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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST’s opening remarks on financial services at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SFST’s opening remarks on financial services at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting 
    Chairman and Honourable Members,
     
         I will briefly introduce the estimates of expenditure for financial services and our key areas of work in 2025-26.
     
    Estimates of expenditure
     
    The allocation to the Financial Services Branch (FSB) and departments under its purview for 2025-26 is around $1.6 billion. The allocation is decreased by around $0.6 billion over the revised estimate of last year, mainly due to the one-off provision of $200 million to the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council last year, but no such special expenditure is estimated for 2025-26. Secondly, most of the system development costs of the eMPF Platform have been settled in previous years, and the eMPF Platform Company Limited has to repay a one-off cash advance to the Government, resulting in a decrease in cash flow requirement for the Platform in 2025-26. Furthermore, allocation for various funding schemes/initiatives under the “Funding for promoting and facilitating the development of the financial services sector” in 2025-26 is revised.
     
    Key areas of work
     
    In the coming year, our work will focus on six main themes, namely, continuously supporting the vibrant development of stock market and initial public offering (IPO) market, facilitating asset and wealth management business, attracting enterprises, boosting fintech and innovation, deepening mutual access and international co-operation and taking forward institutional reforms continuously.
     
    (i) To continuously support the vibrant development of the stock market and IPO market, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is taking forward the establishment of a dedicated “technology enterprises channel” (TECH) to further assist specialist technology and biotechnology companies in raising funds and expanding business, facilitating the relevant companies in preparing for listing applications. Meanwhile, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the HKEX will take forward a comprehensive reform to the listing regime and review the market structure to dovetail with the latest economic trends and corporate needs, attracting more Mainland and overseas issuers to raise funds in Hong Kong as well as investors to increase their allocation to Hong Kong stocks. In addition, we will take forward various measures in facilitating financing of overseas enterprises and specific products, improving trading and risk management efficiency, and promoting trading of Renminbi (RMB) stocks, thereby driving the high-quality development of the Hong Kong securities market and creating more new growth areas.
     
    (ii) To facilitate the asset and wealth management business, we will formulate proposals on the preferential tax regimes for funds, single family offices and carried interest this year, including expanding the scope of “fund” under the tax exemption regime and increasing the types of qualifying transactions eligible for tax concessions for funds and single family offices. Our target is to submit the legislative proposals to the Legislative Council (LegCo) for consideration next year, and strive for the LegCo’s approval as soon as possible to apply the relevant measures with effect from the 2025-26 financial year. Furthermore, Invest Hong Kong has assisted over 160 family offices to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. The third edition of the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, themed “Hong Kong of the World, for the World”, was successfully held last month, attracting around 360 family office principals and industry leaders, to showcase Hong Kong’s advantages as a leading global family office hub.
     
    (iii) We strive to attract enterprises from the Mainland and around the world to set up headquarters or corporate divisions in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, we submitted a bill to the LegCo for the introduction of a company re-domiciliation mechanism to provide facilitation for companies domiciled overseas to re-domicile to Hong Kong. The scrutiny of the bill is approaching the final stage, and we are thankful to Members for their support. We will pursue the passage of the bill in May for it to take immediate effect.
     
    (iv) We are at the forefront of fintech and are actively promoting innovation.
     
    On virtual assets, we will soon promulgate a second policy statement on the development of virtual assets to explore the convergence of traditional finance and virtual assets, and will conduct consultation on the licensing regimes of virtual asset over-the-counter trading services and custodian services this year. The Stablecoins Bill submitted to the LegCo at the end of last year has also reached the final stage of scrutiny.
     
    In terms of gold and commodities market, we established the Working Group on Promoting Gold Market Development last December, which will formulate a plan this year to enhance gold storage facilities, trading mechanisms, etc. The London Metal Exchange, a subsidiary of the HKEX, has included Hong Kong as an approved delivery point, further strengthening our market position.
     
    We, together with the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, will host the inaugural Hong Kong Global Financial and Industry Summit this year, which will, through financial empowerment, attract more leading companies in advanced industries, domestic as well as overseas enterprises and investors to establish a foothold in Hong Kong.
     
    On fixed income and currency hub, the SFC and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) have set up a task force to formulate a roadmap. We will also organise a flagship forum in the second half of this year to promote Hong Kong’s strengths in this regard. We will also conduct research into the current legal and regulatory regime related to the issuance and transactions of digital bonds and explore enhancement measures to promote the wider adoption of tokenisation in Hong Kong’s bond market.
     
    (v) Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre is inseparable from our connection with the Mainland and the world. To deepen mutual access and international co-operation, we will strive to enhance the mutual access mechanism. For example, we will explore extending the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme in the Greater Bay Area. Both places are also conducting technical preparations to implement the inclusion of RMB trading counter under Southbound trading of Stock Connect, and taking forward further expansion initiatives. Offshore RMB business is also being upgraded, with the liquidity pool expanding to approximately RMB1.1 trillion.
     
    The Government and the HKEX will step up promotion in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the Middle East, foster financial co-operation, attract more enterprises to list in Hong Kong, and explore co-operation including listing of exchange-traded funds to promote two-way capital flows.
     
    (vi) We will also take forward institutional reforms on different aspects continuously.
     
    On improving trading and risk management efficiency, the HKEX is gradually conducting upgrades to its post-trade system to ensure technical compatibility with the T+1 settlement cycle by the end of this year, and will also put forward recommendations on improving the trading unit system (or so-called “board lot” system) within this year. In addition, to meet the risk management needs of investors, the SFC has consulted the market on the proposal to increase the position limits for key index derivatives, so as to enhance flexibility for investors to use the relevant derivatives while safeguarding financial safety.
     
    On reforming the MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund) System, the MPFA (Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority) commenced public consultation on the proposal of MPF “Full Portability” in late March, and will submit consultation conclusions and a legislative amendment proposal to the Government upon completion of the public consultation. Subject to the results of the public consultation, the Government will proceed with legislative amendments, so that MPF “Full Portability” could be launched soon after the full implementation of the eMPF Platform.
     
    Chairman, my colleagues and I will be happy to answer Members’ questions. Thank you, Chairman.
    Issued at HKT 17:57

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Community Involvement Committee on Greening announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Community Involvement Committee on Greening announced 
         The new non-official members are Dr Edmond Cheng Kam-wah, Ms Linda Ho Wai-ping, Ms Venus Kuk Wing-yee, Ms Grace Kwok May-han, Mr Lam Tak-shing, Dr Louis Lee Shing-him, Mr Warren Luk Hua and Dr Tse Wai-lok. The reappointed non-official members are Miss Linda Choy Siu-min, Dr Tony Ip Chung-man, Miss Trazy Kong Lok-yi, Ms Florence Tsui Ho-fun, Mr Wong Chung-leung and Ms Idy Wong Lai-yin.
     
         A spokesman for the DEVB said, “The CICG comprises members from various sectors including community, construction/property management, education, green groups/industry bodies and public relations. The Committee offers valuable insights and advice on the promotion of our greening efforts and related community involvement activities.”
     
         The spokesman also expressed gratitude to the nine outgoing non-official members, Dr Johnnie Chan Chi-kau, Ms Chan Man-kuen, Mr Cheng Ka-ho, Mr Cheung Yung-pong, Dr Jeffrey Hung Oi-shing, Ms Una Lau Yuk-min, Dr Caroline Law Man-yee, Dr Angie Ng Ying-sim and Ms Poon Wing-yi, for their invaluable advice and contributions to the CICG during their tenure.
     
         Appointed by the Secretary for Development, members of the CICG advise the DEVB on measures to encourage quality greening and nurture a culture of tree care through civic education and community involvement activities. The membership of the new term of the CICG is set out below:
     
    Chairman
    ————
    Permanent Secretary for Development (Works)
     
    Non-official members
    —————————
    *Dr Edmond Cheng Kam-wah
    Miss Linda Choy Siu-min
    *Ms Linda Ho Wai-ping
    Dr Tony Ip Chung-man
    Miss Trazy Kong Lok-yi
    *Ms Venus Kuk Wing-yee
    *Ms Grace Kwok May-han
    *Mr Lam Tak-shing
    *Dr Louis Lee Shing-him
    *Mr Warren Luk Hua
    *Dr Tse Wai-lok
    Ms Florence Tsui Ho-fun
    Mr Wong Chung-leung
    Ms Idy Wong Lai-yin
     
    Official Members
    ———————
    Secretary for Education or representative
    Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation or representative
    Director of Civil Engineering and Development or representative
    Director of Environmental Protection or representative
    Director of Home Affairs or representative
    Director of Housing or representative
    Director of Leisure and Cultural Services or representative
    Deputy Secretary for Development (Works) 1
     
    Secretary
    ————
    Head of Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section
     
    * New non-official members
    Issued at HKT 11:03

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2025 Rural Representative Election voter registration campaign starts

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    2025 Rural Representative Election voter registration campaign starts 
    There are three types of Rural Representatives, namely Indigenous Inhabitant Representatives (IIRs), Resident Representatives (ReRs) and Kaifong Representatives (KFRs). An IIR, returned by indigenous inhabitants, their spouses or surviving spouses of an Indigenous Village/Composite Indigenous Village, is to reflect views on the affairs of the village on behalf of its indigenous inhabitants, and to deal with affairs relating to the lawful traditional rights and interests and the traditional way of life of those indigenous inhabitants. An ReR, returned by residents (both indigenous and non-indigenous inhabitants) residing in an Existing Village, is to reflect views on the village affairs on behalf of its residents. A KFR, returned by residents residing in a Market Town (i.e. Cheung Chau and Peng Chau), is to reflect views on the affairs of the Market Town on behalf of its residents.
     
          “As the eligibility requirements for registration as electors vary for these elections, applicants should ascertain whether they meet the relevant requirements before registration,” an HAD spokesman said. 
         “Indigenous inhabitants, their spouses or surviving spouses who have been residing in an Existing Village or a Market Town for the three years immediately preceding the date of application for registration and meet the eligibility requirements for electors in the relevant election may register as electors for both the IIR Election and the ReR Election or the KFR Election through the submission of two separate applications for voter registration.” 
    Application forms for new voter registration and change of registration particulars by an elector can be obtained from the HAD, Home Affairs Enquiry Centres and overseas offices of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, or downloaded from the RRE website. 
    The HAD will roll out the voter registration campaign through the RRE website, posters, newspaper advertisements and more to encourage eligible persons to register as electors and remind registered electors to update their registration particulars by the deadline.Issued at HKT 10:00

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government of India Procures 100 Lakh Bales of Cotton Under MSP Operations through its Nodal Agency

    Source: Government of India

    Government of India Procures 100 Lakh Bales of Cotton Under MSP Operations through its Nodal Agency

    38% of total cotton arrivals procured under MSP operations up to March 31, 2025

    Rs 37,450 crore paid to cotton farmers

    Telangana leads with 40 lakh bales, followed by Maharashtra WITH 30 lakh bales and Gujarat WITH 14.02 lakh bales

    508 procurement centers operational

    Direct Aadhaar-linked payments and digital tracking through the Cott-Ally mobile app

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 3:27PM by PIB Delhi

    In current cotton season 2024-25, up to March 31, 2025, Government of India, through its nodal agency, the Cotton Corporation of India Ltd. (CCI) under Ministry of Textiles has successfully procured 525 lakh quintals of seed cotton, equivalent to 100 lakh bales, under Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations. This procurement accounts for 38% of the total cotton arrivals of 263 lakh bales and 34% of the estimated total cotton production of 294.25 lakh bales in the country.

    Among the states, Telangana has recorded the highest procurement at 40 lakh bales, followed by Maharashtra with 30 lakh bales and Gujarat with 14 lakh bales. Other states with significant procurement include Karnataka (5 lakh bales), Madhya Pradesh (4 lakh bales), Andhra Pradesh (4 lakh bales), and Odisha (2 lakh bales). Procurement in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab stands at 1.15 lakh bales.  In total, Rs.37,450 crore has been paid to approximately 21 lakh cotton farmers across all  cotton producing states.

    The MSP mechanism continues to provide remunerative prices to cotton farmers, protecting them from distress sales when market prices fall below the MSP. To facilitate efficient procurement, CCI has opened 508 procurement centers nationwide. Several digital initiatives have been implemented, including on-spot Aadhaar authentication, SMS notifications for payments and 100% direct payments through the National Automated Clearing House (NACH).   The Cott-Ally mobile app, available in nine regional languages, enables farmers to access real-time information on MSP rates, procurement centers, and payment tracking.   Further, all cotton bales produced by CCI are traceable via QR codes, by using Block-chain technology to ensure transparency and accountability.

    Government of India remains committed to safeguard interests of cotton farmers through a fair, transparent and efficient procurement process.

    ***

    Dhanya Sanal K, IIS

    Director

    (Release ID: 2120025) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Executive Council gives consent to increase tramway fares

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Executive Council gives consent to increase tramway fares                                                                               (Change)
    Persons aged 12 or above               $3.0                     $3.3
                                                                                   (+$0.3)
    Children (aged 3 to 11)                  $1.5                     $1.6
                                                                                   (+$0.1)???
    Since its last fare adjustment in July 2022, HKT has been facing competition from other modes of public transport. Patronage has not recovered to the pre-pandemic level, while the potential to further increase non-fare box revenue, currently accounting for about 50 per cent of HKT’s total revenue, is rather limited. At the same time, the operating costs and staff costs of HKT have been rising continuously. HKT will also continue to invest in improvement projects, including the renewal of tram track and upgrading tram cars in the fleet to provide passengers with more stable rides, safer and more comfortable journeys. In addition, HKT is expected to launch a new mobile application in the second quarter of this year to provide service information, such as real-time estimated times of arrival for passengers, thus improving their ride experience.  Issued at HKT 16:28

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West Yorkshire manufacturer opens factory and expands global reach with UKEF support

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    West Yorkshire manufacturer opens factory and expands global reach with UKEF support

    Rosehill Polymers Group has opened a new factory in Sowerby Bridge following a previous financing agreement with UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Virgin Money.

    • The company now exports directly to over 60 countries, through an established network of distributors and end customers.

    • The financing is also supporting apprenticeship schemes and university placements in West Yorkshire, helping to develop the region’s future manufacturing workforce.

    Founded in 1988, Rosehill Polymers Group is a UK manufacturer of high-performance polymer systems using recycled rubber. Its solutions are widely used across sectors such as highways, rail, energy, sport, and security infrastructure.

    In 2023, UKEF, the UK government’s export credit agency, issued a credit guarantee for Rosehill under its General Export Facility. This unlocked new financing from Virgin Money, enabling Rosehill to scale its operations and invest in global growth.

    Thanks in part to this financing, the company has now expanded its direct export markets from 52 to over 60 countries and opened a second factory in Sowerby Bridge. This reflects strong international demand and the versatility of its solutions across diverse applications.

    In 2024–25 alone, Rosehill used the new financing to break into nine new export markets, including Chile, Colombia, the Cayman Islands, South Africa, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq, and Romania.

    Further growth is anticipated in 2025, with market entries planned in Argentina, Bolivia, Panama, Suriname, French Guiana, Namibia, Malaysia, Croatia, Latvia, and Singapore.

    With around 100 staff based at its West Yorkshire site, including in-house chemists and technical specialists, Rosehill continues to invest in skills through apprenticeships and university placements, ensuring a strong foundation for the future.

    UKEF’s support has been instrumental in helping Rosehill drive sustainable manufacturing growth, expand its international footprint, and contribute to the UK’s global trade ambitions under the government’s Plan for Change.

    Alexander Celik, CEO at Rosehill Polymers Group, said:

    “Rosehill has an established history of exporting our products to several developed key markets. However, as competition within the sector increases, it is more important than ever to mirror this success elsewhere. Working with UKEF has not only enabled us to tap into the potential held within Latin America, Southeast Asia and Europe, but also expand our innovative product offering to even more customers worldwide.

    “As we enter this next exciting phase of growth, our attention turns to meeting global demand, all while providing opportunities for people across Yorkshire. Our apprenticeship and placement schemes lay at the heart of what we do, and as we expand our overseas footprint, we hope to see this result in increased opportunities to attract the best talent to the industry.”

    Alissia Deane, West Yorkshire Export Finance Manager at UKEF, said:

    “The support provided to Rosehill Polymers highlights UKEF’s commitment to helping British SMEs achieve growth in overseas markets – something which in turn supports economic growth across the UK.

    “It’s fantastic to see how our support ended up helping Rosehill to reach new export markets and develop jobs and talent in the local manufacturing industry.”

    Craig Wilson, Head of FX Sales & Trade Finance at Virgin Money, said:

    “Rosehill are a fabulous example of a successful and innovative UK manufacturing business growing their customer base through the world, and in the process growing their workforce locally.

    “We are proud to be a key partner of Rosehill and provide some of the international tools and expertise to help them to continue to grow their already impressive international success.  The current deal in conjunction with UK Export Finance is another great example of collaboration between Virgin Money and UKEF to support customers trading internationally.”

    Contact 

    Media enquiries:

    Email newsdesk@ukexportfinance.gov.uk

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    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Alert issued on fraudulent calls

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Customs today appealed to the public to stay alert to deceptive phone calls purporting to be made by the department.

     

    Customs noted that it recently received a number of public enquiries about receiving phone calls from +852 2815 7711, which is the same number as its general enquiry hotline, or from other local mobile phone numbers.

     

    The callers, claiming to be officers of Hong Kong Customs, tell the called party that they have seized an express parcel or cargo consignment because contraband items were found inside it.

     

    Some of the callers also requested the called party to visit the Shenzhen Bay Control Point or other control points for investigations or penalty payments, or download unknown mobile applications.

     

    Customs clarified that it has not made such calls, adding the incident has been reported to Police.

     

    It reminded the public that its officers will provide relevant information to verify the identity of both parties if they need to contact them and will not request sensitive personal information nor ask them to download unofficial mobile applications.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening remarks by SCS at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Opening remarks by SCS at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting 
    Chairman,
     
         Among the matters related to the civil service in the 2025-26 Draft Estimates of Expenditure, I would like to focus my introduction on the following items.
     
         The first item is the civil service establishment. We have implemented the zero-growth policy in the civil service establishment since 2021-22 with the overall establishment controlled at a level not exceeding that as at end-March 2021, i.e. about 196 000 posts. With the concerted efforts of bureaux and departments, the civil service establishment has been reducing every year. It is anticipated that by March 31, 2026, the overall civil service establishment will have reduced to about 193 000 posts, i.e. a reduction by approximately 3 000 posts on a cumulative basis.
     
         To better utilise manpower resources, we will trim the civil service establishment further, reducing it by 2 per cent each in 2026-27 and 2027-28 basing on the establishment of the preceding financial year. By April 1, 2027, about 10 000 posts are expected to be deleted from the civil service establishment within this term of Government. The resources saved will be included in the 2 per cent savings of the recurrent expenditure of the departments concerned under the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau’s Productivity Enhancement Programme.
     
         In addition, the Government has put forward in the Budget that for 2025-26, the executive authorities, the legislature, the judiciary and members of the District Councils take a pay freeze. This applies to members of the civil service. The effective date of the civil service pay freeze is April 1, 2025.
     
         I understand recent concerns over the civil service establishment. Some people think that since the current vacancy rate stands at about 10 per cent, cutting the vacancies directly will achieve greater savings in expenditure. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the matter. The reduction in the civil service establishment proposed in the Budget aims to optimise manpower arrangements through reorganisation and reprioritisation of work while maintaining the efficiency of public services. To this end, all posts, both filled and vacant, will be reviewed to ascertain the necessity to retain them. It does not mean that we can achieve the objective simply by deleting all vacant posts. For posts that are essential to the provision of public services, such as Air Traffic Control Officers and Station Officers, we have to retain them, and recruitment will continue. For posts currently occupied, they are not immune from deletion but may be deleted after the transfer of the incumbents and redistribution of work.
     
         As a matter of fact, with the increasing workload of the Government, it requires much effort in planning for departments to cut expenditure and reduce their establishment at the same time. However, it also presents a good opportunity for them to think outside the box and adopt innovative thinking to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The Government will continue to promote the adoption of management measures and digitalisation among departments with a view to optimising the use of civil service manpower resources and enhancing efficiency by reprioritising their work, redeploying internal resources, streamlining procedures and leveraging technology. In so doing, the leaner civil service can continue to deliver high-quality public services.
     
         The second item is about civil service training. The Civil Service College will continue to take forward various initiatives to strengthen the governance capabilities of the civil service. The relevant estimated expenditure is about $255 million in 2025-26. The College will launch the Governance Talents Development Programme as proposed in the Policy Address to nurture governance talent with a macro perspective and professional leadership ability. It will also continuously enhance the content on technology application in civil service leadership training, enabling departmental leaders to better grasp the impact of technological development on public policy formulation and implementation. This will equip them to take on leadership responsibilities, guiding their departments to leverage technology, including optimising departmental information technology systems, better utilising big data and artificial intelligence to transform public services, and arranging appropriate training for departmental staff.
     
         Regarding the medical and dental benefits for civil servants, the Government will continue to honour its contractual obligation as the employer and provide medical benefits for serving civil servants, pensioners and other eligible persons. The medical services provided by the Hospital Authority as part of the medical benefits have been included in the overall provision allocated to it. Regarding Families Clinic services and dental services provided by the Department of Health (including the pilot scheme on provision of dental scaling services via private dental organisations and the pilot scheme on receiving designated dental services at a medical institution in Shenzhen), a provision of around $1,158 million has been reserved. Also, we have reserved about $1,766 million to cover the expenditure on reimbursement of medical expenses that cannot be fully anticipated.
     
         The Civil Service Bureau will continue to implement various policies and initiatives, such as strengthening civil service training, continuing to organise the Civil Service Staff Exchange and Collaboration Programme jointly with Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond, further enhancing the civil service disciplinary mechanism, implementing the two pilot schemes on dental services for civil servants, providing childcare leave for government employees, etc.
     
         Chairman, this is the end of my introduction. I would welcome questions from Members.
    Issued at HKT 16:03

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs alerts public to fraudulent phone calls

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs alerts public to fraudulent phone calls 
    Customs has recently received a number of public enquiries about receiving phone calls from +852 2815 7711, which is the same number as Customs’ General Enquiry Hotline (2815 7711), or from other local mobile phone numbers. The callers claimed to be an officer of Hong Kong Customs and told members of the public concerned that they had an express parcel or cargo consignment seized by Customs because contraband items had been found therein. Some of the callers also requested members of the public to take further actions, such as visiting the Shenzhen Bay Control Point or other control points for investigations or penalty payments, or downloading unknown mobile applications.
     
    Customs clarified that the department had not made any of the calls in question. If Customs officers need to contact members of the public, they will provide relevant information to verify the identity of both parties, but will not request the public to provide sensitive personal information nor download unofficial mobile applications.
     
    Customs has reported the incident to the Police for follow-up investigations.
     
    Customs reminds members of the public to remain vigilant and verify the identity of a caller when receiving any suspicious phone call, and do not disclose their personal information to others arbitrarily. If in doubt, please report to the Police immediately.
     
    Customs said impersonating a public officer is a serious offence and urged the public not to defy the law.
    Issued at HKT 16:00

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacts with MUDRA Yojana beneficiaries

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacts with MUDRA Yojana beneficiaries

    Mudra Yojana is not limited to any specific group but aims to empower the youth to stand on their own feet: PM

    Mudra Yojana has a transformative impact in fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance: PM

    Mudra Yojana has brought a silent revolution with shift in the societal attitude about entrepreneurship: PM

    Women are among the highest beneficiaries of Mudra scheme: PM

    52 crore loans have been disbursed under the scheme, a monumental achievement unparalleled globally: PM

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 12:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with MUDRA Yojana beneficiaries on the occasion of completion of 10 years of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi today. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, emphasizing the cultural significance of welcoming guests and the sanctity their presence brings to a home. He invited participants to share their experiences. Shri Modi, interacting with a beneficiary who has turned a pet supplies, medicines, and services entrepreneur, highlighted the importance of expressing gratitude to those who believed in one’s potential during challenging times. He asked the beneficiary to invite the bank officials who had approved loans and showcase the progress made due to the loan. Shri Modi emphasized that such actions would not only acknowledge their trust but also inspire confidence in their decision to support individuals who dared to dream big. He further noted that demonstrating the outcomes of their support would undoubtedly make them feel proud of their contribution to fostering growth and success.

    Speaking to Shri Gopi Krishna, an entrepreneur from Kerala, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformative impact of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana which enabled him to transition into a successful entrepreneur, focusing on renewable energy solutions for households and offices while creating job opportunities. The Prime Minister noted the beneficiary’s journey, after deciding to resign from his company in Dubai upon learning about the Mudra Loan. He noted that the solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar initiative were completed within two days. He also heard about the reactions of beneficiaries of the PM Surya Ghar initiative, noting that households in Kerala now enjoy free electricity despite challenges such as heavy rainfall and dense tree cover. Shri Krishna remarked that electricity bills, previously around ₹3,000, have now reduced to ₹240-₹250, while his monthly earnings have reached ₹2.5 lakh and above. 

    The Prime Minister further interacted with a female entrepreneur and the founder of House of Puchka from Raipur, Chattishgarh, who shared her inspiring journey from cooking at home to establishing a successful café business. She said that research into profit margins and food cost management played a crucial role in this entrepreneurial success. She further added that there is fear in the minds of the youth, stating that many prefer settling into jobs rather than taking risks. The Prime Minister in response, highlighted the importance of risk-taking capacity and shared that the founder of House of Puchka, at the age of 23, leveraged her ability to take risks and her time effectively to build her business. The beneficiary remarked on the discussions among friends from Raipur, the corporate world, and students, noting their curiosity and questions about entrepreneurship. She further highlighted the lack of awareness among youth regarding government schemes that provide funding without requiring collateral. She expressed gratitude that schemes like Mudra Loan and PMEGP Loan offer significant opportunities for those with potential and encouraged the youth to research these schemes and take bold steps, stating that the sky has no limits for those willing to grow and succeed.

    Another beneficiary, Shri Mudassir Naqshbandi, the owner of Bake My Cake in Baramulla, Kashmir, shared his journey of transitioning from being a job seeker to a job creator, adding that he has provided stable employment to 42 individuals from remote areas of Baramulla. The Prime Minister enquired about his earnings before receiving MUDRA loan, to which Mudassir replied that his earnings were in thousands, but his entrepreneurial journey has now elevated him to earning in lakhs and crores. The Prime Minister acknowledged the widespread use of UPI in Mudassir’s business operations. He noted Mudassir’s observation that 90% of transactions are conducted through UPI, leaving only 10% of cash in hand.

    The Prime Minister then heard the inspiring journey of Shri Suresh, who transitioned from a job in Vapi to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Silvassa. Suresh said that in 2022, he realized that a job alone would not suffice and decided to start his own business. He added that with my success, some friends are now considering applying for Mudra Loans to start their own ventures. The Prime Minister emphasized the ripple effect of such success stories in motivating others to take bold steps toward entrepreneurship.

    A woman entrepreneur from Raebareli, expressed her gratitude for the support extended to MSMEs under his leadership. She remarked on the ease of obtaining licenses and funding, which were previously challenging, and pledged to contribute to building a developed India. The Prime Minister acknowledged her emotional testimony and noted her success in running a bakery business with a monthly turnover of ₹2.5 to ₹3 lakh, providing employment to seven to eight individuals.

    Shri Lavkush Mehra from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, started his pharmaceutical business in 2021 with an initial loan of ₹5 lakh. Despite initial apprehensions, he expanded his loan to ₹9.5 lakh and achieved a turnover of over ₹50 lakh, up from ₹12 lakh in the first year. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Mudra Yojana is not limited to any specific group but aims to empower the youth to stand on their own feet. He remarked on Lavkush’s recent achievements, including purchasing a house worth ₹34 lakh and earning over ₹1.5 lakh per month, a significant leap from his previous job earning ₹60,000 to ₹70,000. The Prime Minister congratulated him and acknowledged the role of hard work in achieving success. He also urged the beneficiaries to further spread the word to people about the MUDRA loan and its benefits.

    The Prime Minister then heard the inspiring journey of a young entrepreneur from Bhavnagar, Gujarat, who founded Aditya Lab at the age of 21. The entrepreneur, a final-year Mechatronics student, successfully utilized a ₹2 lakh Mudra Loan under the Kishor category to start a business in 3D printing, reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, and robotics. The Prime Minister noted the entrepreneur’s dedication, balancing college on weekdays and business operations on weekends, earning ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 monthly while working remotely with support from family.

    A woman entrepreneur from Manali shared her story of working in a vegetable market to running a successful business. She said that she started with a ₹2.5 lakh Mudra Loan in 2015-16, which she repaid within two and a half years. With subsequent loans of ₹5 lakh, ₹10 lakh, and ₹15 lakh, she expanded her business from a vegetable shop to a ration shop, achieving an annual income of ₹10 to ₹15 lakh. The Prime Minister commended their determination and the positive impact of the Mudra Yojana in empowering entrepreneurs across the country.

    The Prime Minister further heard the inspiring journey of a woman entrepreneur from Andhra Pradesh, who transitioned from being a housewife to running a successful business in jute bags. She remarked that after receiving training at the Rural Self Employment Training Institute in 2019, she secured a ₹2 lakh Mudra Loan from Canara Bank without any collateral. The Prime Minister noted her determination and the bank’s trust in her potential. He acknowledged her dual role as a jute faculty member and entrepreneur, commending her efforts in empowering rural women through employment and skill development. The Prime Minister remarked on the transformative impact of the Mudra Yojana in fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

    Prime Minister highlighted the transformative impact of the Mudra Yojana on empowering citizens, particularly women, and fostering entrepreneurship across India. He emphasized how the scheme has provided financial support to individuals from marginalized and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to start their own businesses without requiring guarantees or extensive paperwork. Shri Modi remarked on the silent revolution brought about by Mudra Yojana, noting the significant shift in societal attitudes towards entrepreneurship. He underlined that the scheme has empowered women by not only offering financial assistance but also creating opportunities for them to lead and grow their businesses. He pointed out that women are among the highest beneficiaries of the scheme, leading in loan applications, approvals, and swift repayments. 

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the discipline instilled in individuals through responsible utilization of Mudra loans. He remarked that the scheme provides an opportunity to build lives and careers, while discouraging misuse of funds or unproductive efforts. The Prime Minister pointed out that ₹33 lakh crore has been disbursed to the citizens of India under the Mudra Yojana without the need for guarantees. He emphasized that this amount is unprecedented and surpasses any financial support extended to wealthy individuals collectively. He expressed his trust in the nation’s talented youth who have utilized the funds effectively to generate employment and stimulate the economy.

    Shri Modi remarked that job creation through Mudra Yojana has significantly contributed to economic growth. He observed that the earnings of common citizens have increased, enabling them to improve their living standards and invest in education for their children. He acknowledged the societal benefits brought by the scheme.

    Reflecting on the government’s commitment, the Prime Minister noted that unlike traditional approaches, his administration is actively seeking feedback after 10 years of the scheme’s implementation. He stressed the importance of reviewing the scheme’s progress by consulting beneficiaries and groups nationwide, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing necessary reforms for further success.

    Highlighting the remarkable confidence displayed by the government in expanding the scope of Mudra loans, which initially ranged from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh, to now reaching ₹20 lakh, Shri Modi noted that this expansion reflects the trust placed in the entrepreneurial spirit and capabilities of India’s citizens, which has strengthened through the successful implementation of the scheme. 

    Emphasising the importance of encouraging others to leverage the Mudra Yojana and start their own ventures, Shri Modi urged individuals to inspire and support at least five to ten others, fostering confidence and self-reliance among them. He highlighted that 52 crore loans have been disbursed under the scheme, a monumental achievement unparalleled globally. 

    Recalling his tenure in Gujarat, Shri Modi mentioned the “Garib Kalyan Mela,” where motivational street plays inspired people to overcome poverty. He shared an anecdote about individuals surrendering their government benefits after achieving financial independence, showcasing their transformation. He narrated an inspiring story of a tribal group in Gujarat who, with a small loan, transitioned from performing traditional music to forming a professional band. This initiative not only improved their financial status but also highlighted how small efforts can lead to significant changes. He remarked that such stories of transformation inspire him and reflect the potential of collective efforts in nation-building.

    Shri Modi reiterated his belief in the Mudra Yojana as a tool to study and address people’s aspirations and circumstances. He expressed confidence in the scheme’s success and urged beneficiaries to give back to society, emphasizing the satisfaction derived from contributing to the community.

    The Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary was present during the interaction.

     

    Mudra Yojana has given opportunities to countless people to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. Interacted with some of the beneficiaries of the scheme. Their journey is inspiring. #10YearsOfMUDRA https://t.co/QcoIK1VTki

    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 8, 2025

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT RECEIVES ‘CITY KEY OF HONOUR’ OF LISBON

    Source: Government of India

    PRESIDENT RECEIVES ‘CITY KEY OF HONOUR’ OF LISBON

    ATTENDS BANQUET HOSTED IN HER HONOUR BY THE PRESIDENT OF PORTUGAL

    WE CONSIDER PORTUGAL AS OUR PARTNER IN HARNESSING INDIA’S STRENGTHS AS A KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY: PRESIDENT MURMU

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 11:44AM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu received the ‘City Key of Honour’ of Lisbon City from the Mayor of Lisbon at a function held at the City Hall of Lisbon, Portugal yesterday (April 7, 2025).  

    Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked the Mayor and the people of Lisbon for the gesture. She said that Lisbon is known for its open-mindedness, the warmth of its people and its culture, along with tolerance and respect for diversity. She was happy to note that Lisbon is a global city that is at the forefront of technological change, innovation, digital public infrastructure and digital transition. She said that in these areas India and Portugal could further cooperate. 

    Yesterday evening (April 7, 2025), the President attended a banquet hosted in her honour by the President of the Republic of Portugal, H.E. Mr Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at Palacio da Ajuda. 

    In her banquet remarks, the President said that the cultural ties between our peoples span centuries, and these ties have left an indelible mark on our collective imagination. These include our shared past which is reflected in architecture, historical sites and languages, as well as our cuisines. 

    The President said that this year holds special significance as we celebrate 50 years of India-Portugal bilateral relations. With our natural synergy and potential for cooperation in diverse fields, our historic ties are firmly on their way to becoming a dynamic and visionary partnership. She was happy to note the steady and progressive growth in India-Portugal cooperation in various fields, including science and technology, defence, IT, start-ups, research, educational and cultural cooperation. 

    The President said that as a knowledge-based economy, India is harnessing its strengths in areas such as science and technology, information and communication technology, digital public infrastructure, start-ups and innovation to create an inclusive and sustainable development model that benefits all. She stated that India considers Portugal as its partner in these efforts. 

    The President appreciated Portugal’s role in promoting India’s relations with the European Union. She highlighted that it was during Portugal’s Presidency of the European Union that the first India-EU Summit was held in 2000, and in May 2021, once again under the Portuguese Presidency, the historic “India-EU Plus 27” Leadership Summit took place in Portugal. 

    The President expressed confidence that India-Portugal bilateral relations will become even closer and broader in the times to come and it will be beneficial not only for our people but for the entire world.

    Ceremony to deliver City Key of Honour -Lisban

    Banquet speech – Portugal

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA and banking sector support SMEs from various industries

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), together with the banking sector, introduced today (April 8) sector-specific support measures to further assist more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in obtaining bank financing and in their upgrade and transformation. The measures were introduced following meetings held by the Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism (Mechanism) and the Taskforce on SME Lending (Taskforce) today.
     
    Since the launch of the “9+5” (Note 1) SME support measures by the HKMA and the banking sector last year, more than 39 000 SMEs have benefitted from these measures, involving an aggregate credit limit of over HK$95 billion. The total amount of dedicated funds for SMEs set aside by the participating banks in the Taskforce in their loan portfolio has increased from HK$370 billion in October 2024 to more than HK$390 billion at present.
     
    With the establishment of the Taskforce in August 2024, the HKMA and the banking sector have been actively strengthening the work of supporting SMEs at both the individual case and the industry levels. Up until the end of March 2025, the Taskforce has received around 590 enquiries and cases from various industries through different channels, of which nearly 90 per cent have been handled. At the industry level, the Taskforce has held more than 160 engagement events with trade associations and representatives from different industry sectors―including the retail and wholesale, import and export and manufacturing, construction, and transport sectors ― to gain a deeper understanding of the operations of SMEs in various industries.
     
    In the light of the current trade tension and uncertainties surrounding the external economic environment, and after taking into account and discussing the views of the commercial sectors in the Mechanism and Taskforce meetings, the banking sector reaffirmed its commitment to actively implement the “9+5” SME support measures previously launched. The banking sector will continue to be accommodative in offering credit reliefs, including flexible repayment arrangements and deferment of repayment period, referencing the principles under the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme, to assist corporates in coping with their liquidity needs. Furthermore, banks will introduce more targeted support for various industries under the overarching principle of prudent risk management:
     

    1. Import and export and manufacturing sectors: The commercial sectors reflected their concerns about the current global trade frictions during the meeting. The participating banks agree to provide flexible extensions to trade facilities (e.g. 90 or 120 days), or offer alternative suitable credit arrangements (such as repaying the trade loans by instalments, providing partial principal repayment options, or even offering principal moratorium), to assist individual customers experiencing short-term cashflow pressure due to trade frictions. The Mechanism and the Taskforce will closely monitor the latest developments regarding global tariff disputes and maintain dialogue with the import and export and manufacturing sectors. 
        
    2. Construction sector: The participating banks will assist corporates facing cashflow pressure, particularly subcontractors in the construction sector that may be experiencing sudden cashflow pressure due to capital chain rupture, through a collaborative mechanism. The banks will collaboratively offer flexible financial arrangements as far as practicable to alleviate customers’ cashflow pressure. 
       
    3. Transport sector: The participating banks will actively consider introducing financing products that are better suited to the transport sector, with a view to supporting the Government’s implementation of measures to enhance taxi services. The banks will offer more flexible repayment arrangements to assist customers in coping with operational challenges, taking into account individual circumstances. The banks will also consider correspondingly extending the loan tenor to support the development of the sector (Note 2).

    ​
         Furthermore, the HKMA and the banking sector will support the economic development of Hong Kong in other areas, including:
     

    1. Lease extension: The banking sector will strengthen the promotion of the Extension of Government Leases Ordinance (the Ordinance) (Note 3). Banks will ensure that frontline staff are familiar with land lease extension matters under the Ordinance, so that they can properly address customers’ mortgage enquiries related to land leases and offer suitable services to them. 
       
    2. Northern Metropolis development: With the HKMA’s facilitation, the Hong Kong Association of Banks and the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong have recently engaged with the Development Bureau to gain an understanding of the latest development of the Northern Metropolis. The banking sector will explore ways to provide suitable financing support to tie in with the Government’s implementation of large-scale land disposal and other developments. 

    The HKMA and the banking sector will maintain close communication with the commercial sectors through the Mechanism and the Taskforce and work in concert to support the business development and transformation of SMEs.
     
    Background
    ————–

    The Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism

    The Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism was established by the HKMA in October 2019. Participants include 11 banks (Note 4) that are most active in SME lending, the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) and the HKMC Insurance Limited. Since its establishment, the HKMA and the Mechanism have rolled out several rounds of relief measures for corporates, including the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme and the nine SME support measures launched in March 2024.
     
    The Taskforce on SME Lending

    The Taskforce on SME Lending was jointly established by the HKMA and HKAB in August 2024. Participants include representatives of the HKMA, HKAB and 18 banks (Note 5) that are active in SME lending. The Taskforce aims to further strengthen the related work for supporting SMEs at both the individual case and the industry levels. These include setting up a mechanism to handle individual cases of SMEs encountering difficulties when obtaining bank financing, working out appropriate solutions across banks and enhancing communication among the HKMA, the banking industry and the commercial sector so as to understand the financing needs of SMEs in a more timely manner.

    Note 1: The HKMA and the banking sector introduced nine measures to support SMEs’ access to financing and continuous development in March 2024, and another five measures to support SMEs’ upgrade and transformation in October 2024.

    Note 2: The above-mentioned arrangements are also applicable to taxi loans, public light bus loans and commercial vehicle loans taken out by personal customers. 

    Note 3: Under the Ordinance, which came into effect on July 5, 2024, general purpose leases (i.e. general residential, commercial, industrial leases) will be extended upon expiry for a term of 50 years without payment of any additional premium, but subject to an annual payment of Government rent at 3 per cent of rateable value. The encumbrances, interests and rights under the original lease (such as mortgages) will be carried forward to the extended lease term without being affected, and owners are no longer required to execute lease extension documents with the Government or re-arrange mortgages. The Ordinance is not applicable to special purpose leases (SPL) (including purposes such as petrol filling station, education, recreation, public utility, welfare and special industries). The Lands Department has made an “SPL identification note” in the Land Registry register for SPLs for identification.

    Note 4: Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of East Asia, China Construction Bank (Asia), Citibank, Dah Sing Bank, DBS Bank (Hong Kong), Hang Seng Bank, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia), OCBC Bank (Hong Kong), and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong).

    Note 5: Including the 11 banks participating in the Mechanism, and Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), China CITIC International, Fubon Bank (Hong Kong), Fusion Bank, Nanyang Commercial Bank, PAO Bank and Shanghai Commercial Bank.

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    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCSD’s “Hong Kong Artists” Series to present cross-genre arts performance “Soundscape Impressions” in May (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCSD’s “Hong Kong Artists” Series to present cross-genre arts performance “Soundscape Impressions” in May       
         The first half of the programme opens with Debussy’s “Sonata in G minor, L. 140” and Saint-Saëns’s “Suite for Cello and Piano, Op.16”, paired with the paintings of small animals and natural scenery of the four seasons respectively to highlight the resonance between music and painting. It is followed by Ravel’s piano four-hand work “‘Ma Mère l’Oye’ (The Mother Goose) Suite”, inviting audiences into a whimsical fairytale world through the interplay of melodies and painting images. The second half features Ravel’s “Piano Trio in A minor” accompanied by paintings depicting the Hong Kong cityscape, which further explores the boundless possibilities of cross-genre artistic inspiration. This fusion also allows audiences to appreciate and interpret classical music and paintings from multiple perspectives.
          
         Lee is currently the Honorary Artist-in-Residence of the Education University of Hong Kong and a tutor at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). Lee has performed worldwide in solo recitals and with numerous renowned orchestras, such as Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, China Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. She has appeared in major festivals, including the Duszniki Festival Poland, Musicus Fest in Espoo, Finland and Shanghai New Music Week.
          
         Fu currently engages in painting and art education. He is a tutor in watercolour painting courses at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His works centre on everyday scenes of life and people and have been exhibited in more than 20 countries in Europe, America and Asia. He has also received numerous awards, including the Honorable Mention Award in the 2nd International Watercolor Society India Biennale in 2017, the Special Prize in the Poland International Watercolor Competition in 2019 and the Silver Award at the third Asia Pacific Art Biennial Exhibition the following year.
          
         Chan is a violinist sought after as a soloist and chamber player around the globe. He is a two-time Sylva Gelber Music Foundation Award recipient in Canada. In 2023, Chan won the Musicus Society’s Young Artist Audition and was selected to join the roster of Musicus Soloists Hong Kong.
          
         Poon now serves as the Artistic Director of the Hong Kong International Cello Association and teaches at the HKAPA and the HKBU. Poon’s performance engagements with various organisations have taken her to China, Thailand, Japan, Italy, France, Spain, and more, in addition to her regular concert appearances in Hong Kong. 
          
         Young pianist Wong has given solo recitals in the United States, Europe and Asia and has performed at venues, such as the National Concert Hall in Dublin and Carnegie Hall in New York. She is a prize winner in the 2022 Steinway Förderpreis Münster and gained first prizes in the Karlovac International Piano Competition, the Valletta International Piano Competition, and more.
     
    The “Hong Kong Artists” Series: “Soundscape Impressions” will be staged at 8pm on May 10 (Saturday) at the Studio Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $240 and $320 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
    The programme will also feature an open rehearsal at 4pm on May 9 (Friday) at the Studio Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, with free admission specially for local primary and secondary school students, giving students a chance to appreciate the unique cross-genre arts performance. Interested schools can call 2268 7321 for details.
     
    The “Hong Kong Artists” Series of the LCSD aims to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their remarkable talents. In addition to individual performances, it also encourages cross-genre works to highlight their unique styles. This year’s series will introduce 10 distinguished musicians in six stunning programmes, featuring violin, piano, cello, guzheng and vocal arts. Among them, a cross-genre performance of music and painting will be staged to showcase Hong Kong’s unique cultural character, embracing diversity and innovation. For more information, please visit     www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/groups_1823.htmlIssued at HKT 14:30

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    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Business of Innovation and Technology Week in April to showcase Hong Kong’s innovation and technology strengths

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Business of Innovation and Technology Week in April to showcase Hong Kong’s innovation and technology strengths 
         The third InnoEX, co-organised by the ITIB and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will occur from April 13 to 16 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This annual event brings together I&T elites, enterprises and buyers from the Mainland and overseas to jointly promote I&T advancements and applications and explore global collaboration opportunities. Themed “Innovation • Automate • Elevate”, this year’s InnoEX will showcase cutting-edge technology solutions across five key areas: low-altitude economy, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity and smart mobility. A highlight of the event is the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion set up by the Digital Policy Office, which will showcase over 100 I&T solutions, including those developed by different government departments in relation to citizens’ daily lives, as well as award-winning I&T projects by local innovators and students, demonstrating Hong Kong’s achievements in I&T and smart city development. 
     
         The second Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2025 will also take place from April 13 to 16 at the HKCEC. Organised by the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities with the full support of the ITIB, the event will gather top-notch I&T talent and renowned scientists, including laureates of the Nobel Prize and Turing Award, in Hong Kong. Through keynote speeches, roundtable forums and other formats, participants will tap into global wisdom on cutting-edge topics in the areas of big data, AI, biotechnology, new materials and large models, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s status in the international scientific arena.  
     
         Meanwhile, another major I&T highlight this April – the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit – a high-level global Internet conference, will take place on April 14 and 15 at the HKCEC. Under the theme “Integration of AI and Digital Technologies Shaping the Future – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, the Summit will focus on forward-looking discussions in large AI models, digital finance, and digital government and smart life, attracting around 1 000 participants from the Mainland and overseas, including representatives from governments and enterprises, international organisations, internet giants, experts and scholars to attend in person.
     
         The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said, “This April, Hong Kong’s BIT Week will bring together I&T elites from 29 countries and regions and over 2 800 exhibitors. Through a series of exhibitions, forums, seminars, business networking, talent matching and industry events, we will showcase Hong Kong’s I&T strengths and unique edge to the world. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is particularly delighted to co-organise the Asia-Pacific Summit with the World Internet Conference for the first time in Hong Kong, creating a top-notch platform for exchanges, dialogue and co-operation in I&T, and further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T centre.”
     
         Other major industry events during the BIT Week include the HKTDC’s Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) and Smart Lighting Expo, as well as the Hong Kong Web3 Festival cohosted by Wanxiang Blockchain Labs and HashKey Group and organised by W3ME, all contributing to the prosperous development of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem and greater synergies. 
     
         Details of the BIT Week events can be found at bitweek.hktdc.com/enIssued at HKT 17:33

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister shares insights on MUDRA Yojana’s pivotal impact in an interview with Economic Times

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 11:29AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today highlighted MUDRA Yojana’s pivotal impact in an interview with Economic Times. In an interview with ET, Shri Modi spoke in detail about the path-breaking impact of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY).

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said;

    “Sharing my interview with Economic Times, where I elaborate on the life changing ability of Mudra Yojana and why it remains an important scheme in our quest for dignity and empowerment. #10YearsOfMUDRA.”

     

    Sharing my interview with Economic Times, where I elaborate on the life changing ability of Mudra Yojana and why it remains an important scheme in our quest for dignity and empowerment. #10YearsOfMUDRA.https://t.co/W4ercecYsj

    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 8, 2025

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chief Executive in Council approves railway scheme of Northern Link Main Line

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Chief Executive in Council today (April 8) authorised the railway scheme of the Northern Link (NOL) Main Line in accordance with the Railways Ordinance (Cap. 519).

    Taking into account the pace of developments along the NOL, the NOL project is implemented in two phases. Phase 1 involves the construction of the Kwu Tung (KTU) Station above the tunnel structure of the existing Lok Ma Chau Spur Line of the East Rail Line (EAL). The construction works of the KTU Station project commenced in September 2023 with target completion in 2027 to tie in with the intake of major new population of Kwu Tung North New Development Area. Phase 2 is the NOL Main Line, which involves the construction of a 10.7-kilometre railway connecting the existing Kam Sheung Road (KSR) Station of the Tuen Ma Line (TML) and the KTU Station, with three intermediate stations at Au Tau, Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin. The detailed planning and design of the NOL Main Line have been substantially completed, and the advance works have also commenced. The target is to complete the works of the Main Line by 2034.

    A Government spokesperson said, “The NOL Main Line will become the main transportation backbone of the Northern Metropolis, unleashing the development potential of land along the railway. It will also connect the existing TML and the EAL, forming a railway loop linking up the New Territories and the Kowloon urban area, substantially improving the connections of the existing railway network. When the NOL Main Line comes into operation, the expected travel time between KSR Station and KTU Station is expected to be substantially reduced from the current 60 to 80 minutes during peak hours to about 12 minutes.”

    “The Government and the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) have collected public views on the NOL Main Line project through various channels earlier, including consulting the North District Council and the Yuen Long District Council, exchanging views with relevant rural committees and stakeholders and organising various publicity activities in the community. The public is generally supportive of the NOL Main Line project,” the spokesman added.

    The original scheme of the NOL Main Line was gazetted on October 6, 2023, with two subsequent amendments. The first amendment and correction to the scheme was gazetted on May 3, 2024, and the second amendment to the scheme was gazetted on August 30, 2024. In respect of the objections received, the Government together with the MTRCL has carefully studied the grounds of each opinion, and met with the objectors to explain the railway scheme and respond to their concerns. All of the unwithdrawn objections have been submitted to the Executive Council for consideration.

    “During the implementation of the NOL Main Line project, the MTRCL will continue to maintain close communication with relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, the MTRCL is also required to comply with the conditions set out in the environmental permit issued by the Director of Environmental Protection to mitigate the environmental impacts of the works,” the spokesman said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) — completes 10 glorious Years of empowering Small and Micro Entrepreneurs

    Source: Government of India

    Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) — completes 10 glorious Years of empowering Small and Micro Entrepreneurs

    Launched with Prime Minister’s vision of “Funding the Unfunded”, PMMY extends collateral-free loans to small enterprises that face significant challenges in accessing formal institutional credit: Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman

    PMMY is one of the most significant initiatives not only in India but also globally, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship: MoS Sh. Pankaj Chaudhary

    PMMY provides easy collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh for non-corporate and non-farm income-generating activities

    PMMY extended over ₹33.65 lakh crore through 52.37 crore loans, instilling a new sense of confidence among borrowers

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 11:27AM by PIB Delhi

    The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), launched on 8th April 2015 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, celebrates 10 glorious years of empowering small and micro-entrepreneurs across India. Aimed at fostering financial inclusion, PMMY provides easy collateral-free loans up to ₹10 lakh for non-corporate and non-farm income-generating activities. To strengthen support for aspiring entrepreneurs, the Finance Minister announced an increase in the loan limit to ₹20 lakh during the Union Budget 2024-25 on July 23, 2024. This new limit took effect on October 24, 2024.These loans are extended through Banks, NBFCs, MFIs, and other financial institutions.

    The newly announced loan category, Tarun Plus, is designed specifically for those who have previously availed and successfully repaid loans under the Tarun category, allowing them to access funding between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh. Additionally, the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) will now provide guarantee coverage for these enhanced loans, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to nurturing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.

    Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role as ancillary units, complementing large industries and significantly contributing to the country’s inclusive industrial growth. These enterprises are continually expanding their presence across various sectors of the economy, offering a diverse array of products and services to meet both domestic and international market demands.

    The availability of credit for MSMEs has seen consistent growth, driven by advancements in technology and data-driven lending practices. A notable government initiative supporting MSMEs’ access to credit is the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, aptly described as a scheme dedicated to “Funding the Unfunded”.

    On the occasion of the 10th successful year of PMMY, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said, “The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, with the mission of empowering hardworking micro-enterprises and first-generation entrepreneurs. Guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of “Funding the Unfunded”, the scheme extended collateral-free loans to bridge the gap in timely and affordable financing for small enterprises that faced significant challenges in accessing formal institutional credit.”

    Highlighting PMMY’s role in Empowering Millions and Fulfilling the Vision of Inclusive Growth, Union Minister of Finance remarked, “With over Rs.33.65 lakh crore sanctioned to more than 52 crore MUDRA loan accounts, the scheme has proved to be an important milestone in giving wings to the aspirations of crores of entrepreneurs, particularly those belonging to marginal sections of society.

    Since 2015, Rs.11.58 lakh crores worth of MUDRA loans have been sanctioned to various marginalised communities belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and  OBCs  realising PM’s mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayaas’”

    Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman lauded the scheme’s impact with MUDRA: Fueling Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth, stating, “It is heartening to note that nearly 68% of the total MUDRA loan accounts have been sanctioned to women, becoming a tool for empowerment and enabling women to national economic growth, and inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

    In line with the Budget 2024-25 announcement, the introduction of the Tarun-Plus category last year, with an increased loan limit of ₹20 lakh, will further help thriving entrepreneurs expand and unlock their full potential.”

    On the occasion, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary said, “The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) is one of the most significant initiatives not only in India but also globally, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship. Financial inclusion is one of the top priorities of the government, as it plays a vital role in achieving inclusive growth. PMMY provides a platform for small entrepreneurs to access loan support from banks, NBFCs, and MFIs.”

    “While launching the scheme, Prime Minister stated that supporting India’s small entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to help the Indian economy grow and prosper. The scheme has provided crucial financial assistance to a vast number of entrepreneurs, helping them set up and operate their businesses and instilling a sense of financial security in them.

    It has created self-employment opportunities across the country, especially for marginalized sections of society, including Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes (50% of loan beneficiaries), and women (68% of loan beneficiaries).” MoS added

    Stressing on Mudra’s impact MoS said ” The core objective of the MUDRA Yojana is “Funding the Unfunded.” The scheme has successfully ended the exploitation of India’s small entrepreneurs by informal lenders. In less than a decade, it has extended over ₹33.65 lakh crore through 52.37 crore loans, instilling a new sense of confidence among borrowers. This clearly reflects the government’s firm commitment to support their efforts and its accelerated journey toward making India a developed nation by 2047 through inclusive growth enabled by financial inclusion.”

    As we celebrate completion of glorious 10 years of providing financial inclusion through the pillars of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), let us glance through some of the major features and achievements of the Scheme:

    The implementation of financial inclusion programme in the country is based on three pillars, namely,

    1. Banking the Unbanked

    2. Securing the Unsecured and

    3. Funding the Unfunded

    These aforesaid three objectives are being achieved through leveraging technology and adopting multi-stakeholders’ collaborative approach, while serving the unserved and underserved as well.

    One of the three pillars of FI – Funding the Unfunded, is reflected in the Financial Inclusion ecosystem through PMMY, which is being implemented with the objective to provide collateral free access to credit for small/ micro entrepreneurs.

    Key Features of PMMY:

    1. MUDRA loans now will be offered in four categories namely, ‘Shishu’, ‘Kishor’, ‘Tarun’ and newly added category ‘Tarun Plus’ which signifies the stage of growth or development and funding needs of the borrowers: –
    • Shishu: covering loans upto Rs. 50,000/-
    • Kishor: covering loans above Rs. 50,000/- and up to Rs. 5 lakhs
    • Tarun: covering loans above Rs. 5 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakhs
    • Tarun Plus: Rs. 10 lakh and up to Rs. 20 lakhs
    1. Loans cover term financing and working capital needs across manufacturing, trading and service sectors, including activities allied to agriculturelike poultry, dairy, and beekeeping, etc.
    2. The interest rate is governed by RBI guidelines, with flexible repayment terms for working capital facilities.

    Achievements under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) as on 21.03.2025

    • Women Borrowers: A total of ₹ 8.49 lakh crore was disbursed under the Shishu category, ₹ 4.90 lakh crore under Kishor, and ₹ 0.85 lakh crore under the Tarun category.
    • Minority Borrowers: The disbursements amounted to ₹ 1.25 lakh crore under Shishu, ₹ 1.32 lakh crore under Kishor, and ₹ 0.50 lakh crore under Tarun.
    • New Entrepreneurs / Accounts:
      • Shishu category: 8.21 crore accounts with a sanctioned amount of ₹ 2.24 lakh crore and disbursed amount of ₹ 2.20 lakh crore.
      • Kishor category: 2.05 crore accounts with ₹ 4.09 lakh crore sanctioned and ₹ 3.89 lakh crore disbursed.
      • Tarun category: 45 lakh accounts with a sanctioned amount of ₹ 3.96 lakh crore and ₹ 3.83 lakh crore disbursed.

    Category-wise breakup:- (Number of loans and amount sanctioned)

    Category

    Percentage as per No. of Loans

    Percentage as per Amount Sanctioned

    Shishu

    78%

    35%

    Kishor

    20%

    40%

    Tarun

    2%

    25%

    Tarun Plus

    0%

    0%

    Total

    100%

    100%

     

     

    Targets have been achieved since the inception of the Scheme, except for FY 2020-21 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

    Year-wise sanction amount is as under:-

    Financial Year

    No. of Loans Sanctioned

    (in Crore)

    Amount Sanctioned

    (Rs. in Lakh Crore)

    2015-16

     3.49

     1.37

    2016-17

     3.97

     1.80

    2017-18

     4.81

     2.54

    2018-19

     5.98

     3.22

    2019-20

     6.23

     3.37

    2020-21

     5.07

     3.22

    2021-22

     5.38

     3.39

    2022-23

     6.24

     4.56

    2023-24

     6.67

     5.41

    2024-25

    (as on 21.03.2025) *

     4.53

     4.77

    Total

     52.37

     33.65

    Special Initiatives:

    • A Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) was established in 2016 to secure loans under PMMY.
    • An Interest Subvention of 2% was provided on Shishu loans during FY 2020-21 under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, reducing the cost of credit for eligible borrowers.

    As India celebrates 10 glorious years of PMMY, it reaffirms the government’s commitment to “Banking the Unbanked,” “Securing the Unsecured,” and “Funding the Unfunded,” fostering financial inclusion and supporting entrepreneurial dreams.

    #10YearsofMudra A Decade of Empowering Dreams! From ₹1.37 Lakh Cr (2015-16) to ₹33.65 Lakh Cr (2024-25) —2322% growth in loans sanctioned to entrepreneurs. India rises, one dream at a time pic.twitter.com/NccNnn7oTC

    — Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 8, 2025

    Celebrating the glorious years of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana! With 70% of loans going to women, and a 160% rise in the average loan amount—from ₹24,746 in 2015-16 to ₹64,537 in 2024-25—PMMY is truly preparing Sashakt Naari for a Svarnim Bhavishya #10YearsofMudra pic.twitter.com/SrwBwlmO7K

    — Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 8, 2025

    Empowering Businesses Across India! Collateral-free Mudra loans support manufacturing, services, trading, and agri-allied sectors. Over 52 Cr loans worth ₹33+ Lakh Cr sanctioned—70% to womenpreneurs, 50% to SC/ST/OBC, and 31% to new entrepreneurs. #10YearsofMudra pic.twitter.com/U2WaiOpXMj

    — Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 8, 2025

    Igniting entrepreneurial dreams across India! Under #PMMY, ₹33.65L Cr in collateral-free loans sanctioned: ₹11.74L Cr (Shishu), ₹13.61L Cr (Kishor), ₹8.27L Cr (Tarun), ₹3,190 Cr (Tarun Plus). #10YearsofMudra #EmpoweringIndia pic.twitter.com/vYP0PvV80Y

    — Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 8, 2025

    Celebrating the glorious years of #PMMY—empowering entrepreneurs with collateral-free loans under four categories: Shishu (up to ₹50K), Kishor (₹50K–₹5L), Tarun (₹5L–₹10L), and Tarun Plus (₹10L–₹20L) for those who’ve successfully repaid Tarun #10YearsofMudra pic.twitter.com/Ic31SanRA2

    — Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 8, 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DDWS joins hands with Ministry of Women and Child Development for Poshan Pakhwada 2025, promoting “Shuddh Jal aur Swachhta Se SwasthBachpan” campaign

    Source: Government of India

    DDWS joins hands with Ministry of Women and Child Development for Poshan Pakhwada 2025, promoting “Shuddh Jal aur Swachhta Se SwasthBachpan” campaign

    7th edition of Poshan Pakhwada from 8th to 23rd April 2025
    “Purn Poshan Ki Shuruwaat, Shuddh Jal aur Swachhta Ke Saath” will be the campaign tagline

    The campaign focusing on clean water practices and sanitation as crucial elements for a child’s nutrition and overall health

    Extensive awareness generation sessions and sensitisation activities to be carried out by States/ UTs

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 2:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under Ministry of Jal Shakti, is actively participating in the 7thedition of Poshan Pakhwada from 8thto 23rdApril 2025. Aligning with the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s Saksham Anganwadi scheme, the department’s campaign is themed “Shuddh Jal aur Swachhta Se SwasthBachpan” (Clean Water and Sanitation for Healthy Childhood), with a tagline “Purn Poshan Ki Shuruwaat, Shuddh Jal aur Swachhta Ke Saath” focusing specifically on clean water practices and sanitation as crucial elements for a child’s nutrition and overall health.

    Poshan Pakhwada aims to combat malnutrition through behaviour changes at individual, family, and community levels, highlighting four key areas:

    • Emphasis on the first 1000 days of human life
    • Popularization of the Beneficiary Module in the Poshan Tracker App
    • Effective management of malnutrition through the CMAM module
    • Promotion of healthy lifestyles to address childhood obesity

    States/ UTs will conduct extensive community-level activities to underline the critical role of safe drinking water and sanitation practices in preventing malnutrition and diseases.

     Planned activities include:

    • Shuddh Jal and Swachhta Drive: Conducting community sessions on safe drinking water, sanitation practices, hand hygiene, composting, and waste management.
    • Capacity Building for Anganwadi Workers: Sensitization sessions and training on safe water consumption and good sanitation practices to aid in better counselling for mothers.
    • Awareness Generation for Lactating Mothers: IEC activities by Anganwadi and ASHA workers on safe drinking water and sanitation to enhance community health.
    • Smart Poshan Anganwadi Certification: Recognizing top-performing Anganwadi Centers for maintaining high hygiene and nutrition standards.
    • Swachh Jal, Sundar Aangan Initiative: Improving sanitation facilities at Anganwadi centers with community and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) involvement, including murals and child-friendly water stations.
    • Awareness Rallies: Community mobilization focusing on preventing waterborne diseases through proper sanitation and hygiene.

    Department will also complement the efforts of WCD by promoting the campaign over social media platforms which is an integral part of the campaign, utilizing hashtags #DDWSJoinsPoshanPakhwada and #PoshanPakhwada to maximize outreach and impact.

    Through these collective efforts, including WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen, Poshan Pakhwada aims to create enduring awareness and drive substantial behavioral change in rural communities, enabling improved health, sanitation, and nutrition for every child in India.

    To know more about the mission, click: https://www.jalshakti-ddws.gov.in/

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Financial Services notifies amalgamation of 26 RRBs in fourth phase of amalgamation

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 2:31PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Financial Services (DFS) has notified amalgamation of 26 Regional Rural banks (RRBs) on the principles of “One State One RRB”. This is fourth phase of amalgamation of RRBs.

    Considering the improvement in efficiency of the RRBs due to amalgamations in the past, Ministry of Finance had rolled out an amalgamation plan in November-2024 for consultation with stakeholders. After consultation with stakeholders, amalgamation of 26 RRBs in 10 States and 1 UT  have been carried out with primary focus on improvement in scale efficiency and cost rationalization.

    At present, 43 RRBs are functioning in 26 States and 2 UTs. Post amalgamation, there will be 28 RRBs in 26 states and 2 UTs with more than 22000 branches covering 700 districts. Their predominant area of operation is in rural areas with approx. 92% of branches in rural/semi urban areas.

    This is fourth phase of amalgamation. In previous 3 phases viz. Phase-I (FY 2006 to FY 2010) number of RRBs were reduced from 196 to 82, Phase-2 (FY 2013 – FY 2015) number of RRBs were reduced from 82 to 56 and Phase-3 (FY 2019 to FY 2021) number of RRBs were reduced from 56 to 43.

    Click here for the gazette notification.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New batch of declarations for “Well-off Tenants Policies” and “Occupancy Status” commences

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    New batch of declarations for “Well-off Tenants Policies” and “Occupancy Status” commences 
         The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has distributed the “Well-off Tenants Policies” (WTP) declaration forms and “Declaration Form on Occupancy Status” to approximately 210 000 public rental housing (PRH) tenants involved in the new batch of declaration cycle of WTP. A spokesman for the HA today (April 8) reminded the relevant tenants that they must return the completed forms to the Housing Department (HD) by May 31 this year.
     
         Both declaration forms were delivered into the letter boxes of the tenants concerned on April 1. Tenants are required to declare their income, assets, and any domestic property ownership in Hong Kong in the WTP declaration forms, as well as confirm their regular and continuous residence in the PRH flats and report any left vacant or unauthorised use of the PRH flats in the “Occupancy Status” declaration forms.  
     
         The spokesman reminded tenants and their family members that they must truthfully make declarations. Those who knowingly made false declarations may be prosecuted. Tenants should note the following key points:
     
    (i) Tenants who refuse to declare will have their tenancies terminated;
    (ii) Tenants must declare honestly to the HA their occupancy status, income, assets, and any domestic property ownership in Hong Kong; including any household members who have signed purchase agreements (including preliminary agreements) or acquired any domestic properties (including uncompleted flats), along with the expected date of assignment and completion of transactions;
    (iii) PRH households whose tenancies are terminated due to abuse of PRH resources and breaches of the tenancy agreement, such as abandoning or subletting the units or using the units for illegal use, will be ineligible to apply for PRH for five years;
    (iv) For households whose tenancies are terminated under the WTP due to ineligibility for continuous renting of PRH flats, the member(s) who have made false declarations will be subject to a five-year debarment from applying for PRH and are liable to prosecution; 

         Under the prevailing WTP, PRH tenants who have resided for 10 years are required to declare their income, assets and property ownership in Hong Kong every two years. Except for the aforesaid tenants, other tenants will receive declaration forms in later batches and do not need to worry.Issued at HKT 17:00

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Results for Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Results for Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme announced 
    The assessment of the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme (HKEA Scheme) under the Film Development Fund has been completed. Two selected film projects will each receive a maximum of $9 million for their productions. Details of the winning projects are at the Annex.
     
    Dr Wilfred Wong, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, said, “After the launch of the first phase of the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, the response was enthusiastic. In the second phase, we further expanded the coverage of the scheme to Europe, hoping to broaden the perspectives of the film creative teams and bring more inspiration to Hong Kong teams by leveraging Europe’s rich cultural and film history in order to bring Hong Kong films to the world. In this phase, we selected two projects from more than 20 applications. These projects fully demonstrate the cultural exchange between the two regions and the remarkable creativity of the creative teams. I look forward to seeing the finished films shine both in Hong Kong and overseas in the near future.”
     
    Announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address”, the HKEA Scheme aims to subsidise film projects coproduced by filmmakers from European and Asian countries to produce films featuring Hong Kong, European and Asian cultures, enabling Hong Kong films to go global, as well as achieving in-depth cultural exchange and mutual learning.
    Issued at HKT 16:25

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by CE at media session before ExCo (with video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following are the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (April 8):

    Reporter: Chief Executive, two questions. Are there any concrete measures the Government would do to help local businesses affected by tariff and, in your perception, how would the tariff attack Hong Kong’s unemployment rate? And the second question is on the Panama deal, how should local companies respond to Beijing’s criticism, and would the antitrust probe and the possible failed deal affect people’s perception that companies in Hong Kong must ultimately answer to Beijing?
     
    Chief Executive: Last week, the US announced the imposition of so-called reciprocal tariff on trading partners around the world, including an additional 34 per cent tariff on Hong Kong products. Together with the 20 per cent tariff announced earlier, the total tariff imposed on Hong Kong products is up to 54 per cent. The US no longer adheres to free trade, arbitrarily undermining the internationally established rules of world trade. Its ruthless behaviour damages global and multilateral trade. The reckless imposition of tariff affects many countries and regions around the world with huge tax rate increases covering a wide range of goods, disrupting the world economic and trade order, and bringing great risks and uncertainties to the world. In response to the US’s imposition of tariff, the Government will strengthen its strategy in seven areas.
     
         First, we shall fully seize the opportunities in our country, China’s development, and actively integrate into national development. China is the world’s second-largest economy and second-largest consumer goods market, with a domestic market of 1.4 billion people. Hong Kong will take full advantage of CEPA (Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement) to attract more foreign companies to set up operations to capitalise on the benefits of “one country, two systems”. As of the end of last year, the accumulated tariff concessions on goods under CEPA exceeded RMB10.2 billion.
     
         Second, we shall strengthen international exchanges and deepen regional ties and co-operation. We shall sign more free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries and economies. Today, Hong Kong’s FTAs already cover 21 economies. We are currently negotiating investment agreements with Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt and Peru. We will continue to push for Hong Kong’s early accession to the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) to deepen regional co-operation. We are already planning to establish economic and trade offices in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council have set up offices in Cairo, Egypt; Izmir, Türkiye; and Cambodia to proactively expand Hong Kong’s global trade and economic network.
     
         Third, Hong Kong will accelerate industrial transformation by developing a high value-added, innovation-driven economic model. We will expedite the establishment of a high value-added supply chain service hub and promote the growth of a headquarters economy.
     
         Fourth, we will intensify efforts to develop technological innovation, attract top-tier talent, and further strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness. We will focus efforts on establishing Hong Kong as a technological and Innovation hub, accelerating development of the Hetao (Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone) and San Tin Technopole, and continuing to attract top-tier talent and enterprises, particularly key strategic companies.
     
         Fifth, we will vigorously advance international financial co-operation to attract investments and capital. I, along with government officials, have conducted multiple visits to emerging markets to forge new partnerships. Notably, we engaged with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Middle East countries to establish mutual recognition with their stock exchanges.
     
         Sixth, we will seize the world’s major trend of geographical diversification, proactively attracting foreign companies and capital to establish in Hong Kong, because Hong Kong can provide security and stability to investors and enterprises under “one country, two systems”.
     
         Seventh, we will continue to provide various support to help Hong Kong enterprises to cope with the impact of tariff and external challenges, including capital flow assistance, export credit insurance measures, supporting Hong Kong enterprises in brand development, upgrading and exploring new markets through the BUD special fund (Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales), etc.
     
         In respect to your question about Hutchison’s deal to sell some ports, I have earlier made three points, and they remain valid, clear and explicit. I will repeat them. First, there have been extensive discussions in society about the issue, and this reflects society’s concern over the matter. These concerns deserve serious attention. Second, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government urges foreign governments to provide a fair and just environment for enterprises, including enterprises from Hong Kong. We oppose the abusive use of coercion or bullying tactics in international economic and trade relations. Third, any transaction must comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Hong Kong will handle it in accordance with the law and regulations. I have noted that the State Administration for Market Regulation of the PRC (People’s Republic of China) has noticed the deal, and will review it in accordance with the law to ensure fair market competition and protect public interest.
     
    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

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    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Board of Trustees and Council of Lord Wilson Heritage Trust announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Board of Trustees and Council of Lord Wilson Heritage Trust announcedProfessor Douglas So Cheung-tak
     
    Members:
    Miss Linda Choy Siu-min
    Ms Grace Kwok May-han
    Mr Nixon Lau Wing-kwai
    Mr Mason Wu Shang-tun
    Mr Jason Joseph Lee Kwong-yee
    Ms Lee Yuen-ting
    Mr Eliott Hancock Suen
    Professor Qin Rong
    Ms Vivian Wong Man-lei
    Ms Mary Yu Wah
    Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism or her representative (Ex-officio)Professor Joshua Mok Ka-hoDr Chu Ming-kin
    Ms Ho Kwan-shun
    Mr Lai Chin-hong
    Dr Li Kin-sum
    Professor Qin Rong
    Ms Mary Yu Wah
    Director of Architectural Services or his representative
    Secretary for Education or her representative
    Deputy Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism or her representative (Ex-officio)
    Issued at HKT 11:44

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister lauds transformative impact of MUDRA Yojana on its 10th Anniversary

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 9:08AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today extended his heartfelt congratulations to the beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) as the nation marks #10YearsOfMUDRA.

    Celebrating a decade of empowering dreams and driving inclusive economic growth, the Prime Minister highlighted the pivotal role played by the MUDRA scheme in uplifting marginalized communities and promoting entrepreneurship across India.

    The Prime Minister said in X threads;

    “Today, as we mark, #10YearsOfMUDRA, I would like to congratulate all those whose lives have been transformed thanks to this scheme. Over this decade, Mudra Yojana has turned several dreams into reality, empowering people who were previously overlooked with the financial support to shine. It illustrates that for the people of India, nothing is impossible!”

    “It is particularly heartening that half of the Mudra beneficiaries belong to SC, ST and OBC Communities, and over 70% of the beneficiaries are women! Every Mudra loan carries with it dignity, self-respect and opportunity. In addition to financial inclusion, this scheme has also ensured social inclusion and economic freedom.”

    “In the times to come, our Government will continue focusing on ensuring a robust ecosystem where every aspiring entrepreneur, has access to credit thus giving him or her the confidence and a chance to grow.”

    Today, as we mark, #10YearsOfMUDRA, I would like to congratulate all those whose lives have been transformed thanks to this scheme. Over this decade, Mudra Yojana has turned several dreams into reality, empowering people who were previously overlooked with the financial support… pic.twitter.com/GIwtjLhoxe

    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 8, 2025

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  • MIL-OSI: Esker Named a “Leader” and “Challenger” in Accounts Payable and Source-to-Pay Applications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Esker has been recognized in not one, but two Gartner® Magic Quadrants™ for 2025 in a short period of time!

    • Leader in the very first Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications
    • Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay

    The only company recognized as a leader for end-to-end invoice processing for both customer and supplier invoices. 

    Press release

    Esker Named a Leader in First-Ever Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Accounts Payable Applications

    LYON, France, and MIDDLETON, Wis. — March 24, 2025 — Esker, the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced that it has been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications.

    The Gartner report evaluated 14 vendors based on their Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision, positioning Esker as a Leader, which it believes is because of its strong performance, cutting-edge technology and customer-centric approach.

    Esker Accounts Payable streamlines invoice processing by eliminating manual inefficiencies with AI-driven data capture, automated processing and electronic workflows. Ensuring e-invoicing compliance, it simplifies cashflow management and unlocks new revenue opportunities, delivering a smarter, more efficient AP experience. It is Esker’s view that this recognition reflects its dedication to robust AI integration, advanced dashboards and reporting capabilities, and commitment to global compliance and support.

    “We are honored to be recognized as a Leader in the inaugural Accounts Payable Application Magic Quadrant,” said Catherine Dupuy-Holdich, S2P Product Manager at Esker. “In our opinion, Esker’s AI-driven capabilities have revolutionized the way businesses manage their accounts payable processes. For our customers, we feel we offer greater efficiency, improved accuracy and the ability to focus on strategic initiatives rather than manual tasks.”

    Esker is the only company recognized in three Magic Quadrant reports: Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites, Gartner Magic Quadrant for Invoice-to-Cash Applications and this first-ever Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications.  From Esker’s perspective, it is a trusted partner for businesses seeking to automate and optimize their end-to-end finance and procurement processes.

    To access a complimentary copy of the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications, please click here.

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Application, by Mike Helsel, Miles Onafowora and Nick Duffy, published March, 2025.

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

    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    About Esker

    Esker is the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO. Leveraging the latest in automation technologies, Esker’s Source-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash solutions optimize working capital and cashflow, enhance decision-making, and drive better collaboration and human-to-human relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. Esker operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific with global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information on Esker and its solutions, visit www.esker.be. Follow Esker on LinkedIn and join the conversation.

    Press release

    Esker Named a Challenger in 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Source-to-Pay Suites

    LYON, France, and MIDDLETON, Wis. — March 26, 2025 — Esker, the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced that it has been named a Challenger in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites.

    The Gartner report evaluated 12 vendors across a broad set of evaluation criteria, placing Esker in the Challengers Quadrant based on its Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision. Notably, Esker received this position within just a year, which it believes is because of its remarkable progress and adaptability.

    “We are thrilled to be recognized as a Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites,” said Jean-Michel Bérard, CEO at Esker. “From our perspective, this acknowledgment represents our substantial progress in both market presence and execution capabilities, as well as our commitment to driving innovation and delivering tangible value to our customers.”

    It is Esker’s view that this recognition was received based on a strong sales strategy and foundation in finance, as well as the end-to-end AI automation suite for the Office of the CFO.

    Esker Synergy AI, the meticulously designed and specially trained set of technologies powering Esker’s Source-to-Pay suite, improves speed and accuracy throughout the S2P cycle, takes on redundant tasks, analyzes data to make predictions and informed improvements, and helps suppliers get paid faster. 

    AI-driven automation is helping businesses enhance profitability and efficiency in ways that were previously out of reach. It has the potential to drive significant improvements not only within the Finance department but across the entire organization.

    “Source-to-pay automation unites the offices of the CFO and CPO, creating a powerhouse partnership that drives great efficiency,” said Catherine Dupuy-Holdich, S2P Product Manager at Esker. “Esker’s AI-driven suite helps businesses streamline procurement processes, gain better spend insights, enforce policy compliance and enhance supplier relationships.”

    To access a complimentary copy of the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites, please click here.

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites, by Micky Keck, Kaitlynn Sommers, Balaji Abbabatulla, Cian Curtin, Lynne Phelan, Chaithanya Paradarami, Martin Shreffleri, published March 24, 2025.

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

    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    About Esker

    Esker is the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO. Leveraging the latest in automation technologies, Esker’s Source-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash solutions optimize working capital and cashflow, enhance decision-making, and drive better collaboration and human-to-human relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. Esker operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific with global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information on Esker and its solutions, visit www.esker.be. Follow Esker on LinkedIn and join the conversation.        

    Attachments

    • Esker_Gartner_MQ_AP_2025
    • Esker_Gartner_MQ_S2P_2025

    The MIL Network –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of OMO Purchase auction held on April 08, 2025 and Settlement on April 09, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    I. Summary OMO Purchase Results

    Aggregate Amount (Face value) notified by RBI : ₹20,000 crore
    Total amount offered (Face value) by participants : ₹70,144 crore
    Total amount accepted (Face value) by RBI : ₹20,000 crore

    II. Details of OMO Purchase Issue

    Security 6.54% GS 2032 8.24% GS 2033 7.73% GS 2034 7.54% GS 2036 7.23% GS 2039
    No. of offers received 118 38 31 47 85
    Total amount (face value) offered (₹ in crore) 19,486 7,423 10,859 11,095 21,280
    No. of offers accepted 51 12 7 5 25
    Total offer amount (face value) accepted by RBI (₹ in crore) 5,755 1,985 2,859 3,000 6,401
    Cut off yield (%) 6.5117 6.5841 6.6058 6.6582 6.6375
    Cut off price (₹) 100.14 110.72 107.94 106.84 105.35
    Weighted average yield (%) 6.5265 6.5913 6.6071 6.6619 6.6439
    Weighted average price (₹) 100.06 110.67 107.93 106.81 105.29
    Partial allotment % of competitive offers at cut off price NA NA 38.18 NA NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/57

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Himax Announces Leadership Transition in Investor and Public Relations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAINAN, Taiwan, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, today announced the retirement of Mr. Eric Li, former Chief IR/PR Officer and Spokesperson. The company appointed Miss Karen Tiao as the new Head of IR/PR and Spokesperson, effective immediately. Miss Tiao joined Himax in 2019 and currently serves as Senior Investor Relations Manager. In her new role, Miss Tiao will report directly to CEO Jordan Wu.

    “On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend our utmost gratitude to Mr. Eric Li for his dedicated service to Himax. We wish him all the best in his retirement,” said Biing-Seng Wu, Chairman of Himax. “Miss Tiao’s extensive experience in investor and public relations, developed over her years at Himax, along with her deep understanding of the company’s operations and strategies, will help ensure a smooth transition,” Dr. Wu added.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.

    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEyeTM Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,603 patents granted and 389 patents pending approval worldwide as of March 31, 2025.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Company Contacts:
      
    Karen Tiao, Head of IR/PR
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Myanmar earthquake: Risk of waterborne disease outbreak amidst devastation compounded by weekend heavy rains

    Source: Oxfam –

    Heavy rains that struck Mandalay and Sagaing – the epicenter of the recent earthquake in Myanmar – at the weekend have further complicated the humanitarian situation. The existing lack of sanitation and clean water is now increasing the risk of waterborne diseases, said Oxfam today.  

    Rajan Khosla, Oxfam in Myanmar Country Director, said: 

    “The recent heavy rains have added to the challenges faced by the survivors of this earthquake, further affecting those who are already struggling. Hundreds of thousands of people are seeking shelter in temporary accommodations or in open areas, with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.” 

    The destruction of roads and bridges, together with the disruption in telecommunications have already slowed rescue and relief operations over the past week. Millions of people in hardest-hit areas remain with limited access to electricity, clean water and sanitation, and essential services. 

    The 7.7-magnitude quake – the worst to hit Myanmar in decades – has left a trail of devastation, particularly in the regions of Mandalay, Sagaing, parts of Shan, and Nay Pyi Taw.  

    The UN has estimated that the earthquake has affected more than 17 million people across 57 of the country’s 330 townships. Over 3,400 people have been announced dead and thousands more injured, and the number is still rising. 

    Oxfam’s team was among the first to reach the hardest-hit areas, providing lifesaving supplies to prevent the outbreak of disease, particularly acute watery diarrhea. Together with our partners, Oxfam is providing people in shelters with lifesaving water, sanitation and hygiene kits, blankets, mosquito nets and other essential supplies.  

    The recent heavy rains have added to the challenges faced by the survivors of this earthquake, further affecting those already struggling. Hundreds of thousands of people are seeking shelter in temporary accommodations or in open areas, with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.

    Rajan Khosla, Oxfam’s Country Director in Myanmar.  

    Oxfam

    Oxfam’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene expert in Mandalay, said:

    “Heavy rains flooded drains, polluting the environment and increasing public health risks including diarrhoea due to flies and insects. Many camps lack proper latrines, forcing people to dispose of human waste without adequate sanitation.” He added, “there are significant hygiene challenges for the camp population, as food is cooked outdoors, making it difficult to prepare meals after rain. This increases the risk of contamination and the spread of diseases.” 

    Myanmar was already reeling from a severe humanitarian crisis, with almost 20 million people – a third of the population –needing humanitarian assistance. The situation is now catastrophic. But despite the scale of need, the country remains one of the world’s most underfunded humanitarian crises. Less than 40 percent of the UN Humanitarian appeal for Myanmar was met last year.   

    Rajan said: “This tragedy underscores the need for a coordinated international response and significant support to help Myanmar recover and rebuild. The road to recovery is long, and every contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those impacted by this devastating earthquake,”  

    Oxfam is scaling up its response to reach the most vulnerable groups in hardest hit areas, particularly women, children, and people with disability. 

    //END 

    MIL OSI NGO –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Career change leads to valedictorian honour for EIT nursing graduate | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    49 seconds ago

    More than a decade after first studying at EIT Hawke’s Bay, Kayla Hughes will return to the graduation stage, this time as a Bachelor of Nursing graduate and one of two valedictorians.

    Kayla will deliver her valedictory speech at one of two graduation ceremonies for EIT Hawke’s Bay at the Napier Municipal Theatre on Friday, April 11.

    Being selected as valedictorian came as a pleasant surprise.

    “I felt very honoured to have even been considered. You put a lot of hard work into your degree, so to be acknowledged just through a nomination was nice.”

    Having originally completed a Diploma in Cookery at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale in 2013, Kayla spent several years overseas in various kitchens.

    It was during her time working for a healthcare software company in the UK that she realised her passion lay in directly caring for others.

    This prompted her decision to pursue nursing upon returning home in 2020.

    “I’ve always been the person in my family who helps when someone’s sick,” Kayla says. “Pursuing nursing felt like the natural next step.”

    At 31, Kayla found her transition back to tertiary study supported by EIT’s introductory NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Hauora) programme. Throughout her Bachelor of Nursing, Kayla found strong support networks, both among lecturers and her fellow students, crucial to her success.

    “We had a very supportive cohort,” she says. “The connections we made helped us get through tough times, particularly during Cyclone Gabrielle, when studying became especially challenging.”

    Now employed in the Acute Assessment Unit at Hawke’s Bay Hospital, Kayla is thriving in the fast-paced environment and says she enjoys the dynamic nature of acute care nursing.

    Kayla will celebrate her achievement with family and friends at the graduation ceremony. “I’m proud to represent the Bachelor of Nursing and excited for what’s ahead,” she says.

    Katie Rongonui, Assistant Head of School, School of Nursing, said: “Kayla has not only achieved academic excellence during her time in the Bachelor of Nursing, she has inspired and encouraged others in her journey to becoming a registered nurse with her positive outlook and determination”.

    “Kayla’s outstanding achievements and attributes will no doubt carry her into a successful career in nursing, providing excellence in the delivery of care for patients and their whānau.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s tariff hikes and South Africa: hunt for new agricultural markets must begin now

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Wandile Sihlobo, Senior Fellow, Department of Agricultural Economics, Stellenbosch University

    The South African government has underscored the urgent need to diversify the country’s agricultural exports in the wake of the US decision to increase tariffs on its trading partners.

    The progress of South Africa’s agricultural sector has relied partly on exports, which now account for roughly half of the production in value terms. South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a new record of US$13.7 billion in 2024, up 3% from the previous year, according to data from Trade Map. South Africa also imports various agricultural products. In 2024, South Africa’s agricultural imports amounted to US$7.6 billion.

    The US accounts for 4% of South Africa’s agricultural exports. The biggest agricultural exports to the US are citrus, wine, grapes and nuts. These typically entered the US market duty free, and now fall under the tariff level of between 10% and 31% which Washington has levied on South Africa.

    The ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement after Washington’s move:

    Efforts will intensify to diversify export destinations, targeting markets across Africa, as well as in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Moreover, where deemed appropriate, such efforts will also involve bilateral arrangements that allow for the pursuance of our national interest.

    As a medium to longer term strategy this makes sense in the context of the trade friction with the US and the overall growth of South Africa’s agricultural sector. But export diversification will take time to achieve. New markets take time to open up because negotiations with countries, especially in agricultural products, are complex. For example, it took 16 years for South Africa to reopen Thailand for apple exports.

    Moreover, trade agreements typically take a minimum of five years to conclude.

    This means that, in the short term, the South African government will urgently be seeking to engage with Washington to maintain critical access to the US market. In their joint statement, the two departments managing the fallout said they would be seeking “additional exemptions and favourable quota agreements”.

    So what does the long-term strategy look like? And what are the building blocks that need to be put in place to secure diversified destinations for South Africa’s agricultural products in the future?

    As an agricultural economist who has looked at these issues for some time, I would recommend these three areas of focus.

    Firstly, South Africa trade authorities should put resources into understanding the opportunities in dynamic markets in the Gulf and Asia. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are some of the key markets in the Gulf. In Asia, China, India and Vietnam should remain priorities.

    Secondly, the agricultural sector and government need to develop better ways of working together. This will help ensure business relationships are cultivated in the countries that the government is engaging, and that there’s alignment between the commercial and political interests of the country.

    Thirdly, South Africa’s agricultural sector – government and organised agriculture – must get its house in order. For example, promoting livestock products won’t work unless the necessary disease controls are in place.

    Opportunities

    The African continent accounts for the biggest share of South African exports at 38%. The EU accounted for a 19% share in 2023. Asia and the Middle East accounted for a quarter of South Africa’s agricultural exports in the same year.

    Asia and the Far East, in particular China, have already been identified as key growth areas. Even though Asia and the Middle East are strong destination points, huge pockets of opportunity remain in terms of products and countries.

    The Brics grouping remains crucial in this endeavour. Here, the South African government must have a sharper focus on lowering import tariffs and phytosanitary barriers in countries such as China, India and Saudi Arabia.

    China is the biggest opportunity, largely because of its population and economic size. China, the world’s second largest economy after the US, must feed 1.4 billion people. To do this, China is a huge importer, resulting in an agricultural trade deficit with the rest of the world of about US$117 billion. This suggests there’s a gap for countries with good agricultural offerings.

    Vietnam and India also have sizeable populations. Importantly, South Africa remains a small participant in their agricultural markets.

    The sectors worth targeting include horticulture and wine producers. Expanding exports in these sectors has been a long-running talking point. Now there’s a need for renewed energy and urgency from the government officials’ side.

    The livestock industry is also geared to promote its exports.

    In the short term

    Agricultural stakeholders can play a constructive role in supporting the government’s efforts to engage the US. Stakeholders can assess the impact of the increased US tariff on their exports, mainly citrus, grapes, wine, and nuts, among other products, as well as the impact on jobs in their regions.

    There is also scope to provide more flexibility for American products in the South African market to ease current trade tensions. For example, South Africa currently allows US exporters to sell over 70,000 tonnes of poultry products into the country without any tariff. However, US poultry producers have only used less than 60% of this quota. One reason for this is the low-quality products that have not met the South African specifications. Hence the need to seek negotiating points.

    Next steps

    Trade is about trade-offs and backing the correct winners.

    Both organised agriculture – commodity associations – and business must work together to define new priorities for the country and how these can be pursued internationally.

    Negotiating free trade agreements should be the mainstay of trade policy. South Africa has excelled in opening up new markets in the past 20 years, by concluding several free trade agreements with critical regional and international markets. These include deals with the Southern African Development Community countries as well as the region’s agreement with the European Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    It needs to expand this list.

    But free trade agreements require hard choices over which industries a country is prepared to place on the table for possible trade-offs while building long-term competitiveness in sectors that can be major drivers for growth.

    Government must engage the various agricultural sectors about their key priorities and what trade-offs they’re prepared to consider.

    Wandile Sihlobo is the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).

    – ref. Trump’s tariff hikes and South Africa: hunt for new agricultural markets must begin now – https://theconversation.com/trumps-tariff-hikes-and-south-africa-hunt-for-new-agricultural-markets-must-begin-now-253984

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 8, 2025
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