NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Security: 5 Men Plead Guilty for Role in Global Digital Asset Investment Scam Conspiracy Resulting in Theft of More than $36.9 Million from Victims

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – Five men have pleaded guilty for their roles in laundering more than $36.9 million from victims of an international digital asset investment scam conspiracy that was carried out from scam centers in Cambodia, the Justice Department announced today.

    The following defendants were part of an international criminal network that induced U.S. victims, believing they were investing in digital assets, to transfer funds to accounts controlled by co-conspirators and that laundered victim money through U.S. shell companies, international bank accounts, and digital asset wallets:

    • Joseph Wong, 33, of Alhambra;
    • Yicheng Zhang, 39, of China;
    • Jose Somarriba, 55, of Los Angeles;
    • Shengsheng He, 39, of La Puente; and
    • Jingliang Su, 44, of China and Turkey.

    As part of the conspiracy, co-conspirators residing overseas contacted U.S. victims directly through unsolicited social media interactions, telephone calls, text messages, and online dating services and gain the victims’ trust.

    The co-conspirators then promoted fraudulent digital asset investments to the victims. Scammers would tell victims that their investments were appreciating in value when, in fact, those funds were stolen and not invested at all.

    Instead, more than $36.9 million in victim funds were transferred from U.S. bank accounts controlled by the co-conspirators to a single account at Deltec Bank in the Bahamas, opened in the name of Axis Digital Limited.

    Somarriba, He, and Su directed Deltec Bank to convert victim funds to the stablecoin Tether (USDT) and to transfer the converted funds to a digital asset wallet controlled by individuals in Cambodia. From there, co-conspirators in Cambodia transferred the USDT to the leaders of scam centers throughout the region including in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

    Somarriba and He founded Axis Digital and opened the Deltec Bank account. Su joined Axis Digital as a director and participated in the digital asset conversions and transfers of victim funds.

    Wong managed a network of money launderers in Los Angeles who registered shell companies, opened U.S. bank accounts, and wired victim funds to international bank accounts. Zhang opened and operated two U.S. bank accounts used to launder victim proceeds.

    Zhang and Wong pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy. They each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Zhang has been in custody since May 2024. He, Somarriba, and Su pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money services business. He, Somarriba, and Su each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Su has been in custody since November 2024 and has a sentencing hearing scheduled for November 17.

    Eight co-conspirators have pleaded guilty so far, including Daren Li, a national of China and St. Kitts and Nevis and former resident of Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates who has been in U.S. custody since April 2024, and Lu Zhang, a Chinese national illegally in the United States who managed a network of U.S.-based money launderers, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on Nov. 12, 2024 and May 13, 2024, respectively.

    The United States Secret Service’s Global Investigative Operations Center is investigating the case. The Homeland Security Investigations’ El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Dominican National Police, and U.S. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Maxwell Coll and Alexander Gorin of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, Assistant United States Attorney Nisha Chandran of the Major Frauds Section, and Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting these cases.

    If you or someone you know is a victim of a digital asset investment fraud, report it to IC3.gov. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Russia launches one of war’s largest air attacks on Kyiv

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia launched one of its largest air strikes on Kyiv in over three years of war and struck a maternity ward in the southern city of Odesa in attacks that killed at least two people, officials said on Tuesday.

    The overnight strikes followed Russia’s biggest drone assault of the war on Ukraine on Monday and were part of intensified bombardments what Moscow says is retaliation for attacks by Ukrainian forces on Russia.

    Loud explosions shook Kyiv and blasts and fires lit up the sky in the early hours of Tuesday morning, leaving palls of heavy smoke over the city, Reuters witnesses said.

    At least four people were treated in hospital after seven of the capital’s 10 districts were hit, city officials said.

    “Today was one of the largest attacks on Kyiv,” President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. “Russian missile and Shahed (drone) strikes drown out the efforts of the United States and others around the world to force Russia into peace.”

    Zelenskiy urged Ukraine’s allies to take steps to force Russia into peace, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called for immediate new sanctions and air defence systems.

    Although Moscow and Kyiv have held two rounds of direct peace talks in recent weeks, the only tangible progress has been an agreement on exchanges of prisoners of war, and Russia has continued to advance along the front line in eastern Ukraine.

    Moscow and Kyiv blame each other for the lack of progress towards ending the war, which has raged since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, and U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with both sides.

    Russia temporarily halted flights overnight at four airports serving Moscow, at St Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport and at airports in nine other cities after the Defence Ministry said Ukraine had launched more drones at Russia, officials said.

    Flights in Moscow and some other cities were later restored but restrictions were still in place in St Petersburg at 0430 GMT. No damage was reported.

    ‘DIFFICULT NIGHT’

    Ukraine’s air force said Russia had fired 315 drones across the country, of which 277 were downed. All seven missiles launched by Russia were also brought down, it said.

    Air raid alerts in Kyiv and most Ukrainian regions lasted five hours until around 5 a.m. (0200 GMT), according to information released by the military.

    “A difficult night for all of us,” Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s city military administration, said on Telegram.

    Moscow has intensified attacks on Ukraine following Kyiv’s strikes on strategic bombers at air bases inside Russia on June 1. Moscow also blamed Kyiv for bridge explosions on the same day that killed seven and injured scores.

    Over the past week, Russia has launched 1,451 drones and 78 missiles to attack the country, according to Ukrainian air force data.

    In the southern port of Odesa, an overnight drone attack hit an emergency medical building, a maternity ward and residential buildings, regional governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram.

    Two men were killed in the attack on the city but patients and staff were safely evacuated from the maternity hospital, he said.

    Both sides deny targeting civilians but thousands of civilians have been killed in Europe’s worst conflict since World War Two, the vast majority of them Ukrainian.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese announces first woman Treasury secretary and a ‘roundtable’ on boosting productivity

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

    Treasury head Steven Kennedy will become Anthony Albanese’s right-hand bureaucrat, while Treasury will get its first female secretary, with the appointment of Jenny Wilkinson, who currently heads the Finance Department.

    Kennedy, to be the new secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, replaces Glyn Davis, who announced after the election he was leaving the post after just three years.

    Kennedy, 60, has had a close working relationship with Treasurer Jim Chalmers. He also served Chalmers’ Liberal predecessor, Josh Frydenberg, during the pandemic, when the Treasury was the main bureaucratic architect of the JobKeeper scheme that provided subsidies to business to keep on workers.

    Wilkinson, 58, has been secretary of the Finance Department since August 2022. She was previously a deputy secretary in Treasury, where she worked on the pandemic economic stimulus measures. She is also a former head of the Parliamentary Budget Office.

    As Treasury secretary, Wilkinson will take Stevens’ place on the Reserve Bank.

    Chalmers described Kennedy and Wilkinson as “the best of the best”, saying they were “outstanding public servants”.

    Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said Wilkinson’s appointment not only recognised her talent, skills and expertise, “but it also serves as an important reminder for women and girls across the country that all positions in the Australian Public Service – no matter how senior – are roles that women can hold”.

    The prime minister announced the bureaucratic reshuffle during his Tuesday address to the National Press Club on his second term agenda.

    With Chalmers already having named productivity as his primary priority for this term, Albanese said he had asked the treasurer to convene “a roundtable to support and shape our government’s growth and productivity agenda”.

    The summit, at Parliament House in August, will bring together a group of leaders from business, unions and civil society. More details will come in a speech on productivity by Chalmers next week.

    “This will be a more streamlined dialogue than the Jobs and Skills Summit, dealing with a more targeted set of issues,” Albanese said.

    “We want to build the broadest possible base of support for further economic reform, to drive growth, boost productivity, strengthen the budget, and secure the resilience of our economy, in a time of global uncertainty.

    “What we want is a focused dialogue and constructive debate that leads to concrete and tangible actions.”

    Albanese said the government’s starting point was clear, “Our plan for economic growth and productivity is about Australians earning more and keeping more of what they earn.” The aim was for growth, wages and productivity to rise together.

    The Productivity Commission recently released 15 “priority reform areas” to further explore as part of the five productivity inquiries that the government has commissioned it to undertake.

    The commission’s March quarterly bulletin shows a 0.1% decline in labour productivity in the December quarter, and a 1.2% decline over the year.

    COVID produced a temporary lift in productivity but that soon passed.

    In general Australia’s labour productivity has not significantly increased in more than a decade.

    Welcoming the roundtable, Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said it was “critical that this tripartite summit focus on getting private sector investment moving again. Our economy and labour market has been unsustainably reliant on government spending for a prolonged period now.”

    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. Albanese announces first woman Treasury secretary and a ‘roundtable’ on boosting productivity – https://theconversation.com/albanese-announces-first-woman-treasury-secretary-and-a-roundtable-on-boosting-productivity-257334

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing man in Tsuen Wan (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appeal for information on missing man in Tsuen Wan     
         He is about 1.8 metres tall, around 95 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short straight black hair. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts and white shoes.Issued at HKT 15:55

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Castle Peak Hospital appeals to public on missing patient

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Castle Peak Hospital appeals to public on missing patient 
         A 43-year-old female inpatient absconded at about 9am today during a dental follow-up appointment at a clinic outside CPH, for which she had been escorted by staff. CPH immediately reported the incident to the Police for assistance, and has informed the patient’s relatives. The hospital will fully co-operate with the Police for the search.
     
         The patient is 1.61 metres tall, is of medium build with a ponytail. She was wearing a dark blue long-sleeved top, a blue vest jacket and red trousers when she left the hospital.
     
         CPH has reported the case to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. The hospital appeals to the public to contact Tuen Mun Police Station at 3661 5810 if they know the whereabouts of the patient.
    Issued at HKT 16:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special offers announced for Jul 1

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    To celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s establishment on July 1, the Government and different sectors of the community will launch a rich array of special offers and activities to share with the public the joy of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland.

    The MTR will give away 71,000 e-single journey tickets through a lucky draw on July 1 and provide Airport Express offers to holders of Child Octopus and JoyYou Cards.

    Free rides on several ferry routes will be offered on July 1, with vouchers for certain ferry routes to be distributed in advance. Citizens can also enjoy free rides on all passenger tram routes from July 1 to 3.

    On July 1, the use of fee-charging leisure and cultural facilities of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and admission to the Hong Kong Wetland Park under the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will be complimentary.

    The public can also enjoy free admission to all General Admission exhibitions at M+ and all thematic exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

    Additional free guided tours, dining, consumption and accommodation offers will be available from mid-June to early July by the 12 projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme.

    As for dining and consumption, over 1,000 restaurants and merchants are expected to provide dining offers on July 1.

    Several public markets under the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will roll out offers. Additionally, people can enjoy a 29% discount when purchasing selected products via the “Local Fresh” online store or mobile app from July 1 to 7.

    The Environmental Protection Department will award double GREEN$ Points to users who recycle at GREEN@COMMUNITY on July 1.

    Separately, the Peak Tram, Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park will offer ticket discounts, while Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Science Park, various shopping malls and department stores will roll out shopping, dining, consumption or parking offers.

    The Hong Kong Tourism Board will team up with local businesses to provide various dining, shopping, attractions, tours and entertainment deals.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • 11 years of Modi govt: Flagship schemes drive India’s sporting transformation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over the past 11 years, India has witnessed a dramatic transformation in its sporting landscape, driven by a series of ambitious flagship schemes launched under the Modi government. From building grassroots infrastructure to supporting Olympic medal hopefuls, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has played a pivotal role in shaping a new sporting era for the nation.

    With India’s youth forming nearly 65% of its population, the government has identified sports as a key tool for empowerment and nation-building. Reflecting this, the sports ministry’s budget has seen a 130.9% increase from ₹1,643 crore in 2014–15 to a record ₹3,794 crore in 2025–26.

    Central to this transformation is the Khelo India programme, launched in 2016–17. With ₹1,000 crore allocated in the latest budget, it has supported the creation of over 1,000 training centres, approved 326 infrastructure projects, and nurtured nearly 2,845 athletes through coaching and financial assistance.

    The Khelo India Games—covering youth, university, para and winter editions—have grown significantly, with over 50,000 athletes participating in 17 editions since 2018. Talent identification is being sharpened through KIRTI, a data-driven program using AI-based protocols to scout young talent aged 9–18.

    At the elite level, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has backed India’s Olympic and Paralympic champions, offering customized training and monthly allowances to core athletes. The results are evident: India won 7 medals at Tokyo 2020 and 6 at Paris 2024, while Paralympians clinched a record 29 medals in Paris.

    The Fit India Movement, launched in 2019, has further promoted a culture of fitness through mass participation events, online campaigns, and family engagement sessions.

    In addition, a ₹200 crore special package has bolstered sports infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, while programs under Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) have empowered youth across 623 districts.

    From village-level talent to international podiums, India’s sports ecosystem is now more inclusive, robust, and performance-driven than ever. As the nation looks ahead to the 2036 Olympics and beyond, these initiatives reflect a clear vision: to make India a top-10 sporting nation in the world.

  • 11 years of Modi govt: Indian athletes shine on global stage with record-breaking performances

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s sporting achievements have witnessed a remarkable surge over the past 11 years, with Indian athletes delivering historic performances across major international competitions. Backed by flagship initiatives like Khelo India, TOPS, and KIRTI, the country has steadily climbed the global sporting ladder.

    At the Olympics, India went from winning just 2 medals at Rio 2016 to a record 7 medals at Tokyo 2020 and 6 at Paris 2024. Star performers such as Neeraj Chopra, who clinched India’s first Olympic athletics gold, and Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting, led the way in India’s Olympic resurgence.

    The Paralympics marked an even more dramatic transformation. From just 4 medals in Rio 2016, India bagged 19 in Tokyo 2020 and a record-breaking 29 medals in Paris 2024, including 7 golds. This success reflects the impact of structured support and inclusion of para-athletes in schemes like TOPS and the Khelo India Para Games.

    India’s rise continued at the Asian Games, where the Hangzhou 2023 edition became historic with 107 medals from a record 655-member contingent. Similarly, at the Commonwealth Games, India consistently maintained strong performances, securing over 60 medals in each edition from 2014 to 2022.

    Indian athletes also made global headlines elsewhere—winning double gold at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad, a gold in javelin at the World Athletics Championships 2023, and a historic Thomas Cup win in badminton in 2022. Shooters and para-table tennis players also delivered standout performances in global competitions.

    India has also emerged as a hub for major international sports events, hosting the FIDE Chess Olympiad (Chennai), MotoGP Bharat (Noida), BIMSTEC Aquatics Championship (Delhi), and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (Bhubaneswar). In 2023, India hosted the prestigious IOC Session in Mumbai, further strengthening its role in global sports diplomacy.

    With increased investment, strategic planning, and world-class talent, India’s sporting transformation under the Modi government is no longer a vision — it’s an unfolding reality. As the country eyes the 2036 Olympics, its journey towards becoming a top-10 sporting nation is firmly on track.

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samarkand 2026: ADB’s 59th Annual Meeting in the Heart of History

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Uzbekistan will host the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 59th Annual Meeting on 3 to 6 May 2026. The meeting will be held in the historic city of Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This is the second time that Uzbekistan will host the ADB Annual Meeting, following the successful 43rd Annual Meeting in Tashkent in 2010.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Professor Mohammed Ali Beravi became an Honorary Doctor of SPbPU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On June 9, a solemn ceremony of presenting the mantle and diploma of Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to Professor Mohammed Ali Beravi took place at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

    In accordance with the official regulations, the title of “Honorary Doctor of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University” is awarded to outstanding figures in science and technology, education and culture, as well as leading specialists from Russia and foreign countries for significant contribution to the development of advanced areas of knowledge and science, whose activities contribute to strategic development, expansion of areas of cooperation and increasing the authority of the university at the international level. The decision to award the title of Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to Mohammed Ali Beravi was unanimously adopted by the members of the SPbPU Academic Council on September 27, 2024. The University’s Scientific Secretary Dmitry Karpov introduced the new Honorary Doctor.

    Mohamed Ali Berawi is a Professor of Engineering, M.Eng., Ph.D., and Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, and Executive Director of the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, University of Indonesia. He is the Chairman of the Indonesian Faculty Association and the Advisory Board of the Forum of Professional Organizations in Science and Technology, Director of the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network for Sustainable Cities and Urbanization, and the Leader of the Smart Cities Working Group of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities Sustainable Cities and Landscapes. Mohamed Ali Berawi was ranked in the top 2% of scientists in the world by Elsevier and Stanford University from 2021 to 2024.

    Professor Berawi has served as a leading advisor to the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Indonesia, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Strategic Infrastructure Policy of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, and Member Secretary of the Presidential Advisory Council of the Republic of Indonesia. Since 2022, he has served as the Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation at Nusantara Metropolitan Office in Indonesia.

    Students in the uniform of the Polytechnic University of the early 20th century brought in the doctoral mantle, the Polyhymnia choir performed the Gaudeamus anthem. Rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy presented a book about honorary doctors of the Polytechnic University, which has a page dedicated to Mohammed Ali Beravi.

    Awarding the title of Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to Professor Beravi is a recognition of his outstanding achievements in science and practical activities aimed at sustainable development and the implementation of advanced technologies. His work is ideally in line with the spirit and strategic goals of our university. His many years of work at the Polytechnic contributed to the development of the master’s programs “Bioeconomics” and “Energy Economics”, where he shared his competencies in the field of sustainable development of territories using the city of Nusantara as an example. In particular, Professor Beravi taught courses and supervised, together with Polytechnic teachers, students’ research work in English. Together with Professor Beravi and his Indonesian colleagues, the Polytechnic hopes to implement a joint project on modeling the development of smart cities, – Andrey Rudskoy emphasized.

    It is a great honour for me to receive the title of Honorary Doctor of the Polytechnic University. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to the development of knowledge, innovation and international cooperation. I hope that this achievement will inspire our joint initiatives in the field of science and technology development. I believe that science and technology should serve higher purposes, offering real solutions that improve the quality of life, support sustainability and ensure a better future for the next generations, – thanked Professor Mohamed Ali Berawi.

    The ceremony was also attended by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in St. Petersburg, President of the Association of Industrial Enterprises of St. Petersburg Valery Radchenko, a graduate of the Polytechnic University. He congratulated Professor Mohammed Ali Berawi on receiving the honorary title. In addition, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus Jose Tavares sent his congratulations in the form of a video message.

    After the ceremony, Mohammed Ali Berawi met with Indonesian students who performed the national dance Ratoh Jaroe.

    We are immensely proud that Professor Mohammed Ali Berawi is part of the Polytechnic family. It is a great honor for us that a world-class scientist, whose projects change the future of cities, has been making a significant contribution to the development of our university for many years. It is especially inspiring that he is our fellow countryman, glorifying Indonesia and Polytech on the global stage. We say with all our hearts: Welcome home, Professor, Selamat datang di Polytech! — shared the chairman of the Indonesian community at SPbPU, a postgraduate student of IMMiT Tegu Imanullah.

    Professor Mohammed Ali Beravi gave a lecture to students and staff of the university at the Technopolis Polytech research complex. Before that, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov awarded Professor Beravi with gratitude and a commemorative medal of SPbPU for assisting in the development of the University Endowment Fund.

    The lecture was dedicated to the creation of a smart sustainable city Nusantara — the new capital of Indonesia, where environmental responsibility and digital innovations are combined. The concept is based on the triad of Nature 5.0, Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0, which ensures the restoration of nature through technological progress, innovations for sustainable development and a human-oriented society. Nusantara is designed as the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2045. To achieve this, 65% of its territory will be occupied by restored tropical forests — natural absorbers of CO₂. Among the innovations are autonomous transport and “smart buildings”. Professor Berawi presented the national project being implemented, which will become a global example of the balance between technology, ecology and the quality of life of people.

    During the visit, Mohammed Ali Beravi was given a tour of the Main Academic Building. He visited the SPbPU History Museum, the White Hall, the Reading Room, and looked at the gallery of outstanding polytechnic scientists. Professor Beravi was also told about the Polytechnic Supercomputer Center and the MetaCampus Polytech project of the Civil Engineering Institute.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Scans Ahead at Solana Summit 2025 with QR-based Payment Rollout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial Web3 wallet, concluded an impactful showing at the Solana APAC Summit 2025, held in Da Nang, Vietnam from June 5 to 7. As a major sponsor of the summit, Bitget Wallet used the three-day event to debut its newest payment features, connect with builders from across the Solana ecosystem, and demonstrate how onchain tools can power real-world use cases across Asia and beyond.

    On the opening day, Bitget Wallet formally announced the integration of QR-based payment integrations, which includes Solana Pay and national QR payment systems, for seamless, multi-currency payments. This integration lives up to Bitget Wallet’s new identity of ‘Crypto for Everyone’, bridging the gap between blockchain and everyday commerce. Bitget Wallet also hosted a developer workshop showcasing the ease of integrating Solana dApps into the wallet’s infrastructure, including support for seamless swaps, staking, and native Solana trading via Jupiter DEX.

    Day 2 of the Summit saw Bitget Wallet’s Business Development Manager, Xavier Ow Yeong, take the stage to discuss how onchain finance is changing the way users spend, save, and access capital. That evening, Bitget Wallet co-hosted a meetup with Saros, previewing its upcoming VietQR payment feature in a live test environment. Over 150 community members attended the event, explored new Bitget Wallet integrations firsthand, and received exclusive merchandise alongside a live airdrop reward for early testers.

    The Solana APAC Summit marks a significant milestone in Bitget Wallet’s roadmap to turn crypto wallets from storage tools into everyday super apps. As part of a broader mission to scale real-world adoption, the event demonstrates how embedded payment infrastructure, cross-chain liquidity, and user-first design can unlock new crypto behaviors, whether in emerging markets or global hubs of Web3 development.

    Bitget Wallet’s participation in the Solana Summit is part of its ongoing initiative to expand crypto access across Asia, aligning ecosystem partners, developers, and communities around the next wave of practical, onchain tools.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets. Its vision is Crypto for Everyone — to make crypto simpler, safer, and part of everyday life for a billion people.
    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
    For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91b54b94-4741-40ed-b89f-148168f60fdd
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55eded33-ff2f-4c2e-8049-588eba6af3f6
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0687e900-51a8-4caf-bebd-b9b229aa8fcd
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4a31e7f-1fa4-46f5-83f3-dd3536d378bb
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fa35936b-7656-4156-995e-211e4d503db5
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fd5bd5b-c1ae-46db-af86-08a14f2f75a9
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/205bbae6-30c4-4605-9d97-de11d0109ccf
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2be5f55d-8911-4f2f-a0be-e09dec432a1b
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ff8c528-21a6-49ed-b61a-eef93d06febc

    The MIL Network –

  • Yogi Adityanath highlights govt’s achievements as PM Modi completes 11 years in office

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday inaugurated an exhibition at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Lucknow to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s completion of 11 years in office. Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also present at the event.

    Highlighting the Modi government’s achievements over the past 11 years, Yogi described this period as a golden era of good governance and welfare for the poor—an era that laid the foundation for a developed and self-reliant India. He emphasized that under PM Modi’s leadership, India has not only accelerated its growth but also emerged as a symbol of global trust, gaining a strong international identity.

    Criticizing the Congress for decades of misgovernance, the Uttar Pradesh CM said, “Due to Congress-led governments and other unstable administrations in the 65 years following independence, the common citizen’s trust was broken, and India’s global image was tarnished. But over the past 11 years, under PM Modi’s leadership, a corruption-free, appeasement-free, unified India has been realised.”

    Yogi stressed that during this period, India has forged a new identity in social welfare, governance, the economy, and security. “Government transparency and accountability towards the public have become distinguishing hallmarks. A new harmony between development and heritage has been created,” the UP CM said.

    Emphasising PM Modi’s idea of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Yogi said the mantra has become the face of the government. “Now, benefits are delivered not based on who someone is, but impartially — and Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (together with all, development for all) has become the new face of governance,” he said.

    Yogi pointed out the steps taken by the NDA government against terrorism, highlighting recent actions during Operation Sindoor.

    “Now, we have changed our approach to terrorism compared to before 2014 — India favours peace. PM Modi, by setting a new normal, has changed the entire concept — we will live in peace with friends, but if someone imposes war on us, induces terrorism in our country, and threatens our security, the response will be surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor. We have demonstrated this with ‘Made in India’ capability, and the world has recently realised India’s strength,” he said.

    Yogi also mentioned the abrogation of Article 370: “Article 370, which had been in place since 1952, was repealed by our government. India’s integrity was reinforced — from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”

    Highlighting achievements in the agriculture sector, he said the double-engine government has benefited farmers and the agri-industry.

    “Before 2017, sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh were shutting down. Between 1996 and 2017, there were payments due for 22 years, but in just the last seven years, an additional ₹71,000 crore has been paid. This is the guarantee of a double-engine government,” Yogi said.

    The UP Chief Minister also underlined government schemes aimed at empowering women, such as the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures, the abolition of triple talaq, granting freedom to women, and the Lakhpati Didi scheme for women entrepreneurs.

    ANI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unattended kayak located, Lake Te Anau

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are appealing for information after an unattended kayak was found on Lake Te Anau late Tuesday afternoon (10 June).

    The red and white kayak was located floating upside down, with paddle, a stainless-steel flask and some fishing tackle nearby.

    Police hope the kayaker made it ashore and returned home without alerting anyone of their mishap.

    Police urge anyone who recognises the kayak or has failed to return home from fishing on Lake Te Anau today to contact Police, quote event number P062824240.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crash on Auckland’s Southwestern motorway causes congestion

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are responding to a crash involving several cars on the Southwestern motorway, Wesley, this evening.

    The crash was reported to Police at 6.35pm.

    There are no reports of any injuries, but the crash is causing significant traffic congestion.

    Motorists are asked to take alternative routes where possible, or delay travel.

    Motorists are also urged to watch their speed and following distances in the current wet weather.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Trump’s America, the shooting of a journalist is not a one-off. Press freedom itself is under attack

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Greste, Professor of Journalism and Communications, Macquarie University

    The video of a Los Angeles police officer shooting a rubber bullet at Channel Nine reporter Lauren Tomasi is as shocking as it is revealing.

    In her live broadcast, Tomasi is standing to the side of a rank of police in riot gear. She describes the way they have begun firing rubber bullets to disperse protesters angry with US President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants.

    As Tomasi finishes her sentence, the camera pans to the left, just in time to catch the officer raising his gun and firing a non-lethal round into her leg. She said a day later she is sore, but otherwise OK.

    Although a more thorough investigation might find mitigating circumstances, from the video evidence, it is hard to dismiss the shot as “crossfire”. The reporter and cameraman were off to one side of the police, clearly identified and working legitimately.

    The shooting is also not a one-off. Since the protests against Trump’s mass deportations policy began three days ago, a reporter with the LA Daily News and a freelance journalist have been hit with pepper balls and tear gas.

    British freelance photojournalist Nick Stern also had emergency surgery to remove a three-inch plastic bullet from his leg.

    In all, the Los Angeles Press Club has documented more than 30 incidents of obstruction and attacks on journalists during the protests.

    Trump’s assault on the media

    It now seems assaults on the media are no longer confined to warzones or despotic regimes. They are happening in American cities, in broad daylight, often at the hands of those tasked with upholding the law.

    But violence is only one piece of the picture. In the nearly five months since taking office, the Trump administration has moved to defund public broadcasters, curtail access to information and undermine the credibility of independent media.

    International services once used to project democratic values and American soft power around the world, such as Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, have all had their funding cut and been threatened with closure. (The Voice of America website is still operational but hasn’t been updated since mid-March, with one headline on the front page reading “Vatican: Francis stable, out of ‘imminent danger’ of death”).

    The Associated Press, one of the most respected and important news agencies in the world, has been restricted from its access to the White House and covering Trump. The reason? It decided to defy Trump’s directive to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.

    Even broadcast licenses for major US networks, such as ABC, NBC and CBS, have been publicly threatened — a signal to editors and executives that political loyalty might soon outweigh journalistic integrity.

    The Committee to Protect Journalists is more used to condemning attacks on the media in places like Russia. However, in April, it issued a report headlined: “Alarm bells: Trump’s first 100 days ramp up fear for the press, democracy”.

    A requirement for peace

    Why does this matter? The success of American democracy has never depended on unity or even civility. It has depended on scrutiny. A system where power is challenged, not flattered.

    The First Amendment to the US Constitution – which protects freedom of speech – has long been considered the gold standard for building the institutions of free press and free expression. That only works when journalism is protected — not in theory but in practice.

    Now, strikingly, the language once reserved for autocracies and failed states has begun to appear in assessments of the US. Civicus, which tracks declining democracies around the world, recently put the US on its watchlist, alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Italy, Serbia and Pakistan.

    The attacks on the journalists in LA are troubling not only for their sake, but for ours. This is about civic architecture. The kind of framework that makes space for disagreement without descending into disorder.

    Press freedom is not a luxury for peacetime. It is a requirement for peace.

    Peter Greste is Professor of Journalism at Macquarie University and the Executive Director for the advocacy group, the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom.

    – ref. In Trump’s America, the shooting of a journalist is not a one-off. Press freedom itself is under attack – https://theconversation.com/in-trumps-america-the-shooting-of-a-journalist-is-not-a-one-off-press-freedom-itself-is-under-attack-258578

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi urges China, S. Korea to lift strategic cooperative partnership to higher level

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi urges China, S. Korea to lift strategic cooperative partnership to higher level

    Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and South Korea should lift their strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples and bring greater certainty to the turbulent regional and international landscapes.

    Xi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

    Extending congratulations once again to Lee on his election as South Korean president, Xi said that China and South Korea are close neighbors that cannot be moved away from each other.

    Over the past 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have transcended differences in ideology and social systems, and actively advanced exchanges and cooperation across various fields, thus contributing to each other’s success and achieving common development, he said.

    A sound, stable and ever-deepening China-South Korea relationship, Xi said, conforms to the trend of the times, serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and contributes to regional and global peace, stability, development and prosperity.

    China and South Korea should stay committed to the original aspiration of establishing their diplomatic ties, uphold good-neighborliness and friendship, and strive for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, Xi said.

    The two sides, he said, should enhance exchanges at various levels and across various areas to increase strategic mutual trust, strengthen bilateral cooperation and multilateral coordination to jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and ensure stable and smooth global and regional industrial and supply chains.

    China and South Korea should deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and cement public support, so as to plant the seeds of China-South Korea friendship deep in the hearts of the two peoples, Xi said.

    They should respect each other’s core interests and major concerns and keep bilateral relations on the right track to ensure the sound and steady growth of China-South Korea relations, he added.

    Lee, for his part, said he agrees with Xi’s remarks, stressing the close geographical proximity, longstanding exchanges, and close economic, trade, and cultural connections between South Korea and China.

    While expressing admiration for China’s impressive development achievements under Xi’s outstanding leadership, Lee said that he attaches great importance to South Korea-China relations, and is ready to work with China to deepen their good-neighborly and friendly relations, enhance mutual goodwill between the two peoples and achieve more results in bilateral cooperation. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Air Chief Marshal AP Singh wishes Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla ahead of Axiom-4 space mission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on Tuesday interacted via video conference with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is set to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission, an official statement from the Indian Air Force said.

    Air Chief Marshal Singh extended best wishes to Group Captain Shukla, who will be India’s second astronaut to travel to space since 1984.

    In a post on X, IAF said, “As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air Warriors of IAF wish him and the entire crew of Axiom-4 all the best for a safe and successful trip to the International Space Station. This will add a new chapter to the Indian Space Odyssey”.

    The Axiom-4 mission, originally scheduled for launch on June 10, was postponed due to unfavorable weather and is now set for 5:30 PM IST on June 11. The mission will carry Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the ISS. According to Axiom Space, this will be India’s second government-sponsored human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.

    In a video message shared by Axiom Space, Shukla expressed his excitement about the opportunity, recalling how he was inspired by India’s first astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. He also revealed that he learned about his selection just a week before reporting for training.

    Earlier, SpaceX Vice President of Build and Flight Reliability, William Gerstenmaier, emphasized safety improvements in the Dragon capsule used for this mission, noting design changes to propulsion components to enhance reliability for human spaceflight.

    Notably, SpaceX is on track for a record-breaking year, with around 100 launches remaining to reach its ambitious target of 170 orbital missions in 2025.

    -ANI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Free use of leisure and cultural facilities on July 1 in celebration of 28th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         To celebrate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a number of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)’s fee-charging leisure and cultural facilities will open for use by members of the public free of charge on July 1 (Tuesday), which include:
     

    • Indoor leisure facilities: badminton courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, netball courts, volleyball courts, squash courts, table tennis tables, American pool tables, billiard tables, sport climbing walls*, bowling greens, golf facilities, fitness rooms*, activity rooms, dance rooms and a cycling track*; 
    • Outdoor leisure facilities: tennis courts, tennis practice courts, bowling greens, batting cages, archery ranges* and golf facilities (excluding camp facilities, sports grounds as well as artificial and natural turf pitches); 
    • Public swimming pools (excluding Wan Chai Swimming Pool, and Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool which is temporarily closed for redevelopment);
    • Craft at water sports centres* (recreational kayaks, pedal-driven boats, sampans and colour boats at Chong Hing Water Sports Centre are available for free use by campers only); and
    • Permanent exhibitions of the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum (excluding the shows at Space Theatre)

    (* Users are required to possess the relevant qualification certificates.)

         The free-of-charge sessions on July 1 will be allocated through balloting. During the period June 14 to 20, members of the public can make ballot applications via SmartPLAY as individual users. Each application can cover a maximum of three balloting choices. For applications made, each applicant can revise the choices before the closing of the application period at 11.59pm on June 20. The computer balloting results will be announced on June 23. Successful applicants will be notified by the SmartPLAY system. For members of the public not having been allocated any balloted free session or made any application, they can book the remaining free sessions, if any, via SmartPLAY on a first-come, first-served basis from June 25. Each successful applicant will be allocated one free session, whether through balloting or first-come, first-served booking. 

         The LCSD appeals to successful applicants to arrive on time and make the best use of the booked facilities. If a successful applicant fails to take up a booked session 10 minutes after the starting time, the facility will be reallocated to walk-in participants on a first-come, first-served basis for use as the same purpose as that for which it has been booked. The facility should be returned to the original successful applicant if he/she shows up later. All users should observe the Conditions of Use of LCSD Recreation and Sports Facilities as shown on the LCSD website www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/condition/index.html (including the “no-show/not present during the use of the booked sessions” penalty). Please call 2414 5555 for enquiry or visit the thematic website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/freeuseday/index.html.

         No prior booking is required for public swimming pool facilities. Members of the public may line up at the entrances of swimming pools before the start of a session. Free admission is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

         Admission will continue to be free at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, the Hong Kong Railway Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence, the Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery, the Law Uk Folk Museum, the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum, the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, the Hong Kong Film Archive, the Sam Tung Uk Museum and the Oil Street Art Space (Oi!). (The Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum is temporarily closed for upgrading works. The Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre is closed on Tuesdays (including July 1).)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: VCAT cancels licence of Hallam estate agent

    Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

    A real estate agent with a history of mishandling clients’ money has lost his licence to practise for 12 months.

    Thomas Henry Albert Aloysius, 52, of Hallam, was a director of former estate agent, Hills and Fort Real Estate Pty Ltd, when he failed to meet key legal requirements under the Estate Agents Act.

    Aloysius breached 2 licence conditions:

    • He failed to notify the Business Licensing Authority within 24 hours of having criminal charges brought against him, instead waiting more than eight months.
    • He remained a signatory to the company’s trust account while being prohibited.

    Aloysius also allowed Hills and Fort Real Estate to trade unlicensed for more than eight months and to keep trust money for sales transactions in a trust account that was not in the company’s name.

    Hills and Fort Real Estate previously traded under the business names Freedom Realtors, Smart Negotiators and freedomproperty.com.au – Smart Negotiators.

    The VCAT action against Aloysius followed his previous failure to correctly handle client funds, while working for another agency. As an agent’s representative, he accepted a $20,000 deposit from a purchaser into his personal account, rather than the agency trust account. He was convicted and fined in 2021.

    Consumer Affairs Victoria continues to target the way estate agents manage trust account money. It is currently prosecuting estate agent Daniela Vella and Mark Alexander Reuben for allegedly mismanaging more than $230,000 and $400,000 of clients’ trust money, respectively. Both held senior roles in the agencies they were working for at the time of their alleged offences.

    If you are considering selling your property, check an agent’s licence status on the estate agent public register before you engage them.

    Read more about the professional conduct obligations of estate agents.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: SEON Launches AI-Powered Anti-Money Laundering Suite, Enhancing its Comprehensive Command Center for Risk Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SEON, a global leader in digital fraud prevention, announced the launch of its expanded Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance suite, a significant step in the company’s evolution from fraud prevention to a unified risk solution. This release introduces real-time AI-powered capabilities, including Payment Screening, Transaction Monitoring and integrated fraud and AML Case Management with regulatory reporting filling functionalities.

    SEON’s 2025 Digital Fraud Outlook reveals real-time transaction monitoring is the top investment priority for compliance and fraud teams this year — with 62% of organizations making this shift. To meet this demand, SEON’s AML suite delivers granular, real-time monitoring alerts that reduce false positives and improve detection accuracy across both fraud and AML use cases.

    “We already use SEON as a key part of how we manage fraud risk at Casumo,” said Sebastian Brant, Director of CEX, Casumo. “They bring depth in proprietary risk signals we can’t get anywhere else, flexible tools that we can adapt to any scenario and a level of customer service responsiveness and expertise we simply haven’t seen elsewhere. We see the significant value of having one system that can help teams operate more efficiently and effectively.”

    SEON serves as the unified solution for teams managing both fraud and AML compliance, helping them detect risks proactively, resolve cases faster and keep records audit-ready — all without navigating between different systems, eliminating manual steps or working off spreadsheets.

    “Risk teams don’t need more tools — they need one that gives them a full picture,” said Tamas Kadar, Co-Founder and CEO, SEON. “This launch gives fraud and compliance teams a multi-dimensional command center to manage risk in one place. And because we own our data pipeline and can control data accuracy, this means our models deliver more accurate risk decisions.”

    Built for the Way Risk and Compliance Work Today

    Most risk teams are using legacy solutions that were not designed to support real-time decisions, instead relying on batch processing, leading to delayed reviews, siloed data and scattered case files with no audit trail. SEON replaces that with a single solution where fraud and AML data work together — giving teams a holistic view with more context, less noise and quicker paths to action.

    Developed through customer collaboration, SEON’s AML Compliance solution applies the same real-time capabilities, data quality and limitless customization that SEON is known for to compliance use cases, helping teams tailor risk programs to new products, regulatory jurisdictions, internal policies and evolving risks.

    Key Capabilities

    • Spot bad actors early with digital footprint and fraud signals before users enter KYC or AML checks
    • Expedite reviews with AI-assisted customer screening that helps analysts resolve hits faster
    • Detect risks instantly with real-time transaction monitoring and payment screening
    • Investigate efficiently and close out cases faster with unified fraud intelligence, AML signals and transaction data in one dashboard
    • Reduce time spent on regulatory reporting with autofill capabilities and AI-powered SAR narratives
    • Submit SAR, CTR, and Form 8300 reports to FinCEN in one click, with status tracking and audit history; with expansion in progress to other regulatory bodies
    • Lean on expert support from SEON’s Managed Risk Services team, offering guidance and rule management for leaner teams

    About SEON
    SEON helps risk teams detect and stop fraud and money laundering while ensuring regulatory compliance. By combining real-time digital footprint analysis, device intelligence and AI-driven rules, SEON empowers thousands of businesses globally to prevent threats before they occur. With integrated fraud prevention and AML capabilities, SEON operates from Austin, London, Budapest and Singapore. Learn more at seon.io.

    Media
    Press@seon.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: APP China targets sustainability at China Intl Supply Chain Expo

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

    APP China, the Chinese unit of Indonesia’s Asia Pulp & Paper (Sinar Mas Paper (China) Investment Co., Ltd.), said it will seek new partnerships and promote green and efficient industrial practices at the upcoming China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), after making its debut at the event last year.

    Zhai Jingli, deputy CEO of APP China, delivers a speech at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    “We experienced CISCE’s powerful resource integration and global communication capabilities during our participation last year,” said Zhai Jingli, deputy CEO of APP China.

    At the 2024 expo, APP China showcased its full industrial chain, from papermaking machinery to pulp and paper, offering supply chain solutions to support the high-quality development of China’s papermaking industry.

    “We strongly support CISCE’s vision of promoting the stable development of global industrial and supply chains for win-win results,” said Zhai. “By joining the expo again, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening, stabilizing and expanding supply chains.”

    APP China’s vertically integrated pulp and paper production has helped stabilize its supply chain amid global uncertainties.

    “From forest cultivation to pulping, papermaking and even manufacturing papermaking equipment, we have developed a complete industrial chain that ensures stable supply and raw material quality control, while reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This achieves sustainable development from source to end,” Zhai said.

    Looking ahead, the company said it plans to use the expo to expand its trade network and collaborate with global partners to promote a green, efficient and sustainable industrial ecosystem.

    The third China International Supply Chain Expo will take place in Beijing from July 16 to 20, focusing on supply chains in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and other sectors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: hMPV is likely one of the viruses making us sick this winter. Here’s what to know about human metapneumovirus

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, Griffith University

    svetikd/Getty Images

    As winter settles over Australia, it’s not just the drop in temperature we notice – there’s also a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses. Most of us are familiar with the usual winter players such as COVID, influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which often dominate news headlines and public health messaging.

    But scientists are now paying closer attention to another virus that’s been spreading somewhat under the radar: human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

    Although it’s not new, hMPV is now being recognised as a significant contributor to seasonal respiratory infections, especially among young children, older people, and people with weaker immune systems.

    So what do you need to know about this winter lurgy?

    What does a hMPV infection look like?

    hMPV is a close relative of RSV, and can cause infections in the upper or lower respiratory tracts.

    Like other respiratory viruses, hMPV infection causes symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat and nasal congestion. While most people experience relatively mild illness and recover in about a week, hMPV can lead to serious illness – such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia – in babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

    hMPV spreads much like the flu or SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) – through tiny droplets from coughs and sneezes, and potentially by touching surfaces where the virus has landed and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

    Most people will catch it at some point in their lives, commonly more than once. While an infection confers some immunity, this wanes over time.

    hMPV generally follows a seasonal pattern, tending to peak in winter and spring.

    hMPV around the world

    By the end of 2024, China saw a surprising spike in cases of hMPV – enough to catch the attention of public health experts. While there were some suggestions hospitals were becoming overwhelmed, exact numbers were not clear.

    The World Health Organization subsequently issued a statement in January indicating this rise in hMPV infections in China aligned with expected seasonal trends.

    Other countries, such as the United States, have also noted increases in hMPV infections since the COVID pandemic. Realising hMPV might be playing a more significant role in seasonal illness than we’d previously thought, and with improvements in diagnostic technology, global health agencies have ramped up their monitoring.



    Read more:
    hMPV may be spreading in China. Here’s what to know about this virus – and why it’s not cause for alarm

    In Australia, comprehensive national data on hMPV is limited because hMPV is not one of the viruses with mandatory reporting. In other words, if a patient is found to have hMPV (through a PCR swab sent to a pathology lab) there’s no requirement for the doctor or the pathology lab to make a public health report of a positive result, as they would with another illness such as influenza, RSV or measles.

    However, selected medical clinics voluntarily participate in systematic data collection on specific health conditions, which give us an idea of the proportion of people of people who may be infected (though not the absolute numbers).

    The Australian Sentinel Practice Research Network (ASPREN) is a national surveillance system funded by the federal department of health. In 2024, up to December 15, based on ASPREN data, 7.8% of patients presenting with fever and cough symptoms tested positive for hMPV.

    This year, to June 1, ASPREN data shows us hMPV has made up 4.2% of infections among people with flu-like illness, behind RSV (7.7%), COVID (10.9%), influenza (19%) and rhinovirus (a virus which causes the common cold, 46.1%).

    hMPV can hit harder in young children.
    Tomsickova Tatyana/Shutterstock

    What about vaccines and treatments?

    hMPV is likely to be part of the array of respiratory viruses circulating in Australia this winter. If you have a cold or flu-like illness and have done one of those at-home rapid tests for COVID, flu and RSV but came up all negative, it’s possible hMPV is the culprit.

    There’s currently no specific treatment or vaccine for hMPV. Most cases are mild and can be managed at home with rest and symptom relief such as taking medication (paracetamol or ibuprofen) for pain and fever. But more serious infections may require hospital care.

    If your baby or young child has a respiratory infection and is having trouble breathing, you should take them to the emergency department.

    Researchers and companies such as Moderna, Pfizer and Vicebio are actively working on vaccines for hMPV, however they’re not yet available.

    The best way to protect yourself and others against hMPV and other respiratory viruses is through simple hygiene practices. These include washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if you’re sick, cleaning shared surfaces regularly, and considering wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces during virus season.

    Lara Herrero receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

    – ref. hMPV is likely one of the viruses making us sick this winter. Here’s what to know about human metapneumovirus – https://theconversation.com/hmpv-is-likely-one-of-the-viruses-making-us-sick-this-winter-heres-what-to-know-about-human-metapneumovirus-257802

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Indian corporates to double capital spending to $800-$850 billion over next 5 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian corporates are projected to double their capital spending to $800 billion-$850 billion over the next five years, which will be largely financed by operating cash flows and facilitated by ample domestic funding options, said an S&P Global Ratings report on Tuesday.

    Barring execution mistakes or negative macro changes, these investments should boost business scale without driving up leverage, the report noted.

    “Corporate India is chasing growth opportunities. In our view, Indian companies are well positioned for a growth run. Balance sheets are the leanest they’ve been in years. Companies are investing to meet demand underpinned by favourable government policies and a positive economic outlook,” according to the credit rating agency.

    Successful execution of plans would enlarge their operational scale, providing lasting cost benefits and business efficiencies.

    Higher investments in power, particularly renewables, will be a major spending area. Power, including transmission, combined with airlines, and emerging areas like green hydrogen, will (by estimates) account for about three-quarters of the increase in capex over the next five years.

    “In absolute terms, investments in airports could double, or even triple during this period. Conventional sectors such as steel, cement, oil and gas, telecom and autos will grow at a more steady pace of 30-40 per cent,” said the report.

    Healthy starting points and strong operating cash flows will keep credit strains in check. Companies across sectors have deleveraged meaningfully over the past three to four years including utilities (except renewables).

    Earnings and operating cash flow across sectors are about 60 per cent higher or double the levels from five years back, and will grow further, the report noted.

    In the airlines sector, total investment in new aircrafts will likely exceed $100 billion.

    New areas such as green hydrogen, semiconductors and battery plants should see significant debt funding. However, these projects are undertaken predominantly by large companies, including conglomerates, the report noted.

    (IANS)

  • Frederick Forsyth, ‘Day of the Jackal’ author, dies at 86

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British novelist Frederick Forsyth, who authored best-selling thrillers such as “The Day of the Jackal” and “The Dogs of War,” has died aged 86, his publisher said.

    A former correspondent for Reuters and the BBC, and an informant for Britain’s MI6 foreign spy agency, Forsyth made his name by using his experiences as a reporter in Paris to pen the story of a failed assassination plot on Charles de Gaulle.

    “The Day of the Jackal”, in which an English assassin, played in the film by Edward Fox, is hired by French paramilitaries angry at de Gaulle’s withdrawal from Algeria, was published in 1971 after Forsyth found himself penniless in London.

    Written in just 35 days, the book was rejected by a host of publishers who worried that the story was flawed and would not sell as de Gaulle had not been assassinated. De Gaulle died in 1970 from a ruptured aorta while playing Solitaire.

    But Forsyth’s hurricane-paced thriller complete with journalistic-style detail and brutal sub-plots of lust, betrayal and murder was an instant hit. The once poor journalist became a wealthy writer of fiction.

    “I never intended to be a writer at all,” Forsyth later wrote in his memoire, “The Outsider – My Life in Intrigue”. “After all, writers are odd creatures, and if they try to make a living at it, even more so.”

    So influential was the novel that Venezuelan militant revolutionary Illich Ramirez Sanchez, was dubbed “Carlos the Jackal”.

    Forsyth presented himself as a cross between Ernest Hemingway and John le Carre – both action man and Cold War spy – but delighted in turning around the insult that he was a literary lightweight.

    “I am lightweight but popular. My books sell,” he once said.

    His books, fantastical plots that almost rejoiced in the cynicism of an underworld of spies, criminals, hackers and killers, sold more than 75 million copies.

    Behind the swashbuckling bravado, though, there were hints of sadness. He later spoke of turning inwards to his imagination as a lonely only child during and after World War Two.

    The isolated Forsyth discovered a talent for languages: he claimed to be a native French speaker by the age of 12 and a native German speaker by the age of 16, largely due to exchanges.

    He went to Tonbridge School, one of England’s ancient fee-paying schools, and learned Russian from two emigre Georgian princesses in Paris. He added Spanish by the age of 18.

    He also learned to fly and did his national service in the Royal Air Force where he flew fighters such as a single seater version of the de Havilland Vampire.

    THE REPORTER

    Impressing Reuters’ editors with his languages and knowledge that Bujumbura was a city in Burundi, he was offered a job at the news agency in 1961 and sent to Paris and then East Berlin where the Stasi secret police kept close tabs on him.

    He left Reuters for the BBC but soon became disillusioned by its bureaucracy and what he saw as the corporation’s failure to cover Nigeria properly due to the government’s incompetent post-colonial views on Africa.

    It was in 1968 that Forsyth was approached by the Secret Intelligence Service, known as MI6, and asked by an officer named “Ronnie” to inform on what was really going on in Biafra.

    By his own account, he would keep contacts with the MI6, which he called “the Firm”, for many years. His novels showed extensive knowledge of the world of spies and he even edited out bits of The Fourth Protocol (1984), he said, so that militants would not know how to detonate an atomic bomb.

    His writing was sometimes cruel, such as when the Jackal kills his lover after she discovers he is an assassin.

    “He looked down at her, and for the first time she noticed that the grey flecks in his eyes had spread and clouded over the whole expression, which had become dead and lifeless like a machine staring down at her.”

    THE WRITER

    After finally finding a publisher for “The Day of the Jackal,” he was offered a three-novel contract by Harold Harris of Hutchinson.

    Next came “The Odessa File” in 1972, the story of a young German freelance journalist who tries to track down SS man Eduard Roschmann, or “The Butcher of Riga”.

    After that, “The Dogs of War” in 1974 is about a group of white mercenaries hired by a British mining magnate to kill the mad dictator of an African republic – based on Equatorial Guinea’s Francisco Macias Nguema – and replace him with a puppet.

    The New York Times said at the time that the novel was “pitched at the level of a suburban Saturday night movie audience” and that it was “informed with a kind of post‐imperial condescension toward the black man”.

    Divorced from Carole Cunningham in 1988, he married Sandy Molloy in 1994. But he lost a fortune in an investment scam and had to write more novels to support himself. He had two sons – Stuart and Shane – with his first wife.

    His later novels variously cast hackers, Russians, al Qaeda militants and cocaine smugglers against the forces of good – broadly Britain and the West. But the novels never quite reached the level of the Jackal.

    A supporter of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, Forsyth scolded Britain’s elites for what he cast as their treachery and naivety.

    In columns for The Daily Express, he gave a host of withering assessments of the modern world from an intellectual right-wing perspective.

    The world, he said, worried too much about “the oriental pandemic” (known to most as COVID-19), Donald Trump was “deranged”, Vladimir Putin “a tyrant” and “liberal luvvies of the West” were wrong on most things.

    He was, to the end, a reporter who wrote novels.

    “In a world that increasingly obsesses over the gods of power, money and fame, a journalist and a writer must remain detached,” he wrote. “It is our job to hold power to account.”

    (Reuters)

  • Air Chief Marshal AP Singh wishes Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla ahead of Axiom-4 space mission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on Tuesday interacted via video conference with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is set to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission, an official statement from the Indian Air Force said.

    Air Chief Marshal Singh extended best wishes to Group Captain Shukla, who will be India’s second astronaut to travel to space since 1984.

    In a post on X, IAF said, “As Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla prepares to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air Warriors of IAF wish him and the entire crew of Axiom-4 all the best for a safe and successful trip to the International Space Station. This will add a new chapter to the Indian Space Odyssey”.

    The Axiom-4 mission, originally scheduled for launch on June 10, was postponed due to unfavorable weather and is now set for 5:30 PM IST on June 11. The mission will carry Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the ISS. According to Axiom Space, this will be India’s second government-sponsored human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.

    In a video message shared by Axiom Space, Shukla expressed his excitement about the opportunity, recalling how he was inspired by India’s first astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. He also revealed that he learned about his selection just a week before reporting for training.

    Earlier, SpaceX Vice President of Build and Flight Reliability, William Gerstenmaier, emphasized safety improvements in the Dragon capsule used for this mission, noting design changes to propulsion components to enhance reliability for human spaceflight.

    Notably, SpaceX is on track for a record-breaking year, with around 100 launches remaining to reach its ambitious target of 170 orbital missions in 2025.

    -ANI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Tourism Growth Roadmap

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

    This includes investing more than $19 million in international marketing across core and emerging tourism markets plus $8 million on attracting business and major events to New Zealand.

    The Government is also investing $4 million towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor.

    This is the first stage of the Tourism Growth Roadmap, which sets out steps the Government is taking to grow the value of tourism, which is currently New Zealand’s second largest export. As visitor numbers increase, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on the supply side of tourism to support this growth.

    Funding comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

    Find out more on the MBIE website:

    Tourism Growth Roadmap

    Read the Minister’s release:

    More funding to grow international tourism(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash: Seaview Avenue, Northcote

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are attending a fatal single vehicle crash in Northcote this evening.

    The crash occurred just after 4.30pm, where a vehicle left Onewa Road and collided with a power pole on Seaview Avenue.

    Despite medical assistance being provided at the scene, sadly we can confirm the sole occupant has died.

    The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene and carried out an examination.

    Enquiries will be carried out on behalf of the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Revolutionizing Trade Intelligence: Market Inside Unveils Advanced Analytics Dashboard

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    YORK, United Kingdom and LONDON, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Market Inside, a global leader in trade intelligence solutions, has launched three brand-new features under its Advanced Analytics Dashboard, designed to take the stress out of working with trade data. With three new features – “Universal Search”, “All Overview”, and “Custom Sorting” – the dashboard gives users a powerful way to understand global markets.

    Explore The New Features Built For Real Trade Challenges

    These tools don’t just add data – they reduce your effort and increase your confidence.

    Universal Search

    All Markets, All Insights – At a Glance

    With Universal Search, all the country data in your plan comes together in one place – no back-and-forth.

    Let’s say you’re tracking machinery exports from China and want to compare them with India and Vietnam. Instead of opening three separate reports, you get a single, clear view that shows it all side by side.

    All Overview

    Spot Untapped Potential Beyond Your Plan

    Not sure which countries might be relevant for your product?

    All Overview gives you a quick, clear snapshot of product activity across all countries, so you can easily spot where the action is and decide which new markets are truly worth exploring.

    It’s like your personal trade preview tool – offering just the right amount of insight to help you make smart, confident, and data-driven decisions.

    Custom Sorting

    Custom Views for Faster, Sharper Insights

    Digging through messy data when you need fast answers is frustrating. That’s why we built Custom Sorting – so you can organize your trade data exactly the way you work.

    Imagine you’re researching electronics shipments. With one click, sort records by HS code to group similar products, then reorder by country to see which markets lead in exports. Next, sort by date to spot rising trends over the last quarter – all without scrolling through hundreds of lines.

    Time to Experience the Next-Gen Dashboard!

    Explore these features today at Market Inside.

    About Market Inside:

    Market Inside is a trusted global trade data platform helping businesses unlock valuable insights from import-export information. Covering more than 195 countries, we serve global companies, small businesses, and trade professionals who rely on data that drives real growth and smart decisions.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a3cf892-d23f-4867-9502-eb983815ee2c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: More funding to grow international tourism

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is increasing funding for attracting overseas visitors and investing in tourism infrastructure as part of its new Tourism Growth Roadmap, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
    “We’re investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the Government’s plan to double the value of tourism,” Louise Upston says.
    “International visitors bring billions of dollars into New Zealand, from big ticket spends to everyday purchases in local cafes and accommodation. 
    “We want to welcome more visitors to New Zealand, and we want our regional communities to improve their capacity to look after those visitors.
    “The Government must work with industry to unlock the full potential of our tourism sector, and the Roadmap lays out initiatives and investments to ensure our infrastructure, workforce and communities can support further growth.
    “For the 2025/26 financial year, we’re investing $6 million in international marketing across emerging tourism markets, $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, and an additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund.
    “These commitments follow the recent announcements of $13.5 million invested in international tourism marketing and $4 million of investment towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor.
    “Recent tourism funding has been about boosting visitor numbers. As those higher numbers become established, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on supporting communities to look after them well,” Louise Upston says. 
    This investment comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. This levy is charged to most international visitors, and ensures they are contributing to the public services, facilities and natural environment they will enjoy while in New Zealand.
    More information can be found on the MBIE website.
    Notes to editor: 
    The Tourism Growth Roadmap is attached as a separate document.
    New tourism investments for the 2025/26 financial year include:

    $6 million in Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in the emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia,
    $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, as part of Tourism New Zealand’s collaboration with Business Events Industry Aotearoa,
    An additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund,
    $13.5 million in Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in core markets of Australia, the United States and China,
    $4 million towards a wider package of work to improve visitor experiences and reduce congestion along the Milford Road corridor. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tourism Growth Roadmap speech to Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA)

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to MEETINGS 2025.

    First, I would like to acknowledge Mayor Wayne Brown attending MEETINGS 2025 today and a special acknowledgment to Ngāti Whatua Orakei for their pōwhiri and welcome. 

    I would also like to recognise Tataki Auckland Unlimited and in particular the Auckland Convention Bureau for their dedication and hard work advocating for Auckland as a world-class visitor destination.

    Last but not the least, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to some incredible individuals who make events like this possible, a huge thank you again to BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins and Board Chair Martin Snedden.

    Your leadership across the business events in New Zealand and creating such vibrant and energetic gatherings like MEETINGS 2025 are truly appreciated and make a difference to New Zealand.

    To our local and international buyers, exhibitors and media – thank you for making the journey from around the world to join us in Auckland. 

    Events like MEETINGS are so important for bringing incredible opportunities to our regions, building valuable connections with our offshore markets and strengthening our business events sector.

    There is no doubt that New Zealand’s business events industry is on the rise – and that’s thanks to the fantastic organisations and individuals like you in this room today. 

    You are the driving force behind a growing pipeline of high-value deals across sectors. These opportunities are helping boost productivity, support local communities, and grow our regions.

    Together, we are putting New Zealand as a top place to do business – and the conversations and connections you make over the next few days will help us even further.

    Events like this are a powerful reminder of what it takes to deliver world-class experiences – whether its state-of-the-art venues, exceptional food and catering, smooth logistics, or engaging content. 

    Beyond their direct economic benefits, business events connect us, foster new ideas and drive innovation across industries. I want to acknowledge the vital role you all play – not just as the professionals of tourism and hospitality, but as ambassadors of New Zealand.

    Your commitment lay the foundation for successful events and help position our country as a world leader in the excellence we are known for.

    Increasing tourism and creating a strong economy is a key focus for the next few years, and the economic contribution of the business events sector is a critical element to success. 

    Business events punch well above their weight in attracting high-value international conferences to our regions and main centres throughout the year, and MEETINGS is a prime example of this. 

    I hope you enjoy your Auckland experience and participate in the amazing visitor experience while you are here. 

    As Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, I have two priorities for the portfolio. 

    My first priority is to grow international tourism by both increasing the number of international visitors to New Zealand in the short term, and doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034.

    My second priority is to grow the number of Kiwis in tourism and hospitality jobs which will further support our wider economic growth objectives.

    Our business events sector plays a huge role in showcasing New Zealand as a progressive, entrepreneurial destination and will play a significant role in achieving our goal of doubling tourism exports. 

    Business event participants spend an average of $175 more per day than other visitors, and importantly, often visit in the off-peak period between March and November, boosting tourism and economic activity year-round. This is exactly why we are making positive changes to support its growth.

    In April, alongside the Minister of Health and the Minister for Regulation, I was thrilled to announce a change to the Medicines Act. The change will allow for medicines to be advertised that have not yet been consented by Medsafe at medical conferences in New Zealand. 

    This shift removes a long-standing barrier and opens the door to hosting more international medical conferences and trade shows, unlocking an estimated $90 million in future revenue. 

    On top of that, we’re continuously working to attract high-value incentive business to New Zealand. It’s all part of our effort to make our country a go-to place for significant business events.

    As part of my Tourism Boost package, I provided $3 million to Tourism New Zealand to make an additional 15-20 bids for business events in 2026 and beyond through its existing Conference Assistance Programme. 

    This investment has already supported Tourism New Zealand to win three bids valued at $7.5 million.

    Our message is clear, New Zealand is open for business. We are looking forward to welcoming more business events and conferences to New Zealand and hosting them in our great facilities.

    Tourism is our second largest export earner and a crucial component of our workforce, and we cannot understate the benefits it provides to our country.

    We’re committed to continue growing the sector, which is why today, I am announcing the launch of the Tourism Growth Roadmap. The Roadmap follows my recent Tourism Boost package and is the second step towards doubling our tourism export value by 2034.

    The final Roadmap has been carefully developed based on the conversations I have had with industry leaders since taking over the portfolio and reflects what I’ve heard is important to you. 

    The first package of investment will continue to prioritise increasing international visitor volumes, with around 80 per cent of the investment going towards demand initiatives and 20 per cent towards supply initiatives.

    I am also announcing a $35 million investment from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap.

    Yesterday, the Prime Minister and I announced $13.5 million in new funding to Tourism New Zealand to uplift marketing activity in our core markets of Australia, the United States and China. 

    This investment is expected to generate around $300 million in spending and deliver an extra 72,000 international visitors to our shores.

    These are big numbers, but this is only part of the full $35 million package we’re unveiling today.

    I am also committing a further $6 million in new funding to uplift marketing activity in our emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia. 

    We know that Tourism New Zealand does an important job of marketing our country internationally, acting as the primary influence for approximately 14 per cent of international holiday visitors. I expect these investments to result in almost $360 million in incremental visitor spend in the economy.

    As I have been saying today, I see the business events sector as an incredibly valuable visitor market for supporting tourism growth.

    That is why I’m thrilled to announce I am committing an additional $3 million to Tourism New Zealand to boost business events attraction for a further year. This reinforces the important role that all of you play, and I am excited to see the positive outcomes from this investment. 

    I am also providing a $5 million boost for major events attraction. Major events drive economic benefits to New Zealand through international visitation and additional direct spend in the host region. 

    To complement these demand initiatives, I am investing in specific regional tourism infrastructure projects. 

    Last week, alongside Minister Potaka, I announced $4 million to improve visitor experiences along the Milford Road corridor. This investment is co-funded and will be delivered by the Department of Conservation.

    As you all know, Milford Sound Piopiotahi is one of our most iconic destinations and a huge drawcard for international visitors. This investment will support improved visitor experiences, infrastructure and reduced congestion. 

    We have an enormous opportunity on our hands. 

    Tourism has the potential to become our biggest export earner – we’ve done it before, and I believe we can do it again. It will take significant effort from us all, and the industry is united with shared purpose, aspirations, and enthusiasm.

    Achieving this will require action on the supply-side and I have asked my officials to begin a review of our tourism system to support this. This includes looking at issues surrounding our workforce:

    • data
    • infrastructure
    • funding
    • our regions and communities
    • aviation and cruise connectivity
    • and the overall visitor experience that we offer.

    We’re looking at what is working well and what do we need to change to ensure we are fit for the future.

    The key to our success will be working together.

    There is plenty of work to do and I am excited to continue working alongside the tourism and hospitality sector to build on the incredible foundations already in place. 

    Ladies and Gentlemen, the next few days are packed with opportunities. 

    New Zealand is open for business, and we welcome the opportunity to attract more business, exhibition and incentive travellers to New Zealand and grow our economy. Together, let’s maximise the value tourism brings to our beautiful country!

    Thank you again.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –