NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE-supported Organic Expo 2024 fosters sustainable agriculture in Central Asia

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE-supported Organic Expo 2024 fosters sustainable agriculture in Central Asia

    Ambassador Alexey Rogov, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bihskek speaks at the Organic Expo 2024. (OSCE) Photo details

    20 – 22 September, Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek hosts the Organic Expo 2024 – a significant milestone in Central Asia’s agricultural development. This regional event aimed to promote sustainable practices, organic farming, and preservation of biodiversity in mountainous areas.
    The Organic Expo brought together over 200 farmers, entrepreneurs, government officials along with 50 experts and speakers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, Russia, and Germany to take active part in a diverse agenda encompassing organic agriculture, ecology, climate change, and sustainable development.
    To enhance regional organic agriculture and strengthen co-operation among Central Asian countries a practical three-day Regional Forum was conducted as a side event to the Expo. Keynote speakers underscored that organic farming is crucial for food security, boosting export potential, and combating climate change.
    Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, Ambassador Alexey Rogov stated, “This forum is a vital step toward promoting organic agriculture as the backbone of a sustainable economy in Central Asia.”
    Organic Expo 2024, supported by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan, the Secretariat of the Special Representative of the President for the Implementation of the Five-Year Programme for Mountain Region Development, and international organizations, contributed to the exchange of agricultural practices in the region. The Expo fostered a unified approach to achieving sustainable development goals by promoting innovative, eco-friendly farming methods and strengthening collaboration across the region.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Electric car sales have slumped. Misinformation is one of the reasons

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Analytics & Resilience, UNSW Sydney

    Karolis Kavolelis/Shutterstock

    Battery electric vehicle sales in Australia have flattened in recent months. The latest data reveal a sharp 27.2% year-on-year decline (overall new vehicle sales were down 9.7%) in September. Tesla Model Y and Model 3 cars had an even steeper drop of nearly 50%.

    Sales also fell in August (by 18.5%) and July (1.5%). There’s a clear downward trend.

    Before this downturn, electric vehicle sales had been rising steadily, supported by increased choices and government incentives. In early 2024, year-to-date sales continued to grow compared to the same period in 2023. Then, in April, electric vehicle sales fell for the first time in more than two years.

    Australia isn’t simply mirroring a broader global trend. It’s true sales have slowed in parts of Europe and the United States — often due to reduced incentives. But strong sales growth continues in other regions, such as China and India.

    A range of factors or combinations of them could help explain the trend in Australia. These include governments axing incentives, concerns about safety and depreciation, and misinformation.

    Governments are cutting incentives

    Electric vehicles typically cost more upfront. However, the flood of cheaper Chinese vehicles is lowering the cost barrier.

    Federal, state and territory governments also provide financial incentives to buy electric vehicles. These have been among the main drivers of sales in Australia.

    Nationally, incentives include a higher luxury car tax threshold and exemptions from fringe benefits tax and customs duty. But several states and territories have scaled back their rebate programs and tax exemptions in 2023 and 2024.

    New South Wales and South Australia ended their $3,000 rebates on January 1 this year. At the same time, NSW ended a stamp duty refund for new and used zero-emission vehicles up to a value of $78,000. Both incentives had been offered since 2021.

    Victoria ended its $3,000 rebate, also launched in 2021, in mid-2023.

    In the ACT, the incentive of two years’ free registration closed on June 30 2024.

    Queensland’s $6,000 electric vehicle rebate ended in September.

    The market clearly responded to these changes. However, reduced financial incentives alone cannot explain the full picture. Despite several rounds of price cuts, sales of popular Tesla models are falling.

    Buyers are increasingly opting for hybrid vehicles instead. In September, sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles were up by 34.4% and 89.9%, respectively.

    These sales trends reflect other consumer concerns beyond just the upfront cost.

    Resale value worries buyers

    One major issue for car buyers in Australia, and globally, is uncertainty about their resale value. Consumers are concerned electric vehicles depreciate faster than traditional cars.

    These concerns are particularly tied to battery degradation, which affects a car’s range and performance over time. And batteries account for much of the vehicle’s total cost. Potential buyers worry about the long-term value of a used electric vehicle with an ageing battery.

    For example, a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus with nearly 85,000km currently lists for about $34,000. It has lost roughly half its value in just three years.

    While Tesla offers transferable four-year warranties and software updates, the rapid evolution of EV technology also makes older second-hand models less desirable, further reducing their value.

    Fires raise fears about safety

    Electric vehicle fires have made headlines globally. This has created doubts among consumers about the risks of owning them.

    In Korea, a high-profile battery fire in August 2024 led to a ban on certain electric vehicles from underground car parks. While similar bans are not common in Australia, some have been reported. These could have harmed local consumer confidence.

    Incidents of electric vehicle fires have increased along with vehicle numbers. Statistically, these vehicles are not more prone to fires than conventional cars – in fact, the risk is clearly lower.

    For example, analysis of publicly available statistics from South Korean government agencies, one of the early adopters of electric vehicles, show the number of fires per registered electric vehicle is steadily increasing. Fire risk remains lower than for traditional vehicles, although the gap is shrinking as the electric vehicle fleet ages. And the highly publicised nature of their fires is a source of growing buyer hesitancy.

    Electric vehicle fires in Korea are increasing with EV numbers, but the rate is still less than for petrol or diesel cars.
    Author provided using data from South Korean government agencies, CC BY

    Misinformation and politicisation are rampant

    The full environmental benefits of electric vehicles depend on widespread adoption. However, there is a wide gap between early adopters’ experiences and potential buyers’ perceptions.

    Persistent misconceptions include exaggerated concerns about battery life, charging infrastructure and safety. Myths and misinformation often fuel these concerns. Traditional vehicle and oil companies actively spread misinformation in campaigns much like those used against other green energy initiatives.

    In response, coalitions such as Electric Vehicles UK have formed to combat these false narratives and promote accurate information.

    The politicisation of green initiatives adds to the challenge. When electric vehicles become associated with a specific political ideology, it can alienate large parts of the population. Adoption then becomes slower and more divisive.

    Green transition is a work in progress

    The electric vehicle market in Australia is facing challenges, despite the growing variety of models and price cuts.

    The EV sales trend signals deeper issues in the market. Broader trends, such as the dominance of SUVs and utes, underscore the fact that while the transition to greener vehicles is progressing, it remains uneven.

    Further efforts will be needed to reduce misconceptions and misinformation, and bridge the gap between owners’ experience and potential buyers’ perceptions. Only then can Australia enjoy the environmental benefits of widespread EV adoption.

    Hadi Ghaderi receives funding from the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre, Transport for New South Wales, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, IVECO Trucks Australia limited, Victoria Department of Education and Training, Australia Post, Bondi Laboratories, Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre, Sphere for Good, Australian Meat Processor Corporation,City of Casey, 460degrees and Passel.

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

    – ref. Electric car sales have slumped. Misinformation is one of the reasons – https://theconversation.com/electric-car-sales-have-slumped-misinformation-is-one-of-the-reasons-240545

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Paper highlights significant burden of healthcare-associated infections in public hospitals

    Source: Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission

    Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in public hospitals are estimated to have cost the health care system $955 million in 2021 and to have caused more disability than road traffic crashes.
    These infections can have a significant impact on patients and their whānau, causing longer hospital stays, delaying return to work or normal activities and, in severe cases, can lead to death. There are also additional costs for primary and community-based care, such as follow up GP visits and rehabilitation.
    A paper produced by Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission on the annual economic burden of HAIs in terms of cost, deaths and disability has now been published in the Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology journal.
    It highlights this national burden and will inform a strategy to reduce HAIs across Aotearoa New Zealand.
    Clinical lead of the surgical site infection improvement programme at Te Tāhū Hauora and clinical microbiologist, Dr Arthur Morris, says that understanding the burden infections have on the health care system is an important step toward making positive change.
    Dr Morris says, ‘Our data from 2021 shows that the burden of infections on the health care system is high. However, there are already quality improvement activities underway in districts to reduce them happening.
    ‘One example is the Surgical Site Infection Improvement Programme, which has achieved and sustained 20 and 25 percent reductions in infections following orthopaedic and cardiac surgery respectively.
    ‘Our goal is to identify which of those activities will have the biggest impact and then roll them out on a national level.’
    Dr Morris says our rate of healthcare-associated infections is not unusual internationally.
    ‘It’s difficult to compare the rate of healthcare-associated infections in New Zealand with those of other countries because there are differences in the surveillance methods.
    ‘However, reviewing other countries using similar methodology showed the prevalence of these infections in adult patients in New Zealand was comparable to Europe, Wales and Switzerland and less than that of Australia and Singapore.’
    Te Tāhū Hauora is working with the health care sector to identify the priorities for improving infection prevention and control practices to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
    Background
    Te Tāhū Hauora, in partnership with district health boards, carried out Aotearoa New Zealand’s first national point prevalence survey (PPS) of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in public hospitals in 2021.
    A report was published by Te Tāhū Hauora in 2022 and the findings were published in Journal of Hospital Infection in 2023.
    The data from the national point prevalence survey has now been used to calculate the annual economic burden of HAIs in terms of cost, deaths and disability. These findings are detailed in the paper published in the Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology journal, ‘The burden of healthcare-associated infections in New Zealand public hospitals 2021’.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Barnwell, Lexington Counties

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Barnwell, Lexington Counties

    Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Barnwell, Lexington Counties

    Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Barnwell and Lexington counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. These locations join the center previously opened in Greenville County. 

    Center location: Barnwell County 
    Barnwell Regional Airport
    155 State Road S-6-398
    Barnwell, S.C. 29812 

    Hours of Operation: Open Oct. 13–15 from 8 a.m.–7 p.m.  

    Center location: Lexington County 
    Batesburg-Leesville Fire Station 
    537 W. Church St.  
    Batesburg, SC 29006 

    Hours of Operation: Open Oct. 13–16 from 8 a.m.–7 p.m.   

    Center location: Greenville County 
    Freetown Community Center 
    200 Alice Ave. 
    Greenville, SC 29611 

    Hours of Operation: Open daily from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. 

    Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will open soon in other affected areas. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. To find other center locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. 

    Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and tribal members of the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

    The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.  

    FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

    kwei.nwaogu

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Premier Li urges Chinese, Vietnamese entrepreneurs to boost cooperation

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

    HANOI, Oct. 13 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday it is hoped that Chinese and Vietnamese entrepreneurs actively follow the general trend, better seize opportunities and further strengthen cooperation for greater development of their own businesses and contribute to the common development of the two countries.

    He made the remarks when addressing a symposium gathering representatives of Chinese and Vietnamese entrepreneurs. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also attended the symposium.

    Li noted that in recent years, with both sides’ joint efforts, China-Vietnam relations have developed steadily, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results.

    China and Vietnam are traditional socialist friendly neighbors, and their respective development is an important opportunity for each other, he said, adding that economic and trade cooperation has always been a highlight of China-Vietnam cooperation and an important source of driving force for advancing bilateral ties.

    Looking ahead, Li said, there is still more space for expansion and greater potential to be tapped in the further alignment of the development strategies of the two countries, stronger connectivity, the release of complementary advantages, as well as economic and trade cooperation.

    The two countries share the same social system, strong political mutual trust, geographical proximity and affinity among their people, and enjoy a profound friendship of “comrades and brothers,” which has laid a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation.

    The Chinese premier called on the entrepreneurs to more actively engage in national development strategies, and make full use of multilateral and bilateral economic and trade cooperation agreements and policy dividends such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.

    Li proposed that the entrepreneurs should jointly promote the integrated development of industries, deepen mutual integration of supply and demand, and build stable and smooth cross-border industrial and supply chains.

    He also urged the two countries’ entrepreneurs to pool innovation and creativity, and strengthen the whole-chain innovation cooperation between industry, academia, research and utilization, with a particular focus on clean energy, biomedicine and artificial intelligence, so as to jointly foster and strengthen new driving forces for the development of the two countries.

    Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that under the guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, Vietnam and China have deepened and solidified bilateral relations, bringing the ties into a new era of building a community with a shared future for Vietnam and China.

    Noting that China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner, and Vietnam is China’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, he said economic and trade cooperation has become a highlight and an important pillar of the friendly relations between the two countries.

    Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam is willing to work with China in the spirit of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, further give play to complementary advantages, fully tap potential, improve the level of corporate cooperation, promote cooperation on finance, technology, investment, transportation infrastructure, digital economy, green economy, and production and supply chain connectivity, and strengthen coordination within the framework of regional economic integration.

    “The Vietnamese government will continue to provide a sound business environment for enterprises and welcome Chinese enterprises to continue to expand their investment in Vietnam,” he said.

    The Vietnamese head of government also expressed the hope that enterprises from the two countries will jointly deepen practical cooperation, and boost the growth of bilateral relations and the respective development processes of Vietnam and China.

    Representatives of participating enterprises said that the strategic guidance of the two countries’ top leaders has injected strong impetus into China-Vietnam economic and trade cooperation.

    They said the Belt and Road initiative is highly compatible with the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, and the business communities of the two countries are optimistic about the development prospects in each other’s markets and have firm confidence in deepening cooperation.

    They expressed the willingness to seize opportunities to further promote cooperation on finance, transportation infrastructure construction, digital economy, green energy, communications and logistics.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Kamala Harris dips in key states, making US election contest a toss-up

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 49.3–46.5, a slight gain for Trump since last Monday, when Harris led by 49.3–46.2.

    Joe Biden’s final position before his withdrawal as Democratic candidate on July 21 was a national poll deficit against Trump of 45.2–41.2.

    The US president isn’t elected by the national popular vote, but by the Electoral College, in which each state receives electoral votes equal to its federal House seats (population based) and senators (always two). Almost all states award their electoral votes as winner-takes-all, and it takes 270 electoral votes to win (out of 538 total).

    Relative to the national popular vote, the Electoral College is biased to Trump, with Harris needing at least a two-point popular vote win to be the Electoral College favourite in Silver’s model.

    Last Monday, Harris led by one to two points in Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes), Michigan (15), Wisconsin (ten) and Nevada (six). In the last week, Trump has gained in all these states in Silver’s aggregates, reducing Harris’ lead to about one point in these states.

    If Harris wins these four states, she probably wins the Electoral College by at least a 276–262 margin. Trump leads by less than one point in Georgia and North Carolina, which both have 16 electoral votes.

    While Harris is still barely ahead in the Electoral College, her margins have been reduced in the states where she’s leading. As a result, Silver’s model now gives Harris a 52% chance to win the Electoral College, down from 56% last Monday.

    This means the presidential election is effectively a 50–50 toss-up. There’s a 23% chance that Harris wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College. The FiveThirtyEight model
    is giving similar results to Silver’s model, with Harris a 53% favourite.

    There’s still over three weeks until the election, and polls could change in that time. The polls could also be biased against either Trump or Harris, and in this case that candidate could win easily. With the polls across the swing states so close, either candidate could sweep all these states.

    I wrote about the US election for The Poll Bludger last Thursday, and also covered the UK Conservative leadership election, the far-right winning the most seats at the September 29 Austrian election and Japan’s October 27 election.

    Favourability ratings and economic data

    Harris’ net favourability peaked about two weeks ago at +1.4 in the FiveThirtyEight national poll aggregate, but it has now dropped back to net zero, with 46.8% favourable and 46.8% unfavourable. Harris’ net favourability had surged from about -16 after becoming the Democratic nominee, and she gained further ground after the September 10 debate with Trump.

    Trump’s net favourability has been steady in the last two months, and he’s now at -9.4, with 52.6% unfavourable and 43.2% favourable. Harris’ running mate Tim Walz is at +4.2 net favourable and Trump’s running mate JD Vance is at -9.6 net favourable. Biden’s net approval remains poor at -14.0.

    US headline inflation rose 0.2% in September, the same increase as in August. In the 12 months to September, inflation was up 2.4%, the smallest increase since 2021. Core inflation increased 0.3% in September, the same as in August, and is up 3.3% in the 12 months to September.

    Real (inflation-adjusted) hourly earnings were up 0.2% in September after a 0.3% increase in August, while real weekly earnings slid 0.1% after a 0.6% increase in August owing to changes in hours worked. In the 12 months to September, real hourly earnings were up 1.5% and weekly earnings up 0.9%.

    Congressional elections

    I wrote about the elections for the House of Representatives and Senate that will be held concurrently with the presidential election three weeks ago. The House has 435 single-member seats that are apportioned to states on a population basis, while there are two senators for each of the 50 states.

    The House only has a two-year term, so the last House election was at the 2022 midterm elections, when Republicans won the House by 222–213 over Democrats. The FiveThirtyEight aggregate of polls of the national House race gives Democrats a 47.1–45.9 lead over Republicans, a gain for Republican from a 46.7–44.5 Democratic lead three weeks ago.

    Senators have six-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years. Democrats and aligned independents currently have a 51–49 Senate majority, but they are defending 23 of the 33 regular seats up, including seats in three states Trump won easily in both 2016 and 2020: West Virginia, Montana and Ohio.

    West Virginia is a certain Republican gain after the retirement of former Democratic (now independent) Senator Joe Manchin at this election. Republicans have taken a 5.4-point lead in Montana in the FiveThirtyEight poll aggregate, while Democrats are just 2.3 points ahead in Ohio.

    Republicans are being challenged by independent Dan Osborn in Nebraska, and he trails Republican Deb Fischer by just 1.5 points. Democrats did not contest to avoid splitting the vote. In other Senate contests, the incumbent party is at least four points ahead.

    If Republicans gain West Virginia and Montana, but lose Nebraska to Osborn, and no other seats change hands, Republicans would have a 50–49 lead in the Senate. If Harris wins the presidency, Osborn would be the decisive vote as a Senate tie can be broken by the vice president, who would be Walz. This is the rosiest plausible scenario for Democrats.

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

    – ref. Kamala Harris dips in key states, making US election contest a toss-up – https://theconversation.com/kamala-harris-dips-in-key-states-making-us-election-contest-a-toss-up-241216

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Nexif Ratch Energy Secures Financial Close for Its 145MWp Bacolod Solar Power Project in the Philippines

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    METRO MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nexif Ratch Energy, a leading independent power producer focused on renewable energy solutions, is thrilled to announce the financial close of its 145MWp Bacolod Solar Power Project, its second solar power project in the Philippines.

    The Bacolod Solar Power Project, developed by Negros PH Solar Inc, is located across Bacolod City and Bago City in the Negros Occidental province. It is a 145 MWp ground-mounted solar photovoltaic project that will connect to NGCP’s Bacolod Substation and can potentially power to up to 52,600 households. Majority of its output will be sold through a 10-year Power Supply Agreement to a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, with the remainder to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.

    The project investment of more than US$100m is funded by equity from Nexif Ratch Energy and project finance facilities from Security Bank Corporation and Philippine National Bank on a limited recourse basis, with SB Capital Investment Corporation acting as the Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner and PNB Capital and Investment Corporation acting as Arranger.

    Construction is set to begin in October 2024, with the goal of achieving commercial operations by Q4 2025. Focus is now on an expansion on the existing site, through increased solar PV capacity of up to 20 MW and a Battery Energy Storage System.

    Beyond its Calabanga and Bacolod solar projects, Nexif Ratch Energy is developing wind energy projects including the San Miguel Bay Project, a nearshore wind project with a capacity of up to 500 MW and the Lucena Project, an offshore wind project with a capacity of up to 475 MW.

    Mr Surender Singh, Chairman of Nexif Ratch Energy, said “The successful financial close of our 145MWp Bacolod Solar Farm highlights the exceptional collaboration with our partners and the dedication of our local development team. We are excited to bring this project into construction. This Financial Close, in quick succession to start of commercial operations of Calabanga Solar project and rapid progress that more than 900 MW of the wind projects, showcase our commitment to Philippine renewable energy.”

    Mr. Sakarin Tangkavachiranon, Director of Nexif Ratch Energy, added: “Reaching financial close for the 145 MWp NPSI solar project is a key milestone in our growth in the Philippines. This achievement, along with the start of commercial operations for our CARE solar project, lays a strong foundation for accelerating the development of our offshore wind projects in the country.”

    For more information, please visit http://www.nexifratch.com.

    About Nexif Ratch Energy:

    Nexif Ratch Energy is a renewable energy company that originates, acquires, develops, constructs, and operates power projects in the Asia Pacific region. Headquartered in Singapore with regional offices across Southeast Asia, the Company has a 298 MW portfolio of operating and under construction hydro, solar and wind assets and a development pipeline of wind, solar, and energy storage projects totaling 3.5 GW.

    Nexif Ratch Energy is owned 51% by Nexif Energy (Singapore) and 49% by RATCH Group (Thailand).

    Media Contact:
    Chariya Poopisit
    Nexif Ratch Energy
    Communications@nexifratch.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: North Coast small business lights up Paris and the Premier’s NSW Export Awards

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 12 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Industry and Trade

    A small business from the state’s mid north coast which helped light up the Paris Olympics has been named NSW Exporter of the Year at the Premier’s NSW Export Awards.

    Bellingen business Planet Lighting supplied 1,600 red and amber LED lights for ramps and pathways around the Olympic Village as part of an interactive installation that’s now a permanent fixture in the French capital.

    Planet Lighting is a small business success story – they’ve been manufacturing lights since the 1930s.

    They are one of the leading Australian suppliers of medical and surgical lights and export their custom-built products throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas.

    With a team of 50 employees, Planet Lighting meticulously designed and manufactured the light fixtures, partnering with local suppliers and international distributors to bring its LED display to the global stage.

    Planet Lighting was among 17 other NSW businesses from a diverse range of industries including agribusiness, manufacturing, creative arts and advanced technologies honoured last night at a gala ceremony at Sydney Town Hall.

    Now in its 62nd year, the Premier’s NSW Export Awards celebrate the success and resilience of NSW exporters, whose export of goods and services is worth $150 billion annually to NSW.

    Winners were announced across five state categories and 13 national categories. The national category winners will now progress as finalists for the Australian Export Awards, to be held in Canberra next month.

    For a full list of NSW award winners visit the Export Council of Australia.

    Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

    “Exports not only benefit individual businesses, they are a critical part of our economy, with trade supporting one in five Australian jobs.

    “The NSW Government is proud to support our wonderful exporting community. Accessing overseas markets can be a game-changer for NSW businesses looking to accelerate their growth, and this year’s award winners are doing exactly that – capitalising on the incredible opportunities that come through exporting.

    “A big congratulations to Planet Lighting and all our other NSW Export Award winners who are shining bright overseas and showcasing the best of what NSW has to offer the world.”

    Planet Lighting Managing Director Mia Iggulden said: 

    “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised amongst a strong field of NSW exporters.

    “Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do at Planet Lighting. Our partnerships with local suppliers and dedicated overseas distributors have been instrumental in our journey, allowing us to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies and create new local jobs. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of lighting design, all while supporting the community we call home.”

    Chair of the Export Council of Australia Dianne Tipping said:

    “There was strong interest in this year’s awards with nominations from more than 200 NSW exporters.

    “Through the awards, we have celebrated exporters who have by hard work and resilience succeeded in global markets, whilst inspiring others to grow their own businesses by going global. They are taking NSW innovation onto the world stage, supporting jobs and economic growth for all.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rangoli patterns, monkeys, tigers and birds light up the Town Hall

    Source: Auckland Council

    The Auckland Town Hall will turn into temples and a forest of flowers with tigers, deer and elephants roaming the walls in a spectacular 3D light projection show coming to the city centre for BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival.

    The festival is bringing exciting new celebrations to the city centre this October.

    Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the renewal of life. In celebration of this time-honoured festival, the Auckland Town Hall will transform into a dramatic visual narrative of Diwali light and sound.

    After sunset from Monday 14 October through to Wednesday 23 October Aucklanders and visitors will see 3D projections of symbolic Diwali storytelling shining on the historic building in traditional Diwali colours of fuchsia pink, yellow and orange.

    Nick Hill Chief Executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited explains how important it is to honour the rich tradition of Diwali in our city.

    “This festival gives us an opportunity to thank our Indian Aucklanders who bring the vitality and creativity of this joyous celebration to the city centre and throughout their communities across the region every year.

    “As part of the Auckland Council group, our team at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is committed to supporting the cultural vibrancy and prosperity of Tāmaki Makaurau including hosting major events and cultural experiences. We are thrilled to have celebrated Diwali in Auckland for more than two decades,” he says.

    Duane Wichman-Evans, festival director for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, walks us through the show’s storyboard.

    “As the sun rises in the narrative, we see the Town Hall stencil start to appear. We see images of the Hindu Gods appearing in windows. The pillars start to move and we see deer. A monkey then moves along the side of the building, transforming into four monkeys who climb the tower.

    “The deer walk around the building, stopping to look out to the crowd. Bows shoot arrows at the tower which bursts into fireworks. As the monkey climbs down, the Town Hall is rebuilt into the temple in Ayodhya.

    “Rangoli designs appear and dissolve into flowers becoming the valley of flowers. The flowers are blown away with the wind revealing the temple again with the iconic shape and silhouette of Tamil Nadu scenes. The sun rises and reveals the Sundarbans mangrove forest, with birds flying in the sky. 

    “A herd of Indian elephants arrives in the forest. They walk behind the pillars and through the jungle before the jungle falls away and the rangoli designs return,” Duane Wichman-Evans says.

    Don’t miss the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival taking place during the weekend of 19 and 20 October in and around Aotea Square. Since its inception in 2002 the festival has been a vibrant showcase of traditional and contemporary music and dance with stalls offering delicious Indian delicacies and crafts.

    This 3D light projection for the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival is presented by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate. 

    For all dates, times and venues visit http://www.aucklandnz.com/diwali 

    Photos by Bryan Lowe, Auckland Council.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China ready to strengthen alignment of development strategies with Vietnam

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China stands ready to strengthen alignment of development strategies with Vietnam, carrying out the plan of synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with Vietnam’s Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Hanoi on Sunday.

    China and Vietnam both are developing countries standing at a critical stage in their modernization efforts, Li said when holding talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, adding China firmly supports Vietnam in pursuing a path of socialism that suits its national conditions.

    Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to continuously improving and upgrading cooperation across various sectors with the Southeast Asian nation.

    China is ready to deepen cooperation with Vietnam in areas such as connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, healthcare, and disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as expand collaboration in local currency settlement and emerging industries, including the digital economy and green development, Li said.

    In August, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, held talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, drawing a blueprint for and injecting fresh vigor into the development of China-Vietnam relations, Li said.

    China is willing to work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and two countries, maintain high-level communication, and continuously build mutual trust, Li said.

    The Chinese premier also called on upholding the original aspiration of good-neighborliness and friendship, reinforcing confidence in the two countries’ respective paths and systems, strengthening solidarity and cooperation, expanding comprehensive strategic cooperation and deepening the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

    Li urged the two countries to take the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, both taking place next year, to further deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, especially the younger generations, and carry forward the cause of China-Vietnam friendship.

    Li urged both sides to stick to the principle of friendly consultation, properly handle differences and expand maritime cooperation.

    China stands ready to work with Vietnam to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Vietnam at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and APEC, strive for more just and rational global governance, safeguard the interests of developing countries, and play a leading role in the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Pham, for his part, said Vietnam and China enjoy a close relationship of comrades and brothers, and that their traditional friendship grows ever stronger.

    Developing relations with China is a top priority and a strategic choice for the party and the government of Vietnam, Pham said, noting China is the only country that encompasses all of Vietnam’s foreign policy priorities.

    Vietnam abides by the one-China principle, supports China’s development and growth, as well as the series of global initiatives put forward by President Xi, Pham said. He thanked China for its long-term support and assistance to his country.

    Next year marks the 75th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations, Pham noted, saying that guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of both parties and countries, Vietnam stands ready to strengthen high-level exchanges and enhance synergy of development strategies with China.

    He also pledged to advance cooperation with China in finance, investment, agriculture and science and technology, accelerate connectivity in transportation infrastructure, explore new models such as cross-border economic cooperation zones, expand collaboration in emerging sectors like the digital economy and green development, as well as strengthen exchanges in education, tourism, and youth exchanges.

    Vietnam is also willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with China to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, Pham said.

    He called on both countries to implement the high-level consensus of the two parties and two countries, properly manage differences through friendly consultation, and jointly safeguard maritime peace and stability.

    Following the talks, Li and Pham witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents in various fields, including connectivity, agricultural products, customs, finance, human resources, media, and education.

    During Li’s official visit to Vietnam, the two countries are also expected to issue a joint statement.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK forces ordered to get ready to open fire: KCNA

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The armed forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) received order to get ready to open fire, state media said on Sunday, amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula following DPRK accusation of South Korea for recent drone incursion into its airspace.

    A Sunday statement by the DPRK Ministry of National Defence said that “the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army issued a preliminary operation order on October 12th to the combined artillery units along the (southern) border and the units taking on an important firepower task to get fully ready to open fire,” according to a report by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Central gov’t congratulates newly elected Macao chief executive designate

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office congratulated Sam Hou Fai on being elected by an overwhelming majority as the sixth-term chief executive designate of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Sunday.
    The successfully concluded election is “significant” for implementing the principle of “patriots administering Macao” and advancing the successful practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics, the office said in an article posted on its website.
    Taking place ahead of the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, the election fully reflected the Macao society’s wholehearted support for the “one country, two systems” principle and its strong confidence in the development path of the Macao SAR over the past 25 years, the article said.
    It has also demonstrated the Macao society’s widespread recognition of Sam and high expectations for Macao to achieve further development under the leadership of the new chief executive, it added.
    The article noted that Sam had received broad public support for his deep affection and sense of responsibility toward Macao and the country, willingness to collaborate with various social groups and sectors, and commitment to promoting socio-economic development and improving the well-being of Macao residents.
    Sam, who previously served as president of Macao’s Court of Final Appeal, has handled a number of major cases and effectively safeguarded national security and the constitutional order of the Macao SAR, the article said.
    The Macao society has confidence in Sam to safeguard both the overall interests of the country and the fundamental interests of Macao, and ensure the steady and sustained practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics, it added.
    The article also said Sam demonstrates his capability of adapting to changes and seeking transformation, and the will to seize opportunities and pursue reform.
    The new chief executive designate is expected to unite and lead the Macao society to create a better future and make greater contributions to building China into a stronger country and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, the office said in the article.
    Sam, who announced his candidacy on Aug. 28, won the election on Sunday with 394 votes in favor out of 398 valid ballots.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New York ETO and Chocolate Rain crossover to promote Hong Kong-United States cultural exchange (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), proudly hosted the “Hong Kong Meets America – Pop Art Exhibition” at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on October 11 to 13 (New Jersey time). This vibrant event successfully promoted cultural exchange between Hong Kong and the United States (US), drawing in art lovers and families alike.

         Curated by the beloved Hong Kong creative brand Chocolate Rain, the exhibition showcased a dazzling array of exhibits featuring iconic landmarks and culinary delights from both Hong Kong and New York. Visitors enjoyed giant inflatables of Hong Kong’s signature pineapple bun with butter, egg tarts, fish balls, and milk tea, alongside whimsical 3D figurines of New York’s Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and classic yellow cabs.

         At the opening ceremony on October 12, the Director of the HKETONY, Ms Maisie Ho, spoke about the exhibition’s unique blend of tradition and contemporary aesthetics.

         “The exhibition’s title, ‘Hong Kong Meets America’ truly reflects our mission to celebrate the colorful cultural exchange between Hong Kong and the US. The American Dream Mall has transformed to an immersive showcase of iconic landmarks and culinary delights from both sides,” she said.

         Ms Ho also highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s commitment to advancing the city’s arts, cultural, and creative industries, with the aim of positioning Hong Kong as an East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchange.

         She also took the opportunity to invite audience to visit Hong Kong and experience its dynamic metropolitan charm, rich cultural heritage, and a full calendar of events year-round.

         “In the first eight months of this year alone, nearly 30 million visitors explored our dynamic city. The colorful exhibits you see here are just a glimpse of what awaits you in Hong Kong. We warmly invite you to experience its lively metropolitan charm, rich cultural heritage, and a calendar filled with exciting events throughout the year,” she added.

         The exhibition not only featured stunning art installations but also offered a variety of engaging activities, including seven DIY workshops conducted by the founder of Chocolate Rain, Prudence Mak, and her team over the three days. Participants had the opportunity to unleash their creativity and take home complimentary Hong Kong Meets America-themed souvenirs.                        

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: DPRK forces ordered to get ready to open fire

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The armed forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) received order to get ready to open fire, state media said on Sunday, amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula following DPRK accusation of South Korea for recent drone incursion into its airspace.

    A Sunday statement by the DPRK Ministry of National Defence said that “the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army issued a preliminary operation order on October 12th to the combined artillery units along the (southern) border and the units taking on an important firepower task to get fully ready to open fire,” according to a report by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Philippines: Authorities increasingly using Facebook to stifle young activists’ right to freedom of expression and protest 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Philippines authorities are increasingly using Facebook in red-tagging campaigns targeting young activists, including those who investigate alleged human rights violations by the military, police and other government agencies, Amnesty International said today in a new report.  

    The new report, “I turned my fear into courage”: Red-tagging and state violence against young human rights defenders in the Philippines, details how the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has increasingly weaponized digital tools, misinformation and vague anti-terror laws to harass, intimidate and repress young activists.  

    At the heart of this coordinated campaign is the practice of “red-tagging”, through which leading political figures and state security officials vilify human rights activists and other perceived opponents of the state as alleged “Communist rebels” and “terrorists.” 

    Activists and other critical voices are being red-tagged and identified as targets by the government, and then pursued online. However, in the Philippines, the issue does not only concern online harassment; it also results in tangible harm offline.

    Damini Satija, Director of Amnesty Tech

    “Over the years, red-tagging has been used to instigate direct threats and attacks on those who criticize and oppose the government and Meta is playing an enabling role in this.” 

    Young activists interviewed for this report described how they have personally suffered from being red-tagged, which has led to a climate of fear and self-censorship, or individuals giving up on their work as activists or journalists. 

    As recently as August 2024, young environmental rights defender Rowena Dasig went missing and is feared to have become the target of a series of enforced disappearances of human rights defenders under President Marcos Jr.   

    Ana*, a 26-year-old student activist said, “When you’re harassed online or when you’re posted online, that makes you a target. It’s letting people know that this person is a target, that you should not get close to this person … Of course, if you’re not yet organized, it would make you think that you wouldn’t want to be an activist because your life would be put in danger.”  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NGV’s Reko Rennie retrospective asks whether he should be considered Australia’s Keith Haring

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University

    Installation view of
    OA_RR, 2016-2017 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia     Photo Kate Shanasy

    Is Reko Rennie Australia’s equivalent of Keith Haring? Both Rennie, a Melbourne-based Aboriginal artist who celebrates the heritage the Kamilaroi people of northern New South Wales, and Haring, the American pop art great, emerged out of an urban graffiti culture.

    Both create a widely recognisable visual language that has a striking vitality, sense of authenticity and a pulsating vibrancy. Both are deeply autobiographical artists who created a visual code through which to share their personal histories.

    Rennie is an interdisciplinary artist who seamlessly moves between video, printmaking, sculpture, painting and neon art. With more than a hundred works on display, drawn from the artist’s two-decade-long career, this is the first significant retrospective of his art.

    Rennie possesses the gift of creating memorable images that are simultaneously puzzling, intriguing and entertaining. On entering the gallery, you encounter a 1973 Rolls-Royce Corniche decorated with the strange camouflage colours that reoccur throughout Rennie’s art. The physical car is accompanied by a three-channel video work with a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds soundtrack.

    Installation view of REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
    Photo Kate Shanasy/NGV

    Beginnings

    Although born in Footscray in Melbourne, the artist’s grandmother Julia, who belonged to the Stolen Generation in the 1920s and was enslaved on a pastoral station, raised him and imparted to him his Kamilaroi heritage. In his youth, Rennie saw a photograph of a pastoralist and his wife dressed up for Sunday church and seated in their luxury Rolls-Royce car. At the time, he reflected on the poverty his grandmother would have experienced while working on a pastoral station.

    The markings he made on the car, that are layered with a traditional diamond pattern of the Kamilaroi people, claim ownership over the vehicle. Inside it is a photograph of his grandmother. In the video, with a setting sun as a backdrop, Rennie drives the car down dirt tracks to his home country and, in something resembling burnouts, he makes traditional sand engravings with the tyres of the car. The work is poignant, evocative and becomes quickly embedded in your memory.

    The piece references an earlier one, with a pink 1973 Holden Monaro. In that video, the car performs a series of burnouts and doughnuts, the traditional initiation ceremony with Westie drag-racing culture of suburbia into which the artist was born. This is in contrast with the initiation practices and traditional sand engravings of the Kamilaroi people. The video is accompanied with an operatic score from Yorta Yorta woman, composer and soprano, Deborah Cheetham, performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Again, the video becomes a haunting and somewhat surreal experience.

    Street spaces

    Rennie is an artist who looks best when he operates in a public environment.

    His early street art, accompanied by break dancing and hip hop, thrives in the accidental lighting of urban spaces. He loves the way street art can ambush the viewer and employ strategies that catch and hold the gaze of the casual passerby. Keith Haring and Howard Arkley were two of the artists who pointed a way for Rennie to move from the street and onto the gallery wall. Although they may have suggested some of the formal strategies, Aboriginal culture provided the content that would consummate the work and give it a narrative.

    When in 2020 there was a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Lieutenant James Cook’s first landfall at Botany Bay and the HMB Endeavour’s charting of the East Coast of Australia, the Carriageworks in Sydney commissioned Rennie to make a piece for the occasion.

    Reko Rennie, REMEMBER ME 2020, LEDs, plastic, aluminium, electrical components, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Gift of the Eva, Mila and Reko Collection through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2023.
    2023.229
    © Reko Rennie

    His monumental text work is made up of LED neon lettering held up in an aluminium armature. It measures over two-and-a-half metres in height and almost 19 metres in length. The simple message, one anchored in a tradition of street art, reads: “REMEMBER ME”. Cook’s landing marked the beginning of a process of invasion and dispossession, Rennie’s text affirms an opposition to the invasion and stresses that First Nations people survived. Sovereignty was never ceded.

    This message has been at the core of much of Rennie’s art, for instance, in the two neon pieces, OA Warrior I (pink) and OA Warrior I (blue), both from 2020. They are based on an 1800s photograph of a defiant Kamilaroi warrior with his raised club. The message is that the OA (Original Aboriginal) will never cede sovereignty.

    Reko Rennie, Kamilaroi born in 1974, Initiation 2013, synthetic polymer paint on plywood, Collection of the artist.
    Supported by Esther and David Frenkiel
    © Reko Rennie, courtesy blackartprojects, Melbourne

    In a much earlier piece from 2016, that has always been one of my favourites in Rennie’s art, a ten-metre-long banner bears the inscription, “I was always here”. It is made of hand-pressed metallic foil on satin where he employs the geometric diamond patterning of the Kamilaroi people as a background to the words.

    The work commemorates all of the Frontier Wars, massacres and oppression suffered by First Nation peoples in this country and in many other countries in a powerful way.

    ‘We’re not a monoculture.’ Artist Reno Rennie introduces his works.

    Impressive and consistent

    Rennie, who turns 50 this year, exhibited at the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015 and with the 2016 XIII Bienale de Cuenca in Ecuador and has held numerous exhibitions across Australia, Asia, the United States and Europe.

    His star is in the ascendancy and he is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most distinctive and versatile artists, who is attracting international acclaim.

    Beautifully curated by Myles Russel-Cook as his final show at the NGV before he takes up the directorship of ACCA, Rekospective is impressive in scope, consistent in content but not repetitive.

    While Keith Haring died at the age of 31, I feel Reko Rennie will be viewed, in retrospect, as an artist at least as significant as Haring and one of growing importance in Australian art.

    REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie is at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia until 27 January 2025. Free admission.

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

    – ref. NGV’s Reko Rennie retrospective asks whether he should be considered Australia’s Keith Haring – https://theconversation.com/ngvs-reko-rennie-retrospective-asks-whether-he-should-be-considered-australias-keith-haring-238881

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chongqing, Cairo plan to pursue joint UNSCO recognition

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Baiheliang, literally the “White Crane Ridge,” is a 1,600-meter-long and 15-meter-wide stone ridge engraved with inscriptions about the Yangtze River dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). [Photo/Xinhua]

    The project for the serial nomination of Baiheliang in China’s Chongqing and Raoudha Nilometer in Egypt’s Cairo for World Cultural Heritage status is progressing steadily, with the cooperation framework between China and Egypt (in the preliminary stage) now in its final stages of completion, experts said at an academic symposium held on Saturday in Chongqing’s Fuling district.

    Baiheliang, or the White Crane Ridge, is a giant stone ridge located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (Fuling section). The ancient Chinese used stone-carved fish images as measuring tools and inscriptions as written records to monitor and document water levels. The site, used from 763 AD to 1963, is believed to be the world’s most ancient hydrographic survey station.

    The nilometer is an Egyptian invention designed to gauge the water levels of the Nile River. The Raoudha Nilometer in Cairo, constructed in 715 AD, stands as a prominent example of this technology.

    Last year, Chongqing and Cairo initiated joint efforts to seek UNESCO World Cultural Heritage recognition for their respective sites.

    However, the concept of hydrological landscapes, as a relative new idea, still necessitates comprehensive thematic research and further efforts to attain international recognition within academic spheres, according to director of the China World Cultural Heritage Center of Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage Zhao Yun during the symposium.

    She also noted the coordination challenges associated with the protection, management and study of cross-continent cultural heritage require the implementation of mechanisms and measures to guarantee their safeguarding.

    The symposium, which centered on the heritage value, conservation and inheritance of Baiheliang and Raoudha Nilometer, drew hydrological heritage experts and international cultural heritage experts from home and abroad. This gathering is a part of the 2024 Baiheliang Tourism and Culture Festival, which kicked off on Friday night in Fuling.

    “We are pleased to have observed the joint efforts of the Baiheliang of China and the Nilometer of Egypt, two exemplary hydrological heritage sites, in advancing their serial nomination for World Cultural Heritage. This represents both an international dialogue in heritage safeguarding and an innovative approach to international cooperation on world heritage,” said Shahbaz Khan, director and representative of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia in a video speech at the opening ceremony of the festival.

    The festival not only showcased the unique charm of the Baiheliang inscriptions, but also deepened the cooperation between Egypt and China in the fields of cultural heritage protection and cultural exchange, said Ambassador of Egypt to China Assem Hanafi at the event.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Profiles of kindergartens posted online

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Education Bureau (EDB) released today (October 14) the web version of the Profile of Kindergartens and Kindergarten-cum-Child Care Centres 2024/25 School Year (www.chsc.hk/kindergarten) to provide basic information on all kindergartens and kindergarten-cum-child care centres (collectively referred to as kindergartens), enhance the transparency of schools and help parents make informed school choices for their children. Mobile applications for iOS and Android versions of the Profile are also available for download.
     
         A spokesman for the EDB said, “The Profile covers information on about 990 kindergartens in Hong Kong, including the list of kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme (Scheme) in the 2024/25 school year and the approved school fees of kindergartens for the 2024/25 school year. For kindergartens joining the Scheme, the Profile will show their approved school fees after the deduction of government subsidies. Parents can also refer to the Fees Certificate of respective kindergartens for details of the approved fees, including school fees and meal charges, if applicable.
     
         “Other information in the Profile includes the number and overall professional qualifications of the principal and teaching staff, enrolment, teacher-to-pupil ratios, curriculum details, reference prices of major education items being sold, application fees and registration fees, and information on application for admission. All kindergartens joining the Scheme are required to disclose information on the proportion of major expenses in overall expenditure. The Profile also includes columns on ‘Support to non-Chinese speaking students’ and ‘Support to students with special needs’ for parents’ easy reference.”
     
         The spokesman added, “All kindergartens joining the Scheme are required to undergo the Quality Review (QR) for quality assurance. For those kindergartens that have completed the QR process, information on whether they have met the prescribed standards is indicated in the Profile, and the latest QR Report can be accessed through the link provided.”
     
         The Profile is available in English to help parents of non-Chinese speaking children access information on kindergartens more easily and comprehensively.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Gender Equality and Water Security: A Conceptual Framework and Practical Strategies to Accelerate Progress

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Highlighting how women are underrepresented in the management and delivery of water, the report recommends setting targets, monitoring progress toward gender equality, and promoting gender-inclusive practices in water security initiatives. It shows how water-related organizations alongside governance and management institutions can take measures to boost women’s water access, reduce vulnerability, and increase employment to drive transformational change.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New round of applications under Green Welfare NGOs scheme opens

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (October 14) announced that the Green Welfare NGOs scheme is open for a new round of applications from today.

         The Government launched the Green Welfare NGOs scheme in 2021 to support welfare non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to conduct energy audits and energy-saving projects at their premises. Under the scheme, the EMSD provides one-stop services to welfare NGOs free of charge such as conducting baseline energy audits, replacing existing air conditioners with the more energy efficient variable-speed ones and replacing existing lighting with light-emitting diode (LED) lighting at their premises.

         The new round of applications will be carried out in two batches with opening and closing dates as follows:

         First batch: from October 14 to November 29, 2024; and
         Second batch: from November 30, 2024, to January 31, 2025.

         Interested welfare NGOs can obtain detailed information on the scheme from the website (www.energysaving.gov.hk/en/competitions/green_welfare_ngos.html). For enquiries, please contact the EMSD at 3528 6351 during office hours or by email (gwngo@emsd.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: BRI to play role in sustainable development push

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

    China will step up efforts to boost green development while promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, and support low-carbon transformation in developing countries, China’s ecology and environment minister said.

    The country’s concept and technologies of green development have been widely implemented during BRI infrastructure projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the China-Laos Railway, Huang Runqiu, minister of ecology and environment, said on Friday.

    China has signed 53 agreements on climate change cooperation with 42 developing countries while providing over 3,000 training sessions on ecological and environmental management for personnel in more than 120 countries. It has also provided feasibility assistance to enhance the climate change resilience of developing countries by helping to set up low-carbon demonstration zones, Huang said.

    He made the remarks during a forum on building a green Silk Road and enhancing South-South cooperation during the annual meeting of China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development held in Beijing.

    In the future, China will offer more support for low-carbon transformation in developing countries, said Huang, who is also the executive vice-chairperson of the CCICED, adding the country will also share important concepts and the effective practices of coordinated efforts in carbon reduction and pollution control.

    Professor Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, said at the forum that a green BRI is more important to the world and China than ever before.

    “We are in the period where we need dramatically to accelerate the transformation of the world energy system. And China is the world’s great supplier of the technologies, hardware and software for that transformation because China produces the world’s low-cost and high-quality hardware and software whether it’s for zero-carbon power generation, long-distance power transmission, electric vehicles and supply chains,” Sachs said.

    China has great capacity in those sectors, and the world needs such capacity for accelerated green transformation, Sachs said, adding that the BRI is a great mechanism financially, organizationally, diplomatically, conceptually and in terms of specific project implementation to achieve such transformation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mavenir Innovates with Intel to Integrate AI in Mavenir’s Commercial Open RAN Software

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW DELHI, India, Oct. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider building the future of networks, is working with Intel to pioneer innovative AI/ML Open RAN solutions to improve challenging cell edge problems that impact user Quality of Experience.

    Mavenir has made a significant breakthrough in Open RAN technology by collaborating with Intel to demonstrate an AI-enabled TDD 32TRX massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) solution. The company has successfully integrated Intel’s RAN AI model for beam management and FlexRAN™ reference software with Mavenir’s commercial mMIMO vDU software to deliver enhanced network performance and user experience. Intel’s RAN AI model – trained on 3GPP channel model datasets – optimizes beam weights, direction, and number of layers to maximize UE throughput. The combined Mavenir and Intel solution is designed to improve performance in challenging radio environments – such as cell edges and high-rise building scenarios – and is applicable for both TDD and FDD deployments.

    Bejoy Pankajakshan, Mavenir’s Chief Technology and Strategy Officer, emphasized the significance of this technology integration, stating: “This latest collaboration between Mavenir and Intel highlights the compelling potential of AI/ML for enhancing Open RAN capabilities, promising greater network efficiency and an enhanced user experience. The integration of third-party innovative AI/ML algorithms with Mavenir’s leading-edge commercial RAN software suite opens many exciting possibilities ahead to usher in faster innovation and advance the 5G Open RAN ecosystem. Our leadership in the Open RAN industry is enabling transformative partnerships such as our collaboration with Intel, which are paving the way for unique solutions to optimize network capabilities for the benefit of operators and end-users.”

    “Intel Xeon processors’ integrated AI acceleration, combined with the Intel vRAN AI Development Kit, enables operators to run a variety of RAN AI workloads using the CPU-based equipment they already have,” said Cristina Rodriguez, Vice President and General Manager of the Comms Solutions Group at Intel. “Our collaboration and demonstration with Mavenir highlight AI’s significant potential to enrich customers’ user experience and provide mobile operators with a competitive differentiator.”

    This AI-enabled beam management solution will be demonstrated at the upcoming India Mobile Congress (#IMC2024) 15-18 October on Intel’s stand, booth no. 3.3 in Hall 3.

    *Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

    About Mavenir:

    Mavenir is building the future of networks today with cloud-native, AI-enabled solutions which are green by design, empowering operators to realize the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks. As the pioneer of Open RAN and a proven industry disruptor, Mavenir’s award-winning solutions are delivering automation and monetization across mobile networks globally, accelerating software network transformation for 300+ Communications Service Providers in over 120 countries, which serve more than 50% of the world’s subscribers. For more information, please visit http://www.mavenir.com.

    Mavenir PR Contact:
    Emmanuela Spiteri
    PR@mavenir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on October 11, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,28,791.33 6.27 5.00-6.50
         I. Call Money 7,782.39 6.43 5.10-6.50
         II. Triparty Repo 3,67,217.50 6.25 5.50-6.39
         III. Market Repo 1,52,769.44 6.32 5.00-6.45
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,022.00 6.41 6.40-6.45
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 15.60 6.34 6.20-6.35
         II. Term Money@@ 56.00 – 6.80-6.85
         III. Triparty Repo 0.00 – –
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Fri, 11/10/2024 3 Mon, 14/10/2024 45,260.00 6.49
    3. MSF# Fri, 11/10/2024 1 Sat, 12/10/2024 47.00 6.75
      Fri, 11/10/2024 2 Sun, 13/10/2024 0.00 6.75
      Fri, 11/10/2024 3 Mon, 14/10/2024 1,256.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 11/10/2024 1 Sat, 12/10/2024 79,778.00 6.25
      Fri, 11/10/2024 2 Sun, 13/10/2024 53.00 6.25
      Fri, 11/10/2024 3 Mon, 14/10/2024 22,855.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -1,46,643.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Fri, 04/10/2024 14 Fri, 18/10/2024 44,275.00 6.49
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    5. On Tap Targeted Long Term Repo Operations€ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 250.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 2,275.00 4.00
    6. Special Long-Term Repo Operations (SLTRO) for Small Finance Banks (SFBs)£ Mon, 15/11/2021 1095 Thu, 14/11/2024 105.00 4.00
    Mon, 22/11/2021 1095 Thu, 21/11/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 29/11/2021 1095 Thu, 28/11/2024 305.00 4.00
    Mon, 13/12/2021 1095 Thu, 12/12/2024 150.00 4.00
    Mon, 20/12/2021 1095 Thu, 19/12/2024 100.00 4.00
    Mon, 27/12/2021 1095 Thu, 26/12/2024 255.00 4.00
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,217.52  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -33,517.48  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -1,80,160.48  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on October 11, 2024 9,90,369.35  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending October 18, 2024 10,01,756.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ October 11, 2024 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on September 20, 2024 4,18,318.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    € As per the Press Release No. 2020-2021/520 dated October 21, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/763 dated December 11, 2020, Press Release No. 2020-2021/1057 dated February 05, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/695 dated August 13, 2021.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    £ As per the Press Release No. 2021-2022/181 dated May 07, 2021 and Press Release No. 2021-2022/1023 dated October 11, 2021.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad            
     Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/1279

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme opens for applications

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme opens for applications
    Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme opens for applications
    ******************************************************************

         The Education Bureau (EDB) today (October 14) announced that the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme (HKSES) will, from today until December 31, be open for applications from eligible Hong Kong students who intend to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies at world-renowned universities outside Hong Kong starting from the 2025/26 academic year.                              A spokesman for the EDB said, “As a merit-based scheme targeting the most outstanding Hong Kong students, the HKSES seeks to cultivate a cadre of brilliant young achievers with a sense of social responsibility and national identity, an affection for Hong Kong and an international perspective, who will return home after receiving world-class education supported by the scholarship to enrich Hong Kong’s talent pool and competitiveness in the long run. Selection will be based on candidates’ academic achievements and other attributes such as leadership qualities and potential as well as their contributions and commitment to society. Awardees are required to complete their specific study programmes and undertake to return to Hong Kong upon graduation to work for at least two years or a period equivalent to the duration of the scholarship received, whichever is longer.”                              Awardees will receive a non-means-tested scholarship to cover their tuition fees, subject to a ceiling of $300,000 per annum. In addition, the HKSES will provide additional support to financially needy awardees during their studies. Awardees who have passed the means test will receive a bursary of up to $200,000 per student per annum, to cover their living and study-related expenses. The value of the award will be correspondingly reduced if an awardee also receives other awards, both locally and abroad, or assistance to finance his or her same studies overseas.                              Apart from the monetary scholarship, the value of the HKSES also lies in its prestige and recognition as well as other non-monetary benefits. Awardees will receive a series of support and mentorship services to be rendered by the Government and other sectors of the community.                              More details on the HKSES are available on the HKSES website (hkses.edb.gov.hk). Eligible students who intend to pursue their first year of undergraduate or postgraduate studies at world-renowned universities outside Hong Kong in the 2025/26 academic year (i.e. during the period from August 2025 to July 2026) may submit their applications for the scholarship online via the application system on the HKSES website on or before December 31, 2024, by 6pm. Late applications will not be accepted.                              Shortlisted applicants will be invited by the EDB to attend interviews for the scholarship from April 2025 onwards after receiving unconditional offers from their chosen programmes. They will be notified of the results in due course after the interviews.

     
    Ends/Monday, October 14, 2024Issued at HKT 12:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ADB, Partners Open Renewable Based Minigrid to Deliver Clean Electricity to Niuafo’ou

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    NIUAFO’OU, TONGA (14 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the governments of Tonga and Australia commissioned the Niuafo’ou hybrid minigrid as part of the cofinanced Tonga Renewable Energy Project. The new grid will provide clean, reliable, and efficient electricity supply up to 24 hours per day to the people and businesses of Niuafo’ou.

    Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho led the commissioning ceremony. They were joined by ADB Senior Country Officer Balwyn Fa’otusia, Australian High Commissioner for Tonga Brek Batley and Tonga Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Risk Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication Fekita ‘Utoikamanu.

    “Tonga is obviously preparing for a renewable energy future by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and initiating projects like the Tonga Renewable Energy Project,” said the Director of ADB’s Energy Sector Group Keiju Mitsuhashi. “ADB will continue to support Tonga’s energy transition ambition through accelerating renewable energy investment, and strengthening the transmission and distribution network.”

    The Tonga Renewable Energy Project funded the successful installation of battery energy storage system and modernized Tonga Power Limited’s (TPL) central control center on Tongatapu, as well as the installation of solar photovoltaic plants and battery energy storage systems on ‘Eua and Vava’u. The project is also constructing hybrid minigrid systems on eight outer islands in the Ha’apai and Vava’u Groups, as well as supporting TPL prepare a power purchase agreement for private sector funded investment to help achieve the government’s target of 70% renewable energy penetration by 2025.

    The Tonga Renewable Energy Project is cofinanced by ADB, Green Climate Fund, the governments of Tonga and Australia, and TPL. The $12.2 million ADB financing is sourced from the Asian Development Fund, which provides grants to ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries. Total project cost is $53.2 million.

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Deaths of eight animals probed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Leisure & Cultural Services Department said today that eight animals were found dead yesterday in the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens (HKZBG), adding that necropsy and laboratory tests were arranged immediately to ascertain the causes of their deaths.

    The dead animals include one De Brazza’s Monkey, one Common Squirrel Monkey, three Cotton-top Tamarins and three White-faced Sakis.

    The department said it had liaised with the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department on the matter.

    It added that with the test results pending the Mammals Section of the HKZBG has been closed from today for disinfection and cleaning.

    The department will closely monitor the health conditions of other animals. Other facilities in the HKZBG remain open.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct 4-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under LAF on October 14, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on October 14, 2024, Monday, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor
    (day)    		 Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 75,000 4 12:00 Noon to 12:30 PM October 18, 2024
    (Friday)

    2. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1280

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: India coronary stent market set for 4% CAGR growth during 2024-2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    India coronary stent market set for 4% CAGR growth during 2024-2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    As coronary artery disease (CAD) cases continue to rise in India, the demand for advanced treatment options such as drug-eluting stents (DES) is gaining momentum. Against this backdrop, India coronary drug eluting stent market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2024 to 2033, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report “Coronary Stents Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Procedures and Forecast to 2033” reveals that India’s coronary drug eluting stent market accounts for around 32% of the Asia-Pacific market in 2024.

    Sahajanand Medical Technologies (SMT), an India-based developer and manufacturer of minimally invasive coronary stent systems, has recently received approval from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for its flagship drug-eluting stent, Supraflex Cruz. This approval enables SMT to expand into the highly regulated Australian market, highlighting India’s growing influence in the global medical device sector.

    Kanchan Chauhan, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While drug eluting stents have significantly improved patient outcomes, treating tortuous and calcified lesions remains a challenge due to the complex structure of the vessels. Stents with enhanced flexibility, ultrathin struts, and lower crossing profiles are designed to address these challenges more effectively by reducing complications such as restenosis and promoting faster recovery. Increasing the availability of such advanced solutions is crucial for enhancing cardiovascular care.”

    Supraflex Cruz delivers a combination of the sirolimus drug and a biodegradable polymer promoting faster vessel healing and reducing the risk of restenosis. The stent has been approved in over 80 countries, and with the recent TGA approval, it is set to be introduced in Australia, further solidifying its reputation for safety and efficacy.

    Chauhan concludes: “As India continues to innovate in the cardiovascular space, the international success of devices such as Supraflex Cruz highlights the country’s growing presence in cardiovascular market. With increasing foreign interest and a developing domestic market, India has the potential to enhance its role in the global medical device industry.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Consumer demand for novelty and customization compels brands to explore new product segments in India, finds GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Consumer demand for novelty and customization compels brands to explore new product segments in India, finds GlobalData

    Posted in Consumer

    Novelty and experimentation trends have changed the consumption patterns of consumers. Consequently, brands are continuously innovating in line with the growing personalization trend to maintain consumer interest while gaining a competitive edge over the rivals in India. New market disruption will help the brands tap into emerging markets and enhance their relevance, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Savitha Kruttiventi, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Brands need to ensure they meet consumers’ needs and expectations of novelty and uniqueness along with the important dietary considerations. In line with this, Keventers, an India-based milkshake and ice cream brand, launched waffles for the first time as part of its expansion strategy. These 100% vegetarian waffles are available in six different flavors and cater to consumers who have special dietary preferences such as vegetarians. The brand also allows consumers to customize their waffles with their favorite ice cream toppings. The manufacturer leveraged its brand image to enter a new product segment.”

    Francis Gabriel Godad, Consumer Business Development Manager, GlobalData India, notes: “In the current competitive landscape, it is extremely important to prioritize innovation to thrive. Manufacturers must focus on launching products that are innovative and align with consumers’ preferences to create deeper connections with them. In GlobalData’s 2024 Q2 consumer survey, 74% of Indian consumers admit that they find novelty/uniqueness to be an essential feature influencing purchase decisions^.

    “Consumers in India are actively on the lookout for the brands that give them options to customize according to their interest. 65% of Indian consumers admit that their purchase decisions are always or often influenced by products’ alignment with their needs and personality. Hence, brands need to embrace customization to have a higher chance of enhancing their customer satisfaction and brand loyalty among consumers.”

    Kruttiventi concludes: “Consumers are seeking novel products that align with customization and personalization trends. This highlights the need for the brands to adapt and innovate to retain their customer base. Brands that emphasize these factors tend to gain a competitive edge and attain success in the long run.”

    ^GlobalData 2024 Q2 Consumer Survey – India, published in July 2024, with 897 respondents

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: APAC EV infrastructure market to expand at 13.5% CAGR over 2024-29, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    APAC EV infrastructure market to expand at 13.5% CAGR over 2024-29, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Automotive

    Governments worldwide currently face the challenge of creating the strong infrastructure required to accelerate the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing significant growth in this area, with China leading as a major EV market and boasting an extensive infrastructure. Government agencies and private entities in other nations in the region, such as South Korea, India, Japan, and Indonesia, are also actively participating and investing in the expansion of charging station networks. Against this backdrop, the APAC EV infrastructure market is expected to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% over 2024–29, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Global Sector Overview & Forecast: EV Infrastructure Q3 2024,” reveals that the automotive EV infrastructure market covering two types of charging stations, fast charging stations powered by direct current and slow charging stations powered by alternating current, is estimated at 3.3 million units in 2024 and is forecast to reach 6.2 million units by 2029 in the APAC region.

    Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “To facilitate the widespread adoption of EVs in the APAC region, it is critical to enhance the EV charging infrastructure. Considering that APAC is the most densely populated region in the world, the prospect of long wait times at charging stations may deter potential EV consumers. Therefore, to achieve the electrification goals set by the governments of APAC countries and to drive EV adoption, there is an urgent need to augment the quantity of EV charging stations, with a particular focus on fast charging stations.”

    Several initiatives are underway to address the need to expand EV infrastructure. For instance, Volt, an EV charging company within the infrastructure division of Singapore-based Keppel, announced in July 2024, the deployment of a new fast-charging hub in the country. This hub features ratings of 360 kilowatts and 120 kilowatts, enabling electric cars to be charged in as little as 10 minutes.

    Palit adds: “The expansion of fast-charging stations for EVs is essential, but there is also a pressing need to ensure equitable distribution across the nation. This distribution challenge has impeded EV adoption, even in countries like China, which is the world’s largest EV market. In China, the concentration of EV charging infrastructure in urban areas far exceeds that in rural areas. This disparity may discourage potential EV customers in rural areas and those planning longer journeys.”

    Additionally, the overabundance of chargers in urban areas can lead to underutilization, while those along highways and in rural areas may not meet peak demand during holidays, resulting in potential profit loss and job cuts for EV charging businesses in both urban and rural settings.

    A significant percentage of EV charging stations still rely on electrical power produced using fossil fuels, which can limit the environmental benefits of EVs. However, the landscape has changed significantly in recent years, with multiple initiatives by both the public and private sectors to transition the power source to renewable energy. For example, in India, The Climate Pledge, co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, announced in September 2024, an investment of $2.7 million in a new project, the Joint Operation Unifying Last-mile Electrification (JOULE), to build a network of shared EV charging stations powered by renewable energy in Bengaluru.

    Recognizing the concerns and needs for growth in the sector, multiple innovations are being introduced at various stages of implementation. For instance, crowdsourced EV charging, V2G power management, and bidirectional charging are some of the innovations in the early stages of development with steadily rising adoption rates. Meanwhile, EV inductive charging and dual-voltage charging stations are examples of innovations in the maturing stage, which have become well-established within the industry.

    Palit concludes: “Establishing adequate infrastructure is a time-sensitive matter, and the pace of progress varies among different nations. The increasing demand for EVs, coupled with substantial investments and research and development efforts, is expected to drive significant growth in the EV infrastructure sector in the near future.”

    MIL OSI Economics –