NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Signs Bills to Advance Educational and Developmental Success for Keiki

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Signs Bills to Advance Educational and Developmental Success for Keiki

    Posted on May 30, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

     
    GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS FIVE BILLS TO ADVANCE EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUCCESS FOR KEIKI

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 30, 2025

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today signed five bills strengthening access to educational opportunities and supporting student success both in the classroom and beyond.

    “This group of bills represents our state’s active commitment to finding real solutions and protecting the fundamental right every keiki has to quality education,” stated Governor Green. “Thanks to the critical work of educators and students alike, as well as countless community advocates, our state is poised to reduce childhood food insecurity and increase access to academic and extracurricular educational opportunities.”

    The newly enacted bills include the following:

    SB 1300: EXPANDING ACCESS TO FREE SCHOOL MEALS

    Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, Senate Bill 1300 expands access to free school meals for students who qualify for reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. To further support ‘ohana classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), SB 1300 will expand again in the 2026-27 school year, providing free school meals to any public school student whose family income is below 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill appropriates more than $3.3 million to the Department of Education over the two school years to cover the cost of free meals.

    “Investing in our keiki is an investment in our future,” said Governor Green. “Food insecurity in our state is a serious issue, affecting one in three households. Signing Senate Bill 1300 will help ease the burden on our Hawai‘i ʻohana and improve the lives of keiki across the islands.”

    Senate Bill 1300 aims to improve educational outcomes by ensuring every child in Hawai‘i has access to the consistent nutrition they need to succeed in school. In addition to providing free school meals to eligible students, SB 1300 prohibits an academic institution from denying a student a school meal due to an inability to pay.

    “Senate Bill 1300 removes the financial barrier to accessing school meals, supporting students’ health and well-being, as well as their academic and developmental success said First Lady Jaime Kanani Green. “If students aren’t hungry, they can better focus on their studies, extracurricular activities and personal growth.”

    “Students should come to class hungry for knowledge, not hungry for food,” Governor Green concluded.

    Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani, Education Committee chair, was lead introducer of the bill. “Too many students face hunger in silence and it impacts their ability to learn. By expanding access to free school meals, this bill helps ensure all our keiki have the nourishment they need to succeed. I’m grateful to Governor Green for signing it into law and to all who worked to make it happen,” said Kidani (District 18, Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia).

    “Ensuring that our keiki have access to nutritious school meals supports their well-being and success both in and beyond the classroom. At the same time, we are easing the burden on Hawai‘i’s working families, and this is a win for our community,” said House Committee on Education Chair, Justin H. Woodson (District 9, Kahului, Pu‘unēnē, portion of Wailuku.

    HB 862: ADDRESSING SCHOOL BUS SHORTAGES

    Due to a nationwide bus driver shortage, a number of school bus routes were suspended during the 2024–2025 academic school year. To reverse these suspensions and ensure transportation is not a barrier to education, Governor Green issued an emergency proclamation in August 2024, authorizing, among other provisions, the use of alternative vehicles to transport students to and from school. House Bill 862 codifies into statute this authorization and requires Department of Education staff to accompany students between drop-off and pick-up locations to ensure student safety. Using alternative vehicles such as small buses, motorcoaches and vans to transport students, will help maintain existing bus routes, supporting students’ continued access to a quality education.

    “Hawai‘i continues to face a school bus crisis, and we’ve heard from countless parents, families and educators about the urgent need to expand transportation options, while keeping safety front and center,” said House Committee on Education Vice Chair Trish La Chica (District 37, Portions of Mililani Town, Mililani Mauka, Koa Ridge, Waipi‘o Gentry). “This new law paves the way for our students to thrive, by expanding the department’s options to secure reliable transportation and ensuring that transportation barriers don’t stand in the way of our keiki and their opportunities to succeed.”

    HB 133: FUNDING FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC SURFING PROGRAMS

    Due to its deep cultural, social, and economic significance in Hawaiʻi, the Board of Education approved surfing for interscholastic competition in 2016. Since then, only one of the five local athletic leagues has sponsored a surfing program, leaving the majority of the state’s students without competitive surfing opportunities. House Bill 133 appropriates $685,870 for both fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027 to support the establishment of interscholastic surfing programs. These programs will provide students the opportunity to gain competitive experience and further pursue the sport they love.

    “Hawai‘i is the birthplace of surfing, and that’s something we should take great pride in. By recognizing surfing as an interscholastic sport, we are expanding access in Hawai‘i schools — allowing students to build ocean safety skills, connect with our cultural heritage and participate in a sport that has produced champions from our own shores,” said Representative Sean Quinlan, (District 47, Waialua, Hale‘iwa, Kawailoa Beach, Waimea, Sunset Beach, Waiale‘e, Kawela Bay, Kahuku, Lā‘ie, Hau‘ula, Punalu‘u, Kahana), introducer of the bill.

    The complete list of bills signed includes the following. Click links to see full details of the bills enacted into law.

    HB110 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

    HB1170 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE

    Photos from today’s bill signing, courtesy Office of the Governor, are available here.
    Video from the event can be viewed here.
    The slide deck presented at today’s bill signing can be found here.

    # # #


    Media Contacts:  
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Republic of Moldova: National Roadmap for Critical Infrastructure Resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The Republic of Moldova: National Roadmap for Critical Infrastructure Resilience report assesses vulnerabilities of Moldova’s critical infrastructure systems against disaster risks, including systemic and cascading impacts, as well as interdependencies during disruptions. It identifies gaps and proposes improvements in policies, regulations, and their implementation, along with areas for enhanced coordination across sectors and governance levels. The report outlines cross-sectoral and sector-specific Resilience Action Plans, balancing short-term preparedness with long-term strategies, aligning with Moldova’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and the EU National Accession Programme.

    This report was co-financed within the framework of the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, as part of the “Strengthening critical infrastructure resilience in the Republic of Moldova” project. The project applied the global methodology on infrastructure resilience reviews developed by UNDRR and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to assess the resilience of Moldova’s critical infrastructure, focusing on energy, ICT, transport, and water sectors. Moldova became the first country in Europe and Central Asia to adopt this approach, which has been implemented in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.

    The project was supported by a Technical Working Group co-chaired by UNDRR and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, comprising representatives from six ministries, the State Chancellery, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, and the Agency for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre, along with UN agencies and civil society organizations. The initiative included consultations, webinars, and workshops, such as the stress test and resilience scorecard workshop.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cenovus Energy announces redemption of Series 7 Preferred Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cenovus Energy Inc. (“Cenovus” or the “Company”) (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) announced today it will exercise its right to redeem the Company’s 3.935% Series 7 Preferred Shares (the “Series 7 Preferred Shares”) on June 30, 2025 (the “Redemption”). All 6 million Series 7 Preferred Shares outstanding will be redeemed at the price of $25.00 per share, for an aggregate amount payable to holders of $150 million, less required withholdings, if any, funded primarily from cash on hand.

    As previously announced, the Company’s Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.24594 per Series 7 Preferred Share payable on June 30, 2025, to shareholders of record as of June 13, 2025. This will be the final dividend paid on the Series 7 Preferred Shares.

    Inquiries from registered holders of Series 7 Preferred Shares should be directed to Cenovus’s Registrar and Transfer Agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc. at 1-866-332-8898 or (514) 982-8717 outside North America. Beneficial holders, who are not directly registered holders of Series 7 Preferred Shares, should contact the financial institution, broker, or other intermediary through which they hold these shares to confirm how they will receive their redemption proceeds.

    Advisory

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to as “forward-looking information”), within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, about Cenovus’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the future, based on certain assumptions made in light of the Company’s experiences and perceptions of historical trends. Although Cenovus believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information in this news release is identified by words such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “expect”, “intend”, “will” or similar expressions and includes suggestions of future outcomes, including, but not limited to, statements about: the completion of the Redemption, including the timing and funding thereof and the dividend payments with respect to the Series 7 Preferred Shares.

    Developing forward-looking information involves reliance on a number of assumptions and consideration of certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are specific to Cenovus and others that apply to the industry generally.

    Except as required by applicable securities laws, Cenovus disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward‐looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists are not exhaustive and are made as at the date hereof. Events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, the forward‐looking information. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For additional information regarding Cenovus’s material risk factors, the assumptions made, and risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to “Risk Management and Risk Factors” and “Advisory” in Cenovus’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the periods ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, and to the risk factors, assumptions and uncertainties described in other documents Cenovus files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca, on EDGAR at sec.gov and Cenovus’s website at cenovus.com.

    Cenovus Energy Inc.

    Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in a safe, innovative and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

    Find Cenovus on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

    Cenovus contacts

    Investors Media
    Investor Relations general line Media Relations general line
    403-766-7711 403-766-7751

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foyle Cup Launch 2025 at St. Joseph’s Boys School

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Foyle Cup Launch 2025 at St. Joseph’s Boys School

    2 June 2025

    The Press Launch of the ONeills Foyle Cup took place on Friday at St Joseph’s Boys’ School Westway, Derry – a most appropriate venue as St. Joseph’s are not only the present holders of Northern Ireland Under 18 Schools’ Cup but also host the Manchester United Foundation and the Stephen Gerrard 17-19 Academy, organised by Derry City F.C. on their school campus. 

     School Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane, in introducing the large attendance at the launch, said: ‘It is a huge pleasure to support the Derry & District Youth F.A., organisers of the ONeills Foyle Cup and I  commend the work done by this organisation, not just for the kids of this city and district but for all the kids who have had a memorable experience of competing in the event over the thirty plus years of its existence, since  its humble beginnings in 1992.’ 

     The St. Joseph’s Principal continued: ‘I am delighted to hear that no fewer than 950 teams will compete in the 2025 event, resulting in over 20,000 actual participants creating lifelong memories and I’m even more delighted that our school premises will host some of the 3,300 fixtures scheduled this year!’ 

    John Murphy, on behalf of ONeills Sports, Title Sponsors, spoke proudly of what sponsorship of the Foyle Cup meant to his organisation. 

    ‘We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the ONeills Foyle Cup, a tournament that captures the very best of youth football, community spirit, and international connection. 

    ‘With 950 teams competing this year from places as far afield as South Africa, Australia, the USA, Canada, Spain, Finland, and across the UK and Ireland, the ONeills Foyle Cup is a powerful reminder of how sport brings people together. At ONeills, we’re committed to supporting young athletes from the grassroots up, and this event truly reflects our passion for helping them grow in confidence, skill, and love for the game. We hope every player, coach, and supporter has a fantastic tournament experience and enjoys every moment on and off the pitch.” 

    The Deputy Mayor of Derry Strabane District Council, Darren Guy expressed his delight in how the event delivers for the city and district. 

     ‘I am proud to attend the formal launch of the 2025 Foyle Cup. The tournament is rightly regarded as one of the biggest and best celebrations of youth football in Europe and is a place where players, coaches and supporters make lifelong memories. 

    ‘As a Council, we are delighted to sponsor the tournament each year and provide playing pitches for games as part of our commitment to bring high level sporting events to our City and District.  We believe sport can play a key role in promoting friendship, team skills and social cohesion. Good luck to all the teams as they finalise their preparations for what will be an unforgettable week of football in July.’ 

    Chief Executive Officer of Derry Credit Union, Joan Gallagher also expressed delight in being invited to sponsor the mini soccer events during the Foyle Cup week and spoke of the excitement the whole city, – kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, experience during the week of the tournament. A fantastic week for the city and district and we are so proud to be supporting this wonderful, exciting, colourful event.  

    Cyril Moorhead, Good Relations Officer at Choice Housing, praised the organisers, not just on the success of the event in terms of numbers registered but more  importantly, the tremendous work that has been done on a cross-community basis, actively promoting good relations and friendliness and welcome afforded to all visitors which is synonymous with the city and district. 

      

    ‘It is most pleasing to see how the Foyle Cup has grown into such a large international event and how much support the event has from local communities, schools, colleges, Ulster University and Northwest Regional College. 

      

    ‘The impact of the Foyle Cup is significant, from its contribution to the local economy to the impact it has on young people’s lives, their communities and the positive community relations that it builds. As a housing association, Choice is committed not only to building quality affordable homes but contributing positively to the communities that we operate in, this partnership is a prime example of this. 

      

    ‘I wish the organisers continued success this year and, in the years, ahead.’ 

      

    Special Guest of Honour, Rory Holden, a player who participated in the Foyle Cup for many years with his local team, Top of the Hill Celtic, said he was ever thankful to the organisers and his own junior club, for without the effort of so many, it is doubtful if he would be having the enriching experience of  playing with his own professional club, All Saints from Wales, having played in Champions’ League and Europa league competitions this year. 

    ‘This event continues to thrive, grow and delivers for all our youth – boys, girls and those with sports disabilities. It is a real pleasure to be here to celebrate the success of this superb tournament.’ 

    Philip Devlin, Foyle Cup committee member, in taking charge of the live draw, advised all that details of the draw were available on the tournament website www.foylecup.com and he expected that fixtures for the full week would be on site within 36 hours of launch.  He also thanked all teams for their support and co-operation and wished them well in the tournament, from July 21-26. 

    Diolain Ward, of Foyle Cup committee member, concluded the launch event. 

    ‘Thank you to everyone who gave of their time to be here this evening. In particular, I would like to thank our sponsors – Derry City and Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, ONeills, Derry Credit Union, Choice Housing, Seagate, Inner City Trust, Brunswick Moviebowl, Ulster University and North West Regional College.  Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Rory Holden for spending some of his much-valued time at home, with us, this afternoon and I wish him, on behalf of the member clubs of the Derry & District Youth Football Association, even more success in his football career.’ 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester Day ’25 is set to hit all the right notes!

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester’s favourite day of the year is back for 2025 and looks set to hit all the right notes with a mammoth day of music-themed free fun promised for all the family on Saturday 26 July to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent and this year’s big summer of live music in the city.

    With 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer and a massive line-up of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city, this year’s Manchester Day aims to get everyone in the groove.

    The city council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day that promises something for music fans of all ages, and all musical abilities or none – from the virtuoso violinist to the can’t-sing-a-note novice.

    From English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans and community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, plus two musical cats and a larger-than-life canary all in a giant birdcage – this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.

    With activities taking place in St Ann’s Square, Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in-between, there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors young and old to get stuck in, or to try their hand at music-making and uncover that hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.

    And with a setlist that includes strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-a-longs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, visitors will want to make sure they get down early and not miss a beat.

    The day will also see a music takeover of the route from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a musical meander through the city streets as a music-filled mini parade makes its way from the square, along Deansgate, to the Cathedral.  

    Sure to be one of the highlights of the day, expect toe-tapping sounds and surprises all the way as two huge Griffins lead the parade with fantastical birds and other winged creatures in tow, all swooping their way along the parade route.

    Accompanied by the sounds of Brazilian-inspired brass from Jubacana, drumming from Manchester Dhol Players and a giant Dhol drum, along with the percussive rhythms of Manchester Batala, and performers from community groups across the city including the Anglo Filipino Club, the Hong Kong Cultural Community, Greater Manchester’s Youth network, Manchester’s Lithuanian Society and more – the mini parade looks set to get everyone moving and in the music groove.

    Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day. 

    “Everyone in Manchester loves music. Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it. And that’s why everyone’s on the guestlist for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.

    “We’ve got a fantastic day lined up so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it!”

    Proceedings on the day get underway at 12 noon with final encores at 5 pm.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Daniel Cash, Reader in Law, Aston University

    For governments, a credit rating is more than a financial signal. It is a verdict that can influence the cost of borrowing, access to markets and, ultimately, the ability to provide for their citizens.

    Rating decisions are made behind closed doors in a private process that isn’t open to assessment or scrutiny.

    For African countries, this opacity can be especially damaging. When rating decisions lack transparency, it’s impossible to challenge potential biases or inconsistencies in methodology that put developing economies at a disadvantage. The result is higher borrowing costs that drain resources from healthcare, education and infrastructure investment.

    Africa’s new credit rating agency has the chance to change this. The African Credit Rating Agency is an initiative under development by the African Union and its partners. It is more than a new entrant; it is an attempt to rethink how financial authority is earned, exercised and scrutinised. The new agency plans to introduce transparent governance structures that could revolutionise rating methodology.

    As a researcher who has looked closely at the working of rating agencies, I believe this opportunity to bring transparency to financial governance isn’t just about better ratings. It’s a step towards economic sovereignty.

    Success for the African Credit Rating Agency shouldn’t be measured by whether it displaces the “big three” rating agencies (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch). The real question isn’t whether an African agency can compete, but rather whether it can show the world how to rate credit differently.

    A flawed process

    The three big agencies do publish their methodologies – their criteria and risk models. This creates an illusion of transparency. Yet the final judgments emerge from committee meetings that produce no public record, no accountability, and no right of meaningful appeal.

    These rating committees typically comprise five to 10 analysts who meet in closed sessions to make each sovereign rating decision. S&P, Moody’s and Fitch each operate internal rating committees for every sovereign rating decision. The deliberations, dissenting views, and specific reasoning behind final votes remain confidential. Only a brief summary is provided with a rating decision.

    Research has shown that credit rating agencies are more accurate at assessing the creditworthiness of advanced economies than developing economies. There have also been studies on the discrepancy between what is expected when the public methodologies are applied and what the agencies actually rate. These studies have been done for economies like Hong Kong and China, but no equivalent research has yet been undertaken for African sovereigns.

    This discrepancy exposes an accountability void. When methodology-based predictions miss the mark, we must question what happens in those committee rooms. Especially when African nations are being assessed by analysts stationed continents away, with limited understanding of local economic and political realities.

    The African Credit Rating Agency could make three changes to the way ratings are done:

    • through public deliberations

    • by forming hybrid committees

    • with technological intervention.

    First, it could release committee transcripts within 30 days of each decision. This would give markets and governments unprecedented insight into rating rationales. This isn’t radical – central banks already publish meeting minutes, and courts publish opinions with dissenting views.

    Second, it could pioneer panels that include not only rating analysts, but regional economists, sectoral specialists, and even civil society observers. All with recorded votes. This diversified expertise would disrupt “group think” while capturing nuances of African economies that traditional agencies overlook.

    I have examined this idea from the perspective of injecting climate and sustainability-related expertise into credit rating committees. I believe this is a crucial step to take to evolve the concept of the credit rating committee.

    Third, the agency could use artificial intelligence to analyse patterns across committee discussions, flagging potential regional biases or inconsistent methodology application. It might be able to use secure digital ledgers to create unchangeable records of decisions.

    Why the big three keep it closed

    The industry thrives on privacy – protecting proprietary methodologies and shielding decisions from external challenge. And the natural oligopoly (a market dominated by a few large players due to high entry barriers, reinforced by market preference for predictability) helps it stay that way.

    The sovereign credit ratings of the three big agencies are built on quantitative and qualitative factors. But research shows that sovereign ratings are subjected to qualitative understandings. This puts developing economies at a disadvantage when agencies demonstrate pro-western biases because they lack data or knowledge.

    The impact of a credit rating downgrade for a sovereign borrower is usually multifaceted. Research shows that a single-notch downgrade can raise borrowing costs by more than 100 basis points, equivalent to an extra US$100 million annually on a US$10 billion bond.

    Investors prefer fewer, stronger signals rather than many competing views. So there’s little incentive for established players to change. The African Credit Rating Agency, as a new entrant, can offer something the incumbents won’t: governance innovation that serves both markets and nations.

    Radical openness will shake markets, at least at first. Committee members might face political pressure. Transparency alone doesn’t guarantee fair outcomes.

    But the world already demands transparency from central banks and constitutional courts. Why accept anything less from institutions that shape sovereign destiny?

    Next steps

    By 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African. The financial architecture serving them must evolve towards systems that recognise the continent’s unique strengths.

    Opening the rating committee to view represents more than technical reform – it’s about shifting who holds power in global finance. If it does this, the African agency won’t just deliver better ratings; it will model how global finance can be governed more justly.

    Daniel Cash 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. Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how – https://theconversation.com/africas-new-credit-rating-agency-could-change-the-rules-of-the-game-heres-how-257138

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Experts and policymakers discuss confidence-building measures and norms in cyberspace at OSCE workshop in Mongolia

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Experts and policymakers discuss confidence-building measures and norms in cyberspace at OSCE workshop in Mongolia

    Participants at an OSCE workshop on cyber norms and confidence-building measures held in Ulaanbaatar, 27 May 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

    Cybersecurity experts and policymakers from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus and Mongolia explored cyber norms and confidence-building measures (CBMs) at a workshop in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department on 27 and 28 May.
    The 21 workshop participants discussed the use of and nexus between CBMs — a key element of how states build transparency, co-operation and trust in cyberspace — and cyber norms, which set standards for responsible state conduct.
    “The OSCE is the first regional organization to develop and adopt CBMs for cyberspace, providing practical steps and voluntary actions designed to increase transparency, foster communication and build trust. This workshop has been designed with a cross-regional perspective, particularly seeking to highlight good practices from the ASEAN region. I am pleased that we have many expert speakers from ASEAN and the OSCE contributing their valuable insight,” said Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats, in her opening remarks.
    Through expert-led discussions, the workshop explored national and regional strategies and challenges, highlighting areas for possible future joint efforts. It also facilitated an inter-regional exchange of good practices with experts from Southeast Asia and provided a platform for closer co-operation.
    “Mongolia attaches great importance to international collaboration, mutual trust, and the exchange of best practices, which are more vital than ever in safeguarding the integrity and resilience of our shared cyberspace. We have been a steadfast supporter and active participant in confidence-building measures led by the United Nations, the OSCE, and the ASEAN Regional Forum, contributing to regional peace, trust, and security,” said P. Altan-Od, State Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications of Mongolia.
    During an exercise involving a fictitious cyber incident, participants put their theoretical knowledge to the test. They explored how to use international norms and CBMs during an incident and the role of national preparedness and regional co-operation in responding to cyber threats.
    “Cyber confidence-building measures are not just diplomatic niceties — they are essential instruments of peace and security in the digital age. As the cyber domain continues to grow in importance, the need for structured, co-operative approaches to prevent conflict and enhance collective resilience is urgent,” said Marius Stucki, Counsellor, Deputy Head of the Political Section of the Embassy of Switzerland in the People’s Republic of China.
    The workshop was delivered as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project, “Activities and customized support for the implementation of OSCE cyber/ICT security confidence-building measures”, with financial support from Switzerland.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Hard work clearly visible: PM Modi hails India’s athletics champions

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian athletes for their stellar performance at the recently concluded 2025 Asian Athletics Championships, stating that their “hard work and determination were clearly visible” throughout the tournament.

    India secured a total of 24 medals — eight gold, 10 silver, and six bronze — at the continental meet held in Gumi, South Korea, finishing second in the final medal tally behind China.

    “India is proud of our contingent for their stupendous performance at the recently held 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea. The hard work and determination of every athlete were clearly visible throughout the tournament. Best wishes to the athletes for their future endeavours,” PM Modi posted on X.

    More than 60 Indian athletes participated in the competition, held from May 27 to 31. The 26th edition of the championships featured over 2,000 athletes, with Indians competing across 30 medal events — 15 for men, 14 for women, and one mixed team event — during the five-day event.

    Servin Sebastian opened India’s medal tally with a bronze in the men’s 20km race walk on Day 1.

    Gulveer Singh clinched India’s first gold medal in the men’s 10,000m and followed it up with another gold in the 5,000m event. Rupal Chaudhary became the first Indian woman to win a medal at the championships with a silver in the 400m race.

    The Indian 4x400m mixed relay team successfully defended their title, while the women’s 4x400m relay team also claimed gold.

    Jyothi Yarraji retained her women’s 100m hurdles crown with a strong finish, while Avinash Sable became the first Indian man in 36 years to win a steeplechase gold at the Asian Athletics Championships.

    Animesh Kujur (200m) and Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase) set new national records in their respective events.

    Tejaswin Shankar made history by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in the decathlon at the Asian Athletics Championships. He scored 7,618 points to earn silver, adding to his bronze from the 2023 edition.

    In the women’s long jump, Ancy Sojan (6.33m) and Shaili Singh (6.30m) secured silver and bronze, respectively.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International Arts Carnival opens in July with martial arts theatre performance “Soul of Shaolin” (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    International Arts Carnival opens in July with martial arts theatre performance “Soul of Shaolin”  
         “Soul of Shaolin”, featuring more than 30 kung fu masters, will showcase breathtaking martial arts scenes consisting of boxing, weaponry and qigong to demonstrate the harmony between the spiritual wisdom and physical strength of Chinese kung fu. The theatre production has earned both Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations since its Broadway debut in 2009. After more than two decades of world touring, it is finally coming to Hong Kong and is not to be missed.
     
         The story revolves around young Huiguang, who has mastered kung fu skills at the famous Shaolin Temple. He has been working hard on his martial arts training and practicing kindness, but has always missed his long-lost mother. Unexpectedly, a woman he saves from danger is his mother, who he has been searching for all along.
     
         The Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Center was established in 1988 and is affiliated with the Culture and Tourism Department of Henan Province. Its performing troupe consists of over 200 kung fu masters, has performed in more than 80 countries and regions, and is gaining popularity among audiences both domestically and internationally.
     
         “Soul of Shaolin” will be held at 7.30pm on July 11 and 12, and 3pm on July 12 and 13 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. Tickets priced at $250, $350, $450 and $520 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
         The matinee at 3pm on July 12 is an accessible performance with audio descriptions in Cantonese. A touch tour will be provided prior to the performance for people with visual impairment and their companions. A meet-the-artist session, conducted in Putonghua with Cantonese interpretation, will also be held after this performance.
     
         The programme contains loud sound effects and action scenes. Performers have been professionally trained, and the audience is advised not to imitate their acts. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit     www.hkiac.gov.hk 
         This year’s IAC will run from July 11 to August 17, featuring a wide array of fun-filled educational programmes by overseas, Mainland and local art groups and artists. In addition to martial arts, acrobatics, dance, music, theatre and multimedia, the IAC will also offer film screenings, parent-child workshops, an online programme, an outreach performance and an exhibition.
     
         “Soul of Shaolin” is also one of the programmes of the Chinese Culture Festival 2025.
    Issued at HKT 18:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Celebrating World Milk Day

    Source: Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ)

    Milk continues to prove the vital part it plays in the health of New Zealanders and of billions of people around the world, says the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ).
    Today is World Milk Day, which is celebrated around the world to mark the contribution of dairy to the global food system.
    DCANZ Executive Director Kimberly Crewther says milk’s contribution to health is well worth celebrating.
    “As a nutrient-dense food it’s an important part of a healthy, balanced diet, not just for Kiwis of all ages, but also for people globally, including those in the more than 120 countries New Zealand exports dairy products to.”
    Milk is a nutritional powerhouse with over 10 essential nutrients. Just one glass of milk delivers 35% of daily calcium, 40% of vitamin B2, and 37% of vitamin B12 requirements, along with high-quality protein.
    Together, these nutrients support healthy bones, teeth, muscle function, skin, eyes, nervous system, and overall healthy growth and aging.
    “That’s a massive amount of goodness in such a small – and tasty – serve.
    “New Zealand’s most recent nutritional survey showed that in Kiwi diets, milk is the No 1 contributor of calcium, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12, and is the No 2 source of protein.
    “Globally, milk contributes 49% of dietary calcium supply, 24% of vitamin B2, and 12% of protein, and is overall a top 5 source for 23 nutrients.
    This nutrient density means milk and dairy products have an important role to play in the global fight against malnutrition.”
    “Despite the impacts of strong global demand on dairy prices, at current prices, Kiwis can consume a serving of milk, cheese, and yoghurt for as little as $2 a day and in doing so receive more than a third of the recommended protein and more than three-quarters of recommended calcium needs.
    “That works out at an impressive nutritional outcome for the investment of just 15% of the average weekly food bill of $475 for a family of 5, as reported in the latest [2023] Household Expenditure Statistics survey”
    Also, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), dairy consumption reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, obesity, and osteoporosis in adults.
    A 2018 study of children aged 1-12 years across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam also found the prevalence of stunting is significantly less in those who consume dairy every day compared to those who do not consume it at all.
    Recognition of dairy’s nutritional goodness is fuelling demand growth globally and adding significantly to the industry’s economic contribution to New Zealand.
    “The value of dairy exports increased by $3.5 billion in the year to April 2025, to $26.8 billion. That equalled one-in-every-three dollars New Zealand earnt from all goods trade, with the economic benefits flowing through the economy as farmers and dairy companies purchase goods and services from thousands of other companies.
    “DCANZ thanks the thousands of people throughout New Zealand who support and contribute to this positive contribution.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire and Emergency King’s Birthday honours recipients congratulated

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan has congratulated four Fire and Emergency personnel from Oxford, Fox Glacier, Matatā and Taihape who have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List released today.
    “These awards recognise the outstanding contributions that our people have made to Fire and Emergency, Search and Rescue and their local communities over many years,” Rebecca Keoghan says.
    The recipients are:
    • Ronald (Ron) Ealam (Oxford) – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Search and Rescue
    • Marius Bron (Fox Glacier) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Search and Rescue and the community
    • Gavin Dennis (Matatā) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
    • Alan (Curly) Troon (Taihape) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
    ‘We are all incredibly proud of this fantastic achievement,” Rebecca Keoghan says. 
    “On behalf of Fire and Emergency, thank you for your ongoing dedication to our organisation and your communities.”
    Additional information:
    Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
    Ronald Bruce (Ron) Ealam
    Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Search and Rescue
    Mr Ron Ealam has been contributing to Land Search and Rescue for more than 50 years.
    Mr Ealam has been a member of the Oxford Fire Brigade since 1996. He has contributed 25 years of service to the New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Dogs, helping train dogs. He has been a qualified national trainer and assessor for Search Dogs for more than ten years, specialising in border collies, attending several annual dog training camps each year. He helped develop the official New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Search Dogs Training Pathway and Assessments in 2009, which forms the basis of the Search Dogs pathways today. He has been a member of the Oxford Land Search and Rescue, contributing to local search and rescue meetings and training nights, and training dogs, which takes at least two years before they become operational. During the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, he was part of the initial response in the first three days in the Redcliff area and helped with welfare and house checks. He has been the elected Group Chair for Oxford Land Search and Rescue for more than 10 years. Mr Ealam received the New Zealand Search and Rescue Excellence award in 2023 for his contributions.
    King’s Service Medal (KSM)
    Marius Jean Bron
    King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Search and Rescue and the community
    Mr Marius Bron has served the Fox Glacier community in various volunteer emergency service roles since 1999.
    On a voluntary basis Mr Bron leads the local branches of South Westland Land Search and Rescue Group, the Civil Defence service and the Community Committee. He also volunteers for the Department of Conservation, assisting in the management of alpine huts in the area. He works to ensure these huts are fit for use by both domestic and international visitors. He is also a local volunteer firefighter for Fire and Emergency New Zealand and a St John Ambulance first responder. The skills he has gained from these various roles make him a central figure in the Fox Glacier community. He and his team have received national recognition for their search and rescue efforts, including the successful rescue of two climbers on Mt Rolleston and the successful overnight rescue of an injured person on a glacier. He was involved in the creation of important facilities for the Fox Glacier community, including the Emergency Services Centre and the Community Centre. His efforts included driving the concept stage, fundraising and project managing. In addition to his volunteer work, Mr Bron is Operations Manager at Fox Glacier Guiding, which brings tourist business to the community.
    Gavin Lloyd Dennis, JP
    King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
    Mr Gavin Dennis has served the Matatā community for close to 40 years.
    Mr Dennis is currently Chief Fire Officer of the Matatā Volunteer Fire Brigade, having held various ranks since joining in 1987. While Deputy Chief Fire Officer, he played a key role in the response to major flood events in 2005, with the town cut off for several days. He instigated the Matatā Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Cadet Programme in 2014, for young people aged 15 to 16 to join the brigade to gain experience and life skills. The programme has been successful in recruiting these young people as volunteer recruit firefighters when eligible, forming a large part of the brigade’s membership over the past 10 years. He was a member of the Rangitaiki Community Board from 2007 to 2019, serving four years as Deputy Chairperson, and helped oversee the town’s recovery efforts following the 2017 Edgecumbe flood event. He has served on the Boards of Trustees of Matatā Public School and Trident High School, including holding several offices across the period 1993 to 2010. He has chaired the Matatā Residents Association and the Matatā Community Resource Centre. Mr Dennis was elected to the Whakatāne District Council in 2019.
    Alan Rex (Curly) Troon
    King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
    Mr Alan “Curly” Troon is a Life Member of the Taihape Volunteer Fire Brigade and has helped to promote Taihape through gumboot throwing.
    Mr Troon joined the Taihape Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1991 and has been Chief Fire Officer since 2009, being awarded Life Membership in 2022. He oversaw the rebuild of the new Taihape Fire Station which opened in 2022. He has worked for Rangitikei County Council and has held many volunteer roles within the community, including past President of the Taihape Tennis Association and Taihape Kindergarten Committee and is the current President of the New Zealand Boot Throwing Association (NZBTA). In the mid-1980s, he became a champion thrower in Taihape’s annual Gumboot Day and has since promoted the sport with his wife. They have taken Taihape to world competitions. In 2021 he won the Toyota Lifetime Legacy Award from NZBTA as part of the Norwood Rural Sports Award. He is a past member of the Taihape St John Area Committee and has driven the Taihape ambulance when the team is short staffed. Mr Troon has been coaching young people at the Taihape Badminton Club since 2023.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – From Today Eligible People with Stage III Melanoma Can Access Funded KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)

    Source: Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand)

    Auckland, New Zealand, 1 June 2025 – MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK) is delighted to announce that from today, Pharmac will widen the funding of the immunotherapy cancer medicine KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) to include the treatment of eligible people with stage III melanoma. 1  

    Vanessa Gascoigne, Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited (MSD) Director, expressed her excitement, stating; “Funded access to KEYTRUDA has been available in New Zealand for certain people with advanced melanoma since 2016. 2

    “We are thrilled that Pharmac has widened its funding of KEYTRUDA from today, to include eligible people with stage III melanoma. 1

    “This marks the first time KEYTRUDA will be funded by Pharmac for the treatment of a cancer before it has progressed to an advanced stage. 1,3

    “Thanks to the Government’s increase in the medicines budget last year, and National’s Cancer Policy, additional people living with cancer will now receive funded access to KEYTRUDA.” 1, 4, 5

    New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world; therefore preventing, and detecting melanoma early, must be absolute priorities. 6

    KEYTRUDA is an immunotherapy cancer medicine registered for 31 indications and is now publicly funded for 12 of these indications.7,1 MSD will continue to work with the funding agency Pharmac, to try and obtain funded access for more people with cancer.

    Ms Gascoigne says, “Faster funded access to cancer treatment may benefit people across New Zealand and we believe patients should have access to KEYTRUDA where clinical evidence exists, ensuring fair and equitable access.”  

    KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) is available as a 100 mg/4 mL concentrate for solution for infusion.

    The KEYTRUDA Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is available at www.medsafe.govt.nz.

    KEYTRUDA is a Prescription Medicine and may be used in adults:

    · After surgery to remove melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer or renal cell carcinoma to help prevent the cancer from coming back

    · Before surgery to treat triple-negative breast cancer and then continued after surgery to help prevent the cancer from coming back

    · To treat bladder cancer which has not spread to nearby tissues but is at high-risk of spreading and where bladder removal is not preferred

    · To treat certain patients with the following types of advanced cancers:

    o Melanoma

    o Non-small cell lung cancer

    o Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM)

    o Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL)

    o Urothelial carcinoma

    o Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

    o Renal cell carcinoma

    o Gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

    o Oesophageal carcinoma

    o Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

    o Cervical cancer

    o Endometrial carcinoma

    o Triple-negative breast cancer

    o A kind of cancer that can occur in any part of the body and is shown by a laboratory test to be microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)

    o Colon or rectal cancer that is shown by a laboratory test to be MSI-H or dMMR

    o Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)

    o Biliary tract carcinoma

    KEYTRUDA may be used in children with MPM, cHL, MCC, MSI-H or dMMR cancer, or after surgery to remove melanoma. It is not known if KEYTRUDA is safe and effective in children with MSI-H or dMMR cancer of the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system cancers).

    You should not be given KEYTRUDA if you are allergic to pembrolizumab or to any of the other ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

    KEYTRUDA can cause harm or death to unborn babies. Talk to your doctor if you are a woman who could become pregnant and use effective contraception while you are being treated with KEYTRUDA and for at least 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA. Do not breastfeed while taking KEYTRUDA.

    Serious immune-mediated side effects have occurred affecting the lungs, intestines, liver, kidneys, hormone glands, blood sugar levels, skin, other organs and in transplant recipients. Some of these side effects can sometimes become life-threatening and can lead to death. These side effects may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended and you may experience more than one side effect at the same time. Serious infusion reactions have also occurred.

    Very common side effects with KEYTRUDA alone include diarrhoea, nausea, itching, rash, joint pain, back pain, feeling tired, cough, patches of discoloured skin, stomach pain, decreased levels of sodium in blood and low levels of thyroid hormone.

    When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with chemotherapy, hair loss, vomiting, decreased white-blood cell count, mouth sores, fever, decreased appetite, decreased number of red blood cells, decreased number of platelets in the blood and swelling of the lining of the digestive system (for example mouth, intestines) were also commonly reported.

    When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with axitinib, high blood pressure, fatigue, low levels of thyroid hormone, decreased appetite, blisters or rash on palms of your hands and soles of your feet, increased liver enzyme levels, hoarseness, and constipation were also commonly reported.

    When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with lenvatinib, high blood pressure, decreased appetite, low levels of thyroid hormone, vomiting, weight loss, headache, constipation, hoarseness, urinary tract infection, stomach-area (abdominal pain), blisters or rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, protein in your urine, increased liver enzyme levels and feeling weak were also commonly reported.

    The most common side effects when KEYTRUDA is given alone to children include fever, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, decreased number of red blood cells, cough, and constipation. (v56)

    KEYTRUDA has risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor to see if KEYTRUDA is right for you. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, tell your doctor.

    KEYTRUDA is funded to treat certain patients with the following types of advanced cancers: melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. KEYTRUDA is also funded for certain patients with Stage IIIB-D melanoma. Patients must meet specific criteria for funding.

    KEYTRUDA is not funded for the treatment of all other cancers , which means you will need to pay for the full cost of the medicine and its administration. Ask your doctor about the cost of the medicine and any other medical fees that may apply.

    Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited. Level 3, 123 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland.

    Copyright © 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

    About MSD

    At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com

    Copyright © 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
    Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited. Level 3, 123 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland. NZ-NZ-KEY-00984 V1.0 NP22833 June 2025

    References

    1. Pharmac Community Schedule: Pembrolizumab Special Authority Form SA2491 June 2025. Available at   https://schedule.pharmac.govt.nz/2025/06/01/SA2491.pdf Accessed May 2025

    2. Pharmac. News and resources. Decision regarding funding of pembrolizumab (Keytruda), nivolumab (Opdivo), posaconazole (Noxafil) and raltegravir (Isentress) Available at:

    https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/decision-regarding-funding-of-pembrolizumab-keytruda-nivolumab-opdivo-posaconazole-noxafil-and-raltegravir-isentress?keyword=KEYTRUDA&type=all&page=1 Accessed May 2025

    3. Pharmac Community Schedule: Pembrolizumab Special Authority Form SA2386 May2025. Accessed May 2025

    4. Pharmac. News and resources. Update on new medicines funding after the budget uplift. Available at:

    https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/news/update-on-new-medicines-funding-after-the-budget-uplift  Accessed May 2025

    5. National Party. Policies. Helping More Kiwis Fight Cancer. Available at:

    https://assets.national.org.nz/Plan_Helping_More_Kiwis_Fight_Cancer.pdf  Accessed May 2025

    6. MelNet: Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2024 – 2028. Available athttps://strategy.melnet.org.nz/ Accessed May 2025

    7.KEYTRUDA Data Sheet. Available at: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/k/Keytruda.pdf   Accessed May 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: RBC iShares Expands iShares Core Offering with Launch of New ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, RBC iShares expands its iShares Core exchange traded fund (ETF) lineup with the launch of two iShares ETFs (each an ‘iShares Fund’ and collectively, the ‘iShares Funds’).

    The iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF (XTOT) will provide investors with broad-based exposure to the total U.S. equity market, covering large-, mid-, small-, and micro-capitalized companies. The iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF will also be available in a U.S.-dollar denominated class (XTOT.U).

    “We are pleased to expand our suite of low-cost, diversified core ETFs with the addition of the iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF. This new ETF offers investors a convenient way to access broad-based exposure to the total U.S. equity market, making investing in global markets easier and more affordable for Canadians,” said Steven Leong, Head of Product at BlackRock Canada.

    The iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF (XSMB) will provide investors with exposure to a broadly diversified range of Canadian domiciled bonds with maturities between 1 and 10 years, which may include any or all of federal, provincial, corporate (including certain qualifying asset-backed securities) and municipal bonds.

    “Canadians continue to embrace fixed income ETFs as efficient tools for building resilient, well-diversified portfolios. With this launch, we are excited to provide access to a broad portfolio of Canadian government and corporate bonds with 10 years remaining to maturity or less. This exposure allows investors to generate income while offering a source of portfolio stabilization amid volatility,” added Mr. Leong.

    The iShares Funds are listed in the table below and are expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) today; the iShares Funds are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (BlackRock Canada), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.

    Fund Name Ticker Annual
    Management
    Fee    1
    iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF XTOT,
    XTOT.U    		 0.07%2
    iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF XSMB 0.15%

    RBC iShares aims to help clients achieve their investment objectives by empowering them to build efficient portfolios and take control of their financial futures. RBC iShares is committed to delivering a truly differentiated ETF experience and positive outcomes for clients.

    For more information about RBC iShares, please visit https://www.rbcishares.com.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

    About iShares

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    About RBC
    Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

    We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

    About RBC Global Asset Management
    RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC GAM is a provider of global investment management services and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and individual investors through separate accounts, pooled funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, exchange-traded funds and specialty investment strategies. RBC Funds, BlueBay Funds, PH&N Funds and RBC ETFs are offered by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM Inc.) and distributed through authorized dealers in Canada. The RBC GAM group of companies, which includes RBC GAM Inc. (including PH&N Institutional) manage approximately $710 billion in assets and have approximately 1,600 employees located across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

    RBC iShares ETFs are comprised of RBC ETFs managed by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and iShares ETFs managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. iSHARES is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used under license. © 2025 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited and RBC Global Asset Management Inc. All rights reserved.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    1 As an annualized percentage of the iShares Fund’s daily net asset value.
    2 If applicable, BlackRock Canada or an affiliate is entitled to receive a fee for acting as manager of each iShares ETF in which this iShares Fund may invest (an “underlying product fee” and together with the management fee payable to BlackRock Canada, the “total annual fee”). As the underlying product fees are embedded in the market value of the iShares ETFs in which this iShares Fund may invest, any underlying product fees are borne indirectly by this iShares Fund. BlackRock Canada will adjust the management fee payable to it by this iShares Fund to ensure that the total annual fees paid directly or indirectly to BlackRock Canada and its affiliates by this iShares Fund will not exceed the percentage of the NAV set out above. The total annual fee is exclusive of HST. Any underlying product fees borne indirectly by this iShares Fund are calculated and accrued daily and are paid not less than annually.

    The MIL Network –

  • Centre notifies guidelines for electric passenger vehicle manufacturing scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Centre on Monday issued detailed guidelines for a new scheme aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing of electric passenger vehicles, marking a key step in its broader push for green mobility and sustainable industrial development. The “Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India” (SPMEPCI), notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), is intended to attract global investments in India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector while strengthening the country’s position as a global automotive manufacturing hub.

    Announced in March 2024, the scheme aligns with India’s climate goals, including its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The initiative also supports the government’s vision of fostering economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability through strategic policy interventions in the EV ecosystem.

    Speaking at a press conference, Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, described the scheme as a forward-looking and transformative step. He noted that the scheme is designed not only to bring cutting-edge EV technologies into the Indian market but also to build indigenous manufacturing capabilities through a clear framework of domestic value addition (DVA) targets.

    Under the scheme, approved companies will be allowed to import a limited number of completely built electric four-wheelers (e-4W) at a reduced customs duty rate of 15 per cent for a period of five years. These imports must meet a minimum cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of USD 35,000 per unit. The concession is capped at 8,000 units per year, with the flexibility to carry forward unused quotas. However, the total duty foregone will be limited to either Rs 6,484 crore or the actual investment made by the applicant, whichever is lower.

    To qualify for these benefits, applicants must commit to a minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore within three years of receiving approval. They must also establish manufacturing facilities and commence production within this period. The guidelines stipulate that a minimum of 25 per cent domestic value addition should be achieved within three years, rising to 50 per cent within five years. The DVA assessment will follow the existing Standard Operating Procedure of the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components, with certifications to be carried out by MHI-approved testing agencies.

    While there is no cap on maximum investment, only specific categories of expenditure—such as new plant and machinery, engineering research and development, and essential buildings—will be counted towards the investment threshold. Notably, expenditure on land is excluded, while spending on charging infrastructure will be considered up to a limit of five per cent of the total committed investment.

    Applicants will be required to furnish a bank guarantee equivalent to the higher of the duty foregone or Rs 4,150 crore, valid for the entire duration of the scheme. The application window, expected to open soon, will remain active for a minimum of 120 days, with the government retaining the option to reopen it until March 2026. A non-refundable application fee of Rs 5 lakh will be applicable.

    Eligibility is restricted to companies or global groups with an automotive manufacturing revenue of at least Rs 10,000 crore and fixed asset investments of not less than Rs 3,000 crore, based on their latest audited financial statements.

    The Ministry of Heavy Industries said the scheme would catalyse the development of a competitive and self-reliant EV manufacturing ecosystem in India, contributing to the larger goals of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. The effort is also expected to generate high-quality employment, accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies, and position India as a preferred destination for global automotive innovation.

  • India to create 7.29 million green jobs by FY28, 35 million by 2047: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s green economy is growing rapidly and is expected to reach a value of $1 trillion by 2030, and a staggering $15 trillion by 2070, a new report said on Monday.

    With this massive growth, India is also set to create a huge number of green jobs – around 7.29 million by the financial year 2027-28 and 35 million by the year 2047, according to a NLB Services report.

    NLB Services CEO Sachin Alug said: “In the past 4–5 years, we’ve seen green jobs evolve from niche roles to mainstream opportunities across renewable energy, EVs, and sustainable infrastructure. What’s changed pragmatically is the skillsets.”

    “Today’s green workforce needs both sustainability know-how and digital fluency, and the increased integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, GIS, and data-driven tools are laying the foundation for progressive, new-age green careers,” Alug mentioned.

    As the green sector expands, industries are not just investing in green technology and renewable energy, but also focusing on building a skilled workforce to meet the rising demand.

    This shift is driving companies to change their hiring strategies. Rather than relying only on traditional degrees, employers are now giving more importance to practical green skills and hands-on experience.

    Many companies are also working closely with colleges and universities to equip young people with sustainability-related skills, while also investing in inclusive hiring and re-skilling programmes, the report stated.

    The new employment outlook is stronger than earlier predictions. In 2024, the green sector was expected to grow at a pace of 15–20 per cent annually in terms of job demand.

    However, new estimates show an even faster increase, especially in fields like renewable energy, electric vehicles, green construction, waste management, and sustainable textiles.

    Most green jobs are still based in big cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi. But smaller cities such as Jaipur, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad are also becoming key green job hubs.

    Tier II and Tier III cities are expected to create 35-40 per cent of the projected 7.29 million jobs by FY28, helped by the growth in sustainable agriculture, logistics, and warehousing, as per the report.

    Green job roles are also becoming more diverse. Demand for professionals in areas such as ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) analytics, climate data analysis, and green technology is growing fast, with a projected 20–30 per cent yearly rise.

    (IANS)

  • RBI may opt for 50 bps jumbo rate cut to counter uncertainty: SBI report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may implement a 50-basis point rate cut in its June Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting to revive the credit cycle and mitigate economic uncertainty, according to a report by the State Bank of India (SBI) released on Monday.
     
    The cumulative rate cut during the ongoing cycle could total 100 basis points, said Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser at SBI.
     
    “Domestic liquidity and financial stability concerns have eased. Inflation is expected to remain within the tolerance band. Preserving domestic growth momentum should be the primary policy objective, justifying a jumbo rate cut,” he noted.
     
    With liquidity in sustained surplus, banks are repricing liabilities more rapidly amid the rate-easing cycle. Savings account interest rates have already been reduced to a floor rate of 2.70 per cent.
     
    Fixed deposit (FD) rates have also been cut by 30 to 70 basis points since February 2025. SBI anticipates a strong transmission to deposit rates in the coming quarters.
     
    India’s economy expanded by 7.4 per cent in Q4 FY25, down from 8.4 per cent in the same quarter last year. This growth was largely driven by a sharp rise in capital formation, which registered a 9.4 per cent year-on-year increase.
     
    An above-normal monsoon forecast by the IMD, robust crop arrivals, and declining crude oil prices have led SBI to revise its CPI inflation estimate downward to 3.5 per cent for FY26.
     
    Based on the latest RBI Annual Report, SBI expects higher household savings, adequate to support economic growth without creating demand-driven inflationary pressures in FY26.
     
    The report also highlighted the strong performance of Indian banks, particularly public sector banks (PSBs), which recorded a 26 per cent year-on-year rise in profits. In comparison, private banks saw a 5.8 per cent increase.
     
    System liquidity turned positive, standing at ₹1.2 lakh crore as of March 31. Factoring in the recent ₹2.68 lakh crore RBI dividend to the government, SBI projects core liquidity to reach ₹5.3 lakh crore by the end of June. Durable liquidity is likely to remain in surplus throughout FY26.
     
    Against this backdrop, the report suggests that the RBI will need to strike a balance between managing contained inflation and preventing a slowdown in domestic growth.
     
    “We expect that the RBI will proceed with a 50 bps rate cut to support growth,” the report concluded.
     
    -IANS

  • India, Oman close to finalizing free trade agreement: Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India is nearing the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal indicating that an announcement could be made soon. The move is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment flows between the two countries.

    “I think you will see some good news very soon on the Oman FTA,” Goyal told journalists during his ongoing official visit to France, where he is promoting Indian trade and investment interests. He is also scheduled to attend a ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Tuesday.

    Negotiations for the proposed India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) began in November 2023. Goyal’s visit to Oman in late January 2025, where he co-chaired the 11th session of the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting with Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, marked a key step in advancing the talks.

    During the high-level meeting, both ministers reviewed bilateral relations and held in-depth discussions on cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, technology, food security, and renewable energy. They agreed to accelerate negotiations for the CEPA, with the aim of signing the agreement at the earliest.

    Describing the CEPA as a potential milestone in India-Oman relations, officials said the pact could significantly expand two-way trade and investments.

    Oman is India’s third-largest export destination among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. In 2024-25, bilateral trade between the two countries stood at approximately USD 10.5 billion, with Indian exports worth USD 4 billion and imports valued at USD 6.54 billion.

    (With IANS inputs)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Will surging sea levels kill the Great Barrier Reef? Ancient coral fossils may hold the answer

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jody Webster, Professor of Marine Geoscience, University of Sydney

    marcobriviophoto.com

    In the 20th century, global sea level rose faster than at any other time in the past 3,000 years. It’s expected to rise even further by 2100, as human-induced climate change intensifies. In fact, some studies predict a rise of up to 1.6 metres and possibly more due to the rapid melting of the Antarctic ice sheets.

    These changes will have huge impacts on coastal ecosystems around the world, including coral reefs. To understand these future impacts, it can be useful to understand similar events from history.

    Our new research, published today in Nature Communications, does just that. It reveals how the Great Barrier Reef in northern Australia responded to a dramatic rise in sea level some 13,000 to 10,000 years ago.

    A hotly debated event

    Several “meltwater pulse events” have been documented in the past. These occur when ice sheets disintegrate in a catastrophic fashion, resulting in a rapid surge in global sea levels.

    One of these events, known as “meltwater pulse 1B”, remains hotly debated. It occurred roughly 11,500 years ago.

    Early evidence from reef cores in Barbados suggested a sharp sea-level rise of approximately 14 metres between 11,450 and 11,100 years ago, with rates of roughly 40 millimetres per year.

    Remarkably, this rate is about ten times faster than the current global rise.

    However, this record conflicts with others, including from Tahiti and now from the Great Barrier Reef, which suggests a more gradual rise in sea levels.

    Learning from geological archives

    Somewhat paradoxically shallow-water reef systems can “drown” because corals, and other reef organisms, depend on light for photosynthesis. If the water gets too deep too fast, the reef will no longer keep up with the rise and it will drown.

    But drowning can also occur due to other factors, such as increased temperature, sediment and nutrients, which can also add extra environmental stress to the reef – again making it more difficult to grow vertically and keep up with sea level rise.

    Cores gathered from drowned fossil coral reefs preserved along the continental shelf edge of the Great Barrier Reef contain crucial information about historic corals, coralline algae and microbial reef structures known as microbialites. They offer a unique geologic time machine to better understand how past periods of rapid global sea level rise affected reef growth.

    These geological archives also provide important clues about how ice sheets behaved in response to rapid global warming.

    In 2010, an expedition of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program used a geotechnical drill ship to sample below the seafloor and reconstruct the growth and demise of the Great Barrier Reef over the past roughly 30,000 years. Five distinct stages were identified in response to major global climatic and oceanographic disturbances.

    In this new study, we focused on a key reef stage called Reef 4. It formed between 13,000 and 10,000 years ago, just prior to the start of the modern reef as we know it.

    We refer to this reef as the “proto-Great Barrier Reef”. Once a shallow-water barrier reef system, it now exists in a fossilised form at roughly 50 metres water depth and is now the home to deeper reef communtites in the mesophotic zone 30 to 150 metres below the surface.

    The RV Great Ship Maya was used to recover fossil reef samples from the Great Barrier Reef in 2010.
    G.Tulloch/European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling/Integrated Ocean Drilling Program

    An impressive ability to keep pace

    Our study shows the Great Barrier Reef didn’t drown during meltwater pulse 1B. In fact, it continued to thrive with clear evidence of healthy, shallow-water reef assemblages (living in waters less than ten metres deep) persisting right through the rise in sea levels.

    The reef not only survived but continued to grow upwards at rates between 4–6 millimetres per year. This rate of growth is comparable to modern healthy reef growth rates, demonstrating an impressive ability to keep pace.

    We also calculated that the maximum possible sea-level rise during meltwater pulse 1B was between 7.7 and 10.2 metres over roughly 350 years. This equates to between 23 and 30 millimetres per year, but was likely less.

    This is less than the Barbados estimate, and more consistent with observations from Tahiti where no sharp sea-level jump was found.

    Importantly, this indicates that even the upper sea level rise bounds are within the survival limits of resilient reef systems such as the Great Barrier Reef – especially when environmental stressors, such as ocean warming, ocean acidification and sedimentation are low.

    UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee recently expressed utmost concern about the current state of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Darkydoors/Shutterstock

    Limits to a reef’s resilience

    Although the Great Barrier Reef survived sea level rise roughly 11,000 years ago, the world was very different back then.

    Coral reefs faced less stress from human impacts. And ocean temperatures were rising more slowly.

    But today’s reefs are already struggling, with UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee recently expressing “utmost concern” about the state of the Great Barrier Reef in particular.

    This is due to warming, acidification and pollution. And these additional challenges decrease reefs’ ability to cope with rapid sea-level rise.

    Our findings suggest abrupt sea-level jumps of more than 11 metres are unlikely to occur without major instabilities in ice sheets. The fact that such collapses likely didn’t happen during meltwater pulse 1B offers some reassurance. But we’re in uncharted territory now, particularly with the Antarctic ice sheet displaying early signs of instability.

    Our study also shows the Great Barrier Reef has been remarkably resilient, adapting to changing sea levels and continuing to grow even as the ocean rose rapidly. This resilience, however, had limits. Ultimately, the reef we examined drowned roughly 10,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of environmental stressors, including increased sediment flux. At this time the shallow water reef ecosystem migrated landward to form the modern Great Barrier, leaving behind only deeper, mesophotic reef communities.

    The lessons from the past are clear: reefs can adapt to environmental changes but there are limits.

    Protecting modern reefs will require more than understanding their past. It means reducing emissions and limiting other environmental stresses such as sediment and nutrient runoff where possible.

    Jody Webster receives funding from the Australian Research Council and ANZIC IODP.

    Juan Carlos Braga receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Spanish Government.

    Marc Humblet receives funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

    Stewart Fallon receives funding from the Australian Research Council and ANZIC IODP.

    Yusuke Yokoyama receives funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and Japan Science and Technology Agency.

    – ref. Will surging sea levels kill the Great Barrier Reef? Ancient coral fossils may hold the answer – https://theconversation.com/will-surging-sea-levels-kill-the-great-barrier-reef-ancient-coral-fossils-may-hold-the-answer-257830

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing man in Ngau Tau Kok (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appeal for information on missing man in Ngau Tau Kok (with photo) 
    Yan Wai-man, aged 73, went missing after he left his residence on Shing Fung Road on May 27 afternoon. His family made a report to Police in Kwun Tong on May 28.
     
    He is about 1.85 metres tall, around 68 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short white hair. He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured long-sleeved jacket, a blue and white polo shirt, brown trousers and black leather shoes.
     
    Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0316 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
    Issued at HKT 13:22

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets new Liaison Office Director (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CE meets new Liaison Office Director  
    Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the Central Government for its continued support to and care for Hong Kong, driving and supporting Hong Kong’s transition from stability to prosperity. He extended his warm welcome to Mr Zhou on his new appointment. Mr Zhou had extensive experience in local governance and policy-making from a macroscopic perspective, having previously held such positions as Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee, Member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee, and Deputy Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Governor of the Henan Provincial Government.
     
    Since taking office in July 2023 as the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou has been participating in taking forward Hong Kong’s work under national development strategies. He is well acquainted with the national policies on Hong Kong and actively promoted the implementation of the Central Government’s policies benefitting Hong Kong. Last year, Mr Zhou led a delegation to visit Hong Kong and gain better insights into its economic development, providing his important views to the formulation of measures benefitting Hong Kong. He has also undertaken solid efforts to ensure the measures achieve optimal results.
     
    Mr Lee said he is confident to work with Mr Zhou in actively aligning with national development strategies, as well as in implementing fully, faithfully and resolutely the principles of “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” with a high degree of autonomy, maintaining the constitutional order of the HKSAR as stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law, implementing the “executive-led” structure and implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, with a view to ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, and jointly expediting the development of Hong Kong from stability to prosperity.
     
    During the session, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is currently undergoing an economic transformation, and that the HKSAR Government will uphold fundamental principles while breaking new ground, endeavour to take forward reforms, and continue to lead all sectors of Hong Kong society to embrace changes and strive for innovation, actively exploring new areas of development and growth.
     
    Mr Lee said he believes that under the leadership of Mr Zhou, the LOCPG will continue to support the HKSAR Government’s governance in accordance with the law. Noting that Mr Zhou is well acquainted with Hong Kong affairs, Mr Lee said that this will help Hong Kong better contribute to and benefit from its integration into national development, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative. The session was conducted in a cordial and productive atmosphere, with both Mr Lee and Mr Zhou sharing the common goal of expediting Hong Kong’s rise from stability to prosperity.
    Issued at HKT 20:03

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 15th National Games Fencing test event concludes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) said today (June 1) that the 15th National Games (NG) Fencing test event held at Kai Tak Arena, Kai Tak Sports Park on May 31 and June 1 has concluded.
     
         The two-day test event, which was also the Challenge Cups Fencing Championships, consisted of men’s and women’s épée, foil and sabre competitions featuring the open and veteran divisions. Over 500 athletes competed in all six event categories.
     
         The test event covered a wide array of testing areas, including event operations and procedures, competition organisation, venue setup, sports and prize presentations, information systems, medical services, volunteer services and broadcast arrangements.
     
    The Head of the NGCO, Mr Yeung Tak-keung, said that this test event is the first fencing event ever held in the Kai Tak Sports Park. Both venue facilities and competition arrangements have achieved the expected results. Since last November, Hong Kong has completed test events for all eight NG competition events. The General Administration of Sport of China has recently announced the competition schedule for the 15th NG, and the competition events in Hong Kong will be held from October 31 to November 20. The NGCO is making thorough preparations for the events. Mr Yeung also expressed gratitude to all related government departments and organisations for their assistance and support.
     
         For information on the 15th NG, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games in Hong Kong, please visit the thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/index.html), as well as the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: April retail sales drop 2.3%

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The value of total retail sales in April, provisionally estimated at $28.9 billion, was down 2.3% compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

    After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate for the month was 3.3% lower year-on-year.

    Of the total retail sales figure for the month, online sales accounted for 8.1%. Provisionally estimated at $2.3 billion, the value of online retail sales decreased 3.5% compared with a year earlier.

    Meanwhile, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased 2.4% compared with a year earlier.

    There were also declines in the value of sales in the following categories: jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (-1.7%); apparel (-5.6%); motor vehicles and parts (-53.4%); fuels (-12.5%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-5.1%); furniture and fixtures (-16.7%); and optical items (-0.2%).

    By contrast, the value of sales of “other consumer goods not elsewhere classified” increased by 13.4% for the period. Also up were sales of medicines and cosmetics (+7.2%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+3%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+1.6%); commodities in department stores (+2.1%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+11.7%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (+3.8%).

    The Government said its proactive promotion of tourism and mega events, increased employment earnings and sustained steady growth in the Mainland economy will support the retail sector.

    However, it cautioned that ongoing changes in consumption patterns and competition among businesses, amid an uncertain macroeconomic environment, will continue to pose challenges for the sector.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme invites new round of applications

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme invites new round of applicationsIssued at HKT 16:00

    The Main Programme under the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme (PASS) is inviting a new round of applications for project proposals starting today (June 1) from non-profit-distributing organisations such as professional bodies, trade and industrial organisations and research institutes.

    PASS, with a total allocation of $200 million, aims at funding non-profit-making industry-led projects to increase exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong’s professional services and external counterparts, promote relevant publicity activities, and enhance the standards and external competitiveness of Hong Kong’s professional services.

    The maximum grant for each approved project under the Main Programme of PASS is $3 million or 90 per cent of the total eligible project cost, whichever is lower. A wide range of professional services, such as accounting, legal and dispute resolution, architecture, engineering, healthcare, information and communications technology, design and technical testing and analysis, are eligible for the Main Programme. Sector-specific projects and cross-sectoral projects are both welcome. Expenses directly incurred for implementing a project, such as manpower costs, venue and set-up costs, production and promotion costs, and the project team and active participants’ travel and accommodation costs outside Hong Kong are typically eligible for funding support under the Scheme. Funding support may also be provided for travel and accommodation costs incurred by participants of relatively longer professional internships or attachment programmes outside Hong Kong which are funded by the Main Programme.

    Up to early May 2025, more than 120 projects had been funded under the Main Programme, including project deliverables in and outside Hong Kong. The deliverables include capacity-building programmes for enhancing the standards of local professionals, such as training programmes, workshops and study tours; outreach and promotional activities for showcasing the strengths of Hong Kong’s professional services, such as roadshows, promotional seminars and participation in exhibitions outside Hong Kong; exchange activities for deepening interaction between Hong Kong professionals and their external counterparts, such as visits to other economies and international conferences and seminars held in Hong Kong; and research projects on potential external markets for Hong Kong professional services and development of best practice guidelines and manuals for professionals. Details about the Main Programme and its funded projects are available at www.pass.gov.hk/main/en/home.

    Furthermore, with a view to stepping up the promotion of Hong Kong’s competitive edges and professional services to the Mainland and overseas markets, $50 million has been set aside for the Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme (PSP) under PASS to subsidise Hong Kong major professional bodies to participate in relevant activities organised by the Government (such as Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council after the pandemic situation has stabilised. Details of the PSP and its list of activities are available at www.pass.gov.hk/psp. Hong Kong professionals from the eligible professional sectors under PASS may make use of the PSP subsidy to join the relevant activities.

    The Main Programme and the PSP receive applications for project and activity proposals all year round and they are processed on a quarterly basis. The deadline for the new round of applications is August 31, 2025. A briefing session will be held this month for organisations interested in applying for the PASS funding. One-on-one consultations are also available upon request for discussing preliminary project ideas or projects in the planning stage. To register for the briefing session, schedule a consultation, or for other enquiries, please contact the PASS Secretariat at 3655 5418 or pass@cedb.gov.hk.

    Ends/Sunday, June 1, 2025
    Issued at HKT 16:00

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing boy in Wong Tai Sin (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appeal for information on missing boy in Wong Tai Sin Issued at HKT 15:19

    Police today (June 2) appealed to the public for information on a boy who went missing in Wong Tai Sin.

    Cho Tik-laam, Ambrose, aged 17, went missing after he was last seen on Luk Hop Street yesterday (June 1) afternoon. His family made a report to Police on the same day.

    He is about 1.7 metres tall, around 52 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, green camouflage shorts, blue shoes and carrying a pink rucksack.

    Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing boy or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1176 or 5562 1342 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station

    Ends/Monday, June 2, 2025
    Issued at HKT 15:19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCMA unveils Greater Bay Area Aircraft (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCMA unveils Greater Bay Area Aircraft  
         Following its earlier promotional efforts to reach out to the community through means of transportation such as buses, trams and ferries, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office (GBA Office) of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau is using an aircraft for the first time as a mobile display platform to further promote the Greater Bay Area to a global audience.
     
         Mr Tsang said, “The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is the best entry point for Hong Kong to actively integrate into the overall national development. Hong Kong possesses the unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, and a business environment that is highly market-oriented and internationalised, underpinned by the rule of law, free flow of capital, a comprehensive financial regulatory system, a simple and low tax regime, and a pool of global professional talent. All these have enabled Hong Kong to become a ‘super connector’, connecting the Mainland with the world, and leveraging its dual roles in going global and attracting foreign investment for the GBA.”
     
         Mr Tsang expressed his hope that the aircraft would serve as an “ambassador in the sky” to promote the Greater Bay Area, raising awareness of the latest developments of the GBA and Hong Kong’s role in connecting the Mainland with the world. He encouraged all sectors to capitalise on Hong Kong’s distinctive strengths to seize the enormous opportunities brought about by GBA development, thereby promoting the high-quality development of the GBA.
     
         The Greater Bay Area Aircraft mainly travels between Hong Kong and various destinations on the Mainland and in Asia. The airline’s unique positioning of being rooted in Hong Kong and radiating to the GBA, together with its main routes that closely connect the GBA and the international market, fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s role as the international gateway to the GBA.
     
         The Chief Executive Officer of Greater Bay Airlines, Ms Liza Ng, expressed her wholehearted support for this meaningful activity of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Through daily flights to and from different cities, the vision of the GBA is promoted overseas, enabling more people to gain a deeper understanding and actively participate in the GBA’s development. The airline has been established in support of the national strategy of developing the GBA, and makes its contributions as Hong Kong fully leverages its distinctive advantages of having strong support from the motherland and enjoying close connections with the world as well as its status as an international aviation hub to integrate into the overall national development.
     
         Hong Kong residents, together with people and enterprises from the Mainland and abroad, will be able to catch a glimpse of the Greater Bay Area Aircraft at Hong Kong International Airport or when travelling on Greater Bay Airlines’ flights. The GBA Office will continue to disseminate the stories of the GBA through diversified channels, and encourage all sectors to actively seize the good opportunities that GBA development presents to develop the region into an international first-class bay area.
    Issued at HKT 18:06

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating Canberra’s volunteers

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Pearl is one of Domestic Animal Services’ dedicated volunteers.

    In brief:

    • National Volunteer Week in the ACT runs from 19-25 May.
    • This article shares some of Canberra’s volunteer stories.

    National Volunteer Week runs from 19-25 May. It’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate volunteers in Australia.

    Volunteers make a positive impact on Canberra and its people.

    No matter what you enjoy doing, there’s a way to help. This could be working with people or caring for animals or plants.

    Meet some of Canberra’s volunteers.

    Pearl, Domestic Animal Services volunteer

    Pearl has been volunteering with Domestic Animal Services for six years.

    ‘It’s the best way to start the day! I usually walk dogs around the gorgeous bush trail first thing in the morning. It’s so beautiful to be surrounded by nature, wildlife and of course the gorgeous dogs in the morning sunshine,’ she said.

    Since 2020, Pearl has spent countless hours at the shelter improving the wellbeing of dogs searching for their forever home.

    ‘Some dogs come in very timid and seeing them grow into happy and confident dogs makes me so grateful I get to be a part of the work Domestic Animal Services do for these animals,’ Pearl said.

    Learn more about volunteering with Domestic Animal Services.

    Adrian Manning, ACT State Emergency Service volunteer

    Adrian had just turned 18 when he decided to volunteer for the ACT State Emergency Service.

    ‘Volunteering for the ACT State Emergency Service was something completely different. Not only was I able to help my community, but it also gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and trades, and that training has actually helped me in my paid roles in life,’ Adrian said.

    ‘It’s very rewarding to be able to assist the community. We sign up to help people, and whether it’s in Canberra or Queensland, it doesn’t really make a difference,’ he said.

    Find out more about volunteering for the ACT Emergency Services Agency.

    Manar, Co-founder of HelpingACT

    Manar is the co-founder of HelpingACT. The charity aims to support Canberra’s most vulnerable through access to food and necessities.

    He believes volunteering is a key to ensuring community services can be delivered efficiently.

    ‘If you’re nervous, start with volunteering that does not demand much from you and then go in deeper when you are more comfortable. My life is richer because of volunteering, and despite the hours I spend volunteering, I don’t see that as a cost. It has brought me in contact with wonderful people and made me stretch my capabilities,’ Manar said.

    Learn more about HelpingACT.

    Casey, volunteer at the National Arboretum, MIEACT and WaterWatch

    Casey started volunteering to make a difference. She had always had grand ideas of environmental and societal change, and decided she wanted to be at the forefront of this change.

    ‘Volunteering has taught me to take initiative, and it gives me hope. Time is a valuable resource. By volunteering, you can give your time and energy to something you view as important. Volunteering has many benefits. It helps you. It helps others. It helps the world,’ Casey said.

    Find out more about volunteering on the Volunteering ACT website.

    Read more like this:

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the Passing of Charles B. Rangel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Charles B. Rangel:

    “It is with a heavy heart I share news of the passing of my dear friend, a beloved leader, and stalwart of our community, Congressman Charles B. Rangel.

    Through our numerous conversations and collaborations over the years, his guidance, support, and faith helped propel legislative initiatives like the Second Avenue Subway that expanded during his tenure and the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, which I helped establish as a lasting tribute to his legacy as a champion of creating pipelines for future generations.

    Congressman Rangel was an iconic figure and a devoted patriot as a veteran of the Korean War; as a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC); the Lion of Lenox Avenue for his love and loyalty to Harlem; an institution through his many endowments of service to erect namesake programs like the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program,  the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship, the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, and the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service. 

    Charlie was an inspiration and embodied the truest form of leadership in public service, steadied in his faith and faithfulness in the American people, and a giant unmatched in his leadership, compassion, and commitment to upholding the values of our nation. I will miss him dearly and am grateful for our time together, his mentorship, and most importantly, friendship we developed over the years.”

    ###

    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese researchers release Tianshan watershed streamflow dataset

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

    Chinese researchers have released a streamflow dataset of Tianshan Mountains watersheds, the key source region of Central Asian rivers.

    The study, led by researchers from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published in the journal Scientific Data.

    The dataset compiles daily streamflow data for 56 watersheds and monthly data for 89 watersheds in the Tianshan Mountains. The researchers reconstructed streamflow observations by integrating data from both domestic and international monitoring stations.

    The study revealed an overall increasing trend in Tianshan streamflow, which was particularly prominent between 1990 and 2019. Spatially, it showed higher streamflow in the west and south, and lower streamflow in the east and north.

    Due to scarcity of data and complex hydrological conditions in the Tianshan region, long-term and complete streamflow data are still lacking, said Li Shuai, first author of this study.

    “This is the first comprehensive and long-term streamflow modeling and data reconstruction effort at the watershed scale in the Tianshan Mountains,” said Li.

    The dataset fills the gap in the availability of comprehensive streamflow data for smaller basins in the Tianshan Mountains, and provides essential data for managing water resources and assessing the impact of climate change in the region, according to the study. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday box office revenue hits 400M yuan

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

    As of 12:47 p.m. on Monday, China’s box office revenue for the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival holiday had surpassed 400 million yuan (about $55.67 million), a significant increase compared to the same period last year, according to box office tracker Maoyan.

    A still image from “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” [Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures]

    The summer blockbuster “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” the eighth installment in the long-running Hollywood action franchise, leads the holiday box office chart. As of 12:47 p.m., the film had grossed about 165.31 million yuan during the holiday period.

    As this year’s Dragon Boat Festival coincides with the International Children’s Day, the holiday lineup features a variety of family-friendly animated films that have captivated audiences nationwide.

    The second to fourth spots of the holiday box office chart were dominated by animated films, including Japanese animated film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Art World Tales,” domestic animated adventure “Endless Journey of Love,” and Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch.”

    The Dragon Boat Festival — also known as the Duanwu Festival — falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it was celebrated on May 31, and the holiday continues from May 31 to June 2. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s westernmost border port goes 24/7 to boost Central Asia trade

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

    The Irkeshtam port in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region launched a trial of 24-hour freight clearance operations on Sunday, making it the second land port in the region and the first in southern Xinjiang to adopt such a system. This move is aimed at enhancing trade logistics between China and Central Asia, according to the local immigration inspection station.

    As China’s westernmost land port, Irkeshtam serves as a critical gateway to Kyrgyzstan and a hub for Central and West Asia, with rising cross-border activity and robust transport demand.

    To support the round-the-clock operations, the Irkeshtam immigration inspection station optimized staffing through shift rotations and implemented “on-arrival inspection” for freight vehicles, which strikes a balance between security and efficiency.

    Jiang Zhidong, chairman of the Kashgar-based Xinjiang Jiujiuxi International Trade Co., Ltd., said that the system will significantly boost cargo efficiency, cut logistics costs, further energize port operations and unleash foreign trade potential.

    Statistics show that port traffic has surged this year at Irkeshtam, with the station handling over 105,800 trips and 98,500 vehicles by Sunday, up 80 percent and 79 percent year on year, respectively. 

    MIL OSI China News –