Category: Asia Pacific

MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Joins Letter Demanding the Nation’s Leading Companies to Abandon DEI Initiatives

Source: US State of Idaho

Home Newsroom AG Labrador Joins Letter Demanding the Nation’s Leading Companies to Abandon DEI Initiatives

BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador has joined a letter with 14 other attorneys general urging the Business Roundtable, an association of the nation’s leading companies, to abandon their unlawful and misguided DEI initiative. Many of the Roundtable’s members have replaced free-market principles with costly and divisive DEI policies against the guidance of the Supreme Court.
The attorneys general argue that the Business Roundtable should prioritize its stated mission of fostering economic growth, job creation, and shareholder returns—not implementing racial quotas and mandatory ideological training. The letter criticizes the group’s shift away from merit-based hiring and warns that such practices are “not only unworkable but also often illegal.”
“Corporations have an obligation to focus on creating value for their shareholders,” said Attorney General Labrador. “When that duty is replaced with race-based hiring and DEI mandates, it raises serious legal concerns under state and federal law. These companies should return to merit-based practices and sound business judgment. The American people want a return to fairness—where individuals are judged by their abilities, not their immutable characteristics.”
The letter highlights that members of the Business Roundtable are beginning to recognize that the tide is turning and that these policies are a mistake. A corporation’s true purpose should be to prioritize shareholders and hire based on merit rather than protected characteristics.
The letter concludes by saying, “It’s time for the Business Roundtable to abandon its redefinition and rededicate itself to merit-based hiring, which supports the actual purpose of a corporation and complies with employment laws. The Business Roundtable’s member CEOs should immediately abandon quotas, targets, racial preferences, and other discriminatory DEI practices. Or face the potential of legal action by state attorneys general.”
Attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, and South Dakota signed the Missouri–led letter.
Read more from the Idaho Dispatch here.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: BAPM Grad Students Take First-Place in InsurTech NY Case Competition

Source: US State of Connecticut

A UConn Business Analytics and Project Management (MSBAPM) team brought home the first-place award in the inaugural InsurTech NY Student Case Competition earlier this month, outshining ‘brilliant minds and razor-sharp pitches.’

“All the teams were incredible,’’ said Elia Cocoli who represented UConn with friend and classmate Rehaan Ahamed. Both graduate students will earn their degrees in May. “I think we won because of our delivery. We were comfortable with our presentation, brought a great deal of energy, and felt very relaxed on the stage,’’ she said.

Ahamed agreed.

“We tried to make our presentation relatable and engaging. We made sure everything on our slides was relevant. It was more of a conversation than a presentation, and we were determined to enjoy ourselves, win or lose,’’ he said.

Task Involved Disrupting Insurance Fraud

The team was tasked with reducing fraud in the insurance industry. Cocoli and Ahamed suggested a series of application that could address fraud, and proposed a cross-industry data base, aided by artificial intelligence, that would help identify and flag serial fraudsters.

The successful UConn team competed against other graduate students from Florida State University, the University of Iowa, and St. Joseph’s University. The event was judged by insurance professionals and the UConn students will share a $2,500 scholarship.

In order to enter the InsurTech NY competition, Cocoli and Ahamed first competed against other UConn teams. Because they had completed many presentations together, they were comfortable as a team and knew each other’s strengths.

“We practiced a lot and that was a gamechanger,’’ Cocoli said. “The best takeaway for me was the confidence boost. This is the first time I’ve spoken in front of a large audience. It was such a positive experience. I realized that I can do this.’’

“Opportunities like this require our students to apply their learnings in a real-world way, gain important leadership skills, and showcase the talent we have at UConn,’’ said Laurissa Berk, director of Global and Experiential Education, who organized the pre-competition. “The students came in with a phenomenal idea based on their knowledge of industry and we are so proud they came out with the win!’’

UConn Is a Sought-After Competitor

Professor John Wilson, the academic director for the FinTech program, advised the team. He has also been instrumental in creating the InsurTech NY event and said he hopes the case competition will grow into a national event.

“We have had extensive talks with the University of Iowa and, because of UConn’s continual visibility at industry conferences, we have more and more universities and companies seeking to partner with us,’’ Wilson said. “It is typically the very best students who participate in competitions like this, and UConn continues to establish itself as a program of excellence.’’

Both Competition Winners Seeking Jobs With Impact

Cocoli, who earned her bachelors in business analytics at UConn and then enrolled in the accelerated MSBAPM graduate program, is interviewing with a prominent company. She said her UConn education has been outstanding.

“In my Generative AI class, professor Jing Peng is teaching us things that aren’t even known to the public yet. We are learning things before many experts in the industry. Everything is very new, very fresh,’’ she said. “I have developed a great network and connections. There are so many opportunities now for people with business analytics expertise.’’

Ahamed, who earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA in India, said he is looking to work for a company that is invested in transformative progress.

“My career goals center around creating impact and positive change, whether for an organization or a customer. That’s what motivates me,’’ he said.

Ahamed said he and Cocoli decided to enter the competition on the last day of eligibility and he’s glad they did. “I was the optimist and she was the realist. We balanced each other out,’’ he said. “We are grateful for the experience, and that we could represent UConn and bring home the championship.’’

MIL OSI USA News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni’s statement on terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Kashmir

Source: Government of Italy (English)

Vai al Contenuto Raggiungi il piè di pagina

22 Aprile 2025

I am deeply saddened by the terrorist attack that happened in India today, causing numerous victims. Italy conveys its sympathy to the families affected, to those injured, to the Government and to all Indian people.

[Courtesy translation]

MIL OSI Europe News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister Luxon of New Zealand: 22 April 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

PM meeting with Prime Minister Luxon of New Zealand: 22 April 2025

The Prime Minister hosted New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Downing Street today.
The Prime Minister hosted New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Downing Street today.

The two leaders reflected on their visit to Operation Interflex to see Ukrainian troops being trained earlier today, and the importance of supporting Ukraine for the long term.

Discussing the Coalition of the Willing, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Luxon for New Zealand’s ongoing support, adding that the planning phase was making good progress across all four domains – land, air, regeneration and sea.

The Prime Minister welcomed New Zealand’s recent uplift in defence spending, and both agreed the direct link between defence spending, economic security and putting money back in the pockets of hardworking people.

Turning to the situation in the Indo-Pacific, the leaders agreed on the importance of working together to support regional stability and counter malign threats.

They also discussed the strong trade links between the UK and New Zealand, and the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

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Published 22 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Ashwagandha: this ancient herb is trending for its potential health benefits – but also comes with risks

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University

Mateusz Feliksik/Shutterstock

Depending on who you follow on social media, you may have come across talk of a little-known herb called ashwagandha over the past year. Celebrities including Meghan Markle, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston are reported to use ashwagandha for its calming effects. Ashwagandha has been trending on social media with data showing #ashwagandha had more than 670 million views on TikTok in 2024.

Scientifically known as Withania somnifera, ashwagandha is a common herb used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine – an ancient Indian system of healing based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a balance between the body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda emphasises a holistic approach to health using natural treatments, such as herbal remedies, dietary changes, physical therapy, meditation and yoga.

But beyond the social media buzz, what does science say about this herb’s benefits?

Ashwagandha root has been used in traditional medicine as an adaptogen. This means it could help people become more resilient to various types of stress, whether biological, physical, or chemical.

The strongest evidence available for ashwagandha is as a stress and anxiety reliever. A review looking at several small studies showed that ashwagandha can significantly reduce levels of perceived stress and anxiety in people. This may be partly due to its regulating effect on stress hormones such as cortisol.

Ashwagandha is also known for its ability to improve sleep quality. The “somnifera” part of its scientific name, meaning “sleep-inducing” hints at its effects. Some trials show it can help people fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep, thus boosting energy levels. This may be beneficial for people suffering from insomnia. But there is no evidence showing whether it is better than taking sleeping tablets.

Possible benefits

Recently, this herb has been associated with other benefits. The Sanskrit word “ashwagandha” means “the smell of a horse,” symbolising its ability to give the strength and stamina of a horse. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts may benefit from ashwagandha’s ability to enhance physical performance. Some research indicates that ashwagandha can improve strength, muscle mass and oxygen use during exercise.

For men, ashwagandha has been shown in some small studies to boost testosterone levels and improve fertility by increasing sperm count and motility. This may be linked to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – a sex hormone that your body naturally produces. DHEA is used to make other hormones such as testosterone. This means men with prostate cancer sensitive to testosterone should avoid using this herb.

Ashwagandha has been linked to improved cognitive function, such as better memory and focus. Small studies, involving older people who have some cognitive impairment, suggest that ashwagandha may help to reduce oxidative stress – harmful molecules called free radicals that can damage cells in the body – and inflammation, which can negatively effect memory and thinking processes.

There are also ongoing clinical trials investigating whether ashwagandha may be effective in treating long COVID symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive dysfunction – having trouble with mental tasks such as thinking, remembering and making decisions – but there’s no robust evidence yet.

Ashwagandha is rich in phytochemicals, including withanolides. Withanolides are steroidal lactones – they are structurally similar to steroids, with a lactone ring in their chemical structure – that are thought to help cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This can lower blood sugar in both healthy people and those with diabetes, although larger studies need to be done. In animal studies, withanolides show anti-inflammatory activity.

Side effects

While ashwagandha may offer potential health benefits, it also has numerous risks and side effects. The long-term safety of ashwagandha is not well-documented. Most studies have focused on short-term use, typically up to three months – but the benefits may take some weeks or months to appear. The most common side effects are mild stomach upsets and nausea.

Its use is not advised in people with some pre-existing health conditions such as liver disease. Although rare, there have been reports of liver problems, including severe liver failure, associated with ashwagandha use. Ashwagandha may stimulate the immune system, potentially causing flare ups for people with autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

It’s also possible that ashwagandha may interact with some medications, such as immunosuppressants, sedatives and thyroid hormone medications. Research suggests that ashwagandha may influence thyroid function, particularly by increasing thyroid hormone levels. It may also interact with thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine, possibly leading to overmedication.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid ashwagandha, especially at higher doses. The herb may be linked to miscarriages and, although there’s conflicting evidence, it’s best to be cautious.

Ashwagandha holds promise, then, as a stress reliever, sleep aid and even an energy booster. With growing interest and a large body of anecdotal evidence, it’s no surprise that it’s become a favourite among wellness enthusiasts. However, scientific research is still developing and more extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm the benefits, side effects and determine the safest, most effective doses.

If you’re considering incorporating ashwagandha into your routine, especially for long-term use, do consult a healthcare professional first, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

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

– ref. Ashwagandha: this ancient herb is trending for its potential health benefits – but also comes with risks – https://theconversation.com/ashwagandha-this-ancient-herb-is-trending-for-its-potential-health-benefits-but-also-comes-with-risks-253979

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s Greenland plan glosses over a history of segregation and discrimination for Indigenous Alaskans

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Gawthorpe, Lecturer in History and International Studies, Leiden University

Donald Trump has wanted America to annex Greenland for a long time. He now has a concrete plan to do it. As reported by the New York Times, the president’s National Security Council has instructed several government departments to get to work on acquiring the island.

Trump has made it clear that the use of military force remains on the table. But, at least for now, it seems the plan will rely mostly on persuasion.

The first component is a coordinated advertising and social media campaign aimed at convincing Greenlanders that their future lies under the stars and stripes. The administration plans to tell the island’s residents that they will be more prosperous and more secure as part of the US.

Driving that message home will be an uphill struggle. A poll in January 2025 found that 85% of Greenlanders oppose the idea of being annexed by the US. A parliamentary election in March also showed little support for it. The best-performing party was the pro-business Demokraatit, which wants to slow walk changes to Greenland’s international status.

To overcome this resistance, the Trump administration is reportedly planning to appeal to shared ethnic and cultural ties between Inuit Greenlanders, who make up about 88% of the island’s population, and Indigenous peoples in the US state of Alaska. Greenlanders are likely to question that approach for a number of reasons.

These ties are not completely imaginary. Greenland Inuit are descended from the Thule people, who migrated from Alaska around 1,000 years ago. There are similarities between the languages of Alaskan and Greenland Inuit.

But these people have been separated by 2,000 miles for centuries, and in the interim have been shaped by their divergent histories. Though their languages are similar, they are generally not mutually intelligible.

One of the main factors separating Alaskan and Greenland Inuit is their separate colonial histories. Greenland was colonised by Denmark, and Alaska by the US. The details of this colonial history are likely to give Greenlanders pause.

Alaska became a US state in 1959. Before then, it was a territory – a colonial holding similar to Puerto Rico or Guam today. During its time as a territory, the US government and white settlers treated Alaska’s Indigenous people with a mixture of disinterest and malice.

Until discrimination was outlawed by a state law in 1945, Indigenous Alaskans lived in a system of segregation and limited rights similar to the “Jim Crow” policies of the southern US. Indigenous Alaskans, like African Americans in the southern states, were not guaranteed the right to vote, and “whites only” signs were commonplace in businesses.

During the second world war, the US government feared a Japanese attack on the Aleutian islands, which form part of Alaska. As a result, it forcibly evacuated the Indigenous population, burning their villages to prevent invading Japanese troops from using them as housing. Evacuees were forced to live in unsanitary camps on the mainland for years, where more than one in ten died.

The US government justified this as a geopolitical necessity. But given that great power politics is also behind its drive to control Greenland, the island’s residents should question whether their rights will be respected if they conflict with another perceived geopolitical necessity.

Buying favour

Another plank of the Trump administration’s plan is financial. The White House apparently wants to replace the subsidy that Greenland currently receives from Denmark with a payment of US$10,000 (£7,600) per resident. It’s not clear if this money is intended to go directly to the population, or to the island’s central government.

This works out at just over US$568 million (£429 million) a year. If it’s a subsidy for the central government, then it’s slightly less than the island currently receives from Denmark. And if it’s a payment directly to the population, then it’s unclear how public services on the island would be funded.

Here again, a look at the experience of Indigenous Alaskans is instructive. Indigenous Alaskans, who receive various US government services through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, have a much higher poverty rate than the general population, lower rates of health coverage and worse educational outcomes.

They also generally don’t live as long. According to the most recent figures, the life expectancy for Indigenous Alaskans is 70.4 years – much lower than the statewide average of 74.5.

Economic development – or, perhaps more accurately, exploiting Greenland’s natural resources – is also part of Trump’s plan. Trump is apparently interested in Greenland’s “rare earth minerals, copper, gold, uranium and oil”.

Greenland does indeed have vast mineral wealth. But it is unclear if it can be safely accessed in the island’s current inhospitable environment.

Such resource extraction could also easily lead to environmental damage, as it has done in Alaska. In 1989, for example, the Exxon Valdez oil supertanker spilled more than 10 million gallons of crude oil in Alaska’s Prince William Sound.

Meanwhile, without strong regulation and taxation, the wealth generated could easily accrue to corporations rather than Greenlanders.

There is a long history of colonising powers claiming that only they, rather than “the natives”, can deliver prosperity and progress to a country. Trump’s plan, which tries to turn the experience of Indigenous Alaskans into one that Greenlanders should want to emulate, fits squarely into this genre.

But the history of US involvement in Alaska and its treatment of Indigenous Alaskans gives lie to that story. For Greenlanders to trade their sovereignty to the US in return for a guarantee of prosperity and security would be a risky gamble indeed.

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

– ref. Trump’s Greenland plan glosses over a history of segregation and discrimination for Indigenous Alaskans – https://theconversation.com/trumps-greenland-plan-glosses-over-a-history-of-segregation-and-discrimination-for-indigenous-alaskans-254418

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The New Yorker at 100: how bold, illustrated and wordless covers helped define the iconic magazine

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Geoff Grandfield, Associate Professor Illustration Animation Department, Kingston University

olesea vetrila/Shutterstock

Over the last century of glorious, tragic, turbulent and innovative human endeavour, the cover of the New Yorker magazine has used only the illustrated image to communicate talking points of American – and specifically New York City – life and culture.

Beyond the masthead and issue date, no set typography has ever been allowed, maintaining a unique wordless space in magazine publishing where only an image connotes the idea. The absence of copy is arresting, the silent core of what the solely visual can communicate. Though notably, the majority of weekly sales are by subscription, not impulse buys.

There are few of the New Yorker’s 1925 newsstand contemporaries left. Meanwhile, publications like Time, Newsweek and Fortune have not resisted the dominant orthodoxy of photography with multiple cover lines to gain sales.

While photography delivers celebrity and the spectacle of modern life, the New Yorker has maintained a belief in visualising without written explanation to reach those readers who seek something more. But how can a magazine whose survival depends on sales maintain appeal with such apparently humble graphic means?

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The magazine’s strategy for success has been to employ a succession of brilliant art editors (just four in 100 years – somewhat unique in magazine publishing) who understand how illustration, in the right hands, can offer appeal, surprise, entertainment and imaginative freedom to invent what French poster artist Cassandre called “a visual incident”.

Posters and magazine covers have a similar task: both vie to grab the attention of a public subjected to evermore intrusive image assault. From simple street hoardings and news vendors in 1925, to broadcast then digital media today, the changes over the last 100 years have been immense and profound.

This audio-visual bombardment of words, images, sound and movement simply did not exist back then. This golden age of the printed poster and magazine cover appears now to belong another world – so how can preservation of these ideals be viable in a 21st century weekly magazine?

Illustration and its reinvention as an agile alternative to the over-saturation of audio-visual and written media is one key. The choice of illustration as communication remains underrepresented. Other than courtroom reporting, there have been few front pages that have used a drawing, but its popular appeal evidences a relevance to complex modern lives.

As a discipline, illustration is closely related to the cartoon and its sequential form, the comic strip. Many New Yorker cover artists operate across these practices, demonstrating the common ground of drawing.

Illustrations are used for associative value – they conjure up an expressive or reflective mood, provide a seasoned commentary, or capture concisely a cultural moment. In the context of fake news, illustrations don’t purport to be objective – they best work through a coherent convincing visual language that offers more than words.

For the majority of the New Yorker’s audience, illustration has an affectionate, unsophisticated association with successive stages of development, starting in childhood. From early picture books to comics, graphic novels, music and lifestyle, illustrated communication allows interpretation and relatability.

Illustration can be successful in performing the elusive act of being inclusive and appealingly anonymous. The New Yorker recognises that diversity in content is reliant on the real-life experience of its artists. Since the 1930s when most journalists and illustrators were male and white, the magazine has sought to make a weekly visual statement of the contemporary by prioritising images that represent the diversity of New York.

There is a disposable deal in buying a magazine – it is not designed to be a keeper. Certain images of “a moment” can later become the visual signature of an age, though it may not not always be apparent at the time.

The early consistency of New Yorker art deco covers expressed both wonderful visual ideas and a graphic language for modernity. The skyscrapers, bridges and lights of the quintessential modern metropolis are beautifully shown in Adolph Kronengold’s cover from March 1938.

Barry Blitt’s 2008 “politics of fear” cover, showing Barack Obama in Muslim clothing and Michelle Obama in combats with a gun slung over her back, expressed much more than portraits in an American presidential campaign. It provocatively articulated media exaggeration and control, forces that dominate today.

And then there are the images that transcend a stylistic era and which are elevated above beyond specific facts in a way that helps us see the world in a new way, like Saul Steinberg’s “view of the world from 9th Avenue” cover from 1976.

Saul Steinberg’s View From 9th Avenue New Yorker Cover.
Wikipedia / The New Yorker

The viewpoint is literally floating above the street, not so high that local details are unrecognisable, yet just beyond the Hudson are diminishing deserts and prairies and over the Pacific ocean you can see Japan.

A wonderful satire on the attitude of global centrality and specifically a New Yorker’s idea of their own importance, the image has been copied and referenced ever since its publication.

The completely black cover by Art Spiegelman and New Yorker art director Françoise Mouly for September 24 2001 achieved the impossible task of visualising the feeling of loss following the world trade centre attacks. Mouly has been the art director since 1993 and possesses a supreme visual intelligence that has driven the success of the pictorial cover for more than three decades.

She maintains that artists are able to say new things about the same themes year after year – something AI cannot do as it refers only to the past. The present, however, is elusive and the province of the artist gathering energy like a lightning conductor. Plus, crucially, AI doesn’t doodle.

New Yorker artists are people who can present a dilemma, an issue, a moment or a spectacle visually, not abstracted, but through emotional empathy. The covers are non-linear but require “reading”. The multiple layers of meaning are often open to interpretion.

The beauty of the New Yorker cover lies in not equating it with a written description, but rather in prompting an emotional response to what it is to be alive in that moment, whether good times or bad. That’s a pretty wonderful objective and guiding principle for a weekly publication.

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

– ref. The New Yorker at 100: how bold, illustrated and wordless covers helped define the iconic magazine – https://theconversation.com/the-new-yorker-at-100-how-bold-illustrated-and-wordless-covers-helped-define-the-iconic-magazine-253260

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: CLIK Announces Acquisition of Remaining 75% Equity Interest in Leading Nursing Care Competitor, Solidifying Market Leadership and Expanding Revenue Base

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Hong Kong, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Click Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: CLIK) (“Click” or the “Company” or “we” or “our”), a leading provider of human resources (“HR”) solutions in Hong Kong specializing in Seniors Nursing Care, Logistics, and Professional HR services, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the remaining 75% equity interest in a prominent nursing care competitor (“Target Company”).

The Target Company has over a decade of experience serving the Hong Kong seniors community and maintains a talent pool of over 9,000 nursing professionals. It is expected to generate annual billings of over HK$60 million and net profit in the range of approximately HK$2.0 million to HK$3.5 million, making it a financially accretive addition to Click’s growing healthcare HR platform.

Click previously acquired a 25% equity interest in the Target Company in March 2025. Upon completion of the remaining 75% acquisition, Click will hold 100% ownership, granting it full control to integrate operations and drive long-term strategic value.

“This acquisition marks a transformative step for Click,” said Mr. Chan, CEO of Click. “With full ownership, we are able to consolidate operations, align our resources, and unlock significant synergies that will accelerate our leadership in the nursing care sector.”

The acquisition expands Click’s total talent pool to over 19,000 registered professionals, strengthening its ability to meet surging demand for skilled nursing services across Hong Kong and surrounding regions. The integrated operations are also expected to create substantial operational efficiencies and boost overall profitability.

Full ownership further enables Click to fast-track development in high-growth verticals, including Home Seniors Nursing Services and Smart Home Nursing Solutions — key focus areas in its long-term strategy to deliver scalable, tech-enabled care solutions.

Click remains focused on executing its integration roadmap and delivering superior value to its clients, talent network, and shareholders. Further updates on the progress of the integration, service enhancements, and growth milestones will be shared in due course.

About Click Holdings Limited

We are a fast-growing human resources solutions provider based in Hong Kong, aiming to match our client’s human resources shortfall through our proprietary AI-empowered talent pool by one “click”. Our key businesses primarily include nursing solution (mainly seniors) services, logistics solution services and professional solution services.

For more information, please visit https://clicksc.com.hk.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov.

For enquiry, please contact:

Click Holdings Limited
Unit 709, 7/F., Ocean Centre
5 Canton Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Hong Kong
Email: jack.wong@jfy.hk
Phone: +852 2691 8900

The MIL Network –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: EY US unveils Neil Araujo of iManage as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Midwest Award finalist

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Midwest Award. Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors bold entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow. The Midwest program celebrates entrepreneurs from Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

An independent panel of judges selected Neil Araujo, CEO and co-founder of iManage, among 29 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and lasting impact in building long-term value.

“This recognition is a reflection of our team’s resilience and commitment to long-term success,” said Neil Araujo, CEO of iManage. “We’ve transformed iManage into a global SaaS leader trusted by knowledge workers in law, accounting, financial services, and beyond. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made, not just in business, but in the communities we serve and the lives we touch through our platform.”

Founded in 1995, iManage helps over 4,000 global organizations — including 85% of the Global 100 law firms and 41% of the Fortune 100—manage and protect confidential information. Under Neil’s leadership, iManage has grown into a market leader in AI-powered, cloud-native work management platforms, and is committed to delivering purpose-driven innovation. The company’s SaaS platform is more carbon efficient than on-premises alternatives, and its commitment to community impact includes long-standing partnerships with nonprofits like Genesys Works and Chicago Debates.

Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.

Regional award winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 11, during a special celebration in Chicago and will become lifetime members of an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum^®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA and SAP. In the Midwest, sponsors also include LaSalle Staffing, Inc. and Becker Professional Education.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year
Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally.

The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum^® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

All in to shape the future with confidence.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

Media Contact:
Alicia Saragosa
Head of Public Relations, iManage
press@imanage.com

The MIL Network –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Latest Microsoft Flight Simulator update adds 5 US cities

Source: Microsoft

Headline: Latest Microsoft Flight Simulator update adds 5 US cities

This release spotlights a diverse selection of the country’s most beautiful locations, from Dallas, Texas to Honolulu, Hawaii.

Microsoft Flight Simulator City Update 10: United States I delivers five spectacular cities throughout the United States in vibrant detail: Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Denver, Colorado; San Francisco, California; and Honolulu, Hawaii. Each city has been crafted using the latest aerial and satellite imagery, digital elevation models (DEMs), and TIN (triangulated irregular network) surface texturing. The exquisite detail offered in this latest release will inspire aviators to explore these storied cities and admire their landmarks throughout every season, at any time of the day or night.

Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas

Dallas, and its sister city to the west, Fort Worth, were established in the 1800s as railroad hubs to serve the cotton, livestock, and oil industries of Texas. Today, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, a key urban anchor in north Texas, is the most populous metropolitan area in the state. The region is a major international hub of several industries, including manufacturing, defense, finance, and tourism. The metroplex offers spectacular sights, including the iconic Fountain Place and a 720-foot-tall modernist skyscraper in Dallas; 777 Main Street in Fort Worth, a striking building that stands 525 feet tall; and the 561-foot-tall Reunion Tower, one of the most recognizable buildings in Dallas.

Denver, Colorado

Known as the “Mile High City” (its official elevation is 5,280 feet, exactly one mile above sea level), Denver is both the most populous city in Colorado and the state’s capital. Established in 1858 by prospectors who led what would come to be known as the Pike’s Peak gold rush, Denver became an important railroad city in 1870. It blossomed into a major metropolitan center in the 20th century, characterized by a stunning skyline set against the high Rocky Mountains. Some of the sights for pilots to behold include Republic Plaza, the city’s highest building at 714 feet; 1144 Fifteenth, one of the world’s most spectacular modern skyscrapers; the Rocky Mountains to its west; and the vast, oceanic plains east of Denver.

San Francisco, California

Called by many the most beautiful city in the world, San Francisco is squarely located where the San Francisco Bay opens to the Pacific Ocean. The city was formally established in 1850 due to the boom in population from the California Gold Rush, which began in 1848. Set along a spectacular section of Pacific Ocean coastline, San Francisco offers a wonderful selection of sights, including the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge; the iconic Transamerica Building; Alcatraz Island; and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Honolulu, Hawaii

The capital and most populous city of the state of Hawaii, Honolulu is known for its beautiful architecture set against the tropical blue and green waters of the Pacific Ocean. Located on the southeastern coast of the island of Oahu, Honolulu boasts human history that dates back many centuries and was incorporated as a city in 1907. Meaning “sheltered port” in Hawaiian, Honolulu features numerous sights for the aerial visitor, including its spectacular skyline; Diamond Head, an extinct volcanic cone just to the southeast of the city; the waters of the Pacific Ocean; and the spectacular Koʻolau Range inland of the metropolitan area.

City Update 10: United States I is available FREE to all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Ensure that you have the latest simulator version installed, download City Update 10, and explore. The sky is calling!

Microsoft Flight Simulator and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator products, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on X (formerly Twitter) or visit www.flightsimulator.com.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Mr. Ian Martin of the United Kingdom – Head of the Strategic Assessment of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

he Secretary-General announced today the appointment of Ian Martin of the United Kingdom as Head of the Strategic Assessment, as part of his UN80 initiative, of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The Secretary-General is tasking Mr. Martin with conducting the Strategic Assessment in order to review UNRWA’s impact; implementation of its mandate under present political, financial, security and other constraints; and, consequences and risks, for Palestine
Refugees. He has further been tasked with identifying options for action, by Member States and/or the United Nations, and considering overall United Nations mandates provided by the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Mr. Martin has had a distinguished service within the United Nations. He was involved in a number of strategic reviews, most recently as the Lead of the Independent Strategic Review of the United Nations Mission in Somalia and before then as a member of the
High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations. Mr. Martin served as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and in various positions in other UN field operations, including in Timor-Leste,
Nepal, Eritrea, Rwanda and Haiti.

Mr. Martin holds a Master of Arts in history and economics from Cambridge University, United Kingdom, and studied development economics at Harvard University, United States of America.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rapid aging of world population will transform global property & casualty insurance industry by 2050
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press contact:
Fahd Pasha
Tel.: +1 647 860 3777
E-mail: Fahd.Pasha@capgemini.com

Rapid aging of world population will transform global property & casualty insurance industry by 2050
- Global dependency ratio set to rise by 2050 there will be 26 seniors for every 100 working-age people, up from 16 today
- Aging population is a key trend in forecasted 4.4% CAGR for global commercial insurance lines, 3.3% for personal insurance lines
- 88% of insurers recognize the importance of more tech-enabled underwriting, but only 17% say they have the right capabilities
Paris, April 22, 2025 – The Capgemini Research Institute’s World Property and Casualty Insurance Report, published today, shows how the aging of the world’s population will transform the industry globally by 2050. The report details how a shift in the ratio of seniors- to-working age adults will play a critical role in changing habits around consumption, transportation, and use of technology, with major implications for both commercial and personal P&C insurance. These trends will drive the industry towards a more prevention-focused, modular approach with real-time risk monitoring, as well as more technology-enabled underwriting models.

The global population is aging, transforming consumer behavior
The aging of the world population in the coming decades implies a major transformation in the workforce, with fewer working-age adults per retired senior. By 2050, it is expected that the global dependency ratio will rise to 26%, compared with 16% in 2024, meaning that for every 100 working-age people, there will be 26 seniors to support, up from today’s 16. Excluding the population of Africa, which is relatively young, the dependency ratio will reach 31%, up from 18%.

This transition has profound implications for consumer behavior and the structure of the broader economy. As the global population grows older, consumer spending habits are expected to shift, with a greater focus on spending on experiences rather than large, fixed purchases. The report found 45% of consumers expect to increase their spending on lifestyle enhancements such as travel, luxury goods and home renovations while 70% do not plan to buy an additional house or upgrade their current house to a bigger one.

This move in spending habits, combined with trends towards greater urbanization and automation of technology, will have a significant impact on how P&C insurers serve their customers. For example, auto insurers are expected to transition towards commercial insurance and shared mobility coverage, as seniors drive less and rely more on rideshares. Equally, personal property insurance will have to evolve towards preventive, age-friendly options that address smaller, multi-generational homes. In the workplace, commercial lines will need to account for demographic-driven automation and altered risk profiles.

“Monumental demographic shifts are set to have a major and direct impact on P&C insurers in the coming decades. Today, insurers should be analyzing their portfolios to understand these sensitivities and to ascertain their exposure in mature and transitioning markets. This will support them in developing service models that are optimized and future-proofed,” said Adam Denninger, Global Insurance Industry Leader at Capgemini. “Finally, having an edge on customer experience, made possible through AI, will also help protect insurers against a competitive race to the bottom on prices.”

Interconnected risks could drive loss potential
In addition, insurers will have to grapple with the implications of climate change, and its effect on an aging work force. According to research from Oxford Economics prepared for Capgemini, 98.5% of the world’s population will be at risk from drought and 80% will be at risk from excessive rainfall. With such climate volatility, coupled with urban risk concentration, insurers will see the rise of interconnected risks that drive loss potential. To assess these risks and develop more climate-minded strategies, insurers will need to further integrate climate risk data and predictive analytics to correlate risks and improve underwriting, cites the report.

Rising to the P&C challenge –with data and AI
A key feature of these new approaches will be the use of predictive insights and real-time intelligence in underwriting. The report found 88% of insurers recognize the critical future importance of advanced underwriting, yet only 17% have mature capabilities.

To prepare for and adapt to the changing demographics, the report recommends that P&C insurers embrace novel approaches including:
- Placing focus on changing customer behavior: recalibrating geographic footprints and developing age-sensitive service models
- Operating model transformation: modernizing data architectures and leveraging AI and automation to build resilient systems and drive efficiency
- Risk governance: implementing predictive underwriting insights and dynamic portfolio management
All these approaches require a process of continuous evolution, with executives delivering on medium-term actions while boards address long-term strategic questions.

Read the full report: https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/world-property-and-casualty-insurance-report//

Report Methodology
For this report, the Capgemini Research Institute surveyed three primary sources: the 2025 Global Voice of the Customer Survey (which polled 5,016 P&C insurance customers in 13 countries), the 2025 Global Insurance Executives’ Survey (which included interviews with 274 senior insurance executives of leading P&C insurance companies across 15 markets), and the 2025 Global Macroeconomic Forecasts created in collaboration with a leading macro forecaster (which includes insights across 11 markets representing all three regions of the globe).

About Capgemini
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

About the Capgemini Research Institute
The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It was ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts for six consecutive times – an industry first.
Visit us at www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute

Attachment
- 04_22_WPCR Press Release
The MIL Network –
April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: BloFin Among the First Four Exchanges Worldwide to Support Full Unified Trading Account (UTA)
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MAJURO, Marshall Islands, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BloFin announces its achievement as one of the first four global exchanges—alongside OKX, Bybit, and Gate.io—to offer full Unified Trading Account (UTA) functionality to all users. This milestone reflects BloFin’s rapid product innovation and its commitment to delivering an institutional-grade trading experience, engineered for performance, capital efficiency, and operational flexibility.

The latest update marks the complete rollout of Unified Trading Account Mode for all sub-accounts, allowing for the seamless management of Spot and Perpetual Futures positions within a single interface. At the same time, BloFin has officially launched Cross-Currency Margin Mode for sub-accounts, allowing users to utilize multiple asset types as collateral, enhancing margin efficiency and improving risk management across positions.

To ensure a seamless transition and support a wide range of user preferences, the Master Account will continue operating under the traditional mode, ensuring a balanced experience for both new users and long-time traders. Sub-accounts, on the other hand, offer access to advanced features under the UTA framework.

To accommodate diverse trading needs, BloFin offers three distinct account modes:
- Spot Trading Mode – Tailored for users trading without leverage. This mode supports only spot trading and does not permit access to perpetual futures, copy trading (as trader or follower), trading bots, or the use of futures bonuses or vouchers.
- Spot and Futures Trading Mode (Default) – Provides access to both spot and perpetual futures trading, along with copy trading functionality, trading bots, and the ability to utilize futures bonuses and vouchers. This mode also supports Single-Currency Margin, enabling users to consolidate margins across positions with the same settlement asset and offset unrealized PnL.
- Multi-Currency Margin Mode – Available to accounts with an equity balance of 10,000 USDT or more, this mode allows users to post multiple cryptocurrencies as collateral for perpetual futures trading. Collateral is valued in USD, and margin obligations are shared across positions settled in different currencies. This mode enables cross-asset PnL offsetting but may also introduce spot trading liabilities and cross-currency liquidation risk.
Together, these account modes provide traders with flexible, professional-grade tools to match their strategy, capital size, and risk appetite, underscoring BloFin’s ongoing commitment to building a comprehensive and customizable trading ecosystem.

About BloFin
BloFin is a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange that specializes in futures trading. The platform offers 480+ USDT-M perpetual pairs, spot trading, copy trading, API access, unified account management, and advanced sub-account solutions. Committed to security and compliance, BloFin integrates Fireblocks and Chainalysis to ensure robust asset protection. By partnering with top affiliates, BloFin delivers scalable trading solutions, efficient fund management, and enhanced flexibility for professional traders. As the constant sponsor of TOKEN2049, BloFin continues to expand its global presence, reinforcing its position as the place “WHERE WHALES ARE MADE.” For more information, visit BloFin’s official website at https://www.blofin.com.

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Contact:
Annio W.
annio@blofin.io

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the BloFin. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/20355f39-b2ac-4b00-a620-44463c0f993d

The MIL Network –
April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Control over migrant transfers to be strengthened – Prosecutor General’s Office approves proposal

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Sours: Mainfin Bank –

How does the Prosecutor General’s Office plan to strengthen control over migrants?

The Russian Prosecutor’s Office supports the proposal to strengthen supervision of migrants’ financial transactions. The agency noted that foreigners often participate in fraudulent schemes and become mules (sometimes unknowingly). Registration bank cards in the name of migrants in the country is put on stream – non-residents are brought to the offices credit institutions “by buses”.

The Prosecutor General’s Office believes it would be appropriate to organize information exchange between financial institutions and migration control agencies – supervision will help to understand where foreigners transfer money, as well as identify suspicious transactions. The measure is intended to reduce the number of violations in the economic security segment.

What other measures of control over migrants may appear in Russia?

Migration legislation in Russia is gradually becoming more stringent, but so far the laws being adopted have not produced the desired results. Dmitry Medvedev announced the need for new restrictions, calling for:

prohibit foreigners with a criminal record from obtaining a residence permit or Russian citizenship; establish an exchange of data between agencies on the criminal records of migrants arriving in the country; eliminate abuses in conducting examinations for foreign citizens; strengthen control over institutions that conduct examinations, including by recording the procedures on video.

“Migrants in Russia who have certificates of passing exams often do not even understand Russian – when receiving documents, mass violations are recorded,” the politician noted.

Tightening of legislation may lead to an outflow of up to 1 million migrants from the Russian Federation. However, analysts are confident that “specialists” from the CIS countries may be replaced by citizens of the DPRK – it will be easier for Koreans to integrate into Russian society without causing discontent among the native inhabitants of Russia.

15:00 04/22/2025

Source:

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

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

HTTPS: //Mainfin.ru/novosti/ Monkol-Snip-Portead-Migrants-Usilat-Gen-Prosecutor General-Odobril-Execution

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: JEFFRIES LEADS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, DENMARK, ISRAEL AND JORDAN
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

“Our bipartisan Congressional delegation has departed for a trip to visit important allies and partners throughout Europe and the Middle East. While in the United Kingdom, we will meet with high level government and private sector leaders, reinforcing the close economic and security partnership that exists between our two countries during a time of global uncertainty. Our delegation will also travel to Denmark, where we look forward to discussing the continued importance of the NATO alliance and the geopolitical status of Greenland.

During our time in the Middle East, we will visit with senior officials in Israel and Jordan to discuss the challenges that exist with Iran and its proxies, as well as the opportunity to secure a durable ceasefire in Gaza that brings home the hostages, surges humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in harm’s way and sets the stage for a just and lasting peace in the region. While in Israel, we will also participate in a Yom HaShoah observance.

It is an honor to lead this delegation, and we look forward to an enlightening and productive trip.”

The Members of the delegation are:
- Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
- Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO-02), Member, Committee on Financial Services; Member, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
- Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-05), Ranking Member, Foreign Affairs Committee; Member, Committee on Financial Services
- Rep. Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Vice-Chairman, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; Member, Natural Resources Committee; Member, Foreign Affairs Committee
- Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Member, Committee on Appropriations; Member, Foreign Affairs Committee
- Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Member, Committee on Armed Services; Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
- Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce
- Rep. Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Member, Committee on Science, Space and Technology; Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
###

MIL OSI USA News –
April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cultural co-operation panel held

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 Ministerial Panel was held today, during which participating cultural ministers and senior officials exchanged views and shared their experience on policies and measures to promote arts and cultural development.

Officiating at the panel opening, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law highlighted that technological advancement is inevitable as the world has undergone rapid and vigorous changes.

A people-oriented approach, ie an approach to connect more with people, to create more for people and to engage more people, should be adopted, in order to promote arts and cultural development, she stressed.

Miss Law added that by making good use of its positions as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as well as the largest art trading centre in Asia, Hong Kong will continue to thrive.

Separately, Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki hosted the gala dinner for the delegations as well as local cultural leaders. In his speech at the event, Mr Chan pointed out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively fostering the city’s development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange with the clear national support in the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

With its unique advantage of blending Chinese and Western cultures and its extensive international connections, Hong Kong will become a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the rest of the world, he stressed.

The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum aims to promote cultural co-operation and exchanges among regions. Themed “Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All”, this year’s gathering has expanded its scale, welcoming participation from Belt & Road countries outside Asia.

The delegations attending the forum visited the Hong Kong Museum of Art and Oil Street Art Space yesterday. They will attend the plenary session and visit the Hong Kong Palace Museum tomorrow.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor boosts development of mechanical equipment industry

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

New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor boosts development of mechanical equipment industry

Updated: April 22, 2025 21:52 Xinhua

A staff member conducts performance test on an excavator at an equipment manufacturing company in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, April 21, 2025. Launched in 2017, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is a trade and logistics passage jointly built by provincial-level regions in western China and ASEAN members. In recent years, along with the development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, equipment manufacturing companies in China’s western regions have sped up digital and intelligent transformation, as a way to boost high-quality development of companies themselves as well as assist the building of the corridor with better mechanical equipment. According to statistics, as of early March, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor’s cargo services connect 158 locations across 73 domestic cities and reach 556 ports in 127 countries and regions. [Photo/Xinhua]

Customs officers inspect loaders for export to Vietnam at the port of the Friendship Pass in Pingxiang, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on March 21, 2025 shows loaders for export to Vietnam in Guangxi Pingxiang Integrated Free Trade Zone in Pingxiang, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

Staff members work on an assembly line of excavators for export to Laos and Myanmar at an equipment manufacturing company in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, April 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo taken on March 21, 2025 shows trucks loaded with equipment for export to Vietnam in Guangxi Pingxiang Integrated Free Trade Zone in Pingxiang, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

A staff member works on a production line of loaders at an equipment manufacturing company in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

A staff member conducts test at an equipment manufacturing company in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

A staff member verifies the information of machine parts for export to Qatar at a logistics center in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Colbert County Man Arrested for Failure to Register in the State of Alabama as a Sex Offender

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Colbert County man has been charged for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and United States Marshal Martin Keely.

A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Michael Shane McDaniel, 56, of Plainfield, Indiana, with failing to register or update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). McDaniel was convicted of child molestation in the Marion Superior Court in Indianapolis, Indiana, and required to register as a sex offender under SORNA. Following this conviction, McDaniel travelled across state lines from Indiana to Alabama and did not register as a sex offender. McDaniel was arrested on April 16, 2025, in Colbert County, Alabama. McDaniel will be detained and held in federal custody pending disposition of this case.

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 implemented SORNA and established a comprehensive national system for the registration of sex offenders. The Act requires anyone convicted of specified crimes to register with the national sex offender registry. It is a federal felony offense for sex offenders to travel to another state and fail to register. Federal violations of SORNA can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years.

The U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Alabama investigated the case along with the U.S. Marshals Service for the Southern District of Indiana, the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Hendricks County, Indiana Sheriff’s Office, and the Colbert County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MIL Security OSI –

April 23, 2025

MIL-OSI: First Financial Corporation Reports First Quarter Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TERRE HAUTE, Ind., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:THFF) today announced results for the first quarter of 2025.

Net income was $18.4 million compared to $10.9 million reported for the same period of 2024;
Diluted net income per common share of $1.55 compared to $0.93 for the same period of 2024;
Return on average assets was 1.34% compared to 0.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2024;
Credit loss provision was $2.0 million compared to provision of $1.8 million for the first quarter 2024; and
Pre-tax, pre-provision net income was $25.7 million compared to $14.9 million for the same period in 2024.¹

________________________¹Non-GAAP financial measure that Management believes is useful for investors and management to understand pre-tax profitability before giving effect to credit loss expense and to provide additional perspective on the Corporation’s performance over time as well as comparison to the Corporation’s peers and evaluating the financial results of the Corporation – please refer to the Non GAAP reconciliations contained in this release.

Average Total Loans

Average total loans for the first quarter of 2025 were $3.84 billion versus $3.18 billion for the comparable period in 2024, an increase of $662 million or 20.80%. On a linked quarter basis, average loans increased $51 million or 1.35% from $3.79 billion as of December 31, 2024. Increases in average loans year-over-year were a combination of the acquisition of SimplyBank on July 1, 2024, and organic growth.

Total Loans Outstanding

Total loans outstanding as of March 31, 2025, were $3.85 billion compared to $3.19 billion as of March 31, 2024, an increase of $662 million or 20.74%. On a linked quarter basis, total loans increased $16.9 million or 0.44% from $3.84 billion as of December 31, 2024. The year-over-year increase was impacted by the $467 million in loans acquired in the SimplyBank acquisition in July 2024. Organic growth was primarily driven by increases in Commercial Construction and Development, Commercial Real Estate, and Consumer Auto loans.

Norman D. Lowery, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented “We have had six consecutive quarters of loan growth and have had another record quarter of net interest income. Our net interest margin has also continued to expand. We believe we are well positioned with our strong balance sheet, stable credit quality, and strong capital levels for continued growth.”

Average Total Deposits

Average total deposits for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, were $4.65 billion versus $4.05 billion as of March 31, 2024, an increase of $605 million, or 14.95%. Increases in average deposits year-over-year were mostly a result of the acquisition of SimplyBank.

Total Deposits

Total deposits were $4.64 billion as of March 31, 2025, compared to $4.11 billion as of March 31, 2024. $622 million in deposits were acquired in the SimplyBank acquisition in July 2024. Non-interest bearing deposits were $856 million, and time deposits were $726 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $738 million and $581 million, respectively for the same period of 2024.

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2025, was $571.9 million compared to $520.8 million on March 31, 2024. During the last twelve months, the Corporation has not repurchased any shares of its common stock. 518,860 shares remain available for repurchase under the current repurchase authorization. The Corporation paid a $0.51 per share quarterly dividend in January and declared a $0.51 quarterly dividend, which was paid on April 15, 2025.

Book Value Per Share

Book Value per share was $48.26 as of March 31, 2025, compared to $44.08 as of March 31, 2024, an increase of $4.18 per share, or 9.49%. Tangible Book Value per share was $38.13 as of March 31, 2025, compared to $36.26 as of March 31, 2024, an increase of $1.87 per share or 5.16%.

Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Asset Ratio

The Corporation’s tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio was 8.32% at March 31, 2025, compared to 9.00% at March 31, 2024.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 was a record $52.0 million, compared to $38.9 million reported for the same period of 2024, an increase of $13.1 million, or 33.5%. Interest income increased $13.6 million and interest expense increased $574 thousand year over year.

Net Interest Margin

The net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, was 4.11% compared to the 3.53% reported at March 31, 2024.

Nonperforming Loans

Nonperforming loans as of March 31, 2025, were $10.2 million versus $24.3 million as of March 31, 2024. The ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans and leases was 0.26% as of March 31, 2025, versus 0.76% as of March 31, 2024. On a linked quarter basis, nonperforming loans were $13.3 million, and the ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans and leases was 0.35% as of December 31, 2024.

Credit Loss Provision

The provision for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $2.0 million, compared to $1.8 million for the same period 2024.

Net Charge-Offs

In the first quarter of 2025 net charge-offs were $1.8 million compared to $1.5 million in the same period of 2024.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Corporation’s allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2025, was $46.8 million compared to $40.0 million as of March 31, 2024. The allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans was 1.22% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 1.25% as of March 31, 2024. On a linked quarter basis, the allowance for credit losses as a percent of total loans was unchanged from December 31, 2024.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was $10.5 million and $9.4 million, respectively.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $36.8 million compared to $33.4 million in 2023.

Efficiency Ratio

The Corporation’s efficiency ratio was 57.54% for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, versus 67.21% for the same period in 2024.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $5.4 million versus $2.2 million for the same period in 2024. The effective tax rate for 2025 was 22.59% compared to 16.79% for 2024.

About First Financial Corporation

First Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:THFF) is the holding company for First Financial Bank N.A., which is the fifth oldest national bank in the United States, operating 83 banking centers in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. Additional information is available at www.first-online.bank.

Investor Contact:
Rodger A. McHargue
Chief Financial Officer
P: 812-238-6334
E: rmchargue@first-online.com


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,		December 31,		March 31,
	2025		2024		2024
END OF PERIOD BALANCES
Assets	$	5,549,094	$	5,560,348	$	4,852,615
Deposits	$	4,640,003	$	4,718,914	$	4,105,103
Loans, including net deferred loan costs	$	3,854,020	$	3,837,141	$	3,191,983
Allowance for Credit Losses	$	46,835	$	46,732	$	40,045
Total Equity	$	571,945	$	549,041	$	520,766
Tangible Common Equity ^(a)	$	451,874	$	427,470	$	428,430

AVERAGE BALANCES
Total Assets	$	5,508,767	$	5,516,036	$	4,804,364
Earning Assets	$	5,194,478	$	5,196,352	$	4,566,461
Investments	$	1,266,300	$	1,311,415	$	1,308,322
Loans	$	3,841,752	$	3,790,515	$	3,180,147
Total Deposits	$	4,650,883	$	4,757,438	$	4,045,838
Interest-Bearing Deposits	$	3,837,679	$	3,925,740	$	3,326,090
Interest-Bearing Liabilities	$	261,174	$	134,553	$	221,425
Total Equity	$	564,742	$	556,330	$	522,720

INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Net Interest Income	$	51,975	$	49,602	$	38,920
Net Interest Income Fully Tax Equivalent ^(b)	$	53,373	$	50,985	$	40,297
Provision for Credit Losses	$	1,950	$	2,000	$	1,800
Non-interest Income	$	10,511	$	12,213	$	9,431
Non-interest Expense	$	36,759	$	39,801	$	33,422
Net Income	$	18,406	$	16,241	$	10,924

PER SHARE DATA
Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share	$	1.55	$	1.37	$	0.93
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$	0.51	$	0.51	$	0.45
Book Value Per Common Share	$	48.26	$	46.36	$	44.08
Tangible Book Value Per Common Share ^(c)	$	38.13	$	36.77	$	36.26
Basic Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding		11,842		11,824		11,803

________________________
(a)   Tangible common equity is a non-GAAP financial measure derived from GAAP-based amounts. We calculate tangible common equity by excluding goodwill and other intangible assets from shareholder’s equity.
(b)   Net interest income fully tax equivalent is a non-GAAP financial measure derived from GAAP-based amounts. We calculate net interest income fully tax equivalent by adding back the tax equivalent factor of tax exempt income to net interest income. We calculate the tax equivalent factor of tax exempt income by dividing tax exempt income by the net of tax rate of 75%.
(c)   Tangible book value per common share is a non-GAAP financial measure derived from GAAP-based amounts. We calculate the factor by dividing average tangible common equity by average shares outstanding. We calculate average tangible common equity by excluding average intangible assets from average shareholder’s equity.


Key Ratios	Three Months Ended
	March 31,		December 31,		March 31,
	2025		2024		2024
Return on average assets	1.34	%	1.18	%	0.91	%
Return on average common shareholder’s equity	13.04	%	11.68	%	8.36	%
Efficiency ratio	57.54	%	62.98	%	67.21	%
Average equity to average assets	10.25	%	10.09	%	10.88	%
Net interest margin ^(a)	4.11	%	3.94	%	3.53	%
Net charge-offs to average loans and leases	0.19	%	0.15	%	0.19	%
Credit loss reserve to loans and leases	1.22	%	1.22	%	1.25	%
Credit loss reserve to nonperforming loans	460.57	%	351.37	%	165.12	%
Nonperforming loans to loans and leases	0.26	%	0.35	%	0.76	%
Tier 1 leverage	10.63	%	10.38	%	12.02	%
Risk-based capital – Tier 1	12.70	%	12.43	%	14.69	%

________________________
(a) Net interest margin is calculated on a tax equivalent basis.


Asset Quality	Three Months Ended
	March 31,		December 31,		March 31,
	2025		2024		2024
Accruing loans and leases past due 30-89 days	$	17,007	$	22,486	$	17,937
Accruing loans and leases past due 90 days or more	$	1,109	$	1,821	$	1,395
Nonaccrual loans and leases	$	9,060	$	11,479	$	22,857
Other real estate owned	$	560	$	523	$	167
Nonperforming loans and other real estate owned	$	10,729	$	13,823	$	24,419
Total nonperforming assets	$	13,631	$	16,719	$	27,307
Gross charge-offs	$	3,241	$	3,070	$	3,192
Recoveries	$	1,394	$	1,633	$	1,670
Net charge-offs/(recoveries)	$	1,847	$	1,437	$	1,522


Non-GAAP Reconciliations	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2025		2024
($in thousands, except EPS)
Income before Income Taxes	$	23,777	$	13,129
Provision for credit losses		1,950		1,800
Provision for unfunded commitments		—		—
Pre-tax, Pre-provision Income	$	25,727	$	14,929


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

	March 31,			December 31,
	2025			2024
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	86,211		$	93,526
Federal funds sold		427			820
Securities available-for-sale		1,182,495			1,195,990
Loans:
Commercial		2,208,426			2,196,351
Residential		966,521			967,386
Consumer		673,751			668,058
		3,848,698			3,831,795
(Less) plus:
Net deferred loan costs		5,322			5,346
Allowance for credit losses		(46,835	)		(46,732	)
		3,807,185			3,790,409
Restricted stock		17,528			17,555
Accrued interest receivable		25,556			26,934
Premises and equipment, net		80,317			81,508
Bank-owned life insurance		129,410			128,766
Goodwill		100,026			100,026
Other intangible assets		20,045			21,545
Other real estate owned		560			523
Other assets		99,334			102,746
TOTAL ASSETS	$	5,549,094		$	5,560,348

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing	$	856,063		$	859,014
Interest-bearing:
Certificates of deposit exceeding the FDIC insurance limits		145,609			144,982
Other interest-bearing deposits		3,638,331			3,714,918
		4,640,003			4,718,914
Short-term borrowings		137,609			187,057
FHLB advances		124,898			28,120
Other liabilities		74,639			77,216
TOTAL LIABILITIES		4,977,149			5,011,307

Shareholders’ equity
Common stock, $.125 stated value per share;
Authorized shares-40,000,000
Issued shares-16,190,157 in 2025 and 16,165,023 in 2024
Outstanding shares-11,850,645 in 2025 and 11,842,539 in 2024		2,019			2,018
Additional paid-in capital		146,159			145,927
Retained earnings		699,729			687,366
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)		(121,182	)		(132,285	)
Less: Treasury shares at cost-4,339,512 in 2025 and 4,322,484 in 2024		(154,780	)		(153,985	)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		571,945			549,041
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	5,549,094		$	5,560,348


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2025		2024

INTEREST INCOME:
Loans, including related fees	$	63,612	$	50,052
Securities:
Taxable		6,002		5,931
Tax-exempt		2,604		2,603
Other		814		817
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME		73,032		59,403
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Deposits		18,199		17,731
Short-term borrowings		1,693		976
Other borrowings		1,165		1,776
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE		21,057		20,483
NET INTEREST INCOME		51,975		38,920
Provision for credit losses		1,950		1,800
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION
FOR LOAN LOSSES		50,025		37,120
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
Trust and financial services		1,393		1,333
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts		7,585		6,708
Other service charges and fees		316		223
Interchange income		214		179
Loan servicing fees		165		269
Gain on sales of mortgage loans		225		176
Other		613		543
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME		10,511		9,431
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:
Salaries and employee benefits		19,248		17,330
Occupancy expense		2,676		2,359
Equipment expense		4,505		4,144
FDIC Expense		750		662
Other		9,580		8,927
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE		36,759		33,422
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		23,777		13,129
Provision for income taxes		5,371		2,205
NET INCOME		18,406		10,924
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Change in unrealized gains/(losses) on securities, net of reclassifications and taxes		11,100		(11,096	)
Change in funded status of post retirement benefits, net of taxes		3		73
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$	29,509	$	(99	)
PER SHARE DATA
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.55	$	0.93
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)		11,842		11,803

The MIL Network –

April 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: AI is inherently ageist. That’s not just unethical – it can be costly for workers and businesses

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sajia Ferdous, Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour, Queen’s Business School, Queen’s University Belfast

insta_photos/Shutterstock

The world is facing a “silver tsunami” – an unprecedented ageing of the global workforce. By 2030, more than half of the labour force in many EU countries will be aged 50 or above. Similar trends are emerging across Australia, the US and other developed and developing economies.

Far from being a burden or representing a crisis, the ageing workforce is a valuable resource – offering a so-called “silver dividend”. Older workers often offer experience, stability and institutional memory. Yet, in the rush to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), older workers can be left behind.

One common misconception is that older people are reluctant to adopt technology or cannot catch up. But this is far from the truth. It oversimplifies the complexity of their abilities, participation and interests in the digital environments.

There are much deeper issues and structural barriers at play. These include access and opportunity – including a lack of targeted training. Right now, AI training tends to be targeted at early or mid-career workers.

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There are also confidence gaps among older people stemming from workplace cultures that can feel exclusionary. Data shows that older professionals are more hesitant to use AI – possibly due to fast-paced work environments that reward speed over judgment or experience.

There can also be issues with the design of tech systems. They are built primarily by and for younger users. Voice assistants often fail to recognise older voices, and fintech apps assume users are comfortable linking multiple accounts or navigating complex menus. This can alienate workers with legitimate security concerns or cognitive challenges.

And all these issues are exacerbated by socio-demographic factors. Older people living alone or in rural areas, with lower education levels or who are employed in manual labour, are significantly less likely to use AI.

Workers employed in manual professions can face bigger barriers when it comes to gaining AI skills.
Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

Ageism has long shaped hiring, promotion and career development. Although age has become a protected characteristic in UK law, ageist norms and practices persist in many not-so-subtle forms.

Ageism can affect both young and old, but when it comes to technology, the impact is overwhelmingly skewed against older people.

So-called algorithmic ageism in AI systems – exclusion based on automation rather than human decision-making – often exacerbates ageist biases.

Hiring algorithms often end up favouring younger employees. And digital interfaces that assume tech fluency are another example of exclusionary designs. Graduation dates, employment gaps, and even the language used in CVs can become proxies for age and filter out experienced candidates without any human review.

Tech industry workers are overwhelmingly young. Homogenous thinking breeds blind spots, so products work brilliantly for younger people. But they can end up alienating other age groups.

This creates an artificial “grey digital divide”, shaped less by ability and more by gaps in support, training and inclusion. If older workers are not integrated into the AI revolution, there is a risk of creating a divided workforce. One part will be confident with tech, data-driven and AI-enabled, while the other will remain isolated, underutilised and potentially displaced.

An ‘age-neutral’ approach

It’s vital to move beyond the idea of being “age-inclusive”, which frames older people as “others” who need special adjustments. Instead, the goal should be age-neutral designs.

AI designers should recognise that while age is relevant in specific contexts – such as restricted content like pornography – it should not be used as a proxy in training data, where it can lead to bias in the algorithm. In this way, design would be age-neutral rather than ageless.

Designers should also ensure that platforms are accessible for users of all ages.

The stakes are high. It is also not just about economics, but fairness, sustainability and wellbeing.

At the policy level in the UK, there is still a huge void. Last year, House of Commons research highlighted that workforce strategies rarely distinguish the specific digital and technological training needs of older workers. This underscores how ageing people are treated as an afterthought.

A few forward-thinking companies have backed mid- and late-career training programmes. In Singapore, the government’s Skillsfuture programme has adopted a more agile, age-flexible approach. However, these are still isolated examples.

Retraining cannot be generic. Beyond basic digital literacy courses, older people need targeted, job-specific advanced training. The psychological framing of retraining is also critical. Older people need to retrain or reskill not for just career or personal growth but also to be able to participate more fully in the workforce.

It’s also key for reducing pressure on social welfare systems and mitigating skill shortages. What’s more, involving older workers in this way supports the transfer of knowledge between generations, which should benefit everyone in the economy.

Yet, currently, the onus is on the older workers and not organisations and governments.

AI, particularly the generative models that can create text, images and other media, is known for producing outputs that appear plausible but are sometimes incorrect or misleading. The people best placed to identify these errors are those with deep domain knowledge – something that is built over decades of experience.

This is not a counterargument to digital transformation or adoption of AI. Rather, it highlights that integrating older people into digital designs, training and access should be a strategic imperative. AI cannot replace human judgment yet – it should be designed to augment it.

If companies, policies and societies exclude older workers from AI transformation processes, they are essentially removing the critical layer of human oversight that keeps AI outputs reliable, ethical and safe to use. An age-neutral approach will be key to addressing this.

Piecemeal efforts and slow responses could cause the irreversible loss of a generation of experience, talent and expertise. What workers and businesses need now are systems, policies and tools that are, from the outset, usable and accessible for people of all ages.

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

– ref. AI is inherently ageist. That’s not just unethical – it can be costly for workers and businesses – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-inherently-ageist-thats-not-just-unethical-it-can-be-costly-for-workers-and-businesses-254220

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: All-abilities bike track now open in Evatt
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Sporting organisations, therapy providers, and community and disability organisations gathered to open the new path.
In brief:
- A new bike track and storage shed suitable for all abilities is now open.
- The accessible track is designed to help kids build cycling skills, road safety awareness and confidence.
- It will host the Cyclabilities program run by Abilities Unlimited Australia.
A new accessible cycling path has opened in Evatt.

The all-abilities Road Safety Learn to Ride concrete bike track and bike storage shed are located at Evatt Community Playground. This is adjacent to Evatt Primary School.

The new facility will make learning to ride safer for all children, no matter their ability.

On Saturday mornings, the Abilities Unlimited Australia (AUA) Cyclabilities program will use the track.

When not in use by Cyclabilities, it is available for the community to enjoy.

AUA Cyclabilities

AUA provides tailored programs for children with disabilities. It promotes inclusion and empowers every child to discover their potential through sports.

The Cyclabilities program is an inclusive cycling initiative.

It helps children of all abilities learn cycling skills and road safety awareness. Beyond this, it fosters social, emotional and physical development.

On Saturday mornings, over 100 participants take part. The new Evatt facility will help grow participation in the program.

AUA’s 1:1 and small group sports programs are designed to meet the unique needs and abilities of each child.

“This inclusive facility is a vital gift to our community, offering children of all abilities a safe space to learn cycling, develop essential road safety skills, and build confidence,” Co-founder of Abilities Unlimited Australia Fiona Jarvis said.

“Children with disabilities face heightened risks and barriers to participation. This precinct breaks those barriers, fostering independence, inclusion, and community connection.”

The ACT Government’s 2024 Community Sport Facilities Program provided funding to Abilities Unlimited Australia (AUA) for the project.

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MIL OSI News –
April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Recognition for student driven to make a difference
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Lawson Connor is an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) of the Year Award finalist.
In brief:
- Gungahlin College student Lawson Connor is a national finalist at the 2024 Australian Training Awards.
- He has overcome health challenges and wants to become a paramedic.
- He hopes others are aware there are many career pathways.
A couple of years back, Lawson Connor was picked up from school by ambulance so often, he was on first-name terms with many paramedics.

He missed a whole term of year 9 at Gold Creek School. This was due to epilepsy-related health challenges.

One of seven children, Lawson says he pretty much grew up in hospital.

A proud Wiradjuri man, he is now 17 and at Gungahlin College. And tonight, he is a national finalist at the 2024 Australian Training Awards.

He is in the running for the Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA) of the Year Award.

People from all over Canberra, and further afield, in Wiradjuri country, will cheer him on.

A turning point

If there was a turning point for Lawson, perhaps it was when he became vice-captain of Gold Creek School.

He led several initiatives and was a mentor for many. This included other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

A teacher encouraged Lawson to consider applying for an ASbA. He hasn’t looked back.

A clear career path

Lawson was inspired by the kindness he’d experienced in the health system. He had already decided to pursue a career in health care.

He was accepted into Indigenous Allied Health Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy ASbA program.

Through this, he is completing a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (HLT33021) through CIT. He is doing this while finishing years 11 and 12.

The program has given him insights into career pathways in the health sector. He has also found clarity about his career goal.

“Through placements I’ve tried out different areas … physio, occupational therapy, aged care … it’s really helped me narrow it down, to paramedicine.”

“It would be such an honour to be able to provide emergency healthcare within the community, especially a rural or remote community, or a disadvantaged Indigenous community, where I could provide a level of cultural care and understanding.”

Lawson has also taken an online university class this year. It is part of an early entry program for Midwifery, Nursing and Paramedicine.

Well-deserved recognition

Today, Lawson’s health is much better. He has been also received several awards. These include:
- a Year 10 Excellence Award
- the ACT ASbA of the Year Award, ACT Training Awards
- an Exceptional Young Person Award, ACT Children’s Week Awards
- the flagship Children’s Commissioner Award, ACT Children’s Week Awards.
Advice for others

Lawson hopes other students may be inspired by his journey to consider alternative pathways.

It worries him that a lot of his friends are stressed about getting a high-enough ATAR.

“I want a lot of people to know that ATAR isn’t the only option to get into a university or have a successful life,” he said. “There are so many avenues.”

Lawson recommends talking to careers teachers at school about available pathways.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, there are dedicated programs and supports to consider.

“There are so many opportunities out there,” Lawson said.

“If you really want to do something, pursue it. You can achieve it.”

Find out more about the ASbA program on the ACT Education website.

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MIL OSI News –
April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: SUNation Energy Signs Letters of Intent with Energy Systems Group to Construct 2.35 MWDC of Solar Projects at Two Prominent School Districts on Long Island, NY
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SUNation Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNE), a leading provider of sustainable solar energy and backup power solutions for households, businesses, and municipalities, has signed separate Letters of Intent (LOI) with Energy Systems Group (ESG), an award-winning energy services company, for the deployment of over 2.35 MWs of solar power at two school districts on Long Island.

Collectively, these installations are designed to deliver 3 megawatt hours (MWHs) of clean solar energy across 10 buildings that would offset a substantial majority of each district’s energy needs.

The projects under LOI are:
- A total of seven (7) schools and facility buildings within a prominent school district on Long Island for a total generation potential of 1.3 MW. The system will be comprised of rooftop solar arrays. Upon completion, this installation would generate approximately 1,687,723 kwh/year which would provide an estimated 75.85% energy offset for the district.
- A total of three (3) buildings within another Long Island-based school district for a total generation potential of 1.057 MW. The system will be comprised of rooftop solar arrays. Upon completion, the installation would generate approximately 1,371,712 kwh/year which would provide an offset of an estimated 87.3% of the district’s energy needs.
“We are convinced that there is a strong institutional demand for commercial-scale solar projects that deliver value,” SUNation Energy CEO Scott Maskin said. “These districts deserve the benefits of solar energy, and we’re happy to deliver. We look forward to working with our partners at ESG and these school districts to advance the approval process and secure a cleaner, greener future for our neighbors in these communities.”

Mr. Maskin concluded, “We are proud to add both of these projects into our significant portfolio of Long Island school districts in the SUNation family.”

The projects contemplated by these Letters of Intent are subject to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, ongoing discussions between the parties and the signing of definitive agreements.

About SUNation Energy, Inc.
SUNation Energy, Inc. is focused on growing leading local and regional solar, storage, and energy services companies nationwide. Our vision is to power the energy transition through grass-roots growth of solar electricity paired with battery storage. Our portfolio of brands (SUNation, Hawaii Energy Connection, E-Gear) provide homeowners and businesses of all sizes with an end-to-end product offering spanning solar, battery storage, and grid services. SUNation Energy, Inc.’s largest markets include New York, Florida, and Hawaii, and the company operates in three (3) states.

About Energy Systems Group (ESG)
Energy Systems Group (ESG) is a leading provider of performance-driven energy and infrastructure solutions nationwide. We design, build, and guarantee solutions that improve the reliability, efficiency, and lifespan of critical facilities in the education, government, healthcare, commercial, and industrial sectors. With a commitment to delivering reliable and proven solutions, Energy Systems Group takes a comprehensive approach to facility transformation. Visit energysystemsgroup.com to learn more.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. While the Company believes its plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, these plans, intentions, or expectations may not be achieved. For information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in subsequent filings. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

Safe Harbor Statement
Our prospects here at SUNation Energy Inc. are subject to uncertainties and risks. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, including, but not limited to, the risk that SUNation may not be able to enter into definitive agreements to commence these solar installations, and that the projects being contemplated will not generate the expected levels of energy or deliver the anticipated financial benefits. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provided by the foregoing Sections. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations or forecasts of future events, can be affected by inaccurate assumptions, and are subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond the control of management. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation. The Company cannot predict or determine after the fact what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or other statements. The reader should consider statements that include the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “should”, or other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends, to be uncertain and forward-looking. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information respecting factors that could materially affect the Company and its operations are contained in the Company’s filings with the SEC which can be found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Contacts:
Scott Maskin
Chief Executive Officer
+1 (631) 823-7131
smaskin@sunation.com

SUNation Energy Investor Relations
+1 (212) 836-9600
IR@sunation.com

The MIL Network –
April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: WSO2 Launches Ambassador Program to Empower Tech Advocates
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WSO2, the leader in enterprise digital infrastructure technology, today announced the launch of the WSO2 Ambassador Program, a global initiative that celebrates and supports the most passionate voices in its tech community, including developers and architects. This program is designed to recognize individuals who actively share knowledge, inspire innovation, and contribute to the growth of the open-source ecosystem powered by WSO2 technologies.

At the heart of the digital era are developers and architects—the problem-solvers and builders of the digital experiences we use every day. WSO2 recognizes that its success is deeply tied to the passion and ingenuity of its developer community. Developers are not only consumers of WSO2’s open-source platforms for API management, integration, identity and access management and WSO2’s internal developer platform, Choreo; they are also co-creators, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, improving the products through feedback, and building impactful solutions that serve millions. Architects, on the other hand, play a critical role in shaping the bigger picture—designing scalable, secure, and future-ready digital architectures that bring developer innovations to life.

“Developers are the driving force behind innovation,” said Isabelle Mauny, Chief Developer Advocate at WSO2. “They are not merely users of our products—they are instrumental in shaping them. Architects help ensure that solutions built on WSO2’s platforms are robust, cohesive, and aligned with long-term business goals. The WSO2 Ambassador Program is our way of acknowledging their contributions and supporting their continued growth. Whether through leading community meetups, publishing technical tutorials, or contributing to our codebase, our ambassadors play a vital role in empowering others to succeed with WSO2.”

WSO2’s commitment to open source goes beyond code—it’s about people. The Ambassador Program is a natural extension of that commitment. By offering mentorship, visibility, and support, WSO2 aims to empower developers to become leaders in their communities and advance their personal and professional growth.

What Ambassadors can expect:
- Skill-building opportunities in community leadership, developer advocacy, and public speaking
- Sponsorship for local events, meetups, and conferences to grow regional communities
- Visibility and recognition through WSO2’s digital channels and media
- Access to exclusive WSO2 events, tools, and swag
- Direct collaboration with WSO2 teams, providing feedback and influence on product direction
The program is open to developers, architects, and technical leaders with experience using WSO2 technology and a passion for empowering others through content, events, and code. Ambassadors can contribute at their own pace, with flexible engagement levels.

“Being a WSO2 Ambassador is not about holding a title—it is about making a meaningful impact,” Mauny explained. “It recognizes those developers who dedicate their time to writing tutorials, answering questions in forums, and mentoring the next generation of technologists. Our goal is to support their efforts, elevate their contributions, and connect them with a global community of peers and innovators.”

Visit the WSO2 Ambassadors Page to learn more about the program, meet our 2025 ambassadors, and find out how you can get involved.

About WSO2
Founded in 2005, WSO2 is the largest independent software vendor providing open-source API management, integration, and identity and access management (IAM) to thousands of enterprises in over 90 countries. WSO2’s products and platforms—including our next-gen internal developer platform, Choreo—empower organizations to leverage the full potential of artificial intelligence and APIs for securely delivering the next generation of AI-enabled digital services and applications. Our open-source, AI-driven, API-first approach frees developers and architects from vendor lock-in and enables rapid digital product creation. Recognized as leaders by industry analysts, WSO2 has more than 800 employees worldwide with offices in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US, with over USD100M in annual recurring revenue. Visit https://wso2.com to learn more. Follow WSO2 on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

Trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

The MIL Network –
April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Orion180 Teams Up with Jewelers Mutual® to Offer Homeowners Comprehensive Jewelry Insurance

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MELBOURNE, Fla., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion180, a leading provider of innovative homeowners and flood insurance solutions, has announced a collaboration with Jewelers Mutual, the only insurer dedicated to jewelry and jewelry businesses with over a century of expertise, to provide homeowners with specialized jewelry insurance coverage beyond the typical limits of a standard homeowners policy.

Through a seamless integration with Orion180’s homeowner’s quoting process, customers can obtain comprehensive protection against risks specific to high-value items, including theft, loss, and accidental damage.

“By working with Jewelers Mutual, Orion180 is addressing an underserved need among clients who require comprehensive jewelry coverage that goes beyond standard offerings,” said Ken Gregg, CEO and founder of Orion180. “We believe this collaboration adds a valuable layer to our insureds’ insurance experience because they can protect both their home and adequately protect their high-value items all in one place.”

Jewelers Mutual provides customers with specialized expertise and options such as flexible deductibles and the ability to choose their own preferred jeweler for repairs or replacements, offering policyholders a level of coverage not typically included in standard homeowners insurance policies.

“This new relationship with Orion180 allows us to leverage technology in new ways to make insurance more accessible to more jewelry consumers,” said Mike Alexander, Chief Operating Officer. “We’re able to meet customers where they want to be met and give them the freedom to wear their jewelry confidently knowing each piece has the expert protection it deserves.”

This collaboration represents a milestone in Orion180’s mission to provide value-added, technology-driven insurance solutions that cater to specific client needs. Independent insurance agents and homeowners can learn more about this jewelry insurance option by visiting Orion180.com or contacting Orion180 directly.

About Orion180
Orion180 is a technology-driven and customer-centric insurance brand that combines proprietary technology, real-time data, and straightforward underwriting practices to provide a seamless and premier insurance experience. Orion180 operates through Orion180 Insurance Co., a surplus lines insurance company serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Colorado (Flood only), Tennessee (Flood only), Illinois (Flood only) and Arizona, and Orion180 Select Insurance Co., an admitted insurance company offering coverage in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Ohio. With its proprietary MY180 platform and third-party integrations, Orion180 offers unmatched efficiency and innovation, fulfilling its vision of becoming the global leader in insurance solutions while maintaining its mission to deliver superior customer experiences and a comprehensive suite of products. Connect with Orion180 on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TruthSocial, and YouTube. For more information, visit www.Orion180.com.

Media Contacts
Ross Blume
Fusion Public Relations
orion180@fusionpr.com

Yiguang Qiu
Orion180
+1 321 222 6242
yqiu@orion180.com

About Jewelers Mutual

Jewelers Mutual was founded in 1913 by a group of Wisconsin jewelers to meet their unique insurance needs. Later, consumers began putting their trust in Jewelers Mutual to protect their jewelry and the special memories each piece holds. Today, Jewelers Mutual continues to support and move the industry forward by listening to jewelers and consumers and offering products and services to meet their evolving needs. Beyond insurance, Jewelers Mutual’s powerful suite of innovative solutions and digital technology offerings help jewelers strengthen and grow their businesses, mitigate risk, and bring them closer to their customers. The Group insurers’ strong financial position is reflected in their 38 consecutive “A+ Superior” ratings from AM Best Company, as of November 2024. Policyholders of the Group insurers are members of Jewelers Mutual Holding Company. Jewelers Mutual is headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, with other Group offices in Dallas, Texas and Miami, Florida. To learn more, visit JewelersMutual.com.

The MIL Network –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Parallels’ Survey Reveals Midsize Companies Lead EUC Market Shift: 63% Seek New VDI or DaaS Solutions, 94% Plan Implementation Within a Year
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AUSTIN, Texas, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Parallels, a global leader in virtualization and end-user computing (EUC) solutions, today released findings from its 2025 State of Cloud Computing Survey, revealing a major shift in the EUC market driven by *midsize organizations. Faced with rising costs and the complexities of legacy virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), 63% of midsize companies are actively exploring new VDI or Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) providers, and 94% plan to implement a new solution within the next 12 months.

“Mid-market companies are facing growing IT demands without enterprise-level budgets,” said Prashant Ketkar, Chief Technology & Product Officer at Parallels. “They’re under pressure to streamline operations, from application delivery and cloud management to VDI support—while also strengthening cybersecurity and enabling remote work. This is forcing organizations to reevaluate their application delivery infrastructure strategies in favor of more cost-effective, secure, and flexible solution.”

Top Challenges with Current VDI Solutions

The survey asked mid-market IT leaders to rank the most pressing challenges they face with their current VDI solutions. The results point to a clear trend: complexity, cost, and manageability remain major pain points. Respondents ranked the following issues as their top concerns, with 1 being the most critical:
1. Requires too many IT resources
2. Lack of centralized control
3. Too expensive
4. Too complex
5. Unreliable/performance issues
As organizations seek to address these challenges, several key factors are influencing their decisions to change their IT strategies.

Key Drivers Behind Shifting IT Strategies

As the VDI market continues to experience disruption, mid-market organizations are reevaluating their IT strategies to better align with their current and future needs. When asked about the leading factors influencing potential change, survey respondents cited the following:
- Rising costs – 43%
- Concern over future support – 26%
- Lack of integration – 18%
- Uncertain product roadmaps – 13%
- Other – 1%
These insights point to a growing demand for solutions that reduce operational overhead while offering long-term stability and seamless integration. IT leaders are not only looking for ways to cut costs, but they’re also seeking trusted partners with clear product direction and the ability to support evolving infrastructure strategies.

According to Gartner®, “Vendors push for organizations to embrace 100% cloud deployment, but most MSEs continue to find benefits in a hybrid approach that balances both on-premises and cloud advantages. MSE CIOs or the most senior IT leaders report that, on average, 40% of their applications and infrastructure remain on-premises.” This underscores the importance of flexible solutions that can support both cloud and on-premises deployments, allowing businesses to modernize at their own pace, without sacrificing performance, control, or budget.

Cybersecurity Budgets on the Rise

With cybersecurity threats continuing to evolve, mid-market organizations are prioritizing stronger defenses in their IT strategies. According to the survey, an overwhelming majority – nine out of 10 – plan to boost their cybersecurity investments in 2025:
- 41% reported their cybersecurity budget is increasing significantly
- 48% said it’s increasing moderately
- Only 9% plan to maintain current spending levels, and just 1% anticipate a decrease
These results underscore how critical cybersecurity has become, not just as a protective measure, but as a foundational element of digital transformation and business resilience.

“What we’re hearing from IT leaders is a desire for choice, security & simplicity without compromise—solutions that are easy to deploy, run & manage,” said Ketkar. “At Parallels, we’re focused on delivering powerful, streamlined application delivery & infrastructure solutions that help midsize businesses stay agile, reduce costs, and modernize at their own pace.”

Survey Methodology

Parallels’ 2025 State of Cloud Computing Survey was conducted in December 2024 with data from 600 IT professionals across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and the European Union about their cloud journeys to discover what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s next. To see the full results of the study, click here.

*Note: Mid-size companies are defined as those with 300 to 1,000 employees.

Gartner Attribution

Gartner, Midsize Enterprises Optimize Cloud and On-Premises Strategies, By Mike Cisek, Megha Bawa, 30 October 2024.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

About Parallels

Parallels is a global leading brand in cross-platform solutions that make it simple for businesses and individuals to use and access the applications and files they need on any device or operating system. Parallels helps customers leverage the best technology out there, whether it’s Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, iOS, Android, or the cloud. Parallels solves complex engineering and user-experience problems by making it simple and cost-effective for businesses and individual customers to use applications anywhere, anytime. Parallels is part of the Alludo™ portfolio. For more information, please visit www.parallels.com.

© 2025 Parallels International GmbH. All rights reserved. Parallels is a trademark or registered trademark of Parallels International GmbH. in Canada, the United States and/or elsewhere. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc. Android and ChromeOS are trademarks of Google LLC. All other company, product and service names, logos, brands and any registered or unregistered trademarks mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. For all notices and legal information please visit www.parallels.com/about/legal/.

Ashley Ruess
ashley.ruess@alludo.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35459dc5-1e10-4e50-9abc-ed2b7f7095c6

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2349b4ed-a6f7-4a0c-b396-738053f19f6c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94d70f23-d073-4575-ae86-0d01cb1af7b2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/47116ec4-5d36-49c0-8f76-c2f03f90f41e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9776da51-f483-45e1-ad4a-f077bebd426c

The MIL Network –
April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Primech AI Showcases HYTRON Cleaning Technology at Global Innovation Summit 2025 in Germany

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech AI Pte. Ltd. (“Primech AI” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: PMEC), recently participated in the prestigious Global Innovation Summit (GIS) 2025 held at HANNOVER MESSE in Hannover, Germany on April 1-2, 2025. The Company was invited by Enterprise Singapore to join a select group of innovative Singaporean companies representing the nation’s technological capabilities on the global stage.

Picture 1: Charles Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Primech Ai presenting at the Global Innovation Summit

The Global Innovation Summit, one of the world’s premier platforms for industrial technology innovation, provided Primech AI with the opportunity to showcase its groundbreaking HYTRON, AI-powered autonomous bathroom cleaning robots to an international audience of industry leaders, potential partners, and investors.

“Our participation at the Global Innovation Summit represents a significant milestone in our international expansion strategy,” said Mr. Charles Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI. “Being invited by Enterprise Singapore to represent Singapore’s innovation ecosystem at such a prestigious global event validates our technological achievements and opens doors to potential collaborations across European markets.”

During the two-day summit, the Primech AI team presented its innovation pitch focused on the HYTRON, AI-powered autonomous bathroom cleaning robot technology, highlighting its advanced AI capabilities, 3D-cleaning functionality, and the use of electrolyzed water for enhanced sanitation. The presentation demonstrated how Primech AI’s solutions address critical challenges in the facility services industry, including labor shortages, increasing hygiene standards, and sustainability requirements.

A key enabler behind HYTRON’s performance is the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super, a cutting-edge System-on-Module (SoM) designed for robust edge AI and robotics applications. By integrating NVIDIA’s advanced hardware and software technologies—including CUDA, TensorRT, cuDNN, and the NVIDIA Driver—Primech AI has significantly boosted HYTRON’s real-time data processing capabilities, enabling greater autonomy, precision, and responsiveness in demanding cleaning environments.

The Company engaged with numerous potential partners and customers from various sectors, including commercial property management, healthcare, hospitality, and public transportation, exploring opportunities to implement its autonomous cleaning solutions across European markets.

The Global Innovation Summit served as a platform for Primech AI to connect with international technology partners, distributors, and end-users interested in next-generation cleaning solutions. These engagements have already resulted in several promising partnership discussions that could accelerate the Company’s European market entry strategy.

“The response to our technology at HANNOVER MESSE exceeded our expectations,” said Mr. Kin Wai Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Primech Holdings. “We identified significant interest from European facility management companies seeking to integrate autonomous cleaning solutions into their operations. The connections made at this event will be instrumental in our international growth plans.”

About the Global Innovation Summit 2025
The Global Innovation Summit is Eureka’s flagship event organised as part of HANNOVER MESSE, the world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology. The summit brings innovators, industry leaders, policymakers, and investors together to explore emerging technologies and foster international collaborations. The 2025 edition focused on sustainable industrial solutions, AI applications, and automation technologies transforming traditional industries.

About Primech AI
Primech AI is a leading robotics company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology. With a team of passionate individuals and a commitment to collaboration, Primech AI is poised to revolutionize the robotics industry with groundbreaking solutions that make a meaningful impact on society. For more information, visit www.primech.ai.

About Primech Holdings Limited
Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

Company Contact:
Email: ir@primech.com.sg

Investor Relations Contact:
Matthew Abenante, IRC
President
Strategic Investor Relations, LLC
Tel: 347-947-2093
Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

The MIL Network –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Prosafe SE: Operational update – March 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

22 April – Fleet utilisation for March 2025 was 52 per cent.

Safe Zephyrus operated at full capacity during March, achieving 100 per commercial uptime.

Safe Notos and Safe Eurus, both had 99 per cent commercial uptime in March.

Safe Concordia operated at full capacity on the days she was in operation. The vessel was transferred to the new owner on March 13, 2025.

Safe Caledonia has commenced reactivation activities in Scapa Flow, UK, and will mobilise to the Captain Field, UK, by 01 June 2025.

Safe Boreas is in Norway preparing for relocation in Q2 2025 for a contract in Australia commencing between mid-November 2025 and mid-February 2026.

Prosafe has entered into an agreement to sell Safe Scandinavia for recycling. A condition of the recycling is full compliance with all relevant conventions and regulations, with the vessel expected to be delivered within Q2 2025.

Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to https://www.prosafe.com

For further information, please contact:

Terje Askvig, CEO

Phone: +4795203886

Reese McNeel, CFO

Phone: +4741508186

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

The MIL Network –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: To truly understand Pope Francis’ theology – and impact – you need to look to his life in Buenos Aires

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Fernanda Peñaloza, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Studies, University of Sydney

Pope Francis’ journey from the streets of Flores, a neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the Vatican, is a remarkable tale.

Born in 1936, Jorge Bergoglio was raised in a middle-class family of Italian Catholic immigrants.

Bergoglio defied his mother’s wish for him to become a medical doctor and chose instead to pursue priesthood, a calling he felt during confession. The young man joined the Jesuits in the 1950s, attracted to the order’s vow of poverty and its ethos of serving others and living simply.

He became a priest in 1969, Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and took on the papacy in 2013. As Pope Francis, his dedication to social justice was deeply rooted in the Latin American context.

The region’s history of inequality, poverty and political upheaval greatly influenced his perspective.

The young Argentinian priest

Bergoglio, a devoted supporter of the San Lorenzo soccer team, was also a confident tango dancer, mate drinker, and an unconditional admirer of his compatriot, Jorge Luis Borges, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

In 1965, the two men collaborated on the publication of short stories written by Bergoglio’s literature students. The students had been inspired by a seminar led by Borges, organised by the young priest.

Borges thought highly of Bergoglio, finding him charming and intelligent. For Borges, Bergoglio was a Jesuit through and through, noting the clerics of that order had been historically transgressive as well as possessors of a good sense of humour.

While Borges never saw him transformed into Pope Francis, his observations somehow fit with the respect Bergoglio earned as a global leader.

Theology of the people

As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he lived modestly, often taking public transport and dedicating himself to the poor and disenfranchised. He personally attended the needs of underprivileged neighbourhoods known as villas miseria (literally “misery towns”) in Argentine Spanish.

He was a vocal opponent to economic inequality. During the 2001 Argentine economic crisis he advocated for the rights and dignity of impoverished citizens.

Pope Francis hails from a region deeply influenced by the progressive movements of Catholic priests and nuns, who were significantly inspired by liberation theology during the 1960s in Latin America.

Liberation theology developed in Latin America during the latter part of the 20th century, as a reaction to significant political and theological transformations in the area. It believed in political liberation for the oppressed, inspired by the Cuban Revolution and Second Vatican Council by Pope John XXIII, both in 1959.

While Francis did not fully subscribe to the tenets of liberation theology, much of his dedication to social justice aligns with its ideals. Pope Francis’ social awareness was deeply shaped by the “theology of the people”.

Distinct to Argentina, and emerging in the 1960s, the theology of the people shared liberation theology’s focus on social justice, but is devoid of Marxist ideology, and emphasises the dignity and agency of the marginalised and the impoverished.

During Argentina’s dictatorial regime from 1976–83, Bergoglio led the Jesuits. But he did not adopt the highly dangerous stance of full opposition typical among liberation theologians elsewhere in Argentina and other parts of Latin America.

Commenting on Latin American affairs

In his early years as the Pope, he resonated with progressive Catholics across Latin America, because of his grounding in Argentinian theology and his focus on social justice. But in recent years, his popularity in some Latin American countries declined.

In Argentina, this dip in enthusiasm is partly attributed to his decision not to visit, despite travelling to neighbouring nations.

More profoundly, the decline likely stems from his fixed stance against contentious issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion. To the disappointment of many Argentines and other Latin American citizens, he refused to compromise.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis received all Argentine presidents – even those who were previously critical of him, such as Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

He maintained a strong connection to his Buenos Aires roots and remained engaged with Argentina’s social and political landscape, often commenting on situations that provoke strong reactions from politicians.

He was a critic of policies instituted by the current President of Argentina, Javier Milei, particularly Milei’s libertarian model of economy and the government’s brutal response to public dissent and opposition. In September 2024, the Pope famously said:

the government put its foot down: instead of paying for social justice, it paid for pepper spray.

An alternative model of leadership

By reflecting on how Pope Francis’ theology is rooted in the Argentina he grew up in, we can better understand his actions as Pope.

He made significant contributions in the Latin American region. He played a mediating role between the United States and Cuba, supported the peace process in Colombia, and highlighted the environmental devastation caused by mining companies in the Amazon.

He publicly apologised to Indigenous peoples of Latin America for the Church’s historical complicity with colonialism, and acknowledged his inaction allowed the Chilean clergy to overlook sexual abuse cases.

He appointed clergymen from non-European countries, enhancing representation from Asia, Africa and Latin America and increased the participation of women within the Church’s leadership structures.

His landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’, underscored the moral imperative to address climate change, inspiring accolades from global leaders. His critique of Israel and the conflict in Gaza underscored his consistent opposition to war and advocacy for peace.

Despite existing tensions and contradictions within his papacy – particularly regarding the Church’s stance on LGBTQIA+ issues and women’s rights – Pope Francis’s approach to global issues remained steadfast and aligned with his core values, and the Buenos Aires he came of age in.

Francis’s leadership is a product of his upbringing and a catalyst for regional and global dialogue on social justice.

The profound influence of the Latin American region on him is well captured by long time friend, Uruguayan lawyer and activist, Guzman Carriquiry who described the Pope as:

Priest, and profoundly priest; Jesuit and profoundly Jesuit; Latin American, and profoundly Latin American.

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

– ref. To truly understand Pope Francis’ theology – and impact – you need to look to his life in Buenos Aires – https://theconversation.com/to-truly-understand-pope-francis-theology-and-impact-you-need-to-look-to-his-life-in-buenos-aires-255003

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How Fomo – the fear of missing out – affects young people’s binge drinking

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Cooke, Professor of Health Psychology, University of Staffordshire

Media_Photos/Shutterstock

Past English government campaigns have tried to curb youth drinking by focusing on the things young people might do while drunk and regret later: falling off scaffolding, vomiting or ending up looking a mess.

And while more recent attempts, such as the Spread Campaign in Australia, have tended to be less overtly graphic, they still focus exclusively on harms associated with drinking, such as cancer. They use fear to try and scare people into changing their drinking behaviour.

But despite their popularity with policymakers, psychological research has generally shown that campaigns based on fear do not change behaviour. What’s more, our research has found that even when young people thought they would regret what they did when drunk and made plans to drink less, they still ended up drinking the same amount.

Over a number of research studies, we’ve tried to figure out why regret doesn’t change drinking behaviour. What we’ve found is that for many young people, the fear of missing out on the good things they might experience while drinking outweighs the fear that they might do something they regret.

When young people in a focus group talked about their binge drinking, several downplayed the severity of the things they’d done while drunk – which included taking their clothes off in a nightclub and dancing naked on a table, and getting a tattoo of a footballer on their bum. They explained that the social benefits they got out of drinking, such as making shared memories, bonding and meeting new people, outweighed any negative consequences that followed.

This helps to explain why health campaigns can be ineffective. If you can justify naked dancing or getting a tattoo on your bum, you’re not going be too bothered about feeling a bit sick the morning after.

In a second, ongoing study, we talked to young adults about their fears of missing social events. Many told us that not attending these events meant exclusion from in-jokes based on shared experiences, leaving them feeling isolated. One of our interviewees even admitted an event would be “rubbish” but went anyway so as to not miss out.

So, it seemed to us that regret might work differently for things you do – “action regret” – versus things you do not do: “inaction regret”.

Young people feared missing out on experiences.
Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

Applied to alcohol, this makes sense. Memories of hangovers fade, but you hold on to those shared experiences that mean so much. Conversely, not sharing experiences means you are left out of conversations, wondering what might have been.

This means that Fomo – the fear of missing out – might be a better predictor of young adults’ drinking behaviour than anticipating regret.

For our most recently published research study, we recruited over 100 young adults aged 18-30 and asked them to report the Fomo they felt and how much they planned to drink. They did this three times a day on three consecutive weekends. We also asked them how much they had gone on to drink each time.

Measuring Fomo and drinking plans multiple times over a short period helped us understand fluctuations in feelings and drinking plans. Our results show that experiencing higher levels of Fomo increased how much young adults planned to drink, and led to them drinking more.

This suggests one reason young adults drink more after experiencing Fomo is that they believe drinking more makes it more likely something memorable will happen. This supports what we found in our qualitative studies.

In contrast, experiencing Fomo did not make young adults drink more frequently. In another study one of us (Richard) conducted, young adults’ drinking frequency was best predicted by social factors, such as how often young adults contacted their friends about drinking, and their drinking habits.

As drinking often happens in social settings with friends, its frequency is likely to depend more on these social and contextual factors, rather than individual differences in Fomo or drinking plans.

Overall, our research shows that Fomo – an entirely psychological phenomenon – influences young adults’ drinking plans and how much they drink. Such results can help explain why hard-hitting health campaigns that highlight regret following binge-drinking are ineffective at reducing binge-drinking. Young adults are more worried about missing out socially than about the hangover the next day.

Richard Cooke has received funding from NIHR, the Wellcome Trust, European Union, and the European Foundation for Alcohol Research (ERAB) who were funded by the Brewers of Europe. ERAB had no role in study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of data, writing of manuscripts or decisions to submit papers for the projects they supported.

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

– ref. How Fomo – the fear of missing out – affects young people’s binge drinking – https://theconversation.com/how-fomo-the-fear-of-missing-out-affects-young-peoples-binge-drinking-230229

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 23, 2025

Category: Asia Pacific

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