this is a key metric for its success.

    A metric – might I add – that it has generally hit out of the park.

    But more and more, this is not going to be the only marker against which success is judged.

    The superannuation industry will be judged by the standard of member service received throughout a person’s working life and retirement.

    And members are not judging their superannuation fund against another fund.

    They’re judging their fund against the service they receive from their bank or their insurer.

    And if they don’t receive an acceptable level of service, members might just start to question the value proposition of superannuation.

    There are plenty of bad answers to the question of what superannuation should be used for.

    In fact, you can spot these bad ideas when they put forward an answer that is anything but retirement income.

    In recent weeks, the Opposition have revealed their true colours when it comes to the superannuation system.

    The Shadow Treasurer let the cat out of the bag – they don’t believe in a universal superannuation system.

    And they don’t want superannuation to be kept for retirement as they continue to promote using super to buy a house.

    It’s an idea that is both bad retirement policy and bad housing policy.

    The entry price for a good idea is that it has to work.

    But this one doesn’t build a single home.

    And in a supply‑constrained market, it will only push house prices up and up.

    Their sales pitch to a young person is to drain your super, while pushing home ownership further away.

    And housing is just the tip of the iceberg.

    There is not a policy problem that the Opposition believe can’t be met by ripping open super.

    Like when they encouraged $38 billion in retirement savings to be drained during the pandemic.

    However, if the superannuation system doesn’t meet the members’ needs, these ideas become more attractive.

    Let’s be clear – the expectation on funds is only going to increase.

    The government has made its views clear.

    And this is a key strategic priority for ASIC as well and they will continue to work across industry to hold funds to account.

    Members are going to want help to meet their retirement goals.

    To be in the right products.

    And to be supported when things go wrong.

    Upon coming to government, the standard was not good enough.

    Pleasingly, this has started to turn around as funds have dedicated time and resources to lifting their performance.

    And I welcome the recent guidance note that ASFA has published –

    And I acknowledge the collaboration from others in the sector, including the Super Members Council and Financial Services Council.

    This is trending in the right direction, with more to be done to serve the members of the system.

    Reforming the financial advice laws will improve member outcomes

    While superannuation funds can do a lot more to meet their members’ expectations and needs –

    There is one area of the law that funds have almost unanimously said is holding them back and leading to bad outcomes for members.

    The financial advice laws in the country are not fit‑for‑purpose.

    It’s too expensive.

    Too hard to access.

    And too strangled by red tape to be helpful.

    4 in 5 Australians aged 45 to 54 said they needed financial advice, but did not have the capacity to pay for it.

    74 per cent of Australians aged 18 to 34 have been found to have unmet advice needs.

    Funds have to hang up on members or turn them away because the laws prevent them from providing answers to, often, simple questions.

    This means members might get no advice or information, which means they are likely not able to maximise their savings.

    Treasury analysis shows around 50 per cent of accounts have a balance of at least $100,000 in the year before a person’s passing.

    But worse still, if members cannot get advice from regulated sources, they may be led by ‘finfluencers’ and ‘armchair’ commentators to expose themselves to the dangerous world of scammers.

    No one can defend the current financial advice laws when presented with these outcomes.

    This is an acute challenge for the superannuation industry.

    We have over 5 million Australians at or approaching retirement.

    And they are hungry for advice and information.

    And so we have set out to implement the most significant reforms to the financial advice laws in a decade.

    We are committed to improving the retirement phase of superannuation.

    And the foundation stone for this project is helping more Australians access quality and affordable financial advice.

    We have delivered the first tranche of reforms.

    And the next tranche of reforms is being drafted and prepared for introduction.

    In this tranche of reforms, we will modernise the best interests duty and remove the safe harbour steps.

    We will reform statements of advice so that they are actually usable by the consumer who paid for it to make informed decisions.

    And we will create a new class of adviser who will be able to provide simple and safe advice.

    Advice will be safe – so that we protect Australians from bad advice.

    Advice will be helpful – so that it is useful and fit‑for‑purpose.

    And advice will be quality – so that it delivers the best outcomes for Australians.

    An Australian retirement system must be fair

    Strengthening the system also means that we need to ensure it reflects society’s expectations around fairness.

    In just the past week, the Tax Office revealed that there are 42 self‑managed superannuation funds with assets in excess of $100 million.

    No one is decrying that success.

    But you’ll have a hard time convincing me that these accounts need their current level of taxpayer support.

    The top 10 per cent receive over 40 per cent of the current earnings concessions.

    And the cost of superannuation concessions will exceed the cost of the Age Pension by the 2040s.

    So we think it is a fairer outcome if we modestly reduce the tax concessions for some of these accounts with very high balances.

    We’re not capping how much can be held in superannuation.

    And the tax concessions will still be generous for everyone.

    But budgets are about trade‑offs.

    If you think the current tax concessions are appropriate, then you will need to find those savings by cutting services somewhere else.

    Our decisions mean we can go further to improve the equity of the system.

    Where we believe more support has been needed is in paid parental leave.

    By 2026, we will have expanded the government‑funded scheme to a full 6 months, an extra 6 weeks of paid leave.

    And we don’t think this time off work should impact your retirement income.

    For births and adoptions from 1 July next year, all parents who receive PPL will be eligible for an additional 12 per cent payment directly into their super fund.

    This is a landmark reform for families that could see them up to $3,000 better off.

    That’s a fairer outcome.

    Conclusion

    Our superannuation policy agenda is comprehensive.

    But the thread that binds it together is what we have proposed as the objective of superannuation.

    That savings would be preserved to deliver income for a dignified retirement – alongside government support – in an equitable and sustainable way.

    So we are committed to a system where every dollar of super is paid.

    A system that maximises performance.

    And a system that puts the member’s needs at the centre.

    This is the vision for better retirement incomes for all Australians.

    That’s the objective of super.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: WTW expands Japan’s Corporate Risk & Broking business with new insurance brokerage service

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TOKYO, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW, (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory and broking solutions company, today announced the expansion of its Corporate Risk & Broking (CRB) business in Japan with the launch of an insurance brokerage service. The new service will offer insurance solutions to commercial clients, as well as wholesale facultative reinsurance placement services to partner brokers or agencies in Japan under the entity, WTW Broker Japan Co., Ltd.

    Ryohei (Roy) Nakazawa, Head of WTW Japan, said: “We’re excited with the expansion of our additional service in Japan, introducing specialty broking solutions to Japanese companies. Working closely with the international and domestic insurance markets, we will focus on the speciality segments, particularly for large corporates and Japanese companies with overseas business interests. These include those in Natural Resources, such as Power Plants, Renewables and Mining, Marine, Construction, Aviation, Crisis Management, Rep & Warranty, Captive and reinsurance business.

    At the same time, our existing agency company will continue to focus on the domestic corporate business and Japanese companies with global programmes, where we can support them in collaborating with their corporate in-house agencies.”

    Luke Ware, Head of CRB Asia, WTW commented: “This underscores our commitment to support the evolving needs of our clients and strengthen our position in the market – to be Japan’s best risk advisor, specialty broker and client partner, with world-class analytical capability. Japanese businesses face increasing technology, cyber, supply chain and climate transition risks. In response, we offer deep industry knowledge and insights to help them mitigate these risks and optimize business performance.”

    Headed by Tetsuro Nakazawa, Representative Director and Chief Operating Officer, WTW Broker Japan, the new retail brokerage operation will consist of over 10 brokers and risk advisors by the beginning of next year.

    Tetsuro recently joined WTW and brings with him 25-years of insurance industry experience in Japan, Singapore and London. An industry veteran in facultative reinsurance broking, Tetsuro has dedicated himself to property and facultative reinsurance placements for large and complex Japanese corporate risks, having worked at leading international broking companies with agency and broking operations in the past.

    Tetsuro said: “Japan’s corporate insurance market is undergoing a phase of transformation, and the role of independent international brokers is expected to grow in importance. WTW Broker Japan is positioned to work with corporate clients and insurance partners or agencies to support companies in securing insurance and fac reinsurance for complex risks. I am confident that our new broking business, armed with our group of specialists, can draw on the experience of our brokers and risk advisors globally, as well as our extensive network internationally to ensure that our clients and partners get the right insurance cover.”

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media contact

    Clara Goh: +65 6958 2542
    clara.goh@wtwco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lufthansa Group reports an operating profit of 1.3 billion euros for the third quarter following a strong summer travel season

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG:

    “Today, we are reporting on another strong summer travel season, with a record seat load factor of 88 percent in August. Particularly in view of the fact that global air traffic again reached its capacity limits this summer, I would like to thank our employees for their efforts and our customers for the patience we sometimes had to ask for.
    Global demand remains intact and bookings for the fourth quarter are also at a high level compared to the previous year, particularly in the premium classes.

    With all passenger airlines operating at a profit, Eurowings, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines even generated record results in the third quarter. Lufthansa Technik and Lufthansa Cargo also remain on track. 
    At the same time, delayed aircraft deliveries, punctuality issues at our hubs in Germany and regulatory disadvantages are impacting our core brand. Lufthansa Airlines has therefore launched the “Turnaround” program to address these and structural internal challenges.

    Across the group, we are continuing to invest in the largest fleet modernization in our history, in premium offers for our guests and in an even more international positioning. These three central pillars of our strategy will enable us to further expand our role as the leading airline group in Europe.”

    Results
    The Group increased its revenue by five percent year-on-year to 10.7 billion euros (previous year: 10.3 billion euros) in the third quarter due to the higher number of flights and the revenue growth at Lufthansa Technik. This was the strongest quarter in terms of revenue in the history of the Lufthansa Group. The Group generated an operating profit (Adjusted EBIT) of 1.3 billion euros (previous year: 1.5 billion euros), resulting in an operating margin of 12.5 percent (previous year: 14.3 percent). The year-on-year decline was due to significant cost increases, particularly in fees, MRO expenses and personnel. Net profit fell to 1.1 billion euros (previous year: 1.2 billion euros).

    Lufthansa Group Passenger Airlines expand capacity

    The Lufthansa Group airlines welcomed more than 40 million guests on board their aircraft in the third quarter, an increase of six percent over the previous year. At 94 percent of available capacity (prior-year period: 88 percent), the seat load factor rose to 87 percent in the third quarter (previous year: 86 percent). In terms of the seat load factor, August was the strongest month in the company’s history, with a load factor of 88 percent.

    Due to the industry-wide capacity growth, average yields fell by 3.5 percent compared to the previous year, although the development in the various traffic regions was mixed: While average yields in continental traffic in the third quarter remained almost at the previous year’s level (-0.4 percent), they fell significantly by 14 percent in the Asia/Pacific region. Due to the improved passenger load factor, the decline in unit revenues (RASK) was less pronounced at minus 2.7 percent. Unit costs increased by 4.5 percent compared to the previous year due to higher fees, as well as higher material and personnel costs. 

    Overall, the Group’s passenger airlines generated an Adjusted EBIT of 1.2 billion euros in the third quarter (previous year: 1.4 billion euros). The decline in the operating profit of the passenger airlines is mainly driven by the 234 million euros decline in the result of Lufthansa Airlines. Delays in the delivery of new aircraft and the associated need to continue operating older aircraft, increased location costs, higher staff costs and expenses for compensation payments following flight irregularities had an above-average impact on the result of Lufthansa Airlines.

    Turnaround program at Lufthansa Airlines is making progress

    Lufthansa Airlines is consistently implementing its Turnaround program. The aim is to increase efficiency, reduce complexity and improve product quality, thereby making the airline fit for the future. Among other things, the Turnaround plan envisages shifting more short-haul traffic to more cost-efficient flight operations. Further efficiency gains are to be achieved by optimizing the network and increasing flexibility and automation. By 2026, the measures will have a gross EBIT effect of around 1.5 billion euros.

    Till Streichert, Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Lufthansa AG:

    “The Lufthansa Group will continue to focus on generating cash flow and creating value for our shareholders. For this, the Turnaround program at Lufthansa Airlines and the fleet modernization are core elements. I am confident that on this basis we will position all our passenger airlines to be sustainably efficient and profitable.”

    Lufthansa Technik’s result on par with last year, positive performance at Lufthansa Cargo

    In the third quarter, Lufthansa Technik continued to benefit from the high demand for air travel and the associated increase in demand from airlines worldwide for maintenance and repair services. Lufthansa Technik generated an Adjusted EBIT of 167 million euros in the third quarter (previous year: 168 million euros).

    The airfreight business continued to recover in the third quarter compared with the previous quarter. Lufthansa Cargo achieved an operating profit of 38 million euros (previous year: 1 million euros) in the traditionally seasonally weak third quarter for air freight. This trend confirms the anticipated normalization in the air freight market. Furthermore, Lufthansa Cargo is optimally positioned to benefit from strong e-commerce business with Asia, which has prompted Lufthansa Cargo to shift capacity from the transatlantic to the Asia/Pacific region. 

    Adjusted free cash flow clearly positive, balance sheet further strengthened

    The Lufthansa Group generated an operating cash flow of 635 million euros in the third quarter of 2020 (previous year: 1.2 billion euros). After deducting net capital expenditure, primarily for new fuel-efficient aircraft, the Group recorded an Adjusted free cash flow of 128 million euros in the quarter. In the first nine months, the Adjusted free cash flow was 1.0 billion euros (previous year: 1.7 billion euros).

    The Group continued to strengthen its balance sheet during the first nine months of the year, supported by the positive cash flow. At 5.1 billion euros, net debt was below the year-end level 2023 (December 31, 2023: 5.7 billion euros). Net pension liabilities decreased to 2.6 billion euros (December 31, 2023: 2.7 billion euros). Compared to the beginning of the year, available liquidity increased by around 1 billion euros to 11.4 billion euros and was therefore well above the target range of 8-10 billion euros as of the reporting date.

    Outlook

    The Lufthansa Group expects demand for air travel to remain strong in the remaining months of the year. The load factors booked for November and December are well above the levels observed at the same time last year. Demand remains particularly high in the premium classes, i.e. Business Class and First Class.

    The Lufthansa Group plans to increase its capacity in the fourth quarter further compared to the previous year. For the full year 2024, it expects a capacity of around 91 percent compared to the pre-crisis level.

    The Group also expects to report a positive operating result in the fourth quarter. Overall, the Lufthansa Group is therefore confirming its expectation of achieving an Adjusted EBIT of 1.4 to 1.8 billion euros for the full year.

    Further information

    Further information on the results of individual business segments will be published in the report for the third quarter of 2024. This will be published at the same time as this press release on October 29, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. at

    https://investor-relations.lufthansagroup.com/en/investor-relations.html.

    The traffic figures for the third quarter of 2024 will also be published at 7:00 a.m. at https://investor-relations.lufthansagroup.com/en/financial-reports-publications/traffic-figures.html

     
     
    Jan. – Sept.
    2024
     
    Jan. – Sept. 2023
     
    Change in %
     
    July – Sept.
    2024
     
    July – Sept. 2023
     
    Change in %
    Revenue and result
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Total revenue
     
    €m
     
    28,137
     
    26,681
     
    5
     
    10,738
     
    10,275
     
    5
    Of which traffic revenue
     
    €m
     
    23,578
     
    22,583
     
    4
     
    9,246
     
    8,832
     
    5
    Adjusted EBIT
     
    €m
     
    1,177
     
    2,280
     
    -48
     
    1,340
     
    1,468
     
    -9
    Adjusted EBIT margin
     
    %
     
    4.2%
     
    8.5%
     
    -4.3%p
     
    12.5
     
    14.3
     
    -1.8%p
    EBIT
     
    €m
     
    1,249
     
    2,218
     
    -44
     
    1,461
     
    1,441
     
    1
    Net profit / loss
     
    €m
     
    830
     
    1,606
     
    -48
     
    1,095
     
    1,192
     
    -8
    Earnings per Share
     
    €
     
    0,69
     
    1,34
     
    -49
     
    0,92
     
    1,00
     
    -8
    Key balance sheet and cash flow statement figures
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Total assets
     
    €m
     
    46,439
     
    46,591
     
    0
     
    –
     
    –
     
    –
    Cash flow from operating activities
     
    €m
     
    3,423
     
    4,320
     
    -21
     
    635
     
    1,220
     
    -48
    Net capital expenditures
     
    €m
     
    1,815
     
    2,421
     
    -25
     
    61
     
    550
     
    -89
    Adjusted free cash flow
     
    €m
     
    1,006
     
    1,663
     
    -40
     
    128
     
    592
     
    -78
    Employees
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Employees as of 30 September
     
    Number
     
    100,518
     
    117,187
     
    -14
     
    –
     
    –
     
    –

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AIIB Commits EUR75 Million to Support ENGIE’s Global Renewable Energy Expansion, Decarbonization

    Source: Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has committed EUR75 million to a EUR500 million sustainability-linked green loan facility to support ENGIE’s global renewable energy portfolio expansion and decarbonization efforts.

    The ENGIE Sustainability Linked Green Loan Project has been co-financed with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Société de Promotion et de Participation pour la Coopération Economique (Proparco). This is AIIB’s second engagement with ENGIE, one of the world’s largest multinational electric utilities and independent power producers, following the financing of the 400MW Gujarat Solar Project earlier this year.

    AIIB joins IFC and Proparco to provide a green sustainability-linked loan facility to support the expansion of the group’s clean energy assets in Poland and South Africa, both AIIB members. Proceeds will finance the acquisition, development and construction of over 550MW of installed capacity. In line with sustainability-linked principles, remuneration of the loan will be linked to ENGIE’s global performance in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy expansion and occupational health and safety.

    “This project reinforces AIIB’s global mandate, strong partnership and innovative focus on climate finance,” said Najeeb Haider, AIIB Director General, Project and Corporate Finance Clients, Global. “With its agility and international presence in strategic markets, AIIB is uniquely placed to support multinational energy groups like ENGIE to advance the energy transition in Asia and beyond with their investments. We congratulate ENGIE and our cofinancing partners on their respective achievements.”

    Through the loan, AIIB is supporting its members by leveraging ENGIE’s global leadership in green energy and climate transition. ENGIE aims to invest EUR22-25 billion in renewable energy and low-carbon energy solutions between 2023 and 2025. The projects are aligned with AIIB’s Energy Sector Strategy, which directs the Bank to support traditional energy conglomerates and state-owned enterprises as they shift their corporate strategies and business modalities to redirect investments toward the energy transition.

    “To accelerate the energy transition, considerable resources and efforts are needed from many stakeholders,” said Jean-Marc Turchini, Group Head of Corporate Finance at ENGIE. “Our partnership with AIIB is certainly a meaningful contribution and we feel grateful for what they achieved with this financing. We are also proud to highlight the innovative structure of this most recent corporate loan, which includes climate-related targets for scope 3 emissions and a health and safety performance indicator that covers ENGIE employees and subcontractors on all sites, reflecting ENGIE’s sustainability and social ambitions.”

    About AIIB

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond – infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public online voting for EDB’s Picturise Your Messages Sticker Design Competition

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The public online voting for the Healthy Living, Happy Family Series – Picturise Your Messages Sticker Design Competition organised by the Education Bureau (EDB) commences from today (October 29) to November 4. Parents, students, teachers and members of the public are welcome to vote for the winning entries of the Most Liked Award among the outstanding submissions selected by the adjudication panel.

         A spokesman for the EDB said, “The sticker design competition was well received with the submission of over 4 000 creative entries, through which participants used different ways to convey the message of developing healthy lifestyle. To encourage public participation and enhance interaction of the competition, the EDB has specially set up the Most Liked Award for the Kindergarten Group, Primary Group and Secondary Group, and 15 outstanding entries from each group have been selected by the adjudication panel. Parents, students, teachers and members of the public can vote for their favourite entries through the activity website (www.parent.edu.hk/en/smart-parent-net/topics/article/ppc-competition2024). The entry with the most likes in each group will be presented with the Most Liked Award. The results of the competition will be announced through the activity website on November 13, and the awards will be presented at the Positive Parent Campaign Activity Day cum Prize Presentation Ceremony on December 15.”

         The EDB has been running the Positive Parent Campaign since June 2020 to promote positive parent education through extensive and diversified channels with a view to fostering parents’ positive thinking and promoting proper ways and attitudes of nurturing children, thereby developing in parents a positive and optimistic mindset that contributes to the effective learning and happy development of children. The Healthy Living, Happy Family Series – Picturise Your Messages Sticker Design Competition aims to encourage parents and children to develop a healthy lifestyle together, including adequate sleep, daily exercises and participation in leisure activities, so that both parents and children can relax appropriately and maintain their physical and psychological well-being to facilitate happy and healthy development of children. 

         The EDB aims to raise the awareness of the Positive Parent Campaign among students, parents and the public through the activities under the Healthy Living, Happy Family Series, and to complement the promotion of the 4Rs Mental Health Charter (4Rs Charter) implemented by the EDB in the 2024/25 school year. Parents are encouraged to support the 4Rs Charter and uphold the four essential elements in fostering mental health, namely Rest, Relaxation, Relationship and Resilience, and work together with schools to create an environment conducive to the healthy development of students. For the updated information of the Positive Parent Campaign, please visit the EDB Smart Parent Net website (www.parent.edu.hk/en). 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Japanese animation ‘Look Back’ debuts in China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Kiyotaka Oshiyama’s “Look Back,” a Japanese animated film adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s acclaimed manga, premiered in Beijing on Oct. 25 to widespread acclaim from Chinese audiences.

    Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama speaks to the audience via video link at the China premiere of his animated film “Look Back” in Beijing, Oct. 25, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Today Pictures]

    The heart-wrenching story follows Fujino, a popular and outgoing student known for creating humorous comics in the class newspaper. Her world transforms when her teacher pairs her with Kyomoto, a talented but reclusive artist. This unexpected partnership sparks competition in Fujino, and as she wrestles with feelings of jealousy, she discovers they share a deep passion for drawing. The two form a complicated relationship through their dedication to manga creation.

    “Look Back,” a faithful adaptation by newcomer Studio Durian and industry veteran Kiyotaka Oshiyama, resonates deeply with its source material by exploring the emotional journey of artistic pursuit and the profound connections forged through creative expression. Since its release, the directorial debut has moved audiences to tears and inspired many to pursue their artistic dreams.

    At the Beijing premiere, Oshiyama connected with viewers via video link, expressing admiration for Fujimoto’s distinctive style while acknowledging the challenges of adapting a four-panel comic into a feature film.

    The director said scenes of Fujino and Kyomoto drawing held special significance, reflecting his own background as a key animator where drawing became his most intimate craft.

    “Look Back” was released across China on Oct. 26 through the National Alliance of Arthouse Cinemas (NAAC), earning nearly 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) on its opening day. The NAAC, established in 2016, is managed by the China Film Archive and works with theater chains to support arthouse film distribution. The film garnered an impressive 8.5/10 rating on Douban, China’s leading review aggregation platform.

    A Chinese poster for “Look Back.” [Image courtesy of China Film Group]

    Fujimoto, known for creating the hit manga series “Chainsaw Man,” shared his enthusiasm for the film’s reception: “The film adaptation of ‘Look Back’ initially was released in fewer than 100 cinemas in Japan, but now is to be shown in 3,500 cinemas across China. I must thank the enthusiastic fans in China! This miraculous work involves director Kiyotaka Oshiyama, whom I greatly admire, and musician Haruka Nakamura. I hope fans in China can also appreciate the talents of these two. Thank you very much!”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fossil discovery a boon to HK

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    (To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

    The unprecedented discovery of dinosaur fossils in Hong Kong has sparked excitement and created an opportunity for the city to seize on the revelation to further develop tourism here, Chief Executive John Lee said today.

    Mr Lee made the remarks before attending this morning’s Executive Council meeting. Remarks that came after the dinosaur fossils, initially confirmed to be dated to the Cretaceous period, were discovered for the first time on Port Island in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark last week.

    “We will maintain the fossils so that they will not only help (with) research, but also help (with) developing Hong Kong as a place for us to learn more about the history of dinosaurs, and grasping this opportunity to develop it into, maybe, a tourist attraction.”

    The Chief Executive noted that space at the Heritage Discovery Centre has been reserved to build a workshop and stage an exhibition with the fossils as the theme.

    “We will be making use of this opportunity to develop some special tourist lines so that they can look at, first of all, the volcanic hexagonal rock columns, as well as all the other attractions of our geopark, including some exhibitions of the dinosaur fossils.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk in Foshan (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKSAR Government sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk in Foshan (with photos)
    HKSAR Government sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk in Foshan (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         To advance the development of a digital government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) collaborates with Guangdong Province to promote the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced today (October 29) the setting up of a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Foshan. It will help residents and enterprises in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) access public services of Hong Kong without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.      Starting today, the public can use the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk located on the first floor of the Foshan Nanhai District Administrative Service Center to access various public services of Hong Kong. The kiosk is available for use during the opening hours of the Center (i.e. 8.30am to noon and 2pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday except public holidays on the Mainland). For details, please visit the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services thematic website at www.crossboundaryservices.gov.hk/en/home/index.html.      Following the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks that commenced operation earlier in Guangzhou, Qianhai and Futian in Shenzhen as well as Zhuhai, the Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk currently provides a total of 70 public services from 11 government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations, encompassing areas commonly used by enterprises and the public including taxation, company registration, property and vehicle enquiry and registration, application for personal identification documents and entry of talent, welfare and education, healthcare, immigration clearance, urgent assistance as well as culture and tourism. Members of the public can use the self-service kiosk to perform data entry, document scanning and result printing to enjoy one-stop access when applying for various public services.       An “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk is also set up at the location mentioned above to enable Hong Kong residents working and living on the Mainland to register for, or upgrade to, “iAM Smart+” directly to enjoy online public services that support “iAM Smart+” such as renewal of a vehicle licence, application for an International Driving Permit and registration for eHealth. For details and registration requirements, please visit the “iAM Smart” thematic website at www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html.      A spokesman for the DPO expressed sincere gratitude to the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data for its strong support and the Center for its full co-operation. The DPO will continue to discuss with the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data to set up self-service and self-registration kiosks in more Mainland cities of the GBA to cope with the demands of residents and enterprises in the GBA for public services of Hong Kong.      To implement the State Council’s Guiding Opinions to all provincial governments on Cross-provincial Public Services and their comprehensive deployment, the HKSAR Government accepted the invitation of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province in 2021 to jointly launch the GBA Cross-boundary Public Services, and worked with Guangdong Province in November last year to introduce a dedicated service area/thematic website for Cross-boundary Public Services. The initiative enables enterprises and the public in both regions to enjoy simple and convenient cross-boundary services, with a view to facilitating the provision of public services and investment in the GBA, and enhancing the satisfaction and sense of contentment of enterprises and the public in accessing services across the boundary.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, October 29, 2024Issued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Antisemitism at Australian universities referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Government has referred antisemitism at Australian universities to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights for inquiry and report. 

    Every Australian deserves to feel safe and supported in our community, no matter who they are or what they believe. 

    There is no place for hatred or racism in our universities or anywhere else. 

    This inquiry was a recommendation of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee. The Committee was deeply troubled by the experiences of Jewish students and staff, and the responses to antisemitism by Australian universities. 

    The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry will consider the prevalence, nature and experiences of antisemitism at universities, including frameworks and policies to prevent and respond to it, and support provided to students and staff. 

    This inquiry is part of the Government’s multifaceted approach to addressing Australia’s complex experiences of racism. 

    The inquiry will complement other initiatives underway, including: 

    • the Australian Human Rights Commission’s ‘Respect at Uni: Study into Antisemitism, Islamophobia, Racism and the experience of First Nations People’ 
    • the work of the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism and Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, and 
    • legislation to establish an independent National Student Ombudsman. 

    The Committee has been asked report to both Houses of the Parliament by 31 March 2025.

    Details of the inquiry, including the letter of referral and the terms of reference, will be available on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights webpage. 

    Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus:

    “All around Australia Jewish students and staff tell me they don’t feel welcome on campus and they don’t think their universities care. 

    “This is an intolerable situation and urgent action is needed to address the tensions on university campuses to protect the safety of students and staff. The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring we deal effectively with this disturbing situation.” 

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare: 

    “There is nothing more important than the safety of students and staff on campus. 

    “This inquiry complements the existing actions the Government is taking to improve safety at our universities and I look forward to its recommendations.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s COVID inquiry shows why a permanent ‘centre for disease control’ is more urgent than ever

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jocelyne Basseal, Associate Director, Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney

    Christie Cooper/Shutterstock

    The long-awaited independent inquiry into Australia’s COVID response was released today, with lessons on how the nation could better prepare for future pandemics.

    The 868-page report outlined nine guiding recommendations and 26 actions, including 19 set for implementation over the next 12 to 18 months. These form the foundation for future pandemic preparedness.

    With initial strong national solidarity, Australia acted quickly to close national borders, the inquiry found. This bought crucial time, but Australia was not adequately prepared for a crisis of the scale of the COVID pandemic.

    Australia’s response lacked strong central co-ordination and leadership. Communication about public health advice was often conflicting or not appropriately communicated with the most vulnerable groups. Public trust was further undermined by a lack of transparency in decision-making, such as disease modelling, which underpinned important public health responses.

    In hindsight, the inquiry concluded a fully fledged Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) could have made a huge difference. In response, the federal government today committed A$251 milion to establish such a centre in Canberra.

    What did the inquiry find?

    1. Early rapid response and consensus helped keep us safe. As an inland nation, Australia was able to close its borders while preparing for the ultimate inevitable population-wide spread of SARS CoV-2. But it was unprepared for pandemic-related quarantines.

    2. Initially, the communication was clear and consistent. This didn’t last. Huge uncertainties, rapidly changing circumstances, differing opinions among experts and the politicisation of the response undermined communication strategies. Communication with diverse ethnic groups and vulnerable populations groups were often sub-optimal. In future, misinformation and disinformation needs to be addressed through improving health literacy and proactive communication.

    3. Our health-care infrastructure was lacking and couldn’t cope with emergency surge capacity, the inquiry found, although health-care workers “pulled together” remarkably. Aged care facilities were particularly vulnerable and had poor infection-control practices. More broadly, there were supply chain issues and inadequate stockpiles of essential infection prevention and control equipment, such as masks and gloves. Australia was unable to manufacture these and was left at the mercy of foreign providers.

    4. Analysing the genetic material of the virus and widespread testing were critical to tracking viral evolution and spread. Pathogen genomics in New South Wales and Victoria, for instance, allowed accurate tracking of virus variants and local transmission. But there was poor exchange of data between jurisdictions and limited national coordination to optimise data interpretation and response.

    5. Transparent, evidence-based decision-making was lacking. Disease models that informed key decisions were opaque and not open to scrutiny or peer review.

    6. Vulnerable populations, including children, suffered disproportionately. COVID-related school closures were particularly harmful as they affected learning, socialising and development, and disproportionately affected children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Strict social isolation also increased the risk of family violence, along with anxiety and other mental health impacts. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experienced higher risks due to the inequity of service provision and the social determinants of health.

    7. Research is important and should be rapidly scalable. Good surveillance systems for emerging infectious diseases and future pandemic threats should be in place. Patient specimens need to be stored so we can rapidly explore the mechanisms of disease and develop essential diagnostic tests. The inquiry recognised the need for Australia to develop its own vaccines and for access to mRNA technology was recognised as an important health security measure, given challenges in vaccine access.

    8. Global solidarity and co-operation create a safer word for all.
    The stark inequities in COVID vaccine access, opened major fault lines in international relationships and still complicate the drafting of a global pandemic treaty.

    9. Emerging diseases with a One Health focus should be recognised as a ‘standing threat’. In our modern interconnected world, with highly concentrated human and animal populations combined with stressed ecosystems, new diseases with pandemic potential will continue to emerge at an unprecedented rate. This requires a gobal focus.

    How could a CDC make a difference?

    One of the inquiry’s key take-home messages is that the lack of strong, independent, central co-ordination hampered our pandemic response.

    The inadequate flow of data between jurisdictions were major shortcomings that limited the ability to target responses. This is needed to understand:

    • transmission dynamics
    • the vulnerabilities in those with severe disease
    • the circulating viral variants.

    The inquiry also emphasised the need to analyse data in near real time.

    Good data drive evidence-informed and transparent policy. This is a crucial area for a future Australian CDC to address. The CDC will function as a “data hub”, with Canberra offering the ideal location supporting a multi-jurisdictional “hub-and-spoke” model.

    Australia’s new CDC is expected to be launched by January 2026, pending legislation approval. The ongoing challenge will be to ensure it delivers optimal long-term health benefits for all Australians.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Australia’s COVID inquiry shows why a permanent ‘centre for disease control’ is more urgent than ever – https://theconversation.com/australias-covid-inquiry-shows-why-a-permanent-centre-for-disease-control-is-more-urgent-than-ever-239498

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cancellation and refund arrangements of “Hong Kong Artists” Series: Piano Duo Recital by Stephen Wong and Amy Sze

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (October 29) that the “Hong Kong Artists” Series: Piano Duo Recital by Stephen Wong and Amy Sze scheduled for November 2 (Saturday) at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall has been cancelled since one of the performers is unable to perform as planned.
     
         Details of the refund arrangements will be announced in due course. Ticket holders are advised to keep their original intact tickets (with stubs) for refunds, and check the latest announcements at www.lcsd.gov.hk/CP.
     
         For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7321 during office hours or email to cp2@lcsd.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Welcome remarks by SLW at Hong Kong: A World of Opportunities seminar for Korean talent (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following are the welcome video remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, at Hong Kong: A World of Opportunities seminar for Korean talent organised by Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) this afternoon (October 29):
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, annyeong-haseyo (hello in Korean).
     
         I am glad to welcome you to the seminar organised by HKTE today. It is great to have students from Korean universities and exchange students currently in Hong Kong with us today.
     
         This seminar is a follow-up on HKTE’s recent duty visit to Korea in August, during which we met with professionals as well as university students and received much positive feedback. Many expressed interest in working in a dynamic environment like Hong Kong to pursue their careers and succeed.
     
         Talent is the prime resource and driving force that boosts economic development and competitiveness. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre professionals with diverse backgrounds. Thanks to our “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is bestowed with unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of our motherland and being closely connected to the world. We also have a strong foundation for success, with institutional strengths such as a world-class business environment, a simple and low tax system, and a highly open and internationalised market.
     
         All these strengths make Hong Kong an ideal place for talent looking for personal growth and self-enhancement, so that they can bring their innovative ideas to life as well as make a positive change to the world. Many professionals also choose to base themselves in Hong Kong to explore opportunities in Mainland China.
     
         To attract and retain talent worldwide to pursue long-term development here, the Government announced an array of admission measures in late 2022, including the well-received Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), which has garnered significant interest.
     
         As at end-September, the Government received over 380 000 applications under various talent admission schemes, with about 240 000 applications approved. For the TTPS, over 100 000 applications were received with over 81 000 approved, including over 200 degree graduates from renowned universities in Korea.
     
         Settling into a new environment might be challenging; that is why we set up HKTE to provide one-stop comprehensive support services to facilitate incoming talent to come and settle in Hong Kong. Later in this seminar, Anthony, the Director of HKTE, will introduce to you HKTE’s services in more detail.
     
         I sincerely hope you find the information shared today fruitful and that you will consider embarking on your international career journey here in Hong Kong.
     
         Thank you once again for joining us.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SJ at plenary session of 14th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference in Singapore (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the plenary session of the 14th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference in Singapore today (October 29):Mr Chairman, Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,     To begin with, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Your Excellency Mr Lucien Wong, SC, for organising this year’s conference.Urgent call for co-operation in the fight against financial crimes     The theme of this year’s conference is “Fostering Co-operation on Combating Financial Crimes”. The definition of financial crimes is very wide. In Hong Kong, they cover a broad range of money-related criminal activities including money laundering, terrorists financing, fraud, theft, market misconduct as well as corruption and irregularities in the financial market. There is, however, very often a common element: that is they involve transboundary elements.     In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming rise in financial crimes. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that money laundered globally in one year is 2-5 per cent of global gross domestic product, that is approximately US$800 billion to $2 trillion. Hong Kong, which ranks No. 1 in the 2024 Economic Freedom of the World Report compiled by the Fraser Institute, is not immune to these challenges. According to the latest statistics released by the Hong Kong Police Force, over 19 000 cases of deception were registered in the first half of 2024, accounting for around 44 per cent of the total number of crimes and resulting in the loss of HK$4.48 billion.     There is, therefore, no wonder why there is consensus that international co-operation to combat financial crimes is both essential and imminent. In May this year, the Heads of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the UNODC and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issued an unprecedented joint call for actions to be taken across sectors and at the global level to target the huge illicit profits generated by transnational organised crimes that facilitate conflicts, fund terrorism and negatively impact vulnerable populations.     Hong Kong is committed to engaging in international co-operation to combat financial crimes proactively. This is both required and made possible by the principle of “one country, two systems”. In the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Article 109 gives Hong Kong the mandate to provide an appropriate economic and legal environment for the maintenance of the status of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. Under Articles 96 and 152 of the Basic Law respectively, Hong Kong may make appropriate arrangements with foreign states for reciprocal juridical assistance, and representatives of Hong Kong may participate in international organisations or conferences as members of delegations of the People’s Republic of China or in other appropriate capacity.     Hong Kong has been adopting a four-pronged approach in combating financial crimes with international elements: first, espousing international regulatory standards; second, establishing a collaborative network for effective prosecution and asset recovery; third, embracing technologies as our new tools; and, lastly, encouraging knowledge and experience sharing.Espousing international regulatory standards     Let me begin with espousing international regulatory standards. While different jurisdictions have diverse legal landscapes and different financial systems, it is essential to ensure that the local legal and regulatory frameworks would comply with international standards. I am proud to say that Hong Kong has so far successfully achieved this objective.     Owing to the fact that, in practice, it is very often difficult to identify, catch and bring participants of financial crimes to justice and that the loss and damage caused by such crimes are in many cases untraceable and irrecoverable, the Hong Kong law in this respect focus very much on effective prevention and early detection of suspicious transactions. Our Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615) (AMLO) sets out the requirements on financial institutions regarding customer due diligence and record keeping; and other legislations impose statutory obligations for reporting suspicious transactions. Earlier this year, the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal in a landmark judgment known as Tam Sze Leung & Ors v Commissioner of Police (2024) 27 HKCFAR 288 upheld the validity of the “letters of no consent” scheme under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 455), which aims at assisting financial institutions to consider how to deal with, or not to deal with, funds known or suspected to be proceeds of crime.     On the other hand, the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong publishes alert list to provide early warnings to investors on suspicious investment products and virtual asset trading platforms. Very recently in August this year, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Association of Banks, extended the coverage of the Suspicious Account Alert to physical branches and Internet banking transactions.     Hong Kong has been a member of the FATF, an intergovernmental organisation which sets global standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, since 1991. In the fourth round of FATF mutual evaluation in 2018-19, Hong Kong’s anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) system has been assessed to be compliant and effective overall, making it the first jurisdiction in the Asia-Pacific region to have achieved an overall compliant result. The FATF also adopted Hong Kong’s follow-up report and recognised Hong Kong’s efforts in strengthening its AML/CFT regulatory regimes last year.     That said, Hong Kong does not remain complacent. Hong Kong is also one of the founding members of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), an autonomous FATF-style regional anti-money laundering body, founded in 1997. The APG published annual reports to assist governments and other stakeholders to have a better understanding about the nature of existing and emerging threats. The 2023 report includes a chapter on threats and trends related to virtual assets and virtual asset service providers. Hong Kong took the initiative to introduce a licensing regime for virtual asset service providers under AMLO, which came into effect in June 2023. To further strengthen the virtual assets regulatory framework in Hong Kong, we consulted the public on a regulatory regime for stablecoins earlier this year and had received overall support.Establishing a collaborative network for effective prosecution and asset recovery     Let me turn to establishing a collaborative network across jurisdictions to enable effective prosecution of financial crimes and asset recovery.     Hong Kong has established a comprehensive co-operation regime for the mutual legal assistance and surrender of fugitives. The Department of Justice of Hong Kong published various practical step-by-step guidelines, such as “Guide to Asset Recovery in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” and “Guidelines for Making Applications under the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance (Cap. 525)”, with a view to assisting our foreign counterparts in understanding the procedures in relation to international legal co-operation in criminal matters in Hong Kong and the wide range of legal assistance that may be provided by Hong Kong, such as taking of oral evidence, obtaining materials under production orders, enforcement of external confiscation orders and restraining of dealing in property which may be subject to external confiscation orders, etc.     Over the years, the Department of Justice has been providing effective and timely assistance to various foreign jurisdictions, including our ASEAN and Asia-Pacific partners. Let me share with you some examples. Recently, pursuant to a request made by an East Asian country, we have successfully obtained from the High Court a restraint order freezing assets in the form of cryptocurrencies of a total value of more than US$20 million, which are suspected to be proceeds of a massive fraudulent scheme. In another case regarding a request received from Indonesia, we have restrained over US$8 million worth of assets, representing proceeds of offences of fraud and money laundering, with a view to repatriating the confiscated funds back to the victim of crimes in Indonesia eventually. Singapore is one of our most valued and top legal co-operation partners. Thanks to the tireless effort of the Attorney General’s Chambers of Singapore, a fugitive was successfully surrendered back to Hong Kong earlier this month to face justice in court for offences relating to a securities fraud. In another case involving offences of money laundering and corruption, Hong Kong is working very closely with Singapore in our collaboration to repatriate US$13 million of proceeds of crime back to the victim in Mainland China. In yet another example, with the joint effort of Interpol and following extensive information sharing and joint investigations by the police from Singapore and Hong Kong, a transnational syndicate allegedly involved in laundering ill-gotten gains derived from tech support scams, including around HK$33 million from the victims in Singapore, has recently been crippled in August this year, resulting in the arrest of eight persons in Singapore and Hong Kong.     Another significant development in 2024 is that, on June 26, 2024, Hong Kong has officially joined the South East Asia Justice Network (SEAJust), which was established in 2020 with the support of the UNODC. This enables Hong Kong to make use of this important platform to facilitate co-operation in criminal matters with other members, including all my friends here today.     I feel obliged to take this opportunity to register my disappointment that, due to geopolitical reasons, some Western countries have unilaterally suspended their mutual legal co-operation arrangements with Hong Kong, which is plainly against common interests. Geopolitical considerations should not be allowed to hinder international co-operation in fighting financial crimes.Embracing technologies as our new arsenal of tools     Let me move on to embracing technologies as our tools. In this digital age, technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace. It is unfortunate that it has been misused to enable financial crimes to transcend borders and get “bigger” in terms of quantity and complexity, and allow the culprits to hide their identities in the virtual world.     To counter such misuse, we should consider how to deploy technological advancements as our ally. In particular, we should proactively explore the possibilities of leveraging powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tools for detecting and disrupting financial crimes at an early stage. For example, AI-powered systems may facilitate real-time online transaction monitoring and individual behavioural analysis, and alert unusual transaction patterns with speed and accuracy that human beings cannot duplicate. AI-assisted automation may also play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of investigations. AI technology is able to analyse vast amounts of data at lightning speed. Automating some repetitive but essential tasks throughout the investigation process enables investigation officers to dedicate their time and energy to developing strategies in higher-impact cases.     On September 9, 2024, with a view to accelerating the use of AI in monitoring money laundering and terrorist financing risks, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority published a circular on “Use of Artificial Intelligence for Monitoring Suspicious Activities”. The HKMA observed that AI-powered systems take into account a broad range of contextual information focusing not only on individual transactions, but also the active risk profile and past transaction patterns of customers in determining whether the activity of a customer should be flagged for further investigation. These enhanced systems have proved to be more effective and efficient than conventional rules-based transaction monitoring systems.Encouraging knowledge and experience sharing     Lastly, let me say a few words on encouraging knowledge and experience sharing.     Last month, a dedicated team of prosecutors who specialise in prosecuting sophisticated and syndicated high-tech crimes in the Prosecutions Division of the Department of Justice of Hong Kong paid a visit to Guangdong Provincial People’s Procuratorate, the High People’s Court of Guangdong Province and Guangzhou Internet Court. The sharing sessions with Mainland judges and procurators were greatly beneficial to deepening the mutual understanding of the latest trends of deception cases and the handling of cryptocurrency cases.     And, of course, international symposiums and conferences provide an excellent forum for free flow of ideas, which assist in gathering and accumulating a general pool of knowledge, and stimulating new and innovative ideas to combat financial crimes. This successful conference is, by itself, a perfect example.     In this aspect, I am very pleased to inform you that, next month between November 27 and 29, Hong Kong will organise the 11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) under the theme of “Effective Prosecution Service in the Technological Age”. I look forward to welcoming you to Hong Kong.     Lastly, I am also very pleased to inform you that the Department of Justice of Hong Kong will formally establish the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy very soon. The Academy will organise practical training courses, seminars, and international exchange programmes to promote exchanges among legal professionals coming from different jurisdictions. This may serve as an additional platform for capacity building and experience sharing in the area of international co-operation on combating financial crimes.Concluding remarks     To conclude, while the challenges we face in our fight against financial crimes are daunting and are likely to be ongoing, they are ones that we can and must overcome – together. In this war that we cannot afford losing, let us remain steadfast to our commitment to align with international regulatory standards, work closely via various collaborative networks, make better use of emerging technologies, and share knowledge and experience. In co-operation lies our strength, and in action lies the promise of a secure financial environment where trust and integrity flourish.     On this note, may I once again thank the Attorney-General’s Chambers of Singapore for giving me and other members of the Hong Kong delegation such a fruitful experience at this successful conference, and to all the distinguished speakers and friends from the Mainland and ASEAN countries for their sharing of valuable insights and experiences. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public urged to lead active and healthy lifestyle in support of World Stroke Day

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Public urged to lead active and healthy lifestyle in support of World Stroke Day
    Public urged to lead active and healthy lifestyle in support of World Stroke Day
    ********************************************************************************

         ​In support of World Stroke Day, the Department of Health (DH) today (October 29) appealed to members of the public to lead an active and healthy lifestyle to guard against stroke.           World Stroke Day has been designated on October 29 each year by the World Stroke Organization to increase awareness and drive actions on strokes around the world.           A spokesman for the DH said that stroke is one of the major causes of ill health, long-term disability and death. Every year, strokes attack over 12 million people worldwide. In Hong Kong, stroke is the fourth commonest cause of death with 3 048* registered deaths in 2023.           A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, or when the blood vessel of the brain ruptures leading to a haemorrhage. High blood pressure (HT) is the largest single risk for stroke, followed by a high body mass index and high blood glucose.           “Physical activity can modify these common biomedical risk factors of stroke. Epidemiological studies support a beneficial effect of engaging in a sufficient amount of physical activities on stroke risk, whether it is simply walking at a faster pace, bicycling or leisure pursuits,” the spokesman added.           Stroke risk can be reduced by adhering to an active and healthy lifestyle. Members of the public are advised to engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or an equivalent amount and intensity of physical activity throughout the week, and limit the amount of time spent being sedentary and replace sedentary time with physical activity of any intensity including a light-intensity physical activity. To further reduce the risk of having a stroke, members of the public should also maintain an optimal body weight and waist circumference, reduce salt intake and eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking and refrain from alcohol drinking to guard against stroke.           With an aim to advocate members of the public to increase their physical activities, the DH launched the “10,000 Steps a Day” Campaign in 2022 to encourage adults to gradually increase their daily step goal to 10 000 based on their own physical conditions, abilities, pace and individual circumstances. The campaign has entered its third phase this year, and this year’s event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The Health Bureau and the DH will for the first time partner with Greater Bay Area (GBA) Mainland cities to jointly promote walking to mark the celebration. In Hong Kong, a walking challenge with the slogan of “Shall We Walk and Talk” will be held through the “e+Life Platform” on November 1 to inspire the public to walk with friends. Participants can use a step-counting mobile application to record their step counts during the challenge period and synchronise the data with the “e+Life Platform”. For details, please visit the event website of the Walking Challenge (www.10000stepsaday.hk/?lang=en) and the thematic website of “e+Life Platform” (app.ehealth.gov.hk/elife-overview).            The Primary Care Commission has established the District Health Centre (DHC)/DHC Express across 18 districts and has been proactively promoting the Life Course Preventive Care Plan. The DHC healthcare team would work hand in hand with Family Doctors to help clients to develop customised healthy living plans (including smoking cessation, balance diet, regular physical activity and weight management) based on individuals’ health needs at different stages of life, enhancing the public’s capability to take care of their own health and prevent strokes.              Apart from active and healthy living, early diagnosis and proper management of hypertension and diabetes is another key to lowering the risk of stroke. The Government launched the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme) in November 2023, to subsidise Hong Kong residents aged 45 or above with no known medical history of HT or diabetes (DM) to undergo HT and DM screening services in the private healthcare sector. They can then receive long-term follow-up care in the community provided by Family Doctors, DHC /DHC Express, and other healthcare services. For more details, members of the public may browse the dedicated website of the CDCC Pilot Scheme (www.primaryhealthcare.gov.hk/cdcc/en).           In addition to promoting stroke prevention measures, the Government is committed to enhancing services for stroke treatment. The Chief Executive announced in this year’s Policy Address that the Hospital Authority would set up the first stroke centre in accordance with the national accreditation standards at a public hospital of Hong Kong. Through cross-specialty and patient-centred integrated neuromedicine services, it aims to enhance the efficiency of diagnosing acute strokes, expedite treatment and improve patient care, thereby lowering mortality rates, hospital bed days and readmission rates as well as improving post-stroke rehabilitation.           The Government will continue to step up efforts in enhancing public awareness about the importance of active and healthy living in the area of stroke prevention and working in close partnership with community partners to build a health-enhancing environment. For details, please visit the thematic website at www.change4health.gov.hk/en/index.html. *Provisional figure

     
    Ends/Tuesday, October 29, 2024Issued at HKT 15:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA thanks countries that have publicly expressed concern over Taiwan Strait situation and stressed importance of cross-strait peace and stability in concerted effort to safeguard rules-based international order

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan 3

    MOFA thanks countries that have publicly expressed concern over Taiwan Strait situation and stressed importance of cross-strait peace and stability in concerted effort to safeguard rules-based international order

    Date：2024-10-19
    Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

    October 19, 2024  
    No. 359  

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely appreciates that the administrations and friendly members of parliament of more than 30 countries, as well as the European Union, have publicly expressed concern over the cross-strait situation or stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability after China once again recently launched military drills to intimidate Taiwan. Countries including Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Lithuania, and the Republic of Korea variously urged China to exercise restraint and stated that differences should be resolved through dialogue and not the threat of force or coercion. 
     
    The maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is in the common interests of both sides of the strait and the international community. There is a high degree of consensus within global society over the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific. MOFA once again calls on China to face up to the reality of the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and to respect the Taiwanese people’s choice of a free and democratic way of life, willingness to engage in international cooperation alongside China, and goodwill toward maintaining regional security and pursuing peace and shared prosperity. It urges China to stop using use military provocation or other means to threaten and suppress Taiwan and disrupt the regional status quo. Only this can facilitate the positive development of cross-strait relations and satisfy the expectations of the international community.
     
    MOFA calls on all nations to continue to voice concern over the cross-strait situation and support Taiwan. Taiwan will further work with its diplomatic allies and like-minded partners to safeguard the rules-based international order and jointly advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA welcomes European Parliament resolution on PRC’s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and continuous military provocations against Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan 3

    MOFA welcomes European Parliament resolution on PRC’s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and continuous military provocations against Taiwan

    Date：2024-10-25
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    October 25, 2024No. 365The European Parliament (EP) on October 24 adopted a resolution concerning the misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan by an overwhelming majority of 432 votes in favor and 60 against. The EP resolution strongly opposes the PRC distorting UNGA Resolution 2758 to block Taiwan’s international participation and calls on the European Union and its member states to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in relevant international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly affirms and sincerely appreciates this support. The EP resolution points out that UNGA Resolution 2758 addresses the status of the PRC but does not determine that the PRC enjoys sovereignty over Taiwan, nor does it make any judgement on the future inclusion of Taiwan in the UN or any other international organization. It also states that Taiwan has never been part of the PRC. Stressing that UNGA Resolution 2758 takes no position on Taiwan, the EP resolution strongly rejects and refutes the PRC’s attempts to distort history and international rules and thereby block Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. It also strongly condemns the PRC’s continued military provocations and gray-zone activities against Taiwan and reiterates the EU’s firm rejection of any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.Pointing out that Taiwan is a key, like-minded partner of the EU in the Indo-Pacific, the EP resolution calls for the EU and its member states to further deepen cooperation and exchanges with Taiwan in such domains as the economy, investment, semiconductor and high-tech industrial supply chains, disaster management, civil protection, and countering disinformation and foreign interference. It also advocates continued support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Criminal Police Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and other multilateral organizations. In addition, the EP welcomes closer official and people-to-people interactions and exchanges between Taiwan and the EU, including the recent visit of former President Tsai Ing-wen to the EP.Since the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China passed a model resolution concerning UNGA Resolution 2758 in July for its members’ reference, the Australian Senate and the Dutch House of Representatives have passed motions in support of Taiwan. The EP thus becomes the third parliament to approve a similar resolution. MOFA urges the global community to take concrete action to oppose China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and to refute China’s false claim that there is an international consensus on its so-called “one China principle.” Taiwan will continue to enhance its substantive and comprehensive cooperation with the EU and other like-minded partners to jointly ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to joint declaration by G7 defence ministers expressing concern over China’s joint military exercise around Taiwan and reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan 3

    MOFA response to joint declaration by G7 defence ministers expressing concern over China’s joint military exercise around Taiwan and reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    October 20, 2024  

    The Group of Seven (G7) defense ministers held a meeting in Naples, Italy, from October 18 to 20. In a joint declaration issued on October 19, they expressed concern over China’s provocative actions, particularly the recent People’s Liberation Army military drills around Taiwan. They reaffirmed that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait was indispensable to international security and prosperity and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highly welcomes and sincerely appreciates the G7 member states’ staunch support for maintaining the peaceful status quo across the Taiwan Strait. 
     
    As a responsible member of the Indo-Pacific community, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with G7 member countries and take concrete actions to uphold the core values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. It will work in solidarity with like-minded partners to safeguard the rules-based international order and promote prosperity and stability in the region and throughout the world.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to joint passage of US, Canadian warships through Taiwan Strait on October 20

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan 3

    MOFA response to joint passage of US, Canadian warships through Taiwan Strait on October 20

    October 21, 2024 

    The US Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins and the Canadian Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver conducted a routine transit of the Taiwan Strait on October 20. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) welcomes and affirms the United States and Canada once again taking concrete action to emphasize the Taiwan Strait’s status in law as an international waterway and their firm stance on safeguarding freedom of navigation and regional stability.
     
    The US 7th Fleet and Canadian Joint Operations Command provided details of their joint mission in separate media statements and posts on the social media platform X. The US 7th Fleet statement noted that the transit had taken place through waters where high-seas freedom of navigation applied in accordance with international law. It said that the mission demonstrated the United States’ and Canada’s commitment to upholding freedom of navigation for all nations and that the international community’s navigational rights and freedoms in the Taiwan Strait should not be limited. It further stated that the United States rejected any assertion of sovereignty or jurisdiction that was inconsistent with freedoms of navigations, overflight, or other lawful uses of the sea and air. The Canadian Joint Operations Command post on X stated that its activities promoted peace, resilience, and security in the Indo-Pacific.
     
    This was the fourth joint transit of the Taiwan Strait by the United States and Canada in under two years, demonstrating democratic allies’ determination to take firm and concrete actions to safeguard Taiwan Strait peace. The government of Taiwan will continue to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities, staunchly oppose authoritarian expansion, and deepen cooperation with like-minded nations so as to jointly defend the rules-based international order as well as peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to US, ROK, and Japan national security advisors reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability and calling for peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan 3

    MOFA response to US, ROK, and Japan national security advisors reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability and calling for peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues

    Date：2024-10-26
    Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

    October 26, 2024 

    US White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Japanese National Security Secretariat Secretary-General Takeo Akiba, and Republic of Korea National Security Office Director Shin Won-sik held a trilateral meeting in Washington, DC, on October 25. In a joint readout issued after the meeting, the three national security advisors reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, and expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the waters of the Indo-Pacific.
     
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) thanks the United States, Japan, and the ROK for continuing to jointly reiterate the importance of cross-strait peace and stability through high-level meetings of national security officials and diplomats, underscoring the high degree of international consensus on maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region. Taiwan will continue to work with the United States, Japan, the ROK, and other like-minded nations to preserve peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and beyond.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: IDEX Biometrics interim report for the third quarter of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oslo, Norway – 29 October 2024 – IDEX Biometrics ASA’s interim report for the third quarter is attached to this notice (link below). The interim report is also available on the IDEX Biometrics website: www.idexbiometrics.com/investors/interim-results/

    A webcast presentation of the interim report will be held by Catharina Eklof, Chief Executive Officer, today at 09:00 CET. The webcast presentation is attached to this notice (link below), and can be viewed at the following link:

    https://idexbiometrics.videosync.fi/q3-2024

    “Transitioning into the CEO role this quarter, my focus has been on executing our transformation program and implementing key initiatives to achieve the targeted cash quarterly operating expense run rate of $2.5 million. By the end of the third quarter, IDEX had executed on targeted reorganization initiatives, significantly reducing operating expenses. We have consolidated our technology and administrative teams into the UK and Europe, and optimized our entire workforce to capture the fast growing opportunity across the APAC region.” Said Catharina Eklof, Chief Executive Officer at IDEX Biometrics.

    Ms. Eklof added, “On the customer side, we continue to expand our manufacturing partners and solution integrators with our open software platforms and flexible operating system. Focus over the last quarters has been on supporting manufacturers from certification to industrialized production. As a result, KONA I has achieved Mastercard approval for the world first metal biometric card, based on the IDEX Pay platform. A first commercial program is now in the planning phase of being rolled out in Asia.”

    In September, IDEX demonstrated a successful live transaction on the India based RuPay network with IDEX Pay, together with our manufacturing partners. This is a leading indicator of the IDEX biometric platform readiness to bring trusted identity solutions to consumers around the world.

    Financials:

    • Revenues in the third quarter totaled $0.1M.
    • Net Income in Q3 was $1.4M with Adjusted Net Loss of $4.8M. Adjustments are related to the restructuring charges and the derivative value changes.
    • Operating expenses reduced to $4.1M, a reduction of $2.0M from last quarter.
    • Restructuring cost during Q3 were $0.4M including severance and other items.  Restructuring gain of $0.7M resulting from two lease cancellations.
    • On track to achieve a cash operating run-rate of $2.5M per quarter by the end of this year.
    • Recorded a gain of $5.5M from a change in the derivative value related to outstanding warrants and the favorable renegotiation of our outstanding convertible bond.

    For further information contact:
    Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations
    E-mail: ir@idexbiometrics.com
    Tel: + 47 67 83 91 19

    About IDEX Biometrics
    IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market. 

    For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com

    TRADEMARK STATEMENT
    IDEX, TrustedBio, IDEX Biometrics and the IDEX logo are trademarks owned by IDEX Biometrics ASA. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: IDEX Biometrics appoints new Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oslo, Norway – October 29, 2024 – IDEX Biometrics has appointed Kristian Flaten as Chief Financial Officer, effective November 1, 2024.

    Kristian Flaten brings over 25 years of financial leadership and experience with international business and financing, including from Asian growth markets, a strong focus for IDEX Biometrics. He has a proven track record in corporate finance, debt financing and business development in growth companies. 

    Kristian has a background as CFO with Quantafuel ASA, recycling plastic waste, and as VP Corporate Finance with BW Offshore, oilfield services. Additionally, he has experience from the financial sector with Export Finance Norway and Handelsbanken. 

    Kristian holds a Master of Science from NHH (Norwegian School of Economics), with majors in Finance and Strategy. He will be based at IDEX Biometrics headquarters in Oslo.

    “We are most pleased to welcome Kristian to our executive team,” says Catharina Eklof, Chief Executive Officer of IDEX Biometrics. “Bringing on Kristian is an important step in the business transformation of IDEX. Kristian comes with critical experience from growth companies and his proven track record will be key as we continue to evolve IDEX, and drive innovation in biometric platform and software solution expansion to key markets.” 

    “I am excited to join IDEX Biometrics at this pivotal time of the company’s growth journey,” comments Kristian Flaten. “I look forward to working with the talented team to support the company’s strategic initiatives.” 

    Kristian Flaten is succeeding John Kurtzweil, who will continue to support the company in an advisory role. The company extends its warm gratitude to John for his excellent contributions during his tenure and for ensuring a smooth transition to Kristian.

    For further information contact:

    Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations
    Email: ir@idexbiometrics.com
    Tel: + 47 67 83 91 19

    About IDEX Biometrics
    IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market.
    For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com

    Trademark Statement
    IDEX, IDEX Biometrics and the IDEX logo are trademarks owned by IDEX Biometrics ASA. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders.

    About this notice:
    This notice was issued by Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations, on 29 October 2024 at 08:10 on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA thanks countries that have publicly expressed concern over Taiwan Strait situation and stressed importance of cross-strait peace and stability in concerted effort to safeguard rules-based international order

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA thanks countries that have publicly expressed concern over Taiwan Strait situation and stressed importance of cross-strait peace and stability in concerted effort to safeguard rules-based international order

    • Date：2024-10-19
    • Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

    October 19, 2024  

    No. 359  

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely appreciates that the administrations and friendly members of parliament of more than 30 countries, as well as the European Union, have publicly expressed concern over the cross-strait situation or stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability after China once again recently launched military drills to intimidate Taiwan. Countries including Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Lithuania, and the Republic of Korea variously urged China to exercise restraint and stated that differences should be resolved through dialogue and not the threat of force or coercion. 

     

    The maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is in the common interests of both sides of the strait and the international community. There is a high degree of consensus within global society over the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific. MOFA once again calls on China to face up to the reality of the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and to respect the Taiwanese people’s choice of a free and democratic way of life, willingness to engage in international cooperation alongside China, and goodwill toward maintaining regional security and pursuing peace and shared prosperity. It urges China to stop using use military provocation or other means to threaten and suppress Taiwan and disrupt the regional status quo. Only this can facilitate the positive development of cross-strait relations and satisfy the expectations of the international community.

     

    MOFA calls on all nations to continue to voice concern over the cross-strait situation and support Taiwan. Taiwan will further work with its diplomatic allies and like-minded partners to safeguard the rules-based international order and jointly advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA welcomes European Parliament resolution on PRC’s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and continuous military provocations against Taiwan

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA welcomes European Parliament resolution on PRC’s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and continuous military provocations against Taiwan

    • Date：2024-10-25
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    October 25, 2024
    No. 365

    The European Parliament (EP) on October 24 adopted a resolution concerning the misinterpretation of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan by an overwhelming majority of 432 votes in favor and 60 against. The EP resolution strongly opposes the PRC distorting UNGA Resolution 2758 to block Taiwan’s international participation and calls on the European Union and its member states to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in relevant international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly affirms and sincerely appreciates this support. 

    The EP resolution points out that UNGA Resolution 2758 addresses the status of the PRC but does not determine that the PRC enjoys sovereignty over Taiwan, nor does it make any judgement on the future inclusion of Taiwan in the UN or any other international organization. It also states that Taiwan has never been part of the PRC. Stressing that UNGA Resolution 2758 takes no position on Taiwan, the EP resolution strongly rejects and refutes the PRC’s attempts to distort history and international rules and thereby block Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. It also strongly condemns the PRC’s continued military provocations and gray-zone activities against Taiwan and reiterates the EU’s firm rejection of any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

    Pointing out that Taiwan is a key, like-minded partner of the EU in the Indo-Pacific, the EP resolution calls for the EU and its member states to further deepen cooperation and exchanges with Taiwan in such domains as the economy, investment, semiconductor and high-tech industrial supply chains, disaster management, civil protection, and countering disinformation and foreign interference. It also advocates continued support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Criminal Police Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and other multilateral organizations. In addition, the EP welcomes closer official and people-to-people interactions and exchanges between Taiwan and the EU, including the recent visit of former President Tsai Ing-wen to the EP.

    Since the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China passed a model resolution concerning UNGA Resolution 2758 in July for its members’ reference, the Australian Senate and the Dutch House of Representatives have passed motions in support of Taiwan. The EP thus becomes the third parliament to approve a similar resolution. MOFA urges the global community to take concrete action to oppose China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and to refute China’s false claim that there is an international consensus on its so-called “one China principle.” Taiwan will continue to enhance its substantive and comprehensive cooperation with the EU and other like-minded partners to jointly ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to US, ROK, and Japan national security advisors reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability and calling for peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to US, ROK, and Japan national security advisors reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability and calling for peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues

    • Date：2024-10-26
    • Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

    October 26, 2024 

    US White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Japanese National Security Secretariat Secretary-General Takeo Akiba, and Republic of Korea National Security Office Director Shin Won-sik held a trilateral meeting in Washington, DC, on October 25. In a joint readout issued after the meeting, the three national security advisors reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, and expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the waters of the Indo-Pacific.

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) thanks the United States, Japan, and the ROK for continuing to jointly reiterate the importance of cross-strait peace and stability through high-level meetings of national security officials and diplomats, underscoring the high degree of international consensus on maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region. Taiwan will continue to work with the United States, Japan, the ROK, and other like-minded nations to preserve peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and beyond.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint Subcommittee holds first meeting today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint Subcommittee holds first meeting today (with photos)
    Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint Subcommittee holds first meeting today (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Commissioner for Chinese Medicine Development (C for CMD) of the Health Bureau (HHB), Dr Vincent Chung, chaired the first meeting of the Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint Subcommittee (CMDBSC) today (October 29), and discussed with members the major areas to be covered in the Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint in order to harness collective wisdom and insights.     Hong Kong embraces a healthcare system that incorporates both Chinese and Western medicine on a dual-track basis. The application of pure traditional Chinese medicine (CM) theories and methods for prevention and treatment of diseases is a distinctive advantage of CM in Hong Kong. The development of CM in Hong Kong has been progressing steadily over the past two decades or so. Complemented by the successive implementation of various policy initiatives, CM has emerged as an integral part of the city’s healthcare system. On this basis, the members were of the view that it is now an opportune time for Hong Kong to further strengthen the role of CM in the overall healthcare system. A framework should also be set up in a proactive manner to enable collaboration among the CM sector and other healthcare professions, with a view to providing more comprehensive Chinese and Western medical services to members of the public.     During the meeting, the members engaged in in-depth discussions and offered constructive suggestions on multiple major areas to be covered in the Blueprint, including establishing a comprehensive governance framework and service system for CM, upgrading CM education and professional training standards, constructing a professional development system for CM personnel, reviewing the prevailing regulatory framework and legislation for CM, cultivating interdisciplinary collaboration networks among CM practitioners, making good use of medical data to promote service development and support policy formulation, driving scientific research and innovation, facilitating the CM industry in levelling up and assisting high-quality CM products to go global, as well as fostering cultural inheritance and promotion of CM. The relevant suggestions, having regard to their nature, will be relayed to the three working groups under the CMDBSC, namely the Working Group on the Development of Chinese Medicine Services, the Working Group on the Development of Chinese Medicine Industry and Cultural Popularisation, and the Working Group on the Development of Chinese Medicine Profession and Talent Cultivation, for focused study and exploration to formulate a preliminary plan of the Blueprint and relevant strategies.     Dr Chung expressed gratitude to members for being keen to engage in the discussions and expression of views. He said, “The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the Government will make use of Hong Kong’s advantages in its healthcare system, regulatory regime, standard-setting, clinical research and trade, and other areas to develop Hong Kong into a bridgehead for the internationalisation of CM, and publish the Blueprint next year. The Chinese Medicine Unit of the HHB will work towards these goals by pressing ahead with the consultation on the Blueprint and maintaining close liaison with local, Mainland and international stakeholders through different platforms and means to forge consensus, with a view to mapping out and formulating the vision and strategies for the future development of the CM sector in Hong Kong through concerted efforts.”     To gather a wider spectrum of views, the Government established the CMDBSC under the Chinese Medicine Development Committee (CMDC) on September 1 this year. Chaired by the C for CMD of the HHB, the CMDBSC comprises ex-officio members, Chairmen of the Chinese Medicine Practice Subcommittee and the Chinese Medicines Industry Subcommittee under the CMDC, representatives from the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong and the schools of CM of three local universities, and persons from the fields of CM practice, CM drugs, other healthcare professions, testing, research and development, social services, education, etc. The CMDBSC is tasked to make recommendations to the CMDC on concrete strategies for the overall development of CM, as well as the short, medium and long-term objectives and respective feasible initiatives for the long-term planning.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, October 29, 2024Issued at HKT 15:43

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –