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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Taiwan’s government and civil society ready to join international efforts to assist Myanmar in postdisaster reconstruction

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Taiwan’s government and civil society ready to join international efforts to assist Myanmar in postdisaster reconstruction

    Date：2025-03-30
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    March 30, 2025No. 084A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, causing significant casualties and vast property damage. In response, Taiwan’s government and nongovernmental organizations quickly mobilized needed resources. Through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Myanmar, the Taiwan government expressed concern to the government of Myanmar and conveyed Taiwan’s readiness to assist in rescue operations.While Myanmar was formulating a coordinated response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung instructed TECO in Myanmar to establish a single contact window (email: mmr@mofa.gov.tw; phone: +95-9-427355550) to ensure that Taiwan’s assistance efforts could proceed smoothly. It would be responsible for coordinating and tallying the forms of assistance that related Taiwan agencies and groups could provide and then contacting the Myanmar government, affected areas, and related institutions, as appropriate.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stresses that the government of Taiwan is both able and willing to provide assistance. It also appreciates that Taiwanese NGOs have shown initiative and are working together to extend care and support to people in affected areas, highlighting Taiwan’s humanitarian concern. MOFA hopes that the concerted efforts by the Taiwan government and civil society can help speed up postdisaster reconstruction in Myanmar so that people there can rebuild their homes and resume a normal life. (E) 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to Belgian Foreign Ministry’s 2025 policy statement and Foreign Minister Prévot expressing concern over cross-strait developments

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to Belgian Foreign Ministry’s 2025 policy statement and Foreign Minister Prévot expressing concern over cross-strait developments

    Date：2025-03-30
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    March 30, 2025  

    The Belgian Foreign Ministry in March submitted a 2025 policy statement to the Chamber of Representatives. The statement reaffirmed its support for the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific policy report, issued by the European Union in 2021, and called for the maintenance of harmony and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Referring to China’s escalating threats toward Taiwan in recent years, it pointed out that China had expanded military drills around Taiwan and continued to deliberately undermine social stability in Taiwan. The statement also emphasized that an invasion of Taiwan by China would have significant political and economic consequences for Europe. It urged all related parties to uphold the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and avoid taking any provocative actions that could trigger a conflict.
     
    Furthermore, in response to questions on the policy statement raised by the Chamber of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee on March 26, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot expressed concern over China’s recent escalation of military activities around the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized that Belgium should remain highly vigilant to developments in the region and do its utmost to uphold the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
     
    The 2025 policy statement issued by the Belgian Foreign Ministry marked another statement of significant concern regarding the cross-strait situation following the Belgian coalition government’s inclusion of Taiwan-friendly content in its coalition agreement in February. In addition, on March 20 the Belgian Chamber of Representatives adopted, by an overwhelming majority, a resolution expressing concern regarding the growing threat of China to Taiwan. This underscores the high level of consensus and support shared by the Belgian administration and parliament for ensuring the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
     
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highly welcomes their support and looks forward to deepening bilateral exchanges and cooperation with Belgium so as to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and advance peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: YXT.com Rebrands as Radnova and Launches AI-Enabled Enterprise Productivity Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUZHOU, China, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YXT.com Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: YXT) (“YXT.com” or the “Company”), a provider of AI-enabled enterprise productivity solutions, today announced that it has successfully completed a strategic rebranding initiative, adopting the “Radnova” name for its potential international operations. YXT.com operates its business in China through Jiangsu Radnova Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. (formerly Jiangsu Yunxuetang Network Technology Co., Ltd.). The “Radnova” trademark will be used for the Company’s future international operations, symbolizing its transition from a China-focused e-learning company to a global AI-enabled enterprise productivity solutions provider.

    This strategic rebranding comes amid rapid transformation in the enterprise AI market. The global AI agent market is projected to grow significantly in the future, with many professionals already using AI agents in work environments. The Company announced this strategic move at a launch event in Beijing, positioning Radnova to expand beyond digital learning into the broader enterprise productivity space.

    The Company’s rebranding is built on proven internal AI implementation since 2018, when it first began applying AI technologies to its operations. Currently, AI technology has been integrated into 90% of the Company’s core positions, yielding measurable improvements. The intelligent customer service system now achieves 100% user coverage with a 94.8% self-resolution rate. These practical applications directly inform Radnova’s enterprise solutions.

    “In the process of enterprise intelligent transformation, humans and AI will form a double-helix symbiotic relationship,” said Mr. Xiaoyan Lu, Director, Founder, and Chairman of the Board of YXT.com. “Building collaborative productivity between people and AI has become an unstoppable trend of our era. Authoritative data shows that the rapid adoption of AI work assistants and intelligent agent-based applications has become the definitive path for enterprise intelligent transformation. Our transformation journey that began within our own operations now extends to helping enterprises worldwide build this ‘human + AI’ collaborative productivity model.”

    Building on this expertise, Radnova is launching four AI-powered solution categories: Intelligent Talent Management, Agent Services, Knowledge Base systems, and Work Assistants. The Intelligent Talent Management solution has demonstrated a 67% improvement in talent management efficiency, while the Agent Services platform accelerates intelligent transformation by enabling organizations to build and deploy AI agents efficiently, and has helped reduce customer issue resolution time by 75% through its intelligent customer service application. The Enterprise Knowledge Base systems transform proprietary knowledge into unique productivity assets, creating distinctive competitive advantages for organizations. Work Assistants, particularly for sales teams, have shortened sales cycle time and improved coaching efficiency. These integrated solutions reflect the Company’s vision of human-AI collaboration and position Radnova as a pioneer in enterprise intelligence transformation, ready to serve organizations worldwide.

    As part of its global expansion, the Company has established a new entity in Singapore to serve as a headquarters for its overseas business to be conducted in the future. This strategic location will enable YXT.com to better serve and expand into international markets.

    About YXT.com
    YXT.com (NASDAQ: YXT) is a technology company focusing on enterprise productivity solutions. With a mission to “Empower people and organization development through technology,” The Company strives to become the supreme provider in building and boosting enterprise productivity by combining over a decade of experience in tech-enabled talent learning and development and with AI-augmented task copilots and unleashing the power of knowledge and synergy. Since its inception, YXT.com has supported and received recognition from numerous Global and China Fortune 500 companies.

    YXT.com operates its business in China through “Jiangsu Radnova Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd.,” formerly known as “Jiangsu Yunxuetang Network Technology Co., Ltd.”. YXT.com has established an entity in Singapore to serve as a headquarter for its overseas business to be conducted in the future, with the “Radnova” trademark to serve international markets.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to”, or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    Contact
    Robin Yang
    ICR, LLC
    YXT.IR@icrinc.com
    +1 (646) 405-4883

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Haivision Showcases Cutting-Edge Mission-Critical Video Solutions at L3Harris Technologies’ C5ISR Exercise – Everest NL 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haivision (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, participated in Everest NL 2025, an immersive C5ISR experiment hosted by L3Harris Technologies at Experience Island in Loon op Zand, Netherlands, from March 24-27, 2025.

    Everest NL serves as a premier platform for showcasing the latest advancements in tactical communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), network management, and electronic warfare (EW). The event replicates a modern NATO maneuver-force communication environment, providing a live, operationally relevant setting where cutting-edge technologies are put to the test.

    The Everest exercise offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate the power of true joint interoperability among leading manufacturers. Haivision’s participation underscores its commitment to advancing interoperable, secure, and real-time video technologies that support the evolving needs of modern defense forces. By participating in the event hosted by L3Harris and collaborating with industry leaders, Haivision continues to develop innovative, field-proven solutions that enhance operational effectiveness in dynamic military environments.

    At the Everest NL event, Haivision showcased its mission-critical video ecosystem, demonstrating how high-quality, secure video and data sharing enhance operational effectiveness across the battlefield. For this exercise, Haivision delivered an ISR video solution powered by Makito video encoders and the Kraken video processing platform at the tactical edge. The ISR video was streamed to Haivision’s expeditionary video wall solution, powered by Command 360, to support a common operating picture and provide situational awareness to commanders in the operations center at HQ.

    Everest NL served as an ideal proving ground for next-generation defense technology. “By working alongside industry leaders, we can showcase how open architecture and interoperability drive operational effectiveness. Haivision’s deep expertise in mission-critical video technology ensures that we deliver innovative solutions but also address the real-world challenges our end-users encounter in the field,” says Tyler Stephens, Vice President, International Mission Systems.

    Engineered to meet rigorous cybersecurity and interoperability standards for defense networks, Haivision’s video solutions are built to handle the complex challenges faced by military and defense end-users. The company focuses on delivering cutting-edge solutions that seamlessly integrate with its partners to enhance mission success.

    Deployed and trusted worldwide, Haivision’s mission-critical video solutions empower aerospace, enterprise, government, military, and public safety organizations to make informed decisions faster. Haivision’s video wall systems for command centers, video distribution solutions, and ISR video technology enable real-time analysis and decision-making. Haivision’s technology is designed to comply with strict government and industry standards, ensuring security, reliability, and interoperability. For more information about Haivision’s mission-critical video ecosystem for military operations, visit: haivision.com/industries/government-defense/

    About Haivision

    Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision-making. We provide high-quality, low-latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open-sourced its award-winning SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) low-latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago, with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit Haivision.com.

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark Taiwan offshore wind deal receives UK backing, unlocking £55 million in contracts for British exporters

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 4

    Press release

    Landmark Taiwan offshore wind deal receives UK backing, unlocking £55 million in contracts for British exporters

    UK Export Finance has guaranteed £184 million in financing for one of Taiwan’s largest offshore wind projects.

    Credit: Copenhagen Offshore Partners

    • The deal secures £55 million in manufacturing and service contracts for British suppliers, supporting local jobs and economic growth.

    • Export breakthrough enabled by collaboration with other export credit agencies and with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners – one of the world’s largest fund managers for renewable energy investments.

    UK Export Finance (UKEF) is providing a £184 million credit guarantee to support the construction of the 495 MW Fengmiao 1 offshore windfarm in Taiwan, securing £55 million in manufacturing and service export contracts for British suppliers.

    UKEF is the government’s export credit agency, providing support to help exporters win and deliver new overseas contracts.

    Cadeler – a company with operations based in East Anglia – will be contracted to supply an installation vessel together with crew, sea-fastening services and crane operators.

    This latest Buyer Credit Guarantee from UKEF forms part of a wider $3.7 billion financing package by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). This involves export credit agencies from Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, and Taiwan.

    Located off the west-coast of Taichung City, the offshore wind site is due to be completed in 2027.

    The Fengmiao 1 project will result in estimated annual greenhouse gas emissions savings equivalent to emissions from a quarter of a million cars.

    Promoting investment into British businesses and employers, UKEF’s decision to back the project supports this government’s Plan for Change to boost economic growth across all regions and promote the UK’s clean-growth expertise.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Being absolutely committed to delivering economic growth under the Plan for Change means we are using every tool at our disposal to enable British businesses to succeed.

    This deal harnesses the power of commerce to drive the energy transition whilst securing lucrative new opportunities for UK businesses and supporting job creation in local communities.

    Mikkel Gleerup, Chief Executive Officer at Cadeler added:

    We are grateful to UKEF for the support they are providing to the Fengmiao 1 Project—an important milestone in Cadeler’s continued expansion into Taiwan’s offshore wind market.

    UKEF’s backing highlights the importance to Cadeler and its clients of our operations in the United Kingdom, with our UK-owned installation vessels and East Anglia-based team supporting offshore wind development both at home and abroad. Cadeler remains committed to advancing offshore wind in the APAC region and beyond.

    Thomas Wibe Poulsen, Partner and Head of Asia-Pacific at CIP, said:

    Financial close on Fengmiao I is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from the project team, suppliers, contractors, banks, ECAs and offtakers. It is the first offshore wind project in Taiwan to be supported by a portfolio of corporate offtakers in Taiwan and Fengmiao I sets a new benchmark for the country’s rapidly maturing offshore wind market.

    Contact 

    Media enquiries:

    Email newsdesk@ukexportfinance.gov.uk

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    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to reaffirmation of importance of cross-strait peace at meeting of US, Japan defense ministers

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to reaffirmation of importance of cross-strait peace at meeting of US, Japan defense ministers

    Date：2025-03-31
    Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

    March 31, 2025 

    Japan’s Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani met with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on March 30 in Tokyo. During the meeting, they expressed concern over China’s military activities around Taiwan and reiterated opposition to China’s attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China Seas. Underscoring the importance of maintaining cross-strait peace and stability, the two sides stressed that they would bolster cooperation with regional partners Australia, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
     
    This was the first meeting of the defense chiefs of the United States and Japan since Secretary Hegseth took office. Coming on the heels of the February Japan-US summit, the meeting saw the two countries reiterate the importance they attached to cross-strait issues, highlighting the high degree of consensus in the global democratic camp for cross-strait peace. It was also further evidence that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the continued expression of staunch support for cross-strait peace and stability by Japan and the United States at important international venues, as well as the two sides’ concern for China’s challenge to the global order. Minister Lin also stresses that Taiwan will abide by the spirit of integrated diplomacy and continue to cooperate closely with like-minded countries to uphold democracy and universal values, develop democratic non-red supply chains, and promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Bangladesh

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Bangladesh

    Date：2025-03-31
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    March 31, 2025Chief Adviser of the interim government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing from March 27 to 29. The two sides issued a joint statement on March 28 that made spurious claims in referring to the so-called “one China principle” and to Taiwan being an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly refutes these claims. MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; and that no claim seeking to distort Taiwan’s sovereign status can alter the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The government of Taiwan will staunchly safeguard national sovereignty and dignity and work with friendly and like-minded countries to protect the values of freedom and democracy and ensure regional peace, stability, and development. MOFA calls on Bangladesh to adopt an open and pragmatic stance; strengthen economic and trade cooperation and substantive relations across all domains with Taiwan; and proactively contribute to democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA strongly condemns China for unilateral provocations and repeated attempts to escalate cross-strait and regional tensions

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA strongly condemns China for unilateral provocations and repeated attempts to escalate cross-strait and regional tensions

    Date：2025-04-01
    Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

    April 1, 2025
    No. 086

    The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command launched joint military drills around Taiwan on April 1, under the pretext of serving as “a stern warning to and powerful deterrent against separatist forces agitating for Taiwan independence.” This marked a renewed challenge to the rules-based international order and a serious unilateral attempt to jeopardize peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly denounces China and urges it to immediately halt unwarranted military provocations.
     
    China has recently conducted military intimidation and maritime gray-zone operations near New Zealand and Australia, in the South China Sea, and near the Republic of Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Its relentless actions aimed at challenging the international order and undermining the regional status quo demonstrate incontrovertibly that China is a destabilizing force in the region and beyond.
     
    Maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is a matter of international consensus and serves the interests of all parties. However, China intractably continues to conduct military drills to intimidate Taiwan and neighboring countries, unilaterally seeking to alter the cross-strait and regional status quo. Such actions seriously undermine peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific and do not serve to improve its international image. MOFA calls on China to stop such behavior and return to norms. 
     
    As a responsible member of the global community, Taiwan will work in concert with like-minded nations to jointly safeguard global and regional peace, stability, prosperity, and development. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to statement by European External Action Service Spokesperson on China’s April 1 large-scale military drills surrounding Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to statement by European External Action Service Spokesperson on China’s April 1 large-scale military drills surrounding Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-02
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 2, 2025On April 1, the spokesperson of the European External Action Service (EEAS) released a statement regarding China’s large-scale military drills targeting Taiwan. The statement pointed out that the drills are increasing cross-strait tensions and reiterated that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are of strategic importance for regional and global security and prosperity. The European Union (EU) has a direct interest in the preservation of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and opposes any unilateral actions that change the status quo by force or coercion. The EU calls on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may further escalate tensions, which should be resolved through cross-strait dialogue.This is the third time the EEAS has expressed timely concern over China’s unilateral actions increasing cross-strait tensions. The previous two times were responses to China’s Joint Sword military exercises last year. The White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030 released this March by the European Union points out that China has been rapidly expanding its military capabilities and intensifying its political, economic, military, and cyber and cognitive measures to coerce Taiwan. It emphasizes that the shifting Taiwan status quo could have profound economic and strategic consequences for Europe. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the EU’s continued demonstration of staunch support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait through concrete action. MOFA also stresses that Taiwan, as a key country in the Indo-Pacific region and a responsible member of the international community, will continue to strengthen cooperation with the EU and other allies to safeguard freedom and openness in the Indo-Pacific region, uphold the rules-based international order, and together protect regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to statements by US White House and Department of State concerning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to statements by US White House and Department of State concerning China’s military exercises around Taiwan

    Date：2025-04-02
    Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

    April 2, 2025The United States Department of State released a statement on April 1 in which it pointed out that China was once again escalating tensions through aggressive military activities and rhetoric targeting Taiwan, and thereby jeopardizing regional security and global prosperity. The statement added that in the face of China’s intimidation tactics and destabilizing behavior, the long-standing US commitment to Taiwan and other allies and partners remained unchanged. It also reiterated US support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposition to the use of force or coercion to unilaterally alter the status quo.Moreover, in responding to media questions on April 1, the White House press secretary said that US President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, encouraged peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, and reiterated US opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks the White House and State Department for reiterating US support of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and its opposition to the use of force or coercion to change the status quo; for clearly pointing out China’s threat to Taiwan and regional security; and for noting that China’s behavior undermines the status quo. With China frequently conducting military activities and gray-zone harassment around Taiwan, the international community understands clearly that China is the troublemaker in the Taiwan Strait and globally and that it is China that is attempting to challenge the status quo. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with the United States and other allied nations to jointly ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and across the Taiwan Strait, safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and defend the rules-based international order. Taiwan also calls on all countries to jointly monitor China’s gray-zone coercion of Taiwan—including military intimidation and lawfare—as well as its actions that unilaterally escalate regional tensions.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tree planting days set

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Two Country Parks Hiking & Planting Day events will be held in April and May.

    Jointly organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and Friends of the Country Parks, the events will take place on April 27 at Pak Sha Wan Peninsula, Ma On Shan Country Park and May 4 at Wong Nai Tun Irrigation Reservoir, Tai Lam Country Park.

    People can enrol at the designated registration point on-site from 9am to 10.30am on the event day. Pre-registration is not required.

    Seedlings and planting tools will be provided.

    Click here for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Global NK Cell Therapy Clinical Trials FDA Approval Patent Market Size Report 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Delhi, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Global Natural Killer (NK) Cell Therapy Clinical Trials, Proprietary Technologies, Collaborations and Market Opportunity Insight 2025 Report Highlights and Findings:

    • Global & Regional Market Trends By Indication
    • First NK Cell Therapy Approval Expected By 2028
    • Number Of NK Cell Therapies In Clinical Trials: >180 Therapies
    • Highest Phase For NK Cell Therapies Clinical Trials: Phase II/III
    • NK Cell Therapies Granted Fast Track and Orphan Status: > 5 Therapies
    • Global Natural Killer Cell Therapies Clinical Trials By Company, Indication and Phase
    • Insight On Recent Partnerships, Collaborations and Licensing Agreements
    • NK Cell Therapies Proprietary Technologies By Company
    • Monotherapy and Combinational Treatment Strategies

    Download Report: https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-nk-cell-therapy-nk-cell-immunotherapy-natural-killer-cell-therapy

    This Report Exclusively Examines Therapeutic Strategies That Employ NK Cells, Excluding Any Methods That Incorporate Antibody Engagers Intended To Bind To & Activate NK Cells

    Research and development activities for NK cell therapies are rapidly evolving, backed by significant advancements in immunotherapy-centric cancer treatment approaches. Unlike other immune cells, NK cells are capable of recognizing and destroying malignant cells without prior sensitization. This inherent capability makes NK cells a promising tool in cancer treatment, especially for patients who have become resistant to conventional therapies. As a result, NK cell therapies are attracting considerable attention, with several pharmaceutical companies actively involved in research and clinical trials to further develop these therapies.

    Among the most advanced candidates in the NK cell therapy pipeline is SMT-NK, an allogeneic NK cell therapy developed by SMT Bio. SMT-NK is currently undergoing a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial in South Korea for the treatment of biliary tract cancer, making it the most advanced NK cell therapy candidate in development. This trial aims to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of SMT-NK when combined with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab, comparing its efficacy to pembrolizumab monotherapy. The combination of NK cell therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab is a promising approach that seeks to enhance NK cell activity, offering potential for improved treatment outcomes in patients with biliary tract cancer, a rare and difficult-to-treat condition.

    In addition to advancements in cancer, NK cell therapies are also being explored for other therapeutic areas. Ongoing research is investigating their potential to treat autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease and dementia. This expansion into non-cancer indications highlights the broad applicability of NK cells, offering new possibilities for patients suffering from diseases that have historically been challenging to treat. The versatility of NK cell therapies underscores their importance in the future of medicine, with ongoing clinical trials and studies pushing the boundaries of their potential uses.

    The commercial landscape for NK cell therapies is growing rapidly, fueled by increasing investments in research and development, as well as regulatory support that facilitates the progression of these therapies through clinical trials. Companies are also focusing on improving manufacturing processes to meet the anticipated demand for NK cell-based treatments. Innovations in cell production technologies are crucial to ensuring that NK cells can be generated consistently and efficiently, allowing for scalable production and accessibility to a broader patient population. As these therapies continue to advance, they are expected to become a key component of modern cancer treatment regimens.

    Despite the promising potential, challenges remain in the widespread adoption of NK cell therapies. One of the main hurdles is ensuring the consistency and quality of the NK cells produced for therapeutic use, as well as optimizing their persistence and effectiveness in the patient’s body. Regulatory complexities also pose challenges, requiring careful navigation as NK cell therapies progress through clinical trials and seek approval. However, the continued collaboration between researchers, biotech companies, and larger pharmaceutical firms is driving the field forward, with the goal of overcoming these obstacles and making NK cell therapies a routine treatment option.

    In conclusion, the NK cell therapy market is witnessing rapid growth, driven by breakthroughs in scientific research and clinical development. SMT-NK stands out as the most advanced NK cell therapy candidate, undergoing late stage trials for biliary tract cancer, which highlights the significant potential of these therapies. While oncology remains the primary focus, ongoing research into non-cancer applications further demonstrates the versatility of NK cell therapies. As more data emerges from clinical trials and innovative technologies are integrated, NK cell therapies are poised to transform the treatment landscape, offering new hope for patients across a range of diseases and improving outcomes on a global scale.

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Property sales rise 54.7%

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Land Registry logged 6,661 sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in March, up 54.7% compared with February and up 32.9% year-on-year.

    The total consideration for such agreements in March rose 61.4% from the previous month to $45.6 billion, representing a 22.1% year-on-year growth.

    Of the agreements, 5,367 were for residential units, amounting to a 67.7% increase from February and a 35.2% rise from a year ago.

    The total consideration for residential units was $38.8 billion, up 68.7% compared with February and 29.1% higher year-on-year.

    There were 393,010 land register searches last month.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: March relatively dry, mild

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    March was drier and milder than usual, with the monthly mean relative humidity at 74%, which was 8% below the norm and the fourth lowest on record for March, the Hong Kong Observatory said today.

    The monthly total sunshine duration amounted to 143.8 hours, about 44% above the norm of 100 hours.

    With more sunshine, the monthly mean maximum temperature of 23.5 degrees Celsius was 1.6 degrees above the norm and the 10th highest on record for March. The monthly mean temperature of 20.1 degrees and monthly mean minimum temperature of 17.7 degrees were 0.6 degrees and 0.1 degrees above their corresponding norm.

    Rainfall in the month was 38.1mm, about 51% of the norm. The accumulated rainfall in the first three months of the year was 68.4mm, which was about 54% below the norm for the same period.

    There was no tropical cyclone over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in March, the observatory added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘Investment platform’ is fictitious

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today cautioned the public not to be taken in by a video circulating online which falsely presents the Financial Secretary promoting a so-called “Government Investment Platform”.

    Stressing that the video appears to be artificially generated, the Government said that the information contained in it is entirely fictitious and intended to deceive, and warned people not to fall for it. 

    The case has been referred to the Police Force for investigation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Inc. Names Aerospike to Its 2025 List of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Pacific

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aerospike, Inc. today announced its inclusion in the annual Inc. Regionals: Pacific list. An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, this prestigious ranking features the fastest-growing private companies in California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska.

    Aerospike makes it easy to launch in the cloud and choose the right data model for the job—whether document, graph, key-value, or vector search—all within a single, massively scalable real-time database. Developers can build high-performance applications on top of these models while using 80% less infrastructure than legacy or point solutions.

    “Our customers lead their industries with some of the most successful, cost-effective real-time application and AI deployments, turning to Aerospike to quickly deploy in the cloud and scale up and out to meet demand,” said Subbu Iyer, CEO, Aerospike.

    In 2024, Aerospike closed a $114M investment to support company growth and meet market demand. DB-Engines currently ranks Aerospike as the third most popular graph database and fifth most popular vector database in the industry.

    The companies on this list show a remarkable growth rate across all industries in the Pacific. Between 2021 and 2023, these companies had a median growth rate of 124 percent. They also added 7,947 jobs and $5.6 billion to the region’s economy.

    “The honorees on this year’s Inc. Regionals list are true trailblazers driving economic growth in their respective regions, industries, and beyond. This list celebrates their achievements and tells the stories of remarkable companies that are fueling growth and adding jobs in local economies throughout the country,” said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.

    About Aerospike

    Aerospike is the real-time database built for infinite scale, speed, and savings. Our customers are ready for what’s next with the lowest latency and the highest throughput data platform. Cloud and AI-forward, we empower leading organizations like Adobe, Airtel, Criteo, DBS Bank, Experian, PayPal, Snap, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, our offices are also located in London, Bangalore, and Tel Aviv.

    Aerospike is a registered trademark of Aerospike, Inc.

    Contact:
    John Moran
    Look Left Marketing
    aerospike@lookleftmarketing.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: STOKES BAY ROAD, DUNCAN (Burn Off)

    Source: South Australia County Fire Service

    Advice – Reduced Threat

    We will issue a Reduced Threat message when the threat to the community has reduced.

    All bushfire incidents that have had an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning message issued will be finalised with an Advice – Reduced Threat message.

    MIL OSI News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: VANDEPEER ROAD, KEILIRA (Scrub and Grass Fire)

    Source: South Australia County Fire Service

    Advice – Reduced Threat

    We will issue a Reduced Threat message when the threat to the community has reduced.

    All bushfire incidents that have had an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning message issued will be finalised with an Advice – Reduced Threat message.

    MIL OSI News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: RIDLEY ROAD, CAMBRAI (Vehicle Accident)

    Source: South Australia County Fire Service

    Advice – Reduced Threat

    We will issue a Reduced Threat message when the threat to the community has reduced.

    All bushfire incidents that have had an Advice, Watch and Act or Emergency Warning message issued will be finalised with an Advice – Reduced Threat message.

    MIL OSI News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor wants to give the minimum wage a real boost. The benefits would likely outweigh any downsides

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris F. Wright, Professor of Work and Labour Market Policy, University of Sydney

    Labor has called for an “economically sustainable real wage increase” for almost 3 million workers who depend on the award system for their wages.

    In a submission to the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review on Wednesday, Labor said a real wage increase above inflation would provide cost-of-living relief for lower-income workers – especially in the early childhood, cleaning and retail sectors.

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has said he’s not opposed to an increase in minimum wages. Several major business groups have also tentatively endorsed an increase.

    But the size of the wage boost is in contention. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry wants an increase to be no higher than headline inflation, saying:

    [an] increase in minimum and modern award wages of no more than 2.5% is fair and reasonably responsible in the current economic environment.



    Read more:
    Labor will urge Fair Work Commission to give real wage rise to three million workers

    Can the government actually raise wages?

    The federal government doesn’t set minimum and award wages directly. That job falls to the Fair Work Commission, Australia’s independent national workplace relations tribunal.

    Each year, the commission receives submissions for the Annual Wage Review from “interested parties” such as business groups, trade unions and governments.

    Governments almost always make submissions, typically informed by economic logic, to the annual review.

    Labor’s submission is consistent with that approach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said businesses would benefit overall, because when low-wage workers receive a wage increase, they typically spend rather than save it.

    Could a real wage boost fuel inflation?

    Labor’s proposal has already attracted concern.

    Some economists have argued it could increase inflation. That could make it harder for the Reserve Bank of Australia to deliver further interest rate cuts.

    However, this concern was addressed in the OECD’s 2023 Economic Outlook paper, which argued:

    in several sectors and countries, there is room for profits to absorb some further increases in wages to mitigate the loss of purchasing power at least for the low paid without generating significant additional price pressures.

    In other words, with inflation falling in Australia and other parts of the world, there is scope for wages to increase without a significant risk this will generate inflationary pressure.

    The OECD has also stated that much of the recent high global inflation was generated by the impact of the Ukraine war on rising food and energy prices, rather than wages.

    Wage growth without productivity growth

    A second concern relates to boosting wages in the context of Australia’s languishing levels of labour productivity – output per worker or per hour worked.

    On Tuesday, Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock said without an increase in productivity:

    the rate of nominal wages growth that can be sustained and be in line with the inflation target is lower.

    However, as Mark Bray and Alison Preston found in their interim report from the review of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay laws, labour productivity growth has been consistently higher than capital productivity.

    According to Bray and Preston:

    It is, therefore, difficult to argue that industrial relations systems have a significant, dominant effect on national productivity outcomes.

    If anything, a wages boost might be good for productivity. There is evidence to suggest measures to improve the quality of employment – including by increasing wages – can boost productivity.

    If workers feel they are paid fairly, they are more likely to be satisfied and work harder, and less likely to leave their employer.

    Staff turnover, on the other hand, requires employers to recruit and train new employees, which is time-consuming and resource-intensive, and can sap productivity.

    What about inequality?

    It’s important we don’t overlook another important factor in the minimum wage debate. Since its 2022 election victory, addressing inequality has been central to the Albanese government’s labour market reforms.

    Before 2022, wages growth was persistently weak for several years, despite the lowest unemployment rate in almost five decades.

    Low unemployment is generally assumed to stimulate wages growth, but this didn’t eventuate. This worsened workforce shortages, making it hard for employers to attract and retain workers.

    Findings from a large body of academic research published before the passage and implementation of the December 2022 Secure Jobs, Better Pay amendments highlighted the need for fairer redistribution in pay settings.

    The gender pay gap

    This includes addressing gender-based pay inequalities.

    Improving job quality – particularly by raising wages – in low-paid sectors is essential to advancing gender equality. The minimum wage and award-reliant segments of the Australian labour market are highly feminised. These include vital frontline roles in the care, cleaning and hospitality sectors.

    The latest Workplace Gender Equality Agency scorecard, drawing on ABS Labour Force Survey data, shows wage growth in these sectors over the past two years has contributed significantly to reducing the national gender pay gap to its lowest point on record.

    Lifting wages and job quality is not only crucial for attracting and retaining workers in these essential frontline roles. It also supports broader labour force participation, particularly for working parents.

    An “economically sustainable” boost to the minimum wage is therefore unlikely to drive up inflation, or adversely impact productivity. However, it will provide cost-of-living relief to Australia’s lowest-paid workers.

    Chris F. Wright has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the UK Economic and Social Research Council, the International Labour Organization, the Australian and NSW governments, and various business and trade union organisations.

    – ref. Labor wants to give the minimum wage a real boost. The benefits would likely outweigh any downsides – https://theconversation.com/labor-wants-to-give-the-minimum-wage-a-real-boost-the-benefits-would-likely-outweigh-any-downsides-253624

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Myanmar Earthquake: Devastating Crisis, Immediate Response Underway

    Source: Oxfam –

    Oxfam in Myanmar has activated its Emergency Response Team and is providing hygiene, dignity and family kits in the areas affected by the strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 28 March.

    More than 1600 people are reported to have been killed and over 3400 people injured. These figures are expected to increase as more information becomes available from the affected regions.

    The situation in all affected regions remains dire, with survivors in urgent need of shelter, clean water, medical care, and protection. 

    First-response supplies—including hygiene kits, dignity kits, and family kits—are already being dispatched to the worst-affected areas to meet immediate needs and support survivors through this critical period.

    Oxfam is working closely with local partners to ensure that aid reaches those most in need as quickly and effectively as possible. Oxfam’s priority is to save lives, preserve dignity, and prevent further suffering among communities facing unimaginable loss.

    Rajan Khosla, Country Director of Oxfam in Myanmar, expressed profound sorrow over the devastation caused by the earthquake.

    “While Oxfam and partners are focused on providing emergency relief, the magnitude of this disaster requires a broader, coordinated global response to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery. The full scale of the earthquake’s destruction is still emerging, but we need swift humanitarian assistance to help survivors begin rebuilding their lives with dignity,” Khosla said.

    A staff member from Oxfam in Myanmar, currently on the ground in Mandalay, has reported firsthand the catastrophic destruction caused by the earthquake.

    “The ground shook violently beneath my feet. Buildings around me began to collapse, and I could hear the cries of people running. It’s impossible to describe the horror and helplessness felt as I watched families desperately trying to escape the destruction. It’s a nightmare for me. People are scared, injured, and in urgent need of aid. The scale of this tragedy is beyond what we could have ever imagined,” she said.

    The National Disaster Management Committee has declared a State of Emergency across six earthquake-affected areas— Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, northeastern Shan State, Nay Pyi Taw Territory, and Bago Region.

    Recognizing the severity of the crisis, international humanitarian assistance has been requested to support the ongoing response and recovery efforts.

    Oxfam in Myanmar remains steadfast in its commitment to stand with the people of Myanmar during this difficult time. We continue to work closely with partners to deliver timely and effective aid to those most in need.

    MIL OSI NGO –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Speeding backwards: Greenpeace slams Coalition commitment to neuter vehicle efficiency standards

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    MELBOURNE, 2 APRIL 2025–Greenpeace Australia Pacific has slammed the Coalition’s promise to neuter the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) by removing fines from the scheme as policy that bends the knee to the petrol car lobby while costing Australians and increasing carbon pollution

    “The NVES finally brought Australia onto the same playing field as other major countries, which have strong standards for the efficiency of cars. Sabotaging this policy by removing penalties shunts us to the back of the pack once again,” said Joe Rafalowicz, Head of Climate and Energy, Greenpeace Australia Pacific. 

    “Removing the thing that makes the NVES an effective policy—penalties for car importers insistent on dumping their most polluting cars in Australia—is a capitulation to the petrol car lobby and overseas companies like Mitsubishi Motors, at the expense of Australian drivers and businesses. 

    “The NVES will prevent 80 million tonnes of car-related carbon pollution from entering our atmosphere by 2035—as much as the entire state of Victoria emits in a year.

    “Emissions from petrol and diesel cars constitute a third of all greenhouse gases in Australia, and the sector is on track to be the top polluter in our economy. There are already low-emissions vehicles for sale around the world that address this challenge. 

    “Giving foreign car companies a free pass to continue selling polluting cars in Australia, which they cannot sell anywhere else, pushes the burden of reducing emissions onto other Australian industries and businesses. 

    “This ill-considered policy U-turn, which flies in the face of a mountain of evidence from around the world on the benefits of strong efficiency standards, will also make it harder for Australians to access more affordable, cheaper-to-run electric cars. 

    “It will keep more polluting cars on our roads for longer, prolonging Australians’ exposure to toxic tailpipe emissions while other countries move quickly towards cleaner, safer cars on their streets. 

    “Removing fines from the NVES and making it essentially unenforceable is like selling a car without brakes, and simply hoping it will stop when needed. Instead of removing this important enforcement mechanism, it is important to ensure that Australia’s car industry stays the course towards lower emissions, and cleaner, more affordable cars.

    “Greenpeace Australia Pacific fought hard to secure this essential legislation, which brought Australia in line with other major economies. We will resist the Coalition’s plans to neuter this legislation every step of the way.” 

    —ENDS—
    For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 / [email protected].

    MIL OSI NGO –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Asian Development Blog: Stronger Penalties and Timely Targets Could Make Sustainability-Linked Bonds More Effective

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    New research highlights structural flaws in sustainability-linked bonds that weaken their ability to promote meaningful environmental and social outcomes.

    Sustainability-linked bonds are gaining attention as a way to encourage companies to meet environmental goals. This matters because private sector participation is crucial to achieving meaningful progress on sustainability challenges.

    Sustainability-linked bonds contain financial incentives which encourage issuers to fulfill pre-specified targets. 

    Linking financial performance to sustainability outcomes enables the bonds to enhance issuer accountability and mitigate concerns about greenwashing. Most sustainability-linked bonds include a built-in financial penalty: if the issuer doesn’t meet certain environmental or social goals by a set date, they have to pay higher interest on the bond.

    But such financial incentives work only if they are sizable enough to influence the behavior of bond issuers. Unfortunately, evidence indicates that this is not always the case. The average penalty adds less than 12% to the interest rate. 

    Our research found that late penalties and the option for issuers to repay bonds early may weaken the impact of sustainability-linked bonds.

    The sustainability target dates of many bonds are set close to the end of the bond’s maturity. This means that only a few remaining payments are subject to the financial penalties for noncompliance. Compared to target dates that are farther away from maturity, this reduces the financial consequences of failing to meet sustainability targets.

    Private sector participation is crucial to achieving meaningful progress on sustainability challenges.

    The problem is compounded by the fact that bonds with higher step-up penalties tend to have later target dates. To improve accountability, sustainability-linked bonds should incorporate multiple interim targets throughout the bond’s life so that financial incentives remain in place throughout.

    Many of the bonds also contain call options that allow issuers to minimize or even avoid penalties altogether. Call options allow the issuer to redeem their bonds before sustainability target dates, which can effectively nullify the penalties for failing to meet the targets. 

    Sustainability-linked bonds are five times more likely to be callable than conventional corporate bonds. According to our research, 64.9% of sustainability-linked bonds are callable—meaning issuers can redeem them before maturity—compared to corporate green bonds (23.0%) and corporate non-green bonds (12.0%). 

    This suggests that issuers of sustainability-linked bonds may be more likely to retain the option of early repayment, which could potentially reduce the effectiveness of these bonds in promoting long-term sustainability commitments.

    Moreover, most callable sustainability-linked bonds impose no financial penalty for early redemption even if sustainability targets are unmet, further undermining their credibility.  Applying sizable penalties if bonds are called early can thus significantly strengthen the financial incentives embedded in the bonds.

    Setting more timely sustainability target dates and imposing larger penalties for early redemption would significantly strengthen the bonds as credible and effective financial instruments for promoting sustainable outcomes. 

    Further, financial regulators should mandate the disclosure of sustainability-linked bonds structural features while external reviewers expand their scope to the financial incentives and sustainability targets.  Strengthening the bonds in this manner will strengthen their intended role of mobilizing capital for sustainable impacts. 

    As billions of dollars flow into sustainable investments, investors, regulators, and the public must demand that these tools do more than sound good on paper—they must drive real, measurable progress.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Measles alert for Western Sydney

    Source: Australian Green Party

    NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while in greater western Sydney.
    The individual had recently returned from Vietnam, which is experiencing a large measles outbreak at present. They were not infectious while on their flight.
    People who attended the following location should watch for the development of symptoms:

    Family Doctors Berala (co-located with Berala Pharmacy and 4Cyte Pathology) – 174B Woodburn Road, Berala, on Saturday 18 January from 10am to 11:15am.

    South Western Sydney Local Health District Director of Public Health, Dr Mitchell Smith said while this location poses no ongoing risk, people who visited the above location at that time should monitor for symptoms.
    “Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the head and face, then spreads to the rest of the body,” Dr Smith said.
    “It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after being exposed, so it’s important for people who visited this site at that time to look out for symptoms up until Wednesday 5 February. If you experience symptoms please call ahead before visiting your doctor.”
    “We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Everyone should check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious.“Anyone born after 1965 needs to make sure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel. Measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
    The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective. It’s given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
    Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to 6 months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
    People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
    For more information on measles, view the measles fact sheet
    ​

    MIL OSI News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Measles alert for Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs

    Source: Australian Green Party

    NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in eastern Sydney.
    The source of the infection is unclear and is being further investigated. 
    People who attended the following locations should watch for the development of symptoms. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.
    Sunday 30 March

    The Bagel Co, 475 Old South Head Rd, Rose Bay, from 7:30am to 8:15am
    Easts Basketball League at Waverley College, from 9:10am to 10:30am
    Easts Basketball League at Rose Bay Secondary College, from 2pm to 3:40pm.

    ​Tuesday 1 April

    TerryWhite Chemmart Gaslight Rose Bay, 484 Old South Head Rd, Rose Bay, from 5pm to 5:30pm.

    South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Physician, Dr Anthea Katelaris, said if you visited the above locations at those times you should monitor for symptoms.
    “Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes,” Dr Katelaris said.
    “Symptoms to watch out for include fever, runny nose, sore eyes, and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
    “It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms up until 19 April 2025.
    “It’s important for people to stay vigilant if they’ve been exposed, and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.
    “We want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. This should be a reminder for everyone to check that they are protected against measles, which is highly infectious. 
    “Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.
    “In addition, people at these locations who are immunosuppressed, pregnant, or anyone, including babies, who has not received a measles vaccine may benefit from preventative treatment. People in these groups should speak to their GP urgently or contact their local public health unit on 1300 066 055.”
    The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
    Children under the age of 12 months can have their first dose of MMR up to six months earlier if they are travelling to areas with a high risk for measles. Parents should consult their GP.
    People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
    For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet.
    If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect ​​​on 1800 022 222.
     ​

    MIL OSI News –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: USCGC Frederick Hatch maximizes port call in Majuro, strengthens security interoperability with regional partners

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands — While en route to Honolulu for scheduled drydock maintenance, the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) crew turned an unexpected weather delay into an opportunity to reinforce U.S. security commitment to Allies and Indo-Pacific partners during a port call in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), from March 18 to 22, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Star Alliance: ITA Airways Set to Start Integration into Star Alliance

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    ITA Airways has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its much anticipated entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle.

    Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias stated: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. The decision by our Chief Executive Board underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”

    Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network.”

    ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network, further strengthening the Alliance’s footprint in the European region. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively.

    Leveraging their legacy within the Alliance, Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways through its integration journey into Star Alliance.

    “I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will do our utmost to ensure a smooth and swift integration. ITA Airways’ future membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group.

    Upon completing induction, the Star Alliance network will grow to 26 member airlines, offering over 18,000 daily flights connecting 192 countries.

    About Star Alliance

    Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.

    The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

    Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers 17,500 daily flights to over 1,150 airports in 189 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.

    Star Alliance Press Office:

    +65 8729 6691; mediarelations@staralliance.com

    About ITA Airways

    ITA Airways is the Italian reference carrier. The Company is 59% owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and 41% by Deutsche Lufthansa AG. ITA Airways operates both passenger and cargo air transport services, providing Italy with high-quality connectivity to international destinations, supporting tourism and foreign trade, as well as domestic connectivity within the Country, also leveraging integrated mobility.

    Through strong digitization of processes to ensure the best possible experience and personalized services, ITA Airways places customer service at the core of its strategy. This is combined with a commitment to sustainability, which encompasses environmental aspects (such as a young, technologically advanced fleet to reduce environmental impact), social aspects (a strong focus on its employees and the communities in which it operates), and governance aspects (integrating sustainability into internal strategies and processes).

    For press information:

    Pietro Caldaroni, Chief Communication Officer

    Mail: media@ita-airways.com

    About Lufthansa Group

    Lufthansa Group is a global aviation group with worldwide operations and a total of more than 300 subsidiaries and equity investments. The company’s mission is to connect people, cultures, and economies in a sustainable manner. Furthermore, safety, quality, reliability, and innovation are main priorities. The Lufthansa Group comprises the Passenger Airlines and Aviation Services segments.

    The Italian airline ITA Airways is the newest member of the Lufthansa Group, with the Group having a 41 percent stake in the airline. Now, the network carriers consist of Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways. These airlines offer their customers a premium experience, with high-quality products and services. The multi-hub strategy offers passengers a comprehensive route network along with the greatest possible flexibility for their journey. Eurowings is positioned as a carrier with an exclusive focus on point-to-point traffic on European short- and medium-haul routes. The Passenger Airlines segment also includes the regional airlines Lufthansa CityLine, Lufthansa City Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss Air, Discover Airlines and the equity investment in SunExpress, the joint venture with Turkish Airlines. Since the summer of 2021, Discover Airlines has complemented the Lufthansa Group’s offering in the growing segment of leisure travel.

    Aviation Services comprises the segments Logistics and MRO, as well as additional businesses, which in particular include Lufthansa Aviation Training and Lufthansa Systems.

    The Lufthansa Group is currently investing in its onboard product, with both Lufthansa’s Allegris and SWISS Senses showcasing an entirely new travel experience. Lufthansa’s Allegris can already be experienced on certain long-haul routes. The full revamp will also include lounges, ground processes, individuality, and exclusivity.

    Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines are already members of the Star Alliance.

    For press information:

    Thomas Jachnow, Senior Manager Media Relations

    Deutsche Lufthansa AG

    lufthansa-group@dlh.de

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: AGA new UC guidance will reshape market access and therapeutic competition, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    AGA new UC guidance will reshape market access and therapeutic competition, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has recently released a major update to its clinical guideline for the pharmacological management of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC). The new “living” guideline strongly recommends the early use of biologics and small-molecule therapies following 5-ASA failure, a significant departure from the traditional step-up approach. It marks a turning point in UC treatment strategy, with major implications for market access, prescribing behavior, and therapeutic competition, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    As the first “living” guideline for UC, the AGA will update recommendations semiannually, allowing rapid integration of new evidence and emerging therapies. For pharmaceutical companies, this creates both opportunity and urgency: drugs that demonstrate clear clinical benefit could gain swift recognition, while those without competitive differentiation may be deprioritized in treatment algorithms.

    Sravani Meka, Senior Pharmaceutical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “This guideline places clinical efficacy front and center. It gives clinicians the confidence to initiate treatment with the most effective advanced therapies early in the disease course, rather than cycling through older, less effective options.”

    Ten agents were granted strong recommendations, including AbbVie’s upadacitinib and risankizumab, Pfizer’s etrasimod, J&J’s guselkumab, as well as legacy biologics like infliximab, vedolizumab, and ustekinumab. The guideline also supports biosimilars and the use of subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab for maintenance. Meanwhile, adalimumab was downgraded to a conditional recommendation due to lower comparative efficacy marking a significant shift for one of the most widely used therapies in the past decade.

    GlobalData’s Ulcerative Colitis: Eight-Market Drug Forecast and Market Analysis (March 2023) report projected the UC market across the US, EU5, Japan, and Canada to grow from $7.3 billion in 2021 to $10 billion in 2031, driven by pipeline launches and expanded use of advanced therapies.

    Meka explains: “These forecasts may need to be revised. The AGA’s new recommendations will likely accelerate uptake for newer therapies such as Rinvoq (upadacitinib), Skyrizi (risankizumab), Velsipity (etrasimod), and Tremfya (guselkumab), potentially reshaping commercial trajectories laid out in earlier forecasts.”

    The guideline may also influence payer strategy, particularly in the US, where step therapy policies have long mandated TNF-failure before newer options are covered.

    Meka concludes: “This is the clearest signal, yet that step therapy must evolve. With the AGA now endorsing multiple newer agents as high-efficacy first-line options, payers will face mounting pressure to align coverage decisions with evidence-based care.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: IceMOS Technology Closes $22 Million Series E Investment to Fund Launch of New Power Semiconductor Device Technology mSJMOS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Semiconductor manufacturer, IceMOS Technology Corporation today announced it has completed Series E funding from a London-based investor, 57 Stars LLC , and earlier stage USA investors.

    The company headquartered in Paradise Valley, Arizona, has a manufacturing center of excellence located in Northern Ireland, an advanced research innovation center in Arizona, and a design center in Tokyo, Japan. IceMOS Technology is an industry-leading developer of next generation silicon power devices. These products, called mSJMOSTM, are developed using a novel semiconductor technology based on IceMOS Intellectual Property of which the company holds over 70 patents. The silicon-based mSJMOSTM, exhibits a new phenomenon resulting from the integration of Silicon MEMS manufacturing techniques with mature node CMOS Super-junction Power MOSFET structures resulting in power MOSFETs that deliver dramatic semiconductor energy efficiency.

    The investment, which values IceMOS at a market capitalization of $110 million USD (£85million) post money, will enable IceMOS to increase strategic manufacturing in Northern Ireland, device design capability, applications engineering, marketing and sales worldwide as it starts preparation to launch mSJMOSTM platforms.

    “Our sensing and power technologies are paving the way for more energy-efficient and CO2-saving solutions that support decarbonization,” said Dr. Samuel J. Anderson, MBE, IceMOS Technology Founder and Chairman. “Products based on this advanced technology represents a new class of semiconductors, essential to serve the efficiency demands of the massively complex market segments like artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), big data, renewables wind and solar, electric vehicles and aerospace applications. The merging of mSJMOSTM structures and MEMS manufacturing techniques presents a revolutionary silicon-based technology that can compete with wideband gap devices at 650 Volts, 750Volts, 900Volts, and 1200Volts.”

    IceMOS will be expanding its global workforce to more than 100 employees on post funding. IceMOS is pleased to announce that Niall Lyne has accepted the position of IceMOS Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Global Sales. Niall an Industry veteran held numerous positions with Analog Device, Inc., Intersil and more recently Renesas Electronics. In this position, he will be responsible for optimizing company objectives, operations, and revenue growth.

    The new Investors in the IceMOS Series E attended the Northern Ireland Investment Summit in September 2023 which was a collaboration by the Department for Business and Trade, the Northern Ireland Office, and Invest Northern Ireland, which hosted around 200 investors from across the world to visit Belfast with the aim of turbocharging inward investment into all corners of Northern Ireland.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said: “Northern Ireland’s track record of delivering innovation, its supportive business environment, competitive operating costs and the creative ingenuity of its people make it an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes to start up and scale up. Northern Ireland has huge potential for significant economic growth, so it’s great to see IceMOS secure this funding as a result of the Northern Ireland Investment Summit, leading to investment and job creation.”

    Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, added: “IceMOS Technology’s multi-million funding success showcases the North’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and engineering. This investment highlights the confidence global investors have in the North and aligns with my vision to drive innovation, productivity, and technological advancement. The 2023 Investment Summit played a key role in showcasing the opportunities here and it’s encouraging to see significant outcomes like this. I look forward to seeing IceMOS continue to push the boundaries of semiconductor technology, creating high-value jobs in West Belfast and pioneering solutions in sectors from AI to renewable energy.”

    Bernard McGuire, Managing Director of 57 Stars LLC: “IceMOS’ new architecture for silicon semiconductors represents break-through technology for power management systems in high-growth sectors such as electric vehicles and data centers,” said Bernard McGuire, Managing Director of 57 Stars. “The hiring of industry veteran Niall Lyne both validates the strength and potential of its innovative products and enhances the management team to start scaling the business.” 57 Stars is the largest investor in this round of financing, having committed $7.5 million dollars. McGuire further commented: “Given the company sits squarely in our sustainability and technology focus sectors, 57 Stars invested in IceMOS out of multiple private equity funds we manage and are thrilled to be partnering with and supporting the Company at this pivotal moment for its growth and development.” 57 Stars was supported by EY on financial and tax due diligence, Tughans LLP and Purrington Moody Weil LLP on legal advisory, and SLR Consulting on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) due diligence assessment.

    Hugh Griffin, Chief Sales Officer (Eng Sub & Sensor Products) & Chief Strategy Officer, IceMOS Technology: “Building on our 2024 ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ award, this investment will further strengthen our manufacturing excellence in Belfast, expand our global workforce, and deepen our export footprint—already serving hundreds of customers worldwide. As a leader in advanced semiconductor exports, we are poised to diversify markets, enhance R&D, and deliver cutting-edge solutions that solidify the UK’s position as a hub for high-tech innovation. Together with our investors and partners, we’re not just scaling operations; we’re powering a sustainable future.”

    About IceMOS Technology
    IceMOS is an equity-financed private Delaware semiconductor corporation and manufacturer of a new class of Silicon MEMS based Power MOSFETs and Sensing Device technology that serves wide-ranging applications anywhere that power efficiency and sensing matters. The company has a manufacturing center of excellence located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, an advanced research innovation center in Arizona, and a design center in Tokyo, Japan.

    Company and Media Contact:
    Brenda Monaghan
    Investor Relations
    IceMOS Technology
    Email: brendamonaghan@icemostech.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c918f39-bf4f-4b25-989a-7aade69e17eb

    The MIL Network –

    April 2, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Gaza: Critical medical supplies running out one month into deadly siege imposed by Israeli authorities – MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Shortage of medication is forcing MSF teams to dress wounds with no pain relief and ration essential medicines. Israeli authorities must end collective punishment of people in Gaza.

    Jerusalem, 2nd April – A month-long siege imposed by Israeli authorities in Gaza, Palestine, means some critical medications are now short in supply and are running out, leaving Palestinians at risk of losing vital healthcare, warns Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). As Israeli forces continue to bomb the Gaza Strip, depriving people of basic needs, including food, water, and medicines may lead to a high number of health complications and deaths. MSF calls on Israeli authorities to immediately cease the collective punishment of Palestinians, end their inhumane siege of Gaza, and to uphold their responsibilities as an occupying power to facilitate humanitarian aid at scale.

    For over a month, no aid or commercial trucks have entered Gaza, marking the longest period since the start of the war without any trucks entering the Strip and on 2 March, Israeli authorities imposed a complete siege of Gaza. On 9 March they cut the electricity, needed to power water desalination plants. This total blockade of aid and electricity has deprived people of most basic services, amounting to collective punishment.

    “The Israeli authorities’ have condemned the people of Gaza to unbearable suffering with their deadly siege,” says Myriam Laaroussi, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. “This deliberate infliction of harm on people is like a slow death; it must end immediately.”

    The siege has forced MSF teams have already to start rationing medications such as pain killers, providing less effective treatment or turning patients away. Teams are also running out of surgical supplies such as anaesthetics, paediatric antibiotics and medicines for chronic conditions like epilepsy, hypertension and diabetes. As a result of rationing, our teams in some primary health care clinics conduct wound dressings for injured people without providing them with any pain relief.

    In addition, MSF teams are no longer able to donate blood bag donations to Nasser hospital due to a lack of stock, while the influxes of patients war-wounded by relentless Israeli force’s relentless continue.

    The lack of soap and clean water for people means in primary health care clinics across the Strip, our teams are seeing an increase of people with skin conditions. In February, MSF teams treated 565 cases of skin conditions at the Al Hekker clinic in Deir Al Balah and 1,198 cases at the Al Attar clinic in Khan Younis. Just in two weeks in March, the number of cases at Al Hekker had already reached 437—nearly 80 percent of February’s total—while at Al Attar, 711 cases had been treated, almost 60 percent oof the number seen in February.

    The blockade has left MSF teams are unable to provide medication to treat skin conditions, just small amounts of lotion to alleviate the pain. Skin conditions like scabies require treatment for the entire family to prevent spread and reinfection, but without medications, and clean water this is impossible.

    For people with non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, the consequences of the lack of treatment may lead to severe complications, such as permanent disabilities and in some cases even death. Since the blockade, we have only been able to give patients medication to cover their needs for seven to 10 days.

    “I don’t have any blood pressure medication left. My son searched for two days and couldn’t find any,” explains Sobheya Al-Beshiti, a patient of the MSF clinic in Attar, Khan Younis. “What can I do? Stay without treatment? If I don’t take my blood thinner, my nose starts bleeding, and I start coughing blood.”

    During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and Eid, patients in MSF clinics are reporting weight loss and lack of access to proper food.

    “Right now, my blood levels are low, and my weight is also low. There aren’t enough food supplies to help me gain weight or increase my blood levels,” explains pregnant mother in an MSF clinic in Mawasi, Khan Younis. “The rising prices are a huge problem in the city: people simply cannot afford to buy necessities because of how expensive everything is.”

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    April 2, 2025
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