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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI: EAT & BEYOND COMPLETES THE ACQUISITION OF 100% OF MILO MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES INC.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, BC, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eat & Beyond Global Holdings Inc. (CSE: EATS) (OTCPK: EATBF) (FSE: 988) (“Eat & Beyond” or the “Company”), an investment issuer focused on incubating first-mover opportunities in emerging markets, is pleased to announce, further to its news release of January 31, 2025, that the Company has completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of Milo Media Technologies Inc. (“Milo Media”) in exchange for securities of Eat & Beyond pursuant to the terms and conditions of a securities exchange agreement dated January 31, 2025 (the “Definitive Agreement”) among the Company, Milo Media, the shareholders and the warrant holders of Milo Media (the “Transaction”).

    Transaction Terms

    Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement and in consideration for 100% of the issued and outstanding shares, Eat & Beyond has issued an aggregate of 15,000,000 common shares of Eat & Beyond (the “Payment Shares”) to Milo shareholders at a deemed price of $0.185 per Payment Share and issued 15,000,000 common share purchase warrants (the “Replacement Warrants”) as consideration for the disposition of all of the warrants of Milo (the “Milo Warrants”). Each Replacement Warrant permits the holder thereof to acquire one common share in the capital of Eat & Beyond (a “Share”) at a price of $0.075 per Share on or before January 30, 2025, the same exercise price and expiry date of the original Milo Warrants surrendered for cancellation.

    There is no statutory hold period for the Payment Shares or the Replacement Warrants pursuant to applicable securities laws, however, the Payment Shares are subject to voluntary hold periods as follows: 10% of the Payment Shares will become freely tradable upon the Company filing a Business Acquisition Report for the Transaction (the “BAR”), and the remaining 90% of the Payment Shares will be subject to a hold period expiring four months after the BAR is filed.

    The Transaction is an arms-length transaction and there is no change in management or the Board of Directors of Eat & Beyond.

    Strategic Significance of the Acquisition

    The acquisition of Milo Media has provided Eat & Beyond with a first-mover advantage as the first publicly traded company – to the best of the Company’s knowledge – to actively participate in the XRPL ecosystem. Milo Media’s financial infrastructure solutions are expected to enable Eat & Beyond to acquire Ripple (XRP) through active participation on the XRP network, akin to how Bitcoin miners earn Bitcoin. This unique model is expected to position Eat & Beyond to generate value directly from the network’s growth and adoption.

    “With the acquisition complete and Liquid Link now officially launched, we’re entering a new era, one where everyday users, developers, and institutions can interact with the XRPL and beyond in ways never before possible. The XRP Army has always believed in utility. Now, we’re helping deliver it” said Young Bann, CEO of Eat & Beyond.

    About Milo Media

    Milo Media is a private company existing under the laws of the Province of British Columbia. Following the closing of the Transaction, Milo Media Technologies will now operate under the trade name Liquid Link and is proud to unveil its new home at www.liquidlink.ai.

    Introducing Liquid Link: Built for the Web3 Era

    Liquid Link is developing Xrpfy, a next-generation discovery and analytics platform purpose-built for the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Designed for client-side transitions and as a self-custody-first interface, Xrpfy enables users to:

    • Search for real-world assets (RWAs), stablecoins, and the full spectrum of Web3 tokens on the XRPL ledger.
    • Discover the least-cost trading routes and identify arbitrage opportunities across the XRPL decentralized exchange (DEX).
    • Navigate the XRPL with no middlemen — Liquid Link does not facilitate trades or custody funds, but instead empowers users with powerful analytics and user-friendly tools.

    Future versions of the platform may incorporate AI agent capabilities, providing even smarter, faster ways to interact with the XRPL.

    Expanding Beyond XRPL

    While Liquid Link is laser-focused on unleashing the full potential of the XRP Ledger, it is also charting a bold multi-chain future. The company plans to build and support tools for emerging Bitcoin Layer 2 ecosystems, including:

    • The Lightning Network
    • Liquid Network
    • RGB
    • Taproot Assets

    Additionally, support for Axelar and the broader Web3 ecosystem is being actively considered, with timelines to be determined.

    These integrations will enable enterprise-grade adoption of RWAs, stablecoins, and Web3 applications across the decentralized economy.

    The Opportunity Ahead

    The global market for tokenized assets — from real estate to carbon credits, commodities to currencies — is projected to exceed $16 trillion by 2030, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group and ADDX¹1. With its ultra-fast, low-cost transaction environment, the XRP Ledger is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution.

    Liquid Link’s Xrpfy platform is built to be the gateway to this future.

    By combining intelligent search, seamless discovery, and powerful routing tools, Xrpfy will give individuals and businesses the tools they need to build, trade, and scale confidently in the Web3 economy.

    Launch Timeline

    The Xrpfy platform is currently in active development and is scheduled to launch by the end of Q2 2025.

    Join the Movement

    For updates, partnerships, and early access to Xrpfy, visit www.liquidlink.ai and follow us on social media.

    Marketing Agreements

    The Company is also pleased to announce the following marketing service agreements. The Company’s engagement of the service providers is intended to improve the Company’s visibility and prominence in the capital markets.

    On May 1, 2025, the Company entered into a marketing agreement with an arm’s length firm, Senergy Communications Capital Inc. (“Senergy”). Senergy has agreed to provide content development and digital marketing services. The agreement will remain in effect for one month with the option to renew. The Company has agreed to pay an aggregate cash fee of $150,000, plus applicable taxes. Senergy does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Senergy’s business is located at 122 Mainland Street (Suite 228) Vancouver, BC, V6B-5L1. The contact person is Aleem Fidai, email: info@senergy.capital.

    On May 1, 2025, the Company has entered into a marketing agency agreement (the “Marketing Agreement”) with an arm’s length firm, Global One Media Limited (“Global One”) to provide, among other things, social media management, marketing and distribution services to the Company. The Marketing Agreement has an initial term of six months, and the Company will pay Global One a monthly retainer fee of US$4,500. Global One Media does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Global One’s business is located 100 Tras Street #16-01, 100 AM Singapore, 079027. The contact person is Bastien Boulay, email: bastien@globalonemedia.com.

    On May 1, 2025, the Company has entered into a marketing consultant agreement with an arm’s length firm, Bergskogar Limited (“Bergskogar”) to provide marketing services to the Company. The agreement commences May 1, 2025 and continues to April 30, 2026, except if terminated or extended by mutual written agreement. The Company will pay Bergskogar an aggregate cash fee of EUR 75,000. Bergskogar does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Bergkogar’s business is located 1203, 12/F, Tower 3, 33 Canton Road, Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong. The contact person is Paul Druce, tel: +44 20 3290 3801.

    The Company has engaged with an arm’s length firm, Aktien Check (“Aktien”) to provide European marketing awareness services to the Company. Aktien will provide its services for a period of three months commencing on May 1, 2025 and ending on July 31, 2025. The Company will pay Aktien a cash fee of EUR 50,000. Aktien does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Aktien’s business is located at Bad Marienberg, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. The contact person is Mr. Stefan Lindam, email: Stefan.lindam@aktiencheck.de.

    About Eat & Beyond

    Eat & Beyond (CSE: EATS) is a publicly traded investment issuer that identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech, sustainability and technology. Led by a team of industry experts, Eat & Beyond provides retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food, sustainability and technology sectors.   Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Liquid Link, the Company is entering the blockchain technology sector with a focus on real-world asset tokenization, decentralized infrastructure, and advanced trading analytics.

    Learn more: https://eatandbeyond.com/

    The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    For further information: For further information, please contact Young Bann, CEO, young@purposeesg.com.

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is frequently, but not always, identified by words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “potential”, “possible”, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results “will”, “may”, “could”, or “should” occur or be achieved.

    Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements relating to the Company’s business plans and expected future growth, the expected benefits of the Transaction, the Company’s future cryptocurrency plans and strategies, the Company’s proposed strategic expansion and growth strategies, the Company’s ability to provide investors with exposure to digital assets, the potential success of the Company’s business and its brand, the growth of XRP and other digital assets and the mainstream adoption of various cryptocurrencies. Forward-looking information reflects the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, including the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to execute on its business plans; the Company’s ability to raise debt or equity through future financing activities; the Company’s ability to increase its business in cryptocurrency-based technologies; any adverse changes and developments regarding XRP, XRPL or the cryptocurrency ecosystem; the growth and development of decentralized finance and the digital asset sector; any new rules and regulations with respect to decentralized finance and digital assets; the inherent volatility in the prices of certain cryptocurrencies including XRP; increasing competition in the crypto and blockchain industries; general economic, political and social uncertainties in Canada and the United States; currency exchange rates and interest rates; the limited resources of the Company; the Company’s reliance on the expertise and judgment of senior management and the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel; the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies in general; and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

    There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.


    1   BCG & ADDX Report: “Relevance of On-Chain Asset Tokenization in ‘Traditional Finance’” — Boston Consulting Group, 2022

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces First Carbon Futures Delivery on Abaxx Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announced the successful first delivery under a carbon futures contract on Abaxx Exchange.

    The delivery, involving 50 lots of May 2025 CORSIA¹ Phase 1 Carbon Offset Unit Futures (“CP1”) priced at USD $24.25/tCO₂e², validates the clearing, delivery, and settlement processes underpinning Abaxx Exchange’s physically-deliverable futures contracts. It marks the first live exercise of Abaxx’s end-to-end infrastructure for managing the transfer of environmental assets through a regulated futures market.

    The transaction was completed between Mercuria Energy Trading SA (METSA) and a U.S. based counterparty, with Eagle Commodities, a division of Marex, facilitating the original trade. Clearing services were provided by KGI Securities, Marex, and another bank clearing firm.

    The delivery involved the transfer of eligible CORSIA Phase 1 carbon units from Mercuria to a registry account established for the buyer, fulfilling the delivery obligations under the May 2025 CP1 futures contract.

    “This marks the first delivery through Abaxx’s carbon futures infrastructure, a contract structure designed to support price formation, risk management, and forward planning,” said Alasdair Were, Head of Environmental Markets at Abaxx Exchange. “These are the functions needed to make environmental markets investable and connect capital to climate-linked exposures.”

    “We are proud to support the execution, clearing and delivery of the May 2025 CORSIA Phase 1 Carbon Offset Unit Futures,” said Ken Ong, CEO of KGI Securities. “This transaction underscores the strength of Abaxx Exchange’s infrastructure and our commitment to sustainable finance, empowering clients in the evolving environmental asset landscape.”

    The CORSIA Phase 1 Carbon Offset Unit Futures contract, launched in June 2024, is part of Abaxx Exchange’s growing suite of physically-deliverable products across energy, environmental, battery materials, and precious metals markets.

    Abaxx’s full suite of futures contracts is open for trading 14 hours a day, Monday through Friday. For a full list of clearing firms and execution brokers, visit our market directory.

    About Abaxx Technologies

    Abaxx Technologies is building Smarter Markets: markets empowered by better tools, better benchmarks, and better technology to drive market-based solutions to the biggest challenges we face as a society, including the energy transition.

    In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is the majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte. Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, and the parent company of wholly owned subsidiary Abaxx Spot Pte. Ltd., the operator of Abaxx Spot.

    Abaxx Exchange delivers the market infrastructure critical to the shift toward an electrified, low-carbon economy through centrally-cleared, physically-deliverable futures contracts in LNG, carbon, battery materials, and precious metals, meeting the commercial needs of today’s commodity markets and establishing the next generation of global benchmarks.

    Abaxx Spot modernizes physical gold trading through a digitally integrated, physically-backed gold pool in Singapore. It is set to become the first market infrastructure to align spot and futures gold markets in the same location—enabling secure electronic transactions, efficient OTC transfers, and physical delivery for Abaxx Exchange’s gold futures contracts to deliver smarter gold markets.

    For more information, visit abaxx.tech | abaxx.exchange | abaxxspot.com | basecarbon.com | smartermarkets.media

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 647-490-1590
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    ¹ Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation
    ² Tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward- looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes, but is not limited to: the business plans and objectives of Abaxx; the development of new products, futures contracts, markets and technologies and associated benefits. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: the inability to receive regulatory approvals in connection with financings or inability to finalize transaction documentation; risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions; protection of intellectual property rights; contractual risk; third-party risk; clearinghouse risk; malicious actor risks; third-party software license risk; system failure risk; risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; changes in the price of commodities; capital market conditions; restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains; and the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward- looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casinos: JACKBIT Rated As Top Crypto Casino with BTC Bonuses & No KYC Policy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RUSSELLVILLE, Ark., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the surge in popularity of cryptocurrency, the number of crypto gambling sites has skyrocketed, offering players a blend of anonymity, rapid transactions, and diverse gaming options. However, navigating this crowded market to find the best crypto casino can be challenging.

    After an exhaustive review of numerous platforms, our team has identified JACKBIT as the top crypto casino for 2025. Renowned for its no KYC policy, extensive game library, and lightning-fast payouts, JACKBIT stands out among the best crypto casinos.

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    Whether you’re spinning slots, betting on sports, or enjoying live dealer games, JACKBIT delivers an unparalleled experience that sets it apart from other crypto gambling sites. In this detailed review, we explore the factors that make JACKBIT the best crypto casino, including its bonuses, game variety, payment methods, and commitment to player satisfaction.

    This article covers why JACKBIT is our favorite, its pros and cons, how to join, our selection process, available games, supported payment methods, and responsible gambling tools.

    A Closer Look At The Best Crypto Casino: JACKBIT

    JACKBIT has earned its place as the leading crypto casino through a combination of innovative features and player-focused services. Here’s why it’s the top choice among the best Bitcoin casinos:

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    CLAIM YOUR 100 FREE SPINS BONUS

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    JACKBIT Casino – Our Favorite Crypto Casino

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    The game selection is a major draw, with thousands of slots, table games, and live dealer options from top providers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. The sportsbook covers over 140 sports, appealing to betting enthusiasts.

    Payment flexibility, with support for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, ensures fast and secure transactions. Coupled with responsive customer support, JACKBIT delivers a comprehensive gaming experience.

    Pros And Cons

    Pros Cons
    Over 7,000 games from leading providers Not regulated by the UKGC
    Instant crypto withdrawals (under 10 minutes) No dedicated mobile app (mobile-optimized site available)
    No KYC for enhanced privacy Limited fiat withdrawal options
    Supports 17+ cryptocurrencies and fiat methods  
    24/7 multilingual customer support  
    Generous bonuses with no wagering requirements  

    While the lack of UKGC licensing may concern some, JACKBIT’s Curacao license ensures a regulated and fair environment, making it a compelling choice among crypto gambling sites.

    How To Join JACKBIT Casino? Step By Step Guide

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    How We Selected JACKBIT as The Best Crypto Casino

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    JACKBIT met and exceeded these criteria, earning its place as the best crypto casino for 2025.

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    JACKBIT operates under a Curacao Gaming License, ensuring compliance with fair gaming standards. Advanced SSL encryption protects player data and transactions. Provably fair games allow outcome verification, enhancing transparency. These measures make JACKBIT a trusted choice among new crypto casinos.

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    JACKBIT’s game library is a cornerstone of its appeal, offering over 7,000 titles across multiple categories:

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    Debit Card / Credit Card

    JACKBIT accepts Visa and MasterCard for secure deposits. These methods are familiar but may involve longer processing times for withdrawals.

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    Bank Transfer

    Bank transfers are available for larger transactions, ideal for high rollers. However, they may incur higher fees and take several days to process.

    Cryptocurrency vs. Fiat

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b39b2889-fe38-4424-8931-e5912e823686

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: ATO unveils ‘wild’ tax deduction attempts and priorities for 2025

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has today revealed some of the ‘wild’ work related expense tax claims people have tried to put past the ATO, and spoiler alert: an air fryer generally won’t make the cut.

    Some of the most outrageous deduction attempts the ATO saw last year included:

    • A mechanic tried to claim an air fryer, microwave, 2 vacuum cleaners, a TV, gaming console and gaming accessories as work-related. The claim was denied as these expenses are personal in nature.
    • A truck driver tried to claim swimwear because it was hot where they stopped in transit and they wanted to go for a swim. The claim was denied as these expenses are personal in nature.
    • A manager in the fashion industry tried to claim well over $10,000 in luxury-branded clothing and accessories to be well presented at work, and to attend events, dinners and functions. The clothing was all conventional in nature and was not allowed.

    ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson reminded taxpayers that the ATO’s role is to collect the correct amount of tax that is owed, and exaggerated deduction attempts would not be tolerated.

    ‘While some people have tried their luck with unusual work-related deduction claims, most people realise to be able to claim an expense, it needs to meet strict criteria.

    ‘While a lunchtime dip might clear your head for work, swimwear for a truck driver is clearly not deductible.’

    ‘We know in many instances mistakes relating to work-related expenses could be avoided with a little time and effort,’ Mr Thomson said.

    This tax time the ATO will be focused on areas it sees frequent errors, including work-related expenses, working from home deductions and in respect to multiple income sources.

    ‘Work-related expenses must have a close connection to your income earning activities, and you should be prepared to back it up, with records like a receipt or invoice.’

    ‘If your deductions don’t pass the ‘pub test’, it’s highly unlikely your claim would meet the ATO’s strict criteria’.

    ‘Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can claim expenses like travel to and from work and childcare costs. These expenses are personal in nature and cannot be claimed. When in doubt look for guidance on the ATO website or speak with your registered tax agent.’

    ‘If you’re anything like me, a paper receipt will get lost almost immediately. The myDeductions tool on the ATO app allows you to keep records of your work and general expenses to make lodging your tax return easier,’ Mr Thomson said.

    When you are ready to lodge your tax return you can easily share your saved deductions with your registered tax agent or upload them to myTax to make tax time simple.

    ‘If you’re not sure what you can or can’t claim, check the ATO website for detailed guidance, or ask your registered tax professional, if you have one. Don’t just claim it and hope for the best as penalties and interest may apply.’

    One of the most-claimed work-related expense each year is a working from home deduction. In 2024 more than 10 million people claimed a work-related deduction, and many of those claimed a deduction related to working from home. 

    There are 2 ways you can calculate your deduction for additional expenses you incur by working from home – the fixed rate method or the actual cost method.

    In order to claim a working from home deduction, you must be working from home to fulfil your employment duties (not carrying out minimal tasks) and you have to have records to prove you incurred additional expenses due to working from home.

    Using the fixed rate method allows you to claim 70 cents for every hour you work from home and covers your additional running expenses that are often difficult to apportion, like internet, phone usage, electricity and stationery.

    ‘Remember that you can’t then claim these items separately elsewhere in your tax return – no double dipping!’ Mr Thomson warned.

    To claim using the actual cost method, you must have records of all the expenses you claim, and the work-related use of your expenses to back up your deduction.

    The ATO is also reminding Australians to declare all sources of income, and make sure they are included on their tax return. This includes side-hustles, for example if you are providing ride sourcing services or selling services via an app.

    Each source of income you have will have different deductions available to you, depending on the nature of the income and your occupation.

    More information on specific deductions for different jobs is available in the ATO’s occupation and industry specific guides.

    Notes to journalists

    MIL OSI News –

    May 8, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cyber is a poster child for growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Cyber is a poster child for growth

    The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster spoke about the cyber threat landscape and how the government is using cyber to drive economic growth in a speech at CyberUK 2025 in Manchester.

    Introduction:

    Good morning everyone, 

    It’s really great to be here with you in Manchester.

    This is one of Britain’s great cities.

    From music to sport to industry, Manchester has made its mark on the world in so many ways…

    And today I want to talk to you about an area where I believe Manchester, the North West, the whole country can grow in strength in the future.

    There might have been times when a government minister making a speech about cyber security was thought to be something routine. 

    Ritual calls for preparedness, and it might not seem to have much connection to the real world.

    But not today. Not this time. Not this week. Not with what we have been seeing happening over the past few weeks. 

    Great British businesses. Household names like M&S, the Co-op, Harrods, all the subject of serious cyber incidents.

    These cyber attacks are not a game. They’re not a clever exercise. They are serious organised crime.

    The purpose is to damage and extort good businesses. It’s the digital version of an old-fashioned shake down. Either straight theft or a protection racket where your business will be safe as long as you pay the gangsters.  

    And what we’ve seen over the past couple of weeks should serve as a wake-up call for everyone – for government and the public sector, for businesses and organisations up and down the country, as if we needed one, that cybersecurity is not a luxury – it’s an absolute necessity. 

    Whether it is a system failure or a deliberate attack, no organisation can afford to treat cyber security as an afterthought.

    So it’s not routine. It’s a good time to be gathering today, to discuss what we can do to make our defences as strong as possible.

    Now it’s one of the paradoxes of modern life: technology brings huge benefits, and there’s no going back – but it also brings risks.  

    The internet is one of the greatest engines for creativity and innovation in modern history. It has transformed the way we live, work and learn. 

    Just think of the applications. Busy parents who can save so much time by ordering goods online, students with an unfathomable range of knowledge at their fingertips, families all around the world able to share pictures of those precious moments – birthdays, christenings, weddings – just at the press of a screen. All of us benefit from this astounding level of connectedness.

    Yet the technology that underpins it can be weaponised by those who want to destabilise our infrastructure, our information systems, or our industrial base.

    The UK’s critical infrastructure is now more interconnected than ever. That is empowering…

    But it also carries risks, because there are vulnerabilities –  and more than we had years ago. Right down to the household level.

    As the cost of the tech has plummeted, and broadband speeds have risen, more and more devices are connected online. In 2020, it was thought to be about 50 billion. By 2030 – which isn’t that far away now – it will be 500 billion, according to projections. 

    More connections, more interconnectedness. 

    Technological leaps are rarely born in comfort; more often, they are forged during conflict, or competition or by sheer necessity. And history shows us that innovation always accelerates when the stakes are highest, from nuclear energy to the space race.

    The stakes are high right now. And we are in the middle of another huge technological leap – a “technology shock” if you like – with AI and other emerging technologies developing at breakneck speeds. 

    It’s a duty for Government and all of us to keep up. 

    Because in the modern world, where everything is connected, and so much of it’s online, it doesn’t take much if that is attacked to cause serious disruption. 

    Just ask anyone in Spain or Portugal who went through the power outage last week. Passengers stuck in underground trains. Payment systems disabled and suddenly, for a day, cash is king again. And a host of other effects. 

    I experienced last July, just a couple of weeks after the general election, the CrowdStrike incident. We worked closely with one of the sponsors of this conference, CrowdStrike, to manage the fallout of that.

    That wasn’t a cyber attack but it did cause ripples right across the country and the world. 

    Flights grounded. Hospital appointments disrupted. Holidays cancelled. GP services cut off.

    We worked closely with the company to resolve it. But what did we learn?

    Lessons:

    First, you’ve got to bring people together and coordinate. We had the National Cyber Security Centre, the Cabinet Office – the department I lead – Microsoft and CrowdStrike, all the different parts of government to understand what the incident was. 

    Secondly, Government cannot do it alone. You have to have good partnerships between the public and private sector. 

    And thirdly, even though it exposed a responsibility, there is also a prize to be grasped here. 

    Because if interconnectedness that I’ve spoken about requires greater protection and powers of recovery, then those countries that think about this, that invest in the cybersecurity services, will be able to offer those services to those that need them. 

    Just think about previous waves of interconnectedness and how the UK led the way in protecting them. Think about how Lloyds of London, for example, insured shipping right across the globe, well so too can the UK play a major role in cyber security. A new kind of technological insurance.

    We are already the third largest exporter of these products and services in the world.

    And as the technology continues to develop, I believe that our cyber companies and start-ups can use that current competitive advantage as a launchpad for greater success – for the benefit of the entire UK economy.

    So my message this morning to you is that it’s not just about vulnerability and risk – it’s about economic growth too.  

    Later this year, we’ll publish a new National Cyber Strategy that will set out how we want to approach these challenges and opportunities in the years to come. 

    Today I want to touch on three aspects of that today: threats, security and growth.

    Threat landscape

    Scale of activity:

    The threat is growing. 

    Last year the NCSC received almost 2,000 reports of cyber attacks – of which 90 were deemed significant, and 12 at the top end of severity. 

    That is three times the number of severe attacks compared to the year before (2023).

    They’re targeted both Government and private systems.

    Combatting it is a constant challenge. I can’t stand here this morning and tell you that Government systems are bombproof. That is not the case.

    These are new systems, built on top of legacy systems, and we’re doing everything in our power to modernise the state, and to upgrade those core systems . But the Government, and the country as a whole, has to take this seriously if we’re going to do it securely in the future.

    Artificial Intelligence:

    It’s our strong conviction that Artificial Intelligence will bring huge opportunities to the UK. We want this country to be a good home both for investment and adoption in this field. But like all general purpose technologies, it can be used for good or ill.

    And just as people and businesses across the country are using AI in all sorts of applications, so too are our adversaries. 

    Today, we are declassifying an intelligence assessment that shows AI is going to increase not only the frequency, but the intensity, of cyber attacks in the coming years.

    Our security systems will only remain secure if they keep pace with what our adversaries are doing. 

    And that’s why it’s imperative to understand what they’re doing and why.

    State-actors:

    And today state-backed cyber hacking has become the new normal.

    Hostile states constantly working to degrade our military advantage. With cyber criminals who will routinely sell their services to other states. These cyber mercenaries can cause huge harm.

    Sometimes to steal money. For example, it is thought that North Korea stole $1.34bn through cryptocurrency theft last year, causing US officials to describe their hackers as the “world’s leading bank robbers”.

    The cyber activity we are seeing in countries like North Korea reflects that grey area that exists between some states and cyber criminals. 

    My colleagues at the Home Office, under the leadership of the Home Secretary and the Security Minister, are working hard to strengthen our overall response to cyber crime. They have been consulting on a number of ransomware proposals designed to thwart our enemies.

    Other state-backed hacking is done as part of a wider war – and we’ve seen that with Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. 

    How Ukraine is putting up an incredibly brave fight against cyberwarfare unleashed by the Russians, and we have vowed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it takes to defend their sovereignty. 

    And so we’re going to invest £8 million in the Ukraine Cyber Programme over the next year to counter the Kremlin’s cyber aggression.

    What Russia is doing doesn’t stop in Ukraine. There have been a number of other attacks and disinformation campaigns in other countries.

    For example, in Moldova’s presidential election last year. And we know that they will keep trying. So we will be investing £1 million in cyber capabilities in Moldova, to help give that country the tools to combat Russian cyber attacks and ensure their upcoming parliamentary election can be as democratic, fair and open as possible.

    Our country has always defended freedom.

    This is part of the defence of freedom and democracy that has been part of our country’s history.

    But defence today is not just about troops and missiles.

    It’s also about this cyber realm, too – and this Government is absolutely committed to making sure we and our allies are strong in this domain. 

    China:

    And let me say a word about China.

    When we think about international activity in cyberspace, we need to be clear-eyed about the challenge posed by China. 

    It is well on its way to becoming a cyber superpower. It has the sophistication. The scale. And the seriousness.

    It’s one of the world leaders in AI, as the world’s second largest economy it’s deeply embedded in global supply chains and markets.

    We need to view China’s approach to cyberspace with open eyes. Disengagement economically from China is not an option. Neither’s naivety. 

    The job of a responsible Government is to protect our people and constructively engage with the world as it is.

    “Stop the world I want to get off” is not in the United Kingdom’s interests.

    Rather, our approach should be to engage constructively and consistently with China where it is in the UK’s economic interests, but also to be clear that we will robustly defend our own cyberspace.

    Bolstering our defences

    And I want to thank the organisations that do that. GCHQ, NCSC, the National Cyber Force – they keep watch, working tirelessly with our allies, with the Five Eyes alliance, to stay ahead of our competitors.

    Our intelligence agencies also play a key role in growing our overall cyber ecosystem – acting as a training bed for all kinds of experts who go on to be successful cyber entrepreneurs.

    LASR:

    And we’re investing in new capabilities in this regard. 

    Last year, I launched a new public-private partnership to keep the UK on top of some of the risks emerging on how we harness AI.

    The idea behind the Laboratory for AI Security Research – or LASR, as we’ve come to call it – is simple: accelerate innovation and research into how AI can protect our national security.

    Since November, its funded 10 PhDs at Oxford University; funded an in-house team of 9 researchers at The Turing Institute; and its funded research at 8 other leading UK universities including Queen’s University Belfast and Lancaster University.

    And we are committing an extra £7million to LASR’s research over the next financial year. 

    And I’m pleased to announce it has agreed a new partnership with one of the biggest tech companies in the world, Cisco.

    They are going to be collaborating with GCHQ and the NCSC, and other partners to expand the research and innovation capacity of the Lab.

    They will be running challenges across the UK, and build a demonstrator here in the North West to showcase how our scientists and entrepreneurs can work together to manage the risks, build the skills and grasp the opportunities of AI security.

    This is the first collaboration of its kind with LASR, and will be a trailblazer and it will help LASR drive cutting-edge research into the impact of AI on national security.

    Cyber Security and Resilience Bill:

    We’re also modernising the way the state approaches this, through the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. 

    That legislation will bolster our national defences. It will grant new powers to the Technology Secretary to direct regulated organisations to reinforce their defences.

    And as we begin scrutiny of that Bill in Parliament, we will be launching a new Software Security Code of Practice – to help all organisations take the measures they need to embed security and resilience. 

    And the prize of all this is growth. Safe economic growth. 

    Growth

    When we’re talking about cyber, it’s easy to focus on the risks and threats. 

    But we also need to think about the reward. There is enormous potential for cyber security to be a driving force in our economy. 

    We already have over 2,000 businesses across the UK. An estimated 67,000 jobs – with an increase of 6,000 in the last 12 months.

    Revenue of more than £13billion.

    And as I said, we’re exporting this across the world.
    But there is still potential on the table.
    So we’re supporting an independent report from Imperial College and Bristol University, who are going to apply their knowledge and expertise to help us establish which levers we need to pull, and how we do that.

    And ahead of the report, we are already making some big investments like the £1billion going into a new state-of-the-art Golden Valley campus near GCHQ’s Cheltenham office.

    That site alone is expected to create 12,000 jobs and be home to hospitality, retail businesses, as well as 3,700 new homes. It is all growth. 

    Industrial Strategy:

    And that is why cyber is part of our Industrial Strategy too. It is a significant part of our economic future.

    Conclusion:

    So as I said at the start of my remarks, we are in a new world.

    In fact, it’s incredible to think it’s been only 36 years since Tim Berners Lee invented the World Wide Web. 

    I have teenage children and sometimes I try to explain to them the world before the internet. It’s not something they find easy to understand. The pace of change that we have seen during that time is unlikely to slow down.

    So we have got to take the long view: not just think about the technologies of today, but what it might look like in 10 or 20 years.

    Cyber attacks and cyber hacking are likely to be permanent features of this new global order – there is no point in pretending otherwise.

    But the opportunities are also huge, and I believe that this country, in its position of creativity and innovation, will be at the vanguard of cyberspace and cybersecurity for decades to come.

    Seizing the opportunities to grow the sector, protecting and defending other parts of the economy.

    Standing by our allies in an ever changing world, and defending democracy right across the world.

    It is at once one of the challenges and opportunities of our time, and we have to work together to meet it. 

    –ENDS–

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ROC (Taiwan) government congratulates Singapore on successful completion of general election

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    ROC (Taiwan) government congratulates Singapore on successful completion of general election

    Date:2025-05-04
    Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    May 4, 2025No. 134Singapore smoothly completed the election of its 15th Parliament on May 4. The result was a victory for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the People’s Action Party that he leads. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its sincere congratulations to the people and government of Singapore on the successful conclusion of yet another parliamentary election.Taiwan and Singapore have long shared cordial ties. Bilateral cooperation has developed steadily in recent years, with the two sides maintaining close exchanges in economics, trade, semiconductors, technology, culture, and other domains. Taiwan looks forward to building on the existing foundations to further deepen collaboration with Singapore, jointly respond to global and regional challenges, and contribute to the advancement of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. (E) 
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA congratulates Australia on successful completion of federal election

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA congratulates Australia on successful completion of federal election

    Date:2025-05-04
    Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    May 4, 2025No.136Australia held a federal election on May 3 to elect its 48th Parliament, including all 150 seats of the House of Representatives and 40 of the 76 seats in the Senate. According to the results, the ruling Australian Labor Party won a majority of seats. The smooth and peaceful election process was characteristic of a mature democracy. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses sincere congratulations to the people and government of Australia.Taiwan and Australia share the universal values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and human rights. Bilateral relations have continued to steadily grow in recent years. Collaboration is close in such fields as economics and trade, science and technology, information security, energy, and whole-of-society defense resilience. Last August, the Australian Senate passed an urgency motion refuting China’s flagrant misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. The passage of the motion underlined the staunch cross-party support for Taiwan in the Australian Parliament.Building on these robust foundations, the government of Taiwan hopes to further enhance cooperation in all domains with the new government of Australia and jointly work to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin leads cross-sector delegation to US state of Texas

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin leads cross-sector delegation to US state of Texas

    Date:2025-05-06
    Data Source:Department of North American Affairs

    May 6, 2025  
    No. 140  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on May 6 is traveling to the US state of Texas, leading a delegation representing industry, government, academia, and research institutes. The delegation includes representatives of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, the AI Innovation and Application Alliance, and Taiwan’s Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association. Minister Lin will attend and address the Texas-Taiwan AI and Innovation Summit on May 9.
     
    Since taking office, Minister Lin has actively advocated a policy of integrated diplomacy. His visit to Texas aims primarily to promote a Taiwan investment team for the United States and a US investment team for Taiwan as part of a roadmap introduced by President Lai Ching-te to deepen bilateral trade relations. This will facilitate the formation of a joint Taiwan-US economic task force that applies a new model for the division of labor, helping Taiwanese businesses expand into the US market and employ local technology, capital, and human resources to integrate into the US innovation ecosystem. It is further hoped that exchanges of views among frontline industry, government, academia, and research institutes will lead to an increase in bilateral investments, attract US companies to invest in Taiwan, and contribute to Taiwan’s industrial innovation and development.
     
    Minister Lin’s visit is expected to steadily deepen exchanges between Taiwan and US states. Since President Lai assumed office, six US state governors, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have led delegations to Taiwan. Their concrete actions to support bilateral collaboration have enhanced Taiwan-US economic and trade exchanges and created substantive business opportunities. In recent years, the US federal government has issued three letters encouraging US states and the top 500 US businesses to foster relations with Taiwan, explicitly showing support for strengthening exchanges with Taiwan at all levels and across all areas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs anticipates that the visit to Texas by Minister Lin and the industrial groups will further deepen reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnerships across various economic domains between Taiwan and the United States and Texas. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to US House of Representatives passing Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act and Taiwan International Solidarity Act

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to US House of Representatives passing Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act and Taiwan International Solidarity Act

    Date:2025-05-06
    Data Source:Department of North American Affairs

    May 6, 2025 

    On May 5, the US House of Representatives adopted two acts supportive of Taiwan. The Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act and the Taiwan International Solidarity Act were passed on voice votes without opposition. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely welcomes this development and thanks the US Congress for continuing to demonstrate bipartisan support for Taiwan through concrete legislation.
     
    The Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act requires the US secretary of state to conduct periodic reviews of guidelines on relations with Taiwan, including any successor or related documents. It stipulates that reviews should be conducted at least once every five years and that a report should be submitted to Congress within 90 days after completing a review.
     
    The Taiwan International Solidarity Act explicitly states that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 did not address the issue of representation of Taiwan and its people in the UN or related organizations. It also points out that the resolution did not take a position on the relationship between China and Taiwan or include any statement pertaining to Taiwan’s sovereignty. The act reaffirms US opposition to any initiative that seeks to change Taiwan’s status without the consent of the Taiwanese people. It calls on the US government to instruct its representatives in international organizations to advocate to resist China’s efforts to distort the decisions, language, policies, or procedures of the organizations regarding Taiwan. The act also urges the US government to appropriately encourage its allies and partners to oppose China’s efforts to undermine Taiwan’s official diplomatic relationships and its partnerships with countries with which it does not maintain diplomatic relations.
     
    The passage of the pro-Taiwan legislation by the US Congress follows the US administration strongly condemning China at a recent UN Security Council meeting for misusing UNGA Resolution 2758 to try to isolate Taiwan. Minister Lin sincerely thanks the US administration and both sides of the congressional aisle for their support of Taiwan and calls on the international community to continue to take concrete actions against China’s mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will closely follow developments relating to the acts, maintain close contact with the US Congress and administration, and pragmatically and steadily deepen the cordial partnership between Taiwan and the United States.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA congratulates Friedrich Merz on appointment as German chancellor and formation of new government

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA congratulates Friedrich Merz on appointment as German chancellor and formation of new government

    Date:2025-05-07
    Data Source:Department of European Affairs

    May 7, 2025  
    No. 142  

    The Bundestag officially elected Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) as the new federal chancellor of Germany in a vote on May 6. The new government of Germany was formed by a coalition comprising the CDU/Christian Social Union faction and the Social Democratic Party of Germany. The new cabinet was sworn in on the same day. 
     
    On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends sincere congratulations to the people and government of Germany. It has also instructed the Taipei Representative Office in Germany to promptly forward a congratulatory letter from President Lai Ching-te conveying expectations for even closer and more cordial relations between Taiwan and Germany. 
     
    In the new government’s coalition agreement, the chapter on foreign relations, national defense policy, development cooperation, and human rights states that Germany will continue to foster relations with Taiwan and reiterates that any change to the status quo regarding Taiwan must be carried out in a peaceful manner. It further maintains that a free, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific is in Germany’s fundamental interests. Such content underlines the new German government’s high regard for Taiwan-Germany relations and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
     
    Taiwan and Germany share the core values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Taiwan looks forward to building on the existing solid foundation to steadily deepen comprehensive collaboration with the new German government and to jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Noem Requests Death Penalty Against Alleged Human Smugglers Whose Actions Resulted in the Death of at Least Three Individuals

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Secretary Noem Requests Death Penalty Against Alleged Human Smugglers Whose Actions Resulted in the Death of at Least Three Individuals

    ASHINGTON—Today, Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will request the Department of Justice bring alien smuggling charges and seek the death penalty against two Mexican nationals whose human smuggling operation resulted in at least three deaths

    Secretary Noem’s request is based on a thorough review of both the Immigration and Naturalization Act and the Federal Death Penalty Act

    On May 5, 2025, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector San Diego received a report from the North County Dispatch Joint Powers Authority (North Comm) of an overturned panga-style boat that washed ashore in Torrey Pine, San Diego

    USCG Sector San Diego engaged multiple DHS and local assets to assist, including U

    S

    Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and San Diego Fire-Rescue

    USBP confirmed through interviews of surviving individuals that there were originally 16 persons on board, including 14 adults and two minors

    Two surviving individuals identified as Mexican nationals were detained on suspicion of smuggling illegal aliens into the United States

    Three deceased were recovered and identified as Indian nationals

    Seven others remain missing

    Statement Attributable to Secretary Kristi Noem:
    “Yesterday, off the coast of southern California, a panga-style boat capsized that was operated by Mexican nationals attempting to smuggle 14 aliens into the U

    S

    Tragically, three people were killed and seven are still missing

    I commend the U

    S

    Coast Guard, and all Homeland Security personnel involved in the immediate response and ongoing investigation

    Their professionalism and rapid action in perilous conditions reflect the highest standards of service and dedication to saving lives and upholding our nation’s laws

    “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the inhumanity and lethal danger inherent to human smuggling at sea

    Their deaths were not only avoidable but were also the direct result of the greed and indifference of smugglers who exploited them

    Maritime smuggling is not just illegal—it is a violent and inherently dangerous crime

    Those who knowingly place human lives at grave risk in furtherance of such crimes must be held fully accountable

    “Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, alien smuggling acts that result in death are capital crimes punishable by death

    And under the Federal Death Penalty Act, those who intentionally participate in conduct knowing that it could result in the loss of life may be eligible for capital punishment

    Accordingly, I will be formally requesting that the Attorney General ensure that these two suspected smugglers are swiftly prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law

    I will also be urging the Attorney General to seek the death penalty in this case

    The Department of Homeland Security will not tolerate this level of criminal depravity or reckless disregard for human life

    We will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure justice is served and our laws upheld

    ”
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: TransAlta Reports First Quarter 2025 Results and Reaffirms Annual Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TransAlta Corporation (TransAlta or the Company) (TSX: TA) (NYSE: TAC) today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    “Our business delivered strong operational performance across the fleet during the first quarter. While the Company’s merchant portfolio in Alberta was partially impacted by softer power prices, our hedging strategy and active asset optimization continued to generate realized prices well above spot prices,” said John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer of TransAlta.

    “We have a unique and diversified generating fleet that is complemented by a highly skilled energy marketing and trading team. Though we are operating within a challenging pricing environment in Alberta, our assets continue to perform well, and we remain confident in our 2025 Outlook,” added Mr. Kousinioris.

    “During the quarter, we executed and progressed multiple strategic initiatives. We advanced our growth plan by securing a strategic partnership with Nova Clean Energy, LLC, which grants the Company the exclusive option to purchase late-stage development projects in the western United States. Nova’s team has a successful track record of developing projects across the U.S. and has a development portfolio of over four GW. We continued to advance our data centre strategy in Alberta by moving into the commercialization phase. Negotiations on repowering opportunities at our Centralia facility continue to progress. And, finally, we successfully issued $450 million of medium-term notes and repaid our $400 million term loan that was due later this year, maintaining our financial strength and capital discipline.”

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Achieved strong operational availability of 94.9 per cent in 2025, compared to 92.3 per cent in 2024
    • Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $270 million, compared to $342 million for the same period in 2024
    • Free Cash Flow (FCF)(1) of $139 million, or $0.47 per share, compared to $221 million, or $0.72 per share, for the same period in 2024
    • Adjusted earnings before income taxes(1) of $28 million, or $0.09 per share, compared to $144 million, or $0.47 per share, for the same period in 2024
    • Cash flow from operating activities of $7 million, compared to $244 million from the same period in 2024
    • Net earnings attributable to common shareholders(1) of $46 million, or $0.15 per share, compared to $222 million, or $0.72 per share, for the same period in 2024
    • Declared quarterly dividend of $0.065 per share common share, an increase of eight per cent

    Key Business Developments

    Nova Clean Energy, LLC

    During the first quarter of 2025, the Company made a strategic investment in Nova Clean Energy, LLC (Nova), a developer of renewable energy projects. The investment includes a US$75 million term loan and US$100 million revolving facility. At closing of the transaction, US$74 million was drawn by Nova under the credit facilities. The outstanding principal under the term loan and the revolving facility bear interest of seven per cent per annum with interest due quarterly. The terms of the term loan and the revolving facility are six and five years, respectively, unless accelerated. The term loan is convertible to a minority equity interest at any time, prior to maturity, at the option of the Company and any remaining unused term loan commitments at the time of conversion would be terminated. This investment provides the Company with the exclusive right to purchase Nova’s late-stage development projects in the western U.S.

    Annual Shareholder Meeting

    On April 24, 2025 at TransAlta’s Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders, the Company received strong support on all items of business, including the election of all 11 director nominees, re-appointment of auditors, Say-on-Pay, and approval of the Company’s Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan.

    Two directors did not stand for re-election and the Board would like to extend its gratitude to Mr. Harry Goldgut and Ms. Sarah Slusser for their service.

    The Company welcomed Mr. Brian Baker to the Board who brings extensive experience in strategic direction, risk management and growth alongside his extensive background in infrastructure.

    Mothballing of Sundance 6

    As previously communicated, the Company mothballed the Sundance Unit 6 facility on April 1, 2025. The Company initially provided notice to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) on Nov. 4, 2024, that Sundance Unit 6 would be mothballed on April 1, 2025, for a period of up to two years depending on market conditions. TransAlta maintains the flexibility to return the mothballed unit to service when market fundamentals improve or opportunities to contract are secured.

    Senior Notes Offering

    On March 24, 2025, the Company issued $450 million of senior notes with a fixed annual coupon of 5.625 per cent, maturing on March 24, 2032. The notes are unsecured and rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness. Interest payments on the notes are made semi-annually, on March 24 and Sept. 24, with the first payment commencing Sept. 24, 2025.

    On March 25, 2025, the Company repaid its $400 million variable rate term loan facility in advance of the scheduled maturity date of Sept. 7, 2025, with the proceeds received from the $450 million senior notes offering.

    Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) and Automatic Securities Purchase Plan (ASPP)

    TransAlta remains committed to enhancing shareholder returns through appropriate capital allocation such as share buybacks and its quarterly dividend.

    On May 27, 2024, the Company announced that it had received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange to purchase up to 14 million common shares during the 12-month period that commenced May 31, 2024, and terminates May 31, 2025. Any common shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled.

    On Feb. 19, 2025 the Company announced it was allocating up to $100 million to be returned to shareholders in the form of share repurchases.

    On March 25, 2025, the Company entered into an ASPP to facilitate repurchases of TransAlta’s common shares under its NCIB. Under the ASPP, the Company’s broker may purchase common shares from the effective date of the ASPP until the termination of the ASPP. All purchases of common shares made under the ASPP will be included in determining the number of common shares purchased under the NCIB. The ASPP will terminate on the earliest of: (a) May 8, 2025; (b) the date on which the maximum purchase limits under the ASPP are reached; or (c) the date on which the Company terminates the ASPP in accordance with its terms.

    As of May 6, 2025, the Company has purchased and cancelled a total of 1,932,800 common shares, at an average price of $12.42 per common share, for a total cost of $24 million, including taxes.

    Declared Increase in Common Share Dividend

    On Feb. 19, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $0.02 annualized increase to the common share dividend, an eight per cent increase, and declared a dividend of $0.065 per common share payable on July 1, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 1, 2025. The quarterly dividend of $0.065 per common share represents an annualized dividend of $0.26 per common share.

    First Quarter 2025 Operational and Financial Highlights

      Three Months Ended
    $ millions, unless otherwise stated March 31, 2025 March 31, 2024
    Operational information    
    Availability (%) 94.9 92.3
    Production (GWh) 6,832 6,178
    Select financial information    
    Revenues 758 947
    Adjusted EBITDA(1) 270 342
    Adjusted earnings before income taxes(1) 28 144
    Earnings before income taxes 49 267
    Adjusted net earnings after taxes attributable to common shareholders(1) 30 128
    Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders 46 222
    Cash flows    
    Cash flow from operating activities 7 244
    Funds from operations(1) 179 254
    Free cash flow(1) 139 221
    Per share    
    Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders per share(1) 0.10 0.41
    Net earnings per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted 0.15 0.72
    Funds from operations per share(1) 0.60 0.82
    FCF per share(1) 0.47 0.72
    Dividends declared per common share 0.07 —
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 298 308

    Segmented Financial Performance

      Three Months Ended
     
    $ millions  March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024  
    Hydro 47   87  
    Wind and Solar 102   89  
    Gas 104   125  
    Energy Transition 37   27  
    Energy Marketing 21   39  
    Corporate (41 ) (25 )
    Total adjusted EBITDA(1) 270   342  
    Adjusted earnings before income taxes(1) 28   144  
    Earnings before income taxes 49   267  
    Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders(1) 30   128  
    Net earnings attributable to common shareholders 46   222  

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Summary

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company delivered strong operational performance, while financial performance was partially impacted by softer power prices in Alberta. The Company remains confident in its ability to achieve results within its previously stated guidance range. On Dec. 4, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Heartland Generation, which added 1,747 MW to gross installed capacity, excluding the Poplar Hill and Rainbow Lake facilities, (collectively, the Planned Divestitures). IFRS financial statements include the results attributable to the Planned Divestitures, which the Company agreed to divest pursuant to a consent agreement entered into with the Commissioner of Competition for Canada. Our non-IFRS measures and operational KPIs exclude the results of the Planned Divestitures.

    Availability for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was 94.9 per cent, compared to 92.3 per cent in the same period 2024, an increase of 2.6 percentage points, primarily due to:

    • The addition of new facilities, including the Heartland gas facilities in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities in the first and second quarters of 2024, which operated at higher availability during the first quarter of 2025;
    • Lower unplanned outages at the Centralia facility in the Energy Transition segment; and
    • Lower planned major maintenance outages in the Hydro fleet.

    Total production for the three months ended March 31, 2025, increased by 654 GWh, or 11 per cent, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to:

    • Production from the Heartland gas facilities acquired in December 2024;
    • Production from new wind and solar facilities, including the White Rock West and East wind facilities commissioned in January and April 2024, respectively, and the Horizon Hill wind facility commissioned in May 2024;
    • Improved availability at the Centralia facility due to lower unplanned outages; and
    • Higher wind resource across all regions; partially offset by
    • Higher dispatch optimization in Alberta due to lower market prices; and
    • Lower production in Australia due to lower customer demand.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $270 million, compared to $342 million in the same period last year, a decrease of $72 million, or 21 per cent. The major factors impacting adjusted EBITDA include:

    • Hydro adjusted EBITDA decreasing by $40 million, or 46 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to lower spot power prices and ancillary services prices in the Alberta market, partially offset by higher merchant and ancillary services volumes due to higher water reserves in the first quarter of 2025 and favourable hedging positions settled, which generated positive contributions over settled spot prices in the first quarter of 2025;
    • Gas adjusted EBITDA decreasing by $21 million, or 17 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to higher OM&A related to the addition of the Heartland facilities, lower merchant volumes due to lower market prices driven by milder weather and new gas generation in Alberta and lower spot power prices in Alberta, partially offset by favourable hedge positions settled, and the addition of the Heartland facilities;
    • Energy Marketing adjusted EBITDA decreasing by $18 million, or 46 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to comparatively muted market volatility across North American natural gas and power markets and lower realized settled trades in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024;
    • Corporate adjusted EBITDA decreasing by $16 million, or 64 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to increased spending to support strategic growth projects and the addition of corporate costs related to the acquisition of Heartland;
    • Wind and Solar adjusted EBITDA increasing by $13 million, or 15 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to higher revenues from the Horizon Hill and White Rock West and East wind facilities due to full first quarter production in 2025 and higher production volumes across all regions, partially offset by lower Alberta pool prices and higher OM&A from the addition of new wind facilities; and
    • Energy Transition adjusted EBITDA increasing by $10 million, or 37 per cent, compared to 2024, primarily due to lower fuel and purchased power costs; partially offset by increased economic dispatch driven by lower market prices, which negatively impacted merchant revenues.

    Cash flow from operating activities totalled $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $244 million in the same period in 2024, a decrease of $237 million, or 97 per cent, primarily due to:

    • Unfavourable change in non-cash operating working capital balances due to lower accounts payable and accrued liabilities, higher accounts receivable, higher income taxes receivable and higher collateral provided;
    • Lower gross margin due to lower revenues, excluding the effect of unrealized losses from risk management activities, partially offset by lower fuel and purchased power;
    • Higher OM&A due to increased spending on strategic and growth initiatives, the addition of the Heartland facilities and associated corporate costs, the addition of the White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities in the first and second quarters of 2024 and higher spending related to the planning and design of an upgrade to our ERP system; and
    • Higher interest expense primarily due to lower capitalized interest resulting from lower construction activity in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024; partially offset by
    • Lower current income tax expense due to lower earnings before income taxes in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024.

    FCF totalled $139 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $221 million for the same period in 2024, a decrease of $82 million, or 37 per cent, primarily driven by:

    • The adjusted EBITDA items noted above;
    • Higher sustaining capital expenditures due to the receipt of a lease incentive related to the Company’s head office during the first quarter of 2024 and higher major maintenance during the first quarter of 2025 at our Canadian gas fleet, including at the gas facilities acquired from Heartland; and
    • Higher net interest expense due to lower capitalized interest resulting from lower construction activity in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024; partially offset by
    • Lower distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests relating to lower TA Cogen net earnings resulting from lower merchant pricing in the Alberta market;
    • Lower current income tax expense due to lower earnings before income taxes in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024; and
    • Lower provisions accrued in the current period compared to the same period in prior year resulting in higher FCF.

    Earnings before income taxes totalled $49 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $267 million in the same period in 2024, a decrease of $218 million, or 82 per cent.

    Adjusted earnings before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased by $116 million, or 81 per cent, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to:

    • The adjusted EBITDA items noted above;
    • Higher depreciation and amortization due to the addition of the Heartland gas facilities and White Rock and Horizon Hill wind facilities; and
    • Higher interest expense due to lower capitalized interest resulting from lower construction activity in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

    Net earnings attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased to $176 million, or 79 per cent, compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to:

    • The factors causing lower adjusted earnings before income taxes noted above;
    • Higher unrealized mark-to-market losses recorded in the Wind and Solar segment primarily related to long-term wind energy sales related to the Oklahoma facilities;
    • Lower unrealized mark-to-market gains recorded in the Gas segment primarily related to lower volumes hedged in the current period;
    • Higher asset impairment charges on the Planned Divestiture assets classified as Assets Held for Sale, offset by a fair value gain on the contingent consideration payable in the first quarter of 2025 driven by updated expectations of the fair value less costs to sell on the Planned Divestitures;
    • Higher asset impairment charges due to an increase in decommissioning and restoration provisions on retired assets driven by a decrease in discount rates and revisions in estimated decommissioning costs; impairment charges related to development projects that are no longer proceeding, partially offset by an impairment reversal related to certain energy transition assets reclassified to assets held for sale; and
    • Higher spending relating to planning and design work on a planned upgrade to our ERP system; partially offset by
    • Higher unrealized mark-to-market gains recorded in the Hydro segment primarily related to the favourable changes in forward prices;
    • Lower current income tax expense due to lower earnings before income taxes in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024; and
    • Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests compared to net earnings in the same period in 2024, primarily due to lower net earnings for TA Cogen resulting from lower merchant pricing in the Alberta market.

    Optimization of the Alberta Portfolio

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Alberta electricity portfolio generated 3,195 GWh compared to 3,173 GWh in the same period in 2024. The production increase of 22 GWh, or one per cent, was primarily due to:

    • Higher contract production in the Gas segment due to the addition of gas facilities from the acquisition of Heartland in the fourth quarter of 2024;
    • Higher production volumes in the Wind and Solar segment due to higher wind resources in the first quarter of 2025; and
    • Higher production from the Hydro segment due to higher water resource compared to the prior year; partially offset by
    • Lower merchant production in the Gas segment due to higher dispatch optimization driven by lower market prices.

    Adjusted gross margin for the Alberta portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $162 million, compared to $223 million in the same period of 2024. The decrease of $61 million, or 27 per cent, was primarily due to

    • The impact of lower Alberta spot prices and ancillary services prices;
    • Higher fuel costs in the Gas segment due to higher natural gas prices and the addition of the Heartland facilities; and
    • An increase in the carbon price per tonne from $80 in 2024 to $95 in 2025; partially offset by
    • Higher gains realized on financial hedges settled in the period;
    • Positive contribution from the addition of the Heartland facilities in the Gas segment;
    • Lower purchased power due to lower Alberta spot prices;
    • Lower carbon compliance costs due to lower production in the Gas segment; and
    • Higher hydro ancillary services volumes due to increased demand by the AESO.

    The average spot power price per MWh for the Alberta portfolio for the three months ended was $40, compared to $99 in the same period in 2024. This was primarily due to milder weather and the addition of increased supply from new renewables and combined-cycle gas facilities into the market compared to the same period in 2024.

    Hedged volumes for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were 2,273 GWh at an average price of $71 per MWh, compared to 1,908 GWh at an average price of $88 per MWh in 2024.

    Liquidity and Financial Position

    We maintain adequate available liquidity under our committed credit facilities. As at March 31, 2025, we had access to $1.5 billion in liquidity, including $238 million in cash, which exceeds the funds required for committed growth, sustaining capital and productivity projects.

    2025 Outlook

    We remain confident in our ability to meet our 2025 Outlook.

    The following table outlines our expectations on key financial targets and related assumptions for 2025 and should be read in conjunction with the narrative discussion that follows and the Governance and Risk Management section of TransAlta’s first quarter 2025 MD&A for additional information:

    Measure 2025 Target
    Adjusted EBITDA $1,150 to $1,250 million
    FCF $450 to $550 million
    FCF per share $1.51 to $1.85
    Annual dividend per share $0.26 annualized

    The Company’s outlook for 2025 may be impacted by a number of factors as detailed below.

    Market 2025 Assumptions
    Alberta spot ($/MWh) $40 to $60
    Mid-Columbia spot (US$/MWh) US$50 to US$70
    AECO gas price ($/GJ) $1.60 to $2.10

    Alberta spot price sensitivity: a +/- $1 per MWh change in spot price is expected to have a +/-$2 million impact on adjusted EBITDA for the balance of the year.

    Other assumptions relevant to the 2025 outlook

      2025 Assumptions
    Energy Marketing gross margin $110 to $130 million
    Sustaining capital $145 to $165 million
    Current income tax expense $95 to $130 million
    Net interest expense $255 to $275 million
    Hedging assumptions Q2 2025 Q3 2025 Q4 2025 2026
    Hedged production (GWh) 1,809 2,139 1,848 6,432
    Hedge price ($/MWh) $69 $68 $71 $68
    Hedged gas volumes (GJ) 7 million 8 million 7 million 19 million
    Hedge gas prices ($/GJ) $3.25 $3.22 $3.57 $3.65

    Refer to the 2025 Outlook section in our 2024 Annual MD&A for further details relating to our Outlook and related assumptions.

    Conference call

    TransAlta will host a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. MST (11:00 a.m. EST) today, May 7, 2025, to discuss our first quarter 2025 results. The call will begin with comments from John Kousinioris, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Joel Hunter, EVP Finance and Chief Financial Officer, followed by a question-and-answer period.

    First Quarter 2025 Conference Call

    Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wzq2tgtc

    To access the conference call via telephone, please register ahead of time using the call link here: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI863e6b314dbc4284ae19fafc47eca7ac. Once registered, participants will have the option of 1) dialing into the call from their phone (via a personalized PIN); or 2) clicking the “Call Me” option to receive an automated call directly to their phone.

    Related materials will be available on the Investor Centre section of TransAlta’s website at https://transalta.com/investors/presentations-and-events/. If you are unable to participate in the call, the replay will be accessible at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wzq2tgtc. A transcript of the broadcast will be posted on TransAlta’s website once it becomes available.

    Notes

    (1)These items (Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes, adjusted net earnings (loss) after income taxes attributable to common shareholders, funds from operations, free cash flow, adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders per share, funds from operations (FFO) per share and free cash flow (FCF) per share) are non-IFRS measures, which are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Presenting these items from period to period provides management and investors with the ability to evaluate earnings (loss) trends more readily in comparison with prior periods’ results. Please refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures section of this earnings release for further discussion of these items, including, where applicable, reconciliations to measures calculated in accordance with IFRS.

    Accounting Changes

    The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024.

    Non-IFRS financial measures

    We use a number of financial measures to evaluate our performance and the performance of our business segments, including measures and ratios that are presented on a non-IFRS basis, as described below. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are in Canadian dollars and have been derived from our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. We believe that these non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios, read together with our IFRS amounts, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses results.

    Non-IFRS amounts, measures and ratios do not have standardized meanings under IFRS. They are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and should not be viewed in isolation from, as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, our IFRS results.

    We calculate adjusted measures by adjusting certain IFRS measures for certain items we believe are not reflective of our ongoing operations in the period. Except as otherwise described, these adjusted measures are calculated on a consistent basis from period to period and are adjusted for specific items in each period, unless stated otherwise.

    Adjusted EBITDA

    Each business segment assumes responsibility for its operating results measured by adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is an important metric for management that represents our core operational results.

    During the first quarter of 2025, our adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to remove the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions, which was included in adjusted EBITDA composition until the fourth quarter of 2024. The adjustment was intended to explain a timing difference between our internally and externally reported results and was useful at a time when markets were more volatile. The impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions was removed to simplify our reporting. Accordingly, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.

    During the first quarter of 2025, our adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to remove the impact of Australian interest income, which was included in adjusted EBITDA composition until the fourth quarter of 2024. Initially, on the commissioning of the South Hedland facility in July 2017, we prepaid approximately $74 million of electricity transmission and distribution costs. Interest income, which was recorded on the prepaid funds, was reclassified as a reduction in the transmission and distribution costs expensed each period to reflect the net cost to the business. The impact of Australian interest income was removed to simplify our reporting since the amounts were not material. Accordingly, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.

    Interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are not included, as differences in accounting treatment may distort our core business results. In addition, certain reclassifications and adjustments are made to better assess results, excluding those items that may not be reflective of ongoing business performance. This presentation may facilitate the readers’ analysis of trends. The most directly comparable IFRS measure is earnings before income taxes.

    Adjusted Revenue

    Adjusted Revenues is Revenues (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) adjusted to exclude:

    The impact of unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses and unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses on commodity transactions.

    Certain assets that we own in Canada and Western Australia are fully contracted and recorded as finance leases under IFRS. We believe that it is more appropriate to reflect the payments we receive under the contracts as a capacity payment in our revenues instead of as finance lease income and a decrease in finance lease receivables.

    Revenues from the Planned Divestitures as they do not reflect ongoing business performance.

    Adjusted Fuel and Purchased Power

    Adjusted Fuel and Purchased Power is Fuel and Purchased Power (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) adjusted to exclude fuel and purchased power from the Planned Divestitures as it does not reflect ongoing business performance.

    Adjusted OM&A

    Adjusted OM&A is OM&A (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) adjusted to exclude:

    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs, mainly comprised of severance, legal and consultant fees as these do not reflect ongoing business performance.

    ERP integration costs representing planning, design and integration costs of upgrades to the existing ERP system as they represent project costs that do not occur on a regular basis, and therefore do not reflect ongoing performance.

    OM&A from the Planned Divestitures as it does not reflect ongoing business performance.

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss) before income taxes

    Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes represents segmented earnings (loss) adjusted for certain items that we believe do not reflect ongoing business performance and is an important metric for evaluating performance trends in each segment.

    For details of the adjustments made to earnings (loss) before income taxes (the most directly comparable IFRS measure) to calculate adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes, refer to the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment section of the MD&A.

    Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss) attributable to common shareholders

    Adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders represents net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders adjusted for specific reclassifications and adjustments and their tax impact, and is an important metric for evaluating performance. For details of the reclassifications and adjustments made to net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (the most directly comparable IFRS measure), please refer to the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders in the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment section of the MD&A.

    Adjusted Net Earnings (Loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders

    Adjusted net earning (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders is calculated as adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders divided by a weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The measure is useful in showing the earnings per common share for our core operational results as it excludes the impact of items that do not reflect an ongoing business performance. Adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable per common share is a non-IFRS ratio and the most directly comparable IFRS measure is net income (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders. Refer to the reconciliation of earnings (loss) before income taxes to adjusted net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders in the Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment section of the MD&A.

    Funds From Operations (FFO)

    Represents a proxy for cash generated from operating activities before changes in working capital and provides the ability to evaluate cash flow trends in comparison with results from prior periods. FFO is calculated as cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital and is adjusted for transactions and amounts that the Company believes are not representative of ongoing cash flows from operations.

    Free Cash Flow (FCF)

    Represents the amount of cash that is available to invest in growth initiatives, make scheduled principal debt repayments, repay maturing debt, pay common share dividends or repurchase common shares and provides the ability to evaluate cash flow trends in comparison with the results from prior periods. Changes in working capital are excluded so that FFO and FCF are not distorted by changes that we consider temporary in nature, reflecting, among other things, the impact of seasonal factors and timing of receipts and payments.

    Non-IFRS Ratios

    FFO per share, FCF per share and adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS ratios that are presented in the MD&A. Refer to the Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations to FFO and FCF and Key Non-IFRS Financial Ratios sections of the MD&A for additional information.

    FFO per share and FCF per share

    FFO per share and FCF per share are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. FFO per share and FCF per share are non-IFRS ratios.

    Reconciliation of these non-IFRS financial measures to the most comparable IFRS measure are provided below.

    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures on a Consolidated Basis by Segment

    The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes by segment and provides reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2025:

      Hydro Wind &
    Solar(1)
    Gas Energy
    Transition
    Energy
    Marketing
    Corporate Total Equity-
    accounted
    investments(1)
    Reclass
    adjustments
    IFRS
    financials
    Revenues 86   107   390   154   27   1   765   (7 ) —   758  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss (21 ) 36   (32 ) (1 ) 1   —   (17 ) —   17   —  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable —   1   7   —   —   —   8   —   (8 ) —  
    Finance lease income —   1   5   —   —   —   6   —   (6 ) —  
    Revenues from Planned Divestitures —   —   (4 ) —   —   —   (4 ) —   4   —  
    Adjusted revenue 65   145   366   153   28   1   758   (7 ) 7   758  
    Fuel and purchased power 4   10   163   98   —   2   277   —   —   277  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Fuel and purchased power related to Planned Divestitures —   —   (2 ) —   —   —   (2 ) —   2   —  
    Adjusted fuel and purchased power 4   10   161   98   —   2   275   —   2   277  
    Carbon compliance —   1   49   —   —   (1 ) 49   —   —   49  
    Adjusted gross margin 61   134   156   55   28   —   434   (7 ) 5   432  
    OM&A 13   29   59   17   7   49   174   (1 ) —   173  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    OM&A related to Planned Divestitures —   —   (2 ) —   —   —   (2 ) —   2   —  
    ERP integration costs —   —   —   —   —   (4 ) (4 ) —   4   —  
    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs —   —   —   —   —   (4 ) (4 ) —   4   —  
    Adjusted OM&A 13   29   57   17   7   41   164   (1 ) 10   173  
    Taxes, other than income taxes 1   5   5   1   —   —   12   —   —   12  
    Net other operating income —   (4 ) (10 ) —   —   —   (14 ) —   —   (14 )
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Insurance recovery —   2   —   —   —   —   2   —   (2 ) —  
    Adjusted net other operating income —   (2 ) (10 ) —   —   —   (12 ) —   (2 ) (14 )
    Adjusted EBITDA(2) 47   102   104   37   21   (41 ) 270        
    Depreciation and amortization (9 ) (53 ) (64 ) (15 ) (2 ) (5 ) (148 ) 2   —   (146 )
    Equity income —   —   —   —   —   (1 ) (1 ) —   3   2  
    Interest income —   —   —   —   —   5   5   —   —   5  
    Interest expense —   —   —   —   —   (94 ) (94 ) 1   —   (93 )
    Realized foreign exchange loss —   —   —   —   —   (4 ) (4 ) —   —   (4 )
    Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes(2) 38   49   40   22   19   (140 ) 28        
    Reclassifications and adjustments above 21   (36 ) 20   1   (1 ) (8 ) (3 )      
    Finance lease income —   1   5   —   —   —   6   —   —   6  
    Skookumchuk earnings reclass to Equity income(1) —   (3 ) —   —   —   3   —   —   —   —  
    Fair value change in contingent consideration payable —   —   34   —   —   —   34   —   —   34  
    Asset impairment (charges) reversals —   —   (34 ) 24   —   (5 ) (15 ) —   —   (15 )
    Loss on sale of assets and other —   —   —   —   —   (1 ) (1 ) —   —   (1 )
    Earnings (loss) before income taxes 59   11   65   47   18   (151 ) 49     —   49  

    (1)  The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
    (2)  Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS. During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    The following table reflects adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes by segment and provides reconciliation to earnings (loss) before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2024:

      Hydro Wind &
    Solar(1)
    Gas Energy
    Transition
    Energy
    Marketing
    Corporate Total Equity-
    accounted
    investments(1)
    Reclass
    adjustments
    IFRS
    financials
    Revenues 112   139   433   217   52   —   953   (6 ) —   947  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Unrealized mark-to-market (gain) loss (5 ) (21 ) (91 ) (6 ) (3 ) —   (126 ) —   126   —  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable —   1   4   —   —   —   5   —   (5 ) —  
    Finance lease income —   1   1   —   —   —   2   —   (2 ) —  
    Unrealized foreign exchange gain on commodity —   —   (1 ) —   —   —   (1 ) —   1   —  
    Adjusted revenue 107   120   346   211   49   —   833   (6 ) 120   947  
    Fuel and purchased power 6   9   142   166   —   —   323   —   —   323  
    Carbon compliance —   —   40   —   —   —   40   —   —   40  
    Adjusted gross margin 101   111   164   45   49   —   470   (6 ) 120   584  
    OM&A 13   20   46   18   10   28   135   (1 ) —   134  
    Reclassifications and adjustments:                  
    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs —   —   —   —   —   (3 ) (3 ) —   3   —  
    Adjusted OM&A 13   20   46   18   10   25   132   (1 ) 3   134  
    Taxes, other than income taxes 1   4   3   —   —   —   8   —   —   8  
    Net other operating income —   (2 ) (10 ) —   —   —   (12 ) —   —   (12 )
    Adjusted EBITDA(2)(3) 87   89   125   27   39   (25 ) 342        
    Depreciation and amortization (7 ) (43 ) (55 ) (16 ) (1 ) (4 ) (126 ) 2   —   (124 )
    Equity income —   —   —   —   —   (2 ) (2 ) —   3   1  
    Interest income —   —   —   —   —   7   7   —   —   7  
    Interest expense —   —   —   —   —   (69 ) (69 ) —   —   (69 )
    Realized foreign exchange gain (loss)(4) —   —   —   —   —   (8 ) (8 ) —   —   (8 )
    Adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes(2) 80   46   70   11   38   (101 ) 144        
    Reclassifications and adjustments above 5   19   87   6   3   (3 ) 117        
    Finance lease income —   1   1   —   —   —   2   —   —   2  
    Skookumchuk earnings reclass to Equity income(1) —   (3 ) —   —   —   3   —   —   —   —  
    Asset impairment charges —   (4 ) —   3   —   —   (1 ) —   —   (1 )
    Gain on sale of assets and other(4) —   —   —   —   —   2   2   —   —   2  
    Unrealized foreign exchange gain(4) —   —   —   —   —   3   3   —   —   3  
    Earnings (loss) before income taxes 85   59   158   20   41   (96 ) 267   —   —   267  

    (1) The Skookumchuck wind facility has been included on a proportionate basis in the Wind and Solar segment.
    (2) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted earnings (loss) before income taxes are non-IFRS measures, are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
    (3) During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. During the second quarter of 2024, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods. Refer to the Additional Non-IFRS and Supplementary Financial Measures section of the MD&A
    (4) Foreign exchange loss and other of $3 million reported in the first quarter of 2024 was broken down to conform to the current period presentation.

    Reconciliation of Earnings Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Net Earnings attributable to common shareholders

    The following table reflects reconciliation of earnings before income taxes to adjusted earnings attributable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024:

      Three months ended March 31
     
      2025   2024  
    Earnings before income taxes 49   267  
    Income tax expense 7   29  
    Net earnings 42   238  
    Net (loss) earnings attributable to non-controlling interests (4 ) 16  
    Net earnings attributable to common shareholders 46   222  
    Adjustments and reclassifications (pre-tax):    
    Adjustments and reclassifications to Revenues (7 ) (120 )
    Adjustments and reclassifications to Fuel and purchased power 2   —  
    Adjustments and reclassifications to OM&A 10   3  
    Adjustments and reclassifications to Net other operating expense (income) (2 ) —  
    Fair value change in contingent consideration payable (gain) (34 ) —  
    Finance lease income (6 ) (2 )
    Asset impairment charges 15   1  
    Loss (gain) on sale of assets and other 1   (2 )
    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) —   (3 )
    Calculated tax recovery on adjustments and reclassifications(1) 5   29  
    Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders(2) 30   128  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period 298   308  
    Net income per common share attributable to common shareholders 0.15   0.72  
    Adjustments and reclassifications (net of tax) (0.05 ) (0.31 )
    Adjusted net earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders(2) 0.10   0.41  

    (1) Represents a theoretical tax calculated by applying the Company’s consolidated effective tax rate of 23.3 per cent for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (March 31, 2024 — 23.3 per cent). The amount does not take into account the impact of different tax jurisdictions the Company’s operations are domiciled and does not include the impact of deferred taxes.
    (2) Adjusted net earnings attributable to common shareholders and Adjusted net earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders are non-IFRS measures, are not defined, have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The most directly comparable IFRS measures are net earnings attributable to common shareholders and net earnings per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    Reconciliation of cash flow from operations to FFO and FCF

    The table below reconciles our cash flow from operating activities to our FFO and FCF:

      Three months ended March 31
     
      2025     2024  
    Cash flow from operating activities(1) 7     244  
    Change in non-cash operating working capital balances 117     (7 )
    Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital 124     237  
    Adjustments      
    Share of adjusted FFO from joint venture(1) 2     2  
    Decrease in finance lease receivable 8     5  
    Brazeau penalties payment 33     —  
    Acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs 6     3  
    Other(2) 6     7  
    FFO(3) 179     254  
    Deduct:      
    Sustaining capital(1) (23 )   1  
    Dividends paid on preferred shares (13 )   (13 )
    Distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests —     (19 )
    Principal payments on lease liabilities (1 )   (1 )
    Other (3 )   (1 )
    FCF(3) 139     221  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period 298     308  
    FFO per share(3) 0.60     0.82  
    FCF per share(3) 0.47     0.72  

    (1) Includes our share of amounts for the Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity-accounted joint venture.
    (2) Other consists of production tax credits, which is a reduction to tax equity debt, less distributions from an equity-accounted joint venture.
    (3) These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. During the second quarter of 2024, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods. Refer to the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section in this earnings release and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

    The table below provides a reconciliation of our adjusted EBITDA to our FFO and FCF:

      Three Months Ended March 31
    $ millions, unless otherwise stated March 31, 2025   2024  
    Adjusted EBITDA(1)(4) 270   342  
    Provisions 8   —  
    Net interest expense(2) (72 ) (48 )
    Current income tax recovery (expense) (13 ) (27 )
    Realized foreign exchange gain (loss) (2 ) (8 )
    Decommissioning and restoration costs settled (9 ) (7 )
    Other non-cash items (3 ) 2  
    FFO(3)(4) 179   254  
    Deduct:    
    Sustaining capital(4) (23 ) 1  
    Dividends paid on preferred shares (13 ) (13 )
    Distributions paid to subsidiaries’ non-controlling interests —   (19 )
    Principal payments on lease liabilities (1 ) (1 )
    Other (3 ) (1 )
    FCF(3)(4) 139   221  

    (1) Adjusted EBITDA is defined in the Additional IFRS Measures and Non-IFRS Measures of this earnings release and reconciled to earnings (loss) before income taxes above. During the first quarter of 2025, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of realized gain (loss) on closed exchange positions and Australian interest income. During the second quarter of 2024, our Adjusted EBITDA composition was amended to exclude the impact of acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs. Therefore, the Company has applied this composition to all previously reported periods.
    (2) Net interest expense is a non-IFRS measure, is not defined and has no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Refer to the table below for detailed calculation.
    (3) These items are not defined and have no standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. FFO and FCF are defined in the Non-IFRS financial measures and other specified financial measures section of in this earnings release and reconciled to cash flow from operating activities above.
    (4) Includes our share of amounts for Skookumchuck wind facility, an equity-accounted joint venture.

    TransAlta is in the process of filing its unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes, as well as the associated Management’s Discussion & Analysis (MD&A). These documents will be available today on the Investors section of TransAlta’s website at www.transalta.com or through SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

    About TransAlta Corporation:

    TransAlta owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electrical power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia with a focus on long-term shareholder value. TransAlta provides municipalities, medium and large industries, businesses and utility customers with affordable, energy efficient and reliable power. Today, TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power and Alberta’s largest producer of thermal generation and hydro-electric power. For over 114 years, TransAlta has been a responsible operator and a proud member of the communities where we operate and where our employees work and live. TransAlta aligns its corporate goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Future-Fit Business Benchmark, which also defines sustainable goals for businesses. Our reporting on climate change management has been guided by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 Climate-related Disclosures Standard and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. TransAlta has achieved a 70 per cent reduction in GHG emissions or 22.7 million tonnes CO2e since 2015 and received an upgraded MSCI ESG rating of AA.

    For more information about TransAlta, visit our web site at transalta.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release includes “forward-looking information,” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, and “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are not facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as “may”, “will”, “can”, “could”, “would”, “shall”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “forecast”, “foresee”, “potential”, “enable”, “continue” or other comparable terminology. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance, events or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual performance, events or results to be materially different from those set out in or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements about the following, among other things: the strategic objectives of the Company and that the execution of the Company’s strategy will realize value for shareholders; our capital allocation and financing strategy; our sustainability goals and targets, including those in our 2024 Sustainability Report; our 2025 Outlook; our financial and operational performance, including our hedge position; optimizing and diversifying our existing assets; the increasingly contracted nature of our fleet; expectations about strategies for growth and expansion, including expected outcomes related to our investment in Nova Clean Energy, opportunities for Centralia redevelopment, and data centre opportunities; expected costs and schedules for planned projects; expected regulatory processes and outcomes, including in relation to the Alberta restructured energy market; the power generation industry and the supply and demand of electricity; the cyclicality of our business; expected outcomes with respect to legal proceedings; the expected impact of future tax and accounting changes; and expected industry, market and economic conditions.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on many assumptions including, but not limited to, the following: no significant changes to applicable laws and regulations; no unexpected delays in obtaining required regulatory approvals; no material adverse impacts to investment and credit markets; no significant changes to power price and hedging assumptions; no significant changes to gas commodity price assumptions and transport costs; no significant changes to interest rates; no significant changes to the demand and growth of renewables generation; no significant changes to the integrity and reliability of our facilities; no significant changes to the Company’s debt and credit ratings; no unforeseen changes to economic and market conditions; and no significant event occurring outside the ordinary course of business.

    These assumptions are based on information currently available to TransAlta, including information obtained from third-party sources. Actual results may differ materially from those predicted. Factors that may adversely impact what is expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in power prices; changes in supply and demand for electricity; our ability to contract our electricity generation for prices that will provide expected returns; our ability to replace contracts as they expire; risks associated with development projects and acquisitions; any difficulty raising needed capital in the future on reasonable terms or at all; our ability to achieve our targets relating to ESG; long-term commitments on gas transportation capacity that may not be fully utilized over time; changes to the legislative, regulatory and political environments; environmental requirements and changes in, or liabilities under, these requirements; operational risks involving our facilities, including unplanned outages and equipment failure; disruptions in the transmission and distribution of electricity; reductions in production; impairments and/or writedowns of assets; adverse impacts on our information technology systems and our internal control systems, including increased cybersecurity threats; commodity risk management and energy trading risks; reduced labour availability and ability to continue to staff our operations and facilities; disruptions to our supply chains; climate-change related risks; reductions to our generating units’ relative efficiency or capacity factors; general economic risks, including deterioration of equity and debt markets, increasing interest rates or rising inflation; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including potential trade tariffs; industry risk and competition; counterparty credit risk; inadequacy or unavailability of insurance coverage; increases in the Company’s income taxes and any risk of reassessments; legal, regulatory and contractual disputes and proceedings involving the Company; reliance on key personnel; and labour relations matters.

    The foregoing risk factors, among others, are described in further detail under the heading “Governance and Risk Management” in the MD&A, which section is incorporated by reference herein.

    Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully when evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made only as of the date hereof and we do not undertake to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. The purpose of the financial outlooks contained herein is to give the reader information about management’s current expectations and plans and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

    Note: All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

    For more information:

    The MIL Network –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Outstanding B.C. lawyers receive King’s Counsel designation

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The following King’s counsel appointees are listed alphabetically by surname, with the year they were called to the B.C. bar:

    Peter Ameerali (2005) is a leading public law litigator and has been a constitutional expert with the B.C. Ministry of Attorney General since 2005. He pioneered B.C.’s civil forfeiture regime and has argued at all court levels. A recognized mentor and trainer, Ameerali has shaped the careers of dozens of lawyers and articled students. He is a respected leader in legal ethics, equity and inclusion, serving in senior advisory roles within and outside government.

    Morgan Camley (2006) is a nationally recognized barrister known for her excellence in complex litigation and regulatory matters. With a practice rooted in advocacy, she has appeared at all levels of court in B.C. and beyond. A dedicated mentor and leader, Camley is a champion for 2SLGBTQ inclusion in law and a respected voice in legal education and access to justice. Her practice spans commercial, Aboriginal, public and municipal law. She is widely regarded for her strategic, principled and community-centred approach to litigation and dispute resolution.

    Michelle Casavant (2010) has made a profound impact on legal education in British Columbia, particularly through her leadership on the Truth and Reconciliation Committee during her six years on the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia’s board of directors. A gifted educator and respected legal practitioner, Casavant shares her knowledge to elevate the profession and foster lifelong learning. Her work co-drafting complex land transaction regulations under the Indian Act and First Nations Commercial Industrial Development Act earned her a 2024 Excellence Award from the Community of Federal Regulators.

    Nikki Charlton (2004) is one of British Columbia’s leading family law practitioners, recognized by Lexpert and Best Lawyers Canada for her expertise and advocacy. A partner at Farris LLP and a bencher of the Law Society since 2024, she is also an accredited mediator, arbitrator and parenting co-ordinator. Nikki has shaped precedent-setting case law and is a respected educator, author, and conference leader. She is deeply committed to access to justice, providing pro-bono services and supporting vulnerable populations. She is a prolific contributor to continuing legal education and access to justice.

    Mary Childs (1989) is general counsel for the Tsawwassen First Nation, where she leads the legal department for the Nation’s self-governing authority. Her legal career has focused on corporate law, specializing in charities, and not-for-profit and co-operative groups. She has been an active public servant, serving as governor and chair of the Law Foundation of B.C., advancing Indigenous justice and legal services. She is also engaged in legal education and has served on various boards, including the B.C. Passenger Transportation Board, contributing significantly to public and Indigenous law.

    Beverly Churchill (1988) is a leader in family law and consensual dispute resolution. Practising in the Interior, she specializes in mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. With more than 37 years of experience, she has trained more than 350 professionals across Canada in non-evaluative child interviews. She chaired the BC Hear the Child Society and has contributed to multiple family-law organizations. A passionate advocate for children, she strives to support families through less adversarial processes, enhancing access to justice and promoting child-centred practices in the family justice system.

    Christina Cook (2010) founded the Indigenous Lawyer History website and has held key leadership roles, including as an elected bencher for the Law Society of BC and chair of the Canadian Bar Association BC (CBABC) Aboriginal Lawyers Forum. She is a recognized advocate for diversity and inclusion, having received awards such as the UBC Indigenous Law Students Association’s Courage in Law Award and the Philippa Samworth Award for the Advancement of Women in Law. Serving as senior policy lawyer at BC First Nations Justice Council. She continues to influence national legal initiatives and mentor the next generation of Indigenous lawyers.

    Barbara Cornish (1992) is a nationally and internationally recognized mediator and arbitrator, specializing in commercial, insurance and regulatory disputes. A partner at Cornish Margolis Boyd, she focuses exclusively on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and has been named a Global Elite Thought Leader in ADR. A distinguished fellow and governor of the International Academy of Mediators, she contributes to the development of ADR practices through her leadership roles and educational initiatives. Her work in access to justice, mentorship and contributions to legal education make her a prominent figure in her field.

    Vincent Critchley (1997) is a highly regarded professional liability lawyer and the managing partner at QA Law. With more than 25 years of experience, he is the go-to lawyer for repairing legal errors, particularly on behalf of the Lawyers Indemnity Fund. He has been at the forefront of developing the law in areas that affect legal malpractice. Critchley has appeared as lead counsel in precedent-setting cases at the Court of Appeal. He is also a committed educator, regularly lecturing on professional liability, litigation strategy and contributing to legal organizations such as the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia (CLEBC) and ICBC.

    Michaela Donnelly (1997) is senior trial counsel with the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS), specializing in major crime prosecutions, such as homicide and dangerous-offender applications. She is a recognized expert on issues related to not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder, providing training for prosecutors and police. Donnelly regularly appears before the BC Review Board and is deeply committed to legal education, mentorship and community service. She also serves on the BCPS Gender Equity and Advancement Committee, focusing on improving equity and opportunities for women in the legal profession.

    Stephanie Fabbro (1999) is a leading family lawyer, mediator and parenting co-ordinator. Practising at Hamilton Fabbro, the firm she co-founded in 2008, she is recognized annually by Best Lawyers in Canada and the Canadian Lexpert Directory. A tireless advocate for non-adversarial family law, she leads the BC Collaborative Roster Society and Parenting Coordinators Roster Society. She has been instrumental in advancing parenting co-ordination standards in B.C. and developing accessible family law resources. In addition, she serves as a mentor and a community volunteer.

    Grant Haddock (1992) is the founder of Haddock and Company, specializing in housing law, including non-profit housing, strata property, residential tenancy and co-op housing. He has created a discounted legal services program for the housing sector, increasing access to justice. A sought-after speaker, he regularly delivers seminars for BC Non-Profit Housing Association and LandlordBC. His advocacy for affordable housing and mentoring of young lawyers has made a significant impact on B.C.’s housing sector. He also contributes to legal publications and continues to champion legal education and access to justice.

    Kevin Kohan (2003) is chief legislative counsel and registrar of regulations for British Columbia and has played a pivotal role in shaping provincial legislation for more than two decades. Known for his legal precision, leadership and integrity, Kohan has drafted landmark laws, such as emergency COVID-19 legislation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. He leads a team of more than 50 professionals and has modernized legislative drafting to reflect inclusive and transparent governance. He is a adviser to cabinet and a two-time Premier’s Award recipient.

    Andrew MacDonald (1989) is a deputy regional Crown counsel with the BCPS, after stepping down as regional Crown counsel for the Fraser region in 2024. Known for his integrity and exceptional judgment, he has mentored young lawyers and contributed to legal education. He is recognized for his commitment to justice and volunteer work in the community. His leadership within the BCPS has made a lasting impact on the prosecution service.

    Andrea MacKay (2000) is one of British Columbia’s top trial and appellate litigators, with a practice spanning complex civil, criminal and administrative law. MacKay has appeared in numerous landmark cases, including at the Supreme Court of Canada, and has also made a significant contribution to the bench and bar through her extensive work on criminal ineffective assistance appeals. She frequently assists the Law Society of B.C. and colleagues in challenging matters and provides pro-bono representation in cases of public importance. She has taught at the national criminal law program and has been an instructor at the McEachern advanced trial advocacy course.

    Anne MacKenzie (1979) has had a distinguished career, including 34 years as a judge, serving as Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of B.C. and as a Court of Appeal justice. Recently returning to practice at Hira Rowan LLP, she has presided over significant civil, criminal and family trials, including in French. As a mentor, she has played a key role in judicial education. She retired from the bench in 2024 and continues to contribute to the legal community through practice and educational initiatives.

    Raji Mangat (2011) is a respected non-profit leader and litigator with 20 years of experience working to improve access to justice for marginalized communities through systemic change efforts. She is a strong advocate for equity and inclusion in the legal profession and has donated her time to several legal organizations, including Access Pro Bono, Health Justice, and Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers BC.

    Suzette Narbonne (1995) is the managing lawyer at the Society for Children and Youth Legal Centre in Vancouver. Her legal career began in 1989 with Legal Aid Manitoba, where she served in remote areas and First Nations communities. After moving to B.C. in 1995, she focused on legal-aid clients before joining the Society for Children and Youth in 2017. She is an advocate for children’s legal rights, leading initiatives to ensure children’s voices are heard in legal matters.

    Emily Ohler (2001) is a respected human rights leader known for her innovative, values-driven approach to complex challenges. As chair of the BC Human Rights Tribunal, she led a turnaround during a period of crisis, securing critical funding, restructuring operations and launching reforms that reduced delays and restored public confidence. With a global background in international law and United Nation’s reparations, Ohler combines legal expertise with strategic vision, equity and integrity.

    Mark Oulton (2000) has long been recognized as one of B.C.’s leading public law, natural resource and commercial law barristers. His unique background has allowed him to develop a multi-disciplinary litigation practice that sits at the intersection of forestry, commercial and Indigenous law, and engages challenging and important issues at the centre of reconciliation and its intersection with the provincial economy. Beyond the courtroom, Oulton is a director with VanIAC and Brockton school, and an author for CLEBC.

    David Paterson (1985) is a prominent litigator in Aboriginal law and reconciliation, currently practising at Paterson Law Office. He played a key role in landmark cases and negotiated the historic Haida Title Lands Agreement. His contributions to residential school litigation were instrumental in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. He is a leader in public service and legal organizations, such as Reconciliation Canada. His integrity and expertise have earned him widespread recognition for his dedication to justice and reconciliation in Canada.

    Georges Rivard (1992) practises criminal law in Fort St. John, defending cases in English and French. Of French Canadian Métis heritage, he advocates for marginalized communities in northern B.C., particularly First Nations clients. He is committed to language rights, advancing these causes in court and mentoring young lawyers. As a bencher for the Law Society of BC, he contributes to ethics and complaints review. His fierce advocacy and dedication to diversity and justice have earned him respect in the legal community, particularly in the northern and rural regions of B.C.

    Salima Samnani (2008) is the director of legal services at the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic and a lecturer at Peter A. Allard school of law at the University of British Columbia. She is the principal of Salima Samnani Law Corporation, where she practices in family law and employment law, providing legal expertise to individuals, community organizations, non-profit legal services and marginalized communities. She has served as the counsel for the Union of BC Indian Chiefs at the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and commission counsel for the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry (B.C.). She received her J.D. from the University of Victoria and a master’s degree in law and international business from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.

    Kate Saunders (2007) leads one of the largest litigation teams in British Columbia’s Ministry of Attorney General, serving as supervising counsel since 2018. She provides strategic leadership on more than 5,000 active cases and oversees the Province’s settlements under the Crown Proceeding Act. She has worked on landmark cases involving the public health-care system, safe-injection sites and free speech. Saunders’ commitment to public service further extends to serving as an adjudicator on the Law Society of B.C.’s tribunal, advocating for lawyer wellness, volunteering as an instructor at universities and promoting access to justice through pro-bono initiatives.

    Jon Sigurdson (1974) has had a distinguished career as a lawyer, judge and educator. After practising with Bull Housser Tupper, he became a partner at Fraser Kelleher Sigurdson Watts and Gudmundseth. Serving as a Supreme Court Justice from 1994 until 2017, he contributed to judicial education and legal education as an instructor at UBC’s Allard school of law. He was also a contributing editor for The Advocate. His leadership in legal education and commitment to justice and mentorship have made him a highly respected figure in B.C.’s legal community.

    Thomas Spraggs (2003) is a respected civil litigator, legal innovator and dedicated leader in British Columbia’s legal community. He owns Spraggs Law and has championed technology to modernize legal practice. A bencher for Westminster County since 2020 and the Law Society of B.C.’s second vice-president for 2025, Spraggs is widely recognized for his integrity, mentorship and commitment to professional wellness, access to justice and reconciliation. He contributes to legal education through CLEBC and CBABC and has served on numerous boards, reflecting his deep commitment to public service and the advancement of the legal profession.

    Karen Tse (2012) is a rural family lawyer, family law mediator, Legal Aid BC duty counsel and civil litigator. As the first female and IBPOC partner at Rockies Law LLP and first Asian female to serve as vice-president and president-elect of the Kootenay Bar Association, she is dedicated to promoting access to justice in rural communities and providing mentorship to the Kootenay bar. Tse was named volunteer of the year by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce. Her work with the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre and Fernie Child Care Society continues to support rural families accessing child care and women and children in crisis.

    John Tuck (1995) is the acting assistant deputy attorney general in the Legal Services Branch at B.C.’s Ministry of Attorney General. With nearly 30 years of experience specializing in information and privacy law, he provides strategic advice to government, including premiers and senior officials. He has appeared at all levels of court, including in front of the Supreme Court of Canada. In addition to his legal practice, he is an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria law school, where he teaches privacy law.

    Gaynor Yeung (1996) is a partner at Whitelaw Twining in Vancouver, specializing in insurance law and mediation. She has appeared before all levels of B.C. courts and is widely respected by plaintiff and defence counsel. She is regularly recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada and is a member of the Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. Elected a bencher in 2021, she chairs the practice standards committee and serves as vice-chair of the EDI Committee, demonstrating her leadership, commitment to ethics and integrity within the legal community.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Measures to support the agriculture and fisheries industry

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Professor the Hon Priscilla Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):

    Question:

         It has been reported that the traditional agriculture and fisheries industry is facing the challenges of transformation and sales promotion. Regarding the measures to support the agriculture and fisheries industry, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) given that the Government currently assists fishermen and farmers in overcoming the problem of capital shortfall through various measures (e.g. the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund and the Farm Improvement Scheme), which enable them to enhance production efficiency and product quality with the use of modernised equipment or technologies, whether the Government has assessed the effectiveness of such measures; if so, of the details;

    (2) as there are views pointing out that fishermen and farmers generally lack market information and marketing skills to sell agricultural and fisheries products, whether the Government has, apart from organising the FarmFest annually and developing the “Local Fresh” mobile app and shopping website, considered providing them with training related to sales and promotion, as well as establishing more platforms and channels for selling agricultural and fisheries products; and

    (3) as there are views that the supply chain of local agricultural and fisheries products is plagued by the problem of insufficient preservation and transportation facilities, how the Government improves the logistics infrastructure in areas for agriculture and fisheries uses, especially the cold chain logistics and transport network; of the Government’s plans in place to assist fishermen and farmers in setting up a modern storage and distribution system, thereby reducing the loss of and damage to their products and expand their sales network?

    Reply:

    President,

         The Government is actively taking forward the various initiatives under the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries, with a view to promoting the upgrading and transformation of the agriculture and fisheries industries towards modernisation and sustainable development. Such initiatives include providing financial support and technical support, as well as improving the marketing environment, thereby meeting the development needs of the industries on various fronts.

         The reply to the question raised by Professor the Hon Priscilla Leung is as follows:

    (1) In terms of financial support, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), through the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund and the Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund (SADF) of HK$1 billion each, assists the local agriculture and fisheries industries to switch to sustainable and high value-added mode of operations, thereby boosting the overall competitiveness of the industries. The Equipment Improvement Project and the Farm Improvement Scheme under the two respective Funds have also been providing financial assistance to eligible local fishermen/farmers for purchasing modernised and mechanised operational equipment and materials to enhance their competitiveness.

         Since the establishment of the two Funds, progress has been made with initial achievements, benefitting more than 4 570 fishermen/farmers. The AFCD reviews from time to time the effectiveness of approved or completed projects under the two Funds in fostering the sustainable development of the agriculture and fisheries industries. Upon project completion, the grantee should submit a final report and an audited account, specifying the project’s financial position and benefits brought to the industry, and should share the achievements with the industries. In addition, the AFCD will also organise seminars and sharing sessions for the trade.

         Besides, the Government, through the AFCD, the Fish Marketing Organization (FMO) and the Vegetable Marketing Organization (VMO), manages six fisheries and agricultural loan funds which provide fishermen/farmers with low-interest loans to help them switch to more sustainable operations or further enhance and expand their business. The AFCD and the FMO/VMO have been monitoring the operation of these funds on a continuous basis. Over the past five years, a total of about HK$500 million of loans were approved under these fisheries and agricultural loan funds, benefitting more than 1 660 fishermen/farmers.

    (2) The AFCD and the FMO/VMO have been providing proactive assistance to the industries to promote their local premium agricultural and fisheries products, including the organisation of major events such as the 75th National Day Farm and Gourmet Festival and the FarmFest, participation in food exhibitions (e.g. Vegetarian Food Asia, Food Expo, HOFEX and Organic Aquaculture Festival), development and setting up of the “Local Fresh” e-commerce platform and a physical store, collaboration with retailers to establish regular sales channels, and organisation of holiday bazaars and thematic sales activities in supermarket chains. The AFCD and the FMO/VMO will continue to explore online and offline sales channels, identify more partners for collaboration and step up the promotional efforts. We are also actively promoting leisure farming and fisheries, including allowing the public to taste fresh local agricultural and fisheries products at farms and fish farms, which will help publicise and promote the products.

         To further enhance the competitiveness of local agricultural and fisheries products and strengthen sales and promotion, the AFCD plans to establish a unified new brand for safe, low-carbon and premium local agricultural and fisheries products covering various locally produced agricultural and fisheries products, and to establish production standards, farming methods as well as a certification and traceability system for these products to ensure that the quality is up to standard. The AFCD is carrying out preparatory work with the local certification body, agricultural and fishermen organisations and other stakeholders. The AFCD and the certification body will make reference to international experiences when formulating a certification system that applies to the local agricultural and fisheries products and will fully consult the industries and relevant stakeholders before launching the new brand to ensure that the system standards are widely accepted by the industries. The AFCD is actively striving to build the unified new brand in 2025/26.

         In addition, the AFCD has in recent years offered courses on practical skills, such as business start-up, business operation, simple clerical and accounting processing, to fishermen with a view to enhancing their marketing and administrative knowledge. The AFCD also plans to organise training courses related to brand building and online marketing in future to enhance farmers and fishermen’s knowledge and understanding of various marketing practices, tools, sales channels, etc, so as to assist the industries in enhancing the competitiveness and market visibility of their agricultural and fisheries products.

    (3) The FMO/VMO have established a fish processing centre and the Premium Vegetables Section respectively to provide processing, freezing and packaging services for local agricultural and fisheries products, enhancing product value and extending shelf life of the products. In recent years, the FMO has actively introduced the vacuum skin packaging technology to enhance the freshness and appearance of products and facilitate logistics and transportation. For agricultural products, the “Pilot Scheme on Marketing and Branding of Graded Local Vegetables”, which is financially supported by the SADF, has been launched to grade local “accredited vegetables” and establish regional packaging and distribution centres with a view to providing a steady supply of premium vegetables and enhancing the consumers’ awareness of and demand for “accredited vegetables”. In addition, the FMO/VMO will review the utilisation and planning of existing wholesale markets, such as studying the feasibility of expanding the processing and cold storage facilities at Tai Po Wholesale Fish Market and other suitable locations.

         Regarding logistics, the existing logistics distribution services in Hong Kong can generally meet the needs of the local agriculture and fisheries industries. Local farms and fish farms usually arrange their own logistics and distribution services to deliver the harvested agricultural and fisheries products to customers or sell them through wholesale markets. Meanwhile, the FMO/VMO also provide logistics, delivery and marketing support to some farmers and fishermen.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ20: Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Reverend Canon the Hon Peter Douglas Koon and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):

    Question:

         The 2023 Policy Address announced the launch of a three-year Re-‍employment Allowance Pilot Scheme (the Pilot Scheme), targeting at elderly and middle-aged persons aged 40 or above who have not been in paid employment for three consecutive months or more. To encourage these persons to rejoin the workforce, those who have worked for six consecutive months will be provided with a maximum allowance of $10,000, while those who have worked for 12 consecutive months will be given an additional maximum allowance of $10,000. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it will further improve the Pilot Scheme, such as increasing the amount of allowance, and strengthening employment counselling, job referral and post-placement follow-up services; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (2) whether performance indicators have been set for the Pilot Scheme, and whether the effectiveness of the Scheme in promoting re-‍employment among elderly and middle-aged persons is reviewed in a timely manner; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

         Launched by the Labour Department (LD) on July 15, 2024, the three-year Re-‍employment Allowance Pilot Scheme (REA Scheme) encourages persons aged 40 or above who have not been in paid employment for three consecutive months or more to join the employment market. Each eligible participant who has worked full-time for six consecutive months will be provided with a re-employment allowance (REA) of $10,000, while those who have worked full-time for 12 consecutive months will be given an additional allowance of $10,000. Half-rate REA will be given to those who have worked part-time. Each participant may receive a maximum REA of $20,000 during the implementation of the REA Scheme. In response to the Member’s question, the reply is provided below.

         The response to the REA Scheme is very favourable. From July 15, 2024 to March 31, 2025, over 38 000 participants and more than 16 000 placements were recorded, far exceeding the original target of benefiting 6 000 employed persons during the three-year implementation period.

         The LD has been providing free and diversified employment services for participants of the REA Scheme. Participants may search for jobs through the LD’s Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk), job centres across the territory, the Telephone Employment Service Hotline (2969 0888) or other channels. In addition, the LD from time to time stages large-scale job fairs targeting the elderly and middle-aged as well as district-based job fairs on part-time employment, etc, to promote the employment of the elderly and middle-aged. In tandem, the Government has commissioned two service providers, which have set up 12 service spots across the territory and two telephone hotlines, to assist with the implementation of the Scheme.

         The LD will closely monitor the implementation of the REA Scheme and make timely adjustments to the implementation arrangements in light of the employment market situation and the views of the stakeholders.

         The LD plans to conduct a mid-term review on the REA Scheme in the first quarter of 2026 to evaluate the effectiveness of the Scheme and map out the way forward. As the number of employment placements may be affected by various factors such as the economy, labour market situation and the personal circumstances of job seekers, it is not appropriate to set key performance indicators for the REA Scheme.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: General Employment Policy and Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Kingsley Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
     
    Question:
     
         According to government data, in 2024-2025 (as at February 2025), among the approved cases under the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (Two Talent Schemes), nearly 50 per cent of the applicants earned a monthly salary of less than $20,000. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the number of applications received, approved and rejected by the Government respectively under the Two Talent Schemes in 2023-‍2024 and 2024-2025, with breakdowns on “short-term employment” and “non-short-term employment” cases;

    (2) among the non-short-term employment cases approved by the Government in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 as mentioned in (1), of (i) ‍the distribution of the industries/sectors in which the applicants are employed and the median wage, and (ii) the minimum and maximum monthly salaries of the applicants and the respective industries/sectors in which they are employed (broken down by year and talent scheme); and

    (3) among the short-term employment cases approved by the Government in 2024-2025 as mentioned in (1), of the minimum and maximum daily wages of the applicants, and the respective industries/sectors in which they are employed (set out by talent scheme)?

    Reply: 

    President,
     
         The General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) are market-driven employment-tied admission schemes. Where a job vacancy arises, an enterprise, having through the market availability test proved difficulties to fill the vacancy in local recruitment, may apply to employ an outside talent via one of the aforesaid employment-tied admission schemes. The employed outside talent should have a good education background, normally a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in the relevant field, and have been engaged in a job relevant to his/her academic qualifications or work experience. The remuneration package should also be commensurate with the local prevailing market level for professionals. As the professions on the Talent List are in local manpower shortage, enterprises could be exempted from the market availability tests if the positions for recruiting outside talents under the aforesaid admission schemes fall within the professions on the Talent List. The Immigration Department (ImmD) has put in place mechanisms for assessing applications under the talent admission schemes in a rigorous manner to ensure that approved applications meet the eligibility criteria of the schemes, including that their remuneration packages are broadly commensurate with the prevailing market levels for relevant professions at the time of applications.

         Our reply to the Member’s questions, in consultation with the ImmD, is as follows:

    (1) In the past two years, over 67 000 applications were received under the GEP, and the numbers of applications approved and refused during the same period were nearly 63 000 and 1 000 respectively. Among the approved applications, around 70 per cent were in respect of short-term positions with contract duration of less than 12 months, while the remaining applications, around 30 per cent, were long-term positions with contract duration of 12 months or more. Over 53 000 applications were received under the ASMTP in the past two years, and the numbers of applications approved and refused during the same period were about 47 000 and 600 respectively. About 46 per cent of the approved applications were in respect of short-term positions, while long-term positions accounted for about 54 per cent of the approved applications. The breakdowns of the statistics are at Annex I.

    (2) and (3) In the past two years, among those approved to take up long-term positions in Hong Kong under the GEP, most were engaged in the tourism industry, followed by academic research and education, and financial services. As for those approved under the ASMTP to take up long-term positions in Hong Kong, most were engaged in commerce and trade, followed by financial services, and academic research and education. Among the approved incoming talents, most have monthly remuneration falling within the range of $20,000 to $39,999, followed by those in the range of $40,000 to $79,999. As the job nature, job type and contract duration of individual cases are different, their salary levels also vary and should not be put in direct comparison.

         The breakdowns of the numbers of approved applicants taking up long-term positions in Hong Kong under the aforesaid employment-tied admission schemes by industry/sector and monthly remuneration are at Annex II.

         The ImmD does not maintain the other statistical breakdowns sought in the question.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Combating phishing

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ7: Combating phishing 
    Question:
     
         The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre handled a total of 12 536 security incidents last year, with phishing accounting for over half of all cases, marking a 108 per cent increase from 2023. In addition, between January and February this year, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) posted on its website press releases on phishing instant messages and fraudulent websites related to banks for more than 50 times. Regarding combating phishing, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the respective numbers of fraud cases involving phishing and the losses incurred in each of the past five years, together with a breakdown by industry;
     
    (2) among the phishing websites reported by members of the public on the public intelligence platform since the launch of “Scameter”, of the proportion of those that have actually been added by the Police to the scam database; whether a mechanism for immediate takedown of the reported phishing websites has been put in place; if so, of the average time taken to take down such websites;
     
    (3) as it has been reported that in view of the susceptibility of SMS messages issuing an SMS one-time password (OTP) to interception by hackers, the HKMA has requested that banks implement measures by the end of last year requiring customers to authenticate online credit card transactions using the banking applications in their mobile phones instead of using an SMS OTP for authentication, whether the HKMA will formulate a specific timetable for phasing out OTP authentication; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (4) as the Office of the Communications Authority has launched the SMS Sender Registration Scheme for companies or organisations that have registered as Registered Senders to use SMS messages with the prefix “#” in order to help members of the public ascertain the authenticity of SMS messages, but it has been reported that some fraudsters use fraudulent mobile base stations, which are illegal radio devices, to circumvent the existing mechanism, impersonating official or financial institutions to send fraudulent SMS messages, whether the authorities will study the formulation of measures to address the aforesaid situation, and at the same time step up publicity to raise the public’s anti-deception awareness; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Deception is a serious crime. Regardless of the tactics used by criminals, we will take stringent combat actions as long as illegal activities are involved. Phishing scams as mentioned in the question generally refers to a crime where illegal elements sent out through SMS messages, emails, voice messages, QR codes, etc, to potential victims en masse, impersonating organisations such as banks, telecommunication service providers (TSPs) or even government departments. Alleging that irregularities in the recipients’ accounts are detected or account verification is needed, criminals lure recipients of the messages into clicking on an embedded link and entering a fake website to provide their account login credentials, credit card information, personal information, etc. The criminals will then use such information to make purchases with credit cards or transfer the bonus points out of the recipients’ accounts. The Police have been making every effort to combat various types of fraud cases, including phishing scams, in collaboration with different government departments. Apart from taking intelligence-led enforcement actions, the Police are raising public awareness against this type of crime through public education and promotional activities.
     
         In consultation with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
     
    (1) The Police have maintained statistics on phishing scam cases since 2023. In 2023 and 2024, 4 322 and 2 731 cases on phishing scam were received respectively. The monetary losses involved were $102.4 million and $53.5 million respectively. In the first two months of 2025, the Police received a total of 242 phishing scam reports, a decrease of 347 cases (58.9 per cent) as compared with the same period last year. The monetary loss involved decreased by 54.2 per cent to $4.9 million.
     
         The Police do not maintain any breakdown by industry in relation to phishing scams.
     
    (2) “Scameter” has yielded remarkable results since its launch in September 2022. As at February 2025, more than 7.60 million searches had been recorded and about 950 000 alerts on frauds and cyber security risks had been issued. Members of the public had also reported over 355 000 suspicious phone calls and over 38 000 suspicious websites through the public intelligence platform of “Scameter”.
     
         In February 2023, the Police launched a mobile application version, “Scameter+”, to help members of the public distinguish suspicious online platform accounts, payment accounts, phone numbers, email addresses, websites, etc, and to provide the public with anti-fraud tips. “Scameter+” has now been upgraded and is equipped with automatic detection functions, namely the Call Alert function and the Website Detection function, which will automatically identify scam calls and fraudulent websites. If potential fraud or cyber security risk is detected, “Scameter+” will issue a real-time notification, reminding users not to answer the call or browse the website. There is also a public intelligence platform in “Scameter+” for members of the public to report frauds and pitfalls, thereby further enriching its database.
     
         The Police update the database of “Scameter” on a daily basis and will continuously review and enhance its functions, while strengthening other anti-fraud measures in a proactive manner. The database of “Scameter” comprises information collected from reports made by members of the public and obtained by the Police from other channels, including criminal investigations and intelligence. We do not maintain statistics on the percentage of phishing websites reported by the public that have actually been added by the Police to the scam database.
     
         Moreover, under the co-ordination of the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), the Police and major TSPs have established a mechanism where TSPs will, based on the fraud records provided by the Police, block the telephone numbers suspected to be involved in deception cases and intercept suspicious website links as soon as possible. As at end February 2025, the TSPs had successfully blocked about 40 000 website links involved in fraud cases and more than 8 600 suspected fraudulent phone numbers at the Police’s request. The OFCA does not maintain any record of the average time required for relevant actions by TSPs.
     
    (3) The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has been closely monitoring the trend of digital frauds and actively encouraging banks to implement effective anti-fraud measures. In line with the HKMA’s guidelines, card-issuing banks have gradually started providing customers with more secure authentication methods since late 2024. Customers can authenticate online payment card transactions through their bank’s mobile application (App) instead of using SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs). According to banks’ statistics, the related fraud rate has decreased by nearly 80 per cent.
     
         In response to the latest modus operandi of digital frauds, the HKMA announced three new measures in April 2025, and which are succinctly referred to as E-Banking Security ABC. The measures require banks to strengthen E-banking security to further enhance customers’ fraud prevention capabilities.
     
         Firstly, banks are required to implement (A) a new measure called Authenticate in-App by Q4 2025 or earlier. Thereafter, when customers log into Internet banking and conduct high-risk transactions (such as adding new payees, increasing transfer limits, changing the phone number for receiving bank notifications, or binding Internet banking accounts to mobile devices), they will need to conduct authentication through their bank’s mobile App instead of using SMS OTPs. Furthermore, starting in Q3 2025, when customers bind or rebind their mobile devices, they will have to conduct authentication via facial recognition or similarly stringent authentication methods (such as visiting a branch in person), replacing the current practice of using SMS OTP for two-factor authentication. If customers insist on using SMS OTPs for authenticating transactions or device binding, banks will need to follow the HKMA’s requirements, and implement effective risk management measures for those transactions or binding requests, such as enhancing the monitoring of related transactions and deferring the execution of higher-risk transactions. These measures will help gradually phase out the use of SMS OTPs for authentication purposes.
     
         Additionally, banks will also need to implement the remaining two new measures, namely (B) “Bye to unused functions” and (C) “Cancel suspicious payments”, during Q2 2025. The former will give customers the option to deactivate Internet banking functions like increasing transfer limits and adding new payees, to better suit their personal needs while strengthening risk management. The latter will further enhance the effectiveness of the Suspicious Account Alert mechanism, and provide customers with sufficient time to review the alert content.
     
         Together, the three new measures referred to as E-Banking Security ABC mentioned above will offer more comprehensive fraud prevention and protection coverage for bank customers.
     
    (4) The SMS Sender Registration Scheme (the Scheme) was implemented on December 28, 2023, and was fully opened to all industries in February 2024. As at end March 2025, over 495 public and private organisations (including the Immigration Department, the Department of Health, the Police and the Consumer Council) have participated in the Scheme. Under the Scheme, only those companies or organisations qualified as Registered Senders are able to send SMS messages using their Registered SMS Sender IDs with the prefix “#”. TSPs will block fraudulent SMS messages sent by non-Registered Senders via the Internet. In addition, to enhance the implementation effectiveness of the Scheme, the OFCA will, after obtaining the consent of the Registered Senders, request TSPs to prohibit non-“#” SMS messages suspected to impersonate identities of a Registered Sender, further safeguarding the public’s interest. An SMS Sender Registry is available on the OFCA’s website for the public to verify registered companies, and efforts will continue to engage more organisations to participate in the Scheme.
     
         In mid-February this year, there were public enquiries about suspected fraudulent SMS messages with the prefix “#”. The Police and the OFCA were highly concerned. Of the 31 reports received by the Police, two involved monetary losses, totalling about $30,000. The Police subsequently arrested a male and seized illegal radiocommunications apparatus. A joint press briefing with the OFCA was held to brief the public on how to stay vigilant against this type of fraud. The incident was an isolated case, and the relevant apparatus could only affect mobile phones within a limited area without undermining the overall implementation effectiveness of the Scheme. The OFCA has requested all TSPs to enhance monitoring of abnormal network signals, and has established a reporting mechanism. If similar cases are detected in future, the OFCA will promptly co-ordinate with the Police to take follow-up actions.
     
         In response to these illegal activities, the Police will continue to adopt a multipronged approach, including use of technology in fraud prevention and enhanced enforcement actions, to combat fraud on all fronts. Regarding use of technology in fraud prevention, the Police will collaborate with other departments to step up interception of suspicious transactions and fraudulent phone calls. Anti-scam applications will also be upgraded to provide immediate alerts. Enforcement-wise, the Police will carry out rigorous investigation on money laundering activities and stooge accounts, and will work with overseas law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border fraud syndicates.
     
         Apart from resolute law enforcement actions, the Government has adopted a multipronged publicity strategy to enhance public awareness of fraud. The Police will continue to work jointly with the OFCA and the industry in stepping up publicity and education, with a view to raising the public’s anti-deception awareness. The OFCA and TSPs will strengthen monitoring on network signals and take timely response measures when abnormalities are found.
     
         Specifically, in January 2025, the OFCA launched the District Anti-Phone Deception Ambassador Scheme, which received support from more than 150 District Council (DC) members’ ward offices covering 18 districts in Hong Kong with the participation by more than 300 DC members and their staff members, to promote anti-phone scam messages at district level. The OFCA will continue to step up publicity and public education in the community through issuing press releases, broadcasting TV and radio announcements, publishing social media posts, producing and distributing promotional leaflets and posters, and organising various different community activities to deliver anti-phone scam messages to the public more comprehensively. Since 2023, the OFCA has conducted a total of 21 roadshows with Legislative Council Members and DC members, and organised 182 public education and publicity programmes. 
     
         To combat the rampant phishing scams, the Police have increased publicity efforts. Through the Police electronic platform, the website CyberDefender as well as traditional media, the Police have educated the public about common and new tactics used by fraudsters. The Police have warned members of the public not to click onto any hyperlink embedded in messages of unknown sources or suspected to contain phishing websites. Instead, they should contact the relevant institution directly for verification, or carry out risk assessment and fact checking using the “Scameter” or “Scameter+”. For assistance, they are advised to call the Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.
    Issued at HKT 12:20

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ9: Public healthcare services in Hong Kong East

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ9: Public healthcare services in Hong Kong East
    Question:

    The Hospital Authority (HA) has earlier on announced its plan to merge the Hong Kong East Cluster (HKEC) and the Hong Kong West Cluster in anticipation of a decline in the demand for healthcare services due to a reduction in the catchment population in the two clusters to about one million in future. It has also indicated that it is necessary to re-examine the plan to expand the Ambulatory Care Block of the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) under the Second Ten-year Hospital Development Plan. However, there are views that population is not the only indicator of service demand, and if the decline in population is accompanied by an increase in the proportion of the elderly population, this may lead to an increase in the demand for chronic disease treatment, long-term care and services of the accident and emergency departments, etc, and there are concerns about whether the suspension of the expansion project of PYNEH will adversely affect the local community. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: 

    The catchment population of HKEC in 2024(3) whether it knows the following information on the services provided by PYNEH in the past three years: (i) the numbers of beds for ambulatory services and beds for inpatient services and (ii) their utilisation rates, (iii) the ratio of the use of these two types of beds by elderly people aged 65 and above to the total number of people using such beds, (iv) the average waiting time for patients to be admitted to wards and (v) the average inpatient days;

    (4) given that HA has proposed in the Hospital Authority Strategic Plan 2022-2027 to re-orientate service models to reduce the reliance on inpatient care by promoting ambulatory care to cut down on unnecessary hospital stay and enhance the efficiency of bed usage, whether the Government knows if HA has assessed the impact of suspending the expansion project of the Ambulatory Care Block of PYNEH on the efficiency of bed usage and patients’ waiting time for admission to wards, and of the relevant corresponding measures; and
    The catchment area population of the HA clusters (including the HKEC) in 2024 and 2031 are set out in the table below (Note 1 and 2):
     

    Hospital clusters and the catchment areaEastern, Wan Chai, Islands (excluding Lantau Island)Central & Western, Southern (For reference) Kowloon City, Yau Tsim Mong, Wong Tai Sin Kwun Tong, Sai Kung Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Lantau Island Sha Tin, Tai Po, North Tuen Mun, Yuen Long 

    Year(General (acute and convalescent))
    (as at March 31 of respective year)(General (acute and convalescent))(General (acute and convalescent))(acute and convalescent))(including cases of unknown age) 

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    YearNote 3: The HA had adjusted its services to cope with the outbreak of COVID-19 in Hong Kong in early 2020. The above situation should be taken into consideration of when comparing the volume of services provided by the HA in the relevant years. As the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong gradually subsided and various epidemic control measures were lifted in early 2023, the HA had been dovetailing with the Government’s measures in resumption of normalcy and gradually resuming its public healthcare services.

    Note 4: Bed information covers only the general beds in the HA. Infirmary, mentally-ill and mentally-handicapped beds are special in nature and the 400 mentally-ill beds at PYNEH are hence not included herein. As the public hospitals will deploy the hospital beds flexibly having regard to service needs, the number of beds for in-patients and day in-patients are combined in the compilation.Issued at HKT 17:51

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ECI crosses milestone of training over 2,300 field-level election functionaries at IIIDEM

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 3:52PM by PIB Delhi

    The Election Commission of India has now taken another unprecedented step of training field-level election functionaries from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in Tamil language. 293 participants comprising 264 BLO Supervisors, 14 EROs, 2 DEOs and other officials are part of this mixed-batch training programme at IIIDEM, Delhi.

    2. In his inaugural address Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar said that the BLOs are the first interface of the Election Commission of India with the voters and have a vital role in ensuring correct and updated electoral rolls. With this, nearly 2,300 participants have benefited from intensive training programmes being organised at IIIDEM during the past few weeks.  This 2-day training programme is in line with the expansive training programme to train election functionaries at all levels including over 1 lakh BLOs in the country in next few years.  

    3. The BLO supervisors are being trained through interactive sessions, role plays, to ensure accurate filling of various forms including Form 6, 7 & 8. The module includes practical training in the use of IT solutions. These BLO supervisors are being equipped as Assembly Level Master Trainers to train other BLOs.

    4. The participants were also familiarised with the provisions of first and second appeals against the final published electoral rolls with the District Magistrate (DM or an officer of equivalent rank) under section 24(a) of RP Act 1950 and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State/UT under section 24(b) respectively.

    5. It may be recalled that no appeals were filed from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry after the completion of the Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise as of 6th-10th of January 2025.

    ******

    PK/GDH/RP

    (Release ID: 2127514) Visitor Counter : 24

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Showcases SVAMITVA as Country Champion at the Ongoing World Bank Land Conference 2025 in Washington DC

    Source: Government of India

    India Showcases SVAMITVA as Country Champion at the Ongoing World Bank Land Conference 2025 in Washington DC

    Sessions on “Good Practices and Challenges in Land Tenure” & “Securing Land Rights for a Billion People” to Foster Dialogue on Inclusive Land Governance

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi

    India, took center stage at the prestigious World Bank Land Conference 2025, held in Washington D.C., reaffirming its global leadership in inclusive land governance and grassroots empowerment. Participating as a Country Champion in the Plenary Session on 6th May 2025, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, delivered an address during the High-Level Plenary on “Good Practices and Challenges in Land Tenure and Governance Reform”, articulating India’s leadership in land rights, tenure reforms, and technology-driven spatial planning.

    At the World Bank Land Conference 2025 in Washington D.C., Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, MoPR, shared insights on the #SVAMITVA Scheme’s success in scaling across India. He emphasized the challenges posed by India’s vast population, strong regional identities, and the… pic.twitter.com/gt4fBhw7El

    — Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India (@mopr_goi) May 7, 2025

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s pioneering SVAMITVA Scheme (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) has emerged as a transformational initiative in rural land governance. Shri Bharadwaj shared deep insights into the scheme’s journey – beginning with onboarding States, amending State laws and survey rules, and establishing critical technological infrastructure like Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) to enable accurate drone-based mapping. He explained how India’s federal structure requires strategic cooperation, coordination, and community involvement to drive reforms on a national scale.

    In his address, Shri Bharadwaj mentioned the  Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto’s observation about the untapped economic potential locked in informal land holdings. He emphasized that India has surveyed 68,000 square kilometers of rural land under SVAMITVA, unlocking $1.16 trillion worth of assets, thereby offering millions of rural families legal title, dignity, and access to credit and opportunity. Through anecdotes of individuals like a dairy farmer in Madhya Pradesh who expanded his business, or a mother in Rajasthan who funded her daughter’s overseas education, he highlighted how land ownership is being converted into real empowerment.

    At the World Bank Land Conference 2025, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, eloquently highlighted India’s achievements in land governance under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    Referring to economist Hernando de… pic.twitter.com/hZj9sqDp0X

    — Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India (@mopr_goi) May 6, 2025

    The Special Event scheduled on 7th May 2025, titled “Securing Land Rights for a Billion People,” is set to further amplify India’s model of inclusive and technology-driven land governance. Led by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the session will open with welcome and opening remarks by Dr. Klaus W. Deininger, Lead Economist, World Bank, followed by an introduction by Mr. Somik V. Lall, Senior Advisor, DECVP, World Bank. The event will spotlight the design, impact, and scalability of the SVAMITVA Scheme, with presentation by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj. An interactive Q&A session will follow, reflecting the growing global interest in India’s transformative approach to rural land governance. The side event will be attended by all delegates of the World Bank Land Conference 2025, including Advisors and Senior Advisors to seven Executive Directors representing regions across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Central Asia, South Asia, and South East Asia, offering a valuable opportunity for cross-regional dialogue and exchange. The side event will provide a focused platform to discuss the implementation methodology and transformative benefits of the SVAMITVA Scheme with countries that share similar land administration systems. The objective is to explore avenues for collaboration, enabling the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to support and partner with these nations in adopting and adapting similar models in their respective contexts.

    On 8th May 2025, the focus will be on Gram Manchitra, India’s advanced GIS-based spatial planning platform. Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, will present how the platform is facilitating spatially informed decision-making at the Panchayat level, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge technology with grassroots governance to foster sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant villages.

    India’s interventions across these sessions aim to serve not only as a model for participatory and technology-enabled land governance, but also as a call to action for other nations striving to achieve SDG Target 1.4.2 which aims to ensure legal ownership and control over land for all, especially vulnerable communities. Through its presence at the World Bank Land Conference 2025, India has been positioned as a global thought leader in land tenure reforms, rural development, and inclusive governance demonstrating that a data-driven, people-centric approach can effectively bridge centuries-old land insecurity and usher in a new era of legal recognition, dignity, and prosperity for rural citizens.

    ***

    Aditi Agrawal

    (Release ID: 2127523) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sotheby’s Hong Kong Postpones the Auction of Piprahwa Buddhist Relics Following Intervention by Ministry of Culture

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 3:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has successfully secured the postponement of the auction of the sacred Piprahwa Buddhist relics by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, which was scheduled for May 7, 2025. 

    The Piprahwa Relics, comprising bone fragments of the Historical Buddha, along with soapstone and crystal caskets, a sandstone coffer, and offerings such as gold ornaments and gemstones, were excavated in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé. An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the caskets confirms these as relics of the Buddha, deposited by the Sakya clan. The majority of these relics were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899 and are classified as ‘AA’ antiquities under Indian law, prohibiting their removal or sale. A portion of the bone relics was gifted to the King of Siam, while a selection of funerary gems retained by W.C. Peppé’s great-grandson, Chris Peppé, was listed for auction. 

    Upon learning of the auction through media reports, the Ministry of Culture immediately initiated the following actions: 

    • On May 2, 2025, the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) wrote to the Consulate General of Hong Kong, requesting the immediate cessation of the auction. 
    • During a bilateral meeting on the same day, Culture Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat raised the matter with Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, emphasizing the relics’ cultural and religious significance and urging immediate action. 
    • On May 5, 2025, the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, convened a review meeting to discuss next steps. 
    • A legal notice was issued to Sotheby’s (through representatives Ms. Ivy Wong and Julian King) and Chris Peppé on the same day, demanding the auction’s halt. 
    • The Ministry of External Affairs was requested to follow up through its Europe West and East Asia Divisions with embassies in the UK and Hong Kong to ensure the auction’s stoppage. 

    On May 5, 2025, Sotheby’s Hong Kong acknowledged the legal notice via email, assuring that the matter was under consideration and a written reply would be submitted. 

    On May 6, 2025, a high-level delegation led by the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, including the Joint Secretary (East Asia Division, MEA) and the Consul General of India to Hong Kong, held discussions with Sotheby’s representatives. The delegation highlighted that the relics were not ordinary artifacts but held sacred significance for millions of Buddhists worldwide. It was further emphasized that the relics rightfully belong to India, from where they were taken during the colonial era. 

    Late on May 6, 2025, Sotheby’s Hong Kong informed via email that the auction of the Piprahwa relics was being postponed and proposed further discussions. The auction page was subsequently removed from Sotheby’s website.

    The Ministry’s efforts were supported by – The Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO,  Krista Pikkat, Director, UNESCO, Buddhist organizations from India, Sri Lanka, and other countries, Prof. Naman Ahuja, who filed a representation with the Prime Minister’s portal and national and international media.

    The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the ASI and MEA, will now engage all stakeholders to advance discussions on the repatriation of the relics to India. 

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2127516) Visitor Counter : 25

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ1: Transportation and communications in remote scenic spots

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Lam So-wai and a reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):

    Question: It has been reported that earlier on, due to the severe inadequacy of ancillary transport facilities at the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir (East Dam), numerous visitors were left stranded there in the evening. Some taxi drivers even took advantage of this situation by overcharging. Furthermore, some members of the public have relayed insufficient mobile network coverage in the area, which has adversely affected public communications and their ability to seek assistance. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Ma On Shan (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Ma On Shan Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.Issued at HKT 18:05

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Temporary closure of park located east of Fan Kam Road

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (May 7) that the park located east of Fan Kam Road (i.e. area of holes 1-8 of the Old Course of the Fanling Golf Course) will be temporarily closed from May 12 to 15 and May 23 to 30 for organising golf competitions. The fee-charging carpark and the 5-a-side hard-surface soccer pitches in the park will not be affected and will remain open for public use.

         Upon completion of the event, the LCSD will reopen the park facilities after inspection and maintenance. For enquiries, please contact the venue staff at 2295 3118.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Ticketing arrangements for large-scale stage performances

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Leung Man-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
     
    Question:

    It has been reported that recently, after admission tickets of a concert held in the Main Stadium of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) were put on sale through the ticket sales platform, there has been a spate of disputes involving the chaotic ticket exchange arrangements and obstructed views of some seats located in areas where the view was obstructed but the relevant platform had not marked prior to sale, etc., which have aroused strong dissatisfaction among the public. There are views that such situations may affect the confidence of the public and tourists in Hong Kong’s capability in hosting large-scale performances. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether the authorities have required organisers of commercial performances held at government venues to provide the relevant departments with clear ticketing plans in renting venues, such as information on the ticket-vending mechanisms, the number of tickets available for sale, the ticket collection arrangements, and the disclosure standards for seating information (including marking of areas with obstructed views); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) as it is learnt that ticket sales platforms collected handling charge from ticket buyers but failed to offer proper post-sale arrangements for those affected by the aforesaid situations, of the regulatory measures currently put in place by the Government on the platforms responsible for selling tickets of activities held at public venues, and how it would assist consumers in recovering loss;
     
    (3) whether the authorities will study requiring ticket sale companies responsible for selling tickets of commercial performances held at government venues to adopt “identity-bound ticket limit” and “delayed ticket transfer mechanism” (e.g. ticket transfer must be processed through the official platforms), so as to curb the problem of ticket scalping; and
     
    (4) whether consideration will be given to including a requirement of providing the electronic ticket exchange function in the new contract between government venues (such as the KTSP) and ticketing agencies, so as to ensure that members of the public are not required to go to the venues in person to exchange their tickets?
     
    Reply:
     
    President:
     
    In consultation with the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Leung Man-kwong is as follows:
     
    Hirers of performance venues under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) are required to obtain the LCSD’s approval on the ticket price scale, the seating plan and the ticketing system before the commencement of ticket sales. The seating plan shall indicate seats that are available for sale with prices specified, those with sightline problems or blocked due to technical reasons, and those for which complimentary tickets are to be issued.
     
    The Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) has fully commissioned since March 2025, with the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (KTSPL) being responsible for its daily operation under a “Design, Build and Operate” contract. The ticketing arrangements for events held at the various venues within the KTSP, including the choice of ticketing platform, are decided by individual event organisers. The KTSPL has already uploaded the seating plan of the three major venues to its website for public reference, and will maintain close liaison with event organisers regarding the arrangements of seats available for sale for individual events. As the stage design and venue usage of different events at the KTSP vary, event organisers will specify the seats with restricted view when selling tickets on the ticketing platform. These seats will also be marked as restricted view on the relevant tickets.
     
    Subject to the requirements of event organisers, ticketing platforms offer different ticket collection arrangements, including the use of physical tickets and/or e-tickets. Some concerts/events held at the LCSD’s performance venues and the KTSP adopt the use of physical tickets, where audiences collect their tickets by such means as ticket delivery or at self-service ticketing kiosks, etc. after their purchase. E-ticket function is also available on URBTIX under the LCSD, events taking place at the KTSP could also use e-tickets as well. If an organiser chooses to adopt the use of e-tickets, their patrons could be admitted to the programmes by presenting either the e-ticket image in the confirmation email received, or the e-ticket QR code stored in the mobile app(s) to the venue staff for scanning and verification. At the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens recently held in the KTSP, the organiser opted to use e-tickets. Audiences had to download the relevant app on their smartphones to redeem their e-tickets and present such tickets upon entry by opening the app concerned.
     
    Apart from ticket collection arrangements, ticketing platforms offer different ticketing proposals to cater to the needs of event organisers. For example, when handling ticketing for large-scale and popular events, URBTIX under the LCSD liaises with the organisers on ticketing proposals which cater to individual programmes (including adopting real-name ticketing arrangement); offering Internet, mobile app and telephone booking services only; setting a cap for the number of tickets each patron can purchase per transaction as well as imposing a limit on the number of tickets that can be purchased with the same credit card on the first day of ticket sales; increasing the transparency of ticketing information; implementing delayed ticket collection arrangement; and encouraging organisers to increase the ratio of tickets for public sale, etc. We note that other ticketing platforms also offer similar arrangements such as real-name ticketing arrangement and setting a cap for the number of tickets that can be purchased, etc.
     
    Each ticketing platform has its own customer services arrangement, such as providing ticketing enquiries and after-sales supporting services. In addition, the Consumer Council (the Council) carries out its statutory functions in accordance with the Consumer Council Ordinance (Cap. 216), including the handling of complaints relating to goods and services of and the provision of advice to consumers, as well as conciliating disputes between consumers and traders. If consumers consider that the organisers and/or ticketing platforms have not handled the matters in relation to event tickets properly or have failed to reach a consensus with them, consumers may lodge a complaint with and seek assistance from the Council on conciliation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on May 13

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (May 7) that a tender of 10-year RMB Institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, for settlement on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
     
    A total of RMB1.0 billion 10-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on May 15, 2035 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.29 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.
     
    Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.
     
    Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.
     
    HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

    Tender information of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
     

    Issue Number : 10GB3505001
    Stock Code : 85024 (HKGB2.29 3505-R)
    Tender Date and Time : Tuesday, May 13, 2025
    9.30am to 10.30am
    Issue and Settlement Date : Thursday, May 15, 2025
    Amount on Offer : RMB1.0 billion
    Maturity : 10 years
    Maturity Date : Tuesday, May 15, 2035
    Interest Rate : 2.29 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear
    Interest Payment Dates : May 15 and November 15 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
    Method of Tender : Competitive tender
    Tender Amount : Each competitive tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.
    Other Details : Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.
    Expected commencement date of dealing on
    the Stock Exchange
    of Hong Kong Limited
    : Friday, May 16, 2025
    Use of Proceeds : The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “I’m So Smart” Community Health Promotion Programme Recognition Ceremony held by DH encourages cross-sectoral co-operation to promote healthy lifestyle (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Department of Health (DH) today (May 7) presented commendations to over 70 participating organisations at the “I’m So Smart” Community Health Promotion Programme Recognition Ceremony for their collaborative efforts in promoting the messages of a healthy diet, regular physical activities and obesity prevention.

         Addressing the recognition ceremony, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui, said, “The DH launched the ‘I’m So Smart’ Community Health Promotion Programme in 2012 to promote the messages of a healthy diet, regular physical activity and obesity prevention through cross-sectoral collaboration so that they become rooted in the hearts of the general public for practice in their daily life. We are grateful for the staunch support from the community. In 2024-2025, the number of participating organisations reached a record high of 124, with nearly 60,000 participants joining different health promotion activities across the territory gaining insights of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutiovnal Government Bonds to be held on May 13

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Tender of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutiovnal Government Bonds to be held on May 13 

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

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    Issue Number9.30am to 10.30amthe Stock Exchange
    of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 17:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ8: Operation of new Huanggang Port

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
     
    Question:
     
         It has been reported that the project of the new Huanggang Port building is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Upon commissioning, the new Huanggang Port will implement the “co-location arrangement”, and the time for immigration clearance will be shortened from the current 20 ‍minutes to 5 minutes. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has discussed with the Shenzhen Municipal Government the commissioning date of the new Huanggang Port, and of the progress of the preparatory work for the commissioning of the port;
     
    (2) given that, according to Government information, the new Huanggang Port will have a design flow of approximately 200 000 ‍passenger trips and 15 000 cross-boundary vehicle trips per day, whether the authorities have estimated the daily passenger and vehicle flows in the initial period after the new Huanggang Port is commissioned;

    (3) as it has been reported that the new Huanggang Port will be connected to five rail lines, including the Shenzhen Metro Line 7 and the MTR Northern Link (NOL) Spur Line, and the Government indicated in its paper submitted to the Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways of this Council on March 31 this year that it was actively discussing with the MTR Corporation Limited for commissioning the NOL Main Line and Spur Line together by 2034 or earlier, of the progress of the discussions; and
     
    (4) of the arrangements for public transport services, such as franchised buses, minibuses, taxis and cross-boundary coach services, upon the commissioning of the new Huanggang Port; as it is learnt that 24-‍hour clearance will be implemented at the new Huanggang Port, whether the authorities will allow public transport operators to operate overnight bus routes providing services between the new Huanggang Port and Yuen Long, Sheung Shui and urban Kowloon; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:
     
    President,

         The Shenzhen Municipal Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government have obtained the Central Government’s support for the implementation of co-location arrangement at the redeveloped Huanggang Port to provide greater convenience for cross-boundary passengers. The new Huanggang Port building will be a multi-storey building with customs, immigration and quarantine clearance facilities and public transport interchanges for the Mainland and Hong Kong set up on different floors, laying the foundation for implementing the co-location arrangement at the new port. The new Huanggang Port will also adopt the new clearance mode of collaborative inspection and joint clearance to further enhance passenger clearance efficiency.

         In consultation with the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the reply to the question raised by the Hon Kenneth Lau is as follows:

    (1) The superstructure of the new Huanggang Port building is currently under construction and the target is to strive for basic completion of the new port building by end-2025. The arrangements and timetable for the commissioning of the port are subject to further discussions by the two governments.

    To promote the progress of the Huangguang Port redevelopment project from multiple perspectives, the two governments have set up various task forces which are actively working together to take forward the tasks on various aspects, such as design and construction, clearance arrangements and cross-boundary transport. In addition, the task force for collaboration on planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points co-chaired by the Secretary for Security of the HKSAR Government and the Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government holds regular meetings to oversee the planning and development of various boundary control point projects, including the works and progress related to the redevelopment of the Huangguang Port.

    Regarding the financial arrangement for the redevelopment of the Huanggang Port, the Shenzhen Municipal Government has agreed in principle to bear the design and construction costs of the entire project (including the Hong Kong Port Area (HKPA)). The HKSAR Government will bear on its own the costs of other items for the HKPA other than basic construction works, such as furniture and equipment required by various departments and the information systems necessary for the operation of the control point. The HKSAR Government will seek funding for the related items from the Legislative Council at a suitable juncture.
     
    (2) The design flow of the redeveloped Huanggang Port is about 200 000 passenger trips per day, which can be increased to about 300 000 upon the commissioning of the Northern Link (NOL) Spur Line of the MTR, while the design flow of cross‑boundary vehicles is about 15 000 vehicular trips per day. The above design flow will be sufficient to meet the estimated demand of passenger and vehicular traffic during the initial period after the commissioning of the port.

    After the two governments have reached a consensus on the specific arrangements regarding the commissioning of the port (including the estimated passenger and vehicle flows in the initial period), advance arrangements for manpower deployment will be made. The HKSAR Government will, as always, closely monitor the actual clearance traffic during the initial commissioning of the port, flexibly allocate manpower and utilise innovative technology to meet the service demands at the port.

    (3) The governments of Shenzhen and Hong Kong are jointly taking forward the NOL Spur Line project through the Task Force for Hong Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation on Cross-Boundary Railway Infrastructure. The detailed planning and design are anticipated to commence this year. The HKSAR Government will strive to implement the NOL Main Line and Spur Line projects simultaneously. The target is to advance the NOL Spur Line for commissioning with the NOL Main Line concurrently by 2034 or earlier.

    (4) The co-location arrangement will be adopted at the new Huanggang Port. A public transport interchange will be set up in the HKPA of the new port for use by local public transport and cross-boundary transport services.

    With reference to the case of the Shenzhen Bay Port, the Transport Department (TD) will arrange various local public transport services (including franchised buses, green minibuses and taxis (including urban, New Territories and taxi fleet taxis)) to meet the transportation needs of passengers traveling to and from the new port. The TD will announce details of the relevant services in due course.

    As for cross-boundary transport services, the TD has been liaising with the relevant Mainland authorities on providing appropriate and adequate cross-boundary passenger transport services (including cross-boundary coach and cross-boundary hire car) with a view to meeting the travel needs of the public.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marine Department hosts seminar to promote water sports safety (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Marine Department hosts seminar to promote water sports safety  
         Speaking at the seminar, the Deputy Director of Marine, Mr Shi Qiang, urged the public to prepare well before participating in water sports activities to ensure safety. He also reminded the public to comply with requirements of the Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance, which came into effect on January 1 this year, and advised members of the public not to operate vessels or perform specified duties on vessels underway while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in order to safeguard maritime safety.
     
         The MD also reminded coxswains and vessel operators to make adequate preparations before setting sail, including planning their trips and inspecting the vessel’s structure and its safety equipment onboard. There should also be a sufficient number of qualified crew members on board to guide passengers in following safety guidelines for water sports activities. Coxswains and vessel operators should also familiarise themselves with all safety precautions and contingency measures, obtain sufficient weather forecast information and closely monitor weather conditions and relevant warning signals.
     
         When operating recreational craft in shallow waters, speed-restricted areas or waters where people are engaged in water sports activities, coxswains must take extra care, strengthen lookouts and take appropriate safety measures to avoid danger.
     
         The MD also reminded the public that they should check the list of pleasure vessels endorsed by the MD to be let for hire or reward by scanning the QR code posters displayed at public piers and popular marine tourism spots. TV and radio announcements in the public interest will be broadcast on various platforms to assist the public in identifying endorsed pleasure vessels.
     
         As well, swimmers should swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty, avoid swimming away from the bathing beach area and avoid swimming near anchored vessels. Swimmers should understand their physical abilities, take care of accompanying children, and avoid swimming alone or unaccompanied. They should also refrain from swimming immediately after eating, drinking or taking drugs. To prevent accidents, divers should follow the relevant guidelines and maintain safety awareness at all times. When surfacing, divers should pay particular attention to their surroundings and the movement of vessels in the vicinity, and display proper buoyancy signals.
     
         As the typhoon season approaches, the MD particularly calls on owners, coxswains and persons-in-charge of local vessels to take appropriate precautionary measures prior to the onset of a typhoon to ensure the safety of persons on board and the vessels.
     
         The MD will continue to promote safety awareness among the public through education and publicity. The MD distributes leaflets to the public, such as “Observing the safety advice, Enjoying the fun at sea”, which provide safety advice for various water sports activities to prevent accidents.
     
         Officers of the MD and the Marine Police will strengthen their patrol operations in speed-restricted zones, waters in the vicinity of popular beaches and water sports sites, while taking action against illegal or reckless boating activities. Lifeguards from the LCSD will also monitor boating activities at various beaches and adjacent waters. They will inform the MD and the Marine Police if law enforcement actions against offenders are required.
     
         The MD hopes that the industry and the public will work together to promote water sports safety so that everyone can enjoy pleasant leisure water sports activities.
    Issued at HKT 17:15

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 7, 2025
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