NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • PM Modi chairs high-level meeting to review progress of fisheries sector

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to review the progress of the fisheries sector, with a focus on fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) and high seas.

    In the meeting, PM Modi emphasized the extensive use of satellite technology to harness better use of fish resources and provide safety instructions to fishermen, modernization through smart harbours and markets, use of drones in transportation and marketing of the catch, and improvements in processing and packaging of the produce.

    PM Modi said that, similar to agro tech in the agriculture sector, adoption of fish tech in the fisheries sector should be enhanced for improving the production, processing, and marketing practices.

    He suggested the usage of seaweeds for fuel purposes, as nutritional inputs in pharmaceuticals and other sectors, and fisheries production in Amrit Sarovars to improve the livelihoods of the fishermen. PM Modi said that ornamental fisheries also need to be promoted along with a strategy to serve the needs of landlocked areas, where there is high demand for fish but not enough supply.

    He suggested undertaking capacity building of fishermen in modern fishing practices, and maintenance of a negative list of items that hinder the growth of the sector. Facilitation of investments from the private sector was also discussed in the meeting.

    Since 2015, the government has stepped-up investment to Rs. 38,572 crore through various Central schemes and programs – namely Blue Revolution Scheme, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC). India has registered an annual fish production of 195 lakh tons in 2024-25 with a sectoral growth rate of more than 9%.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Alert issued on fake Treasury texts

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Treasury Department today alerted the public to fraudulent SMS messages purportedly issued by the department which ask recipients to pay a fixed penalty offence via a hyperlink provided.

    The department said it has no connection with the fraudulent SMS messages and has reported the case to Police for further investigation.

    It reminded the public that the Treasury will not send SMS messages to ask recipients to settle payments via hyperlinks.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A trial is testing ways to enforce Australia’s under-16s social media ban. But the tech is flawed

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Alexia Maddox, Senior Lecturer in Pedagogy and Education Futures, La Trobe University

    De Visu/Shutterstock

    Australia’s move to ban under-16s from social media is receiving widespread praise. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore and Japan, are also now reportedly considering similar moves.

    The ban was legislated in November 2024 and is due to take effect in December 2025. The law says social media platforms can’t use official IDs such as passports to check Australian users’ ages, and shouldn’t track Australians. But it doesn’t specify the alternative.

    To test alternative methods, the federal government commissioned a trial of currently available technologies designed to “assure” people’s age online. Run by the Age Check Certification Scheme, a UK-based company specialising in testing and certifying identity verification systems, the trial is in its final stages. Results are expected at the end of June.

    So what are the technologies being trialled? Are they likely to work? And how might they – and the social media ban itself – alter the relationship all of us have with our dominant forms of digital communication?

    Dead ends for age verification

    Age verification confirms a person’s exact age using verified sources such as government-issued IDs. Age assurance is a broader term. It can include estimation techniques such as analysing faces or metadata to determine if users meet age requirements.

    In 2023 the federal government rejected mandating verification technologies for age-gating pornography sites. It found them “immature” with significant limitations. For example, database checks were costly and credit card verification could be easily worked around by minors.

    Nonprofit organisation Digital Rights Watch also pointed out that such systems were easily bypassed using virtual private networks – or VPNs. These are simple tools that hide a user’s location to make it seem like they are from a different country.

    Age assurance technologies bring different problems.

    For example, the latest US National Academies of Sciences report shows that facial recognition systems frequently misidentify children because their facial features are still developing.

    Improving these systems would require massive collections of children’s facial images. But international human rights law protects children’s privacy, making such data collection both legally and ethically problematic.

    Flawed testing of innovative tech?

    The age assurance technology trial currently includes 53 vendors hoping to win a contract for new innovative solutions.

    A range of technology is being trialled. It includes facial recognition offering “selfie-based age checks” and hand movement recognition technologies that claim to calculate age ranges. It also includes bespoke block chains to store sensitive data on.

    There are internal tensions about the trial’s design choices. These tensions centre on a lack of focus on ways to circumvent the technology, privacy implications, and verification of vendors’ efficacy claims.

    While testing innovation is good, the majority of companies and startups such as IDVerse, AgeCheck, and Yoti in the trial, will likely not hold clout over the major tech platforms in focus (Meta, Google and Snap).

    This divide reveals a fundamental problem: the companies building the checking tools aren’t the ones who must use them in the platforms targeted by the law. When tech giants don’t actively participate in developing solutions, they’re more likely to resist implementing them later.

    Google recently proposed storing ID documents in Google Wallet for age verification.
    nitpicker/Shutterstock

    Unresponsive tech companies

    Some major tech companies have shown little interest in engaging with the trial. For example, minutes from the trial’s March advisory board meeting reveal Apple “has been unresponsive, despite multiple outreach attempts”.

    Apple has recently outlined a tool to transmit a declared age range to developers on request. Apple suggests iOS will default the age assurance on Apple devices to under 13 for kids’ accounts. This makes it the responsibility of parents to modify age, the responsibility of developers to recognise age, and the responsibility of governments to legislate when and what to do with an assured age per market.

    Google’s recent Google Wallet proposal for age assurance also misses the mark on privacy concerns and usefulness.

    The proposal would require people over 16 to upload government-issued IDs and link them to a Google account. It would also require people trust Google not track where they go across the internet, via a privacy-preserving technology that remains a promise.

    Crucially, Meta’s social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram also do not let you login with Google credentials. After all, they are competitors. This raises questions about the usefulness of Google’s proposal to assure age across social media platforms as part of the government’s under-16s ban.

    Meanwhile, Google is also suggesting AI chatbots should be directly targeted and available to children under 13, creating something akin to a “social network of one”, which are out of scope of the ban.

    Rather than engage with Australian age verification systems, companies such as Apple and Google are promoting their own solutions which seem to prioritise keeping or adding users to their services, or passing responsibility elsewhere.

    For the targeted platforms that enable online social interactions, delay in engagement fits a broader pattern. For example, in January 2025, Mark Zuckerberg indicated Meta would push back more aggressively against international regulations that threaten its business model.

    A shift in internet regulation

    Australia’s approach to banning under-16s from using social media marks a significant shift in internet regulation. Rather than age-gating specific content such as porn or gambling, Australia is now targeting basic communication infrastructure – which is what social media have become.

    It centres the problem on children being children, rather than on social media business models.

    The result is limiting childrens’ digital rights with experimental technologies while doing little to address the source of perceived harm for all of us. It prioritises protection without considering children’s rights to access information and express themselves. This risks leaving the most vulnerable children being cut off from digital spaces essential to their success.

    Australia’s approach puts paternal politics ahead of technical and social reality. As we get closer to the ban taking effect, we’ll see how this approach to regulate social communication platforms offers young people respite from the platforms their parents fear – yet continue to use everyday for their own basic communication needs.

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

    – ref. A trial is testing ways to enforce Australia’s under-16s social media ban. But the tech is flawed – https://theconversation.com/a-trial-is-testing-ways-to-enforce-australias-under-16s-social-media-ban-but-the-tech-is-flawed-256332

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • Two climbers, from India and the Philippines, died on Everest

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An Indian climber and another from the Philippines became the first mountaineers to die on Mount Everest in the current March-May climbing season of the world’s highest peak, hiking officials said on Friday.

    Subrata Ghosh, 45, from India, died on Thursday below the Hillary Step while returning after reaching the 8,849 metres (29,032 feet) peak.

    “He refused to descend from below the Hillary Step,” said Bodhraj Bhandari of Nepal’s Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition organising company.

    No other details were available.

    The Hillary Step is located in the ‘death zone’, an area between the 8,000-metre (26,250 ft) high South Col and the summit where the level of natural oxygen is inadequate for survival.

    “Efforts are underway to bring his body down to the base camp. The cause of his death will be known only after post post-mortem,” Bhandari said.

    Philipp II Santiago, 45, from the Philippines, died late on Wednesday at the South Col while he was on his way up, said Himal Gautam, a tourism department official.

    Santiago was tired when he reached the fourth high camp and died while resting in his tent, Gautam added.

    Santiago and Ghose were both members of an international expedition organised by Bhandari.

    Nepal has issued 459 permits to climb Everest during the current season that ends in May. Nearly 100 climbers and their guides have already reached the summit this week.

    Mountain climbing, trekking, and tourism are a source of income and employment for Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world.

    At least 345 people have died on Everest in more than 100 years since summiting expeditions were known to have started, according to the Himalayan Database and hiking officials.

    –Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Education Bureau to hold Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Education Bureau to hold Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2025 
    A spokesman for the EDB said today (May 16), “The Info Expo aims to provide the latest information on multiple pathways for senior secondary school students, parents and teachers; and to help students make good preparations for different articulation and career plans. Around 30 post-secondary institutions and organisations will set up exhibition booths to provide information on locally accredited post-secondary programmes (including programmes eligible for various government subsidy schemes as well as vocational and professional education and training programmes and applied degree programmes), the Diploma of Applied Education programmes, as well as relevant online platforms such as the Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes (iPASS), the Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes (E-APP), the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (Concourse), and the Qualifications Framework.”
     
    In addition, Hok Yau Club, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, and the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association will offer studies and career guidance services to students.
     
    There will also be talks on multiple pathways, preparation and strategies for articulation to post-secondary education, and experience sharing by post-secondary students. Institution and industry representatives will also provide first-hand information about various programmes and career development. 

    Admission is free and prior registration is not required. There are interactive games at the EDB’s booth. Participants who have completed designated tasks will receive a gift while stocks last.Issued at HKT 11:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Health chairs first meeting of Advisory Committee on Health and Medical Innovation Development (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Secretary for Health chairs first meeting of Advisory Committee on Health and Medical Innovation Development ————
    Secretary for Health————————————————————-
    Mr Yang Ting  ————————–
    Professor Isaiah Arkin
    Professor Bian Zhaoxiang
    Dr Benjamin Li Xiaoyi 
    Professor Tony Mok Shu-kam
    Professor Walter Seto Wai-kay
    Professor David Shum Ho-keung
    Professor Karl Tsim Wah-Keung
    Mr Fred Tung
    Ms Wu Shan———————
    Permanent Secretary for Health
    Deputy Secretary for Health 3
    Senior Advisor (Secretary for Health’s Office)
    Representative from the Department of Health
    Representative from the Hospital Authority
    Representative from the Innovation and Technology Commission
    Representative from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
    Issued at HKT 17:22

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: (Video) Developmental Disorders in Children – Developmental Language Disorder

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The One-minute Video Production Competition 2025 (the Competition) is a signature event of the Biliteracy and Trilingualism Campaign, organised by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR). The Competition is now open to the public until 25 May 2025 for voting on their favourite entries in the categories including parent-child, primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary. The entry with the highest number of votes in each category will receive “The Most Popular Award”, and the awardees for each category will be awarded a book coupon valued $2,000. Teachers, students, parents and members of the public are invited to click here or scan the QR code in the e-banner above to vote for entries that you like best in promoting biliteracy and trilingualism at its highest impact.

    Themed “Hong Kong and me – our dialogue, our story • Cultural Exchange”, the Competition featured by video production inspires students to better understand how their biliterate and trilingual abilities can facilitate their connection with different parts of the world. It can also promote Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as well as an international education hub. The result of the Competition will be announced on 27 June 2025 at the Closing cum Award Presentation Ceremony of the Campaign.

    SCOLAR’s Facebook and Instagram (scolar.hk) will keep you updated with the exciting events and latest news. We look forward to your support and participation.

     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2025; Public Voting for “The Most Popular Award” of the “Biliteracy and Trilingualism Campaign: One-minute Video Production Competition 2025” organised by SCOLAR

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The One-minute Video Production Competition 2025 (the Competition) is a signature event of the Biliteracy and Trilingualism Campaign, organised by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR). The Competition is now open to the public until 25 May 2025 for voting on their favourite entries in the categories including parent-child, primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary. The entry with the highest number of votes in each category will receive “The Most Popular Award”, and the awardees for each category will be awarded a book coupon valued $2,000. Teachers, students, parents and members of the public are invited to click here or scan the QR code in the e-banner above to vote for entries that you like best in promoting biliteracy and trilingualism at its highest impact.

    Themed “Hong Kong and me – our dialogue, our story • Cultural Exchange”, the Competition featured by video production inspires students to better understand how their biliterate and trilingual abilities can facilitate their connection with different parts of the world. It can also promote Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as well as an international education hub. The result of the Competition will be announced on 27 June 2025 at the Closing cum Award Presentation Ceremony of the Campaign.

    SCOLAR’s Facebook and Instagram (scolar.hk) will keep you updated with the exciting events and latest news. We look forward to your support and participation.

     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Singapore ETO promotes Hong Kong in Vietnam through government and business engagements (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Singapore ETO promotes Hong Kong in Vietnam through government and business engagements  
         The luncheon in Da Nang, co-organised for the first time with the Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam (HKBAV), attracted around 60 Vietnamese business leaders and investors. The Singapore ETO’s investment promotion team delivered a presentation on Hong Kong’s latest investment climate and opportunities, as well as the city’s unique position as a gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and outlined the range of support services available to Vietnamese enterprises looking to expand into the region.
     
         In his opening remarks, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, highlighted Vietnam’s growing importance as a key economic and strategic partner of Hong Kong. The Singapore ETO’s relentless engagement across various regions of Vietnam underlines its strong commitment to fostering bilateral collaboration through continued government-to-government dialogue, business exchanges, and people-to-people interactions.
     
         On the same day, Mr Fung paid a courtesy call on the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Da Nang, Ms Dong Biyou. Mr Fung briefed Ms Dong on the Singapore ETO’s latest outreach initiatives in Vietnam, and both sides exchanged views on how Hong Kong can serve as a gateway between Mainland China and Vietnam, particularly in the context of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
     
         In April and early May, the Singapore ETO conducted two other official visits to further promote Hong Kong and strengthen ties in northern and southern Vietnam. On May 10, Mr Fung attended and delivered remarks at the HKBAV Gala Dinner in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), which was attended by nearly 200 guests. He reiterated Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages under the “one country, two systems” framework, particularly in light of the evolving global trade environment. Other guests included the Deputy Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in HCMC, Mr Xu Zhou, and the Chairman of the HKBAV, Mr Michael Chiu.
     
         On April 16, the Singapore ETO and Invest Hong Kong cohosted a business seminar and networking event titled “Hong Kong – The Launchpad for Your AI-Driven Success” in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Supported by the Vietnam Software & IT Services Association (VINASA), the event was attended by founders, owners, and senior executives from over 30 companies from sectors including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and information and communications technology. Participants were briefed on Hong Kong’s market opportunities, AI funding opportunities, tax incentives, and research and development support measures by Mr Fung and the investment promotion team through presentations and a sharing session.
     
         During the same Hanoi visit, Mr Fung also had separate meetings with the Deputy Director General of the International Market Development Department, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr To Ngoc Son, and the Acting Director General of the Northeast Asia Department, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Do Nam Trung, on April 16 and 17 respectively. Both sides exchanged views on the regional economic and geopolitical outlook and explored opportunities to enhance collaboration on government and business levels. Mr Fung also sought Vietnam’s continued support for Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
    Issued at HKT 17:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Senior Appointment at Hong Kong Monetary Authority

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (May 16) that the Financial Secretary, on the advice of the Governance Sub-Committee of the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee, has approved the extension of Mr Howard Lee’s appointment as Deputy Chief Executive for two years beyond the normal retirement age, effective October 2025. Mr Lee will continue to be responsible for reserves management, financial infrastructure and fintech development at the HKMA. He is also an Executive Director of the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited.

    Ends/Friday, May 16, 2025
    Issued at HKT 16:46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co Ltd to establish international headquarters and R&D centre in Hong Kong to provide hydrogen energy solutions (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    One of the strategic enterprises under the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co Ltd, officially inaugurated its Hong Kong office (Guofu Hydrogen Energy (Hong Kong) Development Co Limited) today (May 16). Guofu Hydrogen Energy plans to establish its international headquarters and research and development platform in Hong Kong, leveraging the city’s strengths as an international financial centre and innovation and technology (I&T) hub to expand its hydrogen energy business and related solutions.

    The Deputy Chief Manager (Advanced Manufacturing and New Energy Technology) of OASES, Mr Eric Leung, attended the inauguration ceremony and stated, “As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, Hong Kong is committed to promoting sustainable development and the application of green energy technologies. Guofu Hydrogen Energy’s decision to establish its international headquarters and R&D platform in Hong Kong not only underscores the city’s dedication to green and new energy technology development but also further affirms its role as a bridge connecting the Mainland and international markets.”
    ​
    The President of Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co Ltd, Mr Wu Pinfang, said, “Hong Kong boasts a well-established legal system, an excellent business environment, and unique advantages in connecting the Mainland with global markets, making it an ideal choice for our business expansion. At present, Guofu Hydrogen Energy is leveraging Hong Kong’s regional advantages and global industry policies to advance the development of a global supply chain centre for hydrogen energy equipment.”

    Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co Ltd, established in June 2016 with its headquarters in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, is a leading hydrogen energy storage and transportation equipment manufacturer and comprehensive industry chain solution provider in China. The company focuses on the research and development and manufacturing of core equipment for the entire hydrogen energy “production, storage, transportation, refuelling, and utilization” industry chain. Its product line covers water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, vehicle hydrogen supply systems (including high-pressure/liquid hydrogen storage cylinders), complete hydrogen refuelling station equipment, liquid hydrogen storage and transportation containers, and hydrogen liquefaction plant solutions.

    For more information about Guofu Hydrogen Energy, please visit www.guofuhee.com.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Post announced today (May 16) that, as advised by the postal administration of Malta, mail delivery services previously impacted by the implementation of a new import system by the local customs have returned to normal.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/820 of 25 April 2025 amending Decision 2013/184/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Spanish scholar highlights AI’s role in cross-cultural exchange

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

    Juan Manuel Corchado, rector and AI professor at the University of Salamanca, delivers a lecture titled “From Understanding to Dialogue: The Power of AI to Unite People and Nations” at Tsinghua University in Beijing, May 15, 2025. [Photo by Wang Yiming/China.org.cn]

    For two nations with rich cultural heritages and growing technological ambitions like Spain and China, artificial intelligence (AI) offers a unique opportunity to forge deeper ties, said Juan Manuel Corchado, rector and chair professor of artificial intelligence, computer science and cybersecurity at the University of Salamanca.

    During a recent visit to China from May 13-15, Corchado led a Spanish academic delegation that met with representatives from some of China’s top universities, including Peking University and Tsinghua University, to explore opportunities for educational cooperation and AI-powered cultural exchange.

    In an interview with China.org.cn, Corchado elaborated on how AI can facilitate cultural exchange and strengthen academic ties between China and Spain, and his views of AI as a powerful enabler for stronger bilateral ties.

    He explained that advanced AI models, such as large language models (LLMs) and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, have the capability to “analyze the cultural context of a conversation” and adjust their responses to respect local traditions and customs. This contextual awareness helps avert misunderstandings and promotes culturally sensitive communication. Moreover, AI can analyze cultural trends and perspectives, providing valuable insights to support international decision-making.

    He also emphasized AI’s ability for “smart translation,” which goes beyond simple language conversion by accurately interpreting idiomatic expressions unique to each culture while maintaining their original meaning. Additionally, Corchado pointed out that AI enables “real-time multilingual communication,” effectively breaking down language barriers and fostering collaboration and mutual understanding across nations.

    Beyond language, Corchado highlighted that AI can identify and understand philosophical concepts unique to certain cultures. For example, AI models can explain the differences between Western and Eastern thought, further bridging cultural divides and enhancing cross-cultural dialogue.

    As a concrete example of AI’s application in cultural exchange, Juan Corchado highlighted the University of Salamanca’s plan to open a Confucius Institute at the end of this month, integrating AI into its teaching approach.

    “The Confucius Institute will promote Chinese language and culture,” Corchado said. “But now that we offer all our students courses in AI, we believe we can combine AI with Confucius education.”

    He explained that the university provides AI courses to all students because everyone has the ability to adopt AI to become a better professional. Taking advantage of current AI advancements alongside Chinese language learning, the university plans to use innovative tools such as the latest generative AI models and RAG technology to develop specialized systems for teaching Chinese language and culture.

    “We can customize all the information we have about China to meet the needs of each individual user,” Corchado noted. “This is a great advantage. By combining the traditional Confucius teaching approach with the power of AI, we aim to create knowledge that reaches far more people, adapting to their specific learning needs.”

    Reflecting on his visit to China 10 years ago, he said he was struck this time by the country’s remarkable progress. “I’m impressed with the level of technology you apply in society to all elements, and how everything is so well thought out and made for the people,” he said.

    Corchado was also particularly impressed by the close relationship between Chinese universities, society and industry. “I visited several companies that are proud of their cooperation with universities,” he said. “And the universities, in turn, proudly speak of how many of their former students are now working at top technology companies such as DeepSeek and Lenovo. This synergy between academia and industry is impressive and shows how education directly benefits society.”

    Corchado praised China’s leadership in AI, attributing it to a powerful combination of investment, infrastructure and talent. “I believe the top power in AI worldwide is China,” he said. “You have the funding to develop large language models like DeepSeek and to build the computing clusters they require. But even more important is the human capital to develop these platforms.”

    “I’ve studied several Chinese tech firms, and I’m really impressed by the level of knowledge and capability I’ve seen,” he said.

    Acknowledging China’s leading role in AI, Corchado stressed the importance of collaboration. “We need to be closer to those who know more than us, to learn more,” he said, emphasizing the critical role academic institutions can play in fostering cross-cultural understanding, especially in the age of AI.

    He highlighted the University of Salamanca’s longstanding engagement with China. “We are a more than 800-year-old university with one of the strongest Asian studies programs, especially focused on China,” he said.

    The university hosts around 600 Chinese students annually — roughly one-tenth of its international student body — and receives many more for short-term courses. In addition to academic partnerships, Salamanca’s science park is also home to companies doing business with China, strengthening links across education, research and industry.

    “Universities trust each other. We are accustomed to collaborating, communicating and working jointly on projects. This kind of cooperation helps us not only to accomplish academic goals, but also to gain a deeper understanding of one another’s cultures,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Curious Tales of a Temple’ animated movie set for July release

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

    An epic animated fantasy anthology film “Curious Tales of a Temple” is set for release in July, intertwining six storylines from China’s classic supernatural story collection “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio” by Pu Songling.

    A poster for “Curious Tales of a Temple.” [Image courtesy of Light Chaser Animation]

    The animated film, co-directed by Cui Yuemei, Liu Yuan, Xie Junwei, Zou Jing, Huang Heyu and Liu Yilin — with each directing one story — and produced by Song Yiyi, adapts Pu Songling’s stories in anthology format. As the 10th feature-length production from Light Chaser Animation, it stands as the studio’s most ambitious film to date, featuring the largest scale and most extensive creative team. The movie marks their fifth straight summer release after blockbusters “Green Snake,” “New Gods: Yang Jian,” “Chang An” and “White Snake: Afloat.”

    “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio” is a 17th-century collection of stories by Pu Songling that blends folklore, fantasy and moral lessons. The tales feature scholars, spirits and shape-shifting creatures in dreamlike scenarios that explore virtue, retribution and the mystical. With elegant prose and wit, Pu crafts enchanting short stories in which humans grapple with otherworldly dilemmas. This anthology reveals profound truths about human nature through the extraordinary, while being both entertaining and enlightening.

    In a May 15 announcement, Light Chaser Animation said that in adapting “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio” into an animated feature, it has pushed creative boundaries in storytelling, visual style and audiovisual experience, striving to deliver a fresh, interesting and immersive journey into the extraordinary world of Eastern fantasy.

    The six stories center on Lanruo Temple, an ancient ruin haunted by spirits. The newly released trailer opens with scholar Pu Songling exploring the temple at night, weaving in classic tales like “Taoist from Laoshan Mountain,” “Princess Lotus,” “Nie Xiaoqian,” “The Painted Skin” and “The Daughter of Magistrate Lu.” These stories — spanning humans, ghosts and demons — explore love, death and morality against shifting time. The film merges six distinct styles into one anthology, offering fresh perspectives. For example, “Taoist from Laoshan Mountain” uses felt-textured animation, while “The Painted Skin” mirrors Song dynasty painting aesthetics, appealing to new viewers and longtime fans alike while showcasing Light Chaser’s blend of innovation and tradition.

    “Curious Tales of a Temple” will open in theaters nationwide on July 12 as a strong contender at the summer box office.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing to host world’s largest service trade fair in Sept.

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

    The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) will be held Sept. 10-14 at Shougang Park in Beijing’s western Shijingshan district, officials announced Thursday.

    More than 30 countries, regions and international organizations have expressed interest in participating in the event.

    Starting this year, CIFTIS will adopt a fixed schedule and permanent venue, opening annually on the second Wednesday of September at Shougang Park. The venue, known for its industrial heritage, will be transformed into a garden-style exhibition town to enhance the visitor experience.

    Founded in 2012, CIFTIS has grown into the world’s largest comprehensive fair for trade in services, having attracted nearly 1.19 million participants from 198 countries and regions since its inception.

    The 2025 edition will feature the Global Trade in Services Summit, exhibitions, forums, business matchmaking and achievement showcases. Australia, the guest country of honor, will bring its largest-ever trade delegation to CIFTIS, while Anhui province, as the guest province of honor, will highlight its technological innovation and services sector development.

    Nine themed exhibition areas will showcase key sectors including telecommunications, finance, culture and tourism, education and sports, emphasizing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and digital services. Approximately 200 new product launches and service trade achievements are expected to be announced.

    The Global Trade in Services Summit, co-hosted by the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, will open the morning of Sept. 10 at Hall 1 in Shougang Park.

    This year’s event will prioritize professional forums and policy reports, with 13 thematic forums and more than 100 sessions already planned. About 10-15% of exhibition space will be dedicated to business matchmaking to promote cooperation and transactions.

    Supporting events will span 14 venues within Shougang Park, featuring cultural performances, art markets, fashion shows, sports events and networking receptions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: New breakthrough in card issuance cooperation between UnionPay International and Bank of China (Australia) Limited to issue UnionPay single-network dual-currency debit cards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UnionPay International and Bank of China (Australia) Limited jointly announced on May 12 that they plan to cooperate on the issuance of UnionPay single-network dual-currency debit cards. This is the first time that a UnionPay single-network dual-currency debit card will be offered in Australia, marking a milestone in UnionPay’s Australian business. Guo Dayong, President of China UnionPay, Li Mang, GM and Country head of Bank of China in Australia and Xie Qunsong, Deputy Chairman of UnionPay International, attended the ceremony.

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link.

    The UnionPay single-network dual-currency debit card supports innovative functions such as contactless QuickPass payment and online purchasing meeting the payment needs of cardholders in different scenarios. After binding the card to Bank of China’s Mobile Banking APP overseas version, cardholders can make payments via UnionPay QR code network covering 47 countries and regions around the world. The card supports dual-currency settlement and will automatically select the relevant payment currency providing that currency is available in the linked account. When cardholders purchase in the Chinese Mainland, they directly access their CNY linked account for payment, or if there is insufficient CNY in the linked account, or no linked CNY account, access the AUD linked account at the real-time exchange rate, free of currency conversion fees.

    During the “May Labour holiday” in 2025, the number of air tickets booked by Australian travellers to China increased by 150% from 2024. In response to the rising trend of “China Travel” in Australia, UnionPay’s global acceptance network and multiple product features including “Card, QR and mobile Pay” combine with Bank of China’s financial resources in Australia to optimise the payment experience for Australians travelling in China or cross-border. Since launching in 2024 UnionPay continues “Project Excellence” to coordinate with domestic and overseas industry stakeholders to effectively improve the level of payment facilitation for foreigners coming to China by expanding the issuance of cards outside China and optimising the card acceptance in China.

    In Australia, all major offline merchants and ATMs accept UnionPay payments, about 90% of which support UnionPay QuickPass, basically building a full range of offline payment acceptance for students, business travellers and local customers. Cardholders have increasing convenience for payments in Australia and access to many benefits and privileges when travelling abroad and visiting China. UnionPay is increasingly becoming a payment brand favoured by Australians for local and overseas purchases and payments and when visiting China.

    Source: UnionPay International

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Directions under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 – Padmashri Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Co-operative Bank Ltd., Nashik, Maharashtra – Withdrawal of Directions

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India had issued Directions under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to Padmashri Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Co-operative Bank Ltd., Nashik, Maharashtra vide Directive No. DCBS.CO.BSD-I/D-7/12.22.395/2017-18 dated May 18, 2018 for a period of six months up to the close of business on November 18, 2018. The same were modified from time to time and were last extended up to the close of business on May 17, 2025.

    2. After reviewing the financial position of the bank, the Reserve Bank of India on being satisfied that in the public interest it is necessary to do so and in exercise of the powers vested in it under sub-section (2) of Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 hereby withdraws the Directions issued to Padmashri Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Co-operative Bank Ltd., Nashik, Maharashtra with effect from the close of business on May 16, 2025.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/349

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: EngageLab Supercharges Global E-commerce with Smart Push and Push Plan Features for AppPush & WebPush, Boosting Click-Through Rates by Over 30%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As global e-commerce gears up for a series of major shopping seasons, EngageLab, a leading customer engagement solutions provider recently launched two powerful new features for its AppPush and WebPush products: Smart Push and Push Plan. These enhancements are designed to help global e-commerce businesses significantly improve user engagement, marketing efficiency, and conversion rates, with early adopters already reporting click-through rate increases of over 30%.

    With major sales events like TikTok’s multi-country Summer Sale (June-July), Amazon Prime Day (July), the North American Back-to-School season (July-September), and Southeast Asia’s mega-sales (September) on platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop rapidly approaching, e-commerce businesses are seeking more intelligent ways to cut through the noise and maximize their marketing ROI. EngageLab’s new features directly address the challenges of optimizing message delivery and managing complex promotional campaigns.

    Feature 1: Smart Push – Deliver Messages at the “Golden Moment”
    EngageLab’s new Smart Push capability eliminates the guesswork in scheduling push notifications. By analyzing users’ recent activity patterns and usage habits, the smart feature predicts the optimal time each user is most likely to be active and engaged. Messages are then delivered precisely according to the user’s local time zone, ensuring notifications arrive at their personal “golden moment.”

    Key Advantages:

    • Higher Click-Through Rates: Delivering messages when users are most active significantly increases visibility and interaction. Clients testing this feature have seen click-through rates improve by over 30%.
    • Increased Conversion Efficiency: Capturing user attention at peak engagement times leads to more effective down-funnel conversions.
    • Enhanced User Experience: Avoids inopportune interruptions, fostering positive brand perception.
    • New User Friendly: For users without historical data, businesses can still opt for immediate delivery, a specific scheduled time, or a time based on the end-user’s local time zone.

    This feature is now available for a limited-time free trial via the EngageLab dashboard.

    Feature 2: Push Plan – Masterful Management for Large-Scale Promotion Campaigns
    Managing the multi-wave, multi-segment, and multi-content push notification strategies required for major global e-commerce campaigns can be complex. The new Push Plan feature provides a centralized command center for these intricate operations.

    Key Advantages:

    • Centralized Campaign Management: Group multiple push tasks targeting the same campaign (e.g., pre-heat, launch, and retargeting phases for a summer sale) into a single “Push Plan” for clear, stage-by-stage communication strategy management.
    • Holistic Performance Insights: Move beyond fragmented data from individual pushes. Push Plan offers consolidated analytics, precisely tracking key metrics like delivery rate, click rate, and conversions across the entire campaign lifecycle.
    • Flexible Operation: Full support via API and Web Portal allows both developers and marketing operators to easily create, manage tasks, track data, and optimize strategies within their Push Plans.
    • Data-Driven Optimization: A clear dashboard provides an at-a-glance view of overall marketing campaign effectiveness, offering robust data support for future strategy refinements.
      • Push Statistics: Detailed tracking of delivery, clicks, and more.
      • Summary Statistics: Comprehensive analysis of conversion rates and overall campaign impact.

    These two new features for AppPush and WebPush are designed to empower businesses with smarter technology and more efficient tools for managing customer engagement. By optimizing message delivery and streamlining campaign management, EngageLab helps businesses enhance user communication, boost marketing efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth in the competitive global marketplace.

    About EngageLab
    EngageLab is a world-leading AI-powered omnichannel customer engagement solution provider, unites technology and versatility to offer seamless customer interactions and marketing automation across every channel, including AppPush, WebPush, Email, OTP, SMS and WhatsApp Business. It empowers businesses to build lasting relationships and achieve higher conversions and retention. With a strong focus on innovation and performance, EngageLab supports businesses in over 220 countries and regions, delivering more than 1 million messages every second across various channels.

    For more information about EngageLab and its suite of solutions, visit www.engagelab.com.

    For Media Inquiries:
    Contact: marketing@engagelab.com 
    Website: www.engagelab.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d1c343b-3c76-486c-859f-5f6be53f41fd

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2721f75-5dd9-4180-8af7-a221cf79e385

    The MIL Network –

  • Russians and Ukrainians in Turkey for what would be first talks in 3 year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were in Istanbul on Friday for what was billed as their first direct peace talks in more than three years, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

    The encounter anticipated at the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus would be a sign of diplomatic progress between the warring sides, who had not met face-to-face since March 2022, the month following Russia’s invasion.

    Expectations for a major breakthrough, already low, were dented further on Thursday when Trump said there would be no movement without a meeting between himself and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

    Trump, winding up a Middle East tour and heading back to Washington, said on Friday he would meet the Russian leader “as soon as we can set it up”.

    In Istanbul, a Reuters reporter saw the first vehicles arriving at the talks venue, including white minibuses and several black cars. A Turkish Foreign Ministry source said a meeting had started between Turkish, U.S. and Ukrainian officials.

    Turkish sources had said the Ukrainian and Russian delegations would meet in the presence of Turkish officials, beginning at 0930 GMT.

    Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey, but has spurned a challenge from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to meet him in person, and instead has sent a team of mid-ranking officials to the talks.

    Zelenskiy said Putin’s decision not to attend but to send what he called a “decorative” lineup showed the Russian leader was not serious about ending the war. Russia accused Ukraine of trying “to put on a show” around the talks.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also flew to Istanbul on Friday, told reporters the night before that, based on the level of the negotiating teams, a major breakthrough was unlikely.

    “I hope I’m wrong. I hope I’m 100% wrong. I hope tomorrow the news says they’ve agreed to a ceasefire; they’ve agreed to enter serious negotiations. But I’m just giving you my assessment, honestly,” he said.

    Russia says it sees the talks as a continuation of the negotiations that took place in the early weeks of the war in 2022, also in Istanbul.

    But the terms under discussion then, when Ukraine was still reeling from Russia’s initial invasion, would be deeply disadvantageous to Kyiv. They included a demand by Moscow for large cuts to the size of Ukraine’s military.

    With Russian forces now in control of close to a fifth of Ukraine, Putin has held fast to his longstanding demands for Kyiv to cede territory, abandon its NATO membership ambitions and become a neutral country.

    Ukraine rejects these terms as tantamount to capitulation, and is seeking guarantees of its future security from world powers, especially the United States.

    (Reuters)

  • India and Honduras deepen bilateral ties with inauguration of Honduran Embassy in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Thursday inaugurated the Embassy of Honduras in New Delhi, calling the event a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the two nations.

    Dr. Jaishankar said that it marked a new chapter in bilateral relations. He also expressed appreciation for Honduras’ strong message of solidarity with India in opposing terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

    The establishment of the Honduran Embassy is expected to enhance diplomatic engagement, promote economic cooperation, and deepen cultural exchanges between the two countries.

    Tracing the evolution of bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 28 September 1994, Dr. Jaishankar noted that the relationship has grown steadily across political, commercial, developmental, and cultural domains. He highlighted that bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 310 million and spans a diverse range of goods, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles, and machinery. India, in turn, imports coffee, wood, and leather from Honduras.

    Dr. Jaishankar said that Indian businesses were showing increasing interest in the renewable energy and IT-enabled services (ITES) sectors in Honduras. He pointed to the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between Reliance Jio and Hondutel, Honduras’s national telecom operator, for the rollout of 5G infrastructure. According to him, it represents a “significant step in digital connectivity and technological innovation.”

    He went on to emphasize that the Embassy would serve as a hub for trade promotion, facilitating business-to-business connections and enabling greater institutional support for bilateral initiatives. “We see this as an opportunity to encourage more investment partnerships and to share our developmental experiences,” he added.

    The Minister also mentioned ongoing cooperation under the framework of Global South solidarity. In this context, he announced plans to install an early warning disaster management system in Honduras, developed by India’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), to enhance the country’s resilience against natural disasters.

    On the multilateral front, Dr. Jaishankar acknowledged Honduras’s consistent support for India at the United Nations and other international forums. He also noted the positive contribution of the small but vibrant Indian diaspora in Honduras, which he said acts as a “living bridge of friendship” between the two nations. The growing interest in Indian culture, yoga, and wellness practices in Honduras was another encouraging sign of deeper people-to-people ties, he said.

    Reflecting on India’s wider engagement with the Latin American region, Dr. Jaishankar said that when he assumed office six years ago, he had committed to increasing India’s diplomatic and developmental footprint in the region. The opening of the Honduran Embassy in New Delhi, he noted, is a reaffirmation of that promise and a sign that such efforts are bearing fruit.

     

    Finally, the External Affairs Minister extended his warmest congratulations to the Honduran delegation and expressed hope that the newly inaugurated mission would pave the way for more intensive interaction and collaboration between the two countries in the years ahead.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCED at APEC MRT Meeting discussion session on Prosperity through Sustainable Trade (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the discussion session entitled “Prosperity through Sustainable Trade” at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Jeju, Korea, today (May 16):

         Thank you, Chair, and good morning, colleagues.

         Supply chains are the driving engines for today’s global economy, yet they are also highly sensitive and vulnerable to external shocks, as we have witnessed during COVID-19 and in recent days.

         Hong Kong, China (HKC), as an international shipping and logistics hub, has been implementing various measures to support sustainable supply chains. Our Climate Action Plan 2050 steers four major decarbonisation strategies, namely, net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction. Increasing the zero-carbon energy supply through renewable energy development, popularising the use of electric commercial vehicles, enhancing the current cross-border electricity transmission infrastructure and developing a green maritime fuel bunkering centre are just a few examples of our efforts on this front. Furthermore, to assist the trade in seizing the business opportunities in green logistics, we have also commenced a study on the development of green and sustainable logistics.

         In December 2024, we launched the roadmap on sustainability disclosure in HKC, as a pathway for large publicly accountable entities to fully adopt, by 2028, the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards), making HKC to be amongst the first jurisdictions to align its local requirements with the ISSB Standards.

         In parallel, enabling initiatives have been rolled out to equip micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with the means to manage their environmental footprint and encourage market participants to improve sustainable business practices. Funding schemes and capacity building programmes have also been put in place to encourage the adoption of digital technologies by MSMEs to facilitate the digital transformation of supply chains.

         The issue of supply chains has always been an integral part of APEC discussions since 2009 when our predecessors endorsed the APEC Supply Chain Connectivity Framework Action Plan at the APEC Ministerial Meeting. HKC believes that APEC has a continued key role in facilitating our businesses in strengthening sustainable supply chains. APEC’s role becomes even more important now than ever, when cross-border trade and investments and supply chains face uncertainty and unprecedented challenges.

         To this end, HKC appreciates Korea’s efforts in organising an informative public-private forum on this important topic last week.

         Our collective goal of strengthening sustainable supply chains should never be a trade-off between sustainability and trade, but rather a synergy between the two. HKC is committed to working with all member economies to drive progress towards shared prosperity through sustainable trade.

         Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCED: Hong Kong committed to driving progress towards shared prosperity through sustainable trade (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCED: Hong Kong committed to driving progress towards shared prosperity through sustainable trade  
         Speaking at the session entitled “Prosperity through Sustainable Trade”, Mr Yau said that supply chains are the driving engines for today’s global economy, yet they are also highly sensitive and vulnerable to external shocks.
     
         He depicted that Hong Kong, as an international shipping and logistics hub, has been implementing various measures such as Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 and the roadmap on sustainability disclosure in Hong Kong to support sustainable supply chains.
     
         “In parallel, enabling initiatives have been rolled out to equip micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with the means to manage their environmental footprint and encourage market participants to improve sustainable business practices. Funding schemes and capacity-building programmes have also been put in place to encourage the adoption of digital technologies by MSMEs to facilitate the digital transformation of supply chains,” Mr Yau said.
     
         Mr Yau stressed that the issue of supply chains has always been an integral part of APEC discussions, and APEC’s role becomes even more important now than ever, when cross-border trade and investments and supply chains face uncertainty and unprecedented challenges.
     
         Mr Yau said he believed that the collective goal of strengthening sustainable supply chains should never be a trade-off between sustainability and trade, but rather a synergy between the two. Hong Kong is committed to working with all member economies to drive progress towards shared prosperity through sustainable trade.
     
         On the sidelines of the MRT Meeting, Mr Yau held a bilateral meeting with State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Mr Ogushi Masaki to exchange views on various trade and economic issues.
     
         The two-day MRT Meeting concluded. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (May 17).
    Issued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos Australia: JACKBIT Rated Top Australian Online Casino With Quick Payments, Games & Bonuses!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Players are responsible for ensuring compliance with Australian gambling laws. Gambling involves risk; play responsibly. Seek help from Gambling Help Online if needed. Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. JACKBIT is licensed outside Australia and may be restricted in certain regions.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/75841063-79f3-4db0-abeb-f5084d7b2658

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89d25075-6911-4b85-b26b-342d735bb9cc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Thundery Showers Mostly Between Early Hours And Morning In The Coming Week

    Source: Government of Singapore

    Singapore, 16 May 2025 – Inter-monsoon conditions are expected to continue in the second fortnight of May 2025, with winds mainly light and variable in direction, and blowing from the southeast or southwest on some days. 

    2          In the first week of the fortnight, Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds between the early hours and morning on some days. Thereafter, localised short-duration thundery showers are expected over parts of the island on a few afternoons. The total rainfall for the second fortnight of May 2025 is forecast to be near average over most parts of the island.

    3          The daily maximum temperatures are likely to be around 34 degrees Celsius on most days, and reach 35 degrees Celsius on a few days..

    4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

     REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (16 – 29 APRIL 2025)

    5          Inter-monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the first fortnight of May 2025. The prevailing winds were generally light and variable in direction.

    6          Moderate to heavy thundery showers fell over parts of Singapore on most days. On 5 May 2025, regional convergence of winds brought heavy thundery showers over many areas of Singapore in the early afternoon. The daily total rainfall of 99.4 mm recorded at Bukit Timah that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the first fortnight of May 2025.

     7          The daily maximum temperatures in the first fortnight of May 2025 were above 34 degrees Celsius on most days. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.4 degree Celsius was recorded at Paya Lebar on 3 May 2025.

     8          Most parts of Singapore recorded above average rainfall in the first fortnight of May 2025. The rainfall around Bukit Timah was about 170 per cent above average and the rainfall around Tengah about 60 per cent below average.

    CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

     Long-term Statistics for May
     (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
    Average daily maximum temperature: 32.3      °C
    Average daily minimum temperature: 25.7 °C
    Average monthly temperature: 28.6 °C
         
    Average rainfall: 164.3 mm
    Average number of rain days: 15  
    Historical Extremes for May
     (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
    Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: 33.6  °C (1997)
    Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: 23.5  °C (1974)
         
    Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:  386.6  mm (1892)
    Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 41.6  mm (1997)

     
    METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE
    16 May 2025

    ~~ End ~~

    For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: xSuite Nordic Invites Customers to the 2025 User Conference in Copenhagen

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Under the Theme “One Team. One Journey,” the Software Provider Showcases Innovations and Solutions for the Finance Sector

    Copenhagen/Denmark, May 16, 2025 – xSuite Nordic cordially invites users and partners to its 2025 User Conference on June 12 in Copenhagen, offering an immersive experience into future-ready technologies. This one-day event will bring together IT and finance professionals to explore key developments in invoice processing, artificial intelligence, SAP S/4HANA, cloud computing, and SAP Clean Core strategies.

    Attendees will gain valuable insights into how technologies such as AI and cloud platforms are accelerating digital transformation and opening new opportunities in finance. xSuite will present its latest product innovations, share its strategic roadmap, and provide a glimpse into emerging tech trends that are reshaping the financial landscape.

    Program Highlights

    1. Deep Dive: Artificial Intelligence – Discover how xSuite’s Prediction Server delivers AI-powered support for invoice processing within SAP environments. This session will demonstrate how AI is extending its reach across financial workflows and how Large Language Models (LLMs) are revolutionizing document recognition and data extraction.

    2. Deep Dive: SAP S/4HANA and Cloud – With many organizations advancing their SAP S/4HANA migration, aligning with SAP’s Clean Core strategy is becoming critical—even within Private Cloud infrastructures—to avoid future technical debt. This session will provide insights into xSuite’s modern solution architecture, including SAP-integrated Business Solutions 6.0 and applications built on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).

    The conference will conclude with networking opportunities and open discussions about customer requirements, highlighting xSuite’s role as a trusted partner in digital transformation.

    Event Details:
    xSuite User Conference
    Date: June 12, 2025
    Location: Danish Architecture Center  | Bryghuspladsen 10 | 1473 Copenhagen

    Time: 09:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    More information and registration: xSuite User Conference 2025 in Copenhagen

    About xSuite Group

    xSuite is a software manufacturer of applications for document-based processes and provides standardized, digital solutions worldwide that enable simple, secure, and fast work. We focus mainly on the automation of important work processes in conjunction with end-to-end document management. Our core competence lies in accounts payable (AP) automation in SAP (including
    e-invoicing), for leading companies worldwide, as well as for public clients. This is supplemented by applications for purchasing and order processes as well as archiving – all delivered from a single source, including both software components and services. xSuite solutions operate in the cloud or in hybrid scenarios. We take pride in the high-quality solutions we offer, as evidenced by the regular certifications we receive for our SAP solutions and deployment environments.” With over 300,000 users benefitting from our solutions, xSuite processes more than 80 million documents per year in over 60 countries.

    Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Ahrensburg, Germany, xSuite has around 300 staff across nine locations worldwide – in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Our company has an established information security management system that is certified in accordance with ISO 27001:2022.

    Contact:
    Barbara Wirtz
    xSuite Group GmbH
    Marketing & PR
    Tel. +49 (0)4102/88 38 36
    barbara.wirtz@xsuite.com
    www.xsuite.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Exim Bank’s GOI-supported Line of Credit (LOC) for USD 700 million to the Govt. of Mongolia (GO-MNG), for financing construction of Crude Oil Refinery Plant in Mongolia

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    RBI/2025-2026/37
    A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 05/2025-26

    May 16, 2025

    All Category – I Authorised Dealer Banks

    Madam/Sir

    Exim Bank’s GOI-supported Line of Credit (LOC) for USD 700 million
    to the Govt. of Mongolia (GO-MNG), for financing construction of
    Crude Oil Refinery Plant in Mongolia

    Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has entered into an agreement dated January 16, 2025, with the Government of Mongolia (GO-MNG), for making available to the latter, Government of India supported Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 700 Mn(USD Seven Hundred Million only) for financing construction of Crude Oil Refinery Plant in Mongolia.

    2. The export of eligible goods and services from India, as defined under the agreement, would be allowed, subject to their eligibility under the Foreign Trade Policy of the Government of India and whose purchase may be agreed to be financed by the Exim Bank under this agreement.

    3. The Agreement under the LoC is effective from May 06, 2025. Under the LoC, the last date for disbursement will be 48 months after scheduled completion date of the contract.

    4. Shipments under the LoC shall be declared in Export Declaration Form/Shipping Bill as per instructions issued by the Reserve Bank from time to time.

    5. No agency commission is payable for export under the above LoC. However, if required, the exporter may use his own resources or utilize balances in his Exchange Earners’ Foreign Currency Account for payment of commission in any foreign currency. Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I banks may allow such remittance after realization of full eligible value of export, subject to compliance with the extant instructions for payment of agency commission.

    6. AD Category – I banks may bring the contents of this circular to the notice of their exporter constituents and advise them to obtain complete details of the LoC from the Exim Bank’s office at Centre One, Floor 21, World Trade Centre Complex, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai 400 005 or from their website www.eximbankindia.in.

    7. The directions contained in this circular have been issued under section 10(4) and 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 (42 of 1999) and are without prejudice to permissions/ approvals, if any, required under any other law.

    Yours faithfully

    (N Senthil Kumar)
    Chief General Manager

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Scaffmore Launches Mobile Scaffolding App

    Source: Tairāwhiti Graduates Celebrate Success – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Scaffmore Launches Mobile Scaffolding App

    Scaffmore is proud to announce the launch of its innovative mobile scaffolding application, designed to transform the way scaffolders plan and execute their projects. By addressing longstanding challenges in the scaffolding industry, Scaffmore offers a user-friendly solution that enhances efficiency, reduces waste, and improves overall productivity.

    The post Scaffmore Launches Mobile Scaffolding App first appeared on PR.co.nz.

    – –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Commissioner initiates review into use of Police technology

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has initiated a review to ensure Police has sufficiently strong controls to prevent or detect the misuse of Police technology and equipment for non-work-related purposes.

    The review was ordered on Monday May 12 and will be done independently and within as quick a timeframe as possible.

    “I want to ensure robust mechanisms are in place to safeguard police systems from inappropriate use and to detect instances of inappropriate use,” Commissioner Chambers said.

    “I expect to receive a report outlining opportunities to enhance the security of police systems and defend against attempts to access inappropriate content.”

    Currently the use of Police devices, including laptops and cell phones, and access to Police-held information is governed by strict Police Instructions.

    Police conduct checks on individual devices if and when concerns are raised.

    Personal use of Police technology is limited and users must agree to abide by Police values and standards of behaviour when using their devices.

    Generally, Police devices are blocked from accessing categories of websites and services that are illegal or banned or those that could adversely affect Police ICT systems.

    Other websites which are categorised as potentially hosting unwanted or offensive material require the user to agree the interaction is necessary and in line with the Police code of conduct.

    There are some exemptions for police staff whose work requires access to content that is blocked on most Police devices, such as for investigative purposes.

    All web interactions from the police network are logged and pass through a web filter.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 41 landlords of subdivided units under regulated tenancies convicted of contravening relevant statutory requirements

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    41 landlords of subdivided units under regulated tenancies convicted of contravening relevant statutory requirements 
         The offences of these 41 landlords include (1) failing to submit a Notice of Tenancy (Form AR2) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation within 60 days after the term of the regulated tenancy commenced; and (2) requesting the tenant to pay money other than the types permitted under the Ordinance (including requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance). One of the landlords committed eight offences under (1) and (2) and was fined $9,200.

         The RVD earlier discovered that the landlords failed to comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance. Upon an in-depth investigation and evidence collection, the RVD prosecuted against the landlords.
     
         A spokesman for the RVD reiterated that SDU landlords must comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance, including prohibiting landlords from doing any act calculated to interfere with the peace or comfort of members of the tenant’s household, with the intention of causing the tenant to give up occupation of the SDU; or requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance, and also reminded  tenants of their rights under the Ordinance, including a four-year (i.e. two years plus two years) security of tenure. He also stressed that the RVD will continue to take resolute enforcement action against any contraventions of the Ordinance. Apart from following up on reported cases, the RVD has been adopting a multipronged approach to proactively identify, investigate and follow up on cases concerning landlords who are suspected of contravening the Ordinance. In particular, the RVD has been requiring landlords of regulated tenancies to provide information and reference documents of their tenancies for checking whether they have complied with the requirements of the Ordinance. If a landlord, without reasonable excuse, refuses to provide the relevant information or neglects the RVD’s request, the landlord commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine at level 3 ($10,000) and to imprisonment for three months. Depending on the actual circumstances, and having regard to the information and evidence collected, the RVD will take appropriate actions on individual cases, including instigating prosecution against suspected contraventions of the Ordinance. In addition, the RVD has started a new round of publicity and education work to enhance public awareness about key offences and penalties, emphasising that the RVD proactively checks whether landlords have committed the offences under the Ordinance.  
         The RVD reminds that pursuant to the Ordinance, a regulated cycle of regulated tenancies is to comprise two consecutive regulated tenancies (i.e. the first-term tenancy and second-term tenancy) for an SDU, and the term of each regulated tenancy is two years. A tenant of a first-term tenancy for an SDU is entitled to be granted a second-term tenancy of the regulated cycle, thus enjoying a total of four years of security of tenure. The RVD has been issuing letters enclosing relevant information to the landlords and tenants concerned of regulated tenancies in batches, according to the expiry time of their first-term tenancies, to assist them in understanding the important matters pertaining to the second-term tenancy, and to remind them about the procedures that need to be followed about two months prior to the commencement of the purported second-term tenancy as well as their respective obligations and rights under the Ordinance. These landlords and tenants may also visit the dedicated page for the second-term tenancy on the RVD’s website (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/tenancy_matters/second_term_tenancy.html 
         For enquiries related to regulated tenancies, please call the telephone hotline (2150 8303) or visit the RVD’s webpage (    www.rvd.gov.hk/en/our_services/part_iva.htmlIssued at HKT 16:10

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –